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On today’s Awf The Record, CNN anchor, attorney, and legal analyst Laura Coates joins the group chat for a powerful conversation about purpose, pivots, and what it really takes to build a life that feels true to you.

Laura opens up about leaving the Department of Justice (DOJ), the moment her husband’s fear during a police stop became a wake-up call, and why “informational activism” became her way of speaking truth to power. She reflects on her time as a federal prosecutor, the ethical dilemmas that shook her, and why Black and brown communities deserve champions who understand their lived experience.

From posting up in Panera Bread with a baby in her arms to becoming one of the most recognizable voices on CNN, Laura gets honest about ambition, motherhood, marriage, imposter syndrome, and the hard truth that few things are true meritocracies. This episode is a reminder that sometimes the attempt is the success, the grind does not end when you “make it,” and leaving the dream on the pillow is harder than doing it scared.

KEY POINTS 

- 0:00 Introduction

- 2:17 From CNN legal analyst and federal prosecutor to hosting her own show

- 3:56 Motherhood & her husband’s fear leading to the “camera in the car” wake‑up call

- 5:51 Leaving DOJ: choosing “informational activism” and being laughed at for pursuing TV

- 8:32 Financial sacrifice, family support, and redefining success on her own terms

- 9:28 Why Black and brown communities need prosecutors who look like them

- 12:43 The deportation warrant witness story and the ethical crisis 

- 16:36 First steps into media: Panera Bread, radio hits while nursing, and writing op‑eds

- 19:17 Grit, ambition, and surviving a cutthroat, non‑meritocratic TV industry

- 29:42 “Doing it all”: kids, 4–5 hours of sleep, and a truly supportive partner

- 31:06 “Pick your hard”: knowing her “why,” scheduling downtime, and protecting her health

- 38:24 The Alex Trebek’s Jeopardy! experience and what it taught her

QUOTES 

"I wholeheartedly reject the idea that black and brown communities should not get champions who look like them, and I am very proud of the opportunity to have stood up on behalf of people, embed a voice for them.” – Laura Coates 

"I needed my children to know that I was who I said I was, and that I wanted them to be." – Laura Coates 

"I decided that removing a muzzle that I had to put on as a prosecutor was going to be my form of informational activism, I thought people want to speak truth to power. Let me tell them what the truth is." – Laura Coates 

"I cannot fail if I'm trying on my own terms." – Laura Coates 

RESOURCES

Laura Coates 

Website: lauracoates.com

Instagram: @thelauracoates 

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:

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Mona Kosar Abdi

IG |  @monakabdi 

Jeannette Reyes

IG |  @msnewslady 

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In this segment, Jaz Turner gets honest about the “messy middle” of self-growth, the part that does not look like green juice, Pilates, or a perfectly curated morning routine. She shares how rebuilding starts with small daily choices like journaling, faith, movement, and learning how to pour into yourself first. From leaving law school to redefining self-care as a love letter to herself, Jaz reminds us that the hard seasons are often preparing us for the life we asked for.

RESOURCES: 

Jaz Turner 

Youtube: @jazturner16 

Instagram: @jazturner16/ 

TikTok: @jazturner16 

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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What does a real glow up actually look like?

In this episode of Awf The Record, Mona Kosar Abdi and Jeannette Reyes sit down with lifestyle entrepreneur and digital creator Jaz Turner, whose thoughtful approach to self-investment, wellness, and intentional living has built a global audience of more than one million followers.

But Jaz’s story didn’t begin with morning routines and glow-up advice.

Before becoming a creator, she was on track to become a lawyer. After earning a full ride to law school and landing a prestigious position in sports and entertainment law, she found herself deeply unhappy, battling anxiety, burnout, and an identity crisis.

What followed was the messy middle: leaving law school, rebuilding her life from the ground up, and discovering that growth isn’t glamorous. It’s lonely, uncomfortable, and deeply transformative.

In this conversation, Jaz opens up about the truth behind personal growth, the power of journaling and self-reflection, navigating friendship breakups, setting boundaries, and why the glow up actually starts where it hurts. They also dive into routines, relationships, and the mindset shifts that helped Jaz rebuild her life, and why the most powerful transformation happens internally first.

Felt stuck in a career that looks perfect on paper, or ever wonder what it really takes to reinvent yourself? This episode is for you.

KEY POINTS

• Jaz Turner’s journey from law school student to lifestyle creator 
• Why chasing the “perfect career” left her burned out and unhappy
• The identity crisis that comes when your job no longer defines you
• Why the glow up actually starts with anger, pain, and honesty
• The messy middle of reinvention and rebuilding your life
• The morning routines and mindset shifts that changed everything
• Friendship breakups, boundaries, and protecting your growth
• How reframing failure helped Jaz transform her life
• Why internal growth always comes before the external glow up

QUOTES 

“It’s a loss of identity when your whole life has been built around your career.”  – Jaz Turner

“The messy middle is where you learn the tools to handle the life you deserve.” – Jaz Turner

“Don’t be a loser in your own story.” – Jaz Turner

“Nobody is coming to save you, and that’s actually the most empowering thing in the world.” – Jaz Turner

RESOURCES: 

Jaz Turner 

Youtube: @jazturner16 

Instagram: @jazturner16/ 

TikTok: @jazturner16 

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:

Youtube: @AwfTheRecord

Instagram: @awftherecordpodcast

TikTok: @AwfTheRecord

Mona Kosar Abdi

IG |  @monakabdi 

Jeannette Reyes

IG |  @msnewslady 

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:
Watch on Youtube: @AwfTheRecord
Follow us on Instagram: @awftherecordpodcast
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In this segment from the Eboni K. Williams interview, Eboni breaks down why relationships, appearance, marriage, motherhood, and opportunity all operate within real social “marketplaces.” From Michelle Obama’s recent comments on appearance as currency to the controversy around advising women to prioritize partnership earlier, Eboni challenges listeners to think less about what feels fair and more about what creates leverage, choice, and long-term positioning.

RESOURCES: 

Eboni Williams

Website: .ebonikwilliams.com

IG: instagram.com/ebonikwilliams/ 

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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In this episode of AWF The Record, attorney, TV host, author, and Judge Eboni star Eboni K. Williams joins the group chat for an unfiltered conversation on dating standards, the infamous “bus driver” controversy, single motherhood by choice, and why she refuses to apologize for being clear about what she wants.

From her time on Real Housewives of New York to navigating public backlash, Eboni opens up about what it means to be a Black woman who is outspoken, ambitious, and completely unafraid of being misunderstood. She breaks down her views on relationships as a marketplace, why women should be honest about their standards, and the decision to become a mother on her own terms.

The conversation also dives into career ambition, partnership, political compatibility in dating, and why so many women feel judged for making unconventional life choices.

KEYPOINTS:

• 0:00 Introduction
•  Real Housewives, Race, and Being the First Black Cast Member
• The “Bus Driver” Controversy Explained
• Eboni’s Dating Advice for Ambitious Women
• Why She Chose Single Motherhood
• The Backlash to Becoming a Solo Mom by Choice
• Control, Independence, and Executive Decision-Making
• Hot Takes on Dating, Money, and Relationships
• Political Compatibility in Relationships
• Can Women Really Have It All?

QUOTES:

“I'm a woman who's always operating on an agenda without apology.” – Eboni Williams 

“I love the executive decision-making I get as a solo parent.” – Eboni Williams 

“If I feel like I need to check your phone, the relationship is over.” – Eboni Williams 

“My right to exist freely and humanely as a black person in America is not a political issue.” – Eboni Williams 

“I don't know that we can have them all at the same time.” – Eboni Williams 

RESOURCES: 

Eboni Williams

Website: .ebonikwilliams.com

IG: .instagram.com/ebonikwilliams/ 

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:

Youtube: @AwfTheRecord

Instagram: @awftherecordpodcast

TikTok: @AwfTheRecord

Mona Kosar Abdi

IG |  @monakabdi 

Jeannette Reyes

IG |  @msnewslady 

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:
Watch on Youtube: @AwfTheRecord
Follow us on Instagram: @awftherecordpodcast
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What does it really take to build a successful fashion brand?

In this segment, fashion designer Sergio Hudson breaks down the reality of the fashion industry, from scaling a small brand to navigating luxury retail stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus. He shares the hidden costs of production, the risks of wholesale, and why many fashion brands struggle to survive.

This conversation also highlights the pressure of building as a Black designer and the importance of purpose, representation, and resilience in a highly competitive industry.

RESOURCES: 

Sergio Hudson

Website: sergiohudson.com

IG: @sergiohudson

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:

Youtube: @AwfTheRecord

Instagram: @awftherecordpodcast

TikTok: @AwfTheRecord

Mona Kosar Abdi

IG |  @monakabdi 

Jeannette Reyes

IG |  @msnewslady 

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:
Watch on Youtube: @AwfTheRecord
Follow us on Instagram: @awftherecordpodcast
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In this episode of AWF The Record, legendary fashion designer Sergio Hudson opens up about the journey from small-town South Carolina to dressing some of the most powerful women in the world, including Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, Kamala Harris, and Kendall Jenner.

Known for his razor-sharp tailoring, sculpted silhouettes, and unapologetic glamour, Sergio gets candid about the defining moment that changed everything: Michelle Obama’s viral inauguration look that crashed his website and launched his brand into another stratosphere. He shares the emotional reality of surviving the fashion industry as a Black designer, the business lessons that nearly broke him, and why staying true to his instincts became the key to building a global luxury brand.

The conversation dives deep into the hidden economics of fashion, the pressure of dressing celebrities, Met Gala chaos, and the challenges independent Black designers face behind the scenes. Sergio also reflects on Americana, legacy, and why he sees himself as part of a larger cultural lineage rooted in American history.

Sergio also gives unfiltered takes on quiet luxury, fast fashion, tailoring, baby hairs, super long wigs, Met Gala prep, and the fashion trends that seriously need to end. Tune in as this episode is a masterclass in vision, resilience, branding, and what it really takes to build an iconic fashion house.

KEYPOINTS:

• 0:00 Introduction
• 3:14 How his mother became the blueprint for the Sergio Hudson woman
• 5:16 Defining the “Sergio Hudson woman” and dressing powerful women
• 6:42 Moving to LA, celebrity styling, and building the brand
• 11:57 Why real garment construction is becoming a lost art in fashion
• 13:10 The expensive business lessons that nearly cost him everything
• 15:11 Sergio reacts to Hanifa pausing operations and the realities Black designers face
• 20:58 The Michelle Obama inauguration moment that changed his life overnight
• 33:26 Dressing 18 people for the Met Gala and the chaos behind the scenes
• 43:11 Sergio’s hot takes: quiet luxury, tailoring, fast fashion, baby hairs, and long wigs

QUOTES:

“You can tell when a designer knows how to make clothes and when they just know how to design clothes.” – Sergio Hudson

“You’re like the personification of your ancestors’ wildest dreams.” – Jeannette Reyes

“The art of being a clothing designer is almost dying.” – Sergio Hudson

“A well-fitted outfit always beats an expensive one.” – Sergio Hudson

“When the rubber hit the road, the designers of color were the first ones to be dropped.” – Sergio Hudson

RESOURCES: 

Sergio Hudson

Website: sergiohudson.com

IG: @sergiohudson

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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Who do you turn to when the industry gets brutal?

In this segment, Jess Hilarious opens up about the mentors who helped shape her career, from Nick Cannon’s support to Kevin Hart’s unfiltered advice on handling controversy and staying authentic. She shares what she learned about navigating fame, dealing with criticism, and why not everyone deserves access to you.

Jess also reflects on the importance of having a solid support system, protecting your energy, and understanding the difference between real relationships and industry connections.

This is a must-listen for anyone trying to grow in their career without losing themselves in the process.

GUEST RESOURCES

Jess Hilarious

Website: jesshilariousofficial.com

Instagram: @jesshilarious_official

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:
Watch on Youtube: @AwfTheRecord
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In this episode of AWF The Record, Jess Hilarious opens up about the realities of postpartum, navigating a major career shift with The Breakfast Club, and what it actually takes to find your voice in an industry that’s constantly watching.

From waking up at 3:30 AM for radio to becoming a published author, Jess reflects on her journey from viral comedian to mainstream media personality. She shares how motherhood changed her, the emotional toll of postpartum, and the pressure of returning to work before feeling fully like herself again.

The conversation also dives into the tension surrounding The Breakfast Club, public perception, and the moment things felt like they were happening without her. Jess gets real about misdirected anger, being labelled “difficult,” and what people still misunderstand about her.

This isn’t just about comedy or radio. It’s about identity, growth, and learning how to stand in your truth even when the world has an opinion.

KEY POINTS

- 0:00 Introduction 

- 3:30 Life on The Breakfast Club and Early Mornings

- 10:39 Becoming an Author and Career Evolution

- 12:08 The Story That Almost Didn’t Make the Book

- 13:09 Co-Parenting, Growth, and Breaking Toxic Cycles

- 18:03 Where Her Comedy Comes From

- 21:20 Going Viral and Building Her Platform

- 22:58 The Wild ‘N Out Breakthrough Moment

- 33:38 Mentorship from Kevin Hart and Industry Advice

- 43:00 Joining The Breakfast Club and Public Reaction

- 46:47 Pregnancy, Motherhood, and Career Timing

- 50:24 Postpartum, Self-Doubt, and Returning to Work

- 54:54 The Breakfast Club Tension and What Really Happened

- 59:17 Misconceptions, Growth, and Moving Forward

QUOTES 

“I never thought I would have done… writing a book.” – Jess Hilarious

“I was even questioning me being funny.” – Jess Hilarious

“I was worried about how people were gonna look at me… how people still probably call child protective services.” – Jess Hilarious

“We had no more time to engage in toxicity.” – Jess Hilarious

Jess Hilarious

Website: jesshilariousofficial.com

Instagram: @jesshilarious_official

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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In this episode, Rachel Lindsay gets real about what it was actually like to become the first Black Bachelorette. She talks about finding out while she was literally in the middle of a jury trial, getting thrown into late-night TV and Good Morning America, and the moment it hit her that life would never go back to “normal.” Rachel opens up about the pressure of representing Black America on such a huge stage, not having anyone Black behind the scenes to lean on, and why sending men home was way harder than she expected—plus the wild, once‑in‑a‑lifetime dates that almost made it all worth it.

RESOURCES: 

Rachel Lindsay 

Website: rachellindsayofficial.com

Instagram: @therachlindsay

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:
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