Episodes
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In this deeply personal season finale, Jeannette and Mona take off the armor and speak straight from the heart. What starts as a conversation about vulnerability quickly unravels into a much bigger exploration of fear, identity, legacy, and healing. From life coaches and mindset breakthroughs to childhood trauma, grief, and the fear of criticism, this is the kind of talk that doesn’t just stay in the group chat—it transforms it.
Jeannette opens up about how playing it safe protected her for years—but also limited her growth—and how she’s finally reckoning with the cost of hiding her process in favor of only sharing polished outcomes. Mona shares what it's like being raised in a culture where emotions were buried, not expressed, and how that shaped her struggle with vulnerability and validation. Together, they navigate the pressures of being “good,” being “enough,” and being seen.
They reflect on generational patterns, the stories we bury for survival, and the courage it takes to break cycles. This episode is doing the scary thing, speaking the unspeakable, and learning to share not just the result—but the process. It’s messy, it’s real, and it’s exactly what this season needed to close on.
Whether you’re learning to let go, questioning if you’re enough, or carrying grief you’ve never spoken out loud—this one’s for you. And whatever you do, don’t let THAT fear stop you from being who you are, or from choosing who you’re becoming.
KEY POINTS
- Past struggles vs. current challenges
- Hindsight vulnerability
- How culture and family affect openness
- The mental toll of managing perceptions
- Tools to spot and question your inner critic
- The fear of criticism?
- Why real connection trumps perfect presentation
- On moving beyond the reward system = “self-worth”
- How avoiding grief and loss keeps us stuck (and alone)
QUOTES
“When you're vulnerable, you'll get to the right people, but on the way there, you're gonna get to you're gonna pass through the haters.” - Jeannette Reyes
“I was raised in a reward system, so.. I always saw value in achievements... You have to be the best, and so, and there's always like: ‘you could have done better.’” – Mona Kosar Abdi
“You're vulnerable—but it's in hindsight—you'll share what you went through, not what you're going through you're you'll share what you figured out, not what you're trying to figure out.” - Jeannette Reyes
“I don't feel successful ever, but that's because I always think that like people are doing better... Maybe it is like that. I don't feel like I'm enough.” – Mona Kosar Abdi
RESOURCES:Keep in touch with Awf The Record:
Youtube: @AwfTheRecord
Instagram: @awftherecordpodc
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 IG -
How do you become irresistible? In this no-fluff conversation, dating and relationship expert Anwar White breaks down how true confidence, time boundaries, and a CEO mindset in your love life can completely shift your dating experience. From when to go exclusive to when it's time to walk away, this segment is your blueprint for dating with power, purpose, and self-respect. Sis, it’s time to stop acting like the intern and start running your love life like a boss.
GUEST RESOURCES:
Anwar White
IG | @datingcoachanwar
TikTok | @datingcoachanwar
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:
Watch on Youtube: @AwfTheRecord
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Missing episodes?
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What does it really take to have deep, meaningful friendships over time? In this best-of episode, Mona and Jeannette revisit some of the most vulnerable, hilarious, and insightful moments from past conversations about friendship—the joy, the heartbreak, and the unspoken tension in between.
From childhood wounds and attachment styles to apology dynamics and growing pains, these clips explore how we navigate closeness, conflict, and connection in platonic relationships. You’ll hear candid stories about drifting apart, learning how to repair, and the hard truths about miscommunication that quietly end so many friendships. Plus, the duo opens up about their own friendship—how a subtle shift before Mona's wedding nearly created distance, and how they worked through it with grace.
With reflections on identity, belonging, and what it means to show up for each other—even when it's uncomfortable—this episode is a reminder that real friendship requires honesty, empathy, and a willingness to grow. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.
KEY POINTS
7: Why We Struggle to Make (and Keep) Friends
5: Strict Parents, Bathroom Lunches, and Judge Judy
6: Taryn: Funny is Sexy, Girlhood and Being Miss New York.
1: Friendship Fallouts, Swapping Lives, Saying Sorry
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 -
Dating app strategy is more real than you think—and timing is everything. In this spicy segment, Mona and Jeannette sit down with dating expert Anwar White to get the unfiltered tea on when not to be on the apps, why January is prime time for dating, and how your location (especially in places like California and Texas) can make or break your dating pool. They also dive into race dynamics, shifting your dating radius, and why moving might be the reset your love life needs. Whether you're dating with intention or just tired of the swipe fatigue, this segment is for you.
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
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 -
In this special best-of episode, Jeannette and Mona revisit the raw, revealing, and sometimes hilarious conversations they've had with experts and friends about dating, love, and the realities of marriage. From navigating modern romance and dating apps to unpacking divorce red flags and cultural double standards, this episode delivers hard truths and big-sis wisdom alike.
Whether you're single, dating, divorced, or in a “complicated” situation, this episode holds space for the unfiltered realities of modern love—with plenty of laughs, facts, and advice you’ll want to text your group chat immediately.
KEY POINTS
9: Bitter Exes, Fake Friends, And Embracing The Cringe
8: Top Dating Coach Reveals How Rich Men Date Differently
3: Divorce Expert: Red Flags You Should Never Ignore Before Marriage
6: Taryn: Funny is Sexy, Girlhood and Being Miss New York
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 -
In this insightful segment, we explore how society’s shift towards convenience has led to a decline in genuine friendships and community connections. Dating back to the 1950s, we discuss how the rise of television changed the way we interact and how the advent of smartphones in 2012 further fueled isolation. The pandemic may have exacerbated these trends, but they were already decades in the making. Find out how convenience culture—where everything is just a click away—has replaced the need for in-person connections. If you’re feeling disconnected, it’s time to question convenience and reclaim authentic community.
GUEST RESOURCES:
Dr. Marisa G. Franco
IG | @drmarisagfranco
Platonic Friendship Questionnaire | What Type of Friend Are You?
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 -
In this special best-of episode of Awf The Record, Mona and Jeannette bring together the realest advice and most unforgettable gems from past conversations that still hit hard. From redefining success to setting boundaries with family, pivoting careers to reclaiming joy, these are the truths that only get better with time.
You’ll hear reflections on burnout, letting go of outdated family expectations, healing from toxic work cultures, and what it really means to rebrand your life—inside and out. Plus, some hard-earned perspective on negotiating your worth, holding yourself accountable, and choosing yourself even when it’s uncomfortable.
Whether you’re at a crossroads, in the middle of a glow-up, or just trying to survive the group chat of adulthood, this episode is a guidepost for growth.
KEY POINTS
9: Bitter Exes, Fake Friends, And Embracing The Cringe
4: The Power of Rebranding, Staying Consistent and Building Habits
2: Kamie Crawford: Quitting Catfish Chaos, Controversy & Career Pivots
10: This Harvard Grad Quit the Dream Job — Here’s Why
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
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Is your partner your only friend? Dr. Marisa G. Franco joins the conversation to explore the hidden costs of relying solely on romantic relationships for connection. From the science of friendship to the power of confrontation, this segment dives into why strong friendships make us better partners—and how avoiding conflict can actually harm our closest bonds.
GUEST RESOURCES:
Dr. Marisa G. Franco
IG | @drmarisagfranco
Platonic Friendship Questionnaire | What Type of Friend Are You?
RESOURCES:
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
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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
Follow us on TikTok: @AwfTheRecord
Visit our website: www.AwfTheRecord.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG -
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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG -
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
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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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
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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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
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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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG -
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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
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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 RESOURCESTracey 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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
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Making friends shouldn’t feel like a mystery—but in today’s world, it often does.
In this episode, Dr. Marisa G. Franco, psychologist and New York Times best-selling author of Platonic, joins Mona and Jeannette to break down the science of friendship. She explores how technology, convenience culture, and societal expectations have fueled an epidemic of loneliness—while also revealing the keys to building meaningful, lasting connections.
Together, they tackle why male emotional vulnerability is so rare, why we’ve been conditioned to prioritize romance over deep platonic bonds, and the biggest myths about making friends as an adult. If you've ever felt like friendships should just happen—this episode will change your perspective.
And if you’ve ever wondered what kind of friend you are, you won’t want to miss this. Tune in for the science, the strategy, and the push you need to create real, fulfilling friendships.
KEY POINTS
- Navigating platonic friendships
- Sacrificing connection for convenience?
- Common challenges in friendships
- Is confrontation a bad thing in friendships?
- Men are less likely “to be vulnerable”
- The impact of technology in maintaining friendships
- Dr. Franco’s journey to study platonic friendships
- The concept of “diagnostic moments” in friendships
- How to know if you’ve outgrown a friend…
- Challenges of interracial friendships in the US
- Benefit: The art of doing nothing with a friend
QUOTES
“Boundaries are the distance between which I love you and myself at the same time.” – Dr. Marisa G. Franco
“Most people are lonely, which to me, it's not an individual issue. It's a systemic issue.” – Dr. Marisa G. Franco
“We need to start interrogating convenience. We don't realize that we are sacrificing connection often for convenience.” – Dr. Marisa G. Franco
GUEST RESOURCES:Dr. Marisa G. Franco
IG | @drmarisagfranco
Platonic Friendship Questionnaire | What Tpye of Friend Are You?
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
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Kamie Crawford has built a career on confidence, honesty, and speaking her mind. But what happens when you start questioning everything? From dealing with toxic industry standards to making the hardest decision of her career, Kamie gets real about the lessons she’s learned along the way—plus, the one piece of advice she wishes she knew sooner.
GUEST RESOURCES
Kamie Crawford
IG | @kamiecrawford
RESOURCES:
Keep in touch with Awf The Record:
Youtube: @AwfTheRecord
Instagram: @awftherecordpodcast
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
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From Beauty Queen to Comedy Queen—Taryn Delanie-Smith proves that reinvention isn’t just possible—it’s powerful. This week, Jeannette and Mona sit down with Taryn Delanie-Smith—comedian, content creator, and former Miss New York—who turned a viral TikTok into a thriving career.
Taryn shares how she went from pursuing diplomacy to building a comedy empire, including the hilarious (and sometimes chaotic) journey that led to a reel that brought her 21 million views and internet fame. Known for her quick wit, iconic characters like Denise the Heaven’s Receptionist, and her refreshing take on beauty and friendship, Taryn proves that switching lanes can be both messy and magical.
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you mix pageant glam with laugh-out-loud comedy, this episode is for you.
Hit play and join the group chat—you won’t want to miss this one.
KEY POINTS
- Taryn’s beauty queen and career background
- Her journey to becoming a comedian
- Taryn’s first viral video and its impact
- Taryn’s early life years and career aspirations
- COVID-19, career struggles, and new opportunities
- Balancing personal life with the public persona
- The impact of social media and audience interaction
- Taryn’s experience in pageantry and being Miss New York
- Why you need a support system: The power of female friendships
QUOTES
“To live as an ideal is no life at all. You're not an ideal. You're a person.” – Taryn Delanie-Smith
“I had to start viewing my authenticity, in a way, as a responsibility that I had, not only to myself but to others, specifically, because I have a platform.” – Taryn Delanie-Smith
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.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG -
Trying to change everything all at once? That might be what's holding you back. In this segment with Les from Balanced Black Girl, we talk about the power of focusing on one thing at a time—whether it's building a new habit, embodying a new mindset, or working toward a goal. Small, consistent steps are the real game-changer, not overnight transformations. Plus, we dive into personal stories of growth, financial discipline, and how to actually stick to the changes you want to make.
GUEST RESOURCES
Les Alfred
IG | @balancedles
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 - Show more
