Call Her Daddy
Episode: Working With My Best Friend (ft. Lauren McMullen)
Release Date: July 9, 2025
Host/Guest: Alex Cooper & Lauren McMullen
Introduction
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.
Background and Partnership Beginnings
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.
- Lauren: "Lauren has been the producer of Call Her Daddy and has been working with me for over four years. Most of you were shocked to learn this because we kept it private until now." [02:43]
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.
- Alex: "When I moved in with you, fresh off my breakup, I was in my first year of my master's program..." [05:00]
Transition to Los Angeles and Professional Growth
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.
- Lauren: "We decided we were done with New York for a little bit. We wanted to try something different." [05:38]
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.
Evolution of the Working Relationship
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.
- Lauren: "Lauren started now to... write full first drafts of the interviews instead of me." [19:07]
With the expansion of their team, Lauren took on more responsibilities, ensuring that the podcast remained a collaborative and dynamic environment.
Maintaining Friendship and Professionalism
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.
- Alex: "In theory, you are my boss, and that makes it easier because at the end of the day, it's your call." [31:19]
- Lauren: "We are doing this professionally during work hours and saving our personal catch-ups for outside." [32:28]
Their ability to separate work from personal life has been crucial in preventing conflicts and ensuring a harmonious working environment.
Team Expansion and Systematization
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.
- Lauren: "We stole her from CNN, from the news world. And she came on and changed your life." [20:38]
This expansion allowed them to handle increased workloads efficiently, transitioning from solo efforts to a well-oiled team.
Personal Insights and Emotional Moments
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.
- Alex: "I think if I stay on this show, I will have deep, impactful conversations... I think I'm gonna impact and help more people than I would if I was just a therapist." [16:24]
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.
Q&A Segment
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:
- Alex: "I never would wake up and be like, 'Fuck my life,' because I genuinely love this job so much." [24:16]
- Lauren: "Every friendship in my life, I almost always look at us as the model friendship." [38:02]
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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.
- Alex: "Don't think we're slowing down anytime soon. We're just ramping up." [57:13]
- Lauren: "There's so much coming. Get ready." [57:16]
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.
Key Takeaways
- Long-term Friendship: Alex and Lauren's deep-rooted friendship has been a cornerstone in their professional collaboration.
- Professional Growth: Their move to Los Angeles and the subsequent team expansion were crucial in scaling the podcast's success.
- Balancing Act: Clear communication, setting professional boundaries, and mutual respect are essential in maintaining both friendship and a successful working relationship.
- Personal Development: Both have navigated personal and professional aspirations, supporting each other's growth while staying committed to the podcast.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Lauren McMullen: "Lauren has been the producer of Call Her Daddy and has been working with me for over four years." [02:43]
- Alex Cooper: "I never would wake up and be like, 'Fuck my life,' because I genuinely love this job so much." [24:16]
- Lauren McMullen: "Every friendship in my life, I almost always look at us as the model friendship." [38:02]
- Alex Cooper: "Don't think we're slowing down anytime soon. We're just ramping up." [57:13]
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.