Call Her Daddy Podcast Summary
Episode: Phoebe Gates & Sophia Kianni: Friendship, Fuckboys, & Faking It
Release Date: April 30, 2025
Host: Alex Cooper
1. Introduction of Guests
In this episode, Alex Cooper welcomes Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni, two dynamic entrepreneurs who recently launched their podcast, "The Burnouts with Unwell," and their sustainable fashion company, FIA. Alex expresses her excitement about featuring Phoebe and Sophia, highlighting their chaotic yet inspiring journey as best friends and business partners.
Notable Quote:
Alex Cooper [02:02]: "We're so excited for you to listen to their chaotic stories. They're best friends, they're business partners, and they are officially unwell."
2. The Evolution of Friendship
Phoebe and Sophia recount how they met at a Stanford football game, initially feeling a mix of jealousy and intimidation. Their friendship blossomed unexpectedly when they became roommates due to a mix-up with their original roommate. This forced proximity allowed them to break down barriers and form a deep bond.
Notable Quotes:
Sophia Kianni [05:23]: "Wait, what if we took this, like, competitive energy and then brought it together to actually build something?"
Phoebe Gates [08:00]: "It was the fact that you guys kind of went from, like, enemies to lovers is kind of iconic."
3. Entrepreneurial Ventures: FIA and The Burnouts Podcast
The duo shares the inception of their company, FIA, an innovative shopping assistant tool designed to help users find the best prices on fashion items. They also discuss their podcast, "The Burnouts with Unwell," which delves into their personal and professional lives, offering listeners a blend of laughter, tears, and valuable insights.
Notable Quote:
Sophia Kianni [57:31]: "FIA is an app and a shopping tool where basically as you're shopping in one click, it will find you the best price on fashion."
4. Navigating Competitiveness and Building Business Together
Phoebe and Sophia explore how their initial feelings of competition transformed into a powerful collaborative spirit. They emphasize the importance of recognizing each other's strengths and fostering an environment where competitiveness drives mutual success rather than rivalry.
Notable Quotes:
Sophia Kianni [09:27]: "I'm gonna start saying, like, yeah, I'm the biggest bitch. I'm such a fudgeing bitch."
Phoebe Gates [19:11]: "It's so much easier because I don't know how you don't take it home. I would go crazy."
5. Challenges as Women in Business
The conversation delves into the unique challenges Phoebe and Sophia face as women entrepreneurs. They discuss societal expectations, the struggle to carve out their own identities separate from their backgrounds, and the double standards in the business world. Sophia touches on balancing privilege with personal ambition, while Phoebe shares her experiences of overcoming stereotypes linked to her lineage.
Notable Quotes:
Phoebe Gates [26:38]: "I have an incredibly privileged life. And so I think saying that is like, oh it's, it's a hardship. It isn't really for me because I've been so blessed with what I've been given by my parents."
Sophia Kianni [28:18]: "Find strong female mentors that were there because they liked us was a huge thing for us."
6. Personal Stories and Relationship Dynamics
Phoebe and Sophia share entertaining and relatable stories about their personal lives, including embarrassing moments, navigating mutual romantic interests, and the complexities of introducing partners to their families. These anecdotes highlight their authentic friendship and the seamless blend of personal and professional relationships.
Notable Quotes:
Sophia Kianni [40:54]: "He goes, I know you're embarrassed, right? It's okay. Don't be. It's gonna be okay."
Phoebe Gates [47:03]: "How are you and your dad different and similar?"
7. Advice and Business Hacks for the Audience
Throughout the episode, Phoebe and Sophia offer practical advice and business hacks to empower listeners. From negotiating and building confidence to creating a "win sheet" to track achievements, their tips are aimed at helping women navigate the business landscape with assertiveness and self-belief.
Notable Quotes:
Sophia Kianni [35:14]: "Having a win sheet of things that you've done is a huge thing."
Phoebe Gates [32:21]: "Let’s just start saying, like, yeah, I'm the biggest bitch. I'm such a fudgeing bitch."
8. Launching FIA and Future Prospects
As the episode concludes, Phoebe and Sophia discuss the successful launch of FIA and the positive reception it has received. They express their genuine excitement and pride in their creation, emphasizing how FIA addresses a real need they experienced during their college years.
Notable Quote:
Sophia Kianni [57:37]: "FIA pops up and then you ask it, should I buy it? And it's like, girl, no, the price is high. You can buy this for $250 on the RealReal or on eBay."
Conclusion
This episode of Call Her Daddy offers a deep dive into the dynamics of Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni's friendship and business partnership. Their candid discussions on navigating competitiveness, overcoming societal challenges as women in business, and their entrepreneurial journey with FIA provide listeners with both inspiration and actionable advice. Personal anecdotes add a relatable and entertaining layer, making this episode a rich and engaging listen for anyone interested in friendship, business, and personal growth.
Highlights Recap:
- Friendship Evolution: From initial jealousy to best friends and business partners.
- Entrepreneurial Journey: Launching FIA and "The Burnouts with Unwell" podcast.
- Challenges as Women: Overcoming stereotypes, leveraging privilege, and building confidence.
- Personal Stories: Embarrassing moments and navigating relationships.
- Practical Advice: Negotiation tips, building confidence, and maintaining a win sheet.
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