Call Her Daddy – "Zayn: Being Single is Freeing" (Feb. 11, 2026)

Podcast: Call Her Daddy
Host: Alex Cooper
Guest: Zayn Malik
Theme: Candid conversation with Zayn on dad life, personal growth, dating, masculinity, and his new music.

Episode Overview

In this episode, Alex Cooper sits down with Zayn Malik in Las Vegas, marking their first in-person conversation since a memorable interview at her parents’ house in Pennsylvania three years prior. The discussion moves from Zayn’s family and rural living to creativity, masculinity, mental health, parenthood, and the creative process behind his new album Konakole. Zayn opens up about being single, parenting his daughter Kai, the freedom he finds in solitude, and the lessons learned from past relationships.

Key Discussion Points & Timestamps

1. Catching Up: From Pennsylvania to Vegas

[01:20–03:51]

• Zayn describes life as a dad, recording his new album after his "Stairway to the Sky" tour, and transitioning from small-town Pennsylvania to his current Las Vegas residency.
• Reflects on previous interview at Alex's parents’ house, being recognized by local kids, and why he loves Pennsylvania’s quiet life.

“Everyone thinks it's so weird that I live there. Everyone's always like, yo, you're such a weirdo. Why do you live in PA? But I just love it there.” – Zayn [02:41]

2. Vegas Living & Personality Offstage

[03:21–04:09]

• Zayn talks about avoiding the Las Vegas strip and casinos, preferring a low-key lifestyle.
• Shares that he bets on fights occasionally but avoids flashy gambling.

“When I'm not working, I just want to go home and relax.” – Zayn [03:47]

3. Home Life in Pennsylvania: Neighbors, Animals & Hobbies

[07:15–13:09]

• Zayn enjoys the calmness, rarely leaves home, and describes friendly interactions with neighbors.
• Talks about his “farm”—turtles, chickens, cats, dogs—and the Internet’s obsession with his animals.
• Describes his foray into gardening and woodworking, including making hand-carved wooden gifts for his daughter Kai.

“That's why I like the space. Cause I can put the music as loud as I want and I'm not really disturbing anybody.” – Zayn [08:51]

4. On Simplicity & Authenticity

[13:45–17:39]

• Discusses the joy of being a beginner in new hobbies and growing through learning.
• Is open about his perfectionist streak but says he doesn’t aim to meet others’ expectations—only his own.

“I'm not doing things for other people's approval. You can't keep everybody happy… it's more important to like yourself.” – Zayn [17:25]

5. Masculinity, Vulnerability, and Fatherhood

[18:24–20:47]

• Zayn considers himself to have an unconventional, non-toxic relationship with masculinity, noting cultural progress over the last decade.
• Talks about the influence of being raised by women and becoming a father, which amplified his empathy and respect for women.

“I don't think, you know, 10 years ago, people, dudes are really out here being like, yo, I like cooking, you know, in my spare time, or I cry at Bluey...” – Zayn [19:03]

“Any woman I am having an interaction with...is somebody’s daughter or sister, you know, and just makes you approach that with a little bit more respect.” – Zayn [20:32]

6. Kai, Parenting & Breaking Cycles

[20:48–27:23]

• Shares hopes for his daughter Kai’s happiness, her dreams of being a K-pop star, and “overcompensating” with luxuries (e.g., $500 from the Tooth Fairy).
• Admits he expected to be a strict dad, but is a “complete pushover.”
• Reflects on providing a secure upbringing very different from his own.

“She looks at me a type of way and I just...melt a little bit and then just give it to her.” – Zayn [27:01]

7. On Being a Single Father & Reconnecting to His Inner Child

[27:23–28:47]

• Kai helps Zayn reconnect with his playful side through art, cartoons, and play.
• The only hard line? No glitter in the house.

“No glitter, though. Glitter's not allowed in my house.” – Zayn [28:11]

8. Becoming a Parent & The Transition to Adulthood

[31:21–32:47]

• Zayn describes being 27 and scared but excited to become a dad, thinking it would dramatically change him overnight.

“You take it a day at a time, and she's such an amazing human being that I just feel honored...to just be her dad and be around her.” – Zayn [32:23]

9. Dating as a Single, Private Dad

[33:14–39:37]

• Zayn is not currently dating, prefers privacy, and finds dating apps don't work for celebrities.
• Says he'd have to be very serious to introduce someone to Kai.
• Relishes single life, calling it “freeing,” not lonely, and says he’s finally comfortable being alone.

“It was freeing. I am that type of person who...runs on my own clock, answers to myself. So it was so freeing to me.” – Zayn [38:26]

10. Self-Development, Past Relationships, & Social Media

[39:59–49:06]

• Avoids seeking validation from others or social media—doesn’t have it on his phone.
• Talks about learning from past relationships and refusing to be “put on a play date” with other famous people for the sake of image.
• Notes the emptiness of social media validation.

“If it's not true, I don't give a shit...If I were going to sit there and go through all those things, I won't have any time in my day to do anything else.” – Zayn [48:22]

11. Solo Touring & Artistic Evolution

[49:06–52:17]

• Discusses the shift from performing with One Direction to solo shows—the adjustment from group dynamics to center stage.
• Admits he’s not a dancer; fans can expect strong vocals and honesty.

“Hopefully some decent vocals, not too much movement. Me just kind of stood center stage.” – Zayn [52:23]

12. New Album 'Konakole': Creative Process & Heritage

[53:21–61:36]

• Zayn details the making of Konakole, heavily influenced by Indian musical traditions and percussive vocal techniques.
• Explains using his voice for drum sounds; names “Used to the Blues,” “Side Effects,” and “Sideways” as standouts.
• Talks about vulnerability—admitting his own shortcomings in "Side Effects"—and balancing privacy with authenticity in songwriting.

“The new album Konakole is the derivative of a lot of inspiration from…my Indian heritage and culture...Conoco...is the act of creating percussive sounds with your voice.” – Zayn [53:29]

13. Personal Growth & Legacy

[61:36–63:29]

• Zayn expresses deep gratitude for fans still caring five albums into his solo career.
• Looks back at his journey from a 17-year-old auditioning for X-Factor, and what he’d tell his younger self.

“I wish I could go back to that 17-year-old version of me and say, well done, for being that brave...” – Zayn [63:09]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Simplicity:
  “I like my own thoughts. I like to do things myself, and I like to be in my own company. I'm not codependent like that at all.” – Zayn [37:58]

• On Self-acceptance:
  “At the end of the day, I think it's more important to like yourself.” – Zayn [17:39]

• On His Daughter, Kai:
  “Honestly, I just hope that she gets to do in life whatever she wishes to do and she's happy.” – Zayn [20:53]

• On His New Music:
  “I made a lot of the production out of my own voice...I’m singing like layers and layers of different vocals to make the beat.” – Zayn [54:34]

• On Love & Growth:
  “I have so much respect for this woman, and I do love her a crazy amount. But...I don’t think I was in love with her at that point. Otherwise I would have been a better version of myself.” – Zayn on his relationship with Gigi Hadid [44:39]

• On Anxiety & Mindfulness:
  “One thing I’ve learned since becoming a father is that it’s good to overcome them feelings...I'm a bit of a hypocrite if I'm not doing that myself.” – Zayn [45:18]

Episode Highlights with Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------------------|------------| | Welcome Back: PA memories & Vegas energy | 01:20–03:51| | Zayn’s animal “farm,” gardening, woodworking | 07:15–13:09| | Conversation on masculinity and vulnerability | 18:24–20:47| | Parenting style & Kai’s influence | 25:08–27:23| | Zayn on being single and self-sufficiency | 37:58–39:37| | Social media, privacy, and public image | 48:10–49:06| | Artistic evolution & the making of Konakole | 53:21–61:36| | Looking back at teenage Zayn | 62:08–63:29|

The Original Tone

The conversation is relaxed, humorous, and down-to-earth, with a strong sense of mutual respect and comfort between Zayn and Alex. Zayn is candid, self-reflective, and frank—taking pride in his quiet life and personal growth, but also poking fun at himself, sharing stories with warmth, and dropping gems about authenticity.

Summary for New Listeners

This episode offers an intimate, insightful portrait of Zayn Malik as both a solo artist and a single dad, at home on the farm or on stage in Vegas. The conversation is rich with advice, heartfelt stories, and unvarnished truths about fame, love, masculinity, and the freedom found in being true to yourself.

If you want a window into Zayn’s current mind—his creative process, philosophy on parenthood, comfort with solitude, and desire to evolve—this is an unmissable listen.

Next Steps:
Listen to the full episode for more stories and Zayn’s new single, "Die For Me" [66:28].
Follow @callherdaddy for updates and future episodes.