Aly & AJ: Disney & Dating Disasters

Summary

Podcast Summary: Call Her Daddy Episode - "Aly & AJ: Disney & Dating Disasters"

Episode Information

• Title: Call Her Daddy
• Host: Alex Cooper
• Guests: Ally Maki & AJ Michalka (Aly & AJ)
• Release Date: January 8, 2025

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1. Reunion and Initial Impressions

The episode kicks off with Alex Cooper reuniting with Aly & AJ, reminiscing about their last encounter backstage during Alex's tour. Both sisters express their excitement about finally sitting down together for an in-depth conversation.

Alex Cooper [01:10]: "The last time we saw each other was backstage at my tour, and you were the loveliest people."

---

2. Shared Interests and Personal Lives

Ally and AJ discuss their mutual love for spa days, a hobby they've cherished since childhood. They reflect on how motherhood has slightly altered their routine, making daily hangouts less frequent due to distance and parental responsibilities.

AJ Michalka [02:22]: "Now that she's a mom, we don't live just four minutes apart anymore. It's an hour and a half."

---

3. Navigating Fame and Friendship in the Entertainment Industry

The conversation delves into their experiences growing up in the spotlight. Aly, who starred in "Phil of the Future," shares insights about the unexpected fame that came with their roles and how it affected their personal lives. They emphasize the importance of maintaining normalcy amidst the chaos of early fame.

Alex Cooper [04:34]: "Were your parents ever concerned about how hectic the industry is for you as kids?"

AJ Michalka [13:19]: "Our parents were very clear about boundaries. We weren't allowed to attend late-night parties or after-parties."

---

4. Romantic Relationships and Breakups

Aly and AJ candidly discuss their teenage relationships, including first crushes and breakups. AJ recalls her first kiss with Joe Jonas and the complexities that came with young love and friendships intertwined with romantic entanglements.

AJ Michalka [16:08]: "I had my first kiss with Joe Jonas at a bowling alley. It was so innocent and sweet."

They also tackle the topic of being "the other woman," clarifying rumors about Aly's relationships and emphasizing the supportive nature of their sisterly bond.

Alex Cooper [17:56]: "There were rumors about dating co-stars, but it was always strictly platonic friendships."

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5. Sibling Dynamics and Balancing Careers

The sisters explore their unique dynamic, highlighting how they've managed to support each other's individual careers without fostering unhealthy competition. Aly shares anecdotes about sacrificing certain opportunities to ensure AJ's success, reinforcing their strong familial bond.

Aly Maki [20:22]: "We've always supported each other. If one of us got an audition, the other might stand down to let her go for it."

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6. Coping with Breakups and Emotional Well-being

Aly and AJ offer heartfelt advice on handling breakups, especially those that involve mutual friends or deceit. They discuss the emotional turmoil that comes with ending relationships and the importance of leaning on trusted friends for support.

Alex Cooper [35:01]: "Having solid guy friends helped me navigate through many tough breakups. They reminded me when a guy wasn't right for me."

---

7. Evolving Personalities and Life Changes

As adults, Aly and AJ reflect on how their personalities and priorities have evolved. They talk about adjusting to new roles as partners and parents, ensuring that their relationships remain strong despite the changes that come with adulthood.

AJ Michalka [60:12]: "We make time for date nights even with a newborn. It's essential to keep the romance alive."

---

8. Musical Ventures and Creative Processes

The discussion shifts to their latest musical projects, with Aly and AJ unveiling their new album titled "What It Feels Like." They delve into the inspirations behind their songs, drawing from personal experiences such as moving into a new home and coping with the loss of a dear friend.

Alex Cooper [68:46]: "This album feels like it's never been more us. We've stepped into our womanhood and poured our true selves into the music."

AJ elaborates on the profound impact of songwriting, sharing how their songs have taken on new meanings as they've grown and faced different life challenges.

AJ Michalka [74:06]: "Songwriting teaches you something new every time you listen to your own music. It's almost prophetic."

---

9. Overcoming Industry Challenges

Aly and AJ candidly discuss the hurdles they've faced in the entertainment industry, including dealing with age-related biases and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in their work. They share their resilience in staying true to themselves despite external pressures.

Alex Cooper [75:38]: "After a meeting where they told us they weren't catering to women in their 30s, we realized the importance of staying authentic to our vision."

---

10. Personal Growth and Future Aspirations

Towards the end of the episode, the sisters reflect on their personal growth, the strength of their sisterhood, and their hopes for the future. They emphasize the importance of authenticity, resilience, and maintaining strong family bonds.

Aly Maki [77:28]: "Growing up and navigating our family dynamics has made us who we are today. We're ready to take on whatever comes next with authenticity and love."

---

Conclusion

The episode "Aly & AJ: Disney & Dating Disasters" offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of Aly & AJ, exploring their journey from child stars to empowered women navigating the complexities of fame, love, and personal growth. Their candid conversations provide valuable insights and heartfelt advice, making it a compelling listen for fans and newcomers alike.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Alex Cooper [01:10]: "The last time we saw each other was backstage at my tour, and you were the loveliest people."
• AJ Michalka [02:22]: "Now that she's a mom, we don't live just four minutes apart anymore. It's an hour and a half."
• Alex Cooper [04:34]: "Were your parents ever concerned about how hectic the industry is for you as kids?"
• AJ Michalka [13:19]: "Our parents were very clear about boundaries. We weren't allowed to attend late-night parties or after-parties."
• AJ Michalka [16:08]: "I had my first kiss with Joe Jonas at a bowling alley. It was so innocent and sweet."
• Aly Maki [20:22]: "We've always supported each other. If one of us got an audition, the other might stand down to let her go for it."
• Alex Cooper [35:01]: "Having solid guy friends helped me navigate through many tough breakups. They reminded me when a guy wasn't right for me."
• AJ Michalka [60:12]: "We make time for date nights even with a newborn. It's essential to keep the romance alive."
• Alex Cooper [68:46]: "This album feels like it's never been more us. We've stepped into our womanhood and poured our true selves into the music."
• AJ Michalka [74:06]: "Songwriting teaches you something new every time you listen to your own music. It's almost prophetic."
• Alex Cooper [75:38]: "After a meeting where they told us they weren't catering to women in their 30s, we realized the importance of staying authentic to our vision."
• Aly Maki [77:28]: "Growing up and navigating our family dynamics has made us who we are today. We're ready to take on whatever comes next with authenticity and love."

---

Key Takeaways

• Strong Familial Bonds: Aly & AJ emphasize the importance of their sisterly relationship in navigating the challenges of fame and personal growth.
• Navigating Early Fame: Their experiences as child stars taught them resilience and the importance of maintaining normalcy amidst public scrutiny.
• Handling Relationships: They offer candid advice on managing romantic relationships and breakups, highlighting the value of supportive friendships.
• Authenticity in Art: Aly & AJ stress the significance of staying true to themselves in their musical endeavors, despite industry pressures.
• Personal Growth: The sisters reflect on their evolution from child actors to empowered women, focusing on personal well-being and family.

This episode provides a heartfelt and honest exploration of Aly & AJ's journey, offering listeners both entertainment and valuable life lessons.

Transcript

[Alex Cooper]

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[Ally Maki]

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[Alex Cooper]

Delivered to your door. Thanks to Amazon One Medical and Amazon Pharmacy Head healthcare just got less painful. Call Her Daddy is brought to you by Searchlight Pictures Presenting Nightbitch, starring Amy Adamson.

[Ally Maki]

Based on the best selling novel by.

[Alex Cooper]

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[Ally Maki]

To be a stay at home mom. But soon her new domesticity takes a surreal turn. Critics rave Nightbitch is a daring, smart.

[Alex Cooper]

Film and a wickedly funny satire of modern motherhood.

[Ally Maki]

Amy Adams delivers a brilliant performance, her most fearless work yet in this endearing love letter to the journey of finding yourself again. And is now nominated for a Golden Globe award for best actress in a comedy. Night is now streaming only on Hulu. What is up, daddy gang? It is your founding father, Alex Cooper with Call Her Daddy. Ally and aj. Welcome to Call Her Daddy. Thank you for having us, you guys. The last time we saw each other was we were hanging out backstage at my tour, and you were the loveliest people. And I always have these moments because I'm like, I watched you guys growing up. Obviously, I love you guys, your music, all of it. But meeting you guys in person was so fun to be like, oh my God, you guys are like normal girls. And we're all just hanging out. So I'm so happy we're finally doing this.

[Alex Cooper]

Same, same.

[Ally Maki]

So happy to be here. To be so happy to be here. Okay, if you guys are not like, touring, if you're not working, if you don't have all the chaos of your life, what is your most fun thing that you guys usually like to do together?

[Alex Cooper]

We're big, like, spa people, and we kind of have been since we were young. Like, we were like hanging out in a SPA at like 10 and 12, and we were just loving it. And our parents would be like, I don't know, they just like, love hot, dry saunas and getting massages.

[AJ Michalka]

Oh, I love this for you guys.

[Alex Cooper]

So spa.

[Ally Maki]

Spa.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah.

[Ally Maki]

Going to the spa. If you have a day off, you're going to the spot.

[AJ Michalka]

That's our number one.

[Alex Cooper]

That's our number one. That or like, I mean, literally, it's like a movie. Like, just on AJ's couch. Just, like, ordering in.

[AJ Michalka]

Yeah.

[Ally Maki]

How, like, often do you guys hang out?

[AJ Michalka]

All the time.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah, all the time.

[Ally Maki]

Like Every day?

[AJ Michalka]

Well, no, because now that she's a mom. So now that she's a mom, it's not every day. And also, we don't live down the street from each other.

[Alex Cooper]

We literally used to live. I'm not even kidding. You like, me in my car, four minutes from each other, driving to AJ's. Four minutes. I could walk to her house in, like, 20.

[Ally Maki]

Wait, how far now?

[Alex Cooper]

Now I'm like, an hour and a half.

[Ally Maki]

What?

[AJ Michalka]

Yeah, I know.

[Ally Maki]

What happened?

[AJ Michalka]

She had a kid.

[Alex Cooper]

I had a kid. Yeah. She's like, bye.

[AJ Michalka]

Bye, aj.

[Alex Cooper]

Well, like, really, we moved for, like, to be closer to my mom. My mom lives out in Santa Ynez. So we were like, okay, if we're closer to her, that will help with, you know, just, like, childcare or whatever.

[Ally Maki]

Of course.

[Alex Cooper]

And then having more space. Because the house that we live in, that we lived in, in the canyon that we ended up renting out is, like, a super cool pad, but it's more like. It's for a couple. It's not really for a kid. So we. We ended up renting a place that just had more space. Like, so we kind of were just like, we'll see. But we still. It's only an hour and a half. I visit.

[AJ Michalka]

It's not that far every weekend, but.

[Ally Maki]

Would you ever move?

[AJ Michalka]

I love Santa Barbara.

[Ally Maki]

Okay. You're happy in Santa Barbara?

[AJ Michalka]

I'd move there in a second.

[Ally Maki]

Okay. Okay. Okay. That makes me feel good.

[Alex Cooper]

I really would.

[AJ Michalka]

I'm not ready yet. I really love where I am.

[Ally Maki]

Yeah.

[AJ Michalka]

But I think down the road, I would. I absolutely would. And I think it's a beautiful place to raise a son.

[Ally Maki]

Do you guys play the typical, like, older. Younger sister roles? Do you feel like. Or is there anything that you're like, I don't act like a younger sister and older sister in this way.

[Alex Cooper]

I think they were swapped when we were younger.

[Ally Maki]

Oh, really?

[Alex Cooper]

That's kind of younger sister. And she was like, older sisters.

[AJ Michalka]

And then it switched.

[Alex Cooper]

Like, we always joke how, when I was young, I was very shy and really shy, and I would have her just kind of. You were like my translator.

[AJ Michalka]

Literally.

[Alex Cooper]

Yes.

[AJ Michalka]

She would, like, nudge me. It's like. And I'd be like, she wants a turkey sub, no cheese and no mustard. No mustard.

[Ally Maki]

Yeah.

[Alex Cooper]

Or whatever.

[AJ Michalka]

And it was like, literally, I would speak.

[Alex Cooper]

She knew. She, like, knew. It was very strange.

[AJ Michalka]

You got out of that, though.

[Alex Cooper]

I got out of it, and then I think it swapped to being like, okay, now I guess you don't translate for Me? But yeah, you're like. You never did.

[Ally Maki]

Never. But I think what's interesting is, like, obviously you guys then, like, at a pretty young age, got into the spotlight. So, like, you. You don't think that a kid would be shy that then gets into, like, this industry. When Disney entered the conversation, were your parents at all, like, this is, like, too much? They ever try to talk you guys out of it?

[AJ Michalka]

No. At that point, we were fully in, like, a SAG card in hand, doing commercials.

[Alex Cooper]

Well, not you. Me, Me, because I got My sack.

[AJ Michalka]

Was still the future.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah. Yeah. So, like, I didn't even have, like, I. I mean, I knew the basics of, like, this is a mark and stuff, but I learned, like, everything on that set.

[Ally Maki]

Oh, my God. Wait, your first gig was filled the future?

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah, that was like.

[Ally Maki]

That's, like, kind of the biggest flex ever. Wait, what?

[Alex Cooper]

That's funny. Yeah.

[Ally Maki]

When you guys, like, I obviously was thinking before I, like, sat down with you, I'm like, when you look back at that era, you think about, like, you think about you guys, you think about Demi, you think about Miley, you think about Selena, you think about the Jonas Brothers. Like, when you were in the era that you were in, because it shaped so much of our childhood, I feel like. Did you guys realize it was that iconic in the moment, or did it literally just feel like work?

[AJ Michalka]

I think once cowbells hit, we knew.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah. And I feel like when the music started happening on the channel and that was happening simultaneously with Phil, I think that's when we were like, oh, this is really, like, clicking with people. And I do remember going to. I. I don't know. I think. Were we with Hollywood Records at the time? I don't know. I don't think so.

[AJ Michalka]

Well, I think they signed us season two of the show.

[Alex Cooper]

It was season two, but I think season one of Phil the Future had been out. So, no, we weren't signed yet with Hollywood. But for whatever reason, we were invited to Hilary Duff's concert at, I think, the Forum or something. And I think you were with me.

[AJ Michalka]

Yeah.

[Alex Cooper]

And, like, I got mobbed at this concert, and I was like, yeah.

[AJ Michalka]

Cause season one had aired, and it was, like, weird.

[Alex Cooper]

It was like the first real time. I remember being like, oh, like, people know me from this show. And then it was just, you know, after that, it was still very. We had a very normal life. But I just remember being like, oh, people are stopping me because of this TV show.

[Ally Maki]

Oh, my God. If Hilary Duff concert, like, take me back. Oh, my God. Because I was gonna ask, like, how your life changed with Phil of the future, because I feel like that was a very, very, very big moment. And I feel like some shows popped. Some shows didn't. That one, I, like, feel like I watched every freaking episode, and it was so good.

[Alex Cooper]

Thank you. It did pop, but, like, we only did two seasons, which people kind of forget.

[Ally Maki]

Wait, what?

[AJ Michalka]

Yes. That's it.

[Alex Cooper]

That's it.

[AJ Michalka]

I know. It's a travesty.

[Alex Cooper]

And then it got canceled.

[Ally Maki]

Wait, but how many episodes were.

[Alex Cooper]

22, I think.

[Ally Maki]

Okay, that's also so different. Like, these days, it's like six episodes.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah. Yeah, that's a good point. Yeah.

[Ally Maki]

Okay, but 20. That's still a lot of episodes.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah. So it was only 2.

[Ally Maki]

Call her daddy is Brought to you by Airbnb I love a good Airbnb. I love a good little vacation. I love a good little stay away. I just love to get away and have a good time. Sometimes I go with my girlfriends, Sometimes I go with my husband. Sometimes I go with my family, and sometimes I love a solo mission. But here's the thing. I have dogs. I have dogs with whom I travel and whom I love. And yes, I may be the crazy dog mom that is obsessed with her dogs, but I want them to experience the finer things in life. Okay? So if I'm going somewhere, I'm bringing my dogs. And an Airbnb allows so many options for my dogs. It is a hassle sometimes. If I'm staying in a hotel and I have to go down the elevators and I have to go through all the people, and I have to figure out, oh, my God, Henry, don't bark at that person. Whoa. And then I have to go outside and find a little patch of grass. A lot of times when I find an Airbnb, I'm looking for a great location for my dogs, so it is easy to let them go to the bathroom. They can enjoy themselves. You know, King Henry and Bruce, they deserve the best in life. Also, whenever I'm going on a girls trip with my friends, I don't know about you guys, but it is major priority. I don't want to be in different rooms, as in, like, in a hotel compared to my friends. I want to be in a house, I want to be in an apartment. I want to be in a condo. I want to be in a situation where we can basically all bunk up together and be one and be for all. Some of my favorite trips have been in an Airbnb. It is the best way to make memories, not only in a new city, but in new space itself. Daddy Gang, let Airbnb make the decisions for you. If you have an open weekend and just want to go somewhere, guest favorites might inspire you and perhaps even create a new tradition. It's fun to feel like a local and immerse yourself in a new space as opposed to feeling like a tourist outsider. Go to the coffee shop down the street, the local market. We have all seen the movie the Holiday. Okay? That is my dream. Find a bungalow and become one with the community. Okay, so if you're starting to book your 2025 travel, my number one tip is to check out Airbnb first and find the perfect place to stay because your accommodation can really make or break the trip. There are so many reasons I love Airbnb. Stay tuned to hear more about my upcoming trips. Call Her Daddy is brought to you by Shopify. Oh, you know, here's the thing. I love putting out Call Her Daddy merchandise. I love the Unwell hoodies. I love the Call Her Daddy sets. I love sweatpants. I love it all. And when it comes to my merchandise business, guess what I use in order to sell it? Shopify. Daddy Gang. Shopify is a commerce platform that allows you to start, grow and manage a business just like like mine. Whether it be a side hustle or a storefront. With Shopify, you can sell online and in person, locally and globally, direct or wholesale. Desktop to mobile, Shopify makes it easy for you to start a business. There are tons of fun themes to choose from and there is an easy to use drag and drop editor to build your store. We all know we live on our phones. And with Shopify, you can tag and sell your products globally and across all major social media platforms, making it possible to sell where your customers are. Here's the thing, Daddy Gang. I understand that starting a business business is a lot of work. And why are you going to add another level of complication of having to do all of this on your own? Let Shopify help you. It has truly changed my merch game. So, Daddy Gang, it's time to build your brand. Head to shopify.com daddy to see how easy it is to start your business today.

[AJ Michalka]

Is this the unwell water?

[Ally Maki]

No, that's water. That's real water. You can. This is unwell drink. Yeah, yeah, you can try it.

[AJ Michalka]

Okay, I'm trying it.

[Ally Maki]

Give it a go. It's yummy. Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's yummy. It's basically like a better ideally version of like PD Pedialyte and Gatorade.

[AJ Michalka]

Like Less really good.

[Ally Maki]

It's good, right?

[AJ Michalka]

It's not sweet.

[Ally Maki]

It's not. Oh, my God. I did so many times.

[AJ Michalka]

You don't have to tone it down.

[Ally Maki]

Water.

[AJ Michalka]

Like Gatorade.

[Ally Maki]

The mango is my. Oh. In college when I would play soccer, I would have to literally dilute. Dilute it, and I would do, like, half Gatorade, half water. My favorite currently, is the mango that you're currently holding.

[AJ Michalka]

And this one is what?

[Ally Maki]

Orange hibiscus.

[AJ Michalka]

Orange hibiscus.

[Alex Cooper]

Oh, that is good.

[Ally Maki]

It's good, right?

[Alex Cooper]

I think the mango is maybe.

[Ally Maki]

The mango is the best.

[Alex Cooper]

My favorite.

[Ally Maki]

It's my favorite currently.

[AJ Michalka]

This is orange hibiscus. I like the mango.

[Ally Maki]

Yeah, it's great. Okay, so back to. Because I was. Thank you so much. Because I was thinking about you guys, and, like, now that I'm, like, a businesswoman and obviously, like, you guys can share what you want, but I was thinking about you guys, and I'm like, you were so young, and you guys looked like you were at the top of the world, but, like, when you look back financially, did you feel like as kids you were compensated correctly? I don't know if that's, like, a fair thing to say.

[AJ Michalka]

I don't think you would have known anything to compare it to.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah, I don't think it's crazy when.

[AJ Michalka]

You have a job that young, of course.

[Alex Cooper]

And in a strange way, like, any money that you're making, of course, seems, like, great. But, like, I made, like, $7,000, right. Per episode on.

[AJ Michalka]

Yeah, that's not good.

[Alex Cooper]

That ain't nothing, like, you know what I mean?

[Ally Maki]

Yeah. That is interesting, because I don't know.

[Alex Cooper]

What that would equate to today, but, like, true, right? But I guess for a kid's show, you're kind of like, that's great. That could go into their college fund. Like.

[Ally Maki]

And how did you guys handle it with your parents? Because obviously, I remember we were standing in the hallway of my tour, and I looked at you guys, and I was like, how did you guys just stay so normal? And you guys are, like, so lovely. I feel like you guys are, like my girlfriends from back home. And the unfortunate side of the industry, I feel like we've all seen is, like, so many of these kids. Whether it was like, the parents were abusing the power and taking his money, the parents were forcing the kids.

[AJ Michalka]

We saw it all the time.

[Ally Maki]

The parents didn't help the kids, so they were just kind of by themselves on set.

[Alex Cooper]

Like, they're just, like, dropped off and left with the teacher.

[Ally Maki]

Right.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah.

[Ally Maki]

What attributed to you guys staying so grounded throughout this whole process?

[AJ Michalka]

Well, I can tell you we weren't the boss of our household, that's for sure. Like, just because we were working did not put us at the top. Like, we were the kids. Yeah. And then second, like, our parents were very, very clear about, like, yeah, you can go to this event, you can promote this project, but, like, you're not gonna go to, like, some late after party with a bunch of adults when you guys are underage. Like, I just feel like when you're younger, you can kind of get away if you're in the industry, but just rolling situation.

[Ally Maki]

Yes.

[Alex Cooper]

And you're like a little mini adult, even though you really shouldn't be.

[AJ Michalka]

It's not really the time and place for that time in your life. Like, you just shouldn't be at those kind of things at that age. Like a. You know what I mean?

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah.

[AJ Michalka]

I feel like our parents were very.

[Alex Cooper]

They were pretty strict, and, like, our mom was on set with us, like, amazing. If she needed to be somewhere for you, and I was, like, on set, she would be gone to, like, get you to the audition and then would be, like, straight back on set. You know that.

[Ally Maki]

I feel like that's, like, the biggest key, that when kids come out now, it's like there's this, like, missing element, which was kind of like the parental figures.

[AJ Michalka]

Yes.

[Ally Maki]

And like, to give the parental opportunity to people that weren't the actual parents.

[Alex Cooper]

Totally.

[Ally Maki]

They are just looking at these kids like they're cash cows. And really, your own parent, hopefully, would be the one to be like, no, no, no. I need to have some guidelines for my kids.

[AJ Michalka]

Right.

[Ally Maki]

Is it true that you were going to possibly be Hannah Montana?

[Alex Cooper]

I mean. Yeah, I. I mean, it's funny.

[AJ Michalka]

Like, you had the offer.

[Alex Cooper]

I had the offer. And it was. Phil hadn't ended at that point. It was like, they knew that Phil, I think, was on the way out or told us, like, you know, we might not be doing a third season. And. And Gary, who, you know, was the head of. Of the channel, Gary Marsh at the time, and Rich. Yeah. Was like, this pilot has come in, and we think that you're really perfect for it. And I just remember reading it and being like, wait, but I'm doing music as Ali, and this might be really confusing being Hannah and being the character also playing Hannah. There actually would have been three versions.

[Ally Maki]

There would be three of them.

[AJ Michalka]

It would be very confusing.

[Alex Cooper]

And I was like, you know, how does AJ relate to this? And then, I mean, they literally said, well, then AJ could play the best friend part.

[AJ Michalka]

Lily.

[Alex Cooper]

Lily, I think. Yeah. So they were like, why don't you have. And I was like, but it feels like it's my show. It's not really like, the Hannah and Lily show. And I think at that point, too, I was probably, like, close to being maybe 17 at that point, which is funny, too, because, like, we weren't on the channel for that long. Like, I. I booked Phil at 13, and then by the time it was over, I was like, you know, whatever, 16 and a half or something. So I was, like, almost 17, I think, when that was offered. And I just remember thinking, like, I've kind of done what I wanted to do here on the channel. You know what I mean?

[AJ Michalka]

We had done Cowbells. The music had aired a lot.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah.

[AJ Michalka]

On Disney Channel, where I guess Cowbells, we were just starting to, like, dive into.

[Alex Cooper]

Because that came out. Yeah, exactly. Yeah, I did.

[AJ Michalka]

You're right.

[Ally Maki]

I mean, obviously, like, that was meant to be for Miley. But that's so interesting how, like, those pivotal moments, obviously, like, everyone was kind of up for certain roles that, like, it would have looked so different with you guys in that position versus her, obviously. Okay. Is it true, aj, that you had your first kiss with Joe Jonas?

[AJ Michalka]

Yes, that is true.

[Ally Maki]

Got me. Bring up all the old stuff.

[AJ Michalka]

I'm like, we got to go through it. We got to go through a bowling alley. It was so innocent.

[Ally Maki]

Way a bowling alley.

[AJ Michalka]

It was sweet.

[Ally Maki]

That's so cute. And did you guys, like, date for a long time?

[AJ Michalka]

We dated for a while. I don't.

[Alex Cooper]

I mean, for, like, a young relationship, like, over a year is pretty good and a half. Something that's pretty solid.

[Ally Maki]

That's a really long time.

[AJ Michalka]

Yeah.

[Ally Maki]

I feel like I was so curious, like, all of you guys were on such, like, different shows, but, like, this was kind of your high school experience.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah.

[Ally Maki]

So, like, how did you guys all hang out and, like, meet on different shows? Like, what was the social dynamic? Like?

[AJ Michalka]

We met on tour, so the Jonas Brothers opened for us, and that's when we started. Like, there was, like, a spark, and I was like, oh, this would be fun.

[Alex Cooper]

Like, we started dating to make, like, something happen with, like, me and Kevin. Kevin. And I was like, it's not really vibing. And then, I mean, bless. But, like, yeah. And then it was like, no, maybe you can, like, date the bass player, Greg. And I was like, no, it's still not vibing. And I mean, like, again, bless him, too. But of course, but it just wasn't. I was like, no, you can't, like, force that. You can't force it. It was, like, natural that we were all buddies.

[Ally Maki]

Of course we were.

[AJ Michalka]

And it was a really fun tour, but I think beyond that. So, like, for me, it's like we were homeschooled our whole lives. We didn't experience school dances. We didn't. But instead, we had tour, like, at a really young age. Like, to me, I wouldn't trade. Yeah, I wouldn't trade any of it because I'm like, Our experiences on the road were so cool. And it's actually why I love touring as an adult, because I think it was ingrained in me at a young age that it was a really cool opportunity to have this moment to connect with your fans every now and then.

[Alex Cooper]

It's not jarring to, like, go on the road.

[AJ Michalka]

And I love it.

[Alex Cooper]

It's very natural.

[AJ Michalka]

I think some people dive in as an adult, and they're like, I don't want to be on the road. And we're like, we love it. Bring it on.

[Ally Maki]

This is all we ever know.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah. Yeah. It's weird.

[AJ Michalka]

So anyway, I wouldn't. Yeah, there's nothing I would really trade back. I just.

[Ally Maki]

That's an amazing answer. Okay. Did you secretly date your Phil of the Future co star for six years?

[Alex Cooper]

No.

[AJ Michalka]

Who said that?

[Alex Cooper]

That's funny. Is this thing online?

[Ally Maki]

Wait, rumors online that you secretly dated Phil of the Future co star for six years?

[AJ Michalka]

I literally can attest. Never even kissed. You guys. Didn't even.

[Alex Cooper]

It was always a friendship now. Although I remember, like, he's also older than you. Well, and in that. That age range felt huge. Like, I was 13, and I think he was 16, I think.

[Ally Maki]

And that is huge.

[AJ Michalka]

That's a big gap.

[Alex Cooper]

But I remember during the test, like, when I tested for Phil the future, and I saw that he was the other boy that was up for. I was like, he's really cute.

[Ally Maki]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Alex Cooper]

And then, of course, you meet them, and then you're like, oh, now we're just buddies. And, like, we actually became really good.

[AJ Michalka]

Friends with his girlfriend during that show. Like, he was dating.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah, that is true. Yeah.

[Ally Maki]

Sweet.

[Alex Cooper]

So. No, no, no.

[Ally Maki]

Okay. We're clearing up all the rumors.

[Alex Cooper]

That is so funny.

[Ally Maki]

Years and years later. Okay, obviously, we know Disney was, like, very strict now that, like, everyone kind of, like, knows the deal. Were you able to experiment at all, like, normal teenagers? Like, have your first drink and, like, go to parties at all or. No.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah, yeah, for sure.

[Ally Maki]

You did Yeah.

[AJ Michalka]

I feel like we had a healthy, like, teenage life.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah. But we were, like, not party girls. Like, for whatever that's worth, the channel.

[AJ Michalka]

Got very lucky having us under the umbrella.

[Alex Cooper]

In a weird way, we should have been for, like, 15 years, because they would have been like, they're good. We don't need to be worried.

[AJ Michalka]

No, it's true.

[Ally Maki]

Keep going.

[Alex Cooper]

Like. Yeah, for whatever reason, we just were not, like, rebellious types, both of us. And I think maybe part of it was because we had each other.

[Ally Maki]

Yeah.

[Alex Cooper]

So it was like, we didn't have to act out and prove ourselves to, like, our parents. Or it was just, like, kind of nice.

[AJ Michalka]

I don't know. Yeah, no, you're right. I don't even know what it is. It's like, luck.

[Alex Cooper]

I feel like maybe it's just luck.

[AJ Michalka]

But also, like, Ally and I. This sounds kind of ridiculous, but when we got a little older, but we weren't quite, like, drinking age, people, like, kind of in LA started, like, trusting us as the girls that would, like, go into ladue but not get anywhere.

[Alex Cooper]

Like, let them in. They can have a. Like, we knew some of the bouncers.

[AJ Michalka]

And they would just, like, mark our hand and they'd be like, we trust you.

[Alex Cooper]

They're like, get them some red one.

[AJ Michalka]

I'm not kidding.

[Alex Cooper]

Like, they're fine.

[Ally Maki]

Like, they're never gonna be a liability.

[Alex Cooper]

No. Like, truly. And we kind of. I mean, and that was during the height of all of those girls.

[AJ Michalka]

You know, we don't ruin your buddy.

[Alex Cooper]

Coming out of the club. But, like, we were just fine. We were like, hi.

[Ally Maki]

I will just be like, no problem in the corner.

[AJ Michalka]

I remember being like, a kick kiss ass. It was just like, who we were, who we were.

[Alex Cooper]

Which I think then made people be like, oh, my gosh, we're so darling. The Machako girl is like, they're just harmless, sweet. Yeah, that's pretty funny.

[Ally Maki]

Everyone knows you guys as Ali and aj, right? Like, everyone. It's Ally and aj. It's Allie and aj. Have you guys ever resented that package deal concept?

[Alex Cooper]

No, I think we've always, like, the.

[AJ Michalka]

Duo aspect of it.

[Alex Cooper]

No, we've never resented that. I think the only thing that maybe we've been like, like, gosh, I wish we had had, like, a different band name. It wasn't our name. We didn't think it was cool.

[AJ Michalka]

Like, as kids, we were like, why did we do the Ali and AJ thing? Because now it's just our names.

[Ally Maki]

Yeah, it's very memorable.

[AJ Michalka]

But no, the duo thing didn't bug us.

[Ally Maki]

Didn't.

[Alex Cooper]

No, no.

[Ally Maki]

Like, when you guys were growing up at all, obviously taking different projects, and if, like, one was having more success than the other at a time, like, how did you guys handle that as sisters? Because I have a sister, and I don't care what we're doing. Like, we were competitive. You know what I mean? And, like, we are always supportive of each other. But I do feel like, naturally, there can be moments where it's like, oh, like, you're getting the better parts or you're getting the better roles, or, like, did you ever have moments where you had to, like, sit down and be like, let's talk this out?

[AJ Michalka]

I think the only time where we felt like, okay, we're getting asked to go out for the same roles, and we feel really strongly that one of us is really right for this. And would you mind standing down? Like, I think there were a couple times we both got the same audition.

[Alex Cooper]

Usually one of us would come to the other and be like, I'm really not ready for this. You should just go out for this, and I'm just gonna pass.

[AJ Michalka]

And the other one wouldn't.

[Alex Cooper]

And not even.

[AJ Michalka]

Like, that's happened before where, like, we've just, like, said, okay, fine, you go for it. Like, by the way, it would never be between us, but it would never.

[Alex Cooper]

Be down to the two of us.

[AJ Michalka]

Our acting is so different.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah. I think our ages, our looks, our energy, like.

[AJ Michalka]

But we did get asked sometimes to go to the same audition.

[Alex Cooper]

And I think some of that was just because of, like, I don't know, some parts kind of would overlap. Each one where it's, like, you know, 20 to 22 to 25, and we're like.

[AJ Michalka]

But there was never a role specifically where I was like, wow, I really wish that had been me. And, like, I kind of bummed it was out, like, never. Like, for me, it was like, I thought it was so cool that she was, like, an easy A and hellcats and, like, she's done great work. And it always felt like it should be Ally.

[Ally Maki]

You know what I mean?

[AJ Michalka]

And I always want to be her over anyone else. So if I'm not gonna book it.

[Alex Cooper]

Right. Rather than be a family member.

[Ally Maki]

No, that's such, like, a healthy way to look at it. Because anyone that has a sister, I'm like, Like, I want my sister twin always. Yeah. And I think there's. You're right. There's, like, a natural. Also, like, aside from competitiveness, you're also very protective of your sibling. Being like, I Want her to do the best. But I also think it's very, like, healthy that you guys are able to have that. Because I'm not in the same industry as my sister. Like, I can't imagine at some capacity, you guys are intertwined, and there is a slight competition in light moments that. But that's kind of healthy that you guys are like, we didn't feel it that much.

[Alex Cooper]

No, no. And, like, if anything, where it was, I mean, I guess you could call it competitive. It would be like, if we like the same guy.

[Ally Maki]

Oh, yeah, let's talk about that.

[AJ Michalka]

Yeah, that would happen.

[Alex Cooper]

That would happen every once in a while.

[Ally Maki]

You guys had the same taste growing up.

[AJ Michalka]

Similar, right?

[Alex Cooper]

I would say, yeah. Our tastes were very similar. Yeah.

[Ally Maki]

What are you guys adjusting now?

[AJ Michalka]

You're like, I know, I know. Adjusting.

[Ally Maki]

We stop. So you guys at one point would, like, have a crush, and how would you handle it?

[AJ Michalka]

Well, neither of us would get that guy.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah, it was just like. Yeah. Neither of us would be like, we.

[AJ Michalka]

Both liked him and both of us fell or like.

[Alex Cooper]

Like. I remember. This is funny that you asked this. We were making a record in New York. One that never ended up coming out. And we. We.

[AJ Michalka]

We have 10 of those.

[Alex Cooper]

No, I'm just kidding. Just one, right?

[Ally Maki]

You're like, one day, maybe they'll come out.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah. Two. And we were. We were feeling very cool that we were like, you know, living in New York for, like, a month. No parents, you know, I don't know. At this point, we were like, 21 and 22 and 20. Right. And every night, we were really obsessed with wanting to go out to all of these restaurants in New York where like, sometimes it didn't even make sense. Where it's like, girl, that's way on the other side of town.

[AJ Michalka]

That's a 30 minute.

[Alex Cooper]

You're from Los Angeles and you don't know shit.

[Ally Maki]

Love.

[Alex Cooper]

So we would be like, okay, we're going to catch. Or whatever. And we went to this one restaurant called Revel. I don't know why I remember that. How do you remember that? And there was a cute guy that was our waiter. And I left my number for him on the bill. And I told aj, and she was like, what?

[AJ Michalka]

I was pissed.

[Alex Cooper]

We left the restaurant.

[AJ Michalka]

I was like, he was cute. And she's like, I know. I left my number. And I was like, like, what? Like, you mean I could have and I didn't.

[Alex Cooper]

You were judging me that I had done that, you know, and, like, put my, like, put my neck out. So dumb. This guy never texted. Rude.

[AJ Michalka]

So you never called, so.

[Ally Maki]

Right.

[AJ Michalka]

But meanwhile, I don't need to be competitive because I don't need to worry you either.

[Ally Maki]

We. I'm obsessed. And did you guys ever, ever, ever hook up with the same person at any point in your lives? Like, overlap of, like, years later you.

[Alex Cooper]

Met up with someone, like, same kiss or.

[Ally Maki]

Yeah.

[AJ Michalka]

No, no.

[Alex Cooper]

Now there's been a couple, like, close calls. Yeah. Where it was like, I liked that guy, kind of. And then it was like, oh, no. Like, AJ and him are kind of dating. And then it would be, like, over after six months.

[AJ Michalka]

Or there was a moment where I, like, tested for something, and the leading guy I thought was really cool. And then Ally actually ended up dating him later. Yeah, but I didn't. But it wasn't like I was also with him.

[Alex Cooper]

No, no. There's never been an actual crossover.

[AJ Michalka]

No.

[Alex Cooper]

Thank God. I mean, that would be kind of weird. We're so enmeshed in each other's lives already.

[Ally Maki]

I know. It's like you're literally, like, one in that concept. Like, when I talk about. Because my sister's four years older than me, and we've never dated the same guy, but even talk about it incessantly with each other. Like, when you start dating someone, obviously. So it's like, I couldn't go to her if I knew that she liked the guy that I was trying.

[Alex Cooper]

She knows all the inside.

[AJ Michalka]

How do you detail it out? She's like, I know with a friend.

[Ally Maki]

Because with a family member, I would be like, catherine, you need to get over it, because I need to tell you everything. She'd be like, okay, he was cute, but now I'm over. Okay, go. Tell me everything.

[Alex Cooper]

Right. She did one time help, like, literally held my hand while I broke up with the guy over the phone. I'm not kidding you. She was like, do you remember that? It was in Calabasas. You were like, you can do it.

[AJ Michalka]

I did.

[Alex Cooper]

And I'm, like, on the phone with him, being like, I really don't. This isn't right. Like, I. And I'm like.

[AJ Michalka]

And I'm like, you got it.

[Ally Maki]

No, that is, like, literal. That's also so.

[AJ Michalka]

I mean, that just brought me back to that bedroom.

[Alex Cooper]

Is that funny?

[AJ Michalka]

Calabasas.

[Alex Cooper]

Calabasas. Yeah.

[Ally Maki]

No.

[AJ Michalka]

Yes. We were Calabasas kids before I roll. Way before it was cool.

[Ally Maki]

Love that for you guys.

[Alex Cooper]

Bring Johnny Rockets. You know? I mean, like, we're that far back.

[Ally Maki]

I love that for you. We breaking up with someone is the worst feeling the Worst.

[AJ Michalka]

It's sickening.

[Ally Maki]

It's so hard.

[AJ Michalka]

It's actually sick.

[Ally Maki]

But that's why, like, people. Whenever I'm like, it's. There's nothing better than having a sister. And it's. I feel for my friends that are like, I never had a sister. I don't know what it's like. It's like, it's a friendship on steroids of, like, you are literally going to kill for her.

[Alex Cooper]

And it's different than a brother completely.

[AJ Michalka]

It's actually almost a diss to call it a friendship. It's like, no, this is living on another level.

[Alex Cooper]

That's a great point.

[Ally Maki]

It's like an extension of yourself.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah. Yes.

[Ally Maki]

It's so fun hearing you guys talk about your dynamic together. And obviously so much of what you're writing also goes into, like, love and your life and your family and.

[AJ Michalka]

Yeah.

[Ally Maki]

But potential breakup song. I just have to ask the one question because I think it's like, I saw Tick Tock. We're gonna. We have to make this Tick Tock. And it's someone being like. You guys remember when those two sisters walked into the studio and they really said this to this day, still such an anthem. What inspired that song?

[AJ Michalka]

No, you're not a real.

[Alex Cooper]

Not a real person. Like, it's actually the most. Like, it's the most ant. Climactic.

[Ally Maki]

There's no real person. I need to pause, you guys, because the way you both just pause. I thought I was about to get.

[AJ Michalka]

Like, the juicy.

[Ally Maki]

Record match. It doesn't exist.

[Alex Cooper]

It doesn't exist.

[Ally Maki]

Okay, tell me, though.

[Alex Cooper]

I think we just were like, what if there was a guy that was such a. Like, I mean, at this point, we were 18 and maybe younger, 17 and 15, writing this song, which we had, but, like, very. At this point, we had probably each. Had. You would have probably two boyfriends. I barely had one boyfriend because I was way behind.

[AJ Michalka]

She was behind.

[Alex Cooper]

Behind her.

[Ally Maki]

Okay.

[Alex Cooper]

So, like, I'm like, she was behind.

[Ally Maki]

She was behind me.

[Alex Cooper]

So still, a lot of the songs were, like, living in a dream world of what we thought a relationship was like, because we were still really young.

[Ally Maki]

Yeah.

[Alex Cooper]

So to us, it was like, what if this guy was, like, so terrible that he didn't call you on your birthday and that you begged him to get your stuff back and he, like, wouldn't give it back and then you just had to deliver it in a box at your house?

[AJ Michalka]

Clearly, that's like.

[Alex Cooper]

It's that.

[Ally Maki]

It's literally like you two sitting on your bed together, being like, Genius. Let's genius.

[Alex Cooper]

Yes.

[Ally Maki]

Let's go.

[Alex Cooper]

But what's funny though is that no guy drive.

[AJ Michalka]

Not a real deal.

[Alex Cooper]

I do remember. We were young. We were young enough you couldn't drive.

[Ally Maki]

Since there is no story behind it, Tell me both of your like most brutal breakups. You know I am unwell, okay? It is no surprise. It is also not a secret. Like I am am unwell. And as much as I try to take care of myself, it is hard. It is hard to build a wellness routine that actually works and is no joke. Okay? But part of building a routine, Daddy Gang, that sticks and is good requires a tasty partner. Okay? And that is where Ollie comes in. Ollie makes self care so much more delightful with supplements that support your wellness needs. It's time to prioritize ourselves, daddy gang. It's 2025. It's about time. Okay, you can start your day on a bright note with vitamin D in hello Happ. You can get all of the essential vitamins and minerals with Ollie's Women's Multi Gummy. And if you need gut support, Ollie's got the probiotics. And if you need to take a nap, Ollie's sleep helps you wake up feeling refreshed. Okay. I remember the first time that I saw Ollie. It was in the grocery store. I was perusing the aisles like I rarely do and I was like, what is this gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous product? With Ollie, you can do wellness on your terms. Find Ollie at Walmart or Target near you [e-mail] that's o l l y.com these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The new year is officially here and if you need to hire for your business and want an easier way to find qualified candidates, head to Zip Recruiter Daddy Gang. You've heard me say it and I'll say it again right now. You can try it for free at zip ziprecruiter.com Daddy, here's the thing. Hiring is so stressful, but it is so important. Running a company myself, I recognize how personnel is so important to create a positive work environment. And ZipRecruiter smart technology starts showing your job to qualified candidates immediately. Their powerful matching technology works fast to find top talent so you don't have to waste time or money. I don't personally have time to be scrolling and scrolling and scrolling. Zip Recruiter is going to help you do it for you. You don't have wonder. Oh, who'd be Right. For the no. ZipRecruiter will tell you the top candidates for your job to apply and encourage them to apply sooner. So here's to a new year of hiring made easier with ZipRecruiter. Four out of five employers who post on ZipRecruiter get a quality candidate within the first day. See for yourself. Go to this exclusive web address to try ZipRecruiter for free. ZipRecruiter.com Daddy, again, that's ZipRecruiter.com/d a d d y ZipRecruiter. The smartest way to hire. We've got a lot of girlies that listen. How did you get through it? What was your most, like, brutal breakup and how you got through it? Obviously, like, we're not naming names, but just, like, the concept. Like, have either of you ever been cheated on?

[AJ Michalka]

I mean, you age, you go first. Yeah, I was cheated on.

[Ally Maki]

How did you.

[AJ Michalka]

I found out the guy was, like, hooking up with our really good friend at the time.

[Ally Maki]

No, how did you find out?

[AJ Michalka]

It, like, blew up the friendship and the relationship.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah.

[AJ Michalka]

I don't even know how it came out, but it happened in the Calabasas Commons parking lot.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah. And it was like. It was.

[AJ Michalka]

And we were young, so it was like, obviously it hits hard. No matter what age you are, when you feel like, wow, I've been completely.

[Alex Cooper]

But this was like a friendship. This was like a friendship. A girl friendship. That was. Was basically the breakup. It wasn't like the guy, if that makes sense. It was like we had found out some stuff about her that made us feel like we didn't really know who she was.

[AJ Michalka]

And we had been friends with her for, like, a long time.

[Alex Cooper]

That was truly the worst breakup. And it was a girlfriend breakup. Yeah.

[Ally Maki]

That's those.

[AJ Michalka]

And then we mended, like, we're okay now.

[Ally Maki]

You did.

[Alex Cooper]

Years later, you see her at a different.

[Ally Maki]

Whatever.

[Alex Cooper]

We, like, we'll DM and stuff, but we don't, like, hang actively, which is kind of sad because it was a big part of our childhood.

[Ally Maki]

But, like, that is. So that was the guy.

[AJ Michalka]

That guy was like, didn't even matter.

[Ally Maki]

Right.

[AJ Michalka]

You're like, it's just the concept of.

[Ally Maki]

What happened with the friendship that's always the worst. When, like, understandably, people are like, don't blame the girl, blame the guy. And it's like, no, no, for sure. But if you were almost closer with the girl than the guy that you were dating, that's where it's like, how do you recover from those Moments. And then it gives you, like, full trust issues because you're like. Like, how did I not know that? And you could, like, hold my hand while I'm crying over this. And little do I know I'm crying because of you.

[AJ Michalka]

Yeah.

[Alex Cooper]

That's sick.

[Ally Maki]

Okay. Ally, go.

[Alex Cooper]

Okay. I'm trying to think, gosh, worst.

[AJ Michalka]

You haven't been cheated on, have you?

[Alex Cooper]

I haven't been cheated on.

[Ally Maki]

That's nice.

[Alex Cooper]

Which is actually good. That is for you. That's good.

[AJ Michalka]

I know.

[Alex Cooper]

That's.

[Ally Maki]

That's good. That's good.

[Alex Cooper]

I don't know what.

[Ally Maki]

That's all clap for that. No trauma.

[Alex Cooper]

He had no trauma. I. I'm trying to think of. I mean, I've had guys. I've. I've had more guys probably break up with me than me break up with them.

[Ally Maki]

Okay.

[Alex Cooper]

So I've been broken up with probably quite a bit.

[Ally Maki]

Have you been blindsided by the breakups?

[Alex Cooper]

I mean, I feel like I was blindsided many times.

[AJ Michalka]

Yeah.

[Alex Cooper]

Like, not many, but. But. But a lot of them. It was like, you know, I was being broken up with because this person was like, a professional athlete and was like, I need to. To work on my job. And, like, your distraction.

[Ally Maki]

I'm like, I need to work on.

[Alex Cooper]

My tour bus right now. You're a distraction.

[Ally Maki]

I need to work on my job.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah, I know.

[Ally Maki]

Wait.

[AJ Michalka]

Ridiculous.

[Ally Maki]

Do you know where you're.

[AJ Michalka]

Couldn't have been a direct quote.

[Ally Maki]

No. No. That is the best direct quote I've ever heard. A professional athlete telling you, I have to work on my job. We. You know that I talk a lot about that. Yes.

[Alex Cooper]

Yes.

[Ally Maki]

Wait, how long did you date?

[Alex Cooper]

It wasn't that long, but it was very, like, that was like a solid year. Maybe. Maybe a little. I don't even know what sport?

[Ally Maki]

Hockey? Football.

[Alex Cooper]

Football. I remember being really heartbroken by that. Now I'm looking back on it being like.

[Ally Maki]

But to any of the girls that are like, I feel like around New Year, a lot of people end relationships because I feel like everyone's like, oh, my gosh, like, I want to start fresh.

[Alex Cooper]

Right.

[Ally Maki]

Kick this person to the curb. Or I want to, like. Like, try something different. Like, do you have any advice when you look back at those relationships, when people ended things with you, as hard as it was in the moment, now when you look back, like, give us some advice of how to get through those horrible blindsiding moments.

[Alex Cooper]

Honestly, like, having a couple really solid guy friends was really helpful. Like, I would talk to them about this, and they'd be like, this guy's a total loser. Like, absolutely not. And. And, you know, of course, you could say, I know exactly that they want to get with you, but these were, like, like, truly platonic, even if they do.

[Ally Maki]

Okay.

[Alex Cooper]

But they were platonic relationships that were really. Like, I would.

[AJ Michalka]

Yeah.

[Alex Cooper]

I would be on the phone, like, talking to Dan.

[AJ Michalka]

You know, I knew you were gonna say.

[Alex Cooper]

I'd be like, I can't even believe this. And he'd be like, this is an absolute sign that this guy is not right for you. And, like, he was only in it because he just wanted to, like, sleep with you and be done and over.

[Ally Maki]

And you're like, thank you, Dan.

[Alex Cooper]

Thank you, Alex.

[Ally Maki]

Hook up. No, I'm just kidding.

[AJ Michalka]

Yeah, totally.

[Ally Maki]

Okay. Daddy gang needs some advice, and I feel like all I'm getting from this entire episode is you guys are very wise, and you've always been wise, and you've always been like, little Yoda's. No, literally, like, you guys. No, but actually, you guys have been like, people would let you into the club because they're like, ali and AJ are gonna keep it real. You guys didn't lose yourself to fame. You didn't. You guys have, like, seemingly very normal lives, and you're still so successful, and you're still in the spotlight. So we need your advice. Okay.

[AJ Michalka]

Okay.

[Ally Maki]

You want to end a friendship where you've been drifting apart. Do you have a breakup conversation with your friend, or do you let it die out?

[AJ Michalka]

I've done both.

[Alex Cooper]

I've had more, if I'm being honest. I've had a couple die outs. Not conversations where it's just kind of like, you kind of stop texting.

[AJ Michalka]

And then it's like, they also do.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah. And then it's like you kind of are like, we both know this isn't right.

[AJ Michalka]

Which is kind of a form of ghosting.

[Alex Cooper]

It's not great. It is. It is.

[AJ Michalka]

I think you should have the conversation.

[Ally Maki]

When you had the conversation.

[Alex Cooper]

It's bigger to do that.

[Ally Maki]

Do you think those were more. More extreme moments? Like, did something.

[AJ Michalka]

Yes. It can make it too big of a deal, but. But it was usually because it was based on something that happened that I was like, I can't really not see this now, and it's here, and let's talk about it. This is why I can't go forward as a friend.

[Ally Maki]

But I think that's good advice. It's like, you kind of have to gauge where you're at. If it's just like, you never really see each other anymore. But you have this, like, weight over you and they're not being that great to you. You can maybe let it simmer.

[AJ Michalka]

Yeah. To me, some. Some things don't need, like, a spotlight.

[Ally Maki]

True.

[Alex Cooper]

Sometimes. Sometimes it's not like this big, huge fight. Sometimes it's like I'm seeing some things about your lifestyle that doesn't gel with mine or.

[Ally Maki]

Yes.

[Alex Cooper]

Or that, you know, I don't know. You weren't there for me in these moments that I needed you. And it's kind of like showing your true colors and that's okay. We just part our own ways.

[AJ Michalka]

Yeah.

[Alex Cooper]

That's like, sometimes that's part of just growing up and being a girl.

[Ally Maki]

I think that's what's like, been so eye opening as I've gotten older. Like, growing apart from friendships is so sad. And it's like, horrible to look back at, like, some of my, like, high school friends that I'm not as close with anymore or whatever. Or just also, like, recognizing, like, we really grew up and we are different or like, we live our lives differently. And that doesn't mean they're a bad person. You're just like, it doesn't mesh anymore.

[AJ Michalka]

But it is sad when a part of your childhood, in that way, kind of dies. You're like, wait, yeah, I just said bye to a friend in a way that I know I'm not really going to connect with again.

[Ally Maki]

And I think it's like, sometimes, yes, sometimes those are harder than actual breakups with men. Sometimes where you're like, that hurts. Hurt. But I think that's a good, like, bit of advice is like, you can do both. But I think don't actively seek out a conversation if the person's gonna be like, wait, what? What are you talking about? If something happens, absolutely address it.

[Alex Cooper]

Yes.

[Ally Maki]

But you can also, like, let something simmer if that's like the natural course of where it was gonna go anyways.

[AJ Michalka]

Yeah. And it says a lot. If both sides aren't really reaching out, then it's like the natural course was for.

[Alex Cooper]

It kind of says theory says everything in a way.

[Ally Maki]

Okay. You find out you were accidentally the other woman. Do you reach out to her or do you stay out of it?

[AJ Michalka]

I'm the type that would reach out.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah.

[Ally Maki]

We're both breathing so heavy. We're all like.

[AJ Michalka]

I'm like, yeah, I think I would contact you.

[Alex Cooper]

I think I would. I think I would. I'd say, I'm the other one. I'm the other woman. I'm so sorry. I didn't know well, what's funny is that we've seen one of our girlfriends, our close girlfriends, do that. And it was like, I was kind of being like, don't do this is cringe. But I don't have a huge message. You know, I don't know if she did it right. She didn't do it right.

[AJ Michalka]

I think there's a way you can.

[Alex Cooper]

I mean, I've said that to her face. Like, you didn't nail this too long.

[Ally Maki]

Oh, she literally wrote, like, a paragraph.

[Alex Cooper]

Paragraph.

[Ally Maki]

Yeah. No, no, no.

[Alex Cooper]

And also then that girl is like, yeah, right. Sure, honey. You know, and then making her look like she actually tells.

[AJ Michalka]

Are you making this up that you're really the other woman? Like, yeah.

[Ally Maki]

You look insane.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah.

[Ally Maki]

Oh, this is really interesting. Yeah. I think a paragraph to ever start something off bad, you gotta go in shorter and just begin the convo rather than hit it hard where someone's like, oh, my God, I need to, like, read this tonight when I have time, like, and sit down and actually think about this. But okay, so you guys would both say something.

[AJ Michalka]

I would be like, I'm sick. I'm ill. Like, this. This happened. I need you to know, and I'm so sorry. Bye.

[Ally Maki]

I kind of agree that, like, I feel like if you were not. Again clarifying, you didn't even know you were the other woman. If you were aware, like, then that's a complete different situation. That's, like, on you, but karma's on you. Yes, but if you weren't aware, I kind of agree. Because then even if she stays on her, you know. Totally.

[AJ Michalka]

At least you had your moment to say, like, this moment happened and I said my piece and, like, I can live with that.

[Ally Maki]

Love this. Yeah. If you knew one of your close friends was cheating on her husband, who you're also friends with. With, how do you handle that?

[Alex Cooper]

That's really hard. That's really hard. That's never happened. Thank God. Has that ever happened to you? Maybe not husband.

[Ally Maki]

I have known not husband, but, yeah, I've known that there's, like, shadiness going.

[AJ Michalka]

On and you're close to both of them.

[Ally Maki]

Yeah, and I kind of stayed out of it because I just didn't know.

[Alex Cooper]

Did dissolve on its own with. With you staying out of it.

[Ally Maki]

You know what's interesting? I'm not really that close with them anymore, so I don't know what happened. But I also think maybe that partially is because it was, like, bleeding into every part of their. Like, when you're lying, that he in.

[Alex Cooper]

Your life leads into every other everything you're in your life.

[Ally Maki]

She was more distant because she was being so cagey, but. And then I was kind of like, I don't know. Oh, wow.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah, I think it depends on maybe who. Like, who's the OG friend? Is it. Is it her or is it guy? Like, I don't know him at the same. I mean, if you met at the same time, it's. It's hard.

[Ally Maki]

It's so hard.

[Alex Cooper]

I'd like to think I'd have the courage to say something or to be like, I don't know, like, is everything okay? Like, well, I want to think if.

[AJ Michalka]

I'm the same woman who's going to tell the person I was the other woman and didn't know until just now, I'd be that same person to say that mess. I like to think those two ladies are the same person.

[Ally Maki]

Like, bold, like, agree. I think what's hard sometimes in friendship dynamics is, like, there's a lot of dynamics. I feel like you start to feel as you get older and there's cheating involved. I have found sometimes I'm not privy to all the information of these people's relationships. And a lot of times I'm like, oh, you kind of knew that. Like, they're the whole size. Yeah. So I'm like. Like, if I'm super close, if it was my best friend, and I'm fine. I'm hearing something. I'm telling her, obviously, and be like, I love you so much, and I support you. I just need to tell you this, and then I'm here. Whatever you want to do. Because I think it's half the time, the judgment that people feel when someone brings that information. They get so anxious, like, I have to leave him now or I have to leave her now. And it's like, I don't know. Sometimes I feel like it come off as judgy when you tell them. So I also think your delivery has to be like, I love you. And I know this is so hard.

[Alex Cooper]

But I saw so and so at this restaurant and this.

[AJ Michalka]

And I'm leaving this information.

[Ally Maki]

Yes. But I'm here, here for you if you want to talk. And, like, whatever you do, I love you.

[AJ Michalka]

I think now in my 30s, that is how I would approach it. But it would take me a hot minute to come to that, like, bravery of. Of, like, okay, we're doing this.

[Ally Maki]

You'd call your sister first.

[Alex Cooper]

Like, totally. We'd rehearse it. I'd hold her hand while she says the conversation, or we would go in person. And I'd hold her hand in person.

[AJ Michalka]

Thank you.

[Ally Maki]

Okay. You accidentally send a screenshot of the conversation to the person you were gossiping about. How do you play it off? Oh, have you noticed? Never done that.

[Alex Cooper]

You don't know.

[Ally Maki]

Oh, my God, I have done that.

[Alex Cooper]

Have you done it Multiple times?

[Ally Maki]

In college, I was talking shit about the guy that I was seeing, and I was, like, texting my friend, and I was sunbathing. I was at Boston University. I remember exactly where I was laying. I was in my little bikini, and it was so bright out. And I was holding my phone up, texting, and I was talking to this hockey player. He was so dumb. And I was just like, so you.

[Alex Cooper]

Text it to him?

[Ally Maki]

I screenshotted it. Send it to him. Being like, hockey player wants me to go on his boat later. Like, I'm going to have to have, like, a couple drinks. Drinks together.

[AJ Michalka]

And it went to him.

[Alex Cooper]

And then what he. What was his response? Was he like, now you can unset. I know.

[AJ Michalka]

So we're in a good era now. We're fine.

[Alex Cooper]

So now we're good.

[Ally Maki]

And guys, I literally responded. I'm pretty sure, like, first I called my mom screaming, like, I. You guys, I am under the sun. I realized I do it. I'm pretty sure he responded like, lol at first, which is like, actually, yeah.

[Alex Cooper]

That'S kind of hard thinking, like, oh, that's funny.

[AJ Michalka]

How dumb.

[Alex Cooper]

This is a funny joke, right?

[AJ Michalka]

Yeah.

[Ally Maki]

It shows how, like, you're like, I am hilarious. Yes. No. And then I was like, lol. I'm just kidding. Like, I just can't decide if I want to come. Like, what are you thinking? Good job, you guys.

[Alex Cooper]

Did he. Did he roll with it?

[Ally Maki]

He completely rolled with it.

[Alex Cooper]

Wow.

[Ally Maki]

Saw him later that night.

[Alex Cooper]

O. But that says even more.

[AJ Michalka]

You did start the conversation saying he wasn't smart.

[Ally Maki]

So, like, completely. Also, why did I go? I don't know. I was bored. You know what I mean? It was an ego thing where I was like, I have to see this man to, like, make sure. Sure that he actually forgave me. Like, this is insane that he doesn't recognize that I was completely talking a day.

[Alex Cooper]

I. I would be more likely for sure to do something like that. 100.

[AJ Michalka]

It would be. Well, you would way over me.

[Alex Cooper]

Like, I'm actually surprised that hasn't happened.

[AJ Michalka]

But it has.

[Alex Cooper]

Why?

[Ally Maki]

Because you're just like, you're gonna do some, like, clumsy where you're like, how did I get in this situation?

[Alex Cooper]

Hello. You're on the Wrong group chat. It's like, oh, there will be times.

[AJ Michalka]

Where I'll, like, sidebar chat to her and I'll be like, just so you know, you're talking in a way that. That if this leads to more. You're in the wrong track.

[Alex Cooper]

You're in the wrong. We're on the wrong track here.

[AJ Michalka]

And she'll be like, oh, thank you.

[Ally Maki]

Totally. Thank.

[AJ Michalka]

So, yeah.

[Ally Maki]

That is kind of like younger sister energy, though. Like the correction officer I call my sister and I'm like, are you okay? And she's like, why? And I'm like, why are you sending that to the family? Group chat. We were just texting and she's like, oh, my gosh. I don't know. Like, yeah, I'm kind of.

[Alex Cooper]

That is. Yeah, that. That. That does track as younger sister.

[Ally Maki]

It is, it is. It's like we. We know everything. Like, stay in line.

[AJ Michalka]

Exactly.

[Ally Maki]

Okay. Do you guys ever go on double dates?

[AJ Michalka]

Oh, yeah.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah. I mean, with our people now with our guys. I don't think in the past. Have we ever really done that in the past?

[AJ Michalka]

I'm trying to think before Stephen and Josh. No, I don't think so.

[Alex Cooper]

I don't think so.

[AJ Michalka]

That's become more of an adult.

[Alex Cooper]

Like, yeah, it's been like three wheeling where it's like two people on a date, and then I'm like, hey, I'm here hanging with you, having lunch, you know, Or.

[Ally Maki]

That's true.

[AJ Michalka]

Yeah, that's happening.

[Ally Maki]

Let's talk about Steven and Josh. So serious. Allie, you met your husband when you were in your early 20s?

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah.

[Ally Maki]

What made him stand out to you?

[Alex Cooper]

I don't know. I just got a vibe. Like, this guy is just different. Like, he's really deep. He's very mature. He's just, like, tapped into something.

[Ally Maki]

Where'd you guys meet?

[Alex Cooper]

We met on a set. He was the dp and I was the, like, lead actor in this, like, really tiny little indie. And I don't know, like, I just picked up this energy from him that, like, just instantly I was kind of like, this guy is like, I'm, like, safe with this guy. Like, I can really be myself around him. And he's, like, artistic, and he really cares about this project and how he's talking about it and how he is on set. He has very much, like, a leadership kind of energy, even though he was very young. And it was the first movie that he was, you know, a DP on. So I don't know, it was just like, it was a meant to be thing. And at the time, I was seeing a guy that I was in, like. I call it, like, a kept relationship. He was like, I couldn't get out. It was just like. He was a guy who was older than me that I had, like, that I had lost my virginity to. To be completely.

[AJ Michalka]

And I was like, girl, we gotta get rid of.

[Alex Cooper]

I was like, I'm good. Like, it's. It's all good. Like, this is a sweet memory and moment, but, like, we're good. We're done.

[AJ Michalka]

You did break up. And he.

[Alex Cooper]

And he was like, I made you a woman. Like, bad.

[AJ Michalka]

He said that?

[Alex Cooper]

He definitely is cringe.

[Ally Maki]

No, it's cringe.

[Alex Cooper]

Really cringe.

[Ally Maki]

No. How long were you together with him?

[Alex Cooper]

Like, a year. Year and a. Like a year and a half.

[Ally Maki]

Yeah, I mean.

[Alex Cooper]

I know. I know. Well, you had an okay friendship with him in the beginning. It's someone that should have always been, like, a guy friend. Never should have dated 100 we.

[Ally Maki]

For a man to say that he made you a woman, I will kill you.

[Alex Cooper]

No, I know, I know. But the fact that I was, like, kind of chill, like, almost kind of like a bro, like, yeah, this is nice. Like, whatever. Like, who cares? I lost my virginity to you. It's, like, not that big of a deal. And he, like.

[Ally Maki]

He, like, had it in his diary.

[Alex Cooper]

That he was like, wow. Wow, I'm excited about this.

[Ally Maki]

How did you end a relationship with him? Because that's hard, like, to be like someone that's. Clearly, he was more into it than you.

[AJ Michalka]

Yeah.

[Ally Maki]

You called it a kept relationship. Sweet.

[Alex Cooper]

I know, I know.

[AJ Michalka]

I mean, you did end it, and then, remember, he, like, convinced you to stay in it.

[Alex Cooper]

Stay in it. So I, like, I. We had broken up, and then we got back together, and then I'm on this movie, like, hanging out, you know, shooting in Sequoia National Park. We're all. We're all staying in these cabins at the base of the mountain. So, like, after we would rap, we all would eat dinner together and hang out and hang out and, like, run lines or whatever. And I just remember, like, essentially, like, talking shit about him to people, being like, I don't know. I'm like, I'm in this relationship, but, like, I gotta get out of it. Like, you know, at this time, it was like, what. It was like November, beginning of November. So I was probably thinking, like, you know, I'm gonna try to wrap this up and. And be on my way. But I knew that I had. I had agreed to do a movie that he was directing. That was not.

[AJ Michalka]

It was the next film.

[Alex Cooper]

So I had to do this next movie with him as a director, and I broke. I broke up with him at the beginning of the movie. I was so.

[AJ Michalka]

But then had to be in it. But had to be in it directed by him.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah. And he would be kind of trying to be like, no, like, we can make this work. And I was like, we're done. I. I really don't want to do this.

[Ally Maki]

Wait. You're so strong.

[Alex Cooper]

It was brutal. It was not. I do not recommend doing that. I recommend just bailing out of the movie and not doing the movie.

[Ally Maki]

True. But also, that's, like, your career where you're like, yeah, like, do I do it or. That's tough.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah.

[Ally Maki]

That's also like, ladies listening. I have embed in that situation before when you try to break up with someone, anyone, whatever. Okay.

[Alex Cooper]

Literally won't let you.

[Ally Maki]

And they won't let you.

[Alex Cooper]

That means it's really bad.

[Ally Maki]

Run.

[Alex Cooper]

It's kind of like firing.

[AJ Michalka]

It's kind of like firing someone that's like, you're not.

[Ally Maki]

Yeah.

[AJ Michalka]

And they're not doing this.

[Ally Maki]

I'm not leaving.

[AJ Michalka]

What?

[Alex Cooper]

But why would you want me now?

[AJ Michalka]

Like, if I'm firing you always be.

[Alex Cooper]

Like, no, that's normal. Like, there'd be, like, ups and downs. Like, sometimes, like, you'll. You'll be in and out of love. I'm like, no, no, that ain't how it works. No.

[Ally Maki]

When someone doesn't want you, listen to them and leave. Yes.

[AJ Michalka]

Believe them.

[Ally Maki]

Oh, my God. Okay, wait, so when you met Ali's husband, like, were you immediate?

[AJ Michalka]

You, like, no, in the beginning, I was like.

[Alex Cooper]

I think she was a little judgmental.

[Ally Maki]

Like, hated.

[Alex Cooper]

There's some. There's some crossover that's happening here.

[AJ Michalka]

I was a little judgy. I'm not gonna lie. Even though I knew Ally was gonna get out of it, I was like, you should have gotten out of it, like, six months ago. And then you'd be, like, free and clear, but whatever.

[Alex Cooper]

But then my husband, you know, true.

[AJ Michalka]

He turned into the husband. So I'm happy and literally become, like, my brother. Like, I love and I have so much respect for him as a husband and dad. Like, to watch him as a father, like, it's really beautiful. But in the beginning, I was like, I don't know about this guy. Like, he was really shy. He was really quiet. I don't do great with quiet people. Except for, like, when I was translating.

[Alex Cooper]

She's a translator.

[AJ Michalka]

But, like, in general, like, I'M like, come on. Like, let's go. Like, let's have a conversation. Like, I've got a really bubbly personality, and he was just very quiet. He's, like, an intellectual.

[Ally Maki]

He's very.

[AJ Michalka]

He's super grounded, super smart. And I think I felt maybe, like, a little, like, okay, here's this, like, Ivy League guy. I'm not going to be able to, like, carry a conversation with him. He's probably smarter than me. Like, I think I was intimidated.

[Ally Maki]

I get that. And again, back to what we were saying with sisters, it's like, you're so protective, and you have to look for her blind spots.

[AJ Michalka]

Yes.

[Ally Maki]

That's how I am with my sister. Like, she's dating right now, and I'm like, no. What is going on? And what it. Like, because I'm just like, I want the best for her. So, yeah, naturally, it is your job almost, to be like. Like, I don't like you until you prove that I should like you. Yes.

[AJ Michalka]

And then he did, and I was like, I love him. Although two years later, when he proposed, I, like, sobbed.

[Ally Maki]

Oh, yeah.

[Alex Cooper]

And you knew before.

[AJ Michalka]

Yeah. I got so. Not because I wasn't happy for Allie. I literally felt like, I'm like, I'm gonna lose my sister. I think, like, I had this weird, unrealistic idea that a marriage meant that.

[Alex Cooper]

Then the sisterhood would be over.

[Ally Maki]

Yeah.

[AJ Michalka]

Like, I literally went up. We were living together in Laurel Canyon, and we were sharing a place, and I went upstairs. I lived in the top loft, and I had, like, closed my closet door, and I sobbed. I was so happy for her. But at the same time, I was like, I'm literally gonna lose my sister.

[Alex Cooper]

And it didn't happen at all.

[Ally Maki]

Of course. Here we are.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah.

[Ally Maki]

But I do think that's really relatable. Like, I've talked about this with my siblings. Especially, like, around the holiday season, you get to spend more time with your family. And it is kind of, like, sad when you start to get older and adult and do all the things that adults should be doing, and your core family starts to expand, and it's like, now you're creating your own family. Right.

[Alex Cooper]

And your own memories and traditions, and.

[Ally Maki]

It'S so, so sad. But exciting. But I relate to that a lot of, like, as we are all growing older, you're like, wait, I want to hold on to my siblings and what we had in our core. Don't grow up and don't leave me.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah.

[Ally Maki]

But really, it's more. Just, like, there's now more memories and there's more fun. Yes, more. Yeah.

[AJ Michalka]

Nothing dies.

[Ally Maki]

No, but I get why you would freak out. Because, like, I'm the same way you're gonna.

[AJ Michalka]

On the wedding night. Like, God bless our dad. But like, he. We were doing like a dance dance, even though it was a father daughter dance later down the road. It wasn't my father daughter dance. You had had yours, but I was like, later dancing with dad. And I was like, this is a really sweet moment. And dad goes, honey, how are you doing? And I was like, I'm really happy for them. Like, I feel really good about this. And he was like, that's awesome. You know what? You lost a sister, but you gained a brother. And I was like, what the.

[Ally Maki]

Huh?

[AJ Michalka]

I mean, it was everything I had cried about. Literally. He didn't mean my dad. Just. Our dad talks like that. Like, he does he. And I was like, like, huh?

[Alex Cooper]

You're like, wait, come again?

[Ally Maki]

You're like, dad, this is why.

[Alex Cooper]

I'm kidding.

[Ally Maki]

Mentally unwell for the past.

[AJ Michalka]

Yes, unwell. But this is also the same man. Love you, dad. Shout out to dad and mom. Great people. This is also the same man who like, lost his father a few years ago and Stephen never got to meet him. Our grandpa. And literally at the funeral, told, I.

[Alex Cooper]

Wasn'T at the funeral cuz I was working.

[AJ Michalka]

And at the funeral told, stephen, I want you to meet my dad.

[Alex Cooper]

And he was dead in the cabin.

[AJ Michalka]

But he's in the.

[Alex Cooper]

Like, that's like, we're not.

[AJ Michalka]

We're not like, that verbiage is interesting.

[Alex Cooper]

It's just interesting.

[AJ Michalka]

You're like, dad, I want you to meet my dad. Had.

[Ally Maki]

It's no longer here. Shake his hand.

[Alex Cooper]

I don't know how. Wait, you were there to witness it, were you? You said that Stephen handled it as.

[AJ Michalka]

Stephen handled it so well. He was like, okay, Mark.

[Ally Maki]

Stephen's like, mark, I'm going to meet your dad and we're going to hit it off over here. Stared at the open cast.

[Alex Cooper]

But dads can say some really wax stuff. You're like, whoa.

[Ally Maki]

The more and more they get older dads, you have to smile. My dad has been saying some cra. Love you, dad. Some crazy shit lately. I'm like, huh? Love you, dad. Love you, dad. Like, you got to just. Happy holidays.

[AJ Michalka]

Happy holidays.

[Ally Maki]

Happy holidays. You're all insane. Yeah. Okay. Aj, you have a boyfriend?

[AJ Michalka]

I do. It's been six years. Yeah.

[Ally Maki]

How did you guys meet?

[AJ Michalka]

We met at a film festival in Napa.

[Alex Cooper]

Oh, yeah.

[AJ Michalka]

Bougie, Ali and I. I know it was actually bougie. Ally and I had made a film with her husband that had gone to the Napa Valley Film Festival, and he had produced and starred in a short film that was shortlisted for an Oscar that year that was also premiering at the film festival.

[Ally Maki]

Oh, wow.

[AJ Michalka]

And it was an amazing short film. And him and I met, and, like, there was, like, a spark. But at the time, he was with his girlfriend there, and I was dating someone in Canada.

[Ally Maki]

Classic.

[AJ Michalka]

I loved long distance for a while, which was just really awesome.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah, he was really on that kick.

[AJ Michalka]

And I just was like, gosh, I'm gonna know this guy for a while, and I don't know how or why, and it's gonna happen at some point, but I remember he was wearing this, like, lumberjack red black flannel. And I was just like, this guy is hot. And he's like, salt of the earth vibes. And then down the road, a year later, he was single, I was single, and we connected on Instagram, and we.

[Alex Cooper]

Needed somebody in our video or take me. I passed our victim in our video because we were playing vampires.

[Ally Maki]

And you're like, you.

[Alex Cooper]

And you were like, can we kill.

[AJ Michalka]

You in a video?

[Alex Cooper]

He should be in the video. Like, let's have him in.

[Ally Maki]

What was your first impression? How did you meet him? When did you meet him?

[Alex Cooper]

I met him at that. At the festival?

[Ally Maki]

Yeah.

[Alex Cooper]

I think he's, like, with you, maybe. Was there, like, a crossover panel or something? Something together, I think. Yeah. Yeah. And then. And then we did the. The video shoot, and he was, like, super down. And then we had a couple girlfriends come and also be victims, and they were, like, down to just kind of.

[Ally Maki]

Like, hang out for the day when they started dating. Were you protective or no?

[Alex Cooper]

I don't know. What do you feel like?

[AJ Michalka]

I feel like because you already had Stephen in play for such a good chunk of your life, you've lost some of that because you're set. And you're like, sure, she's got this.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah. I think maybe when AJ was younger, I was more protective or more like, who is this guy? Like, yeah, what are you after? Are you actually a loser and you're just, like, hiding it really well? Yep. But. But I feel like I've always been on, like, good terms with most of the guys that you've dated. I feel like you, like, kind of a friendly banter.

[AJ Michalka]

Yeah.

[Alex Cooper]

Maybe not as much where you've been. Been, like, friends with my true.

[AJ Michalka]

In a way, I've been more judgmental about who she's Dated than the other way around, which, again, maybe is the last.

[Ally Maki]

Me too. I'm like, you're a loser. You don't deserve my sister. My sister's like, alice, Alex, I've gone on two dates with this man, and you just ran into him on the street in New York. This wasn't even a planned meeting. I'm like, back off.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah.

[Ally Maki]

Okay. I'm like, yeah, that's a nightmare to have me. Your parents are divorced, right?

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah.

[Ally Maki]

How do you guys think their divorce informed how you approached your romantic relationships in your adult lives?

[Alex Cooper]

If I'm gonna speak for aj, I think that. Oh, oh, oh, no, I think. I mean, we kind of do.

[AJ Michalka]

No, we speak for each other.

[Alex Cooper]

Like, maybe a bad habit, but I. I think that AJ, as the little sister Vibes, was more, like, heartbroken by and shattered and took it really bad.

[Ally Maki]

What age did they get divorced?

[Alex Cooper]

21.

[AJ Michalka]

19 and 21.

[Alex Cooper]

Okay, 19, 21. So, like, in a way, you're old enough to know exactly what happened, all the details. Like, I. I think there's a. There's a positive and a negative to it, but I think for us, I was shattered. It helped that I was on a TV show and I was living by myself alone for the first time out in Vancouver.

[Ally Maki]

Oh, yeah.

[Alex Cooper]

And so I was just focused. And you were, like, left to be at home with my mom still. All of us at that point were living together. And you were kind of mourning the divorce a little bit with her. So I think in a weird way, you, like, carried some of that trauma with you, where I was kind of like, bye. I'm off shooting the show for eight, nine months, and then I came home.

[AJ Michalka]

But when you wrapped, we ended up living together. We lived with our mom while she kind of dealt with getting her life back together after the divorce. It ended up being, like, a home of three women. Like, we kind of.

[Alex Cooper]

It was like, three's company, but just. Just ladies.

[Ally Maki]

Yeah. No, that kind of stuff, like, I know. Can, like. You're right. Affects people in different ways, literally down to, like, logistically, where you were at in the middle of your parents getting divorced can play such a role in, like, how it genuinely affected you because you got to be essentially removed.

[Alex Cooper]

Correct.

[AJ Michalka]

Yeah.

[Ally Maki]

Do you. Did you notice anything with, like, how that affected when you started to, like, engage in romantic relationships?

[AJ Michalka]

There was infidelity with what happened. We're actually, like, super close with both parents, and I was able to forgive our father. And, like, I actually feel like we're in a great place now, but at the time, it was really hard for me. And I think when I was dating people, I immediately had this trigger that, like, they're gonna cheat. Like, they're gonna, like. Because how could that happen after 23 years of marriage? Like, I feel bad talking about it. Cause I love my dad. But, like, it really was one of those things that became a trigger point that, like, didn't really need to be there. Like, no one needs to be assuming you're being cheated on. You just feel like you've seen it now, so you're like, it's gonna happen.

[Alex Cooper]

It's more horrible.

[Ally Maki]

I also think, like, that's such an interesting dynamic because I could be sitting here with someone that had their parents get divorced when they were, like, six and it. Them up. I. It is interesting hearing you guys talk about, because I know this is a very, very, very relatable topic, which, like, I have a friend that has a similar situation to you guys with your parents. When you are that age and you're very deep and about to begin to explore your romantic adult relationships, to have a foundation that was, like, pretty. It seems, like, pretty solid for your whole area.

[Alex Cooper]

Well, people would be sh. Shocked, you know, to find out. To find out, like, wait, what? The family, they broke up, so your.

[Ally Maki]

Reality was so, like, disrupted. I can imagine that, yes. Like, then you're like, we. If I can't trust, like, my dad, then I can't trust any of these men, when really, again, it's like, they're doing this for the first time too, and that's their relationship or whatever. But it protects you. It does, girls.

[Alex Cooper]

But I don't think it's like. Or at least I didn't feel like it turned me off from marriage or not believing in marriage for whatever reason. No, I still, like, believed in the. The idea of it, and. And I don't know. I think we always felt like, okay, there is a. There is a chance that you can actually have a successful marriage in this day and age. You just got to really work on it. And I think if I'm.

[AJ Michalka]

They stopped working on it.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah, they stopped working on it. If I'm gonna be the. The little Yoda that I am. Bring it.

[Ally Maki]

Bring it. Here we go.

[AJ Michalka]

That I am in my heart.

[Ally Maki]

I love it. I love it.

[Alex Cooper]

I'm joking. But I do love Yoda, actually. The child.

[AJ Michalka]

The child love girl.

[Alex Cooper]

I think that not working on the relationship between the mom and dad, like, is. Is the whole end of the marriage, because everything was poured into me and AJ and that was almost like the scapegoat. And then it was like, oh, we don't work on ourselves. We're not going to be in therapy. We're not going to do these things. We're not going to make sure that you are flown out on tour every, you know, two and a half weeks.

[AJ Michalka]

Instead, we're pride ourselves being the parents that were really there for the two kids in the industry.

[Alex Cooper]

But then it's like, but then you're guys apart, which then affects us.

[Ally Maki]

Right. That's interesting. I saw someone recently talking about when people just become their identity as being a mother or a father. It's like, you can't just be one thing. Like, what's your identity to yourself? What's your identity to your partner? And that's how you lose yourself. If you're just. Just one. I wonder, like, obviously, how old is your child?

[Alex Cooper]

He's. He'll be eight months. I mean, I guess he's. When we. When this is out, like, he'll be, you know, almost.

[Ally Maki]

Oh, my God.

[AJ Michalka]

Yeah.

[Ally Maki]

How has like that concept of like recognizing still needing to pour because you're in the thick of it right now, like you've got basically a newborn. How have you tried to, like, work with your partner to make sure you guys are good even in the excitement of having like a new child and that's all you want to talk about?

[Alex Cooper]

Well, I think. I think making moments where it can be the two of us or even if, like our kid is around, it's like, okay, well, he's like asleep right now, but we can still kind of have like a little date night and go out to dinner and put him in his little stroller. And like, it can still be romantic. Or we can put a movie on or we can get away to our favorite place in Big Sur. And it can be not just all about the kid, you know?

[Ally Maki]

No. Your son is so adorable. Like, when he was at tour, I was literally like, this is the most calm baby. I literally walk into your dressing room. He's here.

[Alex Cooper]

You can see. I see him after. Yeah, yeah, yeah. He's in a little. He's not in a matching. We couldn't get miniature.

[Ally Maki]

But he's. You would have tried.

[AJ Michalka]

You would have tried.

[Ally Maki]

I'm obsessed.

[AJ Michalka]

The merch was like, we can't get that turned around.

[Ally Maki]

They're like, please calm down. You're like, okay, fine. Okay. Before we're going to go through. Now I want to do new music and we're going to play one last game because I think it's Fun. Because sister dynamic, you know I am unwell. Okay? It is no surprise. It is also not a secret. Like I am unwell. And as much as I try to take care of myself, it is hard. It is hard to build a wellness routine that actually works and is no joke. Okay? But part of building a routine, Daddy Gang, that sticks and is good requires a tasty partner. Okay? And that is where Ollie comes in. Ollie makes self care so much more delightful with supplements that support your wellness needs. It's time to prioritize ourselves, daddy gang. It's 2025. It's about time. Okay, you can start your day on a bright note with vitamin D in hello Happy. You can get all of the essential vitamins and minerals with Ollie's women's multi gummy. And if you need gut support, Ollie's got the probiotics. And if you need to take a nap, nap. Ollie's sleep helps you wake up feeling refreshed. Okay. I remember the first time that I saw Ollie. It was in the grocery store. I was perusing the aisles like I rarely do and I was like, what is this gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous product? With Ollie, you can do wellness on your terms. Find Ollie at Walmart or Target near you [e-mail]. that's o l l y dot com. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent. Daddy Gang. When I think about my wedding, I think of a lot of things. I think about a lot of happiness, I think of stress. But I also think about, oh my God. Had Matt and I not had our incredible wedding planners, had I not also had Matt, who was basically also helping plan the whole thing, like I would have been a disaster. Okay, if you are someone that is helping plan a wedding, if you have a wedding coming up, if your best friend has a wedding and you're the bridesmaids or you're the maid of honor, whatever it is, make sure your friend that is a bride or if bride you have help. Okay, that is where Zola comes in. Zola is a modern wedding planning for modern couples. No lie. With Zola, you can plan your entire wedding in one convenient place while riding on the couch. That sounds like my cup of tea. Okay. And not only does Zola have every tool you need to make planning enjoyable, for making your vendor search non anxiety inducing to wedding websites and an instant registry that you can literally build with one click click, they also really get you. Here's the thing. When you're planning a Wedding, there are these challenging expectations that one person will be doing all of the work. Right? You're like, oh, my God, it's just going to be one. No, no, no. Here is the thing. They are here to remind you that there is no right way to do things, and it's only what works for you. And Zola will have your back from day one to the wedding day. I get it. It is so stressful. Daddy gang, don't let yourself go through this, like, decision fatigue. I feel like that is a real thing about my friends that are now getting married. I'm like, you guys, I know. It's so hard to make a decision. You need someone to help you do that. And here you go, Zola. So, Daddy gang, if you're getting married, if you're walking down the aisle, if you're doing the damn thing, start [e-mail]. that's Z O L A dot com. Okay, ready? Who is the more bougie one between the two of you? Who likes the nicer stuff?

[Alex Cooper]

I mean, know, maybe. Maybe aj, she'll splurge on more, like. Like, a skin care thing or, like, doing, like. Like, Skin is beautiful Facials, massages.

[Ally Maki]

Yeah, the spa. The spa.

[AJ Michalka]

We both love a spa, but I. I tend to, like, maybe do it a little too much.

[Ally Maki]

I was gonna say. Is that, like, the most. Like, what is the luxury thing you can't live without? The spa.

[AJ Michalka]

Yeah, facials, like, every, like, three weeks.

[Ally Maki]

Well, it's paying off, like, literally. Oh, my. You.

[Alex Cooper]

Do you ever have. Have bad skin, like, as a. As a teen?

[Ally Maki]

Oh, my God. Yes. So, like, I will take all the compliments. No. Oh, my God. You guys, I had, like, full Accutane when I was younger.

[AJ Michalka]

Oh, wow. Really?

[Ally Maki]

But it was just, like, very hormonal, and then, like, I got over it.

[Alex Cooper]

And then it was gone. Wow.

[Ally Maki]

And now, like, here we are. Glowing facials. Okay, who is more likely to take a secret to the grave?

[Alex Cooper]

Me, probably. Aj.

[Ally Maki]

Aj?

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah.

[Ally Maki]

You just smiled, so I was like, come on. You're like, give it to me.

[Alex Cooper]

That is true. Aj.

[AJ Michalka]

I'm like, come on.

[Alex Cooper]

But I'm pretty good at keeping it. No, you are with each other. Like, like, to the grave together. Do you know what I mean? Like, that's not to the grave. That's not. I know, but it's like, it has to be between the two of us.

[Ally Maki]

Who is more likely to pick a fight between the two of you?

[Alex Cooper]

I mean, we both can pick a fight with each other pretty, like, quickly. Pretty quickly. If it's the right subject matter. You know, the right thing. If it's like, we're disagreeing on something, like, how something was handled, like, AG will be like, you had a bunch of typos in this one business email. I'm like, who cares?

[AJ Michalka]

Yeah, I'll have a correction officer.

[Alex Cooper]

She's like, she will. She's like, you're.

[Ally Maki]

You're.

[Alex Cooper]

You're writing an email. Like, you're texting, you know, like, you're.

[AJ Michalka]

Like, this is sloppy. This isn't good for our business.

[Alex Cooper]

I'm like, okay. I'm like, sorry. Like that. You know, that's not even a fight.

[AJ Michalka]

But, like, I usually start something sooner.

[Alex Cooper]

I feel like, than you do. That's probably true. Yeah. AJ's maybe a little more fiery.

[Ally Maki]

Love, if you had to say, what is your biggest pet peeve about each other? I just, like, start a full fight between.

[Alex Cooper]

On this.

[AJ Michalka]

Oh, my gosh. I have. Have it.

[Alex Cooper]

Wow.

[Ally Maki]

Oh.

[AJ Michalka]

Ali started doing this in the last, like, year, very consistently. I actually don't think I have addressed it with you.

[Ally Maki]

Oh, my God.

[Alex Cooper]

Where?

[AJ Michalka]

She'll go, maybe you could do that.

[Alex Cooper]

Like, yeah, you're right. It's me. It's me.

[AJ Michalka]

She'll start a sentence that she's asking you to do something, but instead it's like, maybe you could get that bottle, like, for Jack. Or like, maybe you could get that.

[Alex Cooper]

That's true.

[AJ Michalka]

You know what I'm talking about?

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[AJ Michalka]

I don't know how you word it exactly. I think it starts with maybe you could.

[Alex Cooper]

Oh, interesting.

[AJ Michalka]

And it's like a.

[Alex Cooper]

You want me to?

[AJ Michalka]

Or I could maybe question, and I'll do it.

[Alex Cooper]

Okay, so I should just be asking the question.

[AJ Michalka]

Yes.

[Alex Cooper]

Or just be like, get me this.

[AJ Michalka]

Can't stand it.

[Ally Maki]

Get me.

[Alex Cooper]

Get me this.

[AJ Michalka]

I mean, I'd rather you just say, like, do that.

[Alex Cooper]

Get the burp cloth, maybe. Maybe you said, oh, interesting.

[Ally Maki]

Oh, that's infuriating.

[AJ Michalka]

That drives me nuts.

[Ally Maki]

That's a good one. Drives me nuts.

[Alex Cooper]

That is a great one.

[Ally Maki]

Okay, your turn.

[Alex Cooper]

Oh, aj. Okay, we both are OCD and we know this about each other, but AJ loves to reorganize an area that I've already kind of pre. Tried to organize, knowing that AJ doesn't like, something moved, like, the shoes or something. I'm like, okay, she'll like it. I love things like that. And then it's, like, moved, and it's like the shoes are just in a different corner, but they're still. They're still on the ground.

[Ally Maki]

And you're like, I literally cleaned for you.

[Alex Cooper]

I'm like, I'm clean for the ocd. Like, just trying to get ahead of it.

[AJ Michalka]

That's ocd. You can't.

[Alex Cooper]

That's the beauty.

[AJ Michalka]

It has to be your way.

[Alex Cooper]

You have your way. Doesn't make any damn sense, but it's your way.

[Ally Maki]

Even if you.

[AJ Michalka]

There's nothing logical.

[Ally Maki]

Yep.

[Alex Cooper]

Nothing logical. It's like this pile of clothes.

[AJ Michalka]

You're lucky I did not reorganize my bookshelf.

[Ally Maki]

I can't imagine feeling in this room. Room.

[AJ Michalka]

It's only in my own space.

[Alex Cooper]

Never in someone else's.

[AJ Michalka]

Ever.

[Ally Maki]

Who is the first to usually apologize if you guys are coming back from a fight?

[Alex Cooper]

Probably aj.

[AJ Michalka]

Yeah, Ally, I don't even remember the last time you said, I'm sorry.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah. Yeah. I'm not good at saying.

[AJ Michalka]

She does not apologize.

[Ally Maki]

Yeah, that's okay. No, you. But you're. You said you're usually lightly starting it and then you're ending it.

[Alex Cooper]

Yes.

[Ally Maki]

Love that for you, I'm a closer. You guys, your new music. Okay, we're here. Let's talk about it. You have a new album coming out and a single. The single is coming out on January 10th. Love. What is it called?

[AJ Michalka]

What it feels like. We were supposed to do that at the same time, but it's.

[Ally Maki]

Yeah, let's do it again. Ready?

[Alex Cooper]

Okay.

[Ally Maki]

What is it called?

[AJ Michalka]

What it feels like.

[Alex Cooper]

Wait. Fuck.

[Ally Maki]

And five, six, seven, eight.

[AJ Michalka]

What it feels like.

[Ally Maki]

Gorgeous. Gorgeous. Okay, talk to me about this album. What is the inspiration behind the music?

[Alex Cooper]

I mean, this record feels like it's never been more us. Obviously, every single album you're hoping to achieve, you know that 10% better, right? Each time, just like you would with, like, each, you know, season of the show. But I do feel like we've really stepped into, like, our womanhood on this album. And I think part of that is. Is I think just seeing that this music has been so informed by our live show and touring and playing songs to a live audience and with our band that we've now been playing with for a few years has really helped us identify, okay, this is the kind of music we want to put on a record and what we want to then go out and tour. So I think it's looking at it from, like, the live show is the. The top of the pyramid, and how do we get to the live show? And I think a lot of this music was created with people that we felt really safe with and was. While I was, like, heavily pregnant, I mean, I Guess we started writing it right before I got pregnant. And then really the whole making of this album has been either me pregnant and then delivering, and then album is finished and delivered itself.

[AJ Michalka]

Oh, my God. Her water broke in like, day two of like, pre production at her house at my. Yeah, in the guest room at like.

[Ally Maki]

6Am that's kind of like.

[AJ Michalka]

I was texting with Stephen.

[Alex Cooper]

It was very.

[Ally Maki]

It was like.

[AJ Michalka]

I'm like, what's going on in there? He's like, I think her water broke. I was like, what?

[Alex Cooper]

We just started, and then I got really nervous thinking ocd. I was like, she's gonna be pissed because this water is on her bed and on the ground.

[AJ Michalka]

Not when it's like your child. Although that is pretty funny. Ali's like, clean it up.

[Ally Maki]

I was like, clean it up.

[Alex Cooper]

Get the rags.

[Ally Maki]

Wait. Oh, my God.

[Alex Cooper]

We.

[Ally Maki]

Okay, so how long was the writing process of this album?

[AJ Michalka]

The writing was finished.

[Ally Maki]

So the writing was finished.

[AJ Michalka]

I would say the writing took a solid year.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah. Yeah.

[AJ Michalka]

We really were ready to be like, these are the 15 songs we want record. We're very like.

[Alex Cooper]

Like just maybe just under. Maybe just under a year.

[AJ Michalka]

Yeah.

[Ally Maki]

This is a hard question. What is your favorite song off the album?

[AJ Michalka]

That's hard. I'm so happy with this record, but I really think my number one is Michael's song. We wrote it about a really dear friend of ours that we had worked with in the industry for years, and he passed away last year. And we were like, we have to write about this.

[Alex Cooper]

And we were on tour.

[AJ Michalka]

We were on tour during the funeral. We weren't able to come. Our parents came on behalf of us, which was really sweet. We're really close to his daughter and his wife. Literally, like a long standing member of the alley and agency.

[Alex Cooper]

Like the longest running team member. Yeah, for us, like, you know, so it was our business. It was kind of almost like a father figure, you know, so it was very hard to come to terms with it. And then we. We felt like this could be a song, you know, and it's so specific. Like, when you listen to the song and you read the lyrics, you're like, oh, the. This is.

[AJ Michalka]

This is very specifically about, like, the very last time we saw him. And not knowing, of course, that it would be the last.

[Alex Cooper]

It was like our last dinner.

[Ally Maki]

But I feel like that's such a powerful message because everyone has experienced grief, so they'll be able to, like, transport themselves probably when they're like, the last time they saw whoever it was to them that they Lost. And they. What is your favorite?

[Alex Cooper]

Honestly, it's kind of a tie between two, and I think it's because it has to do with my son and then the fact that. That I was leaving Laurel Canyon to then live in Santa Barbara, like, away from aj. And I wrote. I basically wrote this song with AJ about, like, moving into this new house and this new space and it not feeling like a home and feeling like I was kind of, like, summoning it to be this. This place that I felt welcomed in and not. Not like it had, like, bad juju or vibes. I just was. Was like, this isn't perfect, and this isn't right, and I want to change out this doorknob. And my husband was just like, okay. And I'm, like, pregnant and, like, nesting, and I'm just, like, frantic. Like, fix this. This needs to be fixed. And it just. And I was like, you know what? This would be a good song, like, willing this to happen and to make this space a home. And I really love AJ's the way she sings the bridge on that song. The song is called I Don't Know what It Is. And. And I think that song just. Whenever I listen to it, it's almost kind of healing because I'm finally at a place where the home doesn't feel like a shell. Yeah, like a shell. It feels like, oh, this is a place that has good memories. And I associate, like, my birth, and I birthed in this living room right here. And this wasn't traumatic. This was all kind of what I hoped it would be. Oh, so that's beautiful. Yeah. So I think it's, like, the end story of it is really great, but it was very much me struggling to find my identity within the home. And then the other song that's, like, maybe equal to that is a song called Dandelions, which is about Jack. And we kind of wrote this pre him being born, which is crazy. So knowing he was coming, Knowing he was coming and that we wanted him to, like, have this message of hope and, like, whatever dreams we're not able to reach, he is more than capable of reaching them himself, you know, that is.

[AJ Michalka]

And hopefully each generation reaches more.

[Ally Maki]

Oh, my God. How crazy and cool that you guys, like, one day, like, your son will get to watch you perform a song about him, live and listen to it and have it forever. Like, that's such a beautiful gift.

[AJ Michalka]

I mean, that is the power of songwriting. Like, it really is. I think the other thing about specifically songwriting, and it's funny because I'm learning Constantly about music we've actually already written. But I'm learning new things about what we've written after the fact. Like, to me, when a song takes on a new life, but it had a different meaning when you wrote it. Like, I don't know what it is now when I listen to that song and I picture your home, which you've now created from the ground up, as, like, a beautiful nest, I'm like, whoa, this is so different than how we came at this song. Writing it, thinking we're splitting up as sisters. We're no longer gonna live in the canyon by each other. We're like, what are we doing? We're gonna be torn apart. And it's like, no, we're just shifting.

[Ally Maki]

Into other parts of our lives right now. That song is, like, shows your growth because you're like, now your house is a home, and now you're so happy, and now you.

[AJ Michalka]

I love how songwriting teaches you something, but you wrote it, like, and a year later, you're listening to it.

[Alex Cooper]

It's kind of prophetic in a way.

[Ally Maki]

That's really cool.

[Alex Cooper]

It is prophetic how songwriting is.

[AJ Michalka]

It is.

[Alex Cooper]

And I think with this record, there was so much, like, feminine energy around it. And I think part of that was me being pregnant, but then part of that was us just going through the growing pains of, like, we are getting older, and we don't live down the street from each other, and we. This. Like, we aren't living in our childhood really anymore.

[Ally Maki]

We're.

[Alex Cooper]

We're out of that phase, and we're.

[AJ Michalka]

Not in our 20s anymore, which we just got reminded by an executive.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah. Yeah. Literally.

[Ally Maki]

Stop.

[Alex Cooper]

No.

[AJ Michalka]

We went to have a meeting. Like, I'm not getting, like, a label meeting.

[Alex Cooper]

And they were like, last. The.

[AJ Michalka]

The note was like, we love the record. We think it's amazing. But, like, we're not here to break women in their 30s. Like, we're here to break pops.

[Alex Cooper]

I was like, so we need to be, like, 21 or something. I was like. I was like, I'm 35.

[AJ Michalka]

I was like, I'm 33. I was like, we're still young as hell. And I was like, now I'm reminded that we're not.

[Alex Cooper]

After the meeting, she's like, I'm sorry. I just. I have to kind of, like, not after the meeting.

[AJ Michalka]

I had to process.

[Alex Cooper]

After we had heard that it was a no. So it was like, you know, we did the meeting, and then it was like, you know, whatever. It was two days later, it was like, oh, a call's coming, you know, and we're kind of going, okay, well, I want a hope. It's, like, positive. And then that was the feedback. And Adri's like, I just need to sit with this for a minute.

[Ally Maki]

Yeah.

[AJ Michalka]

Because I'm like, I've never even thought of myself as not being in the zeitgeist of life.

[Ally Maki]

And you're also like, is the music good or no? Like, what does it have to do with how old I am? And it's like, how many times do you think they've said that to a man? Probably never. We're not trying to break a. What?

[Alex Cooper]

I know.

[AJ Michalka]

Also, I'm like, we're not horses. You don't need to break us. And we've broken.

[Alex Cooper]

And also, I think part of it was, besides, you know, like you said, the fact that it's maybe not ideal age for breaking an artist, whatever in the music industry, I think part of it was also, like, the album was completed and done. They couldn't meddle and change stuff finished. It's not like, hey, here's some demos. And they're like, oh, yes, we love track one. Go to two, three, and six.

[Ally Maki]

Change this sound.

[Alex Cooper]

And you're like, no. And they were like, you know, and we wouldn't maybe go down this route out, like, sonically for you. I'm like, like, us playing music and writing the music. Like, what? What do you mean?

[AJ Michalka]

Oh, yeah, it's wild.

[Ally Maki]

So it was, though, a blessing that you guys did it on your own. And you don't want to work with someone that doesn't want to, like, doesn't want you in the way you are exactly at right now. Because clearly you guys said you have other records that you never put out. This feels right to you, so go with.

[Alex Cooper]

It's. It's. It's a message that. That is very pure and what it is. There's no, like, gimmick behind it. So they're not like, oh, I can.

[AJ Michalka]

Like, it's harder to sell something.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah, it's harder to sell something. Cause they're like, what's the shtick? And it's like, just, we're sisters. We play music, we write. We've been doing this since we were young.

[Ally Maki]

But I think that's, like, the best part about you guys. Like, I have to say, growing up and listening to you guys, you have such incredible voices. But hearing you perform live at my tour, I remember, like, pinching my best friend Lauren being like, their voices are so beautiful. Like, literally, you guys have, like, such incredible voices. Is and what I appreciate about you guys and about this album is actually more like that it is real. It is obvious when people have not written their music and when they're told to wear the certain thing and look the certain way, just kind of like you guys are describing. You would go into meetings and you feel people trying to shift and mold you into something that you're not. And I think if people are looking for something in their life, music wise, that's actually going to connect them to the real that they're going through. This is more of the album. I think, like, people right now are more interested in than maybe, who knows?

[Alex Cooper]

No, but sure, you can love pop.

[Ally Maki]

But, like, I really think that you guys are connecting to something that people are loving, which is authenticity.

[AJ Michalka]

So it's exactly what you're showing.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah. And I feel like people gravitate towards that, you know?

[AJ Michalka]

Yes. That's why this show works.

[Ally Maki]

Yeah.

[AJ Michalka]

Like, it's authentic.

[Alex Cooper]

Speaking to the truth. You can tell women talk and how women feel and how we communicate.

[AJ Michalka]

You knew that was a missing piece.

[Ally Maki]

Piece, yes. Yeah.

[AJ Michalka]

Wasn't really going on.

[Ally Maki]

I think it's so exciting to see you guys, like, back at it. And I think it also is such a testament to, like, your ability to be critical of yourselves, to be like, we didn't put out certain albums because it didn't feel right and we weren't our. And so the fact that, like, this is all you. This was done at a very incredible, vulnerable, emotional time in both of your lives. Like, I think that the world is going to be so, so, so excited to hear and they're gonna love it. So I'm so excited for you guys. You are so lovely as human beings. I know we haven't spent that much time together, but, like, I feel like I now know you guys enough to be like, you guys are real ones. So thank you so much for taking the time during the holidays and coming and sitting down with me. You guys are the best.

[AJ Michalka]

Happy New Year.

[Alex Cooper]

You could be a little. You're.

[Ally Maki]

Oh, I'm putting it on.

[Alex Cooper]

We look like we're really the youngest sister. You are.

[AJ Michalka]

You are.

[Ally Maki]

I'm coming. I'm coming it. I'm going to put it on. Love you guys.

[AJ Michalka]

Love you, too.

[Alex Cooper]

Thank you.

[AJ Michalka]

Meet Flip.

[Ally Maki]

She's one half of a Flip flop.

[AJ Michalka]

That's me. Who got left behind at Celebration Key, Carnival's exclusive paradise in Grand Bahama.

[Alex Cooper]

I chose to stay here.

[Ally Maki]

It really is paradise. So now Flip spends her time lounging.

[Alex Cooper]

On the beach, swimming in the lagoon, and eating.

[AJ Michalka]

The only thing more impressive than my.

[Ally Maki]

Appetite are all the dining options. Yeah. Have you tried food service to your cabana? Ooh, yum.

[Alex Cooper]

Flip. Where'd she go?

[Ally Maki]

Book your cruise.

[AJ Michalka]

Vacation to Carnival Celebration Cay. A paradise you'll want to lose yourself in. Ship's registry. The Bahamas.

[Alex Cooper]

In Panama, Amazing deals on activewear for.

[Ally Maki]

All the ways you move are at.

[Alex Cooper]

Nordstrom Rack stores now.

[AJ Michalka]

How did I not know Rack has Adidas?

[Alex Cooper]

Oh, I love these new Nikes.

[Ally Maki]

I always score at Rack. Stock up on new gear from the best brands in the game, starting at just $40. Great brands, great prices.

[AJ Michalka]

That's why you Rack.

[Ally Maki]

Skipping cold and flu season is Plan A.

[AJ Michalka]

But if you do get sick, be.

[Alex Cooper]

Prepared for plan B with Kleenex lotion tissues.

[Ally Maki]

Kleenex lotion tissues moisturize skin, helping prevent.

[Alex Cooper]

The added discomfort of red, irritated skin on top of your cold and flu symptoms. So this cold and flu season, grab Kleenex lotion tissues.

[Ally Maki]

Visit kleenex.com to learn more and buy now for whatever happens next. Grab Kleenex.