Mona and Jeannette open up about the emotional toll that working in the news industry took on their mental health. From the impossible hours and sleepless nights to the heartbreaking stories they had to cover, both reflect on the weight of constantly witnessing tragedy up close. Mona shares how the pressure she placed on herself to reach “network level” success pushed her to physical and mental limits, while Jeannette recalls the loneliness of working in a new city, being far from her husband, a...
Jun 10, 2025•6 min
What would you tell your 22-year-old self chasing the dream? In this segment, Jeannette and Mona get real about ambition, imposter syndrome, and the unnecessary pressure we put on ourselves to prove we belong. From newsroom nerves to learning how to enjoy the ride, they open up about the grind, the growth, and the freedom that comes when you finally stop doubting yourself. RESOURCES: Keep in touch with Awf The Record : Youtube: @AwfTheRecord Instagram: @awftherecordpodcast TikTok: @AwfTheRecord ...
Jun 03, 2025•3 min
In this deeply personal season finale, Jeannette and Mona take off the armor and speak straight from the heart. What starts as a conversation about vulnerability quickly unravels into a much bigger exploration of fear, identity, legacy, and healing. From life coaches and mindset breakthroughs to childhood trauma, grief, and the fear of criticism, this is the kind of talk that doesn’t just stay in the group chat—it transforms it. Jeannette opens up about how playing it safe protected her for year...
May 29, 2025•50 min•Season 2Ep. 15
How do you become irresistible? In this no-fluff conversation, dating and relationship expert Anwar White breaks down how true confidence, time boundaries, and a CEO mindset in your love life can completely shift your dating experience. From when to go exclusive to when it's time to walk away, this segment is your blueprint for dating with power, purpose, and self-respect. Sis, it’s time to stop acting like the intern and start running your love life like a boss. GUEST RESOURCES: Anwar White IG ...
May 27, 2025•3 min
What does it really take to have deep, meaningful friendships over time? In this best-of episode, Mona and Jeannette revisit some of the most vulnerable, hilarious, and insightful moments from past conversations about friendship—the joy, the heartbreak, and the unspoken tension in between. From childhood wounds and attachment styles to apology dynamics and growing pains, these clips explore how we navigate closeness, conflict, and connection in platonic relationships. You’ll hear candid stories ...
May 22, 2025•15 min•Season 2Ep. 14
Dating app strategy is more real than you think—and timing is everything. In this spicy segment, Mona and Jeannette sit down with dating expert Anwar White to get the unfiltered tea on when not to be on the apps, why January is prime time for dating, and how your location (especially in places like California and Texas) can make or break your dating pool. They also dive into race dynamics, shifting your dating radius, and why moving might be the reset your love life needs. Whether you're dating ...
May 20, 2025•2 min
In this special best-of episode, Jeannette and Mona revisit the raw, revealing, and sometimes hilarious conversations they've had with experts and friends about dating, love, and the realities of marriage. From navigating modern romance and dating apps to unpacking divorce red flags and cultural double standards, this episode delivers hard truths and big-sis wisdom alike. Whether you're single, dating, divorced, or in a “complicated” situation, this episode holds space for the unfiltered realiti...
May 15, 2025•25 min•Season 2Ep. 13
In this insightful segment, we explore how society’s shift towards convenience has led to a decline in genuine friendships and community connections. Dating back to the 1950s, we discuss how the rise of television changed the way we interact and how the advent of smartphones in 2012 further fueled isolation. The pandemic may have exacerbated these trends, but they were already decades in the making. Find out how convenience culture—where everything is just a click away—has replaced the need for ...
May 13, 2025•3 min
In this special best-of episode of Awf The Record , Mona and Jeannette bring together the realest advice and most unforgettable gems from past conversations that still hit hard. From redefining success to setting boundaries with family, pivoting careers to reclaiming joy, these are the truths that only get better with time. You’ll hear reflections on burnout, letting go of outdated family expectations, healing from toxic work cultures, and what it really means to rebrand your life—inside and out...
May 08, 2025•25 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Is your partner your only friend? Dr. Marisa G. Franco joins the conversation to explore the hidden costs of relying solely on romantic relationships for connection. From the science of friendship to the power of confrontation, this segment dives into why strong friendships make us better partners—and how avoiding conflict can actually harm our closest bonds. GUEST RESOURCES: Dr. Marisa G. Franco IG | @drmarisagfranco Platonic Friendship Questionnaire | What Type of Friend Are You? RESOURCES: Ke...
May 06, 2025•6 min
In this special Q&A episode of Awf The Record , Jeannette and Mona are putting the scripts down and pulling the curtain back. You asked, so they answered - nothing is off limits. From what inspired them to launch the podcast, to how their friendship has shifted in the spotlight, this conversation is full of raw reflections, inside jokes, and unfiltered truth. They talk about balancing ambition with burnout, navigating career crossroads, and the toll the news cycle takes on mental health espe...
May 01, 2025•45 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Is it possible to be your true self without giving too much away? In this conversation, we dive into the fine line between being authentic and protecting your private life. Taryn opens up about why she feels responsible for showing up fully—flaws, quirks, and all—while keeping the most sacred parts of her life off-limits. From handling online scrutiny to setting personal boundaries, this is a raw take on what it really means to share yourself with the world. RESOURCES: Taryn Delanie-Smith IG | @...
Apr 29, 2025•5 min
Objection overruled: She didn’t just take a leap of faith—she appealed to her true calling. Today’s Awf The Record guest, Eni Popoola, had all the receipts for a high-powered legal career: Harvard undergrad, Columbia Law, and a coveted position at a top law firm. But what happens when the courtroom starts to feel less like a stage and more like a cage? In this bold and unapologetic episode, Eni opens up about the internal tug-of-war between security and self-expression. She shares the microaggre...
Apr 24, 2025•51 min•Season 2Ep. 10
What happens when you change your mind—and people feel betrayed by it? In this candid conversation, we unpack the pressure to stick with a career (or identity) because others expect it from you. From the weight of family expectations to the fear of seeming "flaky," we dive into the emotional toll of evolving and choosing a new path—even when the world isn’t ready for your change. RESOURCES: Taryn Delanie-Smith IG | @taryndelaniesmith Keep in touch with Awf The Record : Youtube: @AwfTheRecord Ins...
Apr 22, 2025•5 min
If only we knew then what we know now… but at least we’re saying it out loud now. In this deeply personal and wildly relatable episode of Awf The Record , Jeannette and Mona rewind the tape in their 20s and 30s to share the lessons they wish someone had told them. From learning to speak up in rooms that made them question their worth, to letting go of friendships, careers, and relationships that no longer served them—nothing’s off limits. They open up about family dynamics, boundary-setting, and...
Apr 17, 2025•57 min
First crushes are brutal —and we’ve got the embarrassing receipts to prove it. From awkward outfits gone wrong to accidentally roasting a crush on voicemail, this episode is full of cringe, chaos, and questionable fashion choices. Would you call your old crush today and get your revenge? Would you survive hearing them call you ugly ? We relive our most mortifying middle school moments, and honestly… we’re still recovering. RESOURCES: Keep in touch with Awf The Record : Youtube: @AwfTheRecord Ins...
Apr 15, 2025•7 min
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 about dating in today’s age: how systemic issues impact your love life, why marriage isn’t always a financial win for Black women, and what the da...
Apr 10, 2025•48 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Divorce attorneys have seen it all—messy breakups, unexpected betrayals, and some truly questionable decisions. In this segment, we get into the real reasons people stay too long, file too soon, or should’ve walked away years ago. From high-powered professionals trapped in toxic marriages to clients who expect their lawyer to be their personal attack dog, we’re breaking down the biggest red flags, courtroom shockers, and why some divorces are way overdue. GUEST RESOURCES Tracey Coates Reach out ...
Apr 08, 2025•8 min
Making friends shouldn’t feel like a mystery—but in today’s world, it often does. In this episode, Dr. Marisa G. Franco, psychologist and New York Times best-selling author of Platonic , joins Mona and Jeannette to break down the science of friendship. She explores how technology, convenience culture, and societal expectations have fueled an epidemic of loneliness—while also revealing the keys to building meaningful, lasting connections. Together, they tackle why male emotional vulnerability is ...
Apr 03, 2025•50 min•Season 2Ep. 7
Kamie Crawford has built a career on confidence, honesty, and speaking her mind. But what happens when you start questioning everything? From dealing with toxic industry standards to making the hardest decision of her career, Kamie gets real about the lessons she’s learned along the way—plus, the one piece of advice she wishes she knew sooner. GUEST RESOURCES Kamie Crawford IG | @kamiecrawford RESOURCES: Keep in touch with Awf The Record : Youtube: @AwfTheRecord Instagram: @awftherecordpodcast T...
Apr 01, 2025•6 min
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 chaotic) journey that led to a reel that brought her 21 million views and internet fame. Known for her ...
Mar 27, 2025•48 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Trying to change everything all at once? That might be what's holding you back. In this segment with Les from Balanced Black Girl, we talk about the power of focusing on one thing at a time—whether it's building a new habit, embodying a new mindset, or working toward a goal. Small, consistent steps are the real game-changer, not overnight transformations. Plus, we dive into personal stories of growth, financial discipline, and how to actually stick to the changes you want to make. GUEST RESOURCE...
Mar 25, 2025•8 min
Before Awf the Record , before the mics, and before the viral moments—who were Mona and Jeannette? In this episode, they get real about their upbringings, family expectations, and the cultural influences that shaped them. From Mona’s strict Somali academic upbringing in San Diego to Jeannette’s Dominican roots in Providence, they reflect on the highs, lows, and awkward phases that made them who they are today. They talk about: 🔥 Growing up in strict vs. non-strict households 🔥 Navigating ident...
Mar 20, 2025•45 min•Season 2Ep. 5
What does it really take to rebrand your life? In this episode of Awf The Record , Mona and Jeannette sit down with Les Alfred, 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. She dives into the mindset shifts that helped her stay consistent, the habits that shaped her transformation, and how financial disci...
Mar 13, 2025•45 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Is happily ever after just a fairy tale? Or is marriage set up to fail from the start? With over half of marriages ending in divorce, it’s a question worth asking. On this episode of Awf the Record , Jeannette and Mona sit down with family law attorney Tracey Coates to get real about marriage, divorce, and everything in between. From the biggest red flags people ignore before saying "I do" to the gender differences in why people file for divorce, Tracey brings her unfiltered expertise to the tab...
Mar 06, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Friendships don’t always come with big fights—sometimes, it’s just a quiet shift, a gut feeling, or an unspoken tension. In this segment, we unpack how small moments can define the strength of a friendship, why apologies sometimes feel like power shifts, and how learning to communicate in relationships can transform the way we show up for our friends. RESOURCES: Keep in touch with Awf The Record : Youtube: @AwfTheRecord Instagram: @awftherecordpodcast TikTok: @AwfTheRecord Mona Kosar Abdi IG | @...
Mar 04, 2025•9 min
What happens when you walk away from a hit show at the peak of your career? Kamie Crawford knows firsthand. In this episode, Mona and Jeannette pull up a seat with Kamie for an unfiltered conversation about life after Catfish , navigating the pressures of fame, and embracing the next chapter—on her own terms. Kamie spills on everything from her early days as Miss Teen USA (and the intense pageant pressures that came with it) to the childhood bullying that shaped her resilience. Plus, she gets re...
Feb 27, 2025•1 hr 30 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Season 2 is here, and we’re starting off strong with a conversation that hits home. Mona and Jeannette from Awf The Record sit down to talk about what it’s really like moving back to the city after life in the suburbs—and trust us, it’s deeper than just location. Mona shares why city life feels like the right move for her, from the energy and convenience to the way it keeps her socially connected. Meanwhile, Jeannette gets real about the unexpected struggles of suburban living—long commutes, lon...
Feb 20, 2025•37 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Welcome to Season 2 of Awf The Record ! We’re back—and we’re keeping it REAL (as always). This season, we’re diving even deeper into the confessions, chaos, and hard-hitting truths about life, love, and career. From navigating major pivots to knowing when it’s time to walk away, we’re unpacking the unspoken struggles that come with adulthood. Expect raw, unfiltered conversations, unexpected revelations, and the kind of honesty you’d only share in the group chat. So grab your drink, pull up a sea...
Feb 11, 2025•1 min
We’re back—and we’re keeping it REAL (as always). This season, we’re diving even deeper into the confessions, chaos, and hard-hitting truths about life, love, and career. From navigating major pivots to knowing when it’s time to walk away, we’re unpacking the unspoken struggles that come with adulthood. Expect raw, unfiltered conversations, unexpected revelations, and the kind of honesty you’d only share in the group chat. So grab your drink, pull up a seat, and get ready—because Season 2 is abo...
Feb 07, 2025•1 min
