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 especially as Black women in the media.

It’s part real talk, part behind-the-scenes, and 100% group chat energy.

If you’ve ever wondered what goes on when the cameras are off or what it really takes to build something with your best friend, this one’s for you!

KEY POINTS

- How has our friendship evolved through ATR?

- Times the friendship was tested…

- A must-do: podcast with your bestie?

- Key similarities: best friend and biz partner?

- Ways to stay grounded

- The first thing we’d do if we switched lives

- Worst fashion or beauty fail (on cam)

- Mental health 101 as TV personalities

- Public’s perception about us that isn’t a FACT

- Wish for each other this 2025

QUOTES

“When something is not going as planned — and that's happened a lot of times with this podcast — we've kind of been always on the same page.” – Jeannette Reyes

“We would give you guys a headline, sitting on the anchor desk, and then we would get off and be in the group chat — just discussing all types of news stories and conversations that are more online than you would see in your morning headlines.” – 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
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Visit our website: www.AwfTheRecord.com

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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 | @taryndelaniesmith

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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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 microaggressions, identity changes, and perfectionist pressures she faced as a Black woman in corporate law—and how content creation became something of its own. From filming videos on the fly during her lunch break to finally serving her resignation notice, Eni walks us through the mental, emotional, and spiritual recalibration it took to choose her joy over her job.

Mona and Jeannette go deep with Eni on everything from impostor syndrome and immigrant guilt, to negotiating brand deals, protecting your peace, and giving Black creators permission to choose softness over burnout. They talk about the beauty of pivoting without shame, building your platform with purpose, and what it really takes to give up a six-figure job for a shot at something greater.

The verdict’s in: You don’t have to live someone else’s version of success. You just have to give yourself permission to redefine it.

KEY POINTS

- Eni’s experience living in New York City

- Law school experiences, transition to content creation

- Challenges in working at a big law firm

- The pivot: Choosing content creation as a full-time job

- Maintaining work-life balance, Eni’s types of content

- Navigating the “influencer industry” as a black content creator

- What are Eni’s plans for the future?

- The importance of having a supportive network

- Representation matters: More opportunities for black creators

QUOTES

"Not everyone gets to feel like they are being advocated for strongly by a manager.” – Eni Popoola

“I always say: ‘I'm not regretful.’ You can never make me regret getting education and gaining knowledge. Never, ever, ever.” – Eni Popoola

“If I don't pass this exam, I'm gonna resent content creation. I'm gonna feel like I don't even want to do this because this thing kept me from something that I was working for for so long.” – Eni Popoola

GUEST RESOURCES

Eni Popoola

IG | @enigivensunday

RESOURCES:

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:

Youtube: @AwfTheRecord

Instagram: @awftherecordpodcast

TikTok:

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
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG