Awf The Record
- Episodes
- 140
- Released
- weekly
- Latest episode
- Nov 12, 2026
About the podcast
In a podcast that lives up to its name, Mona Kosar Abdi and Jeannette Reyes go “Awf the Record” with industry disruptors and cultural tastemakers, bringing you candid conversations that reflect the dynamic intersection of media, culture, and society . It’s a show that lives between the news of the day and the group chat. [Awf- Thuh- Rekərd ].
Contributors
- Jeannette ReyesCo-host
- Mona Kosar AbdiCo-host
Episodes 140
Etiquette Expert: The Unwritten Rules That Make People Respect You
Send us Fan MailJoin 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 …
Show notes
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:
In this episode of Awf The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi welcome Elaine Swann, Founder of The Swann School of Protocol & Etiquette, for a special episode filmed at Walt Disney World. Elaine breaks down the unwritten rules of social etiquette that can make or break your reputation, from navigating corporate holiday parties and impressing your partner's family to hosting like a pro and handling uncomfortable conversations with confidence. She shares how to make a lasting impression, master the art of small talk, give and receive gifts gracefully, and set boundaries without being rude. With the holidays approaching, Elaine reminds us that good etiquette isn't about being perfect or pleasing everyone. It's about making others feel comfortable while knowing how to stand up for yourself.
KEY POINTS
00:00 – Introduction: Holiday etiquette with Elaine Swann at Walt Disney World.
03:24 – Corporate holiday party rules that can impact your career.
06:23 – Networking, small talk, and making a lasting impression.
12:08 – Meeting your partner’s family and navigating awkward situations.
20:34 – Hosting etiquette, seating arrangements, and difficult guests.
28:56 – Making great introductions and mastering the details of hosting.
33:04 – Guest etiquette, hosting expectations, and thoughtful follow-ups.
38:08 – Gift-giving rules, unwanted presents, and regifting.
42:56 – Handling intrusive questions and setting boundaries.
45:57 – Gen Z's biggest etiquette mistake and why phone etiquette matters.QUOTES
“Etiquette is about putting others at ease.” – Elaine Swann
“Your focus has to be on having people gain understanding of where you stand and not putting people down.” – Elaine Swann
“Polite does not equal pushover.” – Elaine Swann
“You can tell anybody anything. It's all about how you say it when you say it.” – Elaine Swann
GUEST RESOURCES:
Elaine Swann
Website | www.elaineswann.com
IG | @elaineswann
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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG[Go Awf] The Money Beliefs You Learned as a Child Are Holding You Back
Send us Fan MailWhat if your biggest money problem isn't your income, but the beliefs you grew up with? In this segment of AWF The Record, Ramit Sethi joins Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi to unpack …
Show notes
What if your biggest money problem isn't your income, but the beliefs you grew up with? In this segment of AWF The Record, Ramit Sethi joins Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi to unpack how childhood financial stress shapes our adult money habits, why earning more doesn't always eliminate financial anxiety, and how to stop living with a scarcity mindset and start building a rich life.
GUEST RESOURCES:
Ramit Sethi
Website | www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com
IG | @ramit
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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IGMoney Expert: Your Partner’s Money Problems Might Be Funded by You
Send us Fan MailJoin 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 …
Show notes
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:
In this episode of Awf The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi welcome Ramit Sethi, bestselling author and money expert, for a refreshingly honest conversation about building wealth, navigating money in relationships, and creating a rich life without guilt.
Ramit challenges everything we've been taught about money, from why he hates traditional budgets to the hidden money scripts keeping even high earners trapped in fear. He unpacks the biggest financial red flags in dating, why married couples should talk openly about money, and the dangers of soft-life and trad-wife trends that encourage women to give up financial control.
His message? A rich life isn't just about how much you make or save. It's about knowing your numbers, changing your relationship with money, and actually enjoying what you've worked so hard to build.
KEY POINTS
00:00 – Introduction: Money psychology and what it means to live a rich life.
09:01 – Why Ramit hates budgets and prefers conscious spending.
11:48 – How childhood experiences shape money beliefs and the four money types.
21:01 – Gender roles, money expectations, and financial dynamics in relationships.
36:24 – Financial red flags in dating and how to talk about money.
39:38 – Joint finances, financial independence, and the soft-life trap.
53:34 – Spending intentionally and thinking bigger about wealth.
54:13 – Overcoming financial fear and learning to enjoy success.
58:25 – Building financial confidence and thinking long-term about money.
QUOTES
“I want to spend extravagantly on the things I love, as long as I cut costs mercilessly on the things I don't.” – Ramit Sethi
“What I immediately realized was [that] things can change in the blink of an eye, no matter how good you are with your finances.” – Jeannette Reyes
“Actually, the most important things are unmeasurable: love and time together and generosity. Those things we cannot see in a spreadsheet.” – Ramit Sethi
GUEST RESOURCES:
Ramit Sethi
Website | www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com
IG | @ramit
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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG[Go Awf] Why High-Achieving Women Struggle With Anger, Love & Vulnerability
Send us Fan MailWhat if the anger you bring into your relationship didn't start with you? In this segment of AWF The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi sit down with relationship expert Ludmila …
Show notes
What if the anger you bring into your relationship didn't start with you? In this segment of AWF The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi sit down with relationship expert Ludmila Woodruff to unpack the inherited anger, childhood wounds, and emotional defenses that shape how women love and communicate. From the pressure to always be strong to the fear of showing vulnerability, they explore why anger often masks deeper hurt and how breaking generational patterns can lead to healthier, more connected relationships.
GUEST RESOURCES:
Ludmila Woodruff
Website | www.ludmilawoodruff.com
IG | @ludmilawoodruff
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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IGWhy Successful Women Sabotage Their Relationships (And How to Stop)
Send us Fan MailJoin 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 …
Show notes
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/cw/AWFTheRecord
In this episode of AWF The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi sit down with Ludmila Woodruff, strategic relationship advisor to high-achieving individuals and couples, for an unfiltered conversation about why successful women sometimes struggle with love, intimacy, and letting go of control. From inherited anger and childhood patterns to emotional vulnerability, relationship standards, and the pressure to always be strong, Ludmila challenges women to examine the behaviors that may be keeping them disconnected.
The three unpack how to stop bringing work-mode into your marriage, communicate your needs without criticism, and build relationships where success and softness can coexist because having it all shouldn't mean feeling alone in it.
KEY POINTS
00:00 – Introduction: Why high-achieving women can have everything on paper but still feel disconnected in love and life.
03:12 – How independence, control, and career-driven behaviors can complicate dating, marriage, and intimacy.
10:58 – Why the need for control often comes from childhood experiences, fear, and the search for emotional safety.
15:24 – How successful women can transition out of work mode and reconnect with themselves and their partners.
22:35 – Why men and women are struggling to meet each other's changing emotional expectations in modern relationships.
28:45 – The vulnerability problem: Why powerful women express anger instead of admitting they're hurt.
30:22 – Inherited rage: How generational experiences and childhood conditioning shape conflict in relationships.
38:40 – The Slavic woman mindset: Setting standards, knowing your worth, and refusing to compromise your non-negotiables.
47:54 – How to break unhealthy relationship patterns, communicate better, manage conflict, and recognize warning signs in marriage.
QUOTES
"If you look at performance, it will never be enough for you to feel worthy." – Ludmila Woodruff
"Even when you were given the example of when someone doesn't meet my expectation, or I feel like there's a gap in what I thought you were going to do and what you did, and the disappointment, the only response I know is anger." – Mona Kosar Abdi
"I have to respect myself enough to know that if my standard is being tested, I'd rather choose the standard than the men." – Ludmila Woodruff
GUEST RESOURCES:
Ludmila Woodruff
Website | www.ludmilawoodruff.com
IG | @ludmilawoodruff
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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG[Go Awf] The Biggest Mistake Reality TV Stars Make With Fame | Dr. Terry Dubrow
Send us Fan MailWhat separates reality TV stars who build lasting businesses from those whose fame fades? In this segment of Awf The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi sit down with Dr. Terry Dubrow to …
Show notes
What separates reality TV stars who build lasting businesses from those whose fame fades? In this segment of Awf The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi sit down with Dr. Terry Dubrow to discuss the opportunities and risks of joining The Real Housewives. From Lisa Vanderpump's success to how his reality TV exposure helped lead to Botched, Terry shares why authenticity matters more than chasing a quick payday. His biggest advice? Don't launch a business just because you have an audience. Build on what you already know, let opportunities develop naturally, and make sure what you're selling is real.
GUEST RESOURCES:
Dr. Terry Dubrow
IG | @drdubrow
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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IGWorld-Renowned Plastic Surgeon Dr. Terry Dubrow: The Popular Procedure I Refuse to Perform
Send us Fan MailJoin 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 …
Show notes
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/cw/AWFTheRecord
In this episode of AWF The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi sit down with world-renowned plastic surgeon and Botched star Dr. Terry Dubrow for an unfiltered conversation about the truth behind plastic surgery, beauty standards, and reality TV.
From the deadly risks of Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs) to cosmetic procedures he considers a waste of money, Dr. Dubrow reveals what patients should know before going under the knife. He also reflects on the controversy surrounding The Swan, the dangers of chasing ever-changing beauty trends, and why even the best plastic surgery can go wrong. Plus, he opens up about pretty privilege, the pressures women face to be beautiful and successful, and how The Real Housewives transformed his career.
KEY POINTS
00:00 - Introduction: World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon Dr. Terry Dubrow
02:05 – How Botched and reality TV changed the stigma around plastic surgery.
05:30 – The controversy behind The Swan and why Dr. Dubrow wouldn't do the show today.
15:32 – How beauty standards and looksmaxxing culture push people to dangerous extremes.
18:50 – Cosmetic procedures that waste money, from thread lifts to overhyped skin treatments.
22:08 – What actually works for under-eye hollows, smile lines, and facial aging.
24:44 – Why Dr. Dubrow refuses to perform BBLs and the potentially fatal complications.
29:44 – The long-term consequences of chasing plastic surgery trends.
35:33 – Pretty privilege, beauty standards, and why attractive women struggle to be taken seriously.
41:02 – How reality TV transformed Dr. Dubrow's career and the secrets to building an authentic brand.
QUOTES
"If you send a message out that it's really your life is really only as valuable as your looks are, as good as your looks are. That is the worst message for a male, and I can't stand that." – Dr. Terry Dubrow
“I think that's the challenge women face that it's very hard for people to accept two things that you can be beautiful and qualified." – Jeannette Reyes
“A BBL, a Brazilian buttock lift. That, I won't do it because no operation is worth that fatality rate." – Dr. Terry Dubrow
GUEST RESOURCES:
Dr. Terry Dubrow
IG | @drdubrow
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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG[Go Awf] How to Negotiate Brand Deals and Get Paid What You're Worth
Send us Fan MailWhat if you're leaving thousands of dollars on the table every time you sign a brand deal? In this segment of AWF The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi sit down with Hollywood …
Show notes
What if you're leaving thousands of dollars on the table every time you sign a brand deal? In this segment of AWF The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi sit down with Hollywood talent manager Stephanie Piza to uncover the truth behind influencer pay and brand negotiations. From a shocking $80,000 pay gap between creators doing the same work to the contract clauses that could cost you control of your content, Stephanie breaks down how to negotiate smarter, recognize your value, and find representation that actually fights for you.
GUEST RESOURCES:
Stephanie Piza
IG | @stephanie_piza
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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IGThe New Rules of the Creator Economy: How to Build a Personal Brand That Pays
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Awf The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi welcome Stephanie Piza, Hollywood talent manager and founder of Piza Global, to break down the new rules of the $21 billion …
Show notes
In this episode of Awf The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi welcome Stephanie Piza, Hollywood talent manager and founder of Piza Global, to break down the new rules of the $21 billion creator economy.
From building a personal brand that attracts opportunities to turning influence into a profitable business, Stephanie shares what it really takes to stand out in an oversaturated market. They unpack the realities of influencer pay, why creators of color still face unequal opportunities, how to negotiate brand deals, and the role AI will play in the future of content creation.
Whether you're an aspiring creator, entrepreneur, or professional looking to build your influence, this conversation is about knowing your value, betting on yourself, and building something that lasts.
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:
KEY POINTS
00:00 – Introduction: The rise of the creator economy and why personal branding matters
06:24 – How to stand out, grow an audience, and turn influence into income
09:30 – Turning down $10 million and building businesses beyond brand deals
13:31 – The inequality creators of color face in brand partnerships
20:47 – How to attract brand deals and build authentic partnerships
24:08 – Building a personal brand as a creator, entrepreneur, or professional
29:34 – Negotiating higher rates, protecting your content, and avoiding costly contracts
35:27 – The $15K vs. $95K pay gap and why the right representation matters
40:54 – The future of influencing, AI, and staying ahead of the industry
QUOTES
“I have always just bet on myself. I'm first gen; I'm going to make it work.” – Stephanie Piza
“There comes a point in a creator's career where they realize they're providing more value than a one quick off brand deal.” – Mona Kosar Abdi
“I don't think it's too late. I think that you have to make yourself an anomaly, because again, there's so much talent out there.” – Stephanie Piza
GUEST RESOURCES:
Stephanie Piza
IG | @stephanie_piza
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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG[Go Awf] The Biggest Lie Social Media Tells Us About Love | Kier Gaines
Send us Fan MailHow 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 …
Show notes
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 can turn into beliefs before we even realize it. His reminder: your relationship does not have to match the internet. The real question is what you actually want, and whether you can hear it past the noise.
GUEST RESOURCES:
Kier Gaines
IG | @kiergaines
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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IGWhen Resentment Turns Your Partner Into the Enemy
Send us Fan MailJoin 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 …
Show notes
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/AWFTheRecord
In 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 vulnerability, masculinity, relationships, and the ways social media is quietly reshaping how we love.
Kier breaks down why men, especially Black men, often struggle to open up, why women are exhausted by the emotional load, and how online comparison, gender scripts, and fear of being played can make connection feel harder than it needs to be. From contempt and tone to emotional maturity, self-healing, and what it really means to do the work, this conversation is a needed reset for anyone trying to build healthier relationships without losing themselves in the noise.
KEY POINTS
00:00 - Introduction: Social media is reshaping love, vulnerability, and conflict
01:35 - Kier reflects on becoming an instant New York Times bestselling author
03:19 - Kier explains why his work blends clinical expertise with real humanity
05:42 - The pressure on Black men to be impenetrable, useful, and unaffected
12:02 - Men are not women’s job to fix, but relationships need more emotional presence
16:09 - Therapy language and how it can also shrink emotional tolerance
17:58 - Social media comparison can quietly damage relationships
24:22 - Kier unpacks women’s emotional load, tone, contempt, and the work of repair
37:25 - What to look for in dating: accountability, listening, kindness, & emotional maturity
42:20 - Vulnerability requires mutual trust, safety, and time
QUOTES
“We can't run from the fact that men don't feel like we have intrinsic value.” – Kier Gaines
“Shame, blame, and guilt-they steal all of your awareness.” – Kier Gaines
“The thing about contempt is it's not just the feeling; it's the narrative attached to it.” – Kier Gaines
GUEST RESOURCES:
Kier Gaines
IG | @kiergaines
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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG[Go Awf] How a Professional Matchmaker Vets Your Future Partner Before the First Date
Send us Fan MailTennesha 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 …
Show notes
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 and money. Then, Tennesha breaks down why matchmaking packages can cost a lot of money, what clients are actually paying for, and why she created a matchmaking service specifically designed to help Black professionals find one another.
GUEST RESOURCES:
Tennesha Wood
Website | www.thebroomlist.com
IG | @tenneshawood
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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IGTop Matchmaker: The Dating Standards Keeping Successful Women Single
Send us Fan MailWhat 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 …
Show notes
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 automatically translate to compatibility, and how rigid standards around income, height, looks, and “type” may be shrinking the dating pool.
They also get into the strategy behind Tennesha’s matchmaking process, why attraction can grow, the importance of self-awareness and accountability, how to communicate in high-achieving relationships, when dating should become intentional, and why finding love may require the same level of planning you’ve given every other major goal in your life.
KEY POINTS
00:00 – Introduction
01:47 – A reality check on what’s actually happening in today’s dating market
03:34 – Why dating can be harder for high-achieving Black women and where to meet compatible partners
04:51 – What successful men and women are actually looking for in relationships
09:01 – How unrealistic checklists and the search for perfection can keep people single
12:22 – Why focusing too heavily on looks can be a dating red flag
20:00 – Why your usual “type” may not actually be your best match
22:17 – The role of accountability and self-awareness in being ready for a relationship
24:00 – Why height, income, and other preferences may unnecessarily shrink your dating pool
32:31 – How career success can become your identity and affect the way you date
49:03 – Why finding love may require the same intentional strategy you use for your career and other life goals
QUOTES
“You're not going to get everything on your list.” – Tennesha Wood
“Who your type should be is who your values align with.” – Tennesha Wood
“If you're not at a place where you understand what you did wrong in your last relationship or how you could have changed or improved it within yourself, then that's not going to bode well for the next relationship either.” – Tennesha Wood
GUEST RESOURCES:
Tennesha Wood
Website | www.thebroomlist.com
IG | @tenneshawood
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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG[Go Awf] How To Help Family Without Draining Your Future | Vivian Tu
Send us Fan MailWhat 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 …
Show notes
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 would allow you to help more meaningfully later. She breaks down the difference between giving a gift and creating a loan that turns into a family fight, why a “gift fund” can help create boundaries, and how to decide whether a request is an emergency or an expectation. Honest, practical, and deeply relatable, this conversation is about learning how to say no without abandoning the people you love.
GUEST RESOURCES:
Vivian Tu
Website | https://www.yourrichbff.com/
IG | https://www.instagram.com/your.richbff/
RESOURCES:
Keep in touch with Awf The Record:
YouTube: @AwfTheRecord
Instagram: @awftherecordpodcast
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Mona Kosar Abdi
IG | @monakabdi
Jeannette Reyes
IG | @msnewslady
Keep in touch with Awf The Record:
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Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IGRich BFF Vivian Tu: Why You Still Feel Broke Even When You Make Good Money
Send us Fan MailIn 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 …
Show notes
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 career strategy can help people build real financial security.
From fake wealth on social media to salary negotiation, dating with financial clarity, family money boundaries, trad wife culture, credit scores, debt, and the cost of adulthood, Vivian brings the group chat version of financial advice: honest, sharp, funny, and deeply practical. This conversation is for anyone trying to stop chasing a lifestyle that does not actually exist and start building a life that can hold them.
KEY POINTS
00:00 - Introduction: Vivian Tu breaks down the new rules of money
01:15 - The old money blueprint no longer works
03:30 - Social media is making fake wealth look normal
08:18 - Budgeting starts with knowing what you can actually afford
10:00 - Career security means being loyal to yourself first
11:38 - The “up and out” rule has changed in this job market
14:41 - Raises require receipts, confidence, and self-advocacy
17:56 - Major life milestones now require tradeoffs and timelines
24:19 - Family planning and benefits are part of the money conversation
27:04 - Money in relationships requires honesty, equity, and autonomy
39:13 - Rich people spend based on value, not performance
41:30 - Debt, credit scores, and family money need better boundaries
QUOTES
“Let me be entirely clear. Those people are broke. The vast majority of the showy, loud, portrayed wealth that you're seeing on social media is fake.” – Vivian Tu
“It's not how good you are with money; it's how good you are at playing this game.” – Vivian Tu
“Debt has been made into like this swear word when real rich people know that debt is leverage.” – Vivian Tu
GUEST RESOURCES:
Vivian Tu
Website | https://www.yourrichbff.com/
IG | https://www.instagram.com/your.richbff/
App link | http://askdolly.com/Awf
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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG[Go Awf] Reesa Teesa on Dating After Deception and Learning to Trust Again
Send us Fan MailHow 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 …
Show notes
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 heartbreak before she could even ask the questions that might have protected her. She also opens up about why her circle is smaller now, why dating still scares her, and why she believes background checks should be part of modern dating. Honest, sharp, and deeply relatable, this conversation is about what happens when someone learns your wounds, flips the truth, and makes you question how easily trust can be weaponized.
GUEST RESOURCES:Reesa Teesa
IG | @reesateesa
Amazon book | What (TF) Do I Do Now?: Reclaiming Myself, One Piece at a Time
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
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Visit our website: www.AwfTheRecord.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IGReesa Teesa: How to Spot a Pathological Liar Before You Marry One
Send us Fan MailIn 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 …
Show notes
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 fear of admitting “I’m getting played” felt scarier than the truth itself.
From background checks and desperation dating to miscarriage, loneliness, faith, book deals, TV development, and learning how to edit the dream without giving up on it, this conversation goes far beyond the viral story. It is honest, funny, painful, and deeply human, reminding women that being single is never worse than being married to the wrong person.
KEY POINTS
00:00 - Introduction: Reesa Teesa’s story became a viral cultural moment
02:15 - Reesa reflects on life after going viral
03:50 - Reesa summarizes the story behind Who TF Did I Marry?
05:26 - Reesa explains why accountability shaped the story’s reception
09:27 - Reesa pushes back on the “it could never be me” mindset
12:30 - Reesa explains how dating potential made her vulnerable
15:14 - Reesa admits that facing the lie meant facing her own fear
18:16 - Reesa breaks down how a pathological liar builds a false foundation
22:39 - Reesa explains how money became part of the manipulation
24:46 - Reesa explains how he “beat her to the story” and damaged her trust
28:46 - Reesa opens up about the book, healing, and loneliness
40:19 - Reesa talks about the TV series, business, shame, and life after virality
QUOTES
“I tend to date off of potential and not reality.” – Reesa Teesa
“There’s a difference between being alone and lonely.” – Jeannette Reyes
“Being single is nowhere near as bad as being married to the wrong person.” – Reesa Teesa
GUEST RESOURCES:
Reesa Teesa
IG | @reesateesa
Amazon book | What (TF) Do I Do Now?: Reclaiming Myself, One Piece at a Time
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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG[Go Awf] Norman Baker on Wendy Williams’ Legacy, Final Season & Sherri Shepherd
Send us Fan MailWhat 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 …
Show notes
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 fearlessness, and the rare freedom of working on a show where a Black woman could speak her mind every single day on daytime television. He also shares why he has been cautious about participating in documentaries about Wendy, what it felt like to learn major updates through the media, and how the transition into Sherri challenged him to adapt his voice, sharpen his comedy, and keep the spirit of hot topics alive in a new way.
GUEST RESOURCES:Norman Baker
IG | @thenormanbaker
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:
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Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IGWendy Williams’ Former Producer Breaks His Silence on the Final Days and New Documentaries
Send us Fan MailWhat 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 …
Show notes
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 Wendy’s trust on and off camera, and watching the show become a place where pop culture, gossip, shade, and Black womanhood collided in real time.
Norman also reflects on the final seasons of the show, the limbo the staff experienced when Wendy was no longer able to return, and why he has chosen not to participate in certain documentaries about her. From protecting Wendy’s legacy to the shift from Wendy to Sherri, the art of shade, and the future of daytime TV, this conversation is a funny, honest, and surprisingly tender tribute to the show that changed how we talked about celebrity culture.
KEYPOINTS:
00:00 - Introduction
02:31 - Norman broke into TV with $100 and no industry connections
03:16 - Wendy turned Norman into an on-camera personality
04:20 - Norman explains the cultural void Wendy left behind
05:12 - Norman describes the final years as a “long, slow descent”
11:15 - Norman explains why he is cautious about the Wendy documentaries
18:12 - The Wendy team never got real closure
20:33 - Norman reflects on transitioning from Wendy to Sherri
47:24 - Norman shares how he wants Wendy to be remembered
QUOTES:
“In the end this shows that what fascinates people the most is other people doing the things that they swear they never do.” – Jeannette Reyes
“I feel like no one's been able to fill the void that she and, should I say, we created.” – Norman Baker
“I feel like that show got closure, quote unquote, but it still like it struck a chord with a lot of people.” – Mona Kosar Abdi
“We were in limbo. We're like, what are we gonna do? What is this show gonna be? Is she ever gonna come back?” – Norman Baker
GUEST RESOURCES:
Norman Baker
IG | @thenormanbaker
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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG[Rewind] Top Plastic Surgeon: The Secret Procedure Your Favorite Celebrity Is Hiding
Send us Fan MailThis 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 …
Show notes
This episode originally aired on 04/16/2026
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 are now the gold standard, and how today’s techniques are creating transformations that look subtle, not obvious. From celebrity trends to the rise of men getting work done, Dr. Truesdale shares what people are really asking for behind closed doors.
The conversation also dives into the psychology behind plastic surgery, why some people should not get it, and how to know if you’re choosing the right surgeon. Plus, he reveals the red flags most people completely miss, the real cost of facial rejuvenation, and why bad work is often easier to spot than good work.
If you’ve ever wondered what actually works, what’s overhyped, and how to approach plastic surgery the right way, this episode is a must-listen.
KEY POINTS
- 0:00 Introduction
- 1:57 The Biggest Myth About Plastic Surgery and Black Patients
- 5:43 What Actually Makes Someone Attractive
- 8:42 The Psychology Behind Plastic Surgery
- 10:35 Most Requested Procedures Right Now
- 12:20 Why Hollywood Results Look More Natural Today
- 14:05 Who Dr. Truesdale refuses to Operate On
- 16:43 Fillers vs Facelifts: What Actually Works
- 19:13 Black People and Plastic Surgery
- 27:07 The Real Cost of Looking Younger
- 32:10 The Biggest Red Flags When Choosing a Surgeon
- 36:52 The Future of Plastic Surgery
- 42:33 What Are The Men Getting In Plastic Surgery?
QUOTES
“What I do is candy. It's sugar. It will improve your quality of life, but you don't need to do it.” - Dr. Carl Truesdale
“The hardest part of what I do is literally fulfilling the happiness piece, not related to surgery. It's a mental, psychological thing.” - Dr. Carl Truesdale
“Perfect symmetry is not actually the goal. We want things to be more symmetric, but keeping a little bit of asymmetry is the thing that makes your face, your face.” - Dr. Carl Truesdale
RESOURCES:
Dr. Carl Truesdale
Website | www.doctortruesdale.com
IG | Doctor.Truesdale
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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG[Go Awf] Aliza Kelly on Celebrity Birth Charts, Astrology Apps & Why Astrology Went Mainstream
Send us Fan MailAstrology 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 …
Show notes
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 technology helped people go beyond “What’s your sign?”, how her own astrology dating app helped launch her career, and why 2016 marked a major cultural shift in how people turned to the stars for answers. She also breaks down what celebrity birth charts can reveal, why public personas do not always match private realities, and the most surprising chart she has seen: Rachel Dratch’s Pisces-heavy birth chart. It’s a fun, curious conversation about astrology, pop culture, identity, and why your sign might only be the beginning of the story.
GUEST RESOURCES:
Aliza Kelly
Website | www.alizakelly.com
IG | @alizakelly
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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IGCelebrity Astrologer: What Your Birth Chart Reveals About Your Love Life & Who You Really Are
Send us Fan MailWhat 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 …
Show notes
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 just your zodiac sign, and how the sun, moon, and rising signs can help you better understand your energy, emotions, perspective, relationships, and the stories you tell about yourself.
From dating compatibility and Gemini slander to the rise of astrology on TikTok, Aliza explains why astrology should be used as a tool for curiosity, connection, and self-awareness, not fear or judgment. She also reads Mona and Jeannette’s birth charts in real time, revealing why their charts are almost shockingly compatible and why their friendship may be written in the stars. This episode is for the astrology curious, the astrology skeptical, and anyone who has ever wondered if their chart knows a little too much.
KEYPOINTS:
00:00 - Introduction
02:01 - Aliza Kelly explains how astrology became her life’s work
03:54 - Astrology is an art, not a science, and Aliza says that matters
07:02 - Astrology can coexist with faith because it is not a religion
08:23 - Astrology works as a social language for connection
09:14 - The birth chart is a snapshot of the sky when you were born
13:37 - Aliza traces how astrology became mainstream again
20:50 - Men dismissing astrology often reflects a deeper disrespect for women’s interests
24:41 - Compatibility is not as simple as “this sign works with that sign”
33:17 - Mona and Jeannette’s birth charts reveal major creative compatibility
41:21 - Astrology becomes toxic when it feeds anxiety instead of curiosity
QUOTES:
“What astrology does is help us tell better stories.” – Aliza Kelly
“Something that is an art doesn't need to be a science in order for it to be meaningful.” – Aliza Kelly
“Astrology is the language, but the lived experience is actually like, do these people get along, and if so, how do they get along.” – Aliza Kelly
“Life is about being able to form those connections.” – Aliza Kelly
GUEST RESOURCES:
Aliza Kelly
Website | www.alizakelly.com
IG | @alizakelly
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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG[Go Awf] How To Know If You’re The Problem In Friendships with Danielle Bayard-Jackson
Send us Fan MailWhat 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 …
Show notes
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 doing the work. Danielle explains why the “no one shows up for me” story deserves compassion, but also deserves curiosity, especially when it keeps showing up across multiple friendships. Danielle also breaks down how to ask yourself whether you might be the common denominator in repeated friendship breakups, why feedback feels so awkward in friendships, and how social media can validate every issue without actually helping you grow. It is a sharp, honest conversation about friendship patterns, self-awareness, emotional generosity, and learning how to give without using giving as a shortcut to closeness.
GUEST RESOURCES:
Danielle Bayard-Jackson
Website | www.daniellebayardjackson.com
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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IGTop Friendship Expert: The Red Flags Hiding in Your Friend Group
Send us Fan MailWhy 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 …
Show notes
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 breaks down why friendship is not just about having people around you, but about feeling understood, supported, and safe enough to be honest in the relationships you already have.
From the rise of the female loneliness epidemic to the pressure to be self-sufficient, Danielle explains why “I don’t need anyone” is not the flex we think it is. She unpacks why conflict can actually create deeper intimacy, how to apologize well, why jealousy does not automatically make you a bad friend, and how to tell if you might be the common denominator in your friendship patterns. This episode is a reminder that friendship takes time, repair, emotional honesty, and the courage to let people show up for you.
KEY POINTS
- 00:00 - Danielle Bayard Jackson explains why friendship issues are everywhere
- 01:19 - Loneliness is not always about lacking friends
- 02:20 - Friendships are suffering because we spend less time together
- 04:17 - The loneliness industrial complex sells connection, but does not always create it
- 06:04 - High-achieving women can struggle with vulnerability in friendship
- 08:19 - Closeness takes time, and conflict can deepen intimacy
- 11:04 - A good apology has to speak to the heart and the mind
- 12:48 - Jealousy does not make you a bad friend, but what comes next matter
- 17:32 - Female friendships are not worse than male friendships, they are often deeper
- 32:05 - Adult friendship requires intention, regularity, and asking for help
QUOTES
“We've lost the art of doing nothing with a friend.” – Jeannette Reyes
“The right people want the data on how to love you well.” – Danielle Bayard-Jackson
“Somewhere along the line, I feel like that came from our fear of vulnerability, because to need people, you have to be vulnerable and you have to ask for help.” – Mona Kosar Abdi
“We think of lonely as a lack of friends, but it's other things too.” – Danielle Bayard-Jackson
“I feel like part of having community is to be burdened.” – Mona Kosar Abdi
GUEST RESOURCES:
Danielle Bayard-Jackson
Website | www.daniellebayardjackson.com
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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG[Go Awf] Attachment Styles and the Signs a Relationship May Not Last
Send us Fan MailHow 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 …
Show notes
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 major sign of hope is whether both people are actually open to change. Melissa also unpacks attachment styles, how anxious and secure attachment can show up in love, and why two people can want connection in completely different ways. From toxic red flags to couples who say they “never fight,” this conversation is a grounded reminder that healthy relationships are not conflict-free. They are built by people who are willing to be honest, self-aware, and prepared for the hard conversations.
GUEST RESOURCES:
Melissa Dumaz
Website | www.melissadumaz.com
IG | @melissadumaz
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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IGCOUPLES THERAPIST: The #1 Relationship Mistake You're Making Without Realizing It | Melissa Dumaz
Send us Fan MailWhat 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 …
Show notes
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 the relationship mistakes most couples do not realize they are making. Melissa breaks down why social media highlight reels are distorting what we expect from real relationships, why more people are walking into therapy asking if they even want to be married anymore, and how ambition, gender roles, emotional safety, and unresolved trauma are reshaping the way couples connect.
From attachment styles and red flags to dirty fighting, love languages, resentment, and the myth of “if he wanted to, he would,” Melissa offers a grounded look at what actually helps relationships last. She explains why healthy couples still fight, why sarcasm can quietly break down love, why vulnerability can feel unsafe, especially for Black women, and why relationships start to suffer when busy people put love on autopilot. This is a conversation about choosing honesty over ego, communication over assumptions, and your partner over the quiet resentment that can build when the small things go unaddressed.
KEY POINTS
00:00 - Introduction: Melissa Dumaz names the real tension in modern relationships
01:42 - Social media has made real relationships feel like they’re falling short
04:18 - Women’s ambition has changed relationships, but men were not always prepared for that shift
09:13 - Couples need to build a relationship model that fits who they are now
12:12 - Dating should reveal how someone handles real life, not manufactured tests
17:51 - Anger is often covering a deeper emotion
21:26 - Couples have to identify whether the issue is yours, theirs, or the relationship’s
26:14 - Love languages can change as people move through different seasons
33:48 - Sarcasm is a form of dirty fighting that often hides resentment
51:46 - Marriages quietly break down when couples stop nurturing the relationship
QUOTES
“The biggest challenge relationships face today is thinking that relationships should look like social media relationships in real life.” – Melissa Dumaz
“We have to give ourselves permission to dream again.” – Melissa Dumaz
“It is in the living that you will see how they show up and how they respond to life.” – Melissa Dumaz
“If you don't feel safe yet to be your true authentic self, then that's the red flag. That's the yellow flag.” – Melissa Dumaz
“The ego has to die at some points and several times throughout the relationship.” – Melissa Dumaz
GUEST RESOURCES:
Melissa Dumaz
Website | www.melissadumaz.com
IG | @melissadumaz
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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG[Go Awf] Recho Omondi on Why She Stopped Giving Her Work Away for Free
Send us Fan MailRecho 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 …
Show notes
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 to spending years publishing without meaningful monetization. She reflects on the early days of building an audience, selling merch, losing momentum during the pandemic, and relaunching in 2021 with episodes that proved the industry was paying attention. Recho also breaks down the decision to move The Cutting Room Floor behind a Patreon paywall, why exclusivity became her strongest value proposition, and how she learned that going viral does not automatically mean getting paid. It is a sharp, honest conversation about self-worth, audience trust, creator economics, and the difference between being seen and being financially supported.
RESOURCES:
Recho Omondi
IG | @omondi
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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IGThe $55K Job Post That Blew Up Her Business — and Made It Bigger | Recho Omondi, The Cutting Room Floor
Send us Fan MailRecho 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 …
Show notes
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 to spending years publishing without meaningful monetization. She reflects on the early days of building an audience, selling merch, losing momentum during the pandemic, and relaunching in 2021 with episodes that proved the industry was paying attention.
Recho also breaks down the decision to move The Cutting Room Floor behind a Patreon paywall, why exclusivity became her strongest value proposition, and how she learned that going viral does not automatically mean getting paid. It is a sharp, honest conversation about self-worth, audience trust, creator economics, and the difference between being seen and being financially supported.
KEYPOINTS:
00:00 - Introduction: Recho Omondi joins the group chat
02:05 - Recho describes herself as curious, independent, and headstrong
04:04 - The Cutting Room Floor was built to make fashion less opaque
09:11 - The $55K job post turns Recho into the face of a bigger industry issue
12:20 - Recho explains what people misunderstood about the controversy
16:08 - Recho reflects on the impossible standards placed on Black women founders
24:24 - Recho opens up about the grind behind the “overnight success”
28:51 - Going viral without getting paid pushed Recho behind the paywall
36:31 - Recho explains why her interviews go viral
42:12 - The Patreon deal proves the business value of The Cutting Room Floor
QUOTES:
“Things don't happen to you. They happen for you.” – Recho Omondi
“There are conglomerates who offer less than what I was offering.” – Recho Omondi
“I think there was a genuine, or sorry, general thought that. And this is part that I think is unfair, that I'm supposed to be better and bigger than these institutions.” – Recho Omondi
RESOURCES:
Recho Omondi
IG | @omondi
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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG[Rewind] How To Become THAT Girl: Style, Dating Coaches & The Real Glow Up Formula
Send us Fan MailIn 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 …
Show notes
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. Instead of staying stuck in grief, she built a deliberate blueprint for transformation by focusing on physical confidence, career capital, social capital, and emotional growth.
From navigating corporate America as a Black woman to building a powerful personal brand online, Jodie explains why success is not accidental. It is strategic.
Their conversation dives into glow-up culture, networking without feeling transactional, building influence in your career, and the surprising role vulnerability plays in relationships and self-development.
As Jodie highlights: “There is no universal definition of what being a baddie is.” Tune in!
KEY POINTS
- There is no playbook for navigating corporate spaces as a woman of color
- How grief, layoffs, and heartbreak forced her to rebuild her life intentionally
- The Glow Up framework: physical, social, and career capital
- Why social capital and proximity to powerful networks can change your career trajectory
- The surprising psychology behind confidence, self-image, and physical transformation
- How high-achieving women often struggle with vulnerability and emotional expression
- The difference between preferences and real relationship boundaries
- Why ambitious women should think strategically about dating, mentorship, and life
- Jodie explains the biggest mistake people make when trying to reinvent themselves
QUOTES
“I’m going to intentionally develop a life of my dreams and find support and strategy behind it.” – Jodie Taylor
“A woman who feels like she’s at the bottom of her life is a dangerous woman.” – Jodie Taylor
“The people who are the most magnetic are the ones who exist fully and completely as themselves.” – Jodie Taylor
“There is no version of me that exists today without going through that season.” – Jodie Taylor
GUEST RESOURCES
Jodie Taylor
Website: jodiektay.com
Instagram: @jodiektayl
TikTok: @jodiektay
RESOURCES:
Keep in touch with Awf The Record:
Youtube: @AwfTheRecord
Instagram: @awftherecordpodcast
TikTok: @AwfTheRecord
Mona Kosar Abdi
IG | @monakabdi
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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG[Go Awf] Scot Louie on TikTok Trends, Personal Style & Buying Belonging
Send us Fan MailScot 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 …
Show notes
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 people are buying access, belonging, and acceptance, and how fast-moving trend culture can make it harder to know what you actually like. Scot also opens up about branding, being the “director of the divas,” turning “to us” into a signature phrase, and learning to step in front of the camera after years of hiding behind the work. It’s a funny, sharp, and deeply honest conversation about authenticity, identity, and why the real flex is knowing who you are before the trend tells you.
GUEST RESOURCES
Scot Louie
Website | scotlouie.com
IG | @scotlouie
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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG
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