Alex Cooper is opening up about life before fame and how she transformed a promising podcast into a media empire. The 2018 launch of Call Her Daddy, created with her then-roommate Sofia Franklyn, quickly caught fire and was acquired by Barstool Sports just one month after its first episode aired.
Before the show exploded, Cooper faced financial strain as she searched for steady work. She revealed that she once dated sugar daddies to help cover rent for her New York City apartment after losing a job selling ads at Gotham magazine. The arrangement was a deliberate plan to cover dinners and drinks with the goal of making enough for rent by night’s end. A friend would stay nearby to ensure her safety, a reminder of the risks involved in seeking quick money online.
Cooper hasn’t dwelled on the past, and she has no regrets. She left that chapter behind and continued to build her brand, signing a multi-million dollar deal with Sirius XM last year as Call Her Daddy evolved from a personal podcast into a broader media venture. She has spoken about how the experiences, both tough and formative, shaped her perspective and resilience.
The pandemic era proved pivotal for Cooper. After parting ways with Franklyn over a contract dispute, the show’s fortunes surged as millions sought connection during lockdowns. Cooper, already a rising star, expanded her reach by interviewing celebrities and growing a devoted audience. Along the way, she found love with film producer Matt Kaplan, now her husband, in a story that complemented her professional ascent.
Her business momentum continued with major deals: a 2021 three-year, $60 million agreement with Spotify, followed by a 2024 three-year, $125 million deal for the Unwell Network with Sirius XM. The platform is designed to house like-minded, buzzy content creators who share a vision for fresh storytelling in the podcast space.
Cooper’s success has drawn attention beyond her own brand. Some insiders have noted that her rapid rise has challenged established voices at Sirius XM, including veteran host Howard Stern, who reportedly felt the pressure of a younger creator reshaping the network’s landscape. Still, executives have publicly celebrated Cooper’s fearless, unfiltered approach and the passionate, loyal fanbase she’s built.
On the personal front, Cooper’s relationship with Kaplan has been quietly transformative. They met during the pandemic era and began a romance that culminated in a memorable engagement in Los Angeles, staged as a playful, elaborate scavenger hunt after a faux photoshoot. The couple’s two dogs were witnesses to a moment Cooper describes as surreal. Kaplan has encouraged Cooper to pursue her ambitions, and she has spoken about how honesty and trust have formed the foundation of their partnership.
If there’s a through line to Cooper’s story, it’s clear: a determined young creator turned a bold personal voice into a powerful platform, then used that platform to build a broader media world while staying true to her values. Her journey—from financially strapped beginnings to multi-million deals and a thriving network—offers a hopeful blueprint for creators navigating today’s evolving digital landscape.
Summary: Alex Cooper went from dating to pay rent in New York to building a media empire around Call Her Daddy, with high-profile deals, a new network, and a fulfilling marriage. Her ascent underscores resilience, entrepreneurship, and the evolving opportunities for podcasters to scale beyond a single show.
Positive takeaway: Cooper’s story highlights grit, reinvention, and the potential for authentic storytelling to drive lasting success in the changing media environment.