Just a few years ago, Alex Cooper was a recent college graduate who launched a podcast with her roommate, Sofia Franklyn. Their venture, “Call Her Daddy,” quickly resonated with female Gen-Z listeners and became an instant hit. Despite a messy split with Franklyn, Cooper emerged as a leading podcaster, lauded for her engaging interview style. She attributes her success to her outgoing personality and natural curiosity, ensuring her guests always feel comfortable. “In my conversations with my guests, you are always going to feel comfy-cozy,” Cooper explained in an interview with Rolling Stone.
Early Life and Background
Alex Cooper grew up in suburban Pennsylvania, the middle child of a psychologist mother and a TV producer father. She attended The Pennington School in New Jersey, where she was acutely aware of her middle-class status among wealthier peers. Cooper credits her competitive spirit and drive to her parents, with her father’s background in Division 1 hockey and her mother’s equestrian skills influencing her. She later attended Boston College, excelling as a Division 1 soccer player. During this period, she faced a traumatic incident involving her coach, which she has yet to publicly discuss but plans to address on her podcast.
The Rise of “Call Her Daddy”
In 2018, while vacationing with her roommate Sofia Franklyn, Cooper came up with the idea for “Call Her Daddy,” a podcast offering a candid and comedic take on sex and relationships. The name came from a shirt Cooper wore in college that read “Daddy,” a playful jab at traditional gender roles. Their unfiltered approach quickly found an audience, and within weeks, they signed a three-year deal with Barstool Sports, initially earning $75,000 per year. The podcast’s popularity soared, reaching millions of downloads within months.
Controversy and Transformation
In 2020, Cooper and Franklyn attempted to find a new home for the podcast, leading to a public dispute with Barstool Sports, which owned the podcast’s rights. The situation escalated when Barstool’s owner, Dave Portnoy, publicly criticized them for being “unprofessional and greedy.” The conflict led to the end of their partnership, with Cooper retaining the rights to “Call Her Daddy” and Franklyn launching her own podcast.
Spotify Deal and Evolution
In 2021, Cooper signed a three-year, $60 million deal with Spotify, making “Call Her Daddy” exclusive to the platform. This deal positioned Cooper as Spotify’s highest-paid female podcaster. She expanded the podcast’s content beyond sex talk to include interviews with celebrities, drawing comparisons to Barbara Walters for her insightful interviewing style. Her ability to boost musicians’ streaming numbers after appearing on her podcast underscored her influence.
The Unwell Network and Further Ventures
In 2023, Cooper launched The Unwell Network, aimed at producing content across various platforms. She signed social media influencers like Alix Earle and Madeline Argy to host their podcasts under the network. The following year, Cooper extended her deal with Spotify, incorporating content from The Unwell Network.
Personal Life and Milestones
In 2023, Cooper announced her engagement to TV producer Matt Kaplan, whom she met via Zoom during the pandemic. They married in April 2024 in Mexico. Cooper chose to walk down the aisle alone, rejecting the traditional notion of being “given away” by her father. Additionally, she was featured on the Time100 list, celebrated for her impact on media and women’s empowerment.
Live Tour and Skims Campaign
In October 2023, Cooper embarked on the Unwell Tour, featuring live interviews with stars like Zayn Malik and Ciara. The tour included a sold-out show at Madison Square Garden. Cooper also became the face of a Skims campaign, aligning with Kim Kardashian’s brand to promote body-positive undergarments.
Olympic Coverage and Future Plans
In 2024, NBCUniversal announced that Cooper would anchor a daily live-streamed show for the Peacock streaming service during the Paris Summer Olympics. “Watch with Alex Cooper” will feature Cooper and her friends reacting to Olympic events in real-time, leveraging her background as a former Division 1 athlete.
Alex Cooper’s journey from a college graduate to a podcasting powerhouse and media mogul is a testament to her tenacity and adaptability. Her ability to evolve “Call Her Daddy” and expand her brand continues to solidify her place as a significant cultural influencer.
