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by Judge Mimi
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.
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- 6 days ago1h 10m
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
- 2 weeks ago1h 9m
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.Chapters00:00 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
- 3 weeks ago53 min
021 Jake Chester - What Makes Cheer Dance Actually Score
What makes a dance score? Is it more movement? More difficulty? Or is it something else entirely?In this episode of More Than Counts, Judge Mimi sits down with choreographer and coach Jake to explore one of the most debated parts of a routine: dance. Together, they unpack what makes choreography memorable, why readability matters just as much as difficulty, and how seamless transitions, musicality, and visual design can elevate a routine.Jake also shares how an unexpected background in marching band shaped his choreography philosophy, what he's learned coaching athletes from Level 2 through Level 6, and why creating routines that fit the team will always outperform trying to force complexity.As always, they put theory into practice—breaking down routines from Cheer Athletics' Ocelots, a developing 4.2 team, and a listener-submitted routine, discussing pacing, formations, cleaning, recovery, and the small details that can make a big difference on the scoresheet.Whether you're a coach, choreographer, athlete, or simply love the creative side of cheerleading, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what judges actually see—and what makes great choreography stand out.TakeawaysImportance of Readability in DanceBalancing Difficulty and Execution Choreography and Routine DesignTeam Development and ProgressionChapters00:00 The Art of Dance01:39 Choreography and Coaching Journey02:36 Influence of Gymnastics and Marching Band03:46 The Role of Music and Dance in Cheerleading20:38 Dance Cleaning and Strategy26:38 Visual Movement and Showmanship27:40 The O'Baby Queens28:51 The NCA Experience30:15 The Aftermath32:18 The Oslo Routine33:31 Building a 4.2 Team48:57 Routine Analysis
- 4 weeks ago36 min
020 John Newby - Can You Make a Living as a Professional Cheerleader?
Professional cheerleading is no longer just an idea—it's becoming a reality.In this episode, Judge Mimi sits down with John Newby, Commissioner of the Professional Cheer League (PCL) and EVP of Varsity International, for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a professional league from the ground up.They discuss the vision behind the PCL, why the league is moving to a head-to-head format, what new games are coming in Season 2, and how the league is creating more opportunities for athletes to shine. John also shares how athlete compensation works, the challenges of bringing international athletes into the league, and what still needs to happen before professional cheer becomes a full-time career path.To wrap up the conversation, John and Judge Mimi watch one of his favorite PCL routines together, breaking down the moments that made it unforgettable and what fans might have missed.Whether you're an athlete dreaming of competing professionally, a coach following the evolution of the sport, or simply curious about where cheerleading is headed, this episode offers an inside look at the decisions shaping its future.TakeawaysWhy the PCL was created and the vision driving its growth.How the new head-to-head format changes the fan and athlete experience.What athletes are paid and what needs to happen for professional cheer to become a full-time career.The challenges—and opportunities—of expanding the league internationally.Why building a professional sport takes more than great athletes—it takes trust, collaboration, and a shared vision.Chapters00:00 The New Format and Vision for the Future20:35 Visa Requirements and Logistics26:08 Dallas Drive's Performance and Props Feedback31:32 Scheduling and Event Logistics
- Jun 29, 202648 min
019 Kaden Koz - The Details That Separate Good Routines From Great Ones
From becoming a self-proclaimed "gym rat" chasing standing tucks to competing with GymTyme Chrome at Worlds and building some of Virginia's most recognizable themed routines, Kaden Koz has seen cheerleading from nearly every angle.In this episode, we dive into the creative side of choreography: what actually makes a routine memorable, how themed routines come to life, and why crowd engagement matters just as much as difficulty. Kaden also shares the incredible story of the overnight changes GymTyme Chrome made between Day 1 and Finals at Worlds, offering a rare look at the strategy, decision-making, and trust that go into chasing a championship.As always, we wrap up by reviewing a listener-submitted routine, breaking down the details that elevate great performances.Whether you're an athlete, coach, choreographer, or simply love the sport, this conversation is packed with practical insights and behind-the-scenes stories that remind us great routines are built long before they ever take the floor.TakeawaysTransition from diving to cheerleadingImportance of crowd response in cheer routines The importance of unassisted stuntsThe impact of COVID-19 on routines and competitionsChapters00:00 The Journey into Cheerleading05:05 Transition to College Cheerleading20:53 Competing at Worlds with Gym Time All-Star Chrome28:36 The Art of Unassisted Stunts34:10 High School Coaching and Success46:58 Planning and Preparation for Future Seasons
- Jun 22, 202636 min
018 Chris Cox - Building Moments, Not Just Routines
Chris Cox didn't set out to become a choreographer. He simply fell in love with the creative side of cheerleading and never stopped chasing it.In this episode, Chris shares his journey from athlete, to coach, to building one of the industry's most respected choreography brands. We dive into what makes a routine memorable, how movement and formations can create powerful visual moments, and why great choreography is about more than just checking boxes on a score sheet.Along the way, we break down two standout routines—Desert Elite Mavericks Renegade and Prodigy Twilight—and explore the unique challenges of choreographing for small teams, non-tumbling divisions, and World Championship contenders.Whether you're a coach, choreographer, athlete, or fan of the sport, this conversation is a reminder that the best routines aren't just built around skills—they're built around people, creativity, and the moments that make us feel something.Chapters00:00 The Journey from Athlete to Choreographer07:15 Collaboration and Feedback in Choreography16:38 Misconceptions About Good Choreography21:41 Challenges of Non-Tumbling Division27:12 Growth and Development in Cheerleading32:47 Routine Review and Analysis
- Jun 15, 202646 min
017 Brynn + Jalyn - The Team That Scored 100
A perfect score is one of the rarest achievements in cheerleading. But what happens after you get one?In this episode, Judge Mimi sits down with Brynn and Jalyn of Macs All Stars, the coaches behind Reign, a team that went from a half-year experiment to back-to-back Summit champions and one of the few teams to earn a perfect 100-point score.Together, they break down the journey behind the score, the culture that makes Macs All Stars special, and the challenge of keeping athletes motivated after reaching the top. They also discuss routine strategy, theme selection, choreography, and how coaches balance confidence with humility throughout a season.Along the way, they revisit Reign's routines, reflect on what "perfect" really means in a subjective sport, and share lessons that apply far beyond the scoresheet.Because cheerleading is more than counts. It's about the teamwork, leadership, resilience, and growth that happen long before the trophies and scores are announced.TakeawaysThe importance of motivation and humility in maintaining successThe subjective nature of perfection in competitive cheerleading Adapting to a new division requires depth and motivationChoreography benefits from a personal connection with the athletesChapters00:00 The Journey to Cheerleading07:20 Routine Development and Strategy16:08 Scoring a Perfect 10024:34 The Definition of Perfection in Cheerleading30:19 Adapting to a New Division44:36 Reviewing a Cheerleading Routine
- Jun 7, 202642 min
016 Coach Levi - Confidence, Fear, and the Making of Great Tumblers
Tumbling is one of the most visible skills in cheerleading, but the journey behind it is often much bigger than the skill itself.In this episode, Levi joins us to talk about what it really takes to develop successful tumblers. From overcoming fear and mental blocks to building confidence under pressure, we explore the challenges athletes face and the role coaches and parents play in supporting them along the way.We also dive into the art of tumbling itself—what makes standing tumbling visually appealing, how judges perceive different skills, and how coaches can make smarter decisions when building routines around their athletes' strengths.Whether you're a coach trying to maximize your tumbling score, a parent supporting an athlete through a setback, or an athlete chasing the next skill, this conversation offers practical insights and a fresh perspective on one of cheerleading's most important disciplines.Because great tumbling isn't just about the skills athletes perform—it's about the confidence, resilience, and trust they build along the way.Chapters00:00 The Journey of Tumbling06:52 Supporting Athletes Through Mental Blocks21:22 Uniformity in Tumbling Styles27:02 The Challenge of Standing Fulls33:16 The Challenge of Standing Fulls39:21 Tumbling in Routine Building47:13 Tumbling Technique and Coaching
About More Than Counts
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.
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