Alex Cooper, the dynamic host of the popular podcast *Call Her Daddy*, recently shared insights into her rapid ascent in the media landscape during an appearance on *The Burnouts* podcast, hosted by Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni. In the episode, aired on March 5, she candidly discussed her transformative journey, delving into the lucrative deals that have contributed to the expansion of her media enterprise, Unwell.
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In 2021, Cooper made headlines with her impressive three-year contract with Spotify, reportedly valued at $60 million. During her conversation on the podcast, she reflected on the pivotal choice she faced between this deal and a similarly lucrative offer from Amazon. Ultimately, Cooper opted for Spotify, citing the lesser workload as a significant factor in her decision. “To be honest, it was the same amount of money basically and a little less work,” she remarked with a laugh. The Spotify arrangement required just 52 episodes a year compared to the higher episode count tied to the Amazon deal, where many of the episodes would have been kept behind a paywall.
Recalling her early experiences, Cooper described the challenges and steep learning curve she faced as a self-managed creator. At the outset, she was alone in executing her vision, grappling with the logistics of fulfilling a significant contract. “It was a lot for a creator at that time who didn’t have a company behind me,” she admitted. Cooper stressed her desire to meet and exceed the expectations set by her partners, emphasising the importance of professionalism in dealing with substantial financial commitments.
Taking a closer look at her early career on *Call Her Daddy*, Cooper reflected on her naivety as she navigated her first major deals. She revealed that it was a considerable adjustment to learn how her financial arrangements with her agents worked, particularly how their commissions were deducted upfront from her earnings. “I was like, ‘Wait, no, I want that in my bank account. And then I’ll send your 10%’” she recounted, illustrating her confusion during that time. Cooper clarified that her agency had no ill intentions; it stemmed instead from her lack of understanding of standard industry practices.
Throughout her interview, she acknowledged that trusting people in business had historically led her to some of her biggest missteps. Cooper expressed regret over not documenting agreements more thoroughly, which she believes could have upheld her integrity in contentious situations. “It’s so crazy how much emotion can get tied into business,” she stated, adding that personal feelings often cloud judgment in professional scenarios.
Cooper also voiced concerns over the reputational damage incurred through bad-faith negotiations, which she deemed to be of greater consequence than financial loss. She illustrated this point by sharing instances where trusting the wrong individuals cost her potential earnings, indicating that healthy business relationships are key to success. “You have to listen to who you’re sitting across from in business,” she advised, underscoring the importance of intuition when making deals.
Gratitude was a recurring theme as she acknowledged the support she received from her family, particularly her husband, Matt Kaplan. Kaplan, who co-founded the Unwell Network with Cooper in 2023, has been instrumental in helping her navigate the complexities of the media business. “When you are in business, you can easily get bulldozed, especially as a young woman,” Cooper reflected, highlighting the challenges of asserting oneself in a male-dominated environment rife with uncertainty.
Whereas Cooper’s long-term vision for her brand is unmistakable, her recent contract with SiriusXM represents a monumental shift in her career trajectory. In August 2024, she secured a staggering $125 million three-year agreement following her time with Spotify, marking a significant leap forward from her initial contract. As she prepares to take *Call Her Daddy* and the Unwell Network to one of the largest radio giants, Cooper’s story serves as a powerful testament to perseverance and strategic decision-making in a competitive industry.
As Cooper continues to evolve and expand her media empire, her willingness to share both triumphs and challenges offers inspiration to aspiring creators. Her journey highlights the importance of resilience and ongoing learning, serving as a vital reminder of the complexities of building a successful brand in the modern media landscape. Through her candid revelations, Alex Cooper not only showcases her accomplishments but also embodies the ethos of hard work and adaptation in the world of entrepreneurship.