Awf The Record

Season 2 is here, and we’re starting off strong with a conversation that hits home.

Mona and Jeanette 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, Jeanette gets real about the unexpected struggles of suburban living—long commutes, loneliness, and the challenge of staying connected to friends.

But this convo goes beyond just where you live. Tune in as your hosts also dive into the friendships that fade (and the ones that survive) after a big move, how social media shapes our real-life connections, the unspoken power dynamics in apologies, and why some friendships can’t handle conflict (and how to fix it).

Life changes, friendships evolve, and sometimes, moving back feels like moving forward. Tap in for a raw and relatable discussion on transitions, friendships, and the reality of maintaining social connections. 

KEY POINTS

- The decision to move back to the city

- Challenges experienced from living in the suburbs

- City life: Youth and sense of freedom 

- Navigating the pros and cons of living in the city 

- The importance of being present and maintaining friendships 

- Communication on maintaining a healthy relationship 

- On handling conflicts with friends 

- The importance of balancing social and personal life 

- Jeanette and Mona’s plans and goals

QUOTES 

"I'm pretty low maintenance. I kind of treat people and friendships the way  I'm fine with being treated. I don't require a lot. But's also like - why not cater to the way someone wants to be treated and what they like and what their preferences are?” - Jeanette Reyes 

“I can sense problematic people, and that's when I distance myself in the beginning, particularly if you're displaying or if you keep talking about issues that you have with other people.” - Mona Kosar Abdi

RESOURCES: 

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:

Youtube: @AwfTheRecord

Instagram: @awftherecordpodcast

TikTok: @AwfTheRecord

Mona Kosar Abdi

IG |  @monakabdi 

Jeannette Reyes

IG |  @msnewslady 

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:
Watch on Youtube: @AwfTheRecord
Follow us on Instagram: @awftherecordpodcast
Follow us on TikTok: @AwfTheRecord
Visit our website: www.AwfTheRecord.com

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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 seat, and get ready—because Season 2 is about to get even messier, bolder, and more unfiltered than ever.

RESOURCES: 

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:

Youtube: @AwfTheRecord

Instagram: @awftherecordpodcast

TikTok: @AwfTheRecord

Mona Kosar Abdi

IG |  @monakabdi 

Jeannette Reyes

IG |  @msnewslady 

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:
Watch on Youtube: @AwfTheRecord
Follow us on Instagram: @awftherecordpodcast
Follow us on TikTok: @AwfTheRecord
Visit our website: www.AwfTheRecord.com

Follow Mona on TikTok and IG
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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 about to get even messier, bolder, and more unfiltered than ever.

RESOURCES: 

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:

Youtube: @AwfTheRecord

Instagram: @awftherecordpodcast

TikTok: @AwfTheRecord

Mona Kosar Abdi

IG |  @monakabdi 

Jeannette Reyes

IG |  @msnewslady 

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:
Watch on Youtube: @AwfTheRecord
Follow us on Instagram: @awftherecordpodcast
Follow us on TikTok: @AwfTheRecord
Visit our website: www.AwfTheRecord.com

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In this special BEST OF episode, Jeanette and Mona reflected on pivotal moments in their careers as news anchors and their decision to pivot. They shared personal stories about leaving their anchor roles, the emotional and practical aspects of quitting, and how they used a framework from earlier episodes to guide their choices. 

Mona discussed fulfilling a promise to her late father by becoming a network correspondent, while Jeanette revealed her desire for more personal ownership in her career. Both also explored the courage it took to prioritize their own happiness. 

With insights on introspection, mentorship, and protecting your peace, this episode offers inspiration for navigating tough decisions — AWF the Record.

KEY POINTS:

- The Group Chat Is Open: Why We Quit, Starting from the Bottom & Raccoon for Dinner

- How We Pivoted: Career Moves, Negotiations, and Intuition

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:
Watch on Youtube: @AwfTheRecord
Follow us on Instagram: @awftherecordpodcast
Follow us on TikTok: @AwfTheRecord
Visit our website: www.AwfTheRecord.com

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Today, AWF the Record dives into some of the most intriguing moments of Jeanette and Mona’s special guests. 

This BEST OF episode breaks down the complexities of narcissistic behavior to discussions about sex education. From the realities of marriage to revealing intimate sex secrets and sharing candid lessons learned along the way, these conversations also deliver the perfect mix of vulnerability, wit, and unfiltered honesty. 

Don’t miss this one—tune in for the real tea served straight, with no holds barred.

KEY POINTS:

- Shan Boodram: This Is How Often You Should Be Having Sex 

- Tanner Adell: Manifesting Success, Beyonce Collab and Celebrity Crush 

- Sabrina Elba: Relationships, Boundaries, Entrepreneurship, and Navigating Celebrity 

- Yvonne Orji: Starting From The Bottom and Landing Insecure 

- Why You Keep Attracting Narcissists

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:
Watch on Youtube: @AwfTheRecord
Follow us on Instagram: @awftherecordpodcast
Follow us on TikTok: @AwfTheRecord
Visit our website: www.AwfTheRecord.com

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In this BEST OF episode, Mona and Jeanette spotlight personal and vulnerable moments shared on this podcast. 

They open up about navigating infertility and the emotional toll of PMDD, offering raw insights into struggles that many face nowadays. The also duo reflects on their dating adventures, the highs and lows of falling in love, and even how these experiences have shaped their perspectives on relationships. From workplace challenges to moments of triumph, they celebrate the power of determination and self-discovery. 

Join them as they recall AWF the Record stories and a dash of humor—embodying the spirit of a group chat you never want to leave.

KEY POINTS:

- Our Husbands Take Over The Pod!

- Grief: Losing A Parent 

- It’s Not Hysteria - The Truth About Endometriosis & PCOS 

- The Biggest Dating Mistakes You’re Making 

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:
Watch on Youtube: @AwfTheRecord
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Visit our website: www.AwfTheRecord.com

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In this season finale of AWF the Record, Dr. Karen Tang—renowned gynecologist and author of “It's Not Hysteria"—joins Mona and Jeannette to set the record straight on women's health. From misconceptions around periods to the mysteries of conditions like fibroids, PCOS, and endometriosis, Dr. Tang dives deep into what many women have been conditioned to ignore or misunderstand about their own bodies.

With her expertise, Dr. Tang exposes why women’s pain is often dismissed, the cultural myths that have held back proper care, and the shocking gaps in medical education about menstrual and reproductive health. Together, they uncover the historical biases that persist in medicine, and Dr. Tang shares practical ways for women to advocate for their health—no matter the diagnosis or doctor's opinion.

In this candid conversation, AWF the Record delivers eye-opening insights on topics society often keeps quiet about. This episode isn’t just about gynecologic health; it’s a call for change, a celebration of self-advocacy, and an inspiring push for every listener to own their health story.

Dr. Karen Tang 

IG | https://www.instagram.com/karentangmd/ 

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:
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Hey guys! 👋 This episode is a rewind of one of our most downloaded and loved episodes on AWF The Record Podcast. Whether you’re tuning in for the first time or revisiting it, we hope you enjoy it just as much as you did the first time around.

Join us as we pull back the curtain on our journey from the newsroom to the podcast studio. We're getting real about why we decided to leave our careers in the news, sharing some of our most memorable highlights, and giving you an inside look at what’s next on our path. From the highs and lows of the media industry to the excitement of starting something new, this episode is all about reinvention, resilience, and keeping it real.

Tune in to hear the stories behind our biggest career moves and what inspired us to start this podcast.

Enjoy! 🎧

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:
Watch on Youtube: @AwfTheRecord
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Visit our website: www.AwfTheRecord.com

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This week on Awf The Record, Jeannette and Mona sit down with Dr. Thompson, a leading Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist, for an eye-opening conversation about the IVF and egg-freezing journey. Jeannette opens up about her personal experience with infertility, the emotional rollercoaster of undergoing IVF and what she would’ve done differently. Meanwhile, Mona shares her desire to start a family soon, prompting Dr. Thompson to walk her through the process step-by-step.

Dr. Thompson also pulls back the curtain on the biggest mystery in fertility science and why, despite incredible advancements, biology remains a step ahead. From the cases that keep her up at night to the emotional and financial realities patients face, this episode delivers an honest and compassionate look at the fertility journey. Whether you’re curious about starting your own or just want to learn more, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss

Follow Dr. Thompson on IG: @dr_smthompson

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:
Watch on Youtube: @AwfTheRecord
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Mona and JR sit down with Emmy winner and comedy powerhouse Yvonne Orji, who hilariously unpacks what it truly means to start from the bottom. From her Nigerian upbringing, where her parents dreamed of her becoming a doctor, to the sheer terror of breaking the news that she was chasing a career in comedy instead, Yvonne shares how defying expectations brought plenty of struggles—and plenty of laughs. She recounts the early days of her comedy hustle, learning on the job as an actress on HBO’s Insecure, and how the role of Molly was the break that almost wasn’t. Plus, she opens up about her complicated, often comical relationship with Jesus, which inspired her book Bamboozled by Jesus. Get ready to laugh, learn about Nigerian culture, and be inspired by her incredible story of resilience.

Follow Yvonne on IG: @YvonneOrji

Buy Yvonne Oriji’s  book on Amazon: ​​Bamboozled By Jesus

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:
Watch on Youtube: @AwfTheRecord
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Visit our website: www.AwfTheRecord.com

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On this week's episode of Awf The Record. Mona and JR take turns sharing the deep impact of losing their fathers. In reflection not only do we hear the first-hand accounts of losing a loved one step by step but also the regrets of missed moments that no longer are taken for granted. Mona realizes the pressure she feels to push herself forward in life with a deep sense of gratitude for her parent's sacrifices. Join us as we further heal and find beauty in the unexpected story that is life on earth. 

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:
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This week on Awf the Record, the husbands join the group chat as we pull back the curtain on everything you won’t see on our social media. Mona and Jordan reveal the one thing they’ll never do in their relationship, the power of proactive couples therapy, and where they stand on starting a family. Jeannette and Robert get real about their one big regret after a 4.5 years of long-distance marriage, the highs and lows of their fertility journey, and the surprising “third person” in their relationship.

And trust us—you don’t want to miss the story of Jeannette sleep-talking at iHop with Mona!

Follow Robert and Jordan on IG: @abc7robert @Jduval_

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:
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This week on Awf The Record, Mona Kosar Abdi sits down with Sabrina Elba for an intimate and empowering conversation. Sabrina opens up about her relationship with actor Idris Elba and the intense bullying she faced after their engagement was announced. She shares the personal journey of reclaiming her confidence while managing the spotlight. As the founder of S’able Labs and a UN Goodwill Ambassador, Sabrina also talks about the challenges of entrepreneurship and how her Somali heritage inspires her skincare brand’s mission, using African-sourced ingredients and honoring tradition. From love to business, Sabrina gives us a masterclass in resilience and self-discovery.

Follow Sabrina Dhowre Elba on IG: @SabrinaElba 

Follow S’able Labs on IG: @Sable.Labs

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:
Watch on Youtube: @AwfTheRecord
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This week on Awf The Record, we're diving deep into the stuff you really want to know. Certified sex educator and intimacy expert Shan Boodram joins us for a no-holds-barred conversation about relationships, sex, and everything in between. From the truth about open relationships and why they can thrive to whether scheduling sex actually kills the vibe, Shan doesn’t hold back. She also tackles the age-old question: How often should you really be having sex? Her answer didn’t just stir the pot—it caused an online meltdown. Stick around till the end when she reveals one of the biggest mysteries about sex that even experts are still trying to figure out. Plus, she hit us with a question that had us stumbling over our words. Trust us, this is one episode you won't want to miss.

Follow Shan on IG: @ShanBoodram

Buy Shan’s book on Amazon: ​​The Game of Desire: 5 Surprising Secrets to Dating with Dominance - and Getting What You Want

Book Shan to speak at your next event: HERE

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:
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This week on Awf The Record, we sit down with rising star Tanner Adell, a genre-defying singer-songwriter who's been taking the music world by storm. Tanner's unique blend of country and pop with an unapologetically bold style has captured fans' attention, especially after her standout feature on Beyoncé's latest album, Cowboy Carter. In this episode, Tanner shares what it was like to experience such a whirlwind year and opens up about the biggest adjustments she's had to make since shooting to stardom. Plus, in our signature game, "On The Record," she reveals who has slid into her DMs and find out why our jaws dropped when she told us whose DMs she slid into.

Follow Tanner Adell on Instagram and TikTok

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:
Watch on Youtube: @AwfTheRecord
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In this week's episode of Awf The Record, we delve into our evolving career journeys and personal growth. We discuss handling career pivots, taking calculated risks, and finding fulfillment through ownership. Key themes we explore include self-advocacy, negotiation, mentorship, intuition, imposter syndrome, and corporate wellness. We highlight the importance of having a support system, trusting our intuition, and using strategic leverage to advance in our careers, sharing how one of us multiplied their salary by five. This episode offers relatable anecdotes and motivational insights to inspire professionals across various industries.

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:
Watch on Youtube: @AwfTheRecord
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In this revealing episode of Awf The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi sit down with renowned narcissism expert Wendy Behary to dive into the world of narcissists. They discuss why you keep attracting narcissists and uncover the traits that make someone the ideal partner for a narcissist. Is it possible to have a successful relationship with one? Can you break free from the toxic cycle—and how do you manage the challenge when the narcissist is a parent? Wendy also sheds light on the differences in how narcissism presents in women, the key questions to ask if you suspect someone is a narcissist, and the alarming rise of narcissism fueled by social media.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone trying to understand toxic dynamics, recognize the warning signs, and protect themselves from emotional manipulation.

Follow Wendy on IG: @DonsAndDivas

Buy Wendy’s book on Amazon: ​​Disarming the Narcissist

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:
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National dating expert, TV host and author, Monique Kelley, sits down with Mona and Jeannette to discuss everything from why the bartender always has the tea to the difference between a deal breaker and a dating delusion. She even reveals the one thing you should never say to a man. Stay tuned til the end when we take questions from our listeners on whether it’s okay to pull an Ashanti and Nelly and spin the block. 

Resources: 

        Follow Monique on IG: @Cocktailsandconfessions

        Buy Monique’s book on Amazon: ​​Reality in Chaos

        Book Monique to speak at your next event: HERE

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:
Watch on Youtube: @AwfTheRecord
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In our debut episode of Awf The Record, join us as we pull back the curtain on our journey from the newsroom to the podcast studio. We're getting real about why we decided to leave our careers in the news, sharing some of our most memorable highlights, and giving you an inside look at what’s next on our path. From the highs and lows of the media industry to the excitement of starting something new, this episode is all about reinvention, resilience, and keeping it real. Tune in to hear the stories behind our biggest career moves and what inspired us to start this podcast.

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:
Watch on Youtube: @AwfTheRecord
Follow us on Instagram: @awftherecordpodcast
Follow us on TikTok: @AwfTheRecord
Visit our website: www.AwfTheRecord.com

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Here's a taste of what we have coming up in our debut season.

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:
Watch on Youtube: @AwfTheRecord
Follow us on Instagram: @awftherecordpodcast
Follow us on TikTok: @AwfTheRecord
Visit our website: www.AwfTheRecord.com

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