[Go Awf] How The News Industry Shaped Us (And Nearly Broke Us)

10/06/2025 6 min
[Go Awf] How The News Industry Shaped Us (And Nearly Broke Us)

Listen "[Go Awf] How The News Industry Shaped Us (And Nearly Broke Us)"

Episode Synopsis

Mona and Jeannette open up about the emotional toll that working in the news industry took on their mental health. From the impossible hours and sleepless nights to the heartbreaking stories they had to cover, both reflect on the weight of constantly witnessing tragedy up close. Mona shares how the pressure she placed on herself to reach “network level” success pushed her to physical and mental limits, while Jeannette recalls the loneliness of working in a new city, being far from her husband, and the moment a mentor helped her realize she was depressed.Together, they reflect on the hardest stories they've had to tell—from children lost to gun violence, to the chaos of reporting during the early days of COVID-19. They also discuss the lingering effects of constantly being exposed to pain and loss, and how it began to skew their sense of humanity. This segment is a vulnerable look behind the headlines and into the hearts of two women who gave everything to their careers—until they realized they had to choose themselves.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