In this episode of The Daily, Alex Cooper shares her unconventional journey to becoming a trailblazing creator and media mogul. The host of the popular podcast "Call Her Daddy" discusses how she identified a gap in the market for open, women-led conversations about relationships and sex, and boldly filled that void. Alex Cooper opens up about the evolution of her content, transitioning from intimate topics to discussing mental health, women's rights, and more through her unique interviewing style.
Cooper also shares her views on the changing media landscape, Gen Z audiences' skepticism towards traditional outlets, and her plans for expanding her brand into a multimedia empire. From signing and mentoring creators to exploring TV, films, events, and merchandise - Cooper aims to build an expansive, curated media platform centered around her dedicated community.
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1-Page Summary
Alex Cooper's journey in media and entertainment reflects a fearless approach to creating content and grasping the zeitgeist of Gen Z listeners through her podcast "Call Her Daddy."
From a young age, Cooper was immersed in the television production world, which ignited her passion for media and content creation. She recalls, "My father was a sports television producer. So I was like in a television truck my whole life." This exposure spurred her ambitions: "I want to be a director. I want to be a producer." Her life was a canvas for short films and projects that set the stage for her future in the entertainment industry.
Drawing from her keen observations of the market, Cooper identified a significant gap: the lack of a female counterpart to Howard Stern for candid discussions about relationships and sex. She decided to fill this void, saying, "There's Howard Stern and then there's no one for women where women can actually feel like, oh, that is what I talk about with my friends when I'm behind closed doors."
Her podcast featured explicit topics, like sexting, showcasing her bold take on conversations typically held in private. Cooper realized the potential impact of her market strategy, stating, "I know it was salacious and I know it was out there, but I also am like a marketer at heart. And I was like, this is going to get everyone talking."
Cooper's time at Barstool Sports was a poignant chapter in her career. Working under media figures like Dave Portnoy, she quickly understood the value of pushing limits and the influence of social media. "You can never speak your mind too often on social media. I think when you think it's a little too muc ...
Alex Cooper's unconventional rise to success and influence in media/podcasting
Alex Cooper's "Call Her Daddy" podcast has undergone a significant transformation, moving beyond its initial focus on intimate aspects of her personal life to embrace a more diverse array of relatable subjects, including serious and meaningful issues.
Cooper recognized that she had explored the topic of "sexting" in-depth and chose to evolve the show to sustain and grow her audience. This evolution resulted in a shift in focus, where "Call Her Daddy" started to cover a broader range of issues that listeners could relate to, far transcending the initial narrow focus on sexuality.
With a natural evolution from sharing personal anecdotes to conducting interviews, Cooper has become more of an interviewer, facilitating deeper conversations on her show. As someone raised by a therapist, she attributes her ability to conduct effective interviews to her upbringing. Throughout her interviews, Cooper is intentional in her communications, striving to make guests feel at ease the moment they step into her studio. Her attention to giving guests her undivided focus and showing genuine interest has allowed for candid discussions about personal feelings and experiences.
Cooper's unique interviewing style stems from her innately comfortable approach to c ...
The evolution of her podcast content and approach
Alex Cooper provides insights into her perspectives on the increasing distrust in traditional media and explains her approach to handling political content on her platform, particularly her decision to interview Vice President Kamala Harris.
Cooper notes a significant shift in trust towards traditional media, especially among younger generations. She reflects that while she grew up trusting the news that she watched with her parents, there is now a wave of skepticism among millennials and Gen Z. They feel that they are being constantly told what to believe, which has resulted in a loss of credibility for traditional media in their eyes. Cooper's own audience may trust her over traditional outlets, signaling a broader transition in where audiences are choosing to place their trust. She believes that people, especially the youth, don't want to be told what to do and instead want to form their own opinions.
Additionally, Cooper alludes to the fact that the overt marketing of narratives by media outlets often comes across as disingenuous, which has contributed to this growing skepticism.
Cooper understands the potential of using her platform to engage in political discourse on issues that matter deeply to her audience. She has not shied away from opportunities to discuss politics when they arise. For instance, she made the decision to interview Vice President Kamala Harris, recognizing it as a chance to focus on subjects that directly impacted her listeners.
During her interview with the Vice President, Cooper consc ...
Her views on the changing media landscape and trust in journalism
Alex Cooper is taking strategic steps to broaden her influence beyond the highly successful "Call Her Daddy" podcast, with plans that include nurturing new talent and exploring various content creation avenues.
Cooper reveals her vision for the future as she looks to diversify her brand in the media landscape. The discussion encompasses her determination to build an "empire," hinting at a deal with Sirius XM and her intent to establish a reputation that stands on its own, separate from male media figures like Howard Stern.
Alex Cooper founded the Unwell Network with the goal of signing younger Gen Z creators and curating content that appeals to her community. Cooper selects creators meticulously to ensure that her network provides a trusted palette of content for her audience, which includes a diverse array of shows.
Cooper's foray into live events has already seen success, with sold-out tours and an event with the Red Sox signaling a move into experiential and live content. She looks forward to launching television shows, films, and expanding her reach within podcasting, showcasing a holistic approach to content diversification. She mentions having bi-weekly meetings with writers for both scripted and unscripted television, signifying a significant interest in the television space. Cooper takes into account the preferences of her audience, who enjoy TV, podcasts, concerts, live events, and merchandise, and seeks to tap into these areas.
Her plans to expand her brand and build a media empire
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