Podcast Summary: "CHEERS! with Avery Woods" – Episode: "end of an era | scotty hatch"
Date: January 12, 2026
Host: Avery Woods
Guest: Scotty Hatch
Episode Overview
This heartfelt episode marks the end of an era for the “CHEERS!” podcast as Avery Woods sits down with longtime friend and producer Scotty Hatch. Amidst laughter, nostalgia, and a few tears, they candidly discuss Scotty’s decision to leave his role to pursue a full-time photography career. The episode is a warm look back on their journey together—filled with memorable moments, challenges, growth, and a deep friendship that transcends work. Listeners are treated to stories behind the scenes, career reflections, favorite memories, and an honest exploration of how to balance creative partnership and personal relationships as seasons of life change.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Announcing the Transition
[02:16]
- Scotty reveals he has put in his notice and will be leaving his role at CHEERS to pursue his passion for photography full time, something bittersweet for both.
- They both acknowledge how lucky they are to have their friendship intact despite the traditional warnings against working with friends.
- Avery: “The fact that I still get you by my side no matter what is always a win win for me.” [01:54]
2. The Strength of Their Friendship & Professional Relationship
[02:37–07:53]
- Open communication is the bedrock of their lasting partnership; they highlight never having a “nasty fight.”
- Avery: “We truly are always in each other’s corners and will support each other no matter what.”
- Normal challenges did arise (personal/professional), but they always “nipped it in the bud,” choosing learning and civility over drama.
3. Favorite Behind-the-Scenes Memories
[09:15–12:16]
- The duo recounts technical mishaps, especially a stressful podcast audio issue:
- Scotty: “I noticed about every 15 minutes there was a...60 second peak of the most aggressive static. ...I said, oh, we’re fucked. We’re screwed.” [09:33]
- Avery’s reaction: Instead of anger, she supported him and together, they found a solution by manually overdubbing audio, turning panic into a puzzle.
- Their teamwork under pressure was a theme: “Once we figured it out... we laughed about it... it was the most stress free thing ever.” [12:16]
4. Milestones & Achievements
[12:37–13:38]
- Reflecting on their journey:
- Started October 2023
- Over 100 episodes released
- Podcast hit #2 on Apple Worldwide Charts [26:40]
- Growth in production, equipment, and on-the-fly learning
- Deep pride in each other’s professional and personal development.
5. Scotty’s Life & Career Update
[14:21–18:44]
- Avery praises Scotty’s evolving photography skills and work ethic: “You have gone to another level. It took off so quickly.” [15:07]
- Scotty will split his time between California and Arizona to balance work and family.
- Avery credits Scotty for taking a leap in relocating and helping build CHEERS.
- Scotty: “I will always be your biggest cheerleader and want to be a part of it in every way...” [04:41]
6. Cherished Trips & Travel Stories
[19:20–27:05]
- Scotty credits Avery with introducing him to a world of travel and new experiences.
- “In the last two years, how many? ...Ballpark, probably 30 to 40 flights.” [19:20]
- Flying on private jets, first time in Vegas, New York, Miami, etc.
- Favorite (often hilarious) travel stories:
- Staying in sketchy hotels with cockroaches [25:23],
- Sharing tiny hotel rooms with awkward showers [47:01],
- Nearly losing it at judgmental people in Utah [32:31],
- Getting emotional over first-class upgrades and free swag [26:04]
7. Building the Podcast & Their Dynamic On The Road
[30:05–40:17]
- Memories of converting Avery’s Arizona casita into a studio, staying up late building furniture, and getting wine-drunk together [31:18]
- Stories of sharing hotel rooms and being mistaken for a couple by hotel staff [39:16]
- Acceptance of each other's quirks (Scotty’s love of freezing room temps; Avery’s nighttime water rituals) [43:07]
- Scotty’s personal growth in confidence and style, inspired by Avery [30:15]
8. Notable Guests & Early-Stage Nerves
[36:36–37:48]
- Scotty shares anxieties about meeting high-profile guests (Taylor Frankie Paul, Nabella, etc.).
- Both honored by how many guests trusted them with their stories.
9. Deep Reflections & Emotional Farewells
[49:00–60:45]
- Avery reads aloud a heartfelt letter from Scotty—a scrapbook of memories he gifted her for Christmas, expressing gratitude and acknowledging how CHEERS changed his life:
- “You have changed my life...I got to do them all with you.” [49:25]
- Scotty delivers a moving farewell letter, crediting Avery’s belief in him for his confidence and personal transformation:
- “You didn’t just give me a job. You gave me space to be creative...You taught me to be confident but not cocky...” [57:32]
- Avery reciprocates, expressing how Scotty was essential to the launch and success of CHEERS; both reiterate their unwavering support for each other:
- “You already have a business, but, like, totally build an empire, essentially...I can’t wait to watch it unfold.” [59:24]
10. Hopes for the Future
[52:14–54:10]
- Scotty’s ambitions:
- To work with small businesses, educate photographers, run courses, and explore all types of creative content (“I want to capture everything. I don’t want to limit myself.” [52:19])
- Wants to help businesses harness social media through quality content
- Avery’s encouragement for Scotty’s future and how they’ll remain creatively intertwined.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
Speaker attribution noted as [B] Avery, [A] Scotty.
- [B] [01:54] “The fact that I still get you by my side no matter what is always a win win for me.”
- [A] [09:33] “I noticed about every 15 minutes there was a...60 second peak of the most aggressive static. ...I said, oh, we’re fucked. We’re screwed.”
- [A] [15:59] “...I just know I need to stand there and I’m going to get some good ass pics.”
- [B] [19:21] “We have gone everywhere. And, like, watching you experience these things has been so special for me.”
- [B] [26:40] “FX is the Beauty premieres January 21st...” [note: this is an unrelated ad; skip]
- [A] [47:01] “I give you full permission to show the photo of my...this shower is faded glass...very visible...and that is in, like, the whole living space...”
- [A] [57:32] “Avery, working by your side for the past two years has been a journey that I struggle to put into words. Mostly because boss or mentor feels far too small to describe who you are to me...Your constant reminders of how proud you are of me became the soundtrack to my growth...”
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Announcement of Departure: [02:16–03:46]
- Friendship & Communication: [03:46–07:53]
- Podcast Technical Hiccup Story: [09:15–12:16]
- Milestones & Starting the Show: [12:37–13:38]
- Scotty’s Photography Pivot & Family Plans: [14:21–18:44]
- Travel Stories & Growth: [19:20–27:05]
- Studio Setup & Bizarre Hotel Adventures: [30:05–40:17, 46:44–48:51]
- Farewell Letters & Reflections: [49:00–60:45]
- Scotty’s 2026 Goals: [52:14–54:10]
The Episode’s Overall Tone & Final Thoughts
Lighthearted and playful yet deeply reflective, this conversation showcases the best of creative partnership and friendship: how honesty, humor, and heartfelt support can carry people through big transitions. Avery and Scotty’s candid banter, inside jokes, and mutual celebration make this episode not a “goodbye,” but a celebratory closing of one chapter—and a toast to the next.
[B] Avery: “I just can’t wait to see what unfolds. And I’ll be in the corner with pom poms doing toe touches, cheering for you...” [56:34]
[A] Scotty: “Thank you for being my mentor, my protector, and my best friend. You didn’t just change my career, you changed the entire trajectory of who I am in my entire life.” [57:32]
The “CHEERS!” audience can rest assured—while it’s the end of an era, the love and creative energy between Avery and Scotty remain alive, both on and off the air.
End of Summary.