Awf The Record

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 iss...

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,...

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...

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 R...

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 cha...

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 stor...

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 th...

What does it really take to rebrand your life? In this episode of Awf The Record , Mona and Jeannette sit down with Les Alfred, 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...

Is happily ever after just a fairy tale? Or is marriage set up to fail from the start? With over half of marriages ending in divorce, it’s a question worth asking. On this episode of Awf the Record , Jeannette and Mona sit down with family law attorney Tracey Coates to get real about marriage, divorce, and everything in between. From the biggest red flags people ignore before saying "I do&quo...

Friendships don’t always come with big fights—sometimes, it’s just a quiet shift, a gut feeling, or an unspoken tension. In this segment, we unpack how small moments can define the strength of a friendship, why apologies sometimes feel like power shifts, and how learning to communicate in relationships can transform the way we show up for our friends. RESOURCES:  Keep in touch with Awf The Record...

What happens when you walk away from a hit show at the peak of your career? Kamie Crawford knows firsthand. In this episode, Mona and Jeannette pull up a seat with Kamie for an unfiltered conversation about life after Catfish , navigating the pressures of fame, and embracing the next chapter—on her own terms. Kamie spills on everything from her early days as Miss Teen USA (and the intense pageant...

Season 2 is here, and we’re starting off strong with a conversation that hits home. Mona and Jeannette from Awf The Record sit down to talk about what it’s really like moving back to the city after life in the suburbs—and trust us, it’s deeper than just location. Mona shares why city life feels like the right move for her, from the energy and convenience to the way it keeps her socially connected....

Welcome to Season 2 of Awf The Record ! We’re back—and we’re keeping it REAL (as always). This season, we’re diving even deeper into the confessions, chaos, and hard-hitting truths about life, love, and career. From navigating major pivots to knowing when it’s time to walk away, we’re unpacking the unspoken struggles that come with adulthood. Expect raw, unfiltered conversations, unexpected revela...

We’re back—and we’re keeping it REAL (as always). This season, we’re diving even deeper into the confessions, chaos, and hard-hitting truths about life, love, and career. From navigating major pivots to knowing when it’s time to walk away, we’re unpacking the unspoken struggles that come with adulthood. Expect raw, unfiltered conversations, unexpected revelations, and the kind of honesty you’d onl...

In this special BEST OF episode, Jeanette and Mona reflected on pivotal moments in their careers as news anchors and their decision to pivot. They shared personal stories about leaving their anchor roles, the emotional and practical aspects of quitting, and how they used a framework from earlier episodes to guide their choices.  Mona discussed fulfilling a promise to her late father by becoming a...

Today, AWF the Record dives into some of the most intriguing moments of Jeanette and Mona’s special guests.  This BEST OF episode breaks down the complexities of narcissistic behavior to discussions about sex education. From the realities of marriage to revealing intimate sex secrets and sharing candid lessons learned along the way, these conversations also deliver the perfect mix of vulnerability...

In this BEST OF episode , Mona and Jeanette spotlight personal and vulnerable moments shared on this podcast.  They open up about navigating infertility and the emotional toll of PMDD, offering raw insights into struggles that many face nowadays. The also duo reflects on their dating adventures, the highs and lows of falling in love, and even how these experiences have shaped their perspectives on...

In this season finale of AWF the Record , Dr. Karen Tang—renowned gynecologist and author of “It's Not Hysteria" —joins Mona and Jeannette to set the record straight on women's health. From misconceptions around periods to the mysteries of conditions like fibroids, PCOS, and endometriosis, Dr. Tang dives deep into what many women have been conditioned to ignore or misunderstand abou...

Hey guys! 👋 This episode is a rewind of one of our most downloaded and loved episodes on AWF The Record Podcast. Whether you’re tuning in for the first time or revisiting it, we hope you enjoy it just as much as you did the first time around. Join us as we pull back the curtain on our journey from the newsroom to the podcast studio. We're getting real about why we decided to leave our career...

This week on Awf The Record, Jeannette and Mona sit down with Dr. Thompson, a leading Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist, for an eye-opening conversation about the IVF and egg-freezing journey. Jeannette opens up about her personal experience with infertility, the emotional rollercoaster of undergoing IVF and what she would’ve done differently. Meanwhile, Mona shares her desir...

Mona and JR sit down with Emmy winner and comedy powerhouse Yvonne Orji, who hilariously unpacks what it truly means to start from the bottom. From her Nigerian upbringing, where her parents dreamed of her becoming a doctor, to the sheer terror of breaking the news that she was chasing a career in comedy instead, Yvonne shares how defying expectations brought plenty of struggles—and plenty of laug...

On this week's episode of Awf The Record. Mona and JR take turns sharing the deep impact of losing their fathers. In reflection not only do we hear the first-hand accounts of losing a loved one step by step but also the regrets of missed moments that no longer are taken for granted. Mona realizes the pressure she feels to push herself forward in life with a deep sense of gratitude for her par...

This week on Awf the Record, the husbands join the group chat as we pull back the curtain on everything you won’t see on our social media. Mona and Jordan reveal the one thing they’ll never do in their relationship, the power of proactive couples therapy, and where they stand on starting a family. Jeannette and Robert get real about their one big regret after a 4.5 years of long-distance marriage,...

This week on Awf The Record , Mona Kosar Abdi sits down with Sabrina Elba for an intimate and empowering conversation. Sabrina opens up about her relationship with actor Idris Elba and the intense bullying she faced after their engagement was announced. She shares the personal journey of reclaiming her confidence while managing the spotlight. As the founder of S’able Labs and a UN Goodwill Ambassa...

This week on Awf The Record, we're diving deep into the stuff you really want to know. Certified sex educator and intimacy expert Shan Boodram joins us for a no-holds-barred conversation about relationships, sex, and everything in between. From the truth about open relationships and why they can thrive to whether scheduling sex actually kills the vibe, Shan doesn’t hold back. She also tackles...