Sofia Franklyn Admits Leaving “Call Her Daddy” Left Her Feeling ‘Worthless’

Sofia Franklyn has provided further insight into the rift that developed between her and fellow podcaster Alex Cooper following their split in 2020. In an essay featured in Business Insider, dated June 1, Franklyn reflected on her departure from the popular podcast “Call Her Daddy,” which she co-founded with Cooper in 2018. The podcast quickly gained traction, known for its candid discussions about modern dating and female empowerment.

Franklyn’s exit from the show came after what she termed “contract negotiations falling apart.” The financial implications of her decision were significant; within days of her departure, she described the loss of her job and income, as well as the severing of her professional bond with Cooper. Franklyn remarked, “My relationship with Alex was too,” highlighting the personal toll of the split.

Before embarking on the podcast journey, Franklyn worked in finance, earning approximately £42,000 a year. The success of “Call Her Daddy” transformed her financial landscape, enabling her to save money for the first time and enjoy a more socially active lifestyle without the constant worry of financial strain. She expressed how liberating this newfound financial comfort felt until it vanished abruptly when she exited the podcast.

In her essay, Franklyn delves into the emotional aftermath of her departure. The sudden change left her feeling “very untrusting.” She confided in family during this tumultuous period, leaning on their support as she contemplated her next steps. Demonstrating resilience, she eventually launched her own podcast, “Sofia with an F,” later that same year, spurred on by a “strong sense of self” inspired by her mother.

Franklyn’s narrative has also been complemented by the announcement of her first memoir, “Daddy Issues,” set to be released later this year. The memoir will chronicle her experiences while co-hosting “Call Her Daddy” and the fallout that ensued. In a YouTube video released in February, Franklyn explained her decision to wait six years before fully revealing her account of the situation, stating she needed the time to process and reflect on the events.

In contrast, Cooper offered her perspective on the fallout in the Hulu docuseries “Call Her Alex.” Cooper recalled the immense financial success they achieved with the podcast while still under the original management of Barstool Sports. She mentioned a pivotal meeting with Barstool’s founder, Dave Portnoy, during which they were presented with a potential ownership deal for the podcast. Cooper claimed that while she was keen to pursue this opportunity, Franklyn was not inclined to do so, which ultimately led to her decision to remain with Barstool.

The disparity in their views on the podcast’s future highlights the differing aspirations each had for their careers. Cooper’s acknowledgment of the “Daddy Gang”—their devoted listener base—indicates a keen awareness of the brand that extended beyond their individual visions.

As both Franklyn and Cooper navigate their separate paths in the podcasting industry, the events surrounding the split serve as a poignant reminder of the complexities involved in business relationships, particularly in the creative sector. The upcoming memoir is expected to shed more light on their intertwined journeys, offering fans an in-depth look at the challenges both women have faced.

Sofia Franklyn’s candid admission about her struggles after leaving “Call Her Daddy” has resonated with many, illustrating the harsh realities that can accompany sudden changes in professional relationships. As she embarks on this new chapter in her career, it will be interesting to see how her story unfolds and what lessons she will impart through her memoir.