Podcast Summary: Call Her Daddy Featuring Demi Lovato (FBF) Release Date: August 15, 2025

Introduction and Welcome Alex Cooper kicks off the episode by warmly welcoming Demi Lovato to "Call Her Daddy," highlighting the unique connection as Demi’s mother is also a fan of the podcast. The conversation sets the stage for an intimate and candid discussion about Demi’s personal and professional journey.

Turning 30: A Milestone of Self-Discovery As Demi approaches her 30th birthday, she reflects on what this milestone means to her. She shares, "Turning 30 to me has been like, I'm excited for my 30s and what that holds" (05:14). Alex resonates with Demi’s perspective, emphasizing the societal pressures often associated with this age and celebrating the journey of self-realization.

Early Performances and Overcoming Stage Fright Demi recounts her initial forays into performing, starting at the age of five and later touring with the Jonas Brothers at 15. She admits, "I was so nervous, but I figured it out, and I found my groove" (08:40). This section highlights her growth from a timid young performer to a confident artist gracing massive stages.

Navigating Family Dynamics and Mental Health Demi delves into her complicated relationship with her biological father, who struggled with mental illness and addiction. She shares heartbreaking insights, saying, "Our conversations went from 'how are you?' to 'I'm doing a movie with Steven Spielberg'" (10:53). This strained relationship significantly impacted her emotional well-being, leading to early encounters with depression and suicidal ideations.

The Impact of Beauty Pageants and Body Image Starting beauty pageants at seven, Demi discusses the unrealistic beauty standards imposed by her mother, herself battling an eating disorder from a young age. She candidly states, "Beauty pageants are awful for children's self-esteem" (12:19). The pressure to maintain a certain appearance became a recurring theme in her life and career.

Bullying and Its Long-Lasting Effects Demi opens up about severe bullying during her school years, particularly after an incident involving a missing photo from a JoJo concert. She describes the ordeal: "They passed around a suicide petition saying we want Demi to kill herself" (15:45). This trauma led her to homeschool, which inadvertently provided her the time and space to hone her musical talents.

Rise to Disney Stardom and the Pressures Within Transitioning to her Disney career, Demi reflects on the expectations placed upon her as a role model. She explains the intense workload, saying, "I filmed a season of a TV show, I went on tour, I made an album and I shot a movie" (21:28). The relentless schedule contributed to her mental exhaustion and strained relationship with her management team.

Struggles with Substance Abuse Demi discusses her early experimentation with alcohol and drugs, beginning at age 12 after a car accident. She recounts, "I was looking for an escape" (25:29). Her struggles intensified as she tried to cope with the pressures of fame, ultimately leading her to seek treatment after a severe overdose.

Controlling Management and Its Consequences A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the controlling nature of Demi’s management team, particularly regarding her diet and personal freedoms. She reveals, "They barricaded me into my hotel room" (34:11), highlighting the detrimental impact this had on her recovery and autonomy. This overreach contributed to her relapse and eventual decision to reclaim control over her life and career.

Healing from Sexual Assault Demi bravely shares her experience of sexual assault during her time with Disney, emphasizing the long-term emotional scars it left. She reflects, "There's still a sadness inside of me that someone took that from me at such a young age" (41:18). This traumatic event continues to influence her mental health journey and artistic expression.

Musical Evolution and Empowerment Discussing her latest album, Demi explains how it mirrors her personal growth and healing process. She states, "The first few songs are really angry... and then my album became like... love songs" (45:17). The album serves as a therapeutic outlet, allowing her to convey complex emotions and experiences through her music.

Personal Life and Relationships In a lighter segment, Demi touches on her current romantic relationship. She expresses happiness and satisfaction, noting, "It’s going really well" (51:00). The conversation shifts to balancing personal life with her demanding tour schedule, highlighting the importance of communication and quality time.

Upcoming Tour and Artistic Authenticity Looking forward, Demi shares her excitement about her upcoming tour, emphasizing her desire to perform authentically and comfortably. She mentions, "I want to be comfortable on the stage and I can just completely be myself" (53:08). Her focus is on connecting with audiences genuinely, showcasing both her new and classic songs in refreshed styles.

Closing Thoughts and Empowerment Alex and Demi wrap up the episode by acknowledging Demi’s resilience and strength. Alex praises Demi’s new album, and Demi reiterates her commitment to personal growth and authenticity. The episode concludes on an empowering note, celebrating Demi’s journey and her unwavering spirit.

Notable Quotes:

• "Turning 30 to me has been like, I'm excited for my 30s and what that holds." – Demi Lovato (05:14)
• "I was so nervous, but I figured it out, and I found my groove." – Demi Lovato (08:40)
• "Beauty pageants are awful for children's self-esteem." – Demi Lovato (12:19)
• "They passed around a suicide petition saying we want Demi to kill herself." – Demi Lovato (15:45)
• "They barricaded me into my hotel room." – Demi Lovato (34:11)
• "There's still a sadness inside of me that someone took that from me at such a young age." – Demi Lovato (41:18)
• "The first few songs are really angry... and then my album became like... love songs." – Demi Lovato (45:17)

This episode of "Call Her Daddy" offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into Demi Lovato's life, shedding light on her struggles, triumphs, and the resilience that continues to define her both personally and professionally.