Alex Cooper: Podcast Star, Entrepreneur, and Media Controversy
Alex Cooper transformed from a little-known college soccer player into one of the most powerful figures in podcasting. As the host of Call Her Daddy, she built a media empire worth an estimated $125 million, but her rapid rise has also attracted scrutiny. Recent reports about workplace culture at her company Unwell and questions about her personal life have kept her name trending across social platforms.
Born on August 21, 1994, in Newtown, Pennsylvania, Cooper graduated from Boston University with a degree in Film & Television and played Division I soccer. Her early career included stints as a news anchor for Dirty Water Media and work for Barstool Sports before she co-created Call Her Daddy in 2018. The show quickly became a cultural phenomenon, shifting from relationship advice to celebrity interviews with guests like Kamala Harris, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Monica Lewinsky.
Cooper’s journey from a $75,000-a-year Barstool employee to a multimillion-dollar entrepreneur reflects the explosive growth of digital media. Her story is one of ambition, reinvention, and the challenges that come with building a brand in the public eye.
Who Is Alex Cooper?
Key Insights About Alex Cooper
- She turned a small podcast co-created with a roommate into a global brand valued at over $100 million.
- Her marriage to Hollywood producer Matt Kaplan and her pregnancy announcement in 2026 have driven intense public curiosity.
- A 2026 Vanity Fair investigation revealed internal turmoil at her company Unwell, raising questions about workplace culture.
- Comparisons with podcaster Alix Earle highlight the competitive landscape of female-focused digital media.
- Tour and live show queries indicate a demand for in-person fan engagement that has not yet been fully addressed.
Alex Cooper Snapshot Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 31 (as of 2025) |
| Husband | Matt Kaplan (film producer) |
| Podcast | Call Her Daddy (since 2018) |
| Company | Unwell (founded 2024) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $125 million |
| Pregnancy | Announced first child in May 2026 |
What Is Alex Cooper’s Net Worth in 2025?
Alex Cooper’s net worth is estimated at roughly $125 million, largely built through podcasting deals and media ventures. Her financial rise began with the Call Her Daddy brand, which she co-founded with Sofia Franklyn in 2018.
How Did Alex Cooper Make Her Money?
In 2021, Cooper signed a three-year exclusive deal with Spotify valued at $60 million, making her Spotify’s highest-earning female podcaster at $20 million per year. Call Her Daddy became the second most popular podcast globally on Spotify in 2024. Just months after that deal, she secured a $125 million distribution and advertising contract with SiriusXM in 2024, covering both Call Her Daddy and the Unwell Network. In June 2025, Forbes ranked her the 7th highest-earning creator with estimated earnings of $32 million in 2024.
What Is the Value of the Call Her Daddy Deal?
The SiriusXM deal is the largest for a female-hosted podcast, valued at $125 million. It includes advertising and distribution rights for Call Her Daddy and the Unwell Network. The earlier Spotify deal also contributed significantly, though exact breakdowns are not public.
While multiple sources place Cooper’s net worth at around $125 million, some estimates range between $100 million and $150 million. No public financial disclosure is available, so these figures remain educated estimates based on reported deals and Forbes rankings.
Who Is Alex Cooper’s Husband and Is She Pregnant?
Who Is Matt Kaplan?
Matt Kaplan (full name Matthew J. Kaplan) is a Hollywood producer and CEO of Ace Entertainment. He and Cooper met on a Zoom call for business in 2020. They became engaged in March 2023 and married in April 2024. Kaplan is known for producing films such as To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and other Netflix romantic comedies.
When Is Alex Cooper’s Due Date?
In May 2026, Cooper and Kaplan announced they are expecting their first child together. The exact due date has not been publicly disclosed. Cooper’s shift away from sharing personal details on the podcast was partly attributed to her budding relationship with Kaplan, which she has described as a natural evolution of her career.
The announcement came via a joint social media post in May 2026. Neither Cooper nor her representatives have released a specific due date. The news followed months of online speculation sparked by her reduced public appearances and loose clothing in podcast videos.
What Happened at Alex Cooper’s Media Empire?
What Does the Vanity Fair Article Say?
In June 2026, Vanity Fair published an in-depth investigation citing over 40 current and former employees of Unwell. The article raised concerns about workplace culture, including allegations of a “mean girl” environment and the influence of Cooper’s husband, Matt Kaplan, on company decisions. Cooper has not issued a detailed public response to the story.
Why Is Alex Cooper Trending on Reddit?
Reddit threads have amplified the Vanity Fair exposé, with users dissecting the allegations and debating Cooper’s public persona. Some fans defend her as a savvy businesswoman, while others question whether the Unwell environment aligns with her on-air empowerment messaging. The discourse has also revived discussion of her 2021 split from co-creator Sofia Franklyn, which involved a legal dispute over the podcast’s direction.
The Vanity Fair article relies on sources who spoke anonymously about internal matters. Unwell has not issued a formal statement addressing the specific claims. Readers should treat the allegations as unconfirmed until official responses or further reporting emerge.
How Did Alex Cooper’s Career Progress Over the Years?
- 2018: Co-founded Call Her Daddy with Sofia Franklyn. First episode released October 3, 2018. Wikipedia
- 2020: Signed exclusive deal with Spotify estimated at $60 million. Britannica
- 2021: Became sole host after splitting with Franklyn. Biography
- 2023: Launched Unwell Network and the Unwell tour (East Coast leg in November 2023).
- 2024: Signed $125 million SiriusXM deal; launched Drink Unwell hydration brand in partnership with Nestlé. Married Matt Kaplan in April.
- 2026: Vanity Fair published exposé on Unwell workplace culture; Cooper announced pregnancy in May. Vanity Fair
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About Alex Cooper?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Alex Cooper was born on August 21, 1994. | Exact net worth figure varies by source (no public financial disclosure). |
| She is the host and co-creator of Call Her Daddy. | Pregnancy due date has not been officially confirmed by Cooper or her representatives. |
| She married Matt Kaplan in April 2024. | Tour schedule details are not independently verified beyond social media posts. |
| Vanity Fair published an article citing over 40 sources about Unwell’s internal culture. (Full article) | The full accuracy of the Vanity Fair allegations has not been corroborated by official statements from Unwell. |
What Does Alex Cooper’s Success and Controversy Mean for the Media Industry?
Alex Cooper sits at the intersection of podcast celebrity and tech/media entrepreneurship. Her rise reflects the shift from traditional radio to on-demand digital content, where individual personalities can build billion-dollar businesses. The recent controversy adds a layer of complexity, as fans balance admiration for her brand-building with concerns raised by former employees. Comparisons to Alix Earle underscore the importance of audience loyalty in the competitive influencer economy.
Spotify’s investment in Call Her Daddy signaled the platform’s bet on exclusive podcast talent. Unwell’s launch mirrors a trend of creators leveraging their audience to launch product lines, from hydration drinks to documentary films. The Vanity Fair story could impact Cooper’s brand trust, similar to other media founder scandals where workplace culture allegations affect public perception and partnerships.
What Do Key Sources Say About Alex Cooper?
Over 40 sources, including current and former Unwell employees, have spoken to Vanity Fair about Cooper’s company, and the man calling the shots.
Vanity Fair, June 2026
Alexandra Cooper (born August 21, 1994) is an American podcaster who co-created and hosts Call Her Daddy.
Wikipedia
What Is Next for Alex Cooper?
As of late 2026, several developments are expected. Cooper may respond formally to the Vanity Fair allegations. Her pregnancy will likely lead to a temporary reduction in podcast content or a restructured schedule. The Unwell Hydration drink line and merchandise continue to sell, and a possible tour extension remains unconfirmed. Fans and industry observers will watch how her brand navigates the intersection of personal milestones and professional challenges. For more on similar media personalities, read about Taylor Frankie Paul – Reality Star, Bachelorette Bid and Controversy and Jules Ari – All You Need to Know About the Rising Star.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alex Cooper
How did Alex Cooper meet her husband?
Alex Cooper met Matt Kaplan through mutual industry connections; they became engaged in 2023 and married in April 2024.
What is Alex Cooper’s real name?
Her full name is Alexandra Cooper.
Does Alex Cooper have any siblings?
Public information does not detail siblings; she has mentioned a sister named Kathryn and a brother named Grant in interviews.
What was the Alex Cooper and Alix Earle feud?
No confirmed feud; comparisons arise from both being prominent female podcasters. A Reddit thread speculated on tension, but neither party has confirmed.
Is Call Her Daddy still on Spotify?
Yes, Call Her Daddy continues to release new episodes exclusively on Spotify.
What did Alex Cooper study in college?
She was a Film & Television major at Boston University and also played Division I soccer for the Terriers.
What is the Unwell Network?
Unwell Network is a podcast network launched by Cooper in September 2023, partnering with Spotify’s Megaphone. It includes shows like Boyfriend Material with Harry Jowsey.
Did Alex Cooper and Sofia Franklyn have a feud?
Yes, the co-creators split in 2021 over the future of Call Her Daddy and a legal dispute regarding the podcast’s ownership and direction.
What is the Hulu documentary about Alex Cooper?
Hulu released a documentary titled Call Her Alex in 2025, covering Cooper’s rise, her podcast, and her personal life.
Does Alex Cooper have a drink brand?
Yes, in partnership with Nestlé, she launched Unwell Hydration in late 2024, a line of electrolyte beverages.
Henry Morgan is Senior Reporter at DailyCity.co.uk, covering breaking news and general city stories across the UK.