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

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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:
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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

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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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 what it really means to advocate for yourself—at work, in love, and in life. And yes, we talk about money too: why negotiating your salary isn’t optional, how to align with people who value you, and the power of knowing your worth.

This episode is your reminder that wisdom takes time, but sharing it can be revolutionary.

KEY POINTS

- Friendship 101: Acquaintances vs real friends

- Benefits of having a diverse group of friends

- On dealing with imposter syndrome

- Building a strong professional relationship

- The value of family time and mental health

- Romantic relationship: Necessities and regrets

- The importance of financial literacy

- Embrace the “cringe of trying” new things

- Be confident and strive for continuous improvement

QUOTES

"Pay attention to the people that are in your corner that you have a deep friendship with, and invest in those people." – Mona Kosar Abdi

"I wish I would have been more intentional about spending time with family. It's weird when you're in your 30s, or, I don't know if it happens at different stages for people — like people I love… they're getting old.” – Jeannette Reyes

"Sometimes, there is no room to tolerate passive-aggressive behavior. Setting boundaries with your family members, and I think going to therapy in your 20s." – Mona Kosar Abdi

“Do a better job of keeping in touch with friends from a previous season — I went to high school with this person or I worked in this market with this person.” – Jeannette Reyes

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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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

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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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 data actually says about dating success. But this isn’t about discouragement—it’s about empowerment.

He dives into why dating outside your race isn’t betrayal, it’s strategy. Why setting boundaries is non-negotiable. And why the real glow-up starts with emotional healing and self-worth.

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start dating with clarity and confidence, this one’s for you.

KEY POINTS

- Dating: qualitative and quantitative analysis

- Navigating dating journeys for black and brown women

- Transitioning to dating coaching as a career

- Challenges and misconceptions in dating (as women)

- The societal pressure, setting realistic standards

- Difference between feminine and masculine energy

- Strategies for successful dating

- On navigating cultural and racial preferences

- Is using dating apps still effective?

- Dating 101: Set boundaries and timeline

- Anwar’s client approach as a dating coach

QUOTES

“Your type is your trauma. And when you're able to actually heal the trauma, you will have the opportunity to actually widen your net and find your person.” – Anwar White

“If a man is truly in his masculine, his pleasure is derived from your pleasure.” – Anwar White

“I don't believe in potential. I think potential is not real, it's imaginary, [and] it's a projection of what you want, but not what is.” – Anwar White

“You become irresistible when you become irresistible to yourself, which is like, you just can't get enough of you, and that will radiate and attract everyone.” – Anwar White

GUEST RESOURCES:

Anwar White

IG | @datingcoachanwar

TikTok | @datingcoachanwar

RESOURCES:

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:

Youtube: @AwfTheRecord

Instagram: @awftherecordpodcast

TikTok: @AwfTheRecord

Mona Kosar Abdi

IG | @monakabdi

Jeannette Reyes

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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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 to coatesfamilylaw.com/contact

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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