Since launching our ‘Cheer Incorporated’ podcast (Apple, Spotify) last month, tens of thousands of listeners have downloaded episodes of the show – which exists to amplify our ongoing coverage of this still-unfolding saga.
This week’s episode – entitled “The Groomer’s Playbook” – begins with a discussion of why the Cheer Incorporated scandal may not be driving the same level of national headlines as previous sex abuse scandals (like the one that rocked the sport of gymnastics six years ago).
It ends with me delivering a stinging rebuke of Varsity – the Tennessee-based corporation that dominates America’s competitive cheerleading industry (and which controlled the ostensibly independent “oversight” entities that were supposed to protect the victims).
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Varsity issued quite a threat last week, people … and I called them out on it.
In between these bookends, the episode delves into the substance of the allegations contained in five currently filed federal lawsuits – and how many of the cases contained in these filings follow similar patterns of grooming behavior.
As we explore those patterns, the podcast provides a link to Darkness to Light – a North Charleston, S.C.-based nonprofit which “empowers adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse through awareness, education, and stigma reduction.”
(Click to Listen)
(New Episode Every Thursday)
“Our work is guided by the vision of a world free from child sexual abuse,” the group notes on its website. “We envision a world in which adults form prevention-oriented communities that protect the child’s right to a healthy childhood.”
That’s our vision, too …
Cheer Incorporated is written and narrated by research director Jenn Wood and produced by our director of special projects Dylan Nolan.
Once again, be sure to download and share Cheer Incorporated – and submit a review if you like what you hear. Cheer Incorporated can be found on Apple, Spotify or wherever you download your favorite podcasts.
As always, thanks for listening!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR …
(Via: FITSNews)
Will Folks is the founding editor of the news outlet you are currently reading. Prior to founding FITSNews, he served as press secretary to the governor of South Carolina. He lives in the Midlands region of the state with his wife and seven children. And yes, he has many hats – including that Chicago Blackhawks’ lid pictured above.
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