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Alex Cooper: From Heartbreak to $125 Million – How She’s Redefining Media

  • Writer: Rachel Smith
    Rachel Smith
  • Nov 23, 2024
  • 3 min read

Updated: Dec 5, 2024

Five years ago, Alex Cooper was just like many in their 20's—broke, heartbroken, and figuring out her next move. She started a podcast with her roommate from their NYC apartment, having no clue what it would lead to. Fast forward to now: she’s signed a $125 million deal with SiriusXM, runs her own media company, Trending, and just landed on the cover of Forbes. If you don’t know who Alex Cooper is, it’s time to catch up.


Front page of Forbes Magazine with Alex Cooper's headshot
Forbes Cover Featuring Alex Cooper

The Rise of Call Her Daddy


Call Her Daddy started as a raw, unfiltered podcast about dating, hookups, and the chaos of being in your 20s. It blew up fast—like 2 million downloads in two months fast. Barstool Sports saw the potential, signed Alex and her then-roommate-turned-cohost, and the rest is history.


But what really made Alex stand out? She wasn’t afraid to be real. Her humor and vulnerability built a loyal community, the "Daddy Gang," who felt like they were sitting down with their boldest, most honest friend.


Going Solo and Going Big


After a dramatic split from her cohost, Alex took control of Call Her Daddy—and took it to the next level. She landed a $60 million deal with Spotify in 2021, shifted the show’s focus to include interviews with icons like Jane Fonda and Simone Biles, and started getting compared to legends like Howard Stern.


But Alex wasn’t just podcasting—she was plotting. She co-founded Trending with her husband, Matt Kaplan, and launched Unwell Network, a media hub featuring podcasts from influencer heavyweights like Alix Earle (Hot Mess) and Madeline Argy (Pretty Lonesome).


Then came the Forbes moment. In 2023, Alex signed a $125 million deal with SiriusXM, proving she’s not just keeping up with the media game—she’s rewriting it.


Why Alex Cooper Is a Big Deal


Alex isn’t just a podcaster; she’s a brand. She’s turning her platform into a full-fledged media empire with live events, scripted and unscripted shows, and a whole lot more. SiriusXM is betting on her to bring in younger listeners, just like they did with Howard Stern years ago—but in a way that fits the TikTok generation.

And Alex? She’s thriving under the pressure. “Everything I do is strategic,” she says. And that strategy is paying off big time.


Lessons from Alex’s Glow-Up

  1. Start messy: She didn’t have a polished plan—just a laptop, a roommate, and a lot to say.

  2. Own your stuff: Alex fought to keep control of her brand, and now she’s the one calling the shots.

  3. Be fearless: From breakup podcasts to interviewing Kamala Harris, she’s evolved with her audience.

  4. Stay real: Her authenticity is what made her—and it’s why people keep listening.


    Instagram post of Alex Cooper announcing her feature on forbes magazine
    Alex Cooper's Instagram post.

What’s Next?


Alex Cooper is proof that the media world is shifting—and she’s leading the way. Whether it’s live tours, new podcasts, or even bigger deals, Alex is just getting started.


So here’s your heads-up: the future of media is fresh, bold, and totally Alex Cooper. Get on board.



Love Always xx, Rachel Alexandra



Forbes Article

The most-listened to podcast by women. Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy has been creating conversation since 2018. Cooper cuts through the BS with topics and guests - asking the burning questions you want the answers to. There will be laughter, there will be tears. There will be everything in between. New episodes drop on Wednesday and Sunday. Want more? Join the Daddy Gang @callherdaddy.

 
 
 

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