Competition season brings a flood of temptation — outside clinicians, cleanup camps, specialty apparel, new choreographers — and Dan says most gym owners say yes to these adds without ever asking if they actually solve a real problem. In this... Read More

Coaching teenagers is different. They don’t want to be treated like little kids, but they’re also still learning how to be adults. And if you coach a senior team the same way you coach your minis or youth athletes, you’re... Read More

If you’ve ever tried to explain all star cheer to someone outside the industry, you already know how ridiculous it can sound. In this episode, Danielle sits down with comedian, former teacher, and award-winning social media creator Jay Yoder to... Read More

Every gym owner will eventually have to deliver bad news. Whether it’s leveling down a team, changing payroll, losing a staff member, canceling an event, or making an unpopular business decision, difficult conversations are part of leadership. In this episode,... Read More

Dan is back in the studio after three months on the road, and he has some hot takes about what he’s been seeing across the cheer industry. In this episode, Dan works through 10 topics that have been on his... Read More

Every parent wants what’s best for their child. But sometimes the very behaviors meant to protect athletes can actually hold them back. In Part 2 of my conversation with sports performance coach Jeff Benson, we discuss toxic parenting, emotional resilience,... Read More

In this episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, Dan Cotton challenges one of the most celebrated phrases in all star cheer: hit zero. While hitting zero can be exciting, Dan explains why the industry’s obsession with no-deduction routines may be... Read More

In this episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, Dan Cotton shares five things he would do if he wanted his staff to absolutely hate their jobs.Drawing from his experience leading teams across Oregon Dream Teams, Dream Camps, and Next Generation... Read More

Most coaches genuinely want what’s best for their athletes. But what happens when pressure, expectations, and the desire to win begin influencing how we coach? In this episode, I sit down with sports performance coach Jeff Benson to discuss toxic... Read More

Are your gym’s communication, policies, and leadership are helping create toxic parents? In this episode, Danielle shares her perspective as a gym owner on how parent toxicity develops, the warning signs coaches often miss, and the mistakes that unintentionally fuel... Read More