Podcast Summary: CHEERS! with Avery Woods

Episode: Deprioritizing My Online Persona | Avery Woods
Date: January 19, 2026
Host: Avery Woods

Episode Overview

In this engaging, heartfelt solo episode, host Avery Woods delves into her personal journey of reclaiming her mental health by scaling back her social media presence. Avery opens up about her experiences with vulnerability, the pressures of perfection, and the importance of seeking joy and connection in real life rather than through an online persona. She also answers listener questions about mental health routines, overcoming overthinking, and letting go of others’ opinions—all with her trademark candor and warmth.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Stepping Back from Social Media for Mental Health

• Avery describes how volunteering at her kids’ school and unplugging from her phone has radically improved her mental health.

  “Part of my goal for this year... was to find joy in activities where I’m putting my phone away and I’m not on my phone. And doing that has completely changed the way my mental health has been recently.” (01:07)

• She discusses her past obsession with social media metrics and the impact of online opinions on her wellbeing:

  “I do feel like I had the biggest change in my mental health when it came to online opinions about me... When you see and hear so many horrible things about yourself, of course it’s going to affect you. I’m not a robot.” (05:06)

• Avery shares that she no longer scrolls on her 'For You' page and tries to avoid comments, focusing on posting and logging off.

  “I've just gotten in a routine of posting and logging off... I feel like it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself.” (06:24)

2. The Perfection Trap & Family Pressures

• Avery reflects on her upbringing, being the “golden child,” and the pressure to maintain perfection—how this transferred to her adulthood and career.

  “That put a lot of pressure on me, and I think that need for perfection bled into my adulthood, especially when it came to my mental health.” (08:17)

• Admitting she wasn’t okay was initially very difficult due to these high internal standards.

  “It was really, really hard for me to admit that I was not doing okay because I still had that perfection mindset.” (08:56)

3. Therapy & Mental Health Tools

• Therapy has been life-changing for Avery, helping her move past the constant sense of a “grey cloud” and providing a safe outlet:

  “I told my therapist... it literally feels like every day I wake up and get out of bed, and there is a gray cloud above my head.” (15:48)

• Avery initially resisted therapy and medication due to perfectionism but shares how embracing both has been a game changer.

  “As I’ve gotten older and lived so much more life, I’m like, the best thing you can do for yourself... is just to be honest. No one is perfect. And if people think that they are, that’s a flaw.” (22:14)

• She promotes the idea that therapy benefits everyone, not just those in crisis.

  “Even if you don’t think you need therapy, therapy is amazing for everyone and anyone... it really is a game changer.” (03:20)

• Transitioning from online to in-person therapy, she also explores medication after consulting a psychiatrist who first checks for biological causes (via blood panels) before prescribing.

4. Letting Go of Control & Managing Public Perception

• Avery stresses the futility of trying to control others’ opinions—focusing on self-growth is what matters.

  “You can’t control anyone's opinions around you or their perception of you... The only thing you can control is who you are and how you feel.” (25:23)

• She channels advice from others (including Kate Winslet and Kiki Palmer) about ignoring outside opinions and valuing personal integrity:

  “You walk away with clean hands. And that’s what I have the ability to control. At the end of the day, all I want to be is a good person.” (25:59)

• She reiterates that everyone makes mistakes, but hers just happen in front of millions—reminding listeners not to compare their private errors with public personas.

5. Listener Q&A: Mental Health Routines & Advice

• Tips for getting out of a mental rut:
  • Routine, exercise (especially outdoors), talking with supportive friends, journaling, and giving oneself grace.

    “Working out consistently has changed the game for me... Routine is also key. Get yourself in a good routine that you genuinely enjoy and look forward to.” (33:26)

• On Overthinking:
  • Therapy, talking aloud, and journaling help her process and clear her mind.
• On Others' Opinions:
  • Only your actions and mindset are in your control.

    “If you were everyone’s cup of tea, you’d be a mug. You cannot care about what other people’s opinions are...” (35:52)

• Favorite Mental Health Hobby:
  • Consistent exercise (mix of Pilates, weight training, and walks) and finding something enjoyable and routine-oriented.

6. Vulnerability as a Social Media Figure

• Avery acknowledges the challenge of sharing mental health struggles as an influencer, given the public’s skepticism.

  “But it is hard to be vulnerable and talk about your mental health state when you are a social media influencer, because they’re like how hard could your life be? And trust me, I get it. But not everything is shared online.” (39:56)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the impact of perfectionism:

  “That chase for perfection bled into every aspect of my life... It consumed every ounce of my being to the point where it was so unhealthy.” (11:04)

• On why growth matters:

  “Now that I’m mentally sane, I could care less [about social media metrics]. And that is something for me—I’m really proud of because it shows growth, it shows maturity.” (13:28)

• On what makes someone a ‘good mom’:

  “If you’re going to bed at night questioning if you were a good mom that day, that already makes you a good mom.” (28:14)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introduction and personal context – 00:48
• Volunteering, finding offline joy – 01:07
• First signs of mental health struggles – 03:10
• Social media’s negative impact – 05:06
• Stepping away from social media – 06:24
• Childhood & perfectionism – 07:25
• Therapy changes everything – 15:48
• Boundaries and shifting focus away from online attention – 13:28
• Letting go of control and public perception – 24:18
• Listener Q&A: routines, overthinking, hobbies – 33:11
• Closing reflections on vulnerability as an influencer – 39:56

Conclusion

Avery Woods delivers a deeply relatable, self-aware exploration of mental health in the digital age. By candidly sharing her evolution from striving for online validation to prioritizing real-life connections, she offers advice and comfort to anyone feeling overwhelmed by perfectionism or external judgment. Her actionable tips (routine, therapy, exercise, honest self-reflection) and her reminders to focus on what is real and controllable make this episode a supportive listen for those navigating similar challenges.

Final sentiment:

“Life is hard, and we all face challenges—don’t let anyone devalidate that for you.” (40:10)