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New York Times bestselling author Kennedy Ryan is not just writing romance. She is writing Black women into love stories where they are centered, desired, protected, and loved outrageously.
In this episode of Awf The Record, Kennedy joins Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi to talk about the craft, conviction, and cost behind her work. She opens up about getting her first book deal at 40, why romance is often dismissed because it centers women’s pleasure, and how writing from a specific point of view actually expanded her audience instead of limiting it.
Kennedy also gets honest about burnout, depression, motherhood, marriage, and the pressure of navigating major Hollywood deals while still fighting for visibility in publishing. From centering Black women on the page and on the cover, to raising the bar for what love can look like, this conversation is a reminder to never settle, in romance, in work, or in the life you are building for yourself.
KEY POINTS
00:00 - Introduction: Kennedy Ryan on Black love, romance, and raising the bar
02:37 - Kennedy explains how her storytelling process evolved from ideas to intentional discourse
05:39 - Kennedy shares why decades of writing in the dark prepared her for “overnight” success
09:48 - Romance is often dismissed because it centers women’s pleasure
14:04 - Why Kennedy centers Black women on the page, on the cover, and in the audience
17:44 - Her advice to young authors: figure out your why and be prepared to fight
20:23 - Kennedy opens up about the cost of success, burnout, and struggling to celebrate
34:30 - Faith, community, therapy, and medication helped her survive the hardest seasons
56:18 - Her relationship commandments after 29 years of marriage: trust, reciprocity, and never settle
QUOTES
"I want to put black women on the page who are being loved outrageously." – Kennedy Ryan
"I could write the man that I believe you deserve. I could write an experience that I believe honors you, that is a partner you can trust, a partner who's faithful, a partner who honors your dreams and your ambitions." – Kennedy Ryan
"There is enough in culture that tells black women we don't deserve, and that tells black women that we shouldn't expect. So, I get to write an outcome that says, no, actually, you deserve the best, and you should expect a partner who loves you and whom you can trust." – Kennedy Ryan
"Racism costs us all money." – Kennedy Ryan
"I call it being the architect of your own existence, build a life that you love and you're excited about, and you're not waiting for anything, and when that partner comes, invite him or her into that, but you're not waiting to build anything." – Kennedy Ryan
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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This episode originally aired on 04/14/2026
What does it really take to rebrand your life? In this episode of Awf The Record, Mona and Jeannette sit down with Les, host of the Balanced Black Girl podcast, to talk about reinvention, discipline, and stepping into the person you want to be.
Les shares her journey of rebranding—not as a one-time makeover, but as a daily commitment to intentional growth. She dives into the mindset shifts that helped her stay consistent, the habits that shaped her transformation, and how financial discipline played a key role in her journey.
This conversation breaks down the difference between wanting change and actually making it happen. Les explains why rebranding isn’t about aesthetics but about aligning your identity with your actions. She shares how she holds herself accountable, the power of daily deposits, and why tracking progress is key to building confidence. She also opens up about overcoming a scarcity mindset and embracing abundance, recognizing that more is always possible.
If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure about how to start your rebrand, this episode is the reality check and motivation you need. Rebranding isn’t a look—it’s a lifestyle. Tune in now and start shaping the future you.
KEY POINTS
- Les’s journey as a content creator and her rebrand
- Experiences with rebranding and its challenges
- How to take actionable steps towards rebranding
- The importance of willingness to try new experiences
- Mona and Jeannette’s strategies to stay disciplined
- Have the “why” to stay motivated
- Celebrating wins and overcoming challenges
- On optimizing daily routines and habits
- The main role of social media and accountability
QUOTES
“Instead of being like, do I want to get up and do this thing today? I tell myself: I am a person who does this thing, whether that's working out or whether that's like reading.” – Les Alfred
“It's important to be mindful of what you consume because, sometimes, we tend to try to embody other people's habits. I tell people all the time: ‘Don't try to do what I do’.” – Les Alfred
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
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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This episode originally aired on 04/10/2026
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
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 -
Etiquette is not about being stiff, fake, or elitist. It is about knowing how to move through a room, make people feel seen, and carry yourself with confidence. In this segment, etiquette expert Elaine Swann breaks down the everyday habits that can instantly change how people experience you, from giving a proper handshake to greeting people, making a graceful exit, and commanding presence without doing too much. Elaine also shares why confidence is not about being loud or perfect, but about slowing down, using your voice with intention, and honoring the people who are actually present. Whether you are at a networking event, dinner party, Zoom meeting, or family gathering, this conversation is a reminder that the small things speak loudly.
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
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“Etiquette, and the concept behind it, is accessible, and it's for everyone.” – Elaine Swann
In this episode of Awf The Record, Elaine joins Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi for a crash course in modern etiquette, from fine dining, networking, Zoom meetings, and corporate happy hours to dating, ghosting, apologies, compliments, and navigating luxury spaces without feeling like you do not belong. She breaks down what the rich actually do differently, why confidence is often quieter than we think, and how the habits we overlook, like oversharing, arguing to prove a point, or making people wait, may be quietly sabotaging us.
KEY POINTS
00:00 - Cold open: Elaine Swann previews the etiquette mistakes quietly sabotaging you
01:38 - Introduction to Elaine Swann and the crash course in modern etiquette
02:38 - Etiquette is about how you show up and how you make people feel
09:22 - The handshake mistake people still make in professional settings
11:37 - Why we need to bring back greeting people and being neighborly
14:14 - How eye contact, posture, body language, and voice signal confidence
18:00 - Why hosts should start on time and honor the people who are present
22:03 - What the rich and famous actually do differently with luxury etiquette
27:55 - Fine dining rules that help you feel more confident at the table
32:58 - Relationship etiquette and the “shower rule”
38:23 - The proper way to accept an apology and receive a compliment
40:54 - Is etiquette rooted in white supremacy or used to police people of color?
44:42 - How to navigate alcohol and relationship-building in corporate spaces
47:28 - Go Off or Log Off: Elaine rules on modern etiquette dilemmas
QUOTES
“Etiquette is being aware of how you present yourself to other people, and it is also, it also has to do with how you make others feel.” – Elaine Swann
“Every single thing that comes out of your mouth, and every single thing you do becomes some part of somebody's history.” – Elaine Swann
“Honor the people who are present.” – Elaine Swann
“In relationships, you cannot change people. What you have to do is sometimes shift and turn that nozzle the other way.” – Elaine Swann
GUEST RESOURCESElaine Swann
Website | https://www.elaineswann.com/
IG | https://www.instagram.com/elaineswann/
RESOURCES:
Keep in touch with Awf The Record - http://www.AwfTheRecord.com
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AwfTheRecord
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awftherecordpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@awftherecord
Mona Kosar Abdi
IG | https://www.instagram.com/monakabdi
Jeannette Reyes
IG | https://www.instagram.com/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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WeezyWTF gets honest about shame, sexuality, marriage, and the rules society still places on women. She reflects on growing up confident enough to reject outside judgment, building a community that made sexual liberation feel safe, and realizing even she had internalized hierarchies around sex, promiscuity, and respectability. From sugar dating to bisexuality, non-monogamy, marriage, and the pressure to be “chosen,” Weezy breaks down why women are still treated as more worthy once a man validates them with a ring.
RESOURCES:
Weezy WTF
Website: wtfmediastudios.com/home
IG: @weezywtf
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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How do you build a multimillion-dollar brand without watering yourself down?
In this episode of Awf The Record, podcast powerhouse and entrepreneur WeezyWTF joins Mona and Jeannette for one of her most candid conversations yet. From launching Horrible Decisions as a side project while working in tech sales to building podcast studios, fitness brands, and a bestselling career, Weezy explains why authenticity has been both her greatest advantage and her biggest obstacle.
She opens up about the hidden cost of being unapologetically yourself, why success doesn't always lead to acceptance, and how staying true to who she is has often excluded her from opportunities others take for granted.
The conversation also dives into sexual liberation, growing up queer, the role her mother played in shaping her confidence, and why society still struggles with women who openly discuss sex, relationships, and desire. Weezy shares her thoughts on open relationships, modern dating, marriage, shame, and the double standards that continue to shape how women are judged.
Plus, she reveals the surprising business lessons behind her success, the biggest misconceptions people have about nontraditional relationships, and why finding your tribe may be the most important thing you can do. This episode is a must-listen.
KEY POINTS
- 0:00 Introduction & why Weezy almost changed her outfit
- 9:54 Why being completely yourself became Weezy’s biggest advantage
- 10:46 The hidden cost of authenticity and being left out of major opportunities
- 13:16 How a side-hustle podcast turned into a business empire
- 17:12 The drunken conversation that created Horrible Decisions
- 18:53 The fan encounter that changed her mission forever
- 19:55 Growing up queer, confident, and unapologetic
- 24:20 What a decade of talking about sex taught her about society
- 26:05 Why society still measures women's worth through relationships
- 37:41 How couples can explore sexuality, boundaries, and desire safely
- 49:14 Why Weezy believes cheating has nothing to do with sex and everything to do with honesty
QUOTES
“Authenticity can really keep you out of a lot of conversations.” – Weezy WTF
“You make money off the things that truly align with what you're already interested in.” – Weezy WTF
“My mom made me feel so beautiful, so safe, so confident that I thought everybody else was the crazy one.” – Weezy WTF
“The shame can only exist where you don't have your own community.” – Weezy WTF
“We're all sexual beings, but we're taught to keep it tucked away.” – Weezy WTF
“Self-respect only seems to matter when a man has dictated it to you.” – Weezy WTF
“Women really don't need this anymore. They're building businesses, traveling, getting educated. Who needs men anymore?” – Weezy WTF
RESOURCES:
Weezy WTF
Website: wtfmediastudios.com/home
IG: @weezywtf
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 segment, Christiana Mebakwe Medina breaks down why our cultural standards around fame, work, and accountability have shifted since the 2000s. From Making the Band and Tyra Banks to Diddy, MeToo, Black Lives Matter, workplace power dynamics, and the rollback of DEI, Christiana explores how pop culture reflects the systems we live in, but rarely changes them without policy behind it. She challenges the idea that “speaking up” is enough, arguing that real progress only sticks when it becomes law, protection, and paperwork.
RESOURCES:
Christiana Mbakwe Medina
IG | @christianaama
Website | https://popsyllabus.substack.com/
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 episode of Awf the Record, culture critic and Pop Syllabus creator Christiana Mbakwe Medina joins Mona Kosar Abdi and Jeannette Reyes for a sharp, layered conversation on modern fame, celebrity mystique, pop culture, and the systems hiding underneath our favorite headlines.
Using Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, The Kardashians, Tyra Banks, Diddy, Taylor Swift, Zendaya, Rihanna, Chappell Roan, Timothée Chalamet, and reality TV as cultural case studies, Christiana breaks down why pop culture is never “just entertainment.” It shapes how we see beauty, aging, success, race, body image, work, motherhood, privacy, and power.
Their conversation explores the death of celebrity mystique, why privacy has become the ultimate luxury, how the Kardashians signal beauty and body trends before the culture catches up, why Beyoncé may be one of the last pre-internet superstars, and why the difference between a “star,” a “celebrity,” and a “famous person” matters more than ever. Christiana also gets into the darker side of 2000s hustle culture, the rollback of DEI, the limits of cultural accountability, and why progress means very little if it is not backed by policy.
From Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl symbolism to Beyoncé’s use of Black radical imagery, this episode is a nuanced look at what our obsession with celebrity really reveals about us and the culture we are living in now.
KEY POINTS
00:00 Introduction
02:39 Pop culture is layered, fun, and traumatizing
03:45 Pop culture is a “darkened mirror” of society
05:17 Our role in toxic reality TV
07:38 The 2000s rewarded suffering for success
10:05 We speak up more, but conditions have not fully changed
11:26 Progress does not stick without policy
13:46 Body positivity, Ozempic, and the new beauty era
16:12 The Kardashians as cultural weather vanes
21:31 Aging, beauty, and the myth of “Black don’t crack”
29:03 Fame is becoming more niche and digital
32:43 Privacy is the new luxury
34:14 Beyoncé may be the last pre-internet superstar
35:26 Star vs. celebrity vs. famous person
40:07 The Bad Bunny Super Bowl debate
52:12 Beyoncé, Black radical imagery, and capitalism
54:37 Trad wife culture, burnout, and motherhood
58:17 You cannot have it all at once
01:01:22 Accountability has become performance
01:02:23 Ozempic is not just about status
01:04:38 The next wave of celebrity beauty and wellness trends
QUOTES
“The thing about pop culture that is so powerful is it shapes how people feel.” – Christiana Mbakwe Medina
“The only luxury is privacy, and most people can’t afford to be private.” Christiana Mbakwe Medina
“Celebrity is just like the active cultivation and monetization of that fame.” Christiana Mbakwe Medina
“You want to have it all, and the truth is, you can’t have it all at once.” Christiana Mbakwe Medina
RESOURCES:
Christiana Mbakwe Medina
IG | @christianaama
Website | https://popsyllabus.substack.com/
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 powerful segment, Laura Coates opens up about her time as a federal prosecutor and the complicated reality of pursuing justice from inside the system. She reflects on why Black and brown communities deserve prosecutors who understand their lived experiences, the emotional weight of victim advocacy, and the courtroom moment involving a deportation warrant that shook her to her core. Laura shares how that ethical dilemma helped shape her decision to leave prosecution and step into a new chapter rooted in truth, integrity, and public service.
Laura Coates
Website: lauracoates.com
Instagram: @thelauracoates
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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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:
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 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:
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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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 unhappyThe identity crisis that comes when your job no longer defines youWhy the glow up actually starts with anger, pain, and honestyThe messy middle of reinvention and rebuilding your lifeThe morning routines and mindset shifts that changed everythingFriendship breakups, boundaries, and protecting your growthHow reframing failure helped Jaz transform her lifeWhy internal growth always comes before the external glow upQUOTES
“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
Follow us on TikTok: @AwfTheRecord
Visit our website: www.AwfTheRecord.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG -
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 MemberThe “Bus Driver” Controversy ExplainedEboni’s Dating Advice for Ambitious WomenWhy She Chose Single MotherhoodThe Backlash to Becoming a Solo Mom by ChoiceControl, Independence, and Executive Decision-MakingHot Takes on Dating, Money, and RelationshipsPolitical Compatibility in RelationshipsCan 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
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Visit our website: www.AwfTheRecord.comFollow Mona on TikTok and IG
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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 Introduction3:14 How his mother became the blueprint for the Sergio Hudson woman5:16 Defining the “Sergio Hudson woman” and dressing powerful women6:42 Moving to LA, celebrity styling, and building the brand11:57 Why real garment construction is becoming a lost art in fashion13:10 The expensive business lessons that nearly cost him everything15:11 Sergio reacts to Hanifa pausing operations and the realities Black designers face20:58 The Michelle Obama inauguration moment that changed his life overnight33:26 Dressing 18 people for the Met Gala and the chaos behind the scenes43:11 Sergio’s hot takes: quiet luxury, tailoring, fast fashion, baby hairs, and long wigsQUOTES:
“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
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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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
Follow us on Instagram: @awftherecordpodcast
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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
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 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:
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 - Visa fler
