How to Stop Hiding and Win by Being the Real You w/ Taryn Delanie Smith
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 chaotic) journey that led to a reel that brought her 21 million views and internet fame. Known for her quick wit, iconic characters like Denise the Heaven’s Receptionist, and her refreshing take on beauty and friendship, Taryn proves that switching lanes can be both messy and magical.If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you mix pageant glam with laugh-out-loud comedy, this episode is for you.Hit play and join the group chat—you won’t want to miss this one.KEY POINTS - Taryn’s beauty queen and career background- Her journey to becoming a comedian- Taryn’s first viral video and its impact - Taryn’s early life years and career aspirations- COVID-19, career struggles, and new opportunities- Balancing personal life with the public persona- The impact of social media and audience interaction- Taryn’s experience in pageantry and being Miss New York- Why you need a support system: The power of female friendshipsQUOTES “To live as an ideal is no life at all. You're not an ideal. You're a person.” – Taryn Delanie-Smith“I had to start viewing my authenticity, in a way, as a responsibility that I had, not only to myself but to others, specifically, because I have a platform.” – Taryn Delanie-SmithRESOURCES: Taryn Delanie-Smith IG | @taryndelaniesmithKeep 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
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48:16
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48:16
When Your Kinks Don’t Match... Sex Therapist Explains How to Ask for What You Want in Bed
In this spicy segment, licensed sex therapist Marissa Nelson breaks down what happens when partners have very different sexual desires including kinks, fantasies, and preferences most people are too afraid to admit out loud. From foot fetishes to roleplay to exploring the “awkward intimacy” necessary for real connection, Marissa explains why desire evolves over time and how couples can bridge the gap without shame.She also shares practical scripts for talking about what you want in bed, how to give feedback without hurting your partner, what to do when a kink feels like a dealbreaker, and why some couples open their relationships to fulfill specific needs.If you’ve ever wondered how to have honest conversations about kink, pleasure, and discomfort — this is your guide.You’ll learn:Why kinks exist and how they evolveHow to talk about sexual preferences without shameWhat to do when your partner isn’t into what you’re intoHow awkward intimacy builds deeper desireWhy sex is an ongoing process, not a performanceHealthy ways to negotiate mismatch or explore new thingsGUEST RESOURCESMarissa Nelson 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
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9:28
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9:28
Corporate Baddie DeAndre Brown on Leaving Investment Banking for TikTok Fame
In this episode of Awf The Record, DeAndre Brown – aka the original “The Corporate Baddie” – gets real about leaving investment banking to become a full-time content creator. From viral TikToks and six-figure brand deals to burnout, reinvention, and building a brand with purpose, this episode peels back the curtain on what it really takes to pivot from 9-to-5 to FYP.He shares the lessons he learned negotiating deals (including a $6k LinkedIn check and an $80k CVS partnership), why authenticity is his non-negotiable, and how he's using social media as a springboard into broadcast journalism. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Should I leave this job?” or “Can I actually make it as a creator?” then this one's for you.KEYPOINTS: [1:18] - Internships (Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, Supreme Court) & access for people of color[7:38] - The birth of “Corporate Baddie” and why he never called himself that[10:32] - DeAndre on doing viral while working a 9-to-5 (and getting HR involved)[12:26] - Why he walked away from a lucrative job and what came next[20:11] - Red flags in brand contracts and creator burnout[27:21] - The art of reinvention in the age of social media[31:18] - His master plan for life after content: journalism, storytelling, legacyQUOTES "The reason I've been able to transition myself throughout the past three and a half years is that I've allowed myself time to just not do it." – DeAndre Brown"The best way to just remain authentic is to truly not be afraid and care about people's opinions on your life, about who you are, about what you do, and what decisions you make, just doing it. Just do it - Nike." – DeAndre Brown"You have to be confident in who you are, and you cannot let people kind of gear you away from the person that you know that you are." – DeAndre BrownGUEST RESOURCES DeAndre BrownIG | @imdrebrown TikTok | @imdrebrown 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
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43:02
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43:02
The Promotion Didn't Happen... Rejection, Redirection, and What’s Meant for You
In this honest, reflective segment, Mona opens up about the moment she thought her journalism career had peaked and how that rejection led to a redirection she never saw coming. With Jeannette by her side, they unpack the grief of missed opportunities, the quiet ways imposter syndrome shows up, and why the “no” might actually be the greatest gift.If you’re in a season of transition, disappointment, or asking “Is this it for me?” — this one’s for you.🔍 You'll Learn:What Mona learned from missing a major promotionWhy rejection doesn’t mean you weren’t ready — it means something else isHow to separate your worth from your workWhat it means to pivot without proofThe emotional cost of being “almost chosen”Why trusting timing takes more faith than talentRESOURCES: 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
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8:27
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8:27
Burnout, Brand Deals & Building Life After News
This episode flips the script… literally.In a candid, behind-the-scenes Q&A, Jeannette and Mona sit down with their podcast producer to answer the questions they don’t usually get asked on air. From the burnout that led to leaving legacy media to how they really feel about brand deals, content creation, and modern relationships, nothing’s off limits.If you’ve ever wondered how two former news anchors rebuilt their lives and brands in real time while navigating love, money, pressure, and purpose, this one’s for you.🎧 Inside this episode:The mental shift from journalism to content creationBurnout, boundaries, and building a new life from scratchThe truth about brand deals and walking away from the wrong onesWhy “If he wanted to, he would” needs nuanceWhat REAL support looks like in marriagesCreating with integrity in a content-obsessed worldKEY POINTS- From breaking news to breaking norms- Content creation as a corpo strategy - That moment when your partner actually gets it- Find a partner who lets you be seen, not sidelined- Money convos and negotiating like grown women- Social media pressure & highlight reel delusions- Joy is a choice and how to let it in - Why “what do you do now?” still stings - The future? Fluid, fearless, and full of possibilityQUOTES “You can be literally seen on TV and still feel invisible.” – Jeannette Reyes“I don’t waiver on my value. But I hate talking [about] money. Still working on that.” – Mona Kosar Abdi“I’m not trying to be the finished product—I’m trying to be fulfilled.” – Mona Kosar Abdi“I never believed I had to choose between ambition and love.” – Mona Kosar Abdi“News let me hide in plain sight. Content creation asked me to show up for real.” – Jeannette ReyesRESOURCES: 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
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 ].
South Africa