What happens when you change your mind—and people feel betrayed by it? In this candid conversation, we unpack the pressure to stick with a career (or identity) because others expect it from you. From the weight of family expectations to the fear of seeming "flaky," we dive into the emotional toll of evolving and choosing a new path—even when the world isn’t ready for your change.

RESOURCES: 

Taryn Delanie-Smith 

IG | @taryndelaniesmith

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:

Youtube: @AwfTheRecord

Instagram: @awftherecordpodcast

TikTok: @AwfTheRecord

Mona Kosar Abdi

IG |  @monakabdi 

Jeannette Reyes

IG |  @msnewslady 

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

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If only we knew then what we know now… but at least we’re saying it out loud now.

In this deeply personal and wildly relatable episode of Awf The Record, Jeannette and Mona rewind the tape in their 20s and 30s to share the lessons they wish someone had told them. From learning to speak up in rooms that made them question their worth, to letting go of friendships, careers, and relationships that no longer served them—nothing’s off limits.

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

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

KEY POINTS

- Friendship 101: Acquaintances vs real friends

- Benefits of having a diverse group of friends

- On dealing with imposter syndrome

- Building a strong professional relationship 

- The value of family time and mental health 

- Romantic relationship: Necessities and regrets 

- The importance of financial literacy 

- Embrace the “cringe of trying” new things

- Be confident and strive for continuous improvement 

QUOTES 

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

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

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

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

RESOURCES: 

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:

Youtube: @AwfTheRecord

Instagram: @awftherecordpodcast

TikTok: @AwfTheRecord

Mona Kosar Abdi

IG |  @monakabdi 

Jeannette Reyes

IG |  @msnewslady 

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

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First crushes are brutal—and we’ve got the embarrassing receipts to prove it. From awkward outfits gone wrong to accidentally roasting a crush on voicemail, this episode is full of cringe, chaos, and questionable fashion choices. Would you call your old crush today and get your revenge? Would you survive hearing them call you ugly? We relive our most mortifying middle school moments, and honestly… we’re still recovering.

RESOURCES: 

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:

Youtube: @AwfTheRecord

Instagram: @awftherecordpodcast

TikTok: @AwfTheRecord

Mona Kosar Abdi

IG |  @monakabdi 

Jeannette Reyes

IG |  @msnewslady 

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

Follow Mona on TikTok and IG
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Dating isn’t just about having chemistry or “vibes”—it’s actually data. 

In this eye-opening episode of Awf The Record, dating and relationship expert Anwar White joins Jeannette and Mona to break down the real numbers behind modern dating—and why Black and Brown women need a different playbook.

From match rates to money, Anwar exposes the hard truths about dating in today’s age: how systemic issues impact your love life, why marriage isn’t always a financial win for Black women, and what the data actually says about dating success. But this isn’t about discouragement—it’s about empowerment.

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

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

KEY POINTS

- Dating: qualitative and quantitative analysis 

- Navigating dating journeys for black and brown women 

- Transitioning to dating coaching as a career 

- Challenges and misconceptions in dating (as women) 

- The societal pressure, setting realistic standards

- Difference between feminine and masculine energy 

- Strategies for successful dating 

- On navigating cultural and racial preferences 

- Is using dating apps still effective? 

- Dating 101: Set boundaries and timeline 

- Anwar’s client approach as a dating coach 

QUOTES 

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

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

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

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

GUEST RESOURCES: 

Anwar White

IG | @datingcoachanwar

TikTok | @datingcoachanwar 

RESOURCES: 

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:

Youtube: @AwfTheRecord

Instagram: @awftherecordpodcast

TikTok: @AwfTheRecord

Mona Kosar Abdi

IG |  @monakabdi 

Jeannette Reyes

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

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Divorce attorneys have seen it all—messy breakups, unexpected betrayals, and some truly questionable decisions. In this segment, we get into the real reasons people stay too long, file too soon, or should’ve walked away years ago. From high-powered professionals trapped in toxic marriages to clients who expect their lawyer to be their personal attack dog, we’re breaking down the biggest red flags, courtroom shockers, and why some divorces are way overdue.

GUEST RESOURCES

Tracey Coates

Reach out to coatesfamilylaw.com/contact 

RESOURCES: 

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:

Youtube: @AwfTheRecord

Instagram: @awftherecordpodcast

TikTok: @AwfTheRecord

Mona Kosar Abdi

IG |  @monakabdi 

Jeannette Reyes

IG |  @msnewslady 

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

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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.com

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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.com

Follow 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.com

Follow 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.com

Follow Mona on TikTok and IG
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Before Awf the Record, before the mics, and before the viral moments—who were Mona and Jeannette?

In this episode, they get real about their upbringings, family expectations, and the cultural influences that shaped them. From Mona’s strict Somali academic upbringing in San Diego to Jeannette’s Dominican roots in Providence, they reflect on the highs, lows, and awkward phases that made them who they are today.

They talk about:
 🔥 Growing up in strict vs. non-strict households
 🔥 Navigating identity across multiple cultures
 🔥 The struggles of being the new kid (and eating lunch in the bathroom)
 🔥 First crushes, embarrassing moments, and bad fashion choices
 🔥 Why Jeannette attended five different high schools

Get ready for stories they never thought they’d share. It’s messy, it’s funny, and it’s 100% unfiltered.

KEY POINTS 

- Mona and Jeannette’s life backgrounds 

- A glimpse of cultural influences & family dynamics

- Whose parents are more strict? 

- The impact of parenting on their behavior

-  Reflections and Frealizations on upbringing

- The challenges of being a first-generation women 

QUOTES 

“I did truly believe when my parents said you could be anything you want to be, I'd be like: YES. Yes, I can. So let's do it.” – Mona Kosar Abdi

“I never had a curfew. I never felt any pressure too, like — do something a certain way — be something my parents would kind of like. I think they just trusted that we would know what's right and what's what you don't do.” – Jeannette Reyes

RESOURCES: 

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:

Youtube: @AwfTheRecord

Instagram: @awftherecordpodcast

TikTok: @AwfTheRecord

Mona Kosar Abdi

IG |  @monakabdi 

Jeannette Reyes

IG |  @msnewslady 

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

Follow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG