E21 Elmo Shorland's Story: Builder by Day, Cheerleader by Night. Fatherhood, Overcoming Loss & Breaking Stereotypes

Today’s guest is somebody with one of the most unique stories we’ve had on the Abel Lifestyle Podcast.

By day, Elmo Shorland is a builder. By night, he’s a two-time National Champion cheerleader. On paper, those two worlds couldn’t be more different, but after spending nearly two hours with Elmo, you quickly realise this episode isn’t really about cheerleading. It’s about perspective, resilience and having the confidence to be yourself.

We go right back to the beginning, talking about growing up, losing his dad at just eight years old and how that experience shaped the man he is today. Rather than allowing adversity to define his life, Elmo chose to focus on gratitude, positivity and making the very best of every opportunity that came his way. His outlook on life is genuinely one of the most refreshing I’ve come across.

We also dive into how he found cheerleading, what it’s really like behind the stereotypes, winning back-to-back National Championships, being named Cheerleader of the Year, appearing on BBC News and even his experience on Channel 4’s First Dates. Alongside that, we explore what becoming a father has taught him, the values he hopes to pass on to his daughters and what success really means away from medals and achievements.

This is one of those conversations that simply leaves you feeling better than when it started. It’s honest, uplifting and full of reminders that your circumstances don’t have to define your future. If you’ve ever doubted yourself, worried about what other people think or needed a reminder to see the positives in life, I genuinely think you’ll take something away from this episode.

We explore:

• Losing his dad at just eight years old
• Choosing positivity through adversity
• Growing up and finding purpose
• Builder by day, cheerleader by night
• Breaking stereotypes and backing yourself
• Winning back-to-back National Championships
• Becoming the father he never had
• Confidence, resilience and mindset
• Behind the scenes of competitive cheerleading
• BBC News & Channel 4’s First Dates
• Raising two daughters