Podcast Summary: Call Her Daddy – Episode Featuring Ciara

Podcast Information:

• Title: Call Her Daddy
• Host: Alex Cooper
• Episode: Ciara: Don’t Let Him Waste Your Time (FBF)
• Release Date: May 30, 2025

Introduction and Guest Introduction [03:47 – 04:36]

Alex Cooper opens the episode with excitement about welcoming Ciara, a Grammy-winning, triple platinum artist, entrepreneur, cover model, fashion icon, wife, and mother. Cooper shares her admiration for Ciara’s music, reminiscing about her own dance routines to Ciara’s hits like "One, Two Step," setting the stage for an in-depth conversation about Ciara's multifaceted life and career.

Ciara’s Personal Journey and Family [04:01 – 05:14]

Alex Cooper: "First of all, congrats on your pregnancy." [04:02]

Ciara reveals she is expecting her fourth child, expressing gratitude and emphasizing the importance of a healthy baby over specific timelines. She shares her desire for a large family, stemming from her experience as an only child seeking siblings.

Ciara: "I am the bump is bumping. I'm feeling good... I’m feeling grateful." [04:26-04:31]

Reflecting on a Two-Decade Career [08:34 – 09:00]

Host: "I am such a big fan and this year marks the 20th anniversary of your debut album Goodies." [08:34]

Ciara expresses gratitude for the enduring love for her music, highlighting the upcoming 20th anniversary of "Goodies." She reflects on her longstanding vision and goal-setting from a young age, emphasizing her commitment and foresight.

Ciara: "I had a goal sheet... three goals... sell three to four million albums... I did five." [09:00-09:22]

Early Ambition and Parental Support [10:12 – 11:42]

Ciara discusses her ambitious nature from age 14, supported by her parents. She shares anecdotes about her father’s dedication—traveling late nights to studios, sleeping on the sofa during recording sessions—which instilled in her the importance of pursuing dreams and allowing her own children the same freedom.

Ciara: "My dad would travel late nights to the studio with me... they both were supportive." [10:36-10:52]

Iconic Career Moments and Longevity [11:44 – 15:15]

When asked about her most iconic career moment, Ciara cites the success of "Goodies," which established her identity and set the foundation for her enduring presence in the music industry.

Ciara: "Goodies was very special for me because it put me on the map... my identity was established." [12:00-12:10]

She reflects on winning a Grammy as a significant milestone but admits that the fast-paced nature of her career left little room to pause and fully appreciate such achievements until later in her journey.

Ciara: "Winning a Grammy was a very special moment for me... my true made it moment." [14:07-15:15]

Business Lessons and Emotional Management [15:20 – 16:34]

Ciara shares a critical business lesson learned early on: "You gotta leave your emotions at the door." She emphasizes the importance of managing emotions in business interactions, highlighting that the industry often prioritizes immediate value over personal sentiments.

Ciara: "In business, there's no gray. It's only black and white... manage your emotions." [15:30-15:45]

Staying Grounded and Support Systems [16:34 – 19:29]

Ciara attributes her ability to stay grounded to her spiritual beliefs and a consistent support system, including long-term friendships and her faith. She stresses the necessity of having trusted individuals to confide in, underscoring that "You have somebody you can talk to" is vital for mental well-being.

Ciara: "I pray and all that good stuff... having a place to go has always been a great thing for me." [16:43-17:10]

Handling Toxic Relationships and Knowing Self-Worth [26:05 – 32:13]

Transitioning into relationships, Ciara discusses recognizing and leaving toxic relationships. She advises women to prioritize their well-being and not fear being alone over staying in harmful situations.

Ciara: "Toxicity can kill you... you have to be a little selfish in your thought process." [29:07-29:47]

Reflecting on past relationships, she identifies red flags such as inconsistent actions despite reassurances and the importance of mutual respect and accountability.

Ciara: "How is a person talking to you? How do they treat others? What's their track record?" [30:26-32:13]

Healthy Relationships and Marriage to Russell Wilson [32:13 – 60:44]

Ciara shares insights into her healthy marriage with NFL quarterback Russell Wilson. She emphasizes mutual respect, shared values, and consistent communication as pillars of their relationship. They maintain a balance between excitement and stability, regularly engaging in date nights to keep the romance alive.

Ciara: "We do date nights every Friday... it's the little things." [47:05-47:26]

She discusses blending family life, with Russell seamlessly integrating as a stepfather, actively participating in childcare, and supporting her music career by promoting her songs to their children.

Ciara: "He jumped right in, changing the diapers right away... He better pick your mom's song." [49:41-50:20]

Navigating Fame and Personal Growth [20:32 – 26:05]

Ciara delves into the challenges of fame, including the pressure to maintain success and the fear of losing her identity amidst accolades. She underscores the importance of defining personal success beyond material achievements and staying true to oneself.

Ciara: "One of my greatest fears is to have a certain amount of success... I don't want it that much, I'm lost in the end." [19:59-20:42]

She advocates for patience and appreciating the journey, highlighting that enduring struggles build resilience and a deeper understanding of oneself.

Ciara: "Patience is everything... trust the timing that's meant for you." [22:20-22:49]

Music and Artistic Vision [62:00 – 66:49]

Ciara discusses her music project, explaining the duality between her alter ego 'CeCe' and her authentic self. She aims to create music that embodies house party energy while also conveying intimate, emotional moments, as seen in her track "Two in Love."

Ciara: "CeCe might snap back a little bit... I'm in my Sierra mode." [63:00-63:32]

She emphasizes the intention behind her music to reflect real-life relationships, blending fun with vulnerability.

Ciara: "This project is like that perfect house party energy... it's a sexy record but also chill." [63:39-64:35]

Conclusion and Final Thoughts [66:49 – End]

The episode concludes with mutual admiration between Alex Cooper and Ciara. Cooper commends Ciara’s accomplishments and her role as an inspiration for women. Ciara expresses her joy in sharing her experiences and offers heartfelt congratulations to the host.

Alex Cooper: "You're such an inspiration... keep on shining your light." [66:28-66:32]

Notable Quotes:

• Ciara: "You gotta leave your emotions at the door." [15:30]

• Ciara: "Patience is everything... trust the timing that's meant for you." [22:20]

• Ciara: "Don't let nobody waste your time." [27:15]

• Ciara: "One of my greatest fears is to have a certain amount of success... I don't want it that much, I'm lost in the end." [20:42]

• Ciara: "This is something different... I knew, like, that I'd never felt what I felt in that moment." [44:50]

Key Insights and Takeaways:

1. Vision and Goal-Setting: Ciara’s early ambition and clear vision from age 14 played a pivotal role in her sustained success. Setting long-term goals can provide direction and motivation.

2. Emotional Management in Business: Keeping emotions separate from business decisions is crucial for navigating the competitive and often impersonal nature of the music industry.

3. Support Systems: Maintaining a strong, trusted circle of friends and family is essential for staying grounded amidst fame and career pressures.

4. Healthy Relationships: Mutual respect, consistent communication, and shared values are foundational for a successful and enduring partnership, as exemplified by Ciara and Russell Wilson.

5. Patience and Self-Worth: Embracing patience and valuing one’s own worth are vital for personal growth and achieving true happiness, especially when dealing with toxic relationships or the fast pace of modern success.

6. Artistic Authenticity: Balancing commercial success with authentic self-expression in music allows artists to connect deeply with their audience while staying true to their personal narratives.

7. Overcoming Adversity: Facing and overcoming challenges builds resilience and a deeper understanding of oneself, contributing to long-term personal and professional fulfillment.

Conclusion:

In this episode of "Call Her Daddy," Ciara shares an intimate portrayal of her life, blending her illustrious career with her personal experiences and lessons learned. From managing emotions in business to fostering a healthy family and marriage, Ciara provides valuable insights into achieving sustained success and personal happiness. Her candid storytelling and wisdom offer inspiration and practical advice for listeners navigating their own life journeys.