Podcast Overview
<p><b>More Than Counts</b> is a podcast about what really goes into cheerleading routines... beyond the eight counts!</p><p></p><p>Hosted by cheer <b>Judge Mimi,</b> 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.</p><p></p><p>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 <i>More Than Counts</i>.</p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
2/5/2026
1 verified contact email on file for More Than Counts
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Recent Episodes
July 20, 2026
022 Kelvin Lam - What Elite Stunt Coaches See That You Don't
<p>Kelvin Lam has spent decades asking a simple question: <b>why do great stunts actually work?</b></p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><h3>Takeaways</h3><ul><li>Why elite coaches see stunts differently.</li><li>The biggest misconceptions in stunt technique.</li><li>How small technical choices shape long-term athlete development.</li><li>Why creativity starts with strong fundamentals.</li><li>The role of progressions in building safer, more consistent stunts.</li><li>What coaches should really be looking for when troubleshooting a stunt.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Early Cheer Experience</li><li>03:00 Transition to University of Hawaii</li><li>05:58 Innovative Video Filming and Technique Instruction</li><li>07:01 Underrated Fundamental in Stunting</li><li>08:02 Shoulder Positioning in Stunting</li><li>09:04 Scoring and Creativity in Cheerleading</li><li>27:01 Crowd Interaction and CrowdScore</li><li>30:04 Overcoming Frustration and Setbacks</li><li>48:30 Innovative Techniques and Routines</li><li>56:06 Forward-Thinking Technique Choices</li><li>57:09 Maxing Out Stunt Difficulty</li><li>58:14 Alignment and Weight Distribution in Stunts</li><li>59:33 Proper Technique and Progressions</li><li>01:10:42 The Role of Pyramids in Maximizing Points</li><li>01:12:38 Teaching and Practicing Proper Technique</li></ul>
July 13, 2026
021 Jake Chester - What Makes Cheer Dance Actually Score
<p><b>What makes a dance score? Is it more movement? More difficulty? Or is it something else entirely?</b></p><p>In this episode of <i>More Than Counts</i>, 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.</p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Importance of Readability in Dance</li><li>Balancing Difficulty and Execution Choreography and Routine Design</li><li>Team Development and Progression</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Art of Dance</li><li>01:39 Choreography and Coaching Journey</li><li>02:36 Influence of Gymnastics and Marching Band</li><li>03:46 The Role of Music and Dance in Cheerleading</li><li>20:38 Dance Cleaning and Strategy</li><li>26:38 Visual Movement and Showmanship</li><li>27:40 The O'Baby Queens</li><li>28:51 The NCA Experience</li><li>30:15 The Aftermath</li><li>32:18 The Oslo Routine</li><li>33:31 Building a 4.2 Team</li><li>48:57 Routine Analysis</li></ul>
July 6, 2026
020 John Newby - Can You Make a Living as a Professional Cheerleader?
<p>Professional cheerleading is no longer just an idea—it's becoming a reality.</p><p></p><p>In this episode, Judge Mimi sits down with <b>John Newby</b>, 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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><h3>Takeaways</h3><ul><li>Why the PCL was created and the vision driving its growth.</li><li>How the new head-to-head format changes the fan and athlete experience.</li><li>What athletes are paid and what needs to happen for professional cheer to become a full-time career.</li><li>The challenges—and opportunities—of expanding the league internationally.</li><li>Why building a professional sport takes more than great athletes—it takes trust, collaboration, and a shared vision.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The New Format and Vision for the Future</li><li>20:35 Visa Requirements and Logistics</li><li>26:08 Dallas Drive's Performance and Props Feedback</li><li>31:32 Scheduling and Event Logistics</li></ul>
22 total episodes available
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- What is More Than Counts?
<p><b>More Than Counts</b> is a podcast about what really goes into cheerleading routines... beyond the eight counts!</p><p></p><p>Hosted by cheer <b>Judge Mimi,</b> 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.</p><p></p><p>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 <i>More Than Counts</i>.</p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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