Fireside Chat with the Johnstons

🔥 The Open Championship Age Grid: My Thoughts Regarding Athlete Safety, Retention & Program Growth

The Open’s new age grid has been a hot topic in the all starcheerleading world, but is age separation alone really what keeps kidssafe? In this episode, we’re diving into the bigger picture—whycoaches, gym owners, and gym culture play a far greater role inathlete safety than just numbers on a roster.From team placements and proper progressions to building the rightenvironment for mentorship and accountability, this conversation isall about what truly matters when it comes to athlete development andretention. Gym owners and coaches have the power to set expectations,structure practices, and create a culture that prioritizes both safetyand growth.Tune in as we break it all down and discuss how smart coaching andbusiness strategies can help gyms navigate these changes the rightway. Listen now and join the conversation! 

🔥 Why I Needed a Mid-Season Reset (And Why Your Coaches Might Need One Too!)

As a coach, it’s easy to let cheer consume your every thought—but atwhat cost? In this episode, we dive into the reality of stepping awaymid-season, why it’s not only possible but necessary, and how takingtime for yourself can actually make you a better coach.Danielle shares her personal experience of getting away, the steps shetook to prepare her teams, and how she returned feeling refreshed,excited, and more in tune with what truly matters. From makingmemories with family to gaining fresh perspectives from her athletes,this episode is a reminder that cheer is a part of life—not all of it.Tune in as we unpack the mindset shift that every coach needs to hear! 

🔥 Coaching Minis – Strategies for Success with 6-8 Year Olds

Coaching Minis (ages 6-8) is a whole different game! In this FiresideChat, Danielle shares the best strategies for working with this agegroup—helping them grow. If you coach Minis, this episode is full ofreal-life strategies to make your practices smoother and moreeffective. Listen now!

🔥 Retention Roadmap: Month-by-Month Strategies to Keep Your Athletes Coming Back

Danielle shares a month-by-month retention roadmap to help gym ownerskeep athletes engaged and returning season after season. Learn how touse feedback, assessments, and recruitment efforts to improveretention. Tune in for actionable strategies to build a stronger, morecommitted team!

Your Reputation Matters: Why Business Owners Need to Be Great Customers Too Part 2

Think your customers never get frustrated with you? Reality check:they do. The way you feel about other businesses is exactly how someof your own customers feel about yours. How you handle yourself as acustomer is a direct reflection of how people see your business.In Part 2, we dive into:The long-term effects of how you interact with other businessesWhy your own customers likely have frustrations with you (even if youdon’t see it)How practicing compassion and self-awareness can actually strengthenyour reputation If you’re a business owner, this episode will shift yourperspective and help you avoid common reputation pitfalls. Hit play and let’s talk about protecting your business’s good name!

Your Reputation Matters: Why Business Owners Need to Be Great Customers Too Part 1

We expect our customers to be patient, understanding, andprofessional. But are we holding ourselves to the same standard whenWE are the customer? Your reputation as a business owner isn’t justbuilt on how you run your company—it’s also shaped by how you interactwith other businesses.In this episode, we explore:The small-town effect—how word spreads about how you treat othersWhy your public complaints, reviews, and disputes can come back to haunt youThe reality that customers will treat you the same way they see youtreating othersThis episode will make you rethink your approach to customerservice—on both sides of the transaction. Listen now and take control of your business reputation!

Unicorn Businesses: The Unique Freedom of All-Star Cheer Gyms Part 2

The all-star cheer industry has faced some major challenges over theyears—pandemics, scandals, and lawsuits—but the sport continues togrow. Why is cheer so resilient compared to other industries? And howcan gym owners capitalize on this freedom to build stronger, moreprofitable businesses?In Part 2, we dive into:Why cheer continues to thrive, even when the industry faces controversyHow minimal restrictions give gym owners more freedom than most businessesThe real financial challenges gym owners face (and why cost of goodsisn’t the biggest concern)If you’re a gym owner, this episode will shift your perspective andinspire you to take full advantage of the unique opportunities incheer! Hit play and let’s talk about the future of our industry!

Unicorn Businesses: The Unique Freedom of All-Star Cheer Gyms Part 1

All-star cheer gyms are truly one of a kind in the business world.Unlike franchises or traditional industries, we have the power tocreate and innovate without restrictions—from brand-new programs tounique revenue streams. But what makes cheer gyms stand out in thebusiness landscape?In this episode, we’re breaking down:The creative freedom cheer gym owners have compared to other industriesWhy cheer gyms are NOT a dying industry, even after COVID, Athlete A,and industry lawsuitsHow we differ from businesses like property management, retail, and food trucksThis episode will open your eyes to the incredible opportunities wehave in this industry! Listen now and start thinking outside the box in your gym!

Navigating Business with Your Spouse: Balancing Roles, Boundaries, and Success Part 2

Part 2: Navigating Business with Your Spouse – The SolutionsIn Part 2 of this series, we’re sharing the strategies that havehelped us overcome the challenges of running businesses together. Fromsetting boundaries for work discussions to defining clear roles ineach business, we’ll explore the lessons we’ve learned and how they’vestrengthened both our partnership and our businesses.Tune in for practical advice and insight into balancing love, life,and entrepreneurship!

Navigating Business with Your Spouse: Balancing Roles, Boundaries, and Success Part 1

Part 1: Navigating Business with Your Spouse – The ChallengesRunning multiple businesses with your spouse is rewarding but comeswith its unique set of challenges. In Part 1 of this two-part series,we’re discussing the struggles we’ve faced as a husband-and-wife team,including evolving roles across our businesses, balancing "on" and"off" times for work discussions, and dealing with work interruptionsduring vacations and family time.Join us for an honest conversation about the realities of beingbusiness partners and how these challenges have shaped us.