Fireside Chat with the Johnstons

Must-Have Website Features for Cheer Gyms

Your website is one of the most powerful tools for growing your cheergym—if it’s set up right! In this episode of Fireside Chat, we’reuncovering the **must-have features** every cheer gym website needs tosucceed in 2025.Using cheer gym websites as examples, we’ll explore:- How a user-friendly registration system can boost sign-ups.- Why clear and engaging program descriptions make all the difference.- The importance of easy access to resources and communication tools.Tune in for actionable tips to level up your website and grow your gymthis year!

Leveling Up in 2025: 3 Commitments to Make Our Gym Better Than Ever

In this episode of Fireside Chat, we’re sharing three game-changingcommitments we’re making to elevate our all-star cheer gym in 2025.From creating more engaging social media content to strengtheningfollow-through with a dedicated Operations Director, and reignitingour investment in junior staff, we’re focused on taking our gym to thenext level. Tune in for inspiration, actionable tips, and abehind-the-scenes look at how we plan to make this our best year yet!Don’t miss it!

Why Educating All-Star Cheer Parents is Key to Success Part 2

In this continuation, we dive deeper into the challengesand rewards of educating cheer parents. We discuss more real-worldscenarios that highlight why parent education is essential for athleteand gym success. This episode focuses on advanced strategies, likecreating a culture of transparency, fostering parent-coachcollaboration, and addressing common objections or misconceptions. Wealso explore how consistent education leads to long-term benefits,including improved athlete performance, stronger community trust, andreduced parent conflicts. If you’re looking to refine your parenteducation approach or need inspiration for your 2025 plan, thisepisode is packed with practical advice and resources to help your gymthrive. Don’t miss it!

Why Educating All-Star Cheer Parents is Key to Success

This episode dives into the importance of educatingAll-Star cheer parents to build trust, reduce confusion, and create asupportive team mindset. We cover common parent misunderstandings,strategies for effective communication, and how investing in educationbenefits athletes, parents, and gyms alike. Learn actionable tips likeonboarding processes, regular updates, and visual resources to helpparents feel confident and informed. Hear real-life success storiesand start planning your approach for 2025 with resources like theLet’s Talk Cheer Podcast, Cheer Dad book, and Cheer Gym Owners’Handbook. Tune in and take your gym to the next level.

Tough Love: How to Handle Late Payments & Overdue Accounts Part 2

Tough Love: How to Handle Late Payments & Overdue Accounts

Are overdue accounts creating stress and straining your gym's operations? Managing late payments is a critical part of running a gym - and it’s about more than just keeping the lights on. In this episode, Danielle and Justin dive into the tough but necessary conversations around handling overdue accounts, especially during the busy holiday season.
From understanding the common reasons behind late payments to addressing the impact they have on your cash flow and even staff pay, Danielle and Justin offer practical insights for turning this challenge into an opportunity to strengthen your business. They also share how to navigate the awkward moments, like addressing overdue bills with parents while balancing empathy and fairness for all.If you're ready to take control of your gym’s finances and protect your program’s success, tune in for actionable advice and encouragement to help you lead with confidence!

Master Your Gym To-Do List

Are you a gym owner juggling a million tasks and still feeling like there’s never enough time? In this episode of Fireside Chat, Danielle dives into practical strategies to help you take control of your to-do list and create a system that works for you. From setting limits to reaching your goals through manageable tasks, I’ll share tips tailored to the unique challenges gym owners face. Whether you’re navigating the busy holiday season or simply looking for ways to stay organized, this episode will help you find a rhythm that keeps you productive and sane. Tune in and take the first step toward mastering your life—one task at a time.

What Is Your Gym Doing For You?

Are you running your gym as a business that truly works for you? Owning a gym is more than a passion project—it’s an opportunity to create real, measurable success in your life. In this episode, we dive into the tangible benefits that come from turning your gym into a thriving business. From financial stability and consistent paychecks to investments, the rewards of a well-managed gym go far beyond the love of the sport.
Danielle and Justin share how smart business strategies have allowed them to grow their gym while investing in their personal goals. We also explore how owning your own gym can mean freedom: the freedom to set your schedule, control your brand, and prioritize what matters most to you.If you're ready to turn your gym into a profitable, rewarding business, tune in for practical tips and inspiration to make it happen!

Creating a Gym That Gives Back to You

Are you pouring time and energy into your gym without getting a return? Running a gym isn’t just a labor of love—it’s a serious investment, and the returns should go beyond just having “fun.” In this episode, we explore why your gym needs to work for you, not the other way around. Owner burnout and cash flow issues are two of the biggest reasons gyms close. By expecting both tangible and intangible returns, you’re setting yourself up for success and long-term fulfillment.Join us as we break down the practical and inspiring rewards that come from treating your gym as a thriving business. Danielle shares how the challenges of gym ownership keep her engaged and constantly innovating, while Justin highlights the impact of giving back, from hosting community events to supporting local fundraisers. We’ll also talk about how owning a gym can mean building incredible connections—whether it’s having a built-in support network for last-minute favors or creating special memories, like hosting birthday parties and pep rally practices in your own space. Plus, we’ll touch on the freedom gym ownership brings, from setting your schedule to choosing competition locations, with destinations like Vegas, Orlando, and even the Bahamas on the list!If you’re ready to learn how to transform your gym into a source of personal and professional returns, don’t miss this episode!

The Dark Side of Success: Part 3

This is the final part of the series titled, "The Dark Side of Success" where Justin and Danielle talk about what happens when others try to bring you down. In this episode, they will talk about how to ensure you're not instigating trouble for yourself, while also recognizing when you're the problem. Make sure to like, comment and subscribe for more insights on navigating the highs and lows of gym ownership.