Quick Facts
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 ].
Episodes
Latest Episode
November 5, 2026 · 1h 1m
Send us Fan Mail Join The Press Club by AWF The Record for exclusive conversations, guided challenges, and a community of women building careers, businesses, and lives on their own terms: patreon.com/c/AWFTheRecord In this episode of Awf The Record , Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi welcome Ramit Sethi, bestselling author and money expert, for a refreshingly honest conversation about building wealth, navigating money in relationships, and creating a rich life without guilt. Ramit challenges everything we've been taught about money, from why he hates traditional budgets to the hidden money scripts keeping even high earners trapped in fear. He unpacks the biggest financial red flags in dating, why married couples should talk openly about money, and the dangers of soft-life and trad-wife trends that encourage women to give up financial control. His message? A rich life isn't just about how much you make or save. It's about knowing your numbers, changing your relationship with money, and actually enjoying what you've worked so hard to build. KEY POINTS 00:00 – Introduction: Money psychology and what it means to live a rich life. 09:01 – Why Ramit hates budgets and prefers conscious spending. 11:48 – How childhood experiences shape money beliefs and the four money types. 21:01 – Gender roles, money expectations, and financial dynamics in relationships. 36:24 – Financial red flags in dating and how to talk about money. 39:38 – Joint finances, financial independence, and the soft-life trap. 53:34 – Spending intentionally and thinking bigger about wealth. 54:13 – Overcoming financial fear and learning to enjoy success. 58:25 – Building financial confidence and thinking long-term about money. QUOTES “I want to spend extravagantly on the things I love, as long as I cut costs mercilessly on the things I don't.” – Ramit Sethi “What I immediately realized was [that] things can change in the blink of an eye, no matter how good you are with your finances.” – Jeannette Reyes “Actually, the most important things are unmeasurable: love and time together and generosity. Those things we cannot see in a spreadsheet.” – Ramit Sethi GUEST RESOURCES: Ramit Sethi Website | IG | @ramit 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: Follow Mona on TikTok and IG Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG
More Episodes
Nov 3, 2026 · 7m
Send us Fan MailWhat if the anger you bring into your relationship didn't start with you? In this segment of AWF The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi sit down with relationship expert Ludmila Woodruff to unpack the inherited anger, childhood wounds, and emotional defenses that shape how women love and communicate. From the pressure to always be strong to the fear of showing vulnerability, they explore why anger often masks deeper hurt and how breaking generational patterns can lead to healthier, more connected relationships.GUEST RESOURCES: Ludmila WoodruffWebsite | www.ludmilawoodruff.comIG | @ludmilawoodruffRESOURCES: Keep in touch with Awf The Record:YouTube: @AwfTheRecordInstagram: @awftherecordpodcastTikTok: @AwfTheRecordMona Kosar AbdiIG | @monakabdi Jeannette ReyesIG | @msnewslady Keep in touch with Awf The Record:Watch on Youtube: @AwfTheRecordFollow us on Instagram: @awftherecordpodcastFollow us on TikTok: @AwfTheRecordVisit our website: www.AwfTheRecord.com Follow Mona on TikTok and IGFollow Jeannette on TikTok and IG
Oct 29, 2026 · 1h 7m
Send us Fan MailJoin The Press Club by AWF The Record for exclusive conversations, guided challenges, and a community of women building careers, businesses, and lives on their own terms: https://www.patreon.com/cw/AWFTheRecord In this episode of AWF The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi sit down with Ludmila Woodruff, strategic relationship advisor to high-achieving individuals and couples, for an unfiltered conversation about why successful women sometimes struggle with love, intimacy, and letting go of control. From inherited anger and childhood patterns to emotional vulnerability, relationship standards, and the pressure to always be strong, Ludmila challenges women to examine the behaviors that may be keeping them disconnected. The three unpack how to stop bringing work-mode into your marriage, communicate your needs without criticism, and build relationships where success and softness can coexist because having it all shouldn't mean feeling alone in it.KEY POINTS00:00 – Introduction: Why high-achieving women can have everything on paper but still feel disconnected in love and life.03:12 – How independence, control, and career-driven behaviors can complicate dating, marriage, and intimacy.10:58 – Why the need for control often comes from childhood experiences, fear, and the search for emotional safety.15:24 – How successful women can transition out of work mode and reconnect with themselves and their partners.22:35 – Why men and women are struggling to meet each other's changing emotional expectations in modern relationships.28:45 – The vulnerability problem: Why powerful women express anger instead of admitting they're hurt.30:22 – Inherited rage: How generational experiences and childhood conditioning shape conflict in relationships.38:40 – The Slavic woman mindset: Setting standards, knowing your worth, and refusing to compromise your non-negotiables.47:54 – How to break unhealthy relationship patterns, communicate better, manage conflict, and recognize warning signs in marriage.QUOTES "If you look at performance, it will never be enough for you to feel worthy." – Ludmila Woodruff"Even when you were given the example of when someone doesn't meet my expectation, or I feel like there's a gap in what I thought you were going to do and what you did, and the disappointment, the only response I know is anger." – Mona Kosar Abdi"I have to respect myself enough to know that if my standard is being tested, I'd rather choose the standard than the men." – Ludmila WoodruffGUEST RESOURCES: Ludmila WoodruffWebsite | www.ludmilawoodruff.comIG | @ludmilawoodruffRESOURCES: Keep in touch with Awf The Record:YouTube: @AwfTheRecordInstagram: @awftherecordpodcastTikTok: @AwfTheRecordMona Kosar AbdiIG | @monakabdi Jeannette ReyesIG | @msnewslady Keep in touch with Awf The Record:Watch on Youtube: @AwfTheRecordFollow us on Instagram: @awftherecordpodcastFollow us on TikTok: @AwfTheRecordVisit our website: www.AwfTheRecord.com Follow Mona on TikTok and IGFollow Jeannette on TikTok and IG
Oct 27, 2026 · 4m
Send us Fan MailWhat separates reality TV stars who build lasting businesses from those whose fame fades? In this segment of Awf The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi sit down with Dr. Terry Dubrow to discuss the opportunities and risks of joining The Real Housewives. From Lisa Vanderpump's success to how his reality TV exposure helped lead to Botched, Terry shares why authenticity matters more than chasing a quick payday. His biggest advice? Don't launch a business just because you have an audience. Build on what you already know, let opportunities develop naturally, and make sure what you're selling is real.GUEST RESOURCES: Dr. Terry DubrowIG | @drdubrowRESOURCES: Keep in touch with Awf The Record:YouTube: @AwfTheRecordInstagram: @awftherecordpodcastTikTok: @AwfTheRecordMona Kosar AbdiIG | @monakabdi Jeannette ReyesIG | @msnewslady Keep in touch with Awf The Record:Watch on Youtube: @AwfTheRecordFollow us on Instagram: @awftherecordpodcastFollow us on TikTok: @AwfTheRecordVisit our website: www.AwfTheRecord.com Follow Mona on TikTok and IGFollow Jeannette on TikTok and IG
Oct 22, 2026 · 1h 0m
Send us Fan MailJoin The Press Club by AWF The Record for exclusive conversations, guided challenges, and a community of women building careers, businesses, and lives on their own terms: https://www.patreon.com/cw/AWFTheRecord In this episode of AWF The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi sit down with world-renowned plastic surgeon and Botched star Dr. Terry Dubrow for an unfiltered conversation about the truth behind plastic surgery, beauty standards, and reality TV.From the deadly risks of Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs) to cosmetic procedures he considers a waste of money, Dr. Dubrow reveals what patients should know before going under the knife. He also reflects on the controversy surrounding The Swan, the dangers of chasing ever-changing beauty trends, and why even the best plastic surgery can go wrong. Plus, he opens up about pretty privilege, the pressures women face to be beautiful and successful, and how The Real Housewives transformed his career.KEY POINTS00:00 - Introduction: World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon Dr. Terry Dubrow 02:05 – How Botched and reality TV changed the stigma around plastic surgery.05:30 – The controversy behind The Swan and why Dr. Dubrow wouldn't do the show today.15:32 – How beauty standards and looksmaxxing culture push people to dangerous extremes.18:50 – Cosmetic procedures that waste money, from thread lifts to overhyped skin treatments.22:08 – What actually works for under-eye hollows, smile lines, and facial aging.24:44 – Why Dr. Dubrow refuses to perform BBLs and the potentially fatal complications.29:44 – The long-term consequences of chasing plastic surgery trends.35:33 – Pretty privilege, beauty standards, and why attractive women struggle to be taken seriously.41:02 – How reality TV transformed Dr. Dubrow's career and the secrets to building an authentic brand.QUOTES "If you send a message out that it's really your life is really only as valuable as your looks are, as good as your looks are. That is the worst message for a male, and I can't stand that." – Dr. Terry Dubrow“I think that's the challenge women face that it's very hard for people to accept two things that you can be beautiful and qualified." – Jeannette Reyes“A BBL, a Brazilian buttock lift. That, I won't do it because no operation is worth that fatality rate." – Dr. Terry DubrowGUEST RESOURCES: Dr. Terry DubrowIG | @drdubrowRESOURCES: Keep in touch with Awf The Record:YouTube: @AwfTheRecordInstagram: @awftherecordpodcastTikTok: @AwfTheRecordMona Kosar AbdiIG | @monakabdi Jeannette ReyesIG | @msnewslady Keep in touch with Awf The Record:Watch on Youtube: @AwfTheRecordFollow us on Instagram: @awftherecordpodcastFollow us on TikTok: @AwfTheRecordVisit our website: www.AwfTheRecord.com Follow Mona on TikTok and IGFollow Jeannette on TikTok and IG
Oct 20, 2026 · 9m
Send us Fan MailWhat if you're leaving thousands of dollars on the table every time you sign a brand deal? In this segment of AWF The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi sit down with Hollywood talent manager Stephanie Piza to uncover the truth behind influencer pay and brand negotiations. From a shocking $80,000 pay gap between creators doing the same work to the contract clauses that could cost you control of your content, Stephanie breaks down how to negotiate smarter, recognize your value, and find representation that actually fights for you.GUEST RESOURCES: Stephanie Piza IG | @stephanie_pizaRESOURCES: Keep in touch with Awf The Record:YouTube: @AwfTheRecordInstagram: @awftherecordpodcastTikTok: @AwfTheRecordMona Kosar AbdiIG | @monakabdi Jeannette ReyesIG | @msnewslady Keep in touch with Awf The Record:Watch on Youtube: @AwfTheRecordFollow us on Instagram: @awftherecordpodcastFollow us on TikTok: @AwfTheRecordVisit our website: www.AwfTheRecord.com Follow Mona on TikTok and IGFollow Jeannette on TikTok and IG
Oct 15, 2026 · 54m
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Awf The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi welcome Stephanie Piza, Hollywood talent manager and founder of Piza Global, to break down the new rules of the $21 billion creator economy.From building a personal brand that attracts opportunities to turning influence into a profitable business, Stephanie shares what it really takes to stand out in an oversaturated market. They unpack the realities of influencer pay, why creators of color still face unequal opportunities, how to negotiate brand deals, and the role AI will play in the future of content creation.Whether you're an aspiring creator, entrepreneur, or professional looking to build your influence, this conversation is about knowing your value, betting on yourself, and building something that lasts.Join The Press Club by AWF The Record for exclusive conversations, guided challenges, and a community of women building careers, businesses, and lives on their own terms: patreon.com/c/AWFTheRecord KEY POINTS00:00 – Introduction: The rise of the creator economy and why personal branding matters06:24 – How to stand out, grow an audience, and turn influence into income09:30 – Turning down $10 million and building businesses beyond brand deals13:31 – The inequality creators of color face in brand partnerships20:47 – How to attract brand deals and build authentic partnerships24:08 – Building a personal brand as a creator, entrepreneur, or professional29:34 – Negotiating higher rates, protecting your content, and avoiding costly contracts35:27 – The $15K vs. $95K pay gap and why the right representation matters40:54 – The future of influencing, AI, and staying ahead of the industryQUOTES “I have always just bet on myself. I'm first gen; I'm going to make it work.” – Stephanie Piza “There comes a point in a creator's career where they realize they're providing more value than a one quick off brand deal.” – Mona Kosar Abdi“I don't think it's too late. I think that you have to make yourself an anomaly, because again, there's so much talent out there.” – Stephanie Piza GUEST RESOURCES: Stephanie Piza IG | @stephanie_pizaRESOURCES: Keep in touch with Awf The Record:YouTube: @AwfTheRecordInstagram: @awftherecordpodcastTikTok: @AwfTheRecordMona Kosar AbdiIG | @monakabdi Jeannette ReyesIG | @msnewslady Keep in touch with Awf The Record:Watch on Youtube: @AwfTheRecordFollow us on Instagram: @awftherecordpodcastFollow us on TikTok: @AwfTheRecordVisit our website: www.AwfTheRecord.com Follow Mona on TikTok and IGFollow Jeannette on TikTok and IG
Oct 13, 2026 · 5m
Send us Fan MailHow do you stop the internet from affecting your relationship? In this segment of Awf The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi talk with Kier Gaines about how social media can quietly shape the way we see love. Kier breaks down the difference between healthy comparison and harmful comparison, why online couples should not become the standard, and how repeated messages about relationships can turn into beliefs before we even realize it. His reminder: your relationship does not have to match the internet. The real question is what you actually want, and whether you can hear it past the noise.GUEST RESOURCES: Kier Gaines IG | @kiergainesIt All Starts When You Do: A Therapist's Guide to Overcoming Self-Sabotaging and Work Towards Healing RESOURCES: Keep in touch with Awf The Record:YouTube: @AwfTheRecordInstagram: @awftherecordpodcastTikTok: @AwfTheRecordMona Kosar AbdiIG | @monakabdi Jeannette ReyesIG | @msnewslady Keep in touch with Awf The Record:Watch on Youtube: @AwfTheRecordFollow us on Instagram: @awftherecordpodcastFollow us on TikTok: @AwfTheRecordVisit our website: www.AwfTheRecord.com Follow Mona on TikTok and IGFollow Jeannette on TikTok and IG
Oct 8, 2026 · 1h 1m
Send us Fan MailJoin The Press Club by AWF The Record for exclusive conversations, guided challenges, and a community of women building careers, businesses, and lives on their own terms: https://www.patreon.com/c/AWFTheRecordIn this episode of Awf The Record, Jeannette Reyes and Mona Kosar Abdi sit down with therapist and instant New York Times bestselling author Kier Gaines for a raw, honest conversation about vulnerability, masculinity, relationships, and the ways social media is quietly reshaping how we love. Kier breaks down why men, especially Black men, often struggle to open up, why women are exhausted by the emotional load, and how online comparison, gender scripts, and fear of being played can make connection feel harder than it needs to be. From contempt and tone to emotional maturity, self-healing, and what it really means to do the work, this conversation is a needed reset for anyone trying to build healthier relationships without losing themselves in the noise.KEY POINTS00:00 - Introduction: Social media is reshaping love, vulnerability, and conflict01:35 - Kier reflects on becoming an instant New York Times bestselling author03:19 - Kier explains why his work blends clinical expertise with real humanity05:42 - The pressure on Black men to be impenetrable, useful, and unaffected12:02 - Men are not women’s job to fix, but relationships need more emotional presence16:09 - Therapy language and how it can also shrink emotional tolerance17:58 - Social media comparison can quietly damage relationships24:22 - Kier unpacks women’s emotional load, tone, contempt, and the work of repair37:25 - What to look for in dating: accountability, listening, kindness, & emotional maturity42:20 - Vulnerability requires mutual trust, safety, and timeQUOTES “We can't run from the fact that men don't feel like we have intrinsic value.” – Kier Gaines“Shame, blame, and guilt-they steal all of your awareness.” – Kier Gaines“The thing about contempt is it's not just the feeling; it's the narrative attached to it.” – Kier GainesGUEST RESOURCES: Kier Gaines IG | @kiergainesIt All Starts When You Do: A Therapist's Guide to Overcoming Self-Sabotaging and Work Towards Healing RESOURCES: Keep in touch with Awf The Record:YouTube: @AwfTheRecordInstagram: @awftherecordpodcastTikTok: @AwfTheRecordMona Kosar AbdiIG | @monakabdi Jeannette ReyesIG | @msnewslady Keep in touch with Awf The Record:Watch on Youtube: @AwfTheRecordFollow us on Instagram: @awftherecordpodcastFollow us on TikTok: @AwfTheRecordVisit our website: www.AwfTheRecord.com Follow Mona on TikTok and IGFollow Jeannette on TikTok and IG
Oct 6, 2026 · 6m
Send us Fan MailTennesha Wood takes Mona and Jeannette inside her matchmaking process, from two-hour interviews and home tours to reference checks and conversations about money, family, therapy, sex and past relationships. She also explains why someone who is overly focused on looks can be a dating red flag, why chemistry can grow over time, and why she refuses to create relationships built solely around beauty and money. Then, Tennesha breaks down why matchmaking packages can cost a lot of money, what clients are actually paying for, and why she created a matchmaking service specifically designed to help Black professionals find one another.GUEST RESOURCES: Tennesha Wood Website | www.thebroomlist.com IG | @tenneshawoodRESOURCES: Keep in touch with Awf The Record:YouTube: @AwfTheRecordInstagram: @awftherecordpodcastTikTok: @AwfTheRecordMona Kosar AbdiIG | @monakabdi Jeannette ReyesIG | @msnewslady Keep in touch with Awf The Record:Watch on Youtube: @AwfTheRecordFollow us on Instagram: @awftherecordpodcastFollow us on TikTok: @AwfTheRecordVisit our website: www.AwfTheRecord.com Follow Mona on TikTok and IGFollow Jeannette on TikTok and IG