Call Her Daddy Podcast Summary: Episode Featuring Kid Cudi – "The Pursuit Paid Off"

Release Date: August 13, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Call Her Daddy, host Alex Cooper sits down with renowned artist Kid Cudi (real name Scott Mescudi) to delve deep into his personal journey, struggles, and triumphs. The conversation offers listeners an intimate glimpse into Kid Cudi’s life beyond his music, highlighting his resilience and continuous pursuit of happiness.

Identity and Personal Branding

Alex Cooper opens the discussion by addressing Kid Cudi's potential shift in identity, questioning whether he might drop the "Kid" from his moniker to embrace a new phase in his career.

• Alex Cooper [05:20]: "What should I call you today?"
• Kid Cudi [05:21]: "You can call me Scott."

Kid Cudi contemplates the possibility of rebranding as "Scott" to differentiate his personal life from his public persona, indicating a desire for authenticity and evolution in his artistry.

Fashion Evolution

The conversation transitions to Kid Cudi’s unique fashion sense and how it has evolved over the years.

• Kid Cudi [06:48]: "Since I turned 40, I've been trying to find a balance of just, like, real casual, but, like, rock star."

He discusses his shift from vibrant hair colors and bold outfits to a more subdued yet distinctive style, emphasizing his love for vintage clothing to maintain uniqueness.

Friendships and Genuine Relationships

A significant portion of the episode highlights Kid Cudi’s friendship with actor Timothy Chalamet, showcasing the depth and authenticity of their bond.

• Kid Cudi [10:13]: "The best quality about Timmy is that he's super genuine. Timmy is always Timmy with me."

Cudi shares heartfelt anecdotes about their friendship, illustrating how it transcends industry connections and is rooted in mutual support and genuine care.

Memoir and Early Life

Kid Cudi provides insights into his forthcoming memoir, "Becoming Kid Cudi," where he reflects on his childhood, the impact of his father's death, and his journey through fame and personal struggles.

• Kid Cudi [18:22]: "Before my father died when I was 11, I was a really happy kid."
• Kid Cudi [22:18]: "I felt that it was perfect because it was set the tone for the book."

He recounts memories from his early years, the influence of his parents, and the pivotal moment of losing his father at a young age, which profoundly affected his emotional development and outlook on life.

Relationship with Family

Cudi delves into his relationship with his parents, particularly the respectful yet distant relationship with his father, and the close bond with his mother.

• Kid Cudi [23:50]: "The divorce didn't rock me because I saw my mom and dad still have respect for each other, which is rare."

He explains how these familial dynamics shaped his understanding of love and relationships, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and support.

Rise to Fame and Its Challenges

Discussing his transition from a struggling artist to a successful musician, Kid Cudi reflects on the unexpected nature of fame and its impact on his personal life.

• Kid Cudi [46:58]: "I wasn't prepared for that energy. I wasn't at the time built for it."

He shares experiences of early fan interactions that left him feeling uncomfortable and isolated, contributing to his struggles with substance abuse as a coping mechanism.

Struggles with Addiction and Mental Health

A candid discussion unfolds about Kid Cudi’s battle with addiction, his use of cocaine as a means to manage the pressures of fame, and the dark period leading up to his rock-bottom moment.

• Kid Cudi [61:27]: "The first time I tried cocaine, it felt like nothing I had ever felt before. It was fucking magical."

He narrates his descent into substance abuse, the impact on his life and career, and the eventual realization that led him to seek help and enter rehab.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Kid Cudi speaks openly about his time in rehab, the therapeutic processes he underwent, and the transformative effect it had on his mental health and personal growth.

• Kid Cudi [70:58]: "It was freeing for me. I was able to be nicer to myself."

He describes how therapy sessions helped him confront and release long-held anger, fostering self-acceptance and paving the way for a healthier outlook on life.

Marriage and Personal Fulfillment

The episode takes a joyous turn as Kid Cudi shares the heartfelt story of meeting his wife, Lola, their unique courtship, and their memorable wedding.

• Kid Cudi [82:19]: "We met while I was doing a fitting at Virgil Abloh's first Louis Vuitton show in Paris. I saw her, approached her, and knew she was the one."

He recounts the proposal in Kyoto, emphasizing the love and commitment that Lola brought into his life, transforming him into a more complete and peaceful individual.

New Album: "Free"

Concluding the episode, Kid Cudi discusses his latest album, "Free," which embodies his journey towards joy and self-acceptance while reflecting on past struggles.

• Kid Cudi [95:15]: "It's really just bringing people into where I am now at this place in time, the joy I feel, but also talking about reflecting on past struggles and how I overcame them."

The album is described as a blend of love songs inspired by his wife and anthems celebrating overcoming adversity, marking a new chapter in his musical career.

Conclusion

Alex Cooper wraps up the interview by expressing admiration for Kid Cudi's transparency and growth, reinforcing his status as an inspiring figure for many.

• Alex Cooper [98:26]: "Thank you for coming on Call Her Daddy. It was truly a pleasure."
• Kid Cudi [99:11]: "Thank you so much for having me."

The episode serves as a testament to Kid Cudi’s resilience, his journey through darkness to find happiness, and his continuous evolution both personally and artistically.

Notable Quotes

• Kid Cudi [06:48]: "I'm trying to find a balance of just, like, real casual, but, like, rock star."
• Kid Cudi [23:50]: "The divorce didn't rock me because I saw my mom and dad still have respect for each other, which is rare."
• Kid Cudi [61:27]: "The first time I tried cocaine, it felt like nothing I had ever felt before. It was fucking magical."
• Kid Cudi [70:58]: "It was freeing for me. I was able to be nicer to myself."
• Kid Cudi [82:19]: "We met while I was doing a fitting at Virgil Abloh's first Louis Vuitton show in Paris. I saw her, approached her, and knew she was the one."

This episode of Call Her Daddy offers a profound exploration of Kid Cudi's life, providing valuable lessons on overcoming adversity, the importance of genuine relationships, and the pursuit of personal happiness. Through his honest and heartfelt narration, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the music.