Awf The Record

Jeannette and Mona

In a podcast that lives up to its name, Mona Kosar Abdi and Jeannette Reyes go “Awf the Record” with industry disruptors and cultural tastemakers, bringing you candid conversations that reflect the dynamic intersection of media, culture, and society . It’s a show that lives between the news of the day and the group chat. [Awf- Thuh- Rekərd ].

  1. 14 hr ago

    NYT Bestselling Author Kennedy Ryan: Black Love, Romance & "The Bar Is in Hell"

    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.com  Follow Mona on TikTok and IG Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG

    1hr 1min

  2. 2 Jul

    [Rewind] The Secret to Building Habits That Actually Stick

    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.com  Follow Mona on TikTok and IG Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG

    45 min

  3. 23 Jun

    [Go Awf] Top Etiquette Expert Reveals Habits That Make You Instantly More Confident

    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.com  Follow Mona on TikTok and IG Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG

    10 min

  4. 18 Jun

    Top Etiquette Expert: The Signals You're Sending That Are Costing You

    “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 RESOURCES Elaine 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.com  Follow Mona on TikTok and IG Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG

    57 min

  5. 9 Jun

    [Go Awf] Christiana Mbakwe Medina on Diddy, Tyra Banks & 2000s Hustle Culture

    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.com  Follow Mona on TikTok and IG Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG

    6 min

  6. 2 Jun

    [Go Awf] Laura Coates on Why She Left Prosecution

    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.com  Follow Mona on TikTok and IG Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG

    7 min

  7. 28 May

    Why Hard Work Isn’t Enough Anymore | CNN Anchor Laura Coates

    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.com  Follow Mona on TikTok and IG Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG

    45 min

  8. 26 May

    [Go Awf] Jaz Turner on the Messy Middle of Becoming Your Best Self

    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.com  Follow Mona on TikTok and IG Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG

    9 min
See All (106)

Trailer

About

In a podcast that lives up to its name, Mona Kosar Abdi and Jeannette Reyes go “Awf the Record” with industry disruptors and cultural tastemakers, bringing you candid conversations that reflect the dynamic intersection of media, culture, and society . It’s a show that lives between the news of the day and the group chat. [Awf- Thuh- Rekərd ].

Information

  • Creator
    Jeannette and Mona
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    106
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Awf The Record
  • Show Website
    Awf The Record

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