Podcast Summary: CHEERS! with Avery Woods
Episode: EP59 | I AM UNWELL
Release Date: January 13, 2025

In Episode 59 of CHEERS! with Avery Woods, titled "I AM UNWELL," host Avery Woods and her co-host Scott delve deep into their personal mental health journeys, their experiences with social media, and the exciting developments surrounding their podcast's partnership with Unwell Network. This candid and heartfelt episode offers listeners an authentic glimpse into the challenges and triumphs Avery and Scott face, providing valuable insights and relatable stories for anyone navigating similar struggles.

1. Announcement of Partnership with Unwell Network

Timestamp: [00:30] – [04:58]

The episode opens with Avery announcing a significant milestone for the CHEERS! podcast—the partnership with Unwell Network. Avery expresses immense gratitude for this collaboration, highlighting how Unwell will elevate their podcast without compromising ownership. She shares that other production companies had approached them, but Unwell's supportive and empowering approach resonated most with their vision.

Notable Quote:

"Unwell is just the most encouraging company because they really just want to boost us." – Avery Woods [03:29]

Avery emphasizes the importance of retaining ownership, especially since she and Scott are a dedicated two-person team who have poured their hearts into the podcast. The partnership with Unwell brings in additional resources and support, allowing them to aim for higher-profile guests and broader reach.

2. Focus on Mental Health

Timestamp: [05:02] – [14:20]

The core of the episode centers around mental health. Avery candidly shares her struggles over the past year, describing it as the hardest yet most successful period of her life. She humorously recounts drastic changes in her appearance, such as cutting and bleaching her hair, as manifestations of her mental distress.

Notable Quotes:

"I was mentally ill, everyone, and if you didn't notice, I had beautiful long hair down to my ass crack." – Avery Woods [00:45]

"Everyone was too busy being like, the hair looks so amazing. I'm like, hey, maybe let's look at like why she cut it." – Avery Woods [07:33]

Scott opens up about his own mental health challenges, highlighting his journey with anxiety and depression. He discusses his transition away from religious upbringing, which initially limited his avenues for seeking help, and how therapy and medication have transformed his well-being.

Notable Quote:

"I am on medication now. I'm on 50 milligrams of Lexapro. And it's been literally life-changing." – Scott [25:02]

Both Avery and Scott emphasize the importance of seeking professional help and the positive impact it has had on their lives. They also touch upon the stigma surrounding mental health, noting progress in societal openness while acknowledging ongoing issues like cancel culture.

3. Coping with Social Media and Setting Boundaries

Timestamp: [14:24] – [27:31]

Avery and Scott discuss the pervasive influence of social media on mental health. Avery shares her frustrations with online harassment, particularly on platforms like TikTok and Reddit, where coordinated efforts by certain groups led to negative reviews and personal attacks.

Notable Quotes:

"Our team tells me that every single Monday, people on my Reddit illegally downloaded the episodes... leaving one-star reviews and negative comments." – Avery Woods [19:44]

"I have created healthy boundaries with social media where I don't spend my day scrolling or comparing to people." – Avery Woods [26:32]

Scott echoes these sentiments, advocating for setting personal boundaries to protect mental health. They both highlight the necessity of focusing on supportive relationships and ignoring baseless negativity from strangers online.

Notable Quote:

"You are truly just protecting your mental health because if there's something that triggers you, well, don't put yourself in that environment." – Scott [27:00]

The hosts stress the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences and the empowering act of choosing not to engage with harmful online behavior.

4. Personal Anecdotes and Humor

Timestamp: [22:49] – [35:29]

Throughout the episode, Avery and Scott interweave personal stories and humor to illustrate their points. Avery humorously describes her attempts to maintain cleanliness and organization as coping mechanisms, while Scott shares light-hearted banter about their shared experiences.

Notable Quotes:

"I cleaned out all the trash, threw it away, washed the outside of the car, and vacuumed the crumbs. It took me maybe 20 minutes." – Avery Woods [28:25]

"People are so miserable. That's what I had to realize is A, I will never make everyone happy, B, you're damned if you do, damned if you don't." – Avery Woods [31:13]

These moments of levity provide a balance to the serious discussions, making the episode both engaging and relatable.

5. Future Goals and Personal Growth

Timestamp: [35:37] – [58:59]

In the latter part of the episode, Avery and Scott outline their personal goals for 2025 and beyond. Avery shares her commitment to maintaining both mental and physical health, continuing her Pilates routine, and focusing on family life. She also discusses her aspirations for the podcast, aiming to build an authentic and supportive community with Unwell's backing.

Notable Goals:

• Avery:

  • Continue Pilates to stay physically and mentally healthy.
  • Focus on family and personal projects.
  • Enhance the podcast's quality and reach with Unwell's support.

• Scott:

  • Further his studies in therapy.
  • Maintain control over anxiety without relying solely on coping mechanisms like edibles.

Notable Quote:

"My ins and outs for 2025 is I want to continue being in the best shape of my life, both mental and physical love." – Avery Woods [38:21]

They also discuss practical aspects of their lives, such as purchasing designer bags to symbolize their partnership with Unwell and planning family activities, which adds a personal touch to their professional aspirations.

6. Conclusion and Community Appreciation

Timestamp: [59:11] – [59:15]

Avery and Scott conclude the episode by expressing heartfelt gratitude to their listeners. They celebrate their affiliation with Unwell Network and look forward to the future with optimism and excitement.

Notable Quote:

"Cheers to being unwell." – Avery Woods & Scott [59:12]

This closing remark encapsulates the episode's theme of embracing vulnerability and the strength found in acknowledging one's struggles.

Overall Insights:

• Mental Health Advocacy: Avery and Scott use their platform to destigmatize mental health issues, encouraging listeners to seek help and prioritize their well-being.

• Navigating Social Media: They provide a realistic portrayal of the impact of social media on mental health, advocating for digital boundaries and resilience against online negativity.

• Authentic Storytelling: The hosts maintain authenticity by sharing personal stories, making the content relatable and engaging.

• Community and Support: The partnership with Unwell Network signifies a commitment to building a supportive community focused on mental health and personal growth.

This episode serves as a powerful testament to the importance of mental health awareness and the value of genuine connections in an increasingly digital world. Avery and Scott's openness fosters a sense of solidarity among listeners, inviting them to share in their journey toward healing and self-improvement.