Podcast Summary: “finding joy | avery woods”

Podcast: CHEERS! with Avery Woods
Host: Avery Woods
Date: January 26, 2026

Episode Overview

This heartfelt episode of “CHEERS! with Avery Woods” focuses on the art of finding joy in life’s ordinary moments, especially as a busy working mom. After a previous episode centered on mental health struggles, Avery shifts towards positivity: she reflects on personal sources of joy and invites her listeners (via Instagram) to share the little things that bring them happiness. The conversation ranges from candid stories of motherhood and marriage to lighthearted moments and grounding routines, carrying a tone that is both raw and uplifting.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why Focus on Joy?

• Avery opens by acknowledging that it’s easy to dwell on the negative, but much harder (and more valuable) to notice the simple, everyday sparks of happiness.
• Journaling and gratitude practices help her recognize small joys, which are often overlooked but crucial for wellbeing.

  “I feel like finding the smallest things in life to make you smile and happy are what life's all about.” (01:00)

2. The Joys (and Trials) of Motherhood

• Avery delves into parenting her two kids, Ziggy (7) and Stevie (4), sharing both challenges (e.g., Stevie’s sleep regression) and joys (bedtime cuddles, breakfast giggles, watching their personalities blossom).

  “Just laying down with my kids at night and them smiling at me and saying, ‘I love you, mama.’ Like that is something that brings me joy every single day.” (01:00-02:30)

• She reflects on the unique experience of being a working mom, the value of solidarity among moms of all backgrounds, and the importance of letting go of negativity wherever possible.

  “We’re all moms and we should all be on the same team. And it truly does take a village to raise kind and wonderful human beings in this world, especially in such a harsh world.” (03:00)

  Memorable Parenting Moments

  • Stevie’s Sleep Regression: Story of adapting to new sleep patterns (air mattress in Avery’s bedroom) and finding comfort in unexpected routines (04:00-07:00).
  • Children’s Innocence: Ziggy’s emotional response to learning about Martin Luther King Jr. and equality at school (20:00-21:45).

    “He was hysterical in school and said, ‘I just don't understand why the peach skin people are so mean to the brown people...’” (20:00)

3. Finding Joy in Routines and Everyday Life

• Avery describes her packed schedule: making school runs, helping with extracurricular activities, and balancing work—all of which, while chaotic, are privileges she once only dreamed of during long nursing shifts.

  “I do find so much joy in being a carpool mom... To be able to have the ability every day to take them to school, drop them off, take them to every extracurricular... I’m just so grateful for that.” (13:45-16:00)

• She explains how routines (morning rituals, workouts, even making the bed) anchor her happiness and mental health.

4. The Role of Community & Friendship

• Avery shares the delight of forming authentic mom friendships through her children’s school.

  “It brought me so much joy to just, you know, when we’re all talking, we’re like, wow, our kids are going to graduate high school together. Like, this is crazy...” (28:00)

• She contrasts friendships made offline with those through social media. While grateful for connections social media has brought, Avery notes the relief and authenticity she feels with friends met outside of the “influencer” world (32:00).

5. Appreciation for Her Marriage

• Avery highlights the importance of small acts of service and partnership with her husband, David, reflecting on how their teamwork has been foundational—especially after David left law enforcement to support their family and her career.

  “He said something to me the other day and he's like, ‘My duty and role right now in this stage in our life is to make your life easier and to help alleviate you.’ And that was such a powerful statement to hear.” (37:45)

• She stresses friendship as the cornerstone of a lasting marriage and the comfort that comes with sharing goals and workloads (40:00-41:30).

6. Simple Pleasures and Listener Submissions

• Avery reads joyful moments submitted by listeners, weaving in her own responding stories, including:
  • The contentment of morning routines
  • Reading a great book
  • Scrapbooking and physical memories
  • The feeling of sun on a cold day

    “Feeling the sun on your skin, it heals you. Same with grounding.” (45:00)

  • Enjoying slow weekends, coloring, pickleball, coastal drives, retail therapy, and more
• She advocates for body movement and exercise as essential mood boosters, sharing that even after tough nights, a morning workout can “revitalize” her day (48:51).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On finding joy in the everyday:

  “You don’t need a promotion or a raise or some huge life event to bring you joy...” (02:00)

• On parenting with empathy:

  “The innocence of children should be studied because I feel like if we as adults kept that childhood innocence, the world would be so much better.” (19:45)

• On marriage and partnership:

  “We really are a team. And I joke around and call him my business manager because he really does manage everything behind the scenes and I’m so grateful for that.” (39:00)

• On maintaining routines:

  “Routines truly help me with, like, my anxiety, my mental health. I just feel like I'm always thriving in routine.” (43:00)

• On the podcast’s impact:

  “Even if one of you, if one person gets joy from listening to my podcast, deal’s done. Worth it.” (47:15)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Starting the Conversation on Joy: 01:00-03:00
• Motherhood’s Ups & Downs (Stevie’s Sleep Regression): 04:00-07:00
• Children, School, and Building Community: 13:45-28:00
• Ziggy’s Empathy & the Power of Innocence: 20:00-21:45
• Friendship and the Value of Offline Connections: 28:00-32:00
• Marriage as Partnership: 37:39-41:30
• Listener Joy Submissions & Rapid-Fire Joys: 43:00-52:45

Tone & Style

Avery’s tone is warm, candid, uplifting, and frequently self-deprecating in the best way. She weaves real talk (“I’m so tired. I’m drinking way too much caffeine and it’s making me way too anxious.”) with big-picture wisdom on gratitude and kindness. The storytelling is direct, conversational, sprinkled with laughter, f-bombs, and honest admissions, making listeners feel like close friends.

Conclusion

Avery’s “finding joy” episode is a vibrant blend of vulnerable storytelling and actionable positivity. She emphasizes recognizing little joys, staying grounded in routine, cherishing authentic relationships, and not just surviving, but truly savoring the fullness of parenting, marriage, and community. Listeners are left with a sense of both lightness and encouragement to seek out the simple, hidden joys in their own daily lives.