
Alex and Laren finally reveal how and why they started working together. They also open up about the inner workings of Call Her Daddy, how they maintain their friendship, and what it’s like getting to build successful careers together. Enjoy!
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Alex Cooper
Hi Daddy gang, it is your father. I am so excited that CallerDaddy has officially joined the SiriusXM family. I cannot wait to talk to new guests and continue to share my crazy personal stories and experiences with you every single week. If you want to hear new episodes ad free, subscribe to Sirius XM Podcasts on Apple Podcasts to start your free trial today. Call Her Daddy is brought to you by Amazon. Have you ever gotten sick on a very, very expensive, very non refundable family trip? Say I. Well, Amazon One Medical has 247 virtual care so you can get help no matter where you are. And with Amazon Pharmacy, your meds can get delivered right to your hotel fast. It's kind of like the room service of medical care. Thanks to Amazon Healthcare just got less painful.
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Alex Cooper
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Lauren McMullen
Okay.
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Lauren McMullen
It is your founding father, Alex Cooper.
Alex Cooper
With Call Her Daddy.
Lauren McMullen
Daddy Gang. Welcome back to another episode of Call Her Daddy. Today I am joined by none other than the producer of Call Her Daddy, my best friend, Lauren McMullen.
Alex Cooper
Wow.
Lauren McMullen
For anyone that didn't watch my documentary on Hulu, Call Her Alex. One of the reveals in the documentary is that Lauren has been the producer of Call Her Daddy. And has been working with me for over four years. And a lot of you, actually, most all of you, were shocked. I have never talked about this publicly. We have kept this a secret, and we've kept it private. And today we are here to. To get into why we decided to keep it private, why we never shared it with the world, the reasoning behind it, and also what it's actually like to work with your best friend and the process of Call Her Daddy. We are going to walk you guys through what we do every single week in working together. So I think we should just get into it. Let's tell them how this came to be. So I think we have to go all the way back to 2020 in the pandemic. And first, again, I think everyone knows this is at this point, but Lauren and I have been childhood best friends since we were about six years old.
Unknown
Yeah. Second grade.
Lauren McMullen
Second grade. So six years old. Lauren and I have been best friends, and we have grown up together. We played soccer together, we made movies together. We didn't go to the same high school or college, but we've been best friends our whole lives. And in 2020, when I was producing and editing and hosting Call Her Daddy on my own, it was the pandemic, and I was by living in New York, and it was a pretty dark time. I think I was really struggling. There was a lot going on online, obviously, with Call Her Daddy, And I was pretty isolated in New York City at the time. And Lauren happened to be going through a breakup at this time. And Lauren was trying to figure out her next move. Am I going to have to move home? What am I going to do? And I remember saying, lauren, just move into my apartment with me. Like, this will be beautiful. Let's live together again. Because we had lived with each other at one point, and so you moved in, and at this point, explain to the daddy gang what you're doing. Like, I'm hosting this raunchy sex podcast, and you are doing what?
Unknown
So I had just finished Teach for America. So my undergrad degrees in neuroscience. I never intended to be a teacher. I did two years of Teacher America, where I taught fifth and eighth grade science in Newark, New Jersey. I did my two years, and then I was in grad school at Columbia, getting a master's in clinical psychology because I wanted to go on and get a PhD and be a therapist. So when I moved in with you, fresh off my breakup, I was in my first year of my master's program, and I was nannying for a crazy family on the side to make money.
Lauren McMullen
So then Lauren and I moved to Los Angeles. We decided we were done with New York for a little bit. We wanted to try something different. Lauren wanted to get away, I wanted to get away. I knew it would be better for Call her daddy. I would get so many more guests in Los Angeles. So we got on a plane and we headed to LA and we moved into this home together.
Unknown
And then the school I was teaching at had reached out and was like, our neuroscience teacher quit. We can't find anyone who can teach neuroscience. We'll let you teach entirely remote. Can you teach neuroscience to these high schoolers? And I'm living in California teaching children in New Jersey. So my first class was every day at five in the morning, and then I'd be done work at 1pm so you'd be waking up to like, go record Call her daddy at 1pm and I'd be finishing work for the day. We knew no one in L. A.
Lauren McMullen
We.
Unknown
I didn't have a car. It was Covid. It was locked down. There was nothing to do. So I'd be like, done work. Like, hey, Alex, like, what are you doing for caller daddy?
Lauren McMullen
Like, yes, I'll help.
Unknown
I'll watch you.
Lauren McMullen
Like, I think this is when we really started to feel like, oh, my God, I missed this part of our friendship. Lauren and I, as you guys will watch in the documentary, as you watched, we fell in love with two things at a very young age. Soccer and making movies and music videos. And that was our genuine passion. And so you getting to come back into that world, I think so exciting for both of us because it also kind of rebirthed a part of our relationship that we had lost in a way. And so we both just leaned in and we started having so much fun. And so when I signed my deal with Spotify, that was six months into us living in the house, I would say. And that obviously changed my life forever. And it changed. I felt like everyone's lives around me just because it definitely put me publicly in a different stratosphere. Like, I felt like there were. There was more attention on me. There was a bigger conversation around money. Again, I think people don't really know this, but, like, I didn't have a team. Like, I was still editing my own episodes.
Unknown
It was fully just you at that.
Lauren McMullen
Yes. Like, there was no writers in these interviews. Like, I was writing all my interviews. I was editing all these things. I was like, you know, I'm. I'm now making enough money where it's dumb. How am I Not paying people to help me. And that, I think, was the beginning of the start of it all. Do you remember, like, the first real conversation post Spotify?
Unknown
So we sat down and you were like, I want to have something more consistent, something more formal. What are you interested in? What are your next moves? Because at that point, I had graduated from my master's program and I wanted to go get a PhD, but I decided I wanted to take one more year before applying so I could do more research and get my name published on more papers.
Alex Cooper
Oh, right.
Unknown
So I was like, wait, this kind of works out really well. You want to go into your first year of Spotify having people around you that you trust, feeling comfortable not starting, just, like, building a whole team from, like, scratch and not knowing anyone. So I'm like, this is perfect. I'll take my gap year with Call her Daddy.
Lauren McMullen
Why did I forget that started? Yes. You were like, for sure in your head. You were going to go to grad school, and there was going to be one year that you were going to work with me.
Unknown
I was going to get a freelance rate.
Lauren McMullen
Yep.
Unknown
And bill you for, like, my hours weekly at a freelance rate. And then on the side, I'd also be doing my psychology research and trying to get published in more academic research.
Lauren McMullen
To give everyone more context. This moment of me being like, okay, I'm going to hire you for a year. And it really was us being like, let's just do this for one more year together. So fun.
Unknown
It was kind of the perfect setup for both. It made you feel more comfortable going into your first year of Spotify, and it gave me consistent paid work while I tried to just write and apply.
Lauren McMullen
To grad school, but in no way did we think this was long term.
Unknown
But now that. Now that I was going to be, like, billing you hourly and, like, tracking my hours and, like, having deliverables to me and, like, actual deadlines to hit, it did start to become more real at that point where at this point now you are my boss and there is a differential between the two of us. It feels a little bit different than, like, me just sitting in the corner giving you thumbs up, laughing and saying, like, oh, tell that funny story. Tell that joke. Now I'm, like, researching the guests you're having on I'm pitching topics I think you should talk about. Like, I'm spending real time doing, like, actual real work, and it's feeling more real. And at that point, we kind of had to have a conversation of, like, okay, if we're going to do this one year and do it right and not leave feeling resentful that you felt I took advantage of the situation and was just using you for money or that I felt I didn't have clear expectations and I'm not really set up for success. We have to treat this more real. And that's when we had the really hard conversation of, I think I need to leave la. I needed more things of my own.
Lauren McMullen
Yes.
Unknown
I was living in your house. I was relying on you and Matt for plans. I was working for you.
Lauren McMullen
Yes.
Unknown
And like, I.
Lauren McMullen
We needed to shake it up.
Unknown
Yeah.
Lauren McMullen
And it was beautiful to see you go to Chicago and still to this day be fucking thriving. Like, that was without a doubt the best decision I think you could have ever made for yourself picking that city. I feel like you have had such incredible success there. You've had such a support system. Like, it's been beautiful. So I'm just so happy that actually ended up working out.
Unknown
Yeah. I think that's like the best thing we ever could have could have done. And I remember we podcasted together being like, I'm moving to Chicago.
Lauren McMullen
Oh, my God.
Unknown
We told the daddy gang. We're like, I'm moving to Chicago for a job opportunity. The job opportunity was call her daddy. And I was moving to Chicago so that we could give it a real chance. And we didn't fudge shit up.
Lauren McMullen
Like, we're professional.
Unknown
Each other's like, assholes 24 7.
Lauren McMullen
Oh, my God. I forgot that we publicly said that. I'm sorry, you guys. That's like a little white lie we told. Sorry. But so then we. Okay, so now let's explain in that moment, why did we not tell the truth about why you were going to Chicago for a job?
Unknown
Because at that point, we truly thought it was going to be a one year thing. Like, imagine in my mind, we're really conceptualizing this as like, this is my gap year before I'm going to get a PhD. And we thought it would just be really confusing to people if we're like, we work together and now we don't. And like, knowing the way that the Internet spins things, I think people would immediately be like, oh, they're not working together anymore because.
Lauren McMullen
Right. Not a girl's girl. And she ruined Lauren's life.
Unknown
Yeah. Look, Alex did it again. Kick Lauren to the curb.
Lauren McMullen
No, literally. So, yes. Facts.
Unknown
That's what people would say.
Lauren McMullen
So it was very easy. We were like, okay, great, we'll keep this under wraps and love you and come visit all the time. Lauren moves To Chicago. I'm in la, and the minute she leaves, we just hit the ground running.
Unknown
I think the next big moment was the year mark. The year mark.
Lauren McMullen
We were coming up on the year mark, and I'm sitting in LA being like, there was a part of me that felt in my gut, holy. I have never had more fun in my life working with someone, and I have never felt at such ease. And we just have the best dynamic. And I think I selfishly was like, oh, my God. I actually can see it. I can see how this could work long term. But if I put my selfish wants aside, and I also put my work aside, if I put on my best friend hat as Alex from Young Alex, and you being my best friend, I was like, but what does Lauren want? Because I. I am living my dream. This. I am living everything I could have ever wanted. I love my job so much. But does Lauren feel that same way? And is Lauren gonna want to do this full term? And I started to get worried that. I'll be honest. I remember when I look back, I was worried that you understandably, because we've talked about this on the podcast before, like, you were enjoying, understandably, the work, but the money, I think, was so, so much security for you. I think you were starting to be like, it's so nice to, like, comfortably afford my apartment and get to do all these things. And so I started.
Unknown
Because money was a huge stress in my life growing up.
Lauren McMullen
Yes. And I think I started to worry as your friend, like, is she feeling this? Which is nice, but is she forgetting how much she wanted to go and get this PhD? And is she going to choose this life because of the money, not because she genuinely wants it? And I started to feel a little bit of guilt where I was like, am I pulling Lauren away from her dream because I'm living mine?
Unknown
And you said that to me. We had, like, a really real and honest conversation at, like, that year mark.
Lauren McMullen
Yeah.
Unknown
And you were like, at this point, I really can't imagine doing this without you, because you were trying other people. Like, we were kind of planning for my departure, so you were trying other people. You were interviewing other people. You were having other people come and freelance with you. And it just wasn't the same because I know you so well. So, like, I have this insanely unfair advantage. And, like, I can look at something immediately and be like, alex would never say that. Alex doesn't agree with that. Oh, my gosh.
Lauren McMullen
Alex would hate that.
Unknown
That would hate that.
Lauren McMullen
Yeah. You just can't teach that. Because it's just. You've been my sister my whole life. Like, so. It's like. So finally we had a really honest conversation where I voiced all this to Lauren. And I remember just going back and forth being, like, as selfish as I want to be, that I want you to know I value you more than you know. And I would love you to do this literally until the end of time with me. I need you to be honest with yourself and take time to really think, what do you want?
Unknown
Yeah. You were like, I could never live with myself. If we look back in five years, and I feel like I tore you away from your dream.
Lauren McMullen
Yeah.
Unknown
So I went and I talked to my therapist about it for a while.
Lauren McMullen
Yeah.
Unknown
A while we were kind of talking about why did I want to be a therapist. I wanted to be a therapist because what you'll see in the documentary, my dad passed away from suicide when I was in college. He suffered from bipolar disorder for my whole life, and so that's what drew me to that. But more than that, I just wanted to have deep, impactful conversations, and I wanted to help people. And I was talking to my therapist, and I was like, well, if I stay on this show, I will have deep, impactful conversations, and I think I'm gonna impact and help more people than I would if I was just a therapist. Like, Alex is reaching millions of people a week.
Lauren McMullen
Yeah. That was like. I will never forget. I almost wanted to start crying where Lauren came to me and was like. It just clicked for me, like, there's so much we can do with this show, and there's so much work to be done. And especially you had said, like, the direction. I already feel you pulling it in.
Unknown
The show was changing.
Lauren McMullen
Yeah. And it just felt like, holy, let's do this. Yeah.
Unknown
Like, it was kind of all, like, the stars were kind of, like, aligning in, like, a weird, beautiful way.
Lauren McMullen
And in that moment, we weren't like, let's do this for the next 10 years. It really, again, was kind of like, let's see how this goes.
Unknown
Yeah.
Lauren McMullen
Because again, you were so young. We were like, lauren, if in two years you decide you don't want to do this anymore, you can still go get your PhD. Yeah. Like, I was.
Unknown
I think I was at 27 at this point.
Lauren McMullen
Yes. So there was time and again, just for context, unwell, the company hadn't been started. It was still just me at Spotify. And so we started.
Unknown
Yeah.
Lauren McMullen
And I remember offering you. Where were we when I offered you your salary?
Unknown
I remember exactly where I was. I was sitting at my kitchen table and I almost fell out of the chair.
Lauren McMullen
I literally remember being like, okay, so I'm gonna give her like a full time salary. You're my only employee, basically. So I was like. And I went in and I like, pitched you. And you were like, yeah, I'll take it. Yeah, for sure, Alex. And we just started. And let's talk about how you first started, because I think now being able to say, like, you are the head lead producer of this show.
Unknown
I did not start there.
Lauren McMullen
She. No, she did not. So when Lauren came in, you really took on the research role. So a lot of what Lauren was coming in and helping me do was there's so much information, obviously about the guests that I will be interviewing. And Lauren was a beast with research because that literally was like my master's.
Unknown
Degree for clinical psych. I was just cranking out research and cranking out papers so, like, I can research and I can write.
Lauren McMullen
And so then talk to people a little bit about, like, what your first position was and like what you did.
Unknown
So if you had a guest on and the guest had an autobiography, I would read the autobiography, essentially turn it into a book report and present to you and like brief you on the person's life. And then I started getting, like, more systematized and like, I made you like a research, research system where like, I made like a memo where it like breaks out, like fast facts about them, put their life into a timeline, put in angles I think you'd be interested in, put in things I think you should avoid talking to them about. And I'd kind of like, talk to you about the person and like, get you. I would just brief you on the person and kind of pitch to you, like what I think would be interesting for you to talk to them about.
Lauren McMullen
Yes.
Unknown
And that was kind of the start of it.
Lauren McMullen
Slowly it has completely changed in a beautiful way as my Spotify career continued. We then started unwell. And once we, Matt and I started unwell and our company started to grow, Lauren and I recognized that there were so many more tentacles of the business that I was being involved in. And so I was like, I need you to take on a bigger role for Call Her Daddy. And so what that looked like was Lauren started now to. In researching, she would write the full first draft of the interviews instead of me now. And so she was doing the research and she was writing these episodes. And then she was also helping me with all of the social media organization. So I would have a vision of how I wanted to roll. I'm very specific about how I want to roll out. Who the guest is, what I want the teasers to be, what I want the promo to be. And so Lauren would start working with our editors on crafting the promo, writing a script. This is what. This is what the promo should say. This is at the time that this needs to get uploaded.
Unknown
Like, at that point, I started, like, kind of touching everything.
Lauren McMullen
Yes. And finally, I think once we realized we needed more people on our team, is really, when you took your net, the next jump of your career, which was we found truly one of the most talented writers I think we've both ever worked with.
Unknown
We stole her from cnn, from the news world.
Lauren McMullen
Shout out, chase, we love you. And she came on and changed your life.
Unknown
Because, like, I was talking about this, like, with Chase recently because she was like, I cannot fathom. Because now we have like a. We have more researchers too, which is really helpful because with my background, I make us take the research so seriously.
Lauren McMullen
Yes.
Unknown
And they were like, how the hell.
Lauren McMullen
Were you doing this alone? Well, we don't know, but we got.
Unknown
I would start. I would start work at 6am and probably work until 9pm and we wouldn't stop.
Lauren McMullen
Like, we were obsessed. Yeah. But again, we loved it so much.
Unknown
That I never would wake up and be like, fuck my life. Like, I have so much work. Fudge, Alex. I was like, this is so exciting. We have three interviews this week. I have three books to read this week.
Lauren McMullen
We got to get it done.
Unknown
Three interviews to write this week.
Lauren McMullen
And so finally, once Unwell was up and running, I think it was very. It was very clear now that we needed to yet again reconfigure and systematize because we now do have an editor on Call Her Daddy. And although there are some weeks that I'm like, I will be personally editing this. Like, for example, the Kamala Harris interview. I was like, no one can touch this. I have to edit this on my own. Those are moments. I'm still doing final edits or whatever. But we now have someone who's helping with edit. Shout out, Alex T. Love you.
Alex Cooper
Love you.
Lauren McMullen
What I will say is I think there's a lot of people on the Internet, which makes me laugh, understandably. I get why people would think that, though, again, is because when I signed with Spotify, when I signed with Sirius xm, I think there's this idea that there's these corporate big wigs who are like handing me the cards and saying, say all of this. And I'm Just like this host. And meanwhile, it's like when you're for literally my entire Spotify time, when you're reading these questions, it's us, like it's us putting this shit together. And now as we ventured on, it's yes, it's literally me, Lauren and one to two other young women in their 20s. And we're all doing basically a roundtable. We're talking about what we want the interview to be. And then we've got someone's going to do the research, someone starting the prelim on like what the interview flow will be. We're doing multiple drafts, we're having zoom meetings every week. We're going through, oh, I don't like this. Let's change this, let's move this up here. This topic should hit harder. Let's move this to the front, front, like, and then I go and I do the job. And so it's so collaborative, it's so rewarding. And the interview process has become such a well oiled machine, but it's taken a lot of work to get there. So why don't you talk a little bit about what you do every week.
Unknown
With having unwell now and you doing so many things beyond Call Her Daddy. I handle anything logistic related to Call Her Daddy. So anyone on the Call Her Daddy team reports to me and I manage the entire team and I'm essentially the person who makes sure from booking to the editor, to the social media team, to the research team, to the interview being written, to communicating with PR reps, to making sure that episode makes it on uploaded on time, that I'm handling everything, making sure everything is happening and everyone is doing what they're supposed to be doing so that now you are purely thinking about nothing besides the creative.
Lauren McMullen
And it's so nice the way that you are able to keep the ship running.
Unknown
And sometimes you'll have three interviews in a week.
Lauren McMullen
Yes. And it's insane chaos, but it's amazing and we love it.
Unknown
Yeah, I was going to say, like I've never felt so fulfilled, never felt so stimulated. I've never felt, felt like I've done something that's had this much of an impact before. Like we're saying how like we work insane hours but like I never wake up dreading my job. I sometimes like wonder like, ooh, like how did I like clock like a 14 hour day yesterday and like not think twice and like I don't feel burnt out. It's because like, I legitimately like love this job so much and I care so much about this job. And I think, like, one of the coolest things is how much autonomy I feel like I have. I feel like that's like, a big factor in, like, loving my job. Like, I can have a therapy session where I'm like, I just had the best talk of my entire life. And I can be like, alex, like, I think we need to talk about this. You're like, okay, go write an episode or I'll read something. And I'll be like, this is important. Like, go write an episode.
Lauren McMullen
It's such a rewarding process that I think looking back on the days that I obviously took such pride in doing it all on my own, I think I. I now take so much more pride on not doing it all on my own because I think getting to share the joy of what this show does every week with other people who get to be a part of the behind the scenes. It is indescribable. The feeling like, I know it sounds sappy, daddy gang, but, like, getting to give you guys interesting, fun, engaging content every week. And it all is coming from the hearts of us and a few more other young women in their 20s. Like, it's so cool that we are creating these conversations and it's coming from this, like, just genuine place of, like, we're literally saying some of these ideas are because we were at a dinner and then it turns into an episode that's getting millions of views. I'm like.
Alex Cooper
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Lauren McMullen
Let's talk also now about. I think one of the biggest questions that we have gotten online since announcing that Lauren and I work together is how the hell do you guys have a work friendship balance? Because that just seems like it is a disaster waiting to happen. And I completely understand why you would think that. So let us us tell you about it. I think that like we kind of described in the beginning days when it was just us. We are extremely. We've always been very communicative. And I think although this may sound weird, once we kind of got our rhythm of how we wanted to work together, like literally of just like, are you getting paid? Are you quitting your job? Okay, now you are getting paid. Now you have a salary.
Unknown
What is my job role? What are my like day to day responsibilities?
Lauren McMullen
Once that happened when we're just working, it is the easiest thing in the world. And I will say it is easier than when we were kids. Like when Lauren and I were children, we, you. We had such a passion for filming and writing scripts and, and creating these worlds together. And the two of us, like my mom says in the documentary, when the two of us were in a room, it was almost too much. We both were so creative and passionate. And so we were staying up until.
Unknown
Like 3am like in your dad's closet editing like as children and taking it so serious.
Lauren McMullen
And so when one of us had a vision and the other disagreed, we would butt Heads more back then be like, no, Lauren. Like, that won't keep the viewer engaged. And you're like, but, Alex, it looks better if it's like this. We were so much more combative when we were younger. Now it's like, it's just seamless.
Unknown
I think something that may sound counterintuitive is I think it's actually easier that there's a hierarchy and in theory, and we can get into this more in a minute. In theory, you are my boss, right? And I think that does make it easier because at the end of the day, it's your call and I'll defer to you. It's not like we're like co hosts, like, arguing back and forth of, like, what we're gonna talk about. And at the end of the day, you're the one saying this shit. Like, I'm not gonna force words out of your mouth. It's your voice and it's your show. And, like, I'm here to help push us forward and make us better and guide you and help you, but I'm not going to tell you your views and beliefs on something.
Lauren McMullen
It's a good point. Like, I feel like you've always been so respectful of. As invested as you are, you know, when it's like, okay, but it is your call. And. But again, like, we're so insempatical with almost everything, and I. I never want to get in front of the camera if we haven't talked through something where I'm like, but what do you think about it? And then even if I. If I hear your piece and I disagree with you, I'm gonna speak it out to you. And if you disagree with me, I don't think I've ever gotten on camera with us being in disagreement and being like, oh, well, I'm gonna say it anyways. Ever in my career. And there is, I feel like, rarely moments, but there have been moments where the team will say something to me and I'll be, guys, I totally hear what you're saying, but I'm gonna disagree with you guys on this one. And I'm gonna just go for it. And that is the beauty of it's my show. I can do that. But I do think it's very rare that I go against the grain of the team. And I. It's just when I'm having a feeling, most of it is when it's, like, comes to marketing and social media, I feel like I have this pulse on it that sometimes I just have this feeling and I've Got to go with my gut.
Unknown
Yeah. I think another thing is like how we maintain a friendship and a working relationship is during like the work week. We are very professional. Like if we get on a zoom, like, we're not shooting the shit on a zoom.
Lauren McMullen
Oh, no.
Unknown
Someone. If someone like not in our company got on the zoom, they would have no idea that we're best friends. Like, we are very.
Lauren McMullen
No one would know.
Unknown
Yeah. We really save our like catch ups because our current situation is I come to LA for a full week every month, so that becomes more where we merge the two.
Lauren McMullen
Yes.
Unknown
I stay in your house, we have dinner every night together.
Lauren McMullen
We jacuzzi, hang. We.
Unknown
Yeah.
Lauren McMullen
And we are like, the minute we'll be like, okay, it's like 6:30, should we stop working? And they'll be like, immediately. We close our laptops, we go in, we watch a show, we drink wine and we can turn on friend mode immediately. But that is just because I think of the years of repetition again. When Lauren moved to Chicago, we kind of had also in her send off a conversation of like, our friendship is so solid. We have been friends for basically our whole lives. Neither of us are worried about our friendship. Let's really pour into this, figuring out.
Unknown
What is our working dynamic and what is our working relationship. And to do that is really confusing. If we're working together during the daytime and you're trying to have the strength, or not even strength, but you're trying to feel comfortable enough to tell me I don't like that or that's not good enough. And then a few hours later we're shooting the shit about like, do you like this outfit? Like, yes. That was confusing in the beginning where we needed to just figure out how do we get comfortable of having working conversations.
Lauren McMullen
Yes.
Unknown
And having them side by side with friend conversations was difficult. But now we're like fucking experts.
Lauren McMullen
I know. We're so fucking good at it now. Like, we can. If it's five minutes before. And I'm like, wait, are you on a zoom? And Lauren will be like, no, I just got off my last zoom. I'm like, get on the zoom link before everyone gets on because I want to hear about the date last night. And we'll like quickly talk for five minutes and then all everyone else on the team gets on and we're like, hello, everyone. And we pretend we didn't talk for five minutes. And it's like, we can shut it on, shut it off. I think it's also been really important to us because I recognize that as the, you know, owner of the company and as the host of the show, like, I can make all these calls, and I think I have such a respect for you and awareness for you that I don't want our dynamic to ever impact the way other people on the team or at the company feel about you. And I think, obviously it was easy when it was just the two of us, but now I never wanted you to feel like, oh, fuck. I can feel that other employees are like, oh, Lauren just gets special treatment. Or Lauren gets to do this because she's Alex's best friend. I think if you asked anyone at our company, they would say one, without a doubt. Laura McMullen is the hardest working person at this company. She will do anything and everything to get the job done. You are so brilliant. Everyone respects you. And so I think if there is a moment. Yes, of course. Where they're like, where does Lauren say when she comes to L. A? Well, of course you're staying in my house. But it doesn't rub anyone the wrong way, because I don't think one. When we're in the office, we don't speak like we're friends. No, you are the producer of Call Her Daddy. Like, people will hear me on Zooms. Being like, lauren, that doesn't look good enough. Can you please, like, circle back with the team? I need, like, three.
Unknown
Go fix this and, like, make it better and come back.
Lauren McMullen
Yeah. I think I can say the reason you and I have had such a successful outcome in working together is because this isn't a friendship. It's. You are my sister. Like, truly. Like, again, in the documentary, you see, like, the ties that our families have, the relationship basically from diapers together. Like, this isn't something that if we get in a fight, then you're just out of my life or I'm out of your life. Like, we are together forever. And I think it has allowed us to lean into the professional aspect in a way that we have such a unwavering respect for each other that nothing could come between that. Because when it has and when we've had issues, it is immediate. We're on the phone or we're in person. We're like, let's work through this. And it has been pretty seamless. Yeah. And I can imagine a lot of people on the Internet being like, how? How? I mean, of course I have, like, the looming cloud of the one really public fallout with a woman, and I feel like that has obviously tainted a lot of people's opinion of me as a friend. Yeah. As a friend, even though that's the only friendship people publicly saw of yours, of mine, that they thought they knew the whole story, understandably, because we did a incredible job of what our job was and it was marketing this friendship. But I think it was just. It's just hard because I can understand people would try to compare the two almost in like, Alex, how did you not learn your lesson of working with friends? And like, it's just so different.
Unknown
I think that's difficult for me to sit back and watch and read. And I'm assuming they'll probably be those type of comments when this comes out. Like, oh, how'd you not learn your lesson? It's gonna happen again. And like one, like we were saying, like, like I've known you for 25 years. I think people forget that you knew her for a year and a half in total.
Lauren McMullen
It's just a very different situation. And I'm really proud of our friendship. And I think every friendship in my life, I almost always look at us as like the model friendship because I think the way that we communicate, the way that we respect each other, the way that we are honest with each other and loyal to each other has allowed us to put ourselves into what maybe some people would understandably think would be a difficult situation to put a friendship under that kind of pressure. And the fact that we've thrived and has been, I think, a testament to how hard we work at being with each other through it all.
Unknown
I agree.
Alex Cooper
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Alex Cooper
Now that might be a lot to.
Lauren McMullen
Take in, so let me break it down for you. Uber Eats isn't just for poolside poke bowls or late night pizza on the patio.
Alex Cooper
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Lauren McMullen
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Alex Cooper
And you know what?
Lauren McMullen
The last thing I want to do is when the UV is a 10 outside, go to the grocery store. Okay. That's not my to do list. Okay. I love that on UberEats, I can get tequila for the margaritas. I can get meat for the barbecue and sunscreen when I realize that my tan is unfortunately turning into a burn. Okay. And when it gets too hot hot in LA to be running outside doing errands, I'm just like, oh, I need to be inside. I love that I can sit in my sweats on my couch and the freezing air conditioning and get everything I need delivered without ever having to step outside. Okay. The goal is to never leave my house. So get grocery alcohol and everyday essentials in addition to the restaurant food you love.
Alex Cooper
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Lauren McMullen
With Uber Eats, order now for alcohol, you must be legal drinking age. Please enjoy responsibly. Product availability varies by region. See app for details. We asked the Internet if you guys have any questions for Lauren and I about working together, and so we are going to answer them today. Lauren, do you want to read some.
Unknown
What is the coolest experience the two of you have gotten to have together since working together?
Lauren McMullen
Ooh.
Unknown
The Olympics was obviously very fun.
Lauren McMullen
The Olympics was insane. Like, I think especially with our sports background. I think the two of us getting to go and produce a show for Peacock and it was so much work. It was so much work, but it was so rewarding.
Unknown
We won a Emmy for it.
Lauren McMullen
We won an Emmy. Wait, I forgot. Did we never tell anyone that? No, you guys, we won an Emmy. Lauren and I are both gonna have Emmys in our. Our offices. Yeah, I forgot.
Unknown
So it made all of the blood, sweat and tears worth it.
Lauren McMullen
It was so much work, but it was really rewarding and I think I'm really proud of us because trying a new format, doing live, it was. Yeah, Olympics was pretty cool.
Unknown
Okay, what is Alex's best and worst quality as a boss?
Lauren McMullen
Oh, okay.
Unknown
And then you can do it about me. What is my best and worst quality as an employee?
Lauren McMullen
Okay. Okay, you go first.
Unknown
Okay. Your best quality is how much you care. Because I think it's really palpable and the expectations are high and the standards high. Obviously that's what makes the show one of the best in the world. But I think how much you care and how hard you work inspires everyone on the team. And I think the whole company is inspired. So you're inspiring so many people on a daily basis and also the whole daddy gang.
Lauren McMullen
Oh, my God. Love you.
Unknown
I love you too.
Lauren McMullen
That's really sweet. Okay, now you're about to hit me with the worst.
Unknown
Your worst quality is your fucking typing skills.
Lauren McMullen
I fucking knew you were going to say that.
Unknown
I like, No, I don't know if you like, skip typing class all of elementary school. Lori Cooper. Like, what were you doing to your daughter? But she cannot type. No, no. I purposely change the settings on Google Docs so that she can't get in and access them because she'll fuck them up. I'll make like a chart or a diagram. You, like, put caps lock on and the of a sentence. You have like, punctuation in the middle of a sentence. Like, it's. It's. I need to like.
Lauren McMullen
No, Lauren, like, gets angry with me. So, like, stop typing because I'll have a thought. Or. Or when I'm talking so fast and you can only type so fast. So then I pick it up and I try to add on what I'm saying. And then you're like, alex, stop it. Get out of my documents. Because Lauren's very specific about her formatting in her documents. And I come in and I just crush your fucking soul. I don't also know why I never learned. I, for some reason always use caps lock, not shift. So then I'll be in caps lock and I'll look up and like, oh, fuck, no, it's bad.
Unknown
And even like in your work slacks. Like, oh, even in your work slacks. Well, we don't slack each other. Like, our company has a strict policy for work life balance. We talk on slack, but we, we will text. That's the one thing that, like, we go around.
Lauren McMullen
We're inappropriate.
Unknown
Yeah, we, we text. We don't slack with each other. But when you slack, you're so, like, I guess it's good.
Alex Cooper
Blunt.
Unknown
But like, you just always seem so angry on Slack where I'm like.
Lauren McMullen
And then you'll. You always sometimes will call me. Be like, wait, you good. Oh, no, yeah, I'm bad. I'm a bad text.
Unknown
You're bad with your fingers and words. Leave the words to your mouth. Truly, you're not one for the.
Lauren McMullen
I will say it's an abomination when I get it in those documents. It's bad. I just feel like. Yeah, it's not my strong suit. No. Okay. My favorite thing of working with you. Two things, but only because I have to say it, even though I'm kind of taking yours. But it's a different version, which is when I started Call Her Daddy, I genuinely never believed someone would care about the product as much as I do. And I know it is unrealistic for anyone to care that much, but you are second to none. Like, I know if there is something going on and it's 3am and I call you and I'm. I'm freaking out about something with Call Her Daddy. You will do anything. No matter where you are in the world, no matter what's happening, you will drop everything and you put Call Her Daddy first. Always. And it makes me just feel so supportive because in it being my show, I understand someone wouldn't love it as much as I do. And it. And it really does feel like you care as much as I do. So that's number one. Number two, I think it has been such an incredible process watching you become a boss. And from starting in research and now growing to people reporting to you and reporting structures and how much they respect you as a boss. I know something Matt and I had wanted you to work on the past, like, two years was being more direct and being not confrontational, but just being able to have these hard conversations. Whether it's a layoff, like you've had to. Lauren has had to lay people off. Lauren has had to have honest conversation. If work isn't up to par, Lauren has had to. You've just had a lot of growing. I feel like in the past two years since Unwell has started, that I do think, has allowed you to step into this executive role in a way that. That has changed the way I think people see you in this space again, as you're not my best friend. You are one of the best, highest people at this company, and you are there for a reason. It has nothing to do with you being my best friend. It's because you're really fudgeing talented. Okay, we're gonna get emotional. Okay. Your worst thing, if we're gonna be nitpicky. Ever since someone bought you your headphones that you edit with or you're like, doing your notes with. What do you think I'm gonna say? Every time I call you on the phone, you're like, get me. You sound like you're underwater, and you're going in and out your spotty. And I can't hear a word you're saying. So I'm calling Lauren after, like, a debrief of a interview, and I. Every time I finish my interview, I get into my car. We have this ritual. I call Lauren immediately, and I.
Unknown
Because I zoom into the interviews, and I listen to the interviews live, and then I call.
Lauren McMullen
Call her. And as when it's on the top of my head, we go through every single question that I asked, and Lauren is at her computer, and I debrief every question. Oh, that wasn't interesting. We're gonna cut that one. Oh, we're gonna have to cut this down. That their answer wasn't that interesting. Oh, I want to move that to the front. And I give Lauren all these notes, and Lauren sounds like this. And I'm like, lauren. And she's like, sorry, sorry. Turning off my AirPods. I. Sorry, Apple. I don't know what the is going on, but it is.
Unknown
I think it's an issue with my phone too, maybe.
Lauren McMullen
Yeah, something's going on. Yeah, I'm. I literally am like, lauren, you're like, sorry, sorry. Disconnecting, Disconnecting. That's my biggest pet peeve of you.
Unknown
Oh, great.
Lauren McMullen
That's, like, literally so minimal.
Unknown
You're a bad typer, and I wear headphones during conversations.
Lauren McMullen
Yeah, it's fine. Okay, what else?
Unknown
What is the most awkward conversation you've had to have at work? Oh, I know this.
Lauren McMullen
The most awkward conversation the two of us have had to have at work.
Unknown
Yeah, I know this.
Lauren McMullen
Okay, go ahead.
Unknown
So back, like we were saying when it was just the two of us, I asked you for a performance review.
Lauren McMullen
Why did I forget about this? Because I blocked it out. Yeah, because I fucking blacked it out.
Unknown
You were like, I don't really. Like, we don't need to do. I'm like, no, no, no. Like, I need to, like, know, like, what are, like, my next steps to grow and how I'm doing. And, like, we need to have an honest conversation about things I need to grow on and how you feel about me and the company.
Lauren McMullen
And for context, when she says company, this is before Unwell. Unwell has started. Before we had have 70, 80 people working at this company. So it's me and Lauren, and Lauren's like, let's sit down for a review. And I'm like, sure, let me pour myself a coffee. Even though we talk every minute of the day. And I was like, lauren, I don't know if I can do a performance review. And she was like, just try. You guys, I wish we would have recorded this. Zoom. I we both show up with notes that we both wrote, and yours are probably disgusting. No, you and you can tell were both reading because Lauren's like, I'm gonna advocate for myself now and and pitch as to why I deserve a raise. And I'm literally sitting there be like, okay, go ahead. And you can tell Lauren's like reading off of her computer. And then here's my gross.
Unknown
Here are my strings.
Lauren McMullen
And we're both dying laughing. You're like, no, stop. We need to be serious.
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Lauren McMullen
Okay, one of the questions is, is her name Lauren or Lauren? Her name is Lauren, but her nickname is Lauren.
Unknown
Because my mom was so southern.
Lauren McMullen
She'd be like, Larry, what's one thing.
Unknown
You didn't know about each other until working together?
Alex Cooper
That's hard.
Lauren McMullen
Go ahead.
Unknown
Mine's like kind of deep. When you're good friends with someone, like obviously you celebrate their successes and you know, their accomplishments and like you are like, I did this at work today and I accomplished that. But like when you get to like see it and witness it on a day to day level, it's like a whole different experience. And like I obviously knew you were creative and I knew you were smart, but like you're like brilliant and you're like a genius and like I am constantly in all of you and I'm just like, damn, how'd she think of that?
Lauren McMullen
Lauren, you're literally gonna make me cry. Thank you. No, I feel the same way about you. I think working with you, I always knew you were so smart and obviously like we in living together when you were more in the academic field, I was always just so inspired. But it's, it's hard, tangibly to be like, I'm not in that field. I don't know what a research paper is supposed to sound like or look like. Yeah, and I always knew you were so brilliant and we always talked about that, like how you just took after your dad in that way. Like he was so bright. It was like inspiring to be in rooms with him. And I feel that way about you. Like and now getting to work with you, the way that you are so good at multitasking and yet giving somehow a hundred percent to every multitask at the same time. Like you juggle so many things at once and you're so eloquent and calm and I don't know, it's just really fun to watch something that wasn't like your natural thing that you wanted to do in your life become something that you are. Are beyond talented in. It is really cool to see you take it on and conquer it and make it look like you went to school for this. So I don't know, it's just really cool to watch each other grow. And, like, I think that was a moment where. So when the premiere of the documentary happened, I think Lauren and I were just so. But you were both just so emotional because, again, this is a documentary. Yes. About the rise of coloradi in my life. And then you are a huge part of it. But I think a lot of that documentary was so full circle for us because of how long we've been doing this together. And so there was so much emotion tied into it. And our best friend Kristen, who is like the third in our dynamic from childhood, who was in our childhood videos. The three of us getting to come together, I think was such a beautiful moment for me because I. When you are having a lot of accomplishments, sometimes you forget to pause and really stop and be like, wait, if you knew this at 18, you wouldn't even believe it. And so I think being around you has also allowed me to stop and really be more present because you remind me of childhood. You remind me of home. So it's like, I can pull out of being on, like, executives around me and all these people from Spotify or Sirius, whoever it be. And when I look at you, it brings me back to childhood, and it makes this job still feel like a mom and pop thing that, like, hasn't gotten too big and out of my control. And it still is my baby, and it still is something that is all that's coming from the heart. And I think that's what I'm excited about, that people know now that you are working with me. It. I hope it gives people more clarity, whether you hate the interviews or love the interviews. Like, it's us.
Unknown
Yeah.
Lauren McMullen
And it's not some big corporation that's writing these things, and I'm just regurgitating like, it's us. And like it or hate it, I'm really proud that we haven't strayed from the basement to now. Like, it is always gonna be us. Look at that ending that was.
Unknown
I think that's where we have to end it.
Lauren McMullen
You guys, I am so, so happy we finally got to get this off our chest. Now no one's gonna think Lauren just, like, doesn't have a job.
Unknown
And just, like, the longest time, all the cops comments were always like, how is Lauren always with you? Like, how does she, like, travel around? Like, does she even have a job, right? I have a job.
Lauren McMullen
Lauren works at Call Her Daddy and unwell and it's just now, I guess the beginning of you guys knowing this next chapter of our life and I.
Unknown
Don'T think we're slowing down anytime soon. I think we're just ramping up.
Lauren McMullen
Oh there's so much coming. Get ready. Love you guys. Thank you so much for tuning in. I will see fuckers next Wednesday. Goodbye.
Alex Cooper
Hi Daddy Gang, it is your father. I am so excited that coloraddy has officially joined the Sirius XM family. I cannot wait to talk to new guests and continue to share my crazy personal stories and experiences with you every single week. If you want to hear new episodes ad free, subscribe to Sirius XM Podcasts on Apple Podcasts to start your free trial today.
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Call Her Daddy
Episode: Working With My Best Friend (ft. Lauren McMullen)
Release Date: July 9, 2025
Host/Guest: Alex Cooper & Lauren McMullen
In this revealing episode of Call Her Daddy, host Alex Cooper is joined by Lauren McMullen, her long-time best friend and the producer of the podcast. Released on July 9, 2025, the episode delves deep into the dynamics of working alongside a best friend, the evolution of their professional relationship, and the inner workings of one of the most-listened-to podcasts by women.
Lauren McMullen opens the discussion by addressing the podcast's listeners about her longstanding friendship with Alex Cooper. They have been best friends since childhood, bonding over activities like soccer and filmmaking.
The partnership officially began in 2020 during the pandemic when Alex was struggling with her mental health in New York City. Lauren, going through a breakup and seeking stability, moved in with Alex. This move laid the foundation for their professional collaboration.
Seeking better opportunities for the podcast, they relocated to Los Angeles. This move was pivotal as it allowed Alex to secure more high-profile guests and expand the podcast's reach.
Despite the challenges of remote work and balancing multiple responsibilities, Lauren managed to juggle her role as a producer while pursuing her master's in clinical psychology.
As Call Her Daddy grew, especially after signing a deal with Spotify, the professional relationship between Alex and Lauren began to formalize. Lauren transitioned from handling basic research to managing larger aspects of production, including writing interview drafts and overseeing social media strategies.
With the expansion of their team, Lauren took on more responsibilities, ensuring that the podcast remained a collaborative and dynamic environment.
One of the standout topics of the episode is how Alex and Lauren maintain their personal friendship while navigating their professional roles. They emphasize the importance of clear communication, setting boundaries, and respecting each other's roles within the company.
Their ability to separate work from personal life has been crucial in preventing conflicts and ensuring a harmonious working environment.
As the podcast's popularity surged, so did the need for a more structured team. Alex and Lauren brought on additional talent, including a talented writer from CNN named Chase, enhancing the show's research and production quality.
This expansion allowed them to handle increased workloads efficiently, transitioning from solo efforts to a well-oiled team.
The conversation also touches on personal challenges, such as Lauren's reflections on her career choices and Alex's passion for the podcast surpassing her initial academic aspirations.
Their mutual respect and understanding of each other's aspirations have strengthened their partnership, allowing them to support each other's growth both personally and professionally.
Towards the end of the episode, Alex and Lauren answer questions from their audience, providing further insights into their working relationship and personal anecdotes.
Q: How do you balance your work friendship to prevent it from becoming a disaster?
Lauren: "We have a hierarchy where I'm the boss, which makes it easier to make decisions without personal emotions interfering." [29:46]
Q: What is the coolest experience you've had working together?
Lauren: "Producing a show for Peacock during the Olympics was insane but incredibly rewarding. We won an Emmy for it." [42:04]
Q: What are Alex's best and worst qualities as a boss?
Lauren: "Best quality is how much she cares and works hard, inspiring everyone. Worst quality is her typing skills." [42:38]
Notable Quote:
The episode concludes with Alex and Lauren expressing their excitement for the future of Call Her Daddy, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining their authentic and heartfelt approach to the podcast.
Their transparency about their professional journey and personal bond offers listeners a unique glimpse into the dynamics that drive the success of Call Her Daddy.
This episode of Call Her Daddy offers an in-depth look at the intricate balance between personal relationships and professional endeavors, highlighting the power of friendship, collaboration, and mutual support in achieving sustained success.