Let’s Talk Cheer: The Cheerleading Podcast For Parents & Coaches

Jason Larkins, Bleav
  • 4.9 (198)
  • Sports
  • Updated Weekly

Are you tired of feeling totally lost when it comes to all-star cheerleading? Then the "Let's Talk Cheer" podcast, hosted by Jason Larkins, Cheer Director at American Cheer, is the show for you. Each episode Jason educates and entertains coaches and parents alike. First, so that coaches walk into each practice motivated, and so that they know they aren't alone on their journey. Second, so that parents have a better understanding of their athlete's sport. If you’re ready to join the team, you can start with a fan favorite episode from May 9th, “Jason and Brittany talk all things tryouts.” Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jasonlarkins/support

  1. 4d ago

    Why Making The Team Doesn't Guarantee You'll Stay On The Team (A Salacious, Full Circle Episode)

    Have you ever wondered why athletes can make a team in May and still find themselves moved, replaced, or competing in a completely different role by the end of summer? Team placement season brings excitement, anxiety, and plenty of questions from athletes and parents. In this episode, Jason and Gina dive into some of the biggest conversations happening right now, from tag tucks and stunt camp expectations to alternates, team cuts, and the reality that competitive cheer teams are constantly evolving. If you've ever questioned how coaches make roster decisions or struggled with disappointment after placements, this conversation provides valuable perspective. How coaches evaluate athletes during stunt camp and why stunt groups frequently change throughout the summer. Why being an alternate can still lead to major opportunities later in the season. The mindset shift athletes and parents need to make when viewing cheer as a team sport rather than an individual competition. Press play now to gain a clearer understanding of team placements, stunt camp, and the competitive cheer realities that can help your athlete navigate the season with confidence. Join our Patreon for ad free listening Buy the Jason's Book, Upside Down and Back Again ⁠ Jason's On-Demand Coaches Training Videos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Code of Points Cheatsheet FREE⁠ Join the Cheer Mom's Anonymous Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Zt7hJYgHL/?mibextid=wwXIfr Brittany's Comp Cheer Checklist- instagram.com/stories/highlights/18356656174188077 Jason’s Book Recommendations- ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Affiliate Link⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Let's Talk Cheer on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Submit a Question of the Week Other great cheerleading podcast to check out- The Cheer Biz Podcast, The Cheer Mom Podcast, Spill the Cheer, Mat Talk Table Talk, Cheer Chats Podcast, MotUS Edge Podcast, The Cheer Dad Podcast and the Here 4 Cheer Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 20m
  2. Are Small Flyers Hurting Or Helping Your Technique?

    Jun 17

    Are Small Flyers Hurting Or Helping Your Technique?

    Have you ever wondered if "tough coaching" is actually helping athletes grow or quietly damaging their confidence? Every coach wants athletes who perform under pressure, stay accountable, and push through challenges. Every parent wants their child to be coached hard while still feeling respected and supported. In this episode, Jason and Gina tackle one of the most debated topics in cheerleading: where is the line between effective coaching and coaching that goes too far? Along the way, they explore how coaching language impacts performance, why small flyers may be one of the best tools for developing elite technique, and how the culture created by coaches influences an entire team. Learn why certain coaching phrases can unintentionally create fear, doubt, and performance anxiety. Discover how training with smaller flyers can accelerate technique development for bases and stunt groups. Understand the difference between demanding excellence and creating a toxic environment that hurts athlete growth. Listen now to learn practical coaching strategies that build confident athletes, stronger teams, and better long-term results without sacrificing accountability or performance. Join our Patreon for ad free listening Buy the Jason's Book, Upside Down and Back Again ⁠ Jason's On-Demand Coaches Training Videos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Code of Points Cheatsheet FREE⁠ Next Gen Cheer Biz Accelerator, March 31st- April 1st - https://nextgenowners.com/cheer-biz-accelerator/ AIA Global Qualifier- ca.themis.events Join the Cheer Mom's Anonymous Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Zt7hJYgHL/?mibextid=wwXIfr Brittany's Comp Cheer Checklist- instagram.com/stories/highlights/18356656174188077 Jason’s Book Recommendations- ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Affiliate Link⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Let's Talk Cheer on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Submit a Question of the Week Other great cheerleading podcast to check out- The Cheer Biz Podcast, The Cheer Mom Podcast, Spill the Cheer, Mat Talk Table Talk, Cheer Chats Podcast, MotUS Edge Podcast, The Cheer Dad Podcast and the Here 4 Cheer Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 6m

  3. Jun 10

    The Truth About “Trust The Process” During Team Placement Season

    Have you ever celebrated something with the best intentions, only to find yourself at the center of unexpected criticism? Team placement season brings excitement, anxiety, comparison, and sometimes controversy. In this episode, Jason and Gina tackle a real-life situation involving a team reveal that sparked backlash online, leading to a larger conversation about intentions, perception, social media, and how cheer families navigate difficult discussions. They also dive into the often misunderstood phrase "trust the process" and explore what parents and coaches really mean when they say it. Learn how to handle criticism when your intentions are good but your actions are perceived differently. Discover when "trust the process" is helpful—and when it may simply be a frustrating cliché during team placement season. Gain perspective on team placements, athlete development, social media comparisons, and what truly matters in your athlete's long-term journey. Press play to hear an honest, thought-provoking conversation that will challenge how you think about team placements, parent expectations, and navigating the highs and lows of all-star cheer. Join our Patreon for ad free listening Buy the Jason's Book, Upside Down and Back Again ⁠ Jason's On-Demand Coaches Training Videos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Code of Points Cheatsheet FREE⁠ Next Gen Cheer Biz Accelerator, March 31st- April 1st - https://nextgenowners.com/cheer-biz-accelerator/ AIA Global Qualifier- ca.themis.events Join the Cheer Mom's Anonymous Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Zt7hJYgHL/?mibextid=wwXIfr Brittany's Comp Cheer Checklist- instagram.com/stories/highlights/18356656174188077 Jason’s Book Recommendations- ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Affiliate Link⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Let's Talk Cheer on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Submit a Question of the Week  Other great cheerleading podcast to check out- The Cheer Biz Podcast, The Cheer Mom Podcast, Spill the Cheer, Mat Talk Table Talk, Cheer Chats Podcast, MotUS Edge Podcast, The Cheer Dad Podcast and the Here 4 Cheer Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1 hr
  4. Why Some Athletes Move Up While Others Move Down: A Coach's Perspective

    Jun 3

    Why Some Athletes Move Up While Others Move Down: A Coach's Perspective

    Are team placements keeping your family on edge, and do you really know what coaches are looking for during tryouts? Every cheer season brings the same questions, stress, and uncertainty. Parents wonder if skill matters more than loyalty, athletes worry about moving up or down levels, and everyone anxiously waits for team placements. In this episode, Coach Jason and Gina pull back the curtain on the realities of tryout season, sharing what actually happens behind the scenes and how families can better navigate the emotional roller coaster. Discover how coaches evaluate athletes and why team placement decisions involve much more than just tumbling skills. Learn what families should do when trying out at multiple gyms and how to handle those conversations respectfully. Get practical advice for managing tryout anxiety, handling disappointments, and supporting athletes through placement season. Press play now to gain insider insight into the team placement process and approach cheer tryout season with more confidence, clarity, and less stress. Buy the Jason's Book, Upside Down and Back Again ⁠ Jason's On-Demand Coaches Training Videos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Code of Points Cheatsheet FREE⁠ AIA Global Qualifier- ca.themis.events Join the Cheer Mom's Anonymous Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Zt7hJYgHL/?mibextid=wwXIfr Brittany's Comp Cheer Checklist- instagram.com/stories/highlights/18356656174188077 Jason’s Book Recommendations- ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Affiliate Link⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Let's Talk Cheer on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Submit a Question of the Week  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 34m
  5. What Coaches REALLY Think During Cheer Tryouts & Team Placements

    May 27

    What Coaches REALLY Think During Cheer Tryouts & Team Placements

    Are cheer tryouts stressing you out more than your athlete? Tryout season brings pressure, anxiety, comparison, and endless overthinking for both athletes and parents. In this episode, Jason and Gina pull back the curtain on the emotional rollercoaster of callbacks, team placements, level expectations, and the difficult decisions coaches face behind the scenes. Listeners will learn how coaches actually approach team placements and why tryouts are far more complicated than most parents realize. You’ll discover why making a higher-level team doesn’t always lead to a better season and how proper placement can create long-term success. This episode also offers reassurance for athletes and parents struggling with rejection, pressure, or uncertainty during one of the most emotional parts of cheer season. Press play to hear an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation that will completely change the way you view cheer tryouts, callbacks, and team placements. Buy the Jason's Book, Upside Down and Back Again ⁠ Jason's On-Demand Coaches Training Videos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Code of Points Cheatsheet FREE⁠ Join the Cheer Mom's Anonymous Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Zt7hJYgHL/?mibextid=wwXIfr Brittany's Comp Cheer Checklist- instagram.com/stories/highlights/18356656174188077 Jason’s Book Recommendations- ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Affiliate Link⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Let's Talk Cheer on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Submit a Question of the Week Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 11m

  6. May 20

    What Really Happened at The Summit

    What happens when the judges change the game at the biggest competition of the year? At Summit, routines don’t just need to hit, they need to survive some of the toughest scoring and scrutiny of the season. In this episode, Jason breaks down the emotional rollercoaster of Summit weekend, from navigating lower-than-expected scores to making last-minute routine changes, battling pressure, and coaching teams through one of the most intense environments in all-star cheer. You’ll hear the behind-the-scenes reality of what it takes to compete at the highest level, including the hard conversations, strategic decisions, and emotional moments that never make it onto the competition floor. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or parent, this episode is a raw look at resilience, leadership, and learning how to respond when things don’t go exactly as planned. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why “doing business the way business is being done” can completely change your competition strategy How Jason and his staff handled pressure, scoring frustrations, and last-minute choreography changes at Summit The mindset shifts that helped American Cheer teams fight through adversity and still finish the season strong No matter where your season ends, this episode is a reminder that championships are only one part of the story — growth, resilience, and maximizing your potential matter just as much. Hit play to hear the full behind-the-scenes Summit recap and the lessons every athlete and coach can take away from it. Join our Patreon for ad free listening Buy the Jason's Book, Upside Down and Back Again ⁠ Jason's On-Demand Coaches Training Videos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Code of Points Cheatsheet FREE⁠ Join the Cheer Mom's Anonymous Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Zt7hJYgHL/?mibextid=wwXIfr Brittany's Comp Cheer Checklist- instagram.com/stories/highlights/18356656174188077 Jason’s Book Recommendations- ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Affiliate Link⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Let's Talk Cheer on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Submit a Question of the Week  Other great cheerleading podcast to check out- The Cheer Biz Podcast, The Cheer Mom Podcast, Spill the Cheer, Mat Talk Table Talk, Cheer Chats Podcast, MotUS Edge Podcast, The Cheer Dad Podcast and the Here 4 Cheer Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 36m
  7. 7 Reasons Athletes Choke Under Pressure (And What Elite Performers Do Differently)

    Apr 22

    7 Reasons Athletes Choke Under Pressure (And What Elite Performers Do Differently)

    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    31 min
  8. How Cheerleaders Actually Level Up Faster (Hint: It’s Not What Most Parents Think)

    Apr 15

    How Cheerleaders Actually Level Up Faster (Hint: It’s Not What Most Parents Think)

    Is it actually easier to level up in cheer as a tumbler, or are non-tumblers being overlooked? Tryout season brings stress, confusion, and big decisions for cheer parents and athletes alike. Whether you're wondering why your child didn’t make a team, debating if Summit is worth it, or trying to understand how coaches really make decisions, this episode pulls back the curtain on what’s actually happening behind the scenes. Gain clarity on what truly helps athletes level up, and why tumbling often changes everything Understand how coaches evaluate athletes (and whether favoritism really plays a role) Learn how miscommunication and small decisions can impact big opportunities like Summit Press play now to get the insider perspective that will help you navigate tryouts, team placements, and the cheer world with confidence. Join our Patreon for ad free listening Buy the Jason's Book, Upside Down and Back Again ⁠ Jason's On-Demand Coaches Training Videos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Code of Points Cheatsheet FREE⁠ Next Gen Cheer Biz Accelerator, March 31st- April 1st - https://nextgenowners.com/cheer-biz-accelerator/ AIA Global Qualifier- ca.themis.events Join the Cheer Mom's Anonymous Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Zt7hJYgHL/?mibextid=wwXIfr Brittany's Comp Cheer Checklist- instagram.com/stories/highlights/18356656174188077 Jason’s Book Recommendations- ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Affiliate Link⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Let's Talk Cheer on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Submit a Question of the Week Other great cheerleading podcast to check out- The Cheer Biz Podcast, The Cheer Mom Podcast, Spill the Cheer, Mat Talk Table Talk, Cheer Chats Podcast, MotUS Edge Podcast, The Cheer Dad Podcast and the Here 4 Cheer Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 13m
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4.9
out of 5
198 Ratings

About

Are you tired of feeling totally lost when it comes to all-star cheerleading? Then the "Let's Talk Cheer" podcast, hosted by Jason Larkins, Cheer Director at American Cheer, is the show for you. Each episode Jason educates and entertains coaches and parents alike. First, so that coaches walk into each practice motivated, and so that they know they aren't alone on their journey. Second, so that parents have a better understanding of their athlete's sport. If you’re ready to join the team, you can start with a fan favorite episode from May 9th, “Jason and Brittany talk all things tryouts.” Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jasonlarkins/support

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