Awf The Record
Mona Kosar Abdi and Jeannette Reyes host candid conversations with industry disruptors and cultural tastemakers, exploring the intersection of media, culture, and society. The show lives between the news of the day and the group chat, offering an unfiltered perspective.
Episodes
[Go Awf] The Biggest Lie Social Media Tells Us About Love | Kier Gaines
How do you stop the internet from affecting your relationship? In this segment of Awf The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi talk with Kier Gaines about how social media can quietly shape the way we see love. Kier breaks down the difference between healthy comparison and harmful comparison, why online couples should not become the standard, and how repeated messages about relationships ca
When Resentment Turns Your Partner Into the Enemy
Join The Press Club by AWF The Record for exclusive conversations, guided challenges, and a community of women building careers, businesses, and lives on their own terms: https://www.patreon.com/c/AWFTheRecordIn this episode of Awf The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi sit down with therapist and instant New York Times bestselling author Kier Gaines for a raw, honest conversation about v
[Go Awf] How a Professional Matchmaker Vets Your Future Partner Before the First Date
Tennesha Wood takes Mona and Jeannette inside her matchmaking process, from two-hour interviews and home tours to reference checks and conversations about money, family, therapy, sex and past relationships. She also explains why someone who is overly focused on looks can be a dating red flag, why chemistry can grow over time, and why she refuses to create relationships built solely around beauty a
Top Matchmaker: The Dating Standards Keeping Successful Women Single
What happens when you’ve built the career, earned the degree, bought the house, and still haven’t found the relationship you want?Professional matchmaker Tennesha Wood joins Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi for a reality check on the modern dating market, especially for high-achieving Black women. Tennesha breaks down what men and women are actually asking for, why accomplishments don’t automat
[Go Awf] How To Help Family Without Draining Your Future | Vivian Tu
What do you do when you become your family’s financial safety net? In this segment of Awf The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi talk with Vivian Tu about the pressure of being the person everyone turns to when money gets tight, especially in immigrant families and communities of color. Vivian explains why constantly giving from your own savings can keep you from building the future that
Rich BFF Vivian Tu: Why You Still Feel Broke Even When You Make Good Money
In this episode of Awf The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi welcome Vivian Tu, aka CEO and Founder of Your Rich BFF and Ask Dolly, for a no-fluff conversation about why so many people still feel broke even when they are making good money. Vivian breaks down the money blueprint most of us inherited, why working hard is no longer enough, and how asset ownership, investing, budgeting, and
[Go Awf] Reesa Teesa on Dating After Deception and Learning to Trust Again
How do you date again after someone used vulnerability as a strategy? In this segment of Awf The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi talk with Reesa Teesa about trust, dating, and the psychological aftermath of being deceived by someone who seemed to say all the right things. Reesa reflects on how her ex “beat her to the story,” sharing false details about past relationships, therapy, and
Reesa Teesa: How to Spot a Pathological Liar Before You Marry One
In this episode of Awf The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi sit down with Reesa Teesa to talk about life after the viral Who TF Did I Marry? series, the red flags she missed, the shame that kept her silent, and the healing she is still walking through in real time. Reesa opens up about dating from potential instead of reality, realizing she had married a pathological liar, and why the f
[Go Awf] Norman Baker on Wendy Williams’ Legacy, Final Season & Sherri Shepherd
What did we really lose when The Wendy Williams Show ended? In this segment of Awf The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi sit down with former Wendy Williams producer Norman Baker to reflect on the cultural force Wendy created, the final season that left the team in limbo, and why no one has been able to fill the space she left behind. Norman opens up about Wendy’s brilliance, her fearles
Wendy Williams’ Former Producer Breaks His Silence on the Final Days and New Documentaries
What really happened behind the scenes during the final days of The Wendy Williams Show?In this episode of Awf The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi sit down with former Wendy Williams producer Norman Baker for an inside look at one of daytime television’s most unforgettable cultural eras. Norman opens up about moving to New York with $100, getting his start as a receptionist, earning We
[Rewind] Top Plastic Surgeon: The Secret Procedure Your Favorite Celebrity Is Hiding
This episode originally aired on 04/16/2026What are celebrities actually getting done… and why does everyone suddenly look younger?In this episode of Awf The Record, top Beverly Hills facial plastic surgeon Dr. Carl Truesdale pulls back the curtain on modern plastic surgery, from facelifts and fillers to the “undetectable” glow ups taking over Hollywood.He breaks down the biggest misconceptions ab
[Go Awf] Aliza Kelly on Celebrity Birth Charts, Astrology Apps & Why Astrology Went Mainstream
Astrology may feel like a Gen Z obsession, but celebrity astrologer Aliza Kelly says the conversation has been happening for generations. In this segment of Awf The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi talk with Aliza about how astrology evolved from sun sign horoscopes and ’60s compatibility culture into today’s birth chart readings, apps, and celebrity astrology. Aliza shares how technolo
Celebrity Astrologer: What Your Birth Chart Reveals About Your Love Life & Who You Really Are
What if astrology is less about predicting your future, and more about finally having language for who you are?In this episode of Awf The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi sit down with celebrity astrologer Aliza Kelly for a funny, fascinating, and surprisingly personal crash course in astrology. Aliza breaks down what astrology is and what it is not, why your birth chart is more than ju
[Go Awf] How To Know If You’re The Problem In Friendships with Danielle Bayard-Jackson
What if the reason you feel drained in friendships is not that everyone else is taking, but because you learned to give in order to earn love? In this segment of Awf The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi sit down with friendship expert Danielle Bayard-Jackson to unpack overgiving, oversharing, one-sided friendships, and the patterns that can make women feel like they are always the one d
Top Friendship Expert: The Red Flags Hiding in Your Friend Group
Why does making and keeping friends as an adult feel so much harder than it used to?In this episode of Awf The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi sit down with friendship expert and author Danielle Bayard-Jackson for a real conversation about female friendship, loneliness, vulnerability, jealousy, friendship breakups, and the quiet ways high-achieving women can end up isolated. Danielle b
[Go Awf] Attachment Styles and the Signs a Relationship May Not Last
How do you know if the problem is yours, theirs, or something happening between both of you? In this segment, therapist Melissa Dumaz joins Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi to break down the relationship patterns that often show up in couples work. She explains why some fights are not really about the relationship itself, but about unresolved issues each person brings into the room, and why a m
COUPLES THERAPIST: The #1 Relationship Mistake You're Making Without Realizing It | Melissa Dumaz
What if the biggest threat to your relationship is not one big betrayal, but the quiet habits, assumptions, and unspoken expectations slowly wearing the love down?In this episode of Awf The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi sit down with licensed marriage and family therapist Melissa Dumaz for a raw, honest conversation about modern love, marriage, dating, conflict, vulnerability, and th
[Go Awf] Recho Omondi on Why She Stopped Giving Her Work Away for Free
Recho Omondi did not build The Cutting Room Floor overnight. She built it through years of unpaid work, uncertainty, live events, viral episodes, creative conviction, and a deep belief that good work deserves real support. In this segment, Recho joins Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi to unpack the grind behind her creator journey, from launching the podcast in 2018 with $400 worth of equipment
The $55K Job Post That Blew Up Her Business — and Made It Bigger | Recho Omondi, The Cutting Room Floor
Recho Omondi did not build The Cutting Room Floor overnight. She built it through years of unpaid work, uncertainty, live events, viral episodes, creative conviction, and a deep belief that good work deserves real support.In this segment, Recho joins Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi to unpack the grind behind her creator journey, from launching the podcast in 2018 with $400 worth of equipment t
[Rewind] How To Become THAT Girl: Style, Dating Coaches & The Real Glow Up Formula
In this episode of Awf The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi sit down with Jodie Taylor, corporate strategist, DEI leader at Sony Music, and digital creator with over half a million followers, to unpack the strategy behind becoming your highest self.Jodie shares how a devastating season of loss, heartbreak, layoffs, and friendship breakups forced her to completely reevaluate her life. In
[Go Awf] Scot Louie on TikTok Trends, Personal Style & Buying Belonging
Scot Louie has no problem saying what everyone else is thinking: fashion has been TikTokified. In this segment, Scot joins Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi to unpack how trends, influencer culture, luxury bags, clean girl aesthetics, and unboxing videos have changed the way people think about personal style. He gets candid about the difference between having things and having style, why so many
Hollywood's Diva Director Teaches Taste, Trends & Timeless Style | Scot Louie
Celebrity stylist and self-proclaimed Director of the Divas Scot Louie is taking the group chat to fashion school.In this episode of Awf The Record, Scot joins Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi for a masterclass on personal style, taste, body type, red carpet strategy, and what it really takes to become unforgettable. From styling stars like Kehlani, Ryan Destiny, and Beyoncé to building his own
[Go Awf] Cari Champion on Sexism, First Take & The Boys’ Club
Cari Champion knew what it felt like to be watched, judged, and picked apart before she was ever fully allowed to speak. In this segment, Cari opens up about her time at ESPN and First Take, where she says everything from her outfits to her makeup to her presence on screen was scrutinized. She reflects on being told to tone it down, navigating the boys’ club, and learning that visibility in sports
Cari Champion on ESPN's Boys Club, Public Criticism & Breaking Barriers
Cari Champion has never been afraid to speak her mind, even when the room made it clear she was supposed to stay quiet.In this episode of Awf The Record, Cari joins Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi for a raw conversation about journalism, sports media, career reinvention, and what it really costs to be a Black woman who refuses to shrink. She opens up about starting as a one-man band in local n
[Go Awf] Kennedy Ryan on Why Publishing Keeps Underestimating Black Women
Kennedy Ryan knows exactly who she’s writing for, and she refuses to let publishing’s outdated assumptions shrink that vision. In this segment, Kennedy opens up about centering Black women on the page, on the cover, and in the audience, even when the industry suggests that doing so could limit sales or mainstream appeal. She breaks down why Black women are not a niche market, but a powerful reader
NYT Bestselling Author Kennedy Ryan: Black Love, Romance & "The Bar Is in Hell"
New York Times bestselling author Kennedy Ryan is not just writing romance. She is writing Black women into love stories where they are centered, desired, protected, and loved outrageously.In this episode of Awf The Record, Kennedy joins Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi to talk about the craft, conviction, and cost behind her work. She opens up about getting her first book deal at 40, why roman
[Rewind] The Secret to Building Habits That Actually Stick
This episode originally aired on 04/14/2026What does it really take to rebrand your life? In this episode of Awf The Record, Mona and Jeannette sit down with Les, host of the Balanced Black Girl podcast, to talk about reinvention, discipline, and stepping into the person you want to be.Les shares her journey of rebranding—not as a one-time makeover, but as a daily commitment to intentional growth.
[Rewind] Ivy League Dating Coach: This Habit Separates Rich Men From Broke Men
This episode originally aired on 04/10/2026 Dating isn’t just about having chemistry or “vibes”—it’s actually data. In this eye-opening episode of Awf The Record, dating and relationship expert Anwar White joins Jeannette and Mona to break down the real numbers behind modern dating—and why Black and Brown women need a different playbook.From match rates to money, Anwar exposes the hard truths abou
[Go Awf] Top Etiquette Expert Reveals Habits That Make You Instantly More Confident
Etiquette is not about being stiff, fake, or elitist. It is about knowing how to move through a room, make people feel seen, and carry yourself with confidence. In this segment, etiquette expert Elaine Swann breaks down the everyday habits that can instantly change how people experience you, from giving a proper handshake to greeting people, making a graceful exit, and commanding presence without
Top Etiquette Expert: The Signals You're Sending That Are Costing You
“Etiquette, and the concept behind it, is accessible, and it's for everyone.” – Elaine SwannIn this episode of Awf The Record, Elaine joins Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi for a crash course in modern etiquette, from fine dining, networking, Zoom meetings, and corporate happy hours to dating, ghosting, apologies, compliments, and navigating luxury spaces without feeling like you do not b
[Go Awf] WeezyWTF on Sex, Shame & Why Marriage Still Validates Women
WeezyWTF gets honest about shame, sexuality, marriage, and the rules society still places on women. She reflects on growing up confident enough to reject outside judgment, building a community that made sexual liberation feel safe, and realizing even she had internalized hierarchies around sex, promiscuity, and respectability. From sugar dating to bisexuality, non-monogamy, marriage, and the press
I turned down $300K | WeezyWTF on Sex, Open Relationships & Building a Media Empire
How do you build a multimillion-dollar brand without watering yourself down?In this episode of Awf The Record, podcast powerhouse and entrepreneur WeezyWTF joins Mona and Jeannette for one of her most candid conversations yet. From launching Horrible Decisions as a side project while working in tech sales to building podcast studios, fitness brands, and a bestselling career, Weezy explains why aut
[Go Awf] Christiana Mbakwe Medina on Diddy, Tyra Banks & 2000s Hustle Culture
In this segment, Christiana Mebakwe Medina breaks down why our cultural standards around fame, work, and accountability have shifted since the 2000s. From Making the Band and Tyra Banks to Diddy, MeToo, Black Lives Matter, workplace power dynamics, and the rollback of DEI, Christiana explores how pop culture reflects the systems we live in, but rarely changes them without policy behind it. She cha
The Death Of Celebrity Mystique: What Bad Bunny, Beyoncé & The Kardashians Reveal About Modern Fame
In this episode of Awf the Record, culture critic and Pop Syllabus creator Christiana Mbakwe Medina joins Mona Kosar Abdi and Jeannette Reyes for a sharp, layered conversation on modern fame, celebrity mystique, pop culture, and the systems hiding underneath our favorite headlines.Using Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, The Kardashians, Tyra Banks, Diddy, Taylor Swift, Zendaya, Rihanna, Chappell Roan, Timothée
[Go Awf] Laura Coates on Why She Left Prosecution
In this powerful segment, Laura Coates opens up about her time as a federal prosecutor and the complicated reality of pursuing justice from inside the system. She reflects on why Black and brown communities deserve prosecutors who understand their lived experiences, the emotional weight of victim advocacy, and the courtroom moment involving a deportation warrant that shook her to her core. Laura s
Why Hard Work Isn’t Enough Anymore | CNN Anchor Laura Coates
On today’s Awf The Record, CNN anchor, attorney, and legal analyst Laura Coates joins the group chat for a powerful conversation about purpose, pivots, and what it really takes to build a life that feels true to you.Laura opens up about leaving the Department of Justice (DOJ), the moment her husband’s fear during a police stop became a wake-up call, and why “informational activism” became her way
[Go Awf] Jaz Turner on the Messy Middle of Becoming Your Best Self
In this segment, Jaz Turner gets honest about the “messy middle” of self-growth, the part that does not look like green juice, Pilates, or a perfectly curated morning routine. She shares how rebuilding starts with small daily choices like journaling, faith, movement, and learning how to pour into yourself first. From leaving law school to redefining self-care as a love letter to herself, Jaz remin
Glow Up Coach: A Step-By-Step Guide To Reinventing Yourself In 30 Days
What does a real glow up actually look like?In this episode of Awf The Record, Mona Kosar Abdi and Jeannette Reyes sit down with lifestyle entrepreneur and digital creator Jaz Turner, whose thoughtful approach to self-investment, wellness, and intentional living has built a global audience of more than one million followers.But Jaz’s story didn’t begin with morning routines and glow-up advice.Befo
[Go Awf] Eboni K. Williams Explains Why Relationships Are an Economy
In this segment from the Eboni K. Williams interview, Eboni breaks down why relationships, appearance, marriage, motherhood, and opportunity all operate within real social “marketplaces.” From Michelle Obama’s recent comments on appearance as currency to the controversy around advising women to prioritize partnership earlier, Eboni challenges listeners to think less about what feels fair and more
The #1 Way Women Lower Their Dating Currency | Eboni K. Williams
In this episode of AWF The Record, attorney, TV host, author, and Judge Eboni star Eboni K. Williams joins the group chat for an unfiltered conversation on dating standards, the infamous “bus driver” controversy, single motherhood by choice, and why she refuses to apologize for being clear about what she wants.From her time on Real Housewives of New York to navigating public backlash, Eboni opens
[Go Awf] Sergio Hudson on The Hidden Costs of Scaling a Fashion Brand
What does it really take to build a successful fashion brand?In this segment, fashion designer Sergio Hudson breaks down the reality of the fashion industry, from scaling a small brand to navigating luxury retail stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus. He shares the hidden costs of production, the risks of wholesale, and why many fashion brands struggle to survive.This convers
Sergio Hudson: Michelle Obama, Beyoncé & The Brutal Truth About Black Designers
In this episode of AWF The Record, legendary fashion designer Sergio Hudson opens up about the journey from small-town South Carolina to dressing some of the most powerful women in the world, including Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, Kamala Harris, and Kendall Jenner.Known for his razor-sharp tailoring, sculpted silhouettes, and unapologetic glamour, Sergio gets candid about the defining moment that chan
[Go Awf] How Nick Cannon and Kevin Hart Helped Jess Hilarious Navigate a Cutthroat Industry
Who do you turn to when the industry gets brutal?In this segment, Jess Hilarious opens up about the mentors who helped shape her career, from Nick Cannon’s support to Kevin Hart’s unfiltered advice on handling controversy and staying authentic. She shares what she learned about navigating fame, dealing with criticism, and why not everyone deserves access to you.Jess also reflects on the importance
Jess Hilarious: Postpartum struggles, The Breakfast Club Tension, and Finding her Voice
In this episode of AWF The Record, Jess Hilarious opens up about the realities of postpartum, navigating a major career shift with The Breakfast Club, and what it actually takes to find your voice in an industry that’s constantly watching.From waking up at 3:30 AM for radio to becoming a published author, Jess reflects on her journey from viral comedian to mainstream media personality. She shares
[Go Awf] Rachel Lindsay on The Pressures & Realities of Being the First Black Bachelorette
In this episode, Rachel Lindsay gets real about what it was actually like to become the first Black Bachelorette. She talks about finding out while she was literally in the middle of a jury trial, getting thrown into late-night TV and Good Morning America, and the moment it hit her that life would never go back to “normal.” Rachel opens up about the pressure of representing Black America on such a
Rachel Lindsay: First Black Bachelorette Reveals What Really Happened in Her Marriage
On today’s episode of Awf The Record, Former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay opens up about everything the audience didn’t see: navigating fame as the first Black lead, the pressure of representing an entire culture, and the reality behind a highly public marriage and divorce.From walking away from law for a life she never planned, to realizing love alone isn’t enough, Rachel shares the truth about id
[Go Awf] Your Top Plastic Surgery Questions Answered | Facelifts, Fillers, and Trends
What are people actually getting done… and why does everyone suddenly look younger?In this segment, Dr. Carl Truesdale breaks down the reality behind modern plastic surgery, from facelifts and fillers to the techniques behind today’s most natural-looking transformations. He explains why results have improved so dramatically, how trends are shaped by social media, and why the goal is no longer to l
Top Plastic Surgeon: The Secret Procedure Your Favorite Celebrity Is Hiding
What are celebrities actually getting done… and why does everyone suddenly look younger?In this episode of Awf The Record, top Beverly Hills facial plastic surgeon Dr. Carl Truesdale pulls back the curtain on modern plastic surgery, from facelifts and fillers to the “undetectable” glow ups taking over Hollywood.He breaks down the biggest misconceptions about plastic surgery, why natural results ar
[Go Awf] KevOnStage on Embracing Failure, Getting Cancelled, and Staying Relevant
What does failure really look like when you’re already successful?In this candid segment, KevOnStage breaks down why failure is not the opposite of success, it is the path to it. From deals falling apart to Hollywood saying no, Kevin shares the real story behind building a creator career in today’s digital landscape.He also opens up about getting dragged online, navigating cancel culture, and the
KevOnStage: on Failure, Fame, and Staying Relevant
What does it actually take to build a creative empire without losing yourself in the process?In this episode of Awf The Record, KevOnStage (Kevin Fredericks) gets real about the journey from posting skits online to building a full-scale media company. From viral success to real-life responsibilities, Kevin Fredericks opens up about what people don’t see behind the content.This is not just a conver
[Go Awf] Is the Golden Age of TV News Over?
What’s really happening to the news industry and what does it mean for your career?In this episode of Awf The Record, Mona Kosar Abdi and Jeannette Reyes reflect on the changing landscape of broadcast journalism, from shrinking opportunities and layoffs to the growing influence of social media and personal platforms. Drawing from their own experiences in the industry, they unpack the tension betwe
Why Nothing Ever Feels Like Enough
Why does nothing ever feel like enough even when you’re living the life you once prayed for?In this episode of Awf The Record, Jeannette and Mona unpack the hidden struggle behind high achievement, success, and constantly chasing the next milestone. From burnout and anxiety to journaling, therapy, and emotional patterns, this conversation gets real about what happens when you keep moving the goalp
[Go Awf] Jodie Taylor's 4-Step Glow Up Strategy to Become Your Next-Level Self
What does it actually take to glow up and transform your life?In this powerful segment of Awf The Record, Jodie Taylor breaks down the real psychology behind personal transformation, from self-image and confidence to physical changes and social capital. Drawing from concepts like Psycho-Cybernetics, she explains how your internal “self schema” shapes your reality and why true growth requires both
How To Become THAT Girl: Style, Dating Coaches & The Real Glow Up Formula
This episode originally aired on 03/26/2026 In this episode of Awf The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi sit down with Jodie Taylor, corporate strategist, DEI leader at Sony Music, and digital creator with over half a million followers, to unpack the strategy behind becoming your highest self.Jodie shares how a devastating season of loss, heartbreak, layoffs, and friendship breakups forc
[Go Awf] Jay Manuel on The Truth About ANTM Makeovers
What really happens behind the scenes of reality TV?In this Awf The Record segment, Jay Manuel unpacks the truth behind one of the most talked-about parts of America’s Next Top Model: the makeovers.What began as genuine attempts to help contestants evolve their look quickly turned into something else entirely. As ratings grew and the show became more sensational, makeovers increasingly became stor
Jay Manuel: Top Model Scandals, Secrets & The Dark Side Of ANTM
What really happened behind the scenes of America’s Next Top Model?In this episode of Awf The Record, Mona Kosar Abdi and Jeannette Reyes sit down with fashion creative director, TV personality, and former America’s Next Top Model judge Jay Manuel for a raw and revealing conversation about the reality behind one of the most iconic reality shows of the 2000s.Jay opens up about the renewed public sc
[Go Awf] Why Being Sexy Feels So Uncomfortable for Women
Can confidence actually be learned?In this Awf The Record segment, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi unpack a surprising lesson from a posing class that completely changed how they think about confidence, presence, and what it means to feel sexy.What started as a simple lesson on red carpet posing quickly turned into a deeper conversation about how women are taught to shrink themselves, move qui
How A Posing Class Taught Us Seduction
What does it actually mean to be sexy?In the Season 4 premiere of Awf The Record, Mona Kosar Abdi and Jeannette Reyes reunite in New York and quickly find themselves unpacking a bigger question than they expected: why does being sexy feel so uncomfortable for so many women?What starts as a simple posing class meant to help them feel more confident in photos turns into a deeper conversation about r
Thursdays Just Got a Whole Lot Better | Awf The Record Season 4 Official Trailer
The girls are back… and this time they’re not going anywhere.Season 4 of Awf The Record is officially here, and we’re going weekly.Every Thursday, Mona Kosar Abdi and Jeannette Reyes bring their newsroom instincts and group chat curiosity to the conversations everyone’s whispering about. From relationships and pop culture to trending headlines and the questions nobody wants to say out loud.The hon
[Go Awf] Unlearning Our "News Voice": Finding Ourselves After Journalism
Who are you when you’re no longer performing?In this raw and reflective segment, Mona Kosar Abdi and Jeannette Reyes unpack the emotional identity shift that comes with leaving journalism. From unlearning their “news voice” to confronting the fear of truly being seen, they share what it’s like to go from messenger to message — and why stepping into your voice is one of the bravest things you can d
[Go Awf] "Good Hair" Is a Lie: Yene Damtew on Deprogramming Hair ShameWhat even is “good hair”?
In this powerful segment, celebrity stylist Yene Damtew and Jeannette Reyes unpack the emotional weight so many Black women carry about their hair — from childhood salon trauma to being conditioned to see certain textures as “unmanageable.” Yene breaks down how she helps her clients deprogram shame, why the natural hair movement has been both a blessing and a battleground, and how true hair confid
[Go Awf] Visible but Voiceless: Andrea Lewis on The Real Story Behind Hazel from Degrassi
What happens when your character is seen, but your story isn’t?In this powerful segment, Andrea Lewis opens up about her experience on Degrassi — playing Hazel, one of the few Black characters on the show, and what it felt like to be visible but voiceless. She reflects on the lack of cultural authenticity in Hazel’s storyline, the toll it took on her confidence, and how it fueled her to create The
[Go Awf] The Art of Quiet Power: Melyssa Ford on Confidence, Sensuality & Setting Boundaries
How do you stay empowered and sensual in a world that wants to box you in?In this powerful segment, Melyssa Ford gets real about the exit ramp from video vixen fame, reclaiming her narrative, and the intentional ways she moved through public spaces to protect her peace. She shares how she modeled herself after women like Claire Huxtable, Lena Horne, and Sade, and what it really means to master qui
How to Audit Your Year & Reset with Intention
Today, this candid and reflective episode of Awf The Record is your go-to year-end reset. Jeannette and Mona ditch the highlight reel to unpack what 2025 really looked like: burnout, blurred boundaries, constant “work mode,” and the pressure to overachieve.They break down the habits that kept them running on fumes, unpack the immigrant-kid conditioning that glorifies exhaustion, and reveal the sma
[Go Awf] Ozempic: Miracle Drug or Just Hype? What You Need to Know About GLP-1s
Is Ozempic really the weight loss solution we’ve been waiting for or is it more complicated than that?In this must-listen segment, Dr. Darien Sutton breaks down the truth behind Ozempic and GLP-1 medications; what they actually do, who they’re for, and why obesity is much more than a matter of willpower. From Serena Williams headlines to the science of chronic weight gain, this convo dives into th
Being a Woman in the Public Eye: The Beauty & Burden of Being Seen | Best of Awf The Record
There’s power in being seen… but there’s also pressure.In this “Best-Of” episode, we explore the beauty and the burden of being a woman in the public eye. Through deeply personal stories of fame, identity, grief, and cultural expectations, these guests reflect on what it means to be visible… and misunderstood. This episode is for every woman who’s ever felt picked apart, underestimated, or praised
[Go Awf] Breaking Into Journalism When You Don’t Know Where to Start
How do you nurture a big dream, especially when you don’t have a roadmap?In this listener Q&A segment, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi share what it was like becoming journalists as daughters of immigrants, and how they found their voices in an industry where they didn’t always see themselves reflected. From reading scripts off an iPad in the living room to landing anchor desks, they refl
Leaving Your Dream Job for Your Next Dream Job | Best of Awf The Record
What if your dream job wasn’t the dream anymore?In this special “Best-Of” episode, we’re revisiting four powerful stories about career pivots, evolving purpose, and letting go of the identities we once held onto. From childhood fame to corporate boardrooms, these guests opened up about what it really means to outgrow the path you thought was permanent.Whether you're feeling stuck, scared to s
[Go Awf] When Your Dream Job Isn’t Enough Anymore: Why Imani Ellis Left NBC to Build CultureCon
What happens when your dream job can’t hold your purpose anymore?In this unfiltered segment, Imani Ellis, founder of CultureCon and The Creative Collective NYC, shares the real story behind her decision to leave NBC. From working 18-hour days to building a movement out of her living room, she opens up about burnout, identity shifts, and how she knew it was time to choose herself.If you’ve ever fel
How to Stop Hiding and Win by Being the Real You w/ Taryn Delanie Smith
From Beauty Queen to Comedy Queen—Taryn Delanie-Smith proves that reinvention isn’t just possible—it’s powerful. This week, Jeannette and Mona sit down with Taryn Delanie-Smith—comedian, content creator, and former Miss New York—who turned a viral TikTok into a thriving career.Taryn shares how she went from pursuing diplomacy to building a comedy empire, including the hilarious (and sometimes chao
[Go Awf] When Your Kinks Don’t Match... Sex Therapist Explains How to Ask for What You Want in Bed
In this spicy segment, licensed sex therapist Marissa Nelson breaks down what happens when partners have very different sexual desires including kinks, fantasies, and preferences most people are too afraid to admit out loud. From foot fetishes to roleplay to exploring the “awkward intimacy” necessary for real connection, Marissa explains why desire evolves over time and how couples can bridge the
Corporate Baddie DeAndre Brown on Leaving Investment Banking for TikTok Fame
In this episode of Awf The Record, DeAndre Brown – aka the original “The Corporate Baddie” – gets real about leaving investment banking to become a full-time content creator. From viral TikToks and six-figure brand deals to burnout, reinvention, and building a brand with purpose, this episode peels back the curtain on what it really takes to pivot from 9-to-5 to FYP.He shares the lessons he learn
[Go Awf] The Promotion Didn't Happen... Rejection, Redirection, and What’s Meant for You
In this honest, reflective segment, Mona opens up about the moment she thought her journalism career had peaked and how that rejection led to a redirection she never saw coming. With Jeannette by her side, they unpack the grief of missed opportunities, the quiet ways imposter syndrome shows up, and why the “no” might actually be the greatest gift.If you’re in a season of transition, disappointment
Burnout, Brand Deals & Building Life After News
This episode flips the script… literally.In a candid, behind-the-scenes Q&A, Jeannette and Mona sit down with their podcast producer to answer the questions they don’t usually get asked on air. From the burnout that led to leaving legacy media to how they really feel about brand deals, content creation, and modern relationships, nothing’s off limits.If you’ve ever wondered how two former news
The Biggest Hair Myth, Texturism, and the Pressure to Be Perfect
Celebrity hairstylist and salon owner Yene Damtew joins us to talk about the real work behind “good hair,” the pressures Black women face around beauty standards, and what it was really like doing Michelle Obama’s hair at the White House and beyond. From the rise of Instagram stylists to the myths around natural hair, Yene gets brutally honest about the hair industry, client relationships, and why
Andrea Lewis on Life After Degrassi, Burnout, and Becoming a Boss
You may know Andrea Lewis as Hazel from Degrassi — but that was just the beginning.In this powerful episode of Awf The Record, Andrea opens up about the transition from being one of the few Black girls on TV to becoming a writer, director, and multi-hyphenate creative building space for others to shine. From identity to independence, creative control to burnout, Andrea gets real about what it take
Melyssa Ford: The Original Video Vixen on Fame, Fear, and Finding Herself
“The line is drawn when you’re not in control of it. The ownership, agency, and empowerment factor comes from putting the price tag on your own image and likeness.” Melyssa Ford is stepping out of the image, the headlines, and the hype - and into her truth.In this powerful and unfiltered episode of Awf The Record, Melyssa opens up about what it really meant to be “the video vixen,” the trauma of b
Ozempic Explained: Food Noise, Sex Drive, & Side Effects with Dr. Darien Sutton
Is Ozempic a game-changer or just the next quick fix?In this episode of Awf The Record, Jeannette and Mona are joined by Dr. Darien Sutton, an ABC News medical correspondent and emergency room physician, for a deep dive into the complex, controversial world of GLP-1 medications, Ozempic, and the science (and stigma) behind obesity.They break down everything you’ve been hearing [and seeing] online
Real Advice for Real Life Transitions
The group chat is wide open... and y’all did not hold back.In this solo episode, Jeannette and Mona answer voice notes directly from YOU! Tune in as they give their most honest, heartfelt, and hilarious advice on everything from bold career pivots to how to survive motherhood and find your peace. It’s giving: group chat, girl talk, and big sister wisdom all in one.Whether you're navigating bu
Imani Ellis: The Truth About Leaving Your Dream Job
From her dream job at Bravo to building one of the most powerful creative communities in the country, Imani Ellis is the visionary founder behind CultureCon and The Creative Collective NYC. In this episode, she sits down with Jeannette and Mona to share the real story behind her bold pivot from corporate life to creative entrepreneurship - including the fear, obsession, burnout, and self-trust it
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