Awf The Record

Latest Episodes:

Sergio Hudson: Michelle Obama, Beyoncé & The Brutal Truth About Black Designers May 07, 2026

Show notes

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 Introduction
3:14 How his mother became the blueprint for the Sergio Hudson woman
5:16 Defining the “Sergio Hudson woman” and dressing powerful women
6:42 Moving to LA, celebrity styling, and building the brand
11:57 Why real garment construction is becoming a lost art in fashion
13:10 The expensive business lessons that nearly cost him everything
15:11 Sergio reacts to Hanifa pausing operations and the realities Black designers face
20:58 The Michelle Obama inauguration moment that changed his life overnight
33:26 Dressing 18 people for the Met Gala and the chaos behind the scenes
43:11 Sergio’s hot takes: quiet luxury, tailoring, fast fashion, baby hairs, and long wigs

QUOTES:

“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
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[Go Awf] How Nick Cannon and Kevin Hart Helped Jess Hilarious Navigate a Cutthroat Industry May 05, 2026

Show notes

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
Follow us on TikTok: @AwfTheRecord
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Jess Hilarious: Postpartum struggles, The Breakfast Club Tension, and Finding her Voice Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

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.com

Follow Mona on TikTok and IG
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[Go Awf] Rachel Lindsay on The Pressures & Realities of Being the First Black Bachelorette Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

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.com

Follow Mona on TikTok and IG
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Rachel Lindsay: First Black Bachelorette Reveals What Really Happened in Her Marriage Apr 23, 2026

Show notes

On today’s episode of Awf The Record, Former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay opens up about everything the audience didn’t see: navigating fame as the first Black lead, the pressure of representing an entire culture, and the reality behind a highly public marriage and divorce.

From walking away from law for a life she never planned, to realizing love alone isn’t enough, Rachel shares the truth about identity, ambition, and what it really costs to be “the first.” She delves into:

The Bachelor and being the first Black Bachelorette
Fame, identity, and public perception
Marriage, divorce, and choosing yourself
Ambition, alignment, and relationship dynamics
Healing, reinvention, and telling your own story

This episode is not just about reality TV. It’s about being misunderstood, being scrutinized, and ultimately choosing yourself anyway. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to perform, to stay in something too long, or to live up to an image that isn’t fully you… This conversation will hit.

KEY POINTS

- 0:00 Introduction

- 1:13 How The Bachelor Changed Rachel Lindsay’s Life

- 6:46 Why She Almost Didn’t Do The Show

- 9:38 On Becoming the First Black Bachelorette

- 17:30 The Pressure of Being “The First”

- 21:28 Why She Said Yes to Being The Bachelorette

- 29:27 The Moment Her Life Changed Forever

- 37:16 What Really Happens After the Cameras Stop

- 40:06 The Reality of Her Marriage

- 44:26 Realizing They Were Fundamentally Different

- 50:32 Divorce, Public Scrutiny, and Healing

- 56:52 Did She Win the Divorce?

- 1:03:39 Life After Divorce and Finding Herself Again

- 1:19:01 Modern Dating, Love, and Relationships

QUOTES

“I have been more vulnerable publicly than I ever have in my life.” – Rachel Lindsay

“I will forever be known as the attorney that didn’t get a prenup.” – Rachel Lindsay

“Love is not enough to sustain a marriage.” – Rachel Lindsay

“It’s not about having a person, it’s about having a partner.” – Rachel Lindsay

RESOURCES:

Rachel Lindsay

Website: rachellindsayofficial.com

Instagram: @therachlindsay

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
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[Go Awf] Your Top Plastic Surgery Questions Answered | Facelifts, Fillers, and Trends Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

What are people actually getting done… and why does everyone suddenly look younger?

In this segment, Dr. Carl Truesdale breaks down the reality behind modern plastic surgery, from facelifts and fillers to the techniques behind today’s most natural-looking transformations. He explains why results have improved so dramatically, how trends are shaped by social media, and why the goal is no longer to look different, but to look like yourself, just younger.

He also shares what procedures are worth it, what he refuses to do, and why choosing the right surgeon matters more than anything.

If you’ve ever wondered how plastic surgery really works or what’s behind today’s “undetectable” glow ups, this is a must-listen.

RESOURCES:

Dr. Carl Truesdale

Website | www.doctortruesdale.com

IG | Doctor.Truesdale

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

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Top Plastic Surgeon: The Secret Procedure Your Favorite Celebrity Is Hiding Apr 16, 2026

Show notes

What are celebrities actually getting done… and why does everyone suddenly look younger?

In this episode of Awf The Record, top Beverly Hills facial plastic surgeon Dr. Carl Truesdale pulls back the curtain on modern plastic surgery, from facelifts and fillers to the “undetectable” glow ups taking over Hollywood.

He breaks down the biggest misconceptions about plastic surgery, why natural results are now the gold standard, and how today’s techniques are creating transformations that look subtle, not obvious. From celebrity trends to the rise of men getting work done, Dr. Truesdale shares what people are really asking for behind closed doors.

The conversation also dives into the psychology behind plastic surgery, why some people should not get it, and how to know if you’re choosing the right surgeon. Plus, he reveals the red flags most people completely miss, the real cost of facial rejuvenation, and why bad work is often easier to spot than good work.

If you’ve ever wondered what actually works, what’s overhyped, and how to approach plastic surgery the right way, this episode is a must-listen.

KEY POINTS

- 0:00 Introduction

- 1:57 The Biggest Myth About Plastic Surgery and Black Patients

- 5:43 What Actually Makes Someone Attractive

- 8:42 The Psychology Behind Plastic Surgery

- 10:35 Most Requested Procedures Right Now

- 12:20 Why Hollywood Results Look More Natural Today

- 14:05 Who Dr. Truesdale refuses to Operate On

- 16:43 Fillers vs Facelifts: What Actually Works

- 19:13 Black People and Plastic Surgery

- 27:07 The Real Cost of Looking Younger

- 32:10 The Biggest Red Flags When Choosing a Surgeon

- 36:52 The Future of Plastic Surgery

- 42:33 What Are The Men Getting In Plastic Surgery?

QUOTES

“What I do is candy. It's sugar. It will improve your quality of life, but you don't need to do it.” - Dr. Carl Truesdale

“The hardest part of what I do is literally fulfilling the happiness piece, not related to surgery. It's a mental, psychological thing.” - Dr. Carl Truesdale

“Perfect symmetry is not actually the goal. We want things to be more symmetric, but keeping a little bit of asymmetry is the thing that makes your face, your face.” - Dr. Carl Truesdale

RESOURCES:

Dr. Carl Truesdale

Website | www.doctortruesdale.com

IG | Doctor.Truesdale

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

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[Go Awf] KevOnStage on Embracing Failure, Getting Cancelled, and Staying Relevant Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

What does failure really look like when you’re already successful?

In this candid segment, KevOnStage breaks down why failure is not the opposite of success, it is the path to it. From deals falling apart to Hollywood saying no, Kevin shares the real story behind building a creator career in today’s digital landscape.

He also opens up about getting dragged online, navigating cancel culture, and the mindset shift that helped him stay grounded through it all.

If you’re building something, facing setbacks, or learning how to stay true to yourself in the age of the internet, this is a must-listen.

RESOURCES:

Kevin Fredericks

Website | www.kevonstage.com

IG | @KevOnStage

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

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KevOnStage: on Failure, Fame, and Staying Relevant Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

What does it actually take to build a creative empire without losing yourself in the process?

In this episode of Awf The Record, KevOnStage (Kevin Fredericks) gets real about the journey from posting skits online to building a full-scale media company. From viral success to real-life responsibilities, Kevin Fredericks opens up about what people don’t see behind the content.

This is not just a conversation about comedy. It is about consistency, marriage, grief, faith, and the pressure of showing up when millions are watching.

Kev also shares how he turned content into a business, what it means to lead a team, and why success without alignment can still feel empty. He also gets honest about navigating loss, staying grounded, and evolving as a man, husband, and creator in real time.

This episode is a must-watch, especially if you are building something, questioning your next move, or trying to stay true to yourself while leveling up.

KEY POINTS

How KevOnStage turned content into a full media company
The real work behind “overnight success” in the creator economy
Why consistency matters more than talent
Building a business with your spouse and what that really takes
The pressure of leading while still figuring it out yourself
How grief reshaped his perspective on life and success
Why authenticity is still the biggest currency online
The difference between going viral and building something sustainable
What creators get wrong about monetizing their audience

QUOTES

“I wasn’t trying to go viral. I was just trying to be consistent.” – Kevin Fredericks

“Grief will sit with you whether you acknowledge it or not.” – Kevin Fredericks

“Going viral is not a business model.” – Kevin Fredericks

“You don’t need more followers. You need more intention.” – Kevin Fredericks

RESOURCES:

Kevin Fredericks

Website | www.kevonstage.com

IG | @KevOnStage

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

[Go Awf] Is the Golden Age of TV News Over? Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

What’s really happening to the news industry and what does it mean for your career?

In this episode of Awf The Record, Mona Kosar Abdi and Jeannette Reyes reflect on the changing landscape of broadcast journalism, from shrinking opportunities and layoffs to the growing influence of social media and personal platforms. Drawing from their own experiences in the industry, they unpack the tension between traditional media and the new generation of storytelling.

This conversation explores the importance of adaptability, building your own platform, and thinking long-term in a rapidly evolving career landscape. While rooted in journalism, the insights apply to anyone navigating change, uncertainty, and growth in their professional life.

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

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