Podcast Summary: CHEERS! with Avery Woods – Episode: "Thirty, Flirty + Thriving"

Release Date: April 21, 2025

Introduction

In the milestone episode titled "Thirty, Flirty + Thriving," host Avery Woods celebrates her 30th birthday by delving deep into the lessons she's learned over three decades of life. Joined by a special guest—likely a close friend or family member—Avery uses this occasion to share personal insights, reflect on her journey, and offer valuable advice to her listeners navigating their twenties and approaching their thirties.

Celebrating 30 Years: A Reflection

The episode kicks off with the guest expressing her excitement about turning thirty, emphasizing the significance of this new chapter. She reflects on the tumultuous and transformative experiences of her twenties, including major life events like marriage, motherhood, career changes, and personal growth.

Notable Quote:
"Thirty years old? That's crazy. Like, my dad called me this morning. He was like, I guess you're not my baby anymore. Like, you're 30 years old." (02:37)

30 Life Lessons Learned in 30 Years

The core of the episode revolves around the guest enumerating thirty pivotal lessons she's gleaned over her life. Below are some of the key lessons discussed:

1. Prioritize Sleep (00:49 - 08:04)
   Emphasizing the importance of sleep for overall health, the guest shares her struggles with insomnia postpartum and how edibles helped her achieve consistent rest. She highlights the cascading benefits of good sleep, such as improved energy levels and better health habits.

   Notable Quote:
   "Sleep is the most important thing for your health. I have struggled with sleep since I became a mom." (06:10)

2. Quality Over Quantity in Friendships (08:05 - 11:14)
   The guest underscores the value of having a small circle of trustworthy friends rather than a large network of superficial connections. She reflects on friendships that have stood the test of time, highlighting their unwavering support.

   Notable Quote:
   "If you have one good, quality friend, that's all you need." (11:14)

3. Life Continues and Flourishes After Having Kids (11:15 - 16:58)
   Challenging the notion that motherhood halts personal growth, she shares her journey of balancing parenthood with career advancements. She emphasizes that becoming a parent can be a catalyst for increased confidence and fulfillment.

   Notable Quote:
   "My life and my fulfillment in life did not take off until I became a mother." (14:45)

4. Embrace Your Education (16:59 - 27:25)
   Valuing education as an unassailable asset, the guest discusses the importance of academic achievements and how they shape one’s character and work ethic. She acknowledges that while higher education may not be for everyone, its benefits are undeniable.

   Notable Quote:
   "Education is one of the only things that someone cannot take away from you." (26:57)

5. Don’t Attempt to Change Others' Opinions (27:26 - 32:10)
   She candidly talks about the futility of trying to alter preconceived notions others have about her. By sharing personal experiences with online criticism, she advocates for self-acceptance and focusing on personal truth rather than external validation.

   Notable Quote:
   "Don't try to change yourself to satisfy somebody that hates you no matter what. What's the point of that?" (28:58)

6. Being the Better Person Always Pays Off (32:11 - 38:53)
   The guest advises maintaining integrity and choosing maturity over confrontation. By walking away from toxic situations, one preserves their peace and self-respect.

   Notable Quote:
   "If you're not changing something, you're choosing it." (33:31)

7. It’s Okay Not to Be Liked (38:54 - 48:39)
   Acknowledging the reality of not everyone liking you, especially in the public eye, she stresses the importance of self-worth and not seeking universal approval. She shares how overcoming public judgment has been pivotal in her personal growth.

   Notable Quote:
   "You cannot live for everyone's acceptance because not everyone's gonna like you. And that's okay." (50:32)

8. Avoid Comparison (48:40 - 53:34)
   Tackling the detrimental effects of comparison, especially amplified by social media, she encourages listeners to focus on their own paths. By limiting screen time and embracing the present moment, one can appreciate their achievements without undue comparison.

   Notable Quote:
   "Comparison destroys personality. You will never be happy in who you are." (52:52)

Mental Health and Self-Care

Interwoven throughout her lessons, the guest emphasizes the importance of mental health and self-care. She advocates for therapy as a tool for clarity and personal growth, not just for crisis management. By sharing her own mental health battles, she normalizes seeking professional help and prioritizing one’s emotional well-being.

Notable Quote:
"Therapy is not just for crisis, it's for clarity. You deserve better." (38:18)

Embracing the Present and Gratitude

As the episode draws to a close, the guest reflects on the significance of living in the moment and practicing gratitude. She recounts a touching birthday surprise from friends and family, reinforcing the joy found in genuine connections and present experiences.

Notable Quote:
"Live in the present. It's worth it, I promise." (53:14)

Conclusion

Avery Woods and her guest wrap up the episode with heartfelt birthday wishes, celebrating the milestones achieved and the exciting journey ahead. The episode serves as both a personal reflection and a motivational guide for listeners approaching their thirties, urging them to embrace their journeys with confidence, resilience, and gratitude.

Final Thought:
"I need to remember that I am so lucky to be in the position that I'm at. Sometimes when I'm having a hard time, I think back to 2020 and realize how far I've come." (48:43)

Key Takeaways

• Prioritize Your Well-being: Sleep and mental health are foundational to a fulfilling life.
• Cherish Quality Relationships: A few genuine friends are more valuable than numerous superficial connections.
• Embrace Life Changes: Motherhood and career shifts can be powerful catalysts for personal growth.
• Value Education and Self-Education: Continuous learning fosters resilience and adaptability.
• Self-Acceptance Over External Validation: Focus on your path and let go of others’ judgments.
• Practice Gratitude and Live in the Moment: Appreciate where you are to fully enjoy where you’re headed.

Relevant Quotes with Timestamps

1. "Sleep is the most important thing for your health." — (06:10)
2. "If you have one good, quality friend, that's all you need." — (11:14)
3. "My life did not take off until I became a mother." — (14:45)
4. "Education is one of the only things that someone cannot take away from you." — (26:57)
5. "Don't try to change yourself to satisfy somebody that hates you." — (28:58)
6. "If you're not changing something, you're choosing it." — (33:31)
7. "You cannot live for everyone's acceptance because not everyone's gonna like you." — (50:32)
8. "Comparison destroys personality. You will never be happy in who you are." — (52:52)

Final Birthday Greetings

The episode concludes with an emotional birthday tribute from family and friends, celebrating Avery Woods' transition into her thirties with love, support, and well-wishes for continued success and happiness.

Conclusion

"Thirty, Flirty + Thriving" is a heartfelt and insightful episode that combines personal anecdotes with universal life lessons. Avery Woods and her guest offer a candid exploration of adulthood, highlighting the balance between personal fulfillment, relationships, and self-care. This episode serves as an inspiring guide for listeners embarking on their own journeys into their thirties, encouraging them to embrace growth, prioritize well-being, and cherish meaningful connections.