More Than Counts

Judge Mimi
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More Than Counts is a podcast about what really goes into cheerleading routines... beyond the eight counts! Hosted by cheer Judge Mimi, this show brings choreographers, coaches, athletes, and industry leaders together to break down choreography, creativity, and the stories behind the routines you see on the mat. Each episode explores what makes routines special, what actually hits the scoresheet, and what cheerleading teaches us about teamwork, leadership, and life. This podcast is for cheerleading coaches, choreographers, parents, and athletes who want to see routines differently, appreciate the process behind them, and better understand why cheerleading is truly More Than Counts.

  1. 3d ago

    029 Alex Gaggioli - Cheer Theory: Making Cheer Easier to Follow

    What does it take to make cheerleading easier to follow, understand and love as a fan? In Episode 029, I sit down with Alex, the creator of Cheer Theory, to talk about his journey from competitive athlete to building one of the most trusted media platforms in cheerleading. Alex takes us behind the scenes of covering Worlds, tracking scores and results in real time, and turning a very complicated sport into information fans can actually understand. We also discuss how cheerleading is represented outside our industry, why full routines still matter, and what it will take to move the sport forward without constantly trying to prove that it belongs. Then, we revisit two routines that bookend Alex’s journey as an athlete: the 2011 Lady Bullets routine that made him fall in love with cheerleading and his final performance with Cali Coed. We finish by reviewing Kingston Elite Cheerleading Diamond and sharing ways their Level 1 routine could create even more visual impact. This episode is about nostalgia, data, fandom and the work happening behind the scenes to help more people experience cheerleading as the sport we know it to be. Takeaways Cheer Theory's evolution from a basic website to a comprehensive platform for cheerleading data and informationThe impact of technology on the accessibility and coverage of cheerleading competitions Media portrayal impacts public perceptionEvolution of cheerleading routines and scoring systemsNostalgia for past routines and trends Chapters 00:00 The Journey into Cheerleading01:20 Evolution of Cheer Theory02:47 Full-Time Commitment to Cheer Theory03:11 The Impact of Technology on Cheerleading07:06 Coverage of Cheerleading Competitions26:08 Operational Excellence in Cheerleading Competitions27:10 Media Portrayal and Public Perception28:23 Evolution of Cheerleading Routines and Scoring Systems33:30 Nostalgia for Past Routines and Trends

  2. Aug 31

    028 Maria the Cheer Doctor - Can Judges Tell If Your Team Strength Trains?

    When a stunt feels shaky, a jump lacks height, or execution begins to fade, coaches often respond with more repetitions. But what if the real problem isn’t cleaning… it’s strength? In this episode, Mimi sits down with physical therapist and former Ohio State cheerleader Maria Wisman, better known as The Cheer Doctor, to explore how strength training directly affects what we see on the competition floor. They discuss why every cheerleader (including flyers!) belongs in the weight room, how coaches can make strength training manageable within an already busy practice schedule, and why simply lifting your flyer at practice doesn’t count as a strength program. Mimi and Maria also revisit Maria’s own Ohio State routine and review a listener-submitted routine to break down how strength, power, and physical preparation show up through jumps, stunts, motions, landings, and execution under fatigue. Because sometimes, your athletes don’t need more reps. They need more strength. Takeaways Strength training can simplify the approach to cheerleading and improve athletic performance.Starting strength training at a young age can be beneficial for athletes in developing physical qualities necessary for success. Structured strength training is essential for efficiency and injury prevention.Balancing rest, recovery, and training is crucial for long-term success in cheerleading. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Strength Training Takeaway00:53 The Journey to Cheerleading02:54 The Birth of The Cheer Doctor04:25 Misconceptions About Cheerleading05:59 Physical Needs of Cheer Athletes06:41 Strength Training for Cheerleaders08:09 Access to Resources for Cheer Teams09:28 The Impact of Strength Training on Performance10:53 Starting Strength Training at a Young Age12:03 Myth of Bulking Up from Strength Training13:30 Overcoming Intimidation in the Weight Room16:00 Basic Strength Training Tips17:26 The Importance of Rotation in Training19:09 Watching the UCA Nationals Routine23:27 Strength Training vs. Repetition24:32 Structured Strength Training25:22 Sports-Specific Training Misconceptions26:22 Differentiated Training for Bases and Flyers27:16 Team Training and Vibe30:33 Basics of Strength Training32:14 Importance of Rest and Recovery33:23 Injury Prevention and Recovery40:06 Jumps and Power43:32 Strength Training Considerations45:04 Overlooked Muscle Groups45:41 Key Exercise and Conditioning Drill

  3. Aug 24

    027 Brandon Mackey - How to Build a Routine That Works on Any Score Sheet

    Can one routine succeed on two different score sheets? In this episode, international choreographer Brandon Mackey joins Judge Mimi to talk about building routines around the world and adapting choreography for different athletes, cultures and scoring systems. Brandon shares his journey from Newfoundland to winning Worlds and becoming a full-time choreographer. Together, he and Mimi break down routines from Australia and Canada, explore the differences between comparative and rubric-based scoring, and discuss how teams can strategically adjust a routine when competing in both Canada and the United States... without rebuilding everything from scratch. They also talk about creating fast-paced routines without sacrificing execution, using the entire floor, building choreography around a team’s natural strengths and developing the trust between coaches and choreographers that allows the best ideas to come to life. Plus, Mimi reviews Ocala Athletics Code Red and Brandon shares his advice for anyone hoping to follow in his footsteps: defeat your own impossible and find the style that is uniquely yours. Takeaways Competitiveness drives successTransitioning between locations presents challengesRoutine composition and creativity are key to success Reverse engineering choreographyStrategic adjustments for different competition score systems Chapters 00:00 Journey into Cheerleading01:59 Transitioning to Ontario03:39 Coaching and Choreography05:19 Global Nature of Work09:58 Routine Composition and Creativity19:04 Creating Visionary Choreography22:14 Navigating Competition Score Systems26:59 Nurturing Relationships and Philosophy31:40 Strategic Routine Adjustments36:58 Defeating the Impossible38:14 Looking Ahead to the Season

  4. Aug 17

    026 Becky Acra - Raise The Athlete, Not The Pressure

    Raise the Athlete, Not the PressureHow do we raise athletes who can handle pressure, disappointment and big expectations... without making their results feel like everything? This week, I sit down with Coach Becky, author of Raise the Athlete, Not the Pressure, to talk about the role coaches and parents play in shaping an athlete’s experience in sport. Becky has experienced cheerleading from almost every angle: athlete, coach, gym owner, program director and cheer mom. We talk about the pressure we sometimes create without realizing it, why the car ride home matters, how coaches and parents can better work together, and what athletes actually need from us when things don’t go according to plan. We also look at a season where Becky’s team was predicted to win at Summit, only to have a rough 10 seconds that ended their run. It opens up a bigger conversation about social media, expectations, athletic identity and remembering that one performance does not define an athlete... or their season. And, of course, we watch some cheerleading together and review a listener-submitted routine. Link to Becky's book: https://link.amazon/B0iz5aplY Takeaways: Recognizing pressure in athletesCreating better coach-parent relationshipsNavigating the car ride homeHelping athletes handle failure and disappointmentSeparating athletic identity from resultsBuilding confidence from real evidence, not social media expectations Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Cheerleading01:05 From Cheerleader to Coach02:22 The Gym Owner and Competitive Cheerleading03:43 The Impact of COVID and Moving Forward05:30 Coaching Daughters and Parental Influence08:54 The Inspiration Behind the Book13:55 Supporting Parents and Athletes19:18 Bridging the Gap Between Parents and Coaches21:55 Effective Communication Between Parents and Coaches32:33 The Impact of Social Media on Athletes34:19 The Unpredictability of Sports Competitions36:36 Enjoying the Journey in Cheerleading

  5. Aug 10

    025 David Sims - Inside Travel Cheer & Dance + YCADA

    What if there were more than one pathway to competitive cheerleading? David Sims joins More Than Counts to take us inside YCADA and the evolution of Travel Cheer & Dance, an alternative competitive pathway built for programs that don’t necessarily fit into the traditional All Star model. We talk about where youth and recreation cheer fits into the history of our sport, why Travel Cheer was created, and what makes its approach different. Then, of course, we get into scoring. David breaks down a system where difficulty isn’t capped, every skill has value, execution comes with real risk, and coaches have more freedom to build a strategy around the athletes they actually have. We also review a listener-submitted routine from Carlton All Stars and talk choreography, floor use, creativity, movement, and why full-team tumbling might deserve a comeback. Because sometimes growing the sport isn’t about getting everyone onto the same path—it’s about creating more paths for people to stay in it. Chapters 00:00 The Evolution of Cheerleading02:59 Youth and Recreation Cheerleading23:55 Precision-like Scoring in Cheerleading25:47 Strategic Decision-Making in Cheerleading28:19 Barriers to Entry in Cheerleading29:14 Competitive Pathways in Cheerleading30:02 Scoring Systems and Comparative Aspects39:23 Routine Review and Feedback42:25 The Essence of Cheerleading

  6. Aug 3

    024 Jason Larkins - What it Really Takes to Run a Cheer Gym

    Most people know Jason Larkins from his podcast, social media, or years of coaching championship teams. But behind the routines and the highlights is another role that often goes unseen: gym director. In this episode, Jason shares how he accidentally found cheerleading, the journey that led him from athlete to coach, and eventually to leading a successful all-star program. We dive into what really happens during team placements, why some of the hardest coaching decisions happen long before athletes ever step onto the floor, and the leadership lessons he's learned after more than two decades in the sport. We also watch two of American Cheer's routines from last season, breaking down the strategy behind their choreography, creativity, and scoring decisions while discussing how routines evolve throughout the season. Whether you're a coach, gym owner, athlete, or parent, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the decisions that shape a program long before competition day. Takeaways The transition from athlete to coach is a significant and impactful journey.The role of a gym director involves making tough decisions, managing team dynamics, and dealing with the stress of team placement. Dedication is key to winningCoaching and choreography play a crucial role in team success Chapters 00:00 The Journey into Cheerleading03:05 From Athlete to Coach11:00 The Role of a Gym Director20:56 Team Placement and Decision-Making25:05 Coaching and Team Dynamics27:27 Perfect Opening28:10 Showmanship and Creativity29:01 Choreography and Stunts32:50 Dance Difficulty and Execution37:11 Motivating the Team38:48 Personal Achievements and Legacy41:03 Team Black's Journey44:39 Pyramid and Dance Performance48:49 Competition and Coaching Insights

  7. Jul 27

    023 Judge Mimi - You Asked. I Answered. (And Reviewed Your Routines.)

    What catches a judge's eye in the first 15 seconds of a routine? What separates winning programs from everyone else? And what would I change if I had one chance to help your team score higher? In this special solo episode of More Than Counts, I'm answering your questions about judging, coaching, business, social media, and balancing life as a mom while traveling the world as an international cheer judge. Along the way, I review listener-submitted routines from around the world, sharing one thing each team does exceptionally well and one area I'd focus on to maximize their scores. Whether you're a coach looking for fresh ideas, an athlete curious about what judges really notice, or someone who simply loves the sport, this episode is packed with practical insights you can bring back to the gym. Chapters: 0:00 — Introduction and what judges notice in the first 15 seconds3:32 — Routine review: Fame All-Star Vixens8:54 — What I wish I had when I started in cheer10:42 — Routine review: Coventry Dynamite C415:17 — How much a team’s social media presence matters18:32 — Routine review: Airborne Elite All Star Stealth22:59 — Scariest decision made25:43 — Routine review: Cheer United Solar Sister30:01 — Coaching mini/youth vs senior athletes32:12 — Routine review: Twisted Cheer and Dance — Rain35:17 — The new IASF scorecard40:00 — Routine review: Paris Cheer Nights44:43 — Balancing being a mom with traveling46:29 — Routine review: Laser Cheer Academy Ruby Royal51:34 — Biggest mistakes coaches make53:00 — Routine review: All-Star Evolution Glory56:53 — What cheer needs to attract fans outside the sport62:37 — Routine review: TNT All-Star Detonator66:23 — How to connect with your community and school68:16 — What winning programs consistently do69:15 — Routine review: Cheer Empire Athletic Kings72:38 — Did you expect social media to become a big part of your career?74:26 — Routine review: Ace Athletic Probe77:46 — What the cheer industry should look like in 10 years

  8. Jul 20

    022 Kelvin Lam - What Elite Stunt Coaches See That You Don't

    Kelvin Lam has spent decades asking a simple question: why do great stunts actually work? From his early days at the University of Hawaii to Team USA and becoming one of the most respected stunt educators in the sport, Kelvin has built a reputation for challenging conventional wisdom and helping coaches see stunting through a different lens. In this episode, we dive into the fundamentals that make stunts stronger, safer, and more efficient, while unpacking some of the biggest myths that have been passed down through generations of cheerleading. We also watch routines together, breaking down what elite coaches notice in real time and why seemingly small technical decisions can have a lasting impact on an athlete's development. Whether you're coaching Level 1 athletes or building Worlds-level routines, this conversation will change the way you think about progressions, technique, and the future of stunt coaching. TakeawaysWhy elite coaches see stunts differently.The biggest misconceptions in stunt technique.How small technical choices shape long-term athlete development.Why creativity starts with strong fundamentals.The role of progressions in building safer, more consistent stunts.What coaches should really be looking for when troubleshooting a stunt. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Early Cheer Experience03:00 Transition to University of Hawaii05:58 Innovative Video Filming and Technique Instruction07:01 Underrated Fundamental in Stunting08:02 Shoulder Positioning in Stunting09:04 Scoring and Creativity in Cheerleading27:01 Crowd Interaction and CrowdScore30:04 Overcoming Frustration and Setbacks48:30 Innovative Techniques and Routines56:06 Forward-Thinking Technique Choices57:09 Maxing Out Stunt Difficulty58:14 Alignment and Weight Distribution in Stunts59:33 Proper Technique and Progressions01:10:42 The Role of Pyramids in Maximizing Points01:12:38 Teaching and Practicing Proper Technique

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About

More Than Counts is a podcast about what really goes into cheerleading routines... beyond the eight counts! Hosted by cheer Judge Mimi, this show brings choreographers, coaches, athletes, and industry leaders together to break down choreography, creativity, and the stories behind the routines you see on the mat. Each episode explores what makes routines special, what actually hits the scoresheet, and what cheerleading teaches us about teamwork, leadership, and life. This podcast is for cheerleading coaches, choreographers, parents, and athletes who want to see routines differently, appreciate the process behind them, and better understand why cheerleading is truly More Than Counts.

Information

  • Creator
    Judge Mimi
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Judge Mimi
  • Show Website
    More Than Counts

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