"Call Her Daddy" has become one of the most successful and influential podcasts in the world, with a unique blend of unfiltered, provocative discussions about sex, dating, relationships, and mental health. Launched in 2018 by Alex Cooper and Sofia Franklyn under Barstool Sports, the podcast quickly rose to prominence due to its raw, candid approach to traditionally taboo subjects. Often dubbed as “locker room talk for women,” the podcast offers humorous yet relatable commentary on modern dating culture, resonating particularly with millennials and Gen Z audiences.
The show’s appeal lies in its fearless and often irreverent tone. Cooper and Franklyn originally shared personal anecdotes from their dating lives in New York City, offering bold advice on hookup culture, social media, and navigating relationships in the digital era. Their unfiltered conversations, laced with humor and honesty, created a dedicated following, referred to as the "Daddy Gang," who found comfort and entertainment in their openness about subjects typically brushed under the rug.
In 2020, the podcast made headlines after a public fallout between Cooper and Franklyn regarding contract negotiations with Barstool Sports. The dispute led to Franklyn's exit from the show, leaving Cooper to take full control. Despite the controversy, the podcast’s popularity only soared, and Cooper’s solo hosting took the show to new heights.
High-profile interviews became a hallmark of "Call Her Daddy" after Cooper’s transition to solo hosting. Guests like Miley Cyrus, Post Malone, and Gwyneth Paltrow have joined the show, further expanding its reach. These interviews often dive deep into the personal lives and experiences of celebrities, touching on themes of self-empowerment, identity, and mental health alongside the show’s signature frank discussions about relationships and sex.
In 2021, Cooper signed an exclusive $60 million deal with Spotify, making "Call Her Daddy" one of the platform’s flagship podcasts. The deal catapulted Cooper to new heights, solidifying her as a leading figure in podcasting. By 2024, she moved the show to SiriusXM under a $125 million multi-year deal, which included exclusive rights for her newly launched production company, Unwell Network. This move marked another pivotal moment in the evolution of both Cooper’s career and the podcasting industry as a whole.
The success of "Call Her Daddy" is emblematic of the broader transformation happening in podcasting. Once considered a niche medium, podcasts are now at the forefront of digital media consumption. As traditional media continues to struggle with audience retention, podcasts have surged as a primary content hub, offering personalized, on-demand experiences for listeners. The intimate, conversational format of podcasts like "Call Her Daddy" allows creators to build loyal fanbases, making them attractive platforms for advertisers and major media companies.
"Call Her Daddy" exemplifies how podcasts have evolved from side projects into serious business ventures, with creators commanding deals comparable to traditional media giants. The show’s mix of humor, raw honesty, and celebrity interviews has allowed it to transcend its original premise and become a cultural touchstone for younger generations navigating life, relationships, and mental health.
