CHEERS! with Avery Woods – Episode 58: "it’s giving mommy" Summary

Release Date: January 6, 2025
Host: Avery Woods
Guest: Allison Kush

In Episode 58 of CHEERS! with Avery Woods, host Avery Woods welcomes her internet best friend, Allison Kush, marking their first real-life meeting. The episode delves deep into Allison's first year of motherhood, exploring the challenges, triumphs, and the intricate balance between personal life and social media presence.

1. Introduction and Meeting Alison Kush

The episode kicks off with Avery expressing her excitement about meeting Allison in person after years of online interaction.

[00:10] B: "I cannot believe we haven't met until this point."

The hosts reflect on their online friendship and mutual interests, setting the stage for a heartfelt conversation about motherhood and personal growth.

2. Embracing Motherhood

Allison shares her journey into motherhood, highlighting the whirlwind of changes she experienced in the past year.

[00:25] A: "So you're a year into being a mom."

[00:26] B: "It's been a crazy year."

Allison recounts the multitude of life changes, including her husband's job loss, their move to Texas, and the ongoing house renovations, which compounded the challenges of welcoming their first child.

[06:10] B: "We're moving to Texas. All these things, and I'm like, holy shit. I, like, can't keep up."

Despite the chaos, Allison expresses immense love for her daughter, describing her as a "bubbly, happy little girl" and a "mini me," emphasizing the joy motherhood has brought into her life.

[03:46] A: "She's so fun."

3. Health Struggles and Postpartum Depression

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Allison's battle with postpartum depression (PPD) and health issues postpartum.

[04:14] A: "I love how honest you were about your journey with postpartum depression and kind of getting your pink back."

Allison recounts her hospitalization two weeks after giving birth due to diverticulitis, a condition causing severe intestinal inflammation, which led to a traumatic experience of leaving her newborn at the hospital.

[04:32] B: "I didn't for 11. It came out white... I felt like there was a knife in my stomach."

She candidly discusses her struggle with PPD, the impact of lacking a support system, and the emotional toll it took on her sense of self.

[06:43] A: "It's also when you feel like that, because I felt like that a lot with Ziggy."

4. Relocation and House Renovations

The couple's move to Texas and the extensive remodeling of their new home play a crucial role in their narrative.

[31:48] B: "Originally, we were just going to do the living room and then the kitchen... so we just did everything."

Allison expresses excitement about finally living in their renovated house year-round, highlighting the benefits of an open-concept design suitable for their growing family.

[32:32] B: "It's everything that I want a house."

5. Navigating Social Media and Public Perception

Both hosts delve into the complexities of managing a social media presence while balancing personal life, especially motherhood.

Dealing with Hate and Criticism

Allison shares her experiences with receiving negative comments about her lifestyle and choices, particularly regarding her independent income and lifestyle portrayed on social media.

[22:22] B: "I don't want to see people live the same lifestyle as me on social media."

Avery adds her perspective on facing criticism for showcasing her family's life, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and the challenges of maintaining a genuine online persona.

[41:02] A: "I have a healthy relationship with people you choose to follow on social media."

Protecting Privacy of Children

The conversation shifts to the delicate balance of sharing moments of their children on social platforms while striving to protect their privacy.

[58:10] B: "It's not your child."

Allison discusses the difficulties of keeping her daughter's identity private amidst growing public interest and unsolicited attention.

[61:16] A: "This is me. I'm like, yeah, that Block my number."

6. Balancing Family and Career

The hosts explore the struggle of juggling professional responsibilities with family life, highlighting the importance of support systems and personal well-being.

[35:24] B: "I have to say the word now, dude."

Allison reflects on her journey from multiple side hustles to finding a balance that allows her to spend quality time with her daughter while managing her podcast and other ventures.

[34:22] B: "Finding what makes me happy. So it's like an interesting journey."

Avery echoes these sentiments, sharing her own challenges as a nurse transitioning to a social media influencer and the pressures of maintaining high content output.

[35:09] A: "I have learned so much balance and, like, showing so much less of my life."

7. Personal Growth and Relationships

The dynamic between Allison and her husband, Isaac, is highlighted as a pillar of support through their tumultuous times, including Isaac's NFL career and subsequent job loss.

[14:09] A: "He, like, thrives being a dad."

Their partnership exemplifies mutual support and the ability to navigate life's uncertainties together.

[53:30] B: "We're a team. It's just a different dynamic."

8. Future Plans and Reflections

Looking ahead, Allison contemplates expanding her family and the lessons learned from her first year of motherhood.

[69:03] B: "I'm missing a belly... I want my kids to be close in age."

Both hosts express optimism about their future, emphasizing personal growth, family stability, and the continuous pursuit of happiness amidst life's challenges.

[71:32] A: "I do my nose like my makeup and I'm like, what?"

9. Closing Thoughts

The episode concludes with heartfelt acknowledgments of each other's journeys, the importance of community support, and the continuous effort to balance personal life with professional aspirations.

[71:41] B: "Thank you for being on Cheers."

[71:49] A: "Cheers, guys."

Key Takeaways

• Motherhood's Dual Nature: Allison's first year underscores the profound joys and significant challenges of becoming a mother, especially amidst health struggles and major life changes.

• Mental Health Awareness: Open discussions about postpartum depression highlight the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health issues in new mothers.

• Social Media's Double-Edged Sword: While providing community and support, social media also brings unwanted criticism and challenges in maintaining privacy, especially concerning children.

• Balancing Act: Successfully managing family life and professional responsibilities requires strong support systems, personal resilience, and the ability to set boundaries.

• Personal Growth: Both Avery and Allison emphasize the importance of evolving as individuals and supporting each other through life's unpredictable journey.

This episode offers a raw and honest portrayal of the multifaceted experience of motherhood, the pressures of public life, and the enduring strength found in friendship and familial bonds.