CHEERS! with Avery Woods

Episode: single mom slay | layla taylor
Date: November 17, 2025
Host: Avery Woods
Guest: Layla Leanne Taylor

Overview

In this episode, Avery Woods sits down for an honest, intimate conversation with Layla Leanne Taylor—reality TV star, influencer, and single mom. Together, they delve into Layla’s journey through divorce, single motherhood, reality TV fame, body image, friendship, and reclaiming her confidence. With refreshing candor, Layla opens up about overcoming toxic relationships, navigating co-parenting, setting boundaries around privacy, and the pressures (and perks) of being in the public eye. The discussion highlights resilience, self-advocacy, and the importance of female solidarity.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Layla’s Divorce & Toxic Marriage

[01:27–04:22]

• Layla recounts moving to Utah at 18, rushing into marriage after becoming pregnant, and entering a toxic relationship with constant fighting.
  • “It was a toxic relationship from the start. We didn't have, like, a solid foundation built. And then fought constantly our whole entire marriage over like, the littlest things. ... And we honestly hated each other.” – Layla ([01:57])
• Her ex frequently threatened divorce as a control tactic, despite Layla’s efforts to avoid repeating her own family's history with divorce.
• She finally demanded he leave and secured a divorce after a lengthy, uncontested legal process.
  • “If you're gonna keep doing this, like, actually fudge you, like, we're gonna get divorced. And I told him to get his shit and get out of my house and never look back.” – Layla ([03:15])

Navigating Co-parenting & Judgment

[04:22–06:55] | [21:21–23:12]

• Layla shares the co-parenting challenges, noting her ex criticizes her career and accuses her of neglecting their kids, calling her work "the devil's work."
  • “He calls my job the devil's work. He thinks that my show and my social media is Satan’s work.” – Layla ([04:59])
• Avery relates and condemns the double standard against working mothers, especially in the public eye.
  • “If a man was on a business trip, would you say this to them? Absolutely not. But to get shame from your own children's father is so wrong.” – Avery ([06:41])
• Both agree intentional time with kids outweighs the quantity of time, and kids will ultimately see and appreciate their mothers’ efforts.

Life After Divorce: Transformation & Growth

[06:55–08:30] | [52:45–53:59]

• Layla reflects on her evolution since Season 1 of her reality show, moving from feeling "a shell of a human" to finding her voice.
  • “I was absolutely fighting for my life every single day…and then showing up to a scene talking about girl drama. I'm sorry, that was not at the forefront of my mind.” – Layla ([07:32])
  • “I'm proud of myself going into [Season] three that I was able to speak up in rooms and …not let people talk down to me.” – Layla ([08:17])
• She discusses the impact of trauma and therapy on her confidence and ability to advocate for herself.
• “I think I'm just able to advocate for myself more. I feel like I'm finally finding my voice and being able to speak up and just be more true to who I am. I feel like I've always been this but just been too scared to show it.” – Layla ([52:45])

Sex, Body Image & Normalizing Women’s Experiences

[08:30–16:38]

• Layla candidly discusses having never experienced an orgasm with a prior partner and the overwhelming resonance from women who related.
  • “I had thousands of DMs from women being like ‘I experienced this. I've been married for 20 years. Still haven't…thank you for talking about this.’” – Layla ([08:58])
• Lively talk on normalizing sexual needs, vibrators, and the gendered double standard around discussing female pleasure.
• Both get real about postpartum bodies, plastic surgery (tummy tuck, boob job, nose job), and scrutiny from the public.
  • “If we don't say anything, then we're lying…Damned if you do, damned if you don't.” – Avery ([17:34])
  • “It's her body. Why do you care what this woman is doing with her body?” – Layla ([16:13])

Privacy & Boundaries in the Digital Age

[23:24–27:17]

• Layla describes a harrowing breach of privacy when a cleaning company’s employee posted photos inside her home (including her kids’ faces) on social media, and items went missing.
  • “You're in my bedroom or just like my safe place…you're not going to do anything to, like, test my kids.” – Layla ([25:45], [27:09])
• The discussion turns to NDAs, mom instincts, and protecting children from the darker side of internet fame.
  • “My priority at the end of the day: I'll be the biggest mama bear…you're not going to do anything to, like, test my kids.” – Layla ([27:09])

Life in the Spotlight & Reality TV Dynamics

[28:03–44:15]

• Inside look at cast shakeups, producer manipulation, “truth-telling” on set, friendships, feuds, and the challenge of being authentic on reality TV.
  • “When you're on this experience, you need to realize that your dirty laundry is going to come out at some point.” – Layla ([30:07])
• Layla previews Season Three as “chaotic, surprising, and questions” ([30:46]) and discusses being unfairly labeled “boring” in earlier seasons due to personal struggles.
• Breakdowns of friendships and drama, especially regarding the Jesse/Marciano affair situation (starting [31:26]).
• Social media’s effect on self-image; Layla and Avery highlight the specific pressures on women and the need for candid conversations about motherhood, sex, and surgery.

Friendship, Forgiveness & Setting Boundaries

[53:54–54:31] | [38:19–41:43]

• Layla talks candidly about why she’s not friends with Demi anymore and what she’s learned about forgiveness and grace.
  • “We're human and we're all gonna fuck up…just know that that was, like, a little girl or at one point in their life, and they're still learning just like I am, and just try to give people grace.” – Layla ([53:59])
  • “For a long time, everyone in this group would always excuse Demi's behavior …[but] it's the same thing...you see the patterns again. ...At this point, it's almost a character flaw.” – Layla ([40:26])

Handling Criticism & Remaining Authentic

[44:15–45:09] | [50:16–51:59]

• Layla remains steadfast about being honest, undeterred by online hate and cancel culture.
  • “If you don’t like me for what I say, then sorry, there’s somebody else out there that does. And if it doesn’t serve you, then that’s great, but I’m serving myself by being true to who I am.” – Layla ([44:58])
• Avery and Layla agree on the value of authenticity, especially for mothers breaking the “Real Housewives” mold as self-made providers.
• “Anyone watching it could do what they did. They could all start social media. They could all make a shit ton of money and support their kids.” – Avery ([51:45])

Opportunities, Dreams & Looking Ahead

[54:31–55:28]

• Layla reflects on career highlights, from walking Swim Week to collaborating with CupShe.
• She shares her ambition to pursue full-time modeling and dreams of being a runway model.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Divorce & Empowerment:
  • “I told him to get his shit and get out of my house and never look back.” – Layla ([03:15])
• On Working Moms & Double Standards:
  • “If a man was on a business trip, would you say this to them? Absolutely not. But to get shame from your own children's father is so wrong.” – Avery ([06:41])
• On Speaking Up After Trauma:
  • “I was a shell of a human season one…Now I finally do…and I don’t know how to shut up, actually.” – Layla ([07:32], [31:12])
• On Women’s Sexuality:
  • “No woman talks about like the lack of ability to have an orgasm...It’s so common and so many women experience it.” – Layla ([08:52])
• On Plastic Surgery & Public Scrutiny:
  • “Usually it’s people that are pissed that she looks so hot. Same with you.” – Avery ([16:38])
• On Privacy Breaches:
  • “It was her overlay on the Snapchat…in the background are these huge family photos of your kids' faces.” – Avery ([24:33])
• On Forgiveness and Friendship:
  • “We're human and we're all gonna fuck up...try to give people grace.” – Layla ([53:59])
• On Authenticity:
  • “I try to honestly show up as real as I can. I feel like who I am on TV is who I am in real life to a limit.” – Layla ([50:16])

Season 3 Preview & Cast Dynamics

[28:03–32:49]

• Cast shake-ups: Whitney and Demi left, Miranda’s status is uncertain, and Jen is taking a break, leading to a “very unsettled” on-screen dynamic.
• Layla is seen as a “truth teller” but says most cast relationships are stable, especially with bestie Miranda.
• Season Three is described as “chaotic, surprising, and questions” ([30:46]).
• The big cliffhanger: Jesse’s alleged affair, the fallout, and the ethical challenges when reality TV collides with real life.
  • “If you have skeletons in your closet, you need to be okay with them being on the show and coming to light. And if you’re not, then this world isn’t for you.” – Layla ([30:07])

Personal Life, Relationships, and Fame

[34:21–38:19]

• Layla confirms she's now dating Mason (her friend’s ex-husband’s brother) and explains why it isn’t complicated despite the overlap.
  • “Went on maybe, like, three dates in total [with Chase, the brother]. Obviously had sex a couple times, but it was never anything, like, deep. …That’s why I feel like it was fine for me and Mason.” – Layla ([36:17])
• Life in the spotlight makes Layla hyper-conscious of privacy, intentions behind relationships, future planning for her kids, and fame’s perks (and challenges).

Faith, Values & Confidence

[43:53–45:09]

• Layla, a convert to Mormonism, now describes her beliefs as spiritual more than religious.
  • “I feel like I'm more spiritually driven than anything. ... We live on a floating rock, and I just try not to think too much into it, honestly.” – Layla ([43:58])
• She’s steadfast about saying what’s on her mind.
  • “I think everyone's gonna hate you. Even if you do everything right and you try to appease everybody...what purpose are you doing for yourself?” – Layla ([44:37])

Rapid Fire & Fun

[55:43–60:56]

• Favorite coffee: Venti iced blonde white mocha with no whip ([55:49])
• Go-to good mood song: "Buttons" by Pussycat Dolls ([56:30])
• Biggest mom hack: “Screen time. You need a break.” ([58:00])
• Reality show she'd join: Kardashians or Traitors ([59:50])
• Dream girls’ trip location: Somewhere tropical, like Mexico or Tulum ([60:18])

Timestamps for Notable Segments

• [01:27] – Layla’s marriage, divorce, and boundaries
• [06:55] – Reclaiming self and thriving after divorce
• [08:30] – Women’s pleasure and body talk
• [23:24] – House privacy breach, NDAs, and protecting kids
• [30:46] – “Three words to describe Season Three”
• [31:26–32:49] – Jesse/Marciano affair revelation and fallout
• [40:26] – Why Layla distanced from Demi
• [43:58] – Faith, spirituality, and authenticity
• [52:45] – Growth and self-advocacy
• [55:43] – Rapid fire favorites and mom tips

Final Notes

This episode offers an unfiltered look at the ever-complex reality of being a single mom, a public figure, and a woman supporting herself and her family, all while navigating the sometimes cutthroat world of reality TV. Layla’s vulnerability, humor, and strength shine through, offering hope and solidarity to anyone facing judgment or big life changes.

Connect with Layla:
Instagram: @laylaleannetaylor

End of Summary