← CHEERS! with Avery Woods
CHEERS! with Avery Woods
daddy's home | alex cooper
01:09:46
Avery has Alex Cooper in the studio for a one year Unwell anniversary catch-up that is funny, real, and way more heartfelt than either of them expected. They rewind to their chaotic first meeting in Philly, talk about why they clicked instantly, and break down what building Unwell actually looks like behind the scenes. It is long hours, constant decisions, and caring about the details when nobody is watching.
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- [00:00]
Commercial Narrator
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- [00:29]
Alex Cooper
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- [01:01]
Avery Woods
Hi, welcome to Cheers. I'm your host, Avery Woods. Hey, guys. I have my boss here today.
- [01:16]
Alex Cooper
Stop it.
- [01:16]
Avery Woods
And I'm so. I don't know why I always call you that.
- [01:18]
Alex Cooper
It's kind of funny. I think because it's funny, but it's like, not true.
- [01:21]
Avery Woods
Yeah. So welcome. Alex Cooper. Thanks for being here.
- [01:24]
Alex Cooper
Oh, my God. Thank you so much for having me. Happy holidays.
- [01:26]
Avery Woods
Happy holidays. And happy one year of Mia Unwell.
- [01:29]
Alex Cooper
How crazy.
- [01:30]
Avery Woods
That's really nice.
- [01:31]
Alex Cooper
I feel like. It feels longer.
- [01:32]
Avery Woods
Yeah. And I also feel like I've known you longer than I really have.
- [01:36]
Alex Cooper
I kind of agree. It feels like it's been like at least a few years.
- [01:40]
Avery Woods
Yeah. And I don't know if that's just because every day feels so long because you and I work so much.
- [01:48]
Alex Cooper
Right.
- [01:48]
Avery Woods
And I don't think people see that.
- [01:50]
Alex Cooper
It's so true.
- [01:51]
Avery Woods
But also, like, when we're together, we know how to like, shoot the. And be real.
- [01:54]
Alex Cooper
Yes. Yeah. So I feel like the. I feel like when we met, we immediately clicked because we were talking like we were friends for years. And so I feel like that's naturally just progressed our relationship because we're really honest with each other about business things, real life shit. And by like our third hangout, I mean actually by our first hangout in Philly, we were like, wait, no, can we like, actually talk the real shit? Like this is blah, blah. And I think we were like, okay, we. I fudge with you.
- [02:20]
Avery Woods
What was your. Do you remember, like, our first, like, when we first met, our first interaction?
- [02:24]
Alex Cooper
Yes. Because it was in Philly. And I remember being like, okay, I hope that she's down by her content, it seems like she'll be down, but I wanted to basically chug alcohol with you out of a bong. And we were going to, like, bang on your door and wake you up, and, like, Grace and I were going to be like, wake up, motherfucker. And you were like, perfect. And then you got it all over your face and you were like, on the ground. And I was like, holy shit, she's a real ass bitch. And then when we had dinner later that night, also, I just felt like all of us were just having a lot of conversations about the industry and these things that you were so, like, forthright about your experiences and you didn't need to be, obviously. And you were just, like, very open and very honest person. And I remember Matt and I went to bed that night being like, oh, she's the real deal. Because especially, like, seeing you and Scotty together and how hard you guys work. And like, today I just showed up and you're like, these are the socials. This is what we're doing. Here we go. Like, I have such a true respect when I meet a creator who is not being moved by a bunch of people, but is actually, like, the true creative director of their own brand in their life. And that's what you are. So I immediately was like, oh, I love this girl.
- [03:34]
Avery Woods
That is really kind. Wow. I'm like, I'm clipping that for social.
- [03:38]
Alex Cooper
Perfect.
- [03:40]
Avery Woods
Yeah, I. I want to talk about. I. I told Jazzy, as soon as we were talking about doing this episode, there was a specific conversation I wanted to mention that I had with Matt privately, because I have carri me for literally a year, and I guess I just get really defensive of you and unwell because we both experience a lot of noise on the Internet from people that don't know us or have never met us, which is just. That's. It comes with the territory. That's just how it is.
- [04:12]
Alex Cooper
That's what we sign up for.
- [04:13]
Avery Woods
Yeah. And, like, it's like, you say people are still talking. Right. Whether it's positive or negative. But there are so many things online that I see that are just not true or that you're immediately blamed for. And it's hard for me to, like, hold my tongue. And I know you felt the same way about me, but one of the first conversations I ever had with Matt in private. Well, with you first, I want to say. Yeah, we were outside the elevator, and this was, like, a very profound moment for me. And I remember what I was wearing. I was next to Scott, and you told Me, you were like, you are one of the hardest workers I've ever met. And I was like, holy. Alex Cooper is telling me that. And that was really profound to me because I had never been told that before by anyone that I really admired or looked up to. And so that made me feel very validated because I know I work really hard, but you have so many opinions from the world that you feel less than or that you're not doing enough. But with Matt, and this was also a reason why I signed with Unwell. Like I had told you, I had multiple production offers in that first year of having a podcast. It was literally me and my best friend. We weren't, we didn't have any support from anyone. We were on Google, like, what's the best equipment? What mics do I buy? Like, how do I edit? We didn't know anything. And we were very, we felt very lucky to get these offers or like, seen by these production companies. But they wanted everything from us. They literally just wanted to take everything I've worked for and had the opportunity to replace me as a host, if that's what they wanted, if they wanted my show. Yeah. Unwell was the only company that didn't do that. And I think that's the difference when you're being run by someone who comes from where I'm at right now as a female podcast host and then starts this production company and you know what it's like to be taken advantage of. And my conversation with Matt is, he said, I've made it, Alex has made it. We have money, we have success, we have these successful businesses. And our reason for starting Unwell was to spread that success and give you guys every opportunity to have exactly what we have. And, and in this year, I've witnessed that come to life. And that was a very, like, monumental moment for me because I remember being like, wow, I can tell that he's genuine. But over the last year I've also seen that.
- [06:45]
Alex Cooper
Wow, that's crazy. I remember that conversation too, which I appreciate you sharing that. Cuz I don't really share, like, I think that I have such a great relationship with basically everyone that I've worked with. And of course there's gonna be outliers and that's also just like life. But I think it's so. It's weird to say that to people where you're like, I don't want anything from you because, like, we've both, Matt and I, yes, we have built our own things and that. And that can come off as pretentious but what we're really trying to say is, like, we don't need anything from you. We want to work with you because we believe in you. And we've worked so hard that we now have brand relationships that we know that we can kind of pass over to other people. And at this company, that it's kind of like all ships rise mentality. And so I'm so happy that you felt that because it has been really cool to see when I met you, to where you are now. And I also understand that when people are watching this, like, it may be at first you could think hard to relate, but it's really not. It's like when you started a job, any job, you find people that you can connect with and that people that you're like, oh, wow, we both have each other's backs here, and we're both trying to see each other succeed. I think in the creator landscape, it can be really, really isolating. And I will always credit Barstool because I was so fortunate to come up and I wasn't completely alienated. Yes. I was doing all the work. Like, Barstool really wasn't, like, editing or marketing or writing, but they were all there. And there was, like, a space to go in every day and, like, be in an office and you can. And again, like, I on it at the time, but I think when I left, I recognized how important having a little bit of a community in this really weird and isolating industry is. And so I've tried to build my 2.0 version of that on Unwell. And it's cool to see, like, you and Harry and everyone out there. And it kind of is like, this good community. I feel like that everyone feels supported, and it can be like, hey, do you mind coming on the pod this week? Like, I need a guest, and everyone kind of picks each other up. It's been really cool to see.
- [08:49]
Avery Woods
That's what I love is, like, even though I'm contractually obligated to go to a certain amount of unwell events a year, like, I did more than I was contractually obligated. Obligated to do last year, because I genuinely want to be there with the people.
- [09:03]
Alex Cooper
Yeah.
- [09:04]
Avery Woods
Like, it's. There's no competition. There's no mean girl vibes or energy. Like, everyone just encourages each other, even on the east coast, like, Halle. And, like, we all just, like, love each other, Grace.
- [09:15]
Alex Cooper
And it's great content. Yes. It's like, for all of us, we need content, original content every week. So I think that's also what's been fun is now integrating even people that aren't technically signed to Unwell. I think people have now seen like familiar faces start to arise at events because it's advantageous kind of for everyone. Everyone gets to come, gets to be seen on socials, the views are up, everyone's getting to create their organic content. And then what's kind of exploded in this past year is now Matt and I having these relationships now with these brands that were like, hey guys, we have a white Claw deal that we have X amount of extra dollars that we want to allocate. Would you be interested in doing a post when we're in Vegas and we'll pay you X amount of money? And so we're connecting other influencers and creators with brands that maybe they wouldn't have had that ability to get that certain number because it's being packaged with Unwell, which is so cool. And I'm so happy that we're able that for some of these creators.
- [10:05]
Avery Woods
Yeah, I mean you and I talked like a year ago when you were like, do you really like those Bose headphones? And I was like, dude, I literally threw my Apple ones out because they gave me the worst.
- [10:13]
Alex Cooper
I remember this.
- [10:14]
Avery Woods
And I have been advertising for those headphones for free for who knows how long. And then we went to. Were we in Vegas?
- [10:21]
Alex Cooper
Yep, you got that Vegas and I.
- [10:22]
Avery Woods
Got that Bose deal. And I was like, hell yeah, Alex, pay my bills.
- [10:26]
Alex Cooper
No, it's, it's really fun. And I think that's like, there's just so much. And I'm sure you feel this way, like the Internet is so confusing because you are creating content every week, but you can't be sharing 100 of yourself. And then as you go through this industry, you also recognize you don't want to share every part of yourself because you do need to hold things back again. Just like every job, you're not 100 yourself. When you walk into your job, when you're at your 9 to 5, you're one way with your bosses and your co workers and then you go home to your family and you have that turn off switch. You have to find that in this industry. And so I think unfortunately though, it can become confusing to an audience. If she feels off that day in that video or she feels different in that video, they're not seeing 100% your progression. So there's a lot of noise. But now I'm like meeting with other creators and creators we want to sign. And I think half of it is they're like, wait, can you just give me advice? Like, half the reason I want to come to Unwell is so that I can like talk to all of you because like my mental health is down. This is so fudgeing, alienating. I can do no right on the Internet. I don't know what to do. And I think sometimes you just need to be like, you know, you're not the only one.
- [11:32]
Avery Woods
Okay, so talking about talent that you are looking at, signing, what made you want to sign me?
- [11:39]
Alex Cooper
So when I spoke to my head of podcasting, Rory, we had a meeting and every month I would say we go through a slate of people we're interested in and then she will take general meetings and then she'll distill that information down to me and I'll even either have a meeting with them or I'm like, I trust you. I've gone through scrolled enough. I see the potential. And when I recognized through Rory that you were doing a podcast for a year all by yourself, I was like, any single person at this point in the game can do short form content. It's like you throw it up and you then go make your breakfast. And someone who is able to establish an audience and maintain an audience and grow an audience and create brand recognition in long form. And it's very far and few between. I would say if you look at most of the podcasts that have been started, they're usually done in the first year to three years or it's. They make it about 10 to 12 episodes and it's over. And so when I recognize that you were doing that on your own, I immediately felt a connection to you because that's how I started of like me and my old co host, like sitting there, I'm plugging in the wires, I'm fixing the cameras. We were doing it all ourselves. And it's like that means you actually give a fuck about the product and you're not doing it because someone just handed you a microphone and a contract and you're like, I guess I have to show up every week. You were doing it on your own terms. And I think that was really interesting to me because I know that takes work ethic.
- [13:05]
Avery Woods
Yeah. So now looking at people who potentially you'd want to bring on to unwell because I'm sure people maybe have that as like on their vision board or something they inspire to do, aspire to do. What do you look for? Like, what, what are you keeping your eyes out for for people when joining the network?
- [13:24]
Alex Cooper
Well, I'll be Honest, when we first started, I think a lot of it obviously was like, go for poppy names. Like go for names that will make noise. Because when you're starting a brand and a business, you need to have noise and you need to have people be like, oh, like you're paying attention. And now as I've watched kind of the trajectory of being a talent myself, working with other talent, I think a lot of my hesitation around short form creators is can you maintain long form every single week? Because as you know, TikTok doesn't feel like a full time job because you can do it from anywhere. Doing a podcast, it's like, who is your guest? Are you writing your interviews? Are you in the post edit process? Are you in the pre production process? Are you doing the marketing? Are you helping? It's like there's so much that goes into it in a big business capacity. You do have ads that you have to sit down and record every single week. So there's a level of structure that is required in a podcast, the level that I'm trying to produce these shows at rather than just being an influencer. And so I think now the bar is like, I am now making people do three episodes fully. Like they can come into the studio, they can record them. We've had people come and record podcasts and we watch their pilots and then we have them do another one if we are trying to figure it out. Because I think I can't just now blindly look at oh, this person, person's poppy on TikTok. A lot of times the conversion rate isn't there. So you have to have an authentic voice, but you also have to have the work ethic is really what I'm looking for.
- [14:51]
Avery Woods
It's also tick tock. Like when I'm recording a tick tock, I have like a hundred cuts. Right. It's hard for short form content creators to sit down for an hour and have a conversation because it's a completely different world. Yeah, it's so different. And also like thinking quick on your feet, especially if you're interviewing because you know how that is. Like you can't just like look at your cards and read off of script.
- [15:15]
Alex Cooper
Right. You need to be prepped, you have.
- [15:17]
Avery Woods
To be able to think on your feet. You have to be able to be open to a different conversation. Sparking and like, can you hold it? Is it interesting?
- [15:24]
Alex Cooper
Yeah. And that's why I think too, like we, when we started unwell and still to this day we have a little bit of this, but we have kind of this sliding scale where we have some talent, like you who came in, and Rory and I always joke, we're like, you're literally one of our favorite talent because you basically do everything on your own. And so a lot of shows, then we also have the other side, where they want to sit down and have the producer write them their scripts and then edit their clips, and they won't watch their content back so that the episode just goes up and the producer makes the final decisions. And although that's okay, I'm not really looking for that, because I think I'm looking to build brands with people and help people build brands. And I think if you're only half in, that's a problem. Like, podcasting is my day job. I am a podcaster. That is what I do for a living. And I think when it's people's side, hustle is when it does not build to the degree that people think it should. And they're like, why isn't it working? And it's like, because people can tell you don't really give a about your podcast. People can tell you're not that invested. And I think no one can ever say with call her daddy. That, like, that girl doesn't care. Like, you can call me annoying. You can say, I'm bad at interviewing. I totally get it. Everyone has their opinion about me, but I don't think anyone would be like, yeah, she doesn't really, like, put that much in to call her daddy. It's my baby, and it will always be.
- [16:41]
Avery Woods
I think people underestimate the amount of time and effort it takes behind the scenes. Like, on Scott's work computer, he'll send me things. So, like, my text thread on my phone is every social clip, and I'm like, thumbs up or thumbs down each one. I'm like, hey, let's do this. Or I feel like we don't have enough good clicky stuff. Social clips. So let's watch the whole episode back again. Like, Jazzy can attest to this too. Who's sitting here? Like, my last episode I watched, I literally sent a notes folder with, like, 20 social options. But, like, that's what I do when my kids are in bed. Like, my kids are down. It's 8 o'. Clock, I'm in bed. I have headphones. Like, we were just driving to Santa Barbara for Thanksgiving. And on the radio, my kids are on their tablets. Like, turn that down. Because I'm listening to my own podcast episode, writing down social clips and, like, sending pictures of Scott. People don't see that side of it, right?
- [17:33]
Alex Cooper
And I think it's like, what's so amazing, though, about you doing that, Avery, is like, that's. Now you're a marketer. I think back to my Whitney and Mark Dancing with the Stars moment, the way my entire team was supposed to have off that week because we hadn't taken one week off for the year. And I get four weeks off every year because I do technically 48 main episodes a year. And we had done 50 fucking two. And they're like, we hate you, Alan. Literally. God bless. My producer and best friend Lauren was like, hey. And it was a great year. We didn't have an opportunity to take off. And Lauren was like, okay, I think that we can take off for Thanksgiving. And I was like, totally. I call her on Thursday. And I'm like, lauren, I'm so sorry, but we're not taking off next week. And she's like, here we go. What now?
- [18:24]
Avery Woods
Which I love her, by the way.
- [18:25]
Alex Cooper
I love her. She will drop everything. And she's like, let's go. And I was like, we are going to Mark and Whitney's freestyle in 64 hours. I walked into this office, I turned to Matt, my head of production, my head of marketing, and my head of brand partnerships, and I said, we need to book a studio. We need to get an entire crew lighting, everything. We need to find a dp, a director, and we also need to get all the colored daddy stuff moved there, lighting, all of it. And this needs to happen in 24 hours so we can build the whole set. And my whole team was, like, on it. And we pushed and pushed and pushed, and then we got it done. And it was so cool to see how the world reacted to the episode. But it was funny because I didn't like. Of course I loved the episode, but my pride came from my team coming together and coming up with the way that we were going to shoot the dance. And Mark is a genius. And all these things happening behind the scenes and then the marketing that went into those promos. Avery, I was up at 3am with my editor and I am moving clips of, like, how do we have Mark reading the hate messages he was getting online with insane music that I'm finding on the sound free cloud. Whatever the. I was in heaven as a creator and I recognize people probably think someone else edited these things or someone else was doing this. I was like, oh, it was all me and my small little team and we did it together.
- [19:45]
Avery Woods
Well, first of all, I literally cried at their dance. Like, it was that dance. And I know Whitney personally and so it really like it resonated with me so much because I knew how much she wanted it. But I kudos to you for doing that for her because she deserved to have her moment mark too.
- [20:00]
Alex Cooper
And what's so cool. And I think again, it's all how you see it in perspective. But like I saw people in the comments being like, why did they get to do it? And whatever. It's like that's what's so cool about the way the industry has changed. It's like every other person that didn't get to do their freestyle, they can go do that. Go do your freestyle. You have the Internet, you have go on someone else's podcast, rent a space, go do it in the street for free. Like there's ways that you can do it. I just happen to ask them on because they were the most poppy people obviously in the zeitgeist at the time. And that's very call her daddy esque. But everyone can do whatever the they want on the Internet. So like go do it.
- [20:36]
Avery Woods
Yeah. So I want to talk about what you said too, about like the time that I put in. But like exactly what you're saying. The time you put into what I have come to learn. I can hire a hundred people. No one cares about your brand and your name and your livelihood like you do. And people can help you and work their asses off. And I'm so grateful for the people that we have surrounding us. But like at the end of the day, it is my name. At the end of the day it is your name. Which is why we're up till 3am and making these edits and working so hard. It's because it doesn't fall on any of them. It falls on us. And I think people don't see that, that we really put so much into it because it's our brand.
- [21:23]
Alex Cooper
Yeah. Yeah. And I think, I think for a while it's so interesting being a woman in this industry. Like I think for a while I tried so hard to overstate that about myself. Like I edit it myself. I, I'm producing it, I'm writing it, I'm directing it, I'm hosting it, I'm in pre production, post production marketing it. And I think that, I think because I felt like I needed to say that because I felt like. And it sucks because it's not really. Men aren't even a part of the conversation anymore. It's like other women trying to make you feel like, oh, you're just Like a podcaster, whatever. It's like, how about instead of comparing, like, oh, she's just a podcaster. How incredible that we as women are working nowadays if you choose to. And how incredible that we're getting to do something we're so passionate about and that we love and that is making our families money. And, and I'm doing things that I never could have dreamt of. So I think I felt like I had to over explain just because people made me feel like, oh, she's just that sex podcast or she's just this. So I kind of overcompensated for a while. I would say now having been in this industry for eight plus years, I don't think I've ever met a creator that is the way they are fully on camera as they are off. And I'm not saying it's fake, it's just again, like we talked about going to work first when you get home. It's just, just it's not the same. And so no one's ever going to be completely perceived the exact way of who they actually are. And it took me a really long time to kind of let that go. And I think the turning point for me was when I started this company. Prior to that I was a creator who was sitting in my room reading the comments. Now I show up to a company that has about a hundred employees and when I go upstairs to my executives, I have a head of marketing, I have a CEO, I have a cfo, I have a president, I have a head of brand partnerships, I have a head of film, I have a head of TV all and most all of them are women. All of these women are business women showing up to work every single day trying to build this brand with me. It kind of has allowed me to remove myself and looking at myself as like poor old little old Alex and more look at myself as a brand that we're all collectively building this thing together. And so I don't have time anymore to feel bad if someone's misunderstanding more me because I literally don't have time. I'm running a company. I'm. And I'm also like all these people are paying for their families and their lives through working at this company. So I think just the distance but also the community of a company has weirdly like really put in perspective. It doesn't really matter, of course, unless you're doing something horrible. It doesn't really matter if people misunderstand me.
- [24:07]
Avery Woods
What's your proudest moment this year with Unwell? What's what was a moment that you were like, wow, I'm so proud of that, or like so huge for us.
- [24:16]
Alex Cooper
I think starting the agency. So because the landscape in business is changing so drastically because of all of these conglomerates that are these huge industry names that you would think of that were running TV and film for so many years, it's, it's kind of falling apart. And now everyone is looking to social media and creators to amplify brands now instead of TV shows and traditional marketing. I think what I started to recognize when we were integrating brand deals into live events and the podcasts and all these things that we were doing that these brands hire, a lot of times if you're doing like a huge 360 deal, they'll hire outside agencies to help work with unwell. And every time they were hiring these agencies, we were like, I'm not to be addicted. I was like, these people just don't get it. Like, these people either are too old that they're not understanding how social media moves, or they just don't get our brand, they don't get our voice. And so what, what happened is we had two huge brand deals and the brands ended up firing the agencies that they had hired and they were like, you guys just take it on. And Matt and I, over dinner one night, we were like, we are a creative agency at this point, so why are we not just taking that in house? And so we hired a head of our creative agency, we've hired designers, we've hired all these people. And then our first multi year brand deal, we signed with Google and we were like, oh my God, like, by the way, that phone slays the camera.
- [25:43]
Avery Woods
Every time I'm in office. I'm like, who's got the Google pixel?
- [25:46]
Alex Cooper
The camera, it's so good. It's beyond. I know. And so that to me is kind of a pinch me moment because I started as the sex podcast girl talking about blowjobs. And I think everyone hates to see a woman like evolve and change because, like, we have to say the same as we were because it's too disorienting for people to be like, she grew, she changed, she must be fake. I'm so proud that I have grown to the point where I started this brand and I was so young and I was 20 and I was authentic and I, my co host and I were talking about sex and raunch because that was my life. And now I've gotten older and I'm 31 and now I'm a businesswoman and.
- [26:24]
Avery Woods
Balancing that with Call Her Daddy, which is Golden Globe nominated. How are you feeling? Like, dude, when I saw that, I was, like, screaming for you.
- [26:33]
Alex Cooper
I feel so. I. I feel so honored. I feel so. I think everyone has this, like, we all still feel like the girl in our hometown where we grew up, or you all still feel like the girl in your first job, right? And, like, no one sees fully that transition. So, like, I still feel like the girl that was depressed at my sales job, like, writing down YouTube ideas. So when you see the Golden Globes, like, as someone who watched that growing up, I think there's a. A part of me that's so proud and honored. And then there's the other part that, like, has a hard time, like, computing that. That's, like, my reality. I think it's less. Also about me. I think I'm so happy that podcasting is finally getting its flowers. I think that because the industry has changed so much over the past few years, there is no denying that podcasting, without a doubt has been shaping culture and creating conversation in a way that goes toe to toe with film and TV now. And you couldn't even say that years ago. So how cool that we're in an industry that's so fresh and new, but also is so impactful.
- [27:35]
Avery Woods
And I love seeing that you're getting your flowers because your hard work's paying off because you do do so much behind the scenes.
- [27:40]
Alex Cooper
Thank you.
- [27:41]
Avery Woods
And you deserve to be recognized.
- [27:42]
Alex Cooper
Thank you. Support for Unwell comes from Google Pixel. Okay, so I recently had one of those Sundays where I convinced myself it was a great idea to reorganize my entire closet. And of course, halfway through, I found myself sitting on the floor surrounded by clothes, completely overwhelmed. So I pulled out my Google Pixel 10 Pro because it comes with Gemini built in on the phone. I launched my camera using Gemini Live, showed it my crazy closet, and I asked for help. And immediately it hit me up with all sorts of pro organizing tips like what to hang, how to fold stuff, and even helped me decide which items to donate and where to drop them off. It was a lifesaver, ladies. Okay? But while I was neck deep in hoodies, I totally lost track of time until I got a text from Mat saying, hey, what is the address for dinner tonight? Fortunately, the Google Pixel has this feature called Magic Cue that just pulls up the info you need without you having to dig through old emails and stuff. It popped the address right into my text for me, and tap it was sent. Daddy Gang, we could all use a little help making Sundays less scary. So get outside of your comfort phone and try the Google Pixel 10 Pro. Check it out@google store.com these AI features are for users. 18/ check responses. Availability and results vary.
- [29:06]
Commercial Narrator
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- [29:35]
Avery Woods
Let's chit chat about our flirty friends over at Tinder. Tinder just launched a new photo prompt feature that's changing the crush game and making it easier for you to be your authentic self next to your already stunning photos. You now have the option to include a prompt like my villain origin story or pov, you just met me. Be silly. Be deep. Be the mysterious cool person who occasionally has bangs. It's your journey. Tinder. It starts with a swipe. Download Tinder today. What was a moment this year that felt risky but paid off?
- [30:04]
Alex Cooper
Oh, that's a good question. Risky but paid off. Oh my God. I'm trying to like rewind my year. I feel like there's been so much that's happened. I think that this past year when we threw our biggest event in Vegas, I was shitting bricks a little bit. And Matt's good at being like, it's gonna be okay. And I'm like, yeah, but Matt, it's not your name. And he's like, I know, but you're my wife, so I have to lay next to you at night. Okay? And so I'm not gonna let you fail. Like, we've got this. We're a team. There's nothing like live and having the amount of people at this company get together in all hands, meetings, being like, like we have production, we have handlers for every single talent. When Kathy Hilton arrives at the win, who is going to physically greet her out of her car? Walk her up to make sure that the check in process is smooth? Walk her up to her room? Is her room perfect? Every single unwell person that works at this company was personally in the rooms of all of these people checking it, decking out, making sure it was perfect. Then we're like, Paris, is DJing? Is her glam room ready? Is all this ready? Oh, by the way, we have White Claw and Arby's and all these sponsors we need to make happy. Are we Getting the delivery deliverables done. Oh, oh, by the way, we also have a live show tonight that none of us have been able to practice. We're all coming together last minute because all of us live in different locations. This isn't like a tour that we're going on. This is a one night thing. So we have Meredith Marks and we have Heather McMahon. We've all these crazy amazing personalities coming together and we wrote a show for all of these random people and we're like, I hope this works. And so to put ourselves on the line because all you think is there's. It takes one fucking person online to be like, that was horrible or that was boring, or that was a disaster or people were too drunk and throwing up or someone got drugged. God forbid. Like that's all on unwell. Everyone's health, everyone's security, everyone's everything. And so I get nervous with live, but it's one of the most rewarding when you get to meet fans and audience in person. There is nothing like it.
- [32:18]
Avery Woods
You are so involved live. It actually really scares me sometimes. Like Matt and I were hiding in a corner under this like two feet wide little shelter because it was pouring rain and he's like blocking me in because I'm like in a bathing suit. Cover up and you're like, out with the fans.
- [32:39]
Alex Cooper
No, you know what? That moment was so crazy. So backstory. Tara Yummy's coming in. We're so excited. Like, we have range, we have Gen Z and then we have, like I said, we have the housewives, we have Kathy Hilton, we have all these Sonja Morgan and Tara Yummy's gonna come out and DJ and the weather is becoming horrible and it's the first day of the pool party and it's Vegas. Who the thought it was gonna rain? And again, as an event brand party planner, we're all looking at each other. And my head of finance and production and marketing and social and podcasting, we're all looking at each other like, like, what do we do? What do we do? Cuz some of these women just flew in from different countries. Some of these people are from Canada. Some like all around the world these women flew in and I'm like, we got to just keep going. So Tara comes out and right when she comes out, it is actually torrential downpour, you guys. And I look around and I can see the crowd kind of like, we're not going to leave if you're not going to leave.
- [33:35]
Avery Woods
Yeah. They're like.
- [33:36]
Alex Cooper
So I literally look at my team and I look at Matt and I say, bye. I go down into the mosh pit. I watch Tara's set from the mosh pit with the people. I'm dancing with girls. We rain soaked everything. And then slowly, I'm watching these girls be like, oh, my God. Like, I just dance in the rain to Tara. Yummy DJ set with Alex Cooper. Like, this is so fun. And that to me, I would do it over and over and over again because it was like, they paid to be here. I am going to do whatever the it takes to make sure those women have a good time. And so you can scroll for as long as you want, but there's a difference when you meet people. I now have girls all across the country that like, the Boston Daddy Gang. I'm in a group chat with them on Instagram, and I'm obsessed with all of you. Shout out. They're. They're always showing up. So I know these women now by name, and it's like, it's really cool. I. It. But risky.
- [34:33]
Avery Woods
I have the same response to anyone that stops me for a photo and says, I'm so sorry to ask, but can we take a photo? My response is, literally, you give me a job.
- [34:40]
Alex Cooper
Yes.
- [34:41]
Avery Woods
And there are those people and you know who they are that are like, I like, no pictures. I'm like, you're not that cool. Like, you're not too cool to not respect the people that give you your career.
- [34:53]
Alex Cooper
But don't you think, Avery, that That, to me, is someone. Sure, there's people that are, like, actually just fucking dicks. But I think that there's. People are so fixated on image and trying to create this vibe of, like, I'm not accessible. Like, don't take pictures with me. The cool girl aesthetic. And I think it's tired a little bit. Cause it's like, I actually know that the person probably saying that I'm like, girl, you dreamt of this moment, and you're. And I get it. It's a vibe because you're trying to be like, don't take pictures of me. But it's like, no, come on. That's so cool. And you know it's cool. And they're leaning into being too cool for school. When it's like that. I just. I will never be that.
- [35:37]
Avery Woods
I will never forget the first event, which was the Philly event that we did. And we were up taking shots, and you were like, no, come on, we're going down. And I said, going down where? And you were like, to the. To the. Like, to Everyone, like where the hundreds and thousands of people of screaming girls are going like, come on. And you literally took me and I.
- [36:03]
Alex Cooper
Was like, Ivory was really like, okay, okay. And I'm with the people. And you're literally like, okay, this is how we do it.
- [36:09]
Avery Woods
Yeah. But it was so fun. And I was like, wow, I respect her so much for doing that because it does take a lot. And it also like, I hate to say it, but in this world, like, it's really scary being in a public place like that. As a public figure.
- [36:21]
Alex Cooper
It is terrifying. And I think everything like now I'm like, I need to be smarter about like security in not in terms of even just me, just like for events. And so Vegas, we were like buttoned the to the top with security. Not for just the celebrities or influencers or creators, but for the people also. It's like any large gathering scares me.
- [36:39]
Avery Woods
No, you guys were so good with it. And shout out to Kathy Hilton.
- [36:43]
Alex Cooper
Honestly, I know I keep dropping your names. I'm like, God damn, you're good.
- [36:46]
Avery Woods
She like saved me one time because I, a fan like pulled me aside and so I'm like talking, taking photos. And then like I got mobbed.
- [36:55]
Alex Cooper
Yep.
- [36:56]
Avery Woods
Which was so fun. And then I looked around and everyone was gone. And I was like, oh, no, Scott. Like, what do we do? So we're like running to the elevators and Kathy literally took me with her security in the elevator and was like, you're coming with me.
- [37:07]
Alex Cooper
No, she's so.
- [37:08]
Avery Woods
And I was like, you're such a g for that.
- [37:10]
Alex Cooper
I am. She's just the best. The fact that she was like, oh yeah, Rick and I come to Vegas all the time. I was like, like, okay, Kathy. No, she's one of my favorites.
- [37:18]
Avery Woods
I need a solo Vegas experience with Kathy.
- [37:20]
Alex Cooper
I need to have a sleepover with Kathy Hilton. Okay. That's my goal.
- [37:23]
Avery Woods
It's really just amazing. Okay, so being such a, being a female in such a heavily male dominated career, people have so many opinions. Why do you think people hone in on being so negative about you?
- [37:44]
Alex Cooper
Oh, that's a good question.
- [37:46]
Avery Woods
Because there is so much more love than hate. And I don't ever like to focus on.
- [37:49]
Alex Cooper
Yeah, yeah, yeah, you.
- [37:50]
Avery Woods
I, I experienced the same thing, just like on a much smaller scale.
- [37:54]
Alex Cooper
Yeah, I think it's be. I think it's my personality. I think I'm really like, I just don't care. I'll be honest. I think I remember like maybe two years ago or something I would go into interviews and try to like okay, I'm gonna go into this interview and be, like, just super, super, like, calm and, like, not confident when I speak and be like, I don't know. I'm just so grateful to be here. And, like, it's crazy that, like, all this has happened, and, like, I don't know how it happened. I got really lucky, and then I'm. I tried every time, and I'm like, that's just not the truth. I worked my ass off. I deserve where I am. People can disagree. Like, I. I do deserve, I think, what I have built, and it's because I work my ass off. And I've sacrificed a lot. And I've sacrificed a lot. And I also know I'm so privileged to be where I'm at now. And so. But there's that always that balance of, like, the amount that Matt and I give back. We don't do it publicly because to me, it feels like we have bags.
- [38:53]
Avery Woods
And bags and bags over here filled for women at a domestic violence shelter that are moms that need supplies. Like, those aren't that. That's just, like, one of many things that you're doing around.
- [39:06]
Alex Cooper
But it's hard because you're like. To me, it feels performative. And then you'll see people being like, oh, my God. But all these people giving back. And I'm like, okay, so should I post it?
- [39:13]
Avery Woods
Also, the more successful you are, the more you're pissing off people, because they hate to see you succeed. And you have had such a huge year. Yeah. And it. That's just. But like, you said, like, they're still talking. Yeah, they're still talking. And you have grown. Even after being in this industry for so long, the fact that you've grown so much just this year alone after doing it for so long is a huge testament to how hard you work, because it is really hard. Usually people, like, hit that plateau. Yeah. And they'll stay there.
- [39:43]
Alex Cooper
Yeah.
- [39:43]
Avery Woods
And their bills are paid, and they're happy, whatever. But, like, you're constantly.
- [39:47]
Alex Cooper
Thank you. Matt and I had that conversation the other night when the Whitney and Mark thing happened. He was like, you don't need to do this. Like, we're literally about to be on vacation. And I was like, I love this shit. There is nothing I love more than deciding on a guest who I know it's gonna, like, shake the Internet up and getting them in the studio and building all of the marketing plan around it and having the promo and sitting there and being like, oh, my God, no one knows. This is about to come and I'm gonna press post and the whole Internet is gonna be talking about this. Like, I love that. I love creating content like that. So the money is incredible. It has changed my life. It has changed my family's life. I am beyond grateful. But it's not about the money. Is not why I started this. And it's still not. It's like, I'm gonna keep doing this. Like, I just had a whole meeting with my team be like, what is 2026 and 2027 look like for caller daddy? We have to up the game. We have to keep innovating, we have to keep changing. Because it, it, I will say, like, it's cool to see. There are a lot of people who have taken things from call her daddy, whether it's marketing or teasers or formatting and like, it has been copied. And I'm not saying that in like a put down way. It's like, like it has been.
- [41:02]
Avery Woods
It's a trend.
- [41:02]
Alex Cooper
It's. It's started trends. Yeah. And so I think it's cool that I'm competitive with myself. I'm like, so what's next? And so it's never stopping.
- [41:10]
Avery Woods
Avery, I also think going back to what you were talking about getting hate, I wanted to add something and that's having met your parents and spent quite a bit of time with them.
- [41:20]
Alex Cooper
So cute.
- [41:21]
Avery Woods
That is another reason why I feel like you have such a great head on your shoulders. Like, they are the kindest, most humble, proud humans. Like, do people know that they're like, moving or have.
- [41:34]
Alex Cooper
Yeah, I, I told them that they moved to la. Okay.
- [41:36]
Avery Woods
And because that was like, your mom was so proud to tell me that a year ago that you guys were moving them out here. And like, obviously when the time comes where she has grandbabies to help raise.
- [41:47]
Alex Cooper
And like, no, I'm so lucky.
- [41:48]
Avery Woods
She is incredible. And also that's why you're so emotionally intelligent and able to handle the shit that comes your way online is because that was her job and she raised you to, like, know your feelings and how to be open about it and therapy is okay.
- [42:03]
Alex Cooper
No, I will never take for granted that I have so many friends. I have so many people around me like, that don't have this, like, it is such a privilege the way that I was raised with my parents being in love and being incredible parents. Like, I now being especially in this industry and how it just actually takes out a sledgehammer to your mental health, I don't think I would be able to be as successful If I did not have my family, like, once it's Friday, Matt and I go to my parents and we have dinner and my brother comes over and his fiance's there and my sister's there. And it's like I hang out with my family and that's my reality. I don't know how they've done it. They've done such an incredible job. But I recognize there are so many people who get into this industry and it starts as sparkles and everything, but the minute it. You are in it for a second, you need a huge support system behind the scenes because it is a mental fucking war zone out there. And to have people that are like, hey, hey, hey, literally, this is your reality, like, you're our daughter, this is your life, this is. That's it. A lot of people don't have that. And I commend you because, I mean, God damn, you've been fucking getting it online. And I mean. And I went, what's new? Yeah, you're like, wait, it's been years. But it's like, like knowing you and seeing you and your husband and your kids and when I met you, the way that you talk about where you guys have come from, that is also something people think they want to see. And then they don't want to see you leaving Arizona and getting to move to LA and buying a house and providing for your kids and giving them this life. They want it to a point for you. But if you're not doing it exactly on their terms, they don't like that. They don't like seeing you're not the exact same as you were here. Oh, you're acting fake or you're acting this. I think we have to start to act. Well, why do you think people are acting a little certain, different? It's because when you read thousands of comments of people dissecting your face and your body and the way you're doing things, and there's been trauma, there is no right playbook. So having a little bit of grace, I think for women, when you see women online, trying to figure it out instead of actually tearing them down even more, be like, like, she probably needs a positive comment right now. She could be going through something.
- [44:22]
Avery Woods
Yeah. And that's like I have pulled back like you have when it comes to my personal life, just because it will be picked apart either way. But what you said on one of your. I think it was Bethany's interview about being a Sims character.
- [44:37]
Alex Cooper
Yes.
- [44:38]
Avery Woods
That resonated with me so much because I. I started to treat it more like a job, and it used to be my entire livelihood and consume me. And the second I put my phone down and opened my eyes and looked up to from where I was, I mean, five days before my C section with Stevie working full time in the pandemic, I used the same N95 mask for nine months. I was doing chest compressions nine months pregnant, sweat dripping down my eyes, and I was lucky if I broke 60k a year. So that was my life 3 years ago. So it's like, why am I going to let these people that have never even sat in front of me and had a conversation or seen who I am behind the scenes make me want to? I mean, it's gotten to a point where I'm like, do I even want to be here anymore? Let alone, why can't I enjoy my life with my kids and this successful business that I've built? I can't let them win. Like, you can't let them take that away from you so hard.
- [45:44]
Alex Cooper
And so that's where, and I hope for you in 2026, because I know you are a tough. You're gonna find your, you're gonna find your groove. You're gonna find it because trust me, I've gone through it, and I can feel you in it right now. You're gonna hit that groove again where I, I, I feel you right now and tell me if I'm overstepping, but I can feel you right now where you are, are under this microscope and people are fucking picking at you every five seconds. She looks different. She's, she looks like, she's like, fake on the Internet now, and her videos are different and, oh, my God, she looks like she's a robot and all these things. You're just trying to figure out your new normal because your life has changed. Listen to what you just said in the pandemic to where you are now. You do not know what to do. You have two children. You have a husband. You have a life life. You also have a career that also impedes on your life. Like, it's fucking confusing. So give yourself some grace this year to just try to find a way back to that girl in Arizona who loved picking up the camera. Whether it's, we're not looking at comment sections anymore or whatever it fucking is, I want for you to find that again. And I'm not saying it's easy, but I can see, I can see you're going through it. And I love you. And I'm sorry.
- [47:01]
Avery Woods
Yeah, it's a lot. Anywho's it? Even though we're reeling back from your personal life, I know you talked about not having kids right now. When you do.
- [47:11]
Alex Cooper
Yes.
- [47:13]
Avery Woods
Do you have a plan of balancing like work, life, mom life, nannies, that kind of thing?
- [47:19]
Alex Cooper
Matt and I have talked about it a lot because I think that when it comes to having kids, I absolutely want to continue to work. It's not even a question. My mom worked as I, you know, grew up, my dad worked. Like I come from watching both of parents have careers for that's just for me personally, I, I think that I have too much I want to continue to do as an individual that I think I would not be the best mother and the best version of myself if I stopped working. I want my kids to feel, I want my kids to feel like their creative mom and their like boss mom and all those things. That isn't to say that. Then you're like, yes, of course I'm going to need help. Right. And Matt and I have talked about it. Absolutely. We are going to have help. Yes.
- [48:09]
Avery Woods
And can I be part time nanny?
- [48:11]
Alex Cooper
Yeah, you can come. I'm like, you can live. You can. Yeah. No, literally you're like, can I come over? Yes. But I think, and that's something I again, what this life has afforded me is help, but in no way, shape or form will I not be present with my children.
- [48:29]
Avery Woods
And we have such a flexible job where like you can take your baby to the office, you can work from home.
- [48:33]
Alex Cooper
Support for Unwell comes from Google Pix. Okay, daddy gang, listen to me. Let me set the scene. You are on a girls trip. Everyone's dressed up, it's the perfect golden hour lighting. And somehow it is impossible to get a group photo where everyone looks good. Okay? One person's blinking, another hates their angle. And of course the one where you look amazing is the one that your friends absolutely hate. So relatable. That is where The Google Pixel 10 Pro's camera comes in. This thing is wild. Let me explain it to you, okay? It has auto Best Take that automatically finds and combines similar photos into one where everyone looks great. I know this is literally a dream. So all of those blinks and look aways are replaced with picture perfect smiles. And you know how you always take great photos of your friends but they can't seem to take a decent picture of you? Well, the Google Pixel has a feature called Camera Coach that literally coaches you on how to take the best photo. Left, right, zoom in, step back. It maps it all out. So when you ask someone to take a photo of you. You know it's going to look good. It's the girls trip essential I didn't know I needed. But now I've got it. So yeah, get outside of your comfort phone and try the Google Pixel 10 Pro. Check it out at google store.com camera coach results may vary.
- [49:56]
Avery Woods
Let's chit chat about our flirty friends over at Tinder. Tinder just launched a new photo prompt feature that's changing the crush game and making it easier for you to be your authentic self next to your already stunning photos. You now have the option to include a prompt like my villain origin story or POV you just met me. Be silly. Be deep. Be the mysterious cool person who occasionally has bangs. It's your journey. Tinder. It starts with a swipe. Download Tinder today.
- [50:21]
Commercial Voice
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- [50:46]
Avery Woods
Will you show your kids online?
- [50:48]
Alex Cooper
No. I've thought about it to the point where I don't know if I will even let people know like their name or the sex.
- [50:58]
Avery Woods
I love it.
- [50:58]
Alex Cooper
I think that I talk to Bobby.
- [51:00]
Avery Woods
About Bobby Altoff all the time about this because we just had coffee a couple weeks ago because we were talking about that cuz she also like she calls him cement and whatever like that's like her joke you know.
- [51:09]
Alex Cooper
No I thought about that cuz I always wear sweatpants on my show where I was like I probably also won't really tell people I'm pregnant for a while and then I'll tell I, I of course I'm go I think what I'm going to find my balance and this is I'm saying this now and I'm not pregnant so we'll see what happens when I am. But my gut says the plan for now is I am 100% going to share motherhood and my experience and the things I'm experiencing but I am not going to personally share about my child just because I feel like I, I just want to give them like I, that's just not for me and I think think to each their own but for Matt and I we were like we're gonna just keep it offline and that's. We've kind of always known that.
- [52:01]
Avery Woods
And they, they deserve to be normal kids. And I feel like in the beginning, especially like when I was working part time or postpartum, like social media was an outlet for me. So it was natural for me, you chugging that.
- [52:12]
Alex Cooper
Which we're gonna talk about in detail.
- [52:14]
Avery Woods
As my kids started getting older and like more established in school, I was like, you just need a normal childhood. And like you, my, my kids still don't understand what I do for a living. Like, Stevie will like say I'm a doctor when she's asked because she thinks that means nurse. Like, they just don't get it. But I also love that and I love.
- [52:33]
Alex Cooper
Has it been hard for you though? Of like transit. Sorry, I'm like, no, you don't have to answer this. But like, has it been hard for you where you did go from showing them and now you're not. And like have your fans felt like angry or betrayed or they respect you? Like has that.
- [52:49]
Avery Woods
That it's funny because that was like what I got the most hate for. And now people are even more mad that I don't show them. But you know what I've learned, like, so crazy. I have this vlog that everyone's talking about where she angles her camera so her kids. Yes, I do angle my camera so that my kids faces aren't in it. But also I'm showing you a very realistic evening. That is my tripod. I have hours of footage when I. When I'm editing a vlog.
- [53:15]
Alex Cooper
And you're just picking the clips where.
- [53:16]
Avery Woods
You don't see their face. Yes, because I'm just setting my tripod up. We're going about our evening. It's not, not a set, it's not staged.
- [53:23]
Alex Cooper
I don't think people get that. Like, guys, when we have tripods, we'll like leave it in the corner for 30 minutes and then you move at different angles but. And then you'll edit it together.
- [53:31]
Avery Woods
Yes, but you know what's funny is if I've done this before where if my kids aren't in it, then I have a full time nanny raising my kids. How is this realistic? Where the are your kids? It's a lose, lose situation.
- [53:43]
Alex Cooper
Being a mother, women in general that are mothers, the way that other women judge mothers. And it's like, well, you're not doing this right with your kids. You should be doing that. And why aren't you? I'm like, oh my God.
- [53:55]
Avery Woods
Oh, the tik toks that are like moms what's one thing you just won't tolerate and do that other moms do? And all the comments are like breastfeeding in public, hiring a nanny. I have the opportunity to be a stay at home mom. I will never let those years go by. And I'm the same as you. Like, I stay sane by working and having something for myself. And I love that my kids get to grow up and have a mom that works and. But I pray stay at home mom so hard because I just couldn't do it. And I'm like, God bless all of those people that can because that's incredible and it's such a hard and unappreciated job.
- [54:35]
Alex Cooper
Completely.
- [54:35]
Avery Woods
But it just wasn't for me.
- [54:37]
Alex Cooper
And that's okay because guess what? Some men are stay at home dads and some men aren't. And why don't we talk about that as much as we talk about women?
- [54:45]
Avery Woods
Well, so I have creator friends that their husbands also do social media. Okay. And they were like, when I upload a vlog with my kids, it's like, you're a shitty mom. You did this wrong. Blah, blah, blah. And my husband uploads the same type of vlogs. Like, you're the best dad. I love seeing a present father.
- [55:04]
Alex Cooper
It's so misogynistic. I just wish like, like women, like, do you. It's so leaning into exactly what the patriarchy wants us to do. It's like women on women because we can't ever go at men because we know they're untouchable and they can do horrible and people still will be act will just turn a blind eye. But to a woman being like, I can't believe you use that face mask. You're disgust. And you're like, how am I getting canceled over? Like a lip liner I chose. But that's our reality as women. I thought that we had progressed and like, I thought we had like the feminist movement and now we all can vote. What a concept. And we're allowed to have credit cards. And how are we now back to being like mom shaming and the biggest haters? Like, can we not, can we just be like, girl, you look so fudgeing good. You're doing your best. You, you've crush. Look where you've gotten. Oh my God, slay.
- [55:51]
Avery Woods
It's also like, don't you listen to your mom? Like, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't block me. Literally block.
- [55:57]
Alex Cooper
But it is fun hanging out though, with people that I have a lot of Friends that aren't on the Internet. And they're like, I have no idea what you're talking about. And I'm like, yeah, I want to.
- [56:05]
Avery Woods
End with a rapid fire, but I have some, like, juicy questions.
- [56:08]
Alex Cooper
Okay. It's like, I'm so bad at rapid.
- [56:09]
Avery Woods
Fire, so it's not really rapid fire, to be honest. It's just, like, a lot of random questions that I want to know personally.
- [56:16]
Alex Cooper
Okay.
- [56:17]
Avery Woods
I. I talked about this on my social media podcast episode where I talked about, like, how to make it on social media, kind of like the business behind the scenes. And I think I counted. I have, like, nine different revenues of income, which I think people don't understand. Like, you link things or brand partnerships, monetization, the podcast, what makes you the most money? What's, like, your main income? Call her Daddy. Call her Daddy. Okay. Is that from monetization or brand deals?
- [56:45]
Alex Cooper
The brand integrations. Ever since we've been able to do video podcasting, vhrs where I'm like, sitting and reading an ad. Read the. It's changed, like, my life in the past two years. Like, obviously my life was like, I was doing great, but it has been insane. And when I signed my Sirius XM deal, when you hear, like, $125 million, that's insane. Like, it. It's crazy. And we've already outperformed in the first year. And we hit. We. We got like, it's insane. Call her daddy. It's. It's. It's never been bigger, which is kind of crazy because it's crazy because we went onto YouTube, and YouTube is my smallest platform, so my, like, my audio on Spotify and Apple, because I've had my IP there in my catalog for so long, that is the main thing. But now being able to sell video, it's also changed the game for me.
- [57:42]
Avery Woods
Rumors that you've heard about yourself that bother. Both bother you, that, like, get to you, that you're like, no.
- [57:50]
Alex Cooper
Ooh. I think. I think the. The narrative of, like, I over other women in business, understandably, I had one of the most public fallout, especially because it was in the pandemic and it was like the biggest thing with my ex co host. And she and I went at it for so long, and that was like a full business insane thing. And that was like, totally got it. But I think moving forward, when there's stuff that's said and they, like, use that as, like, an excuse, which I'm like, I totally get it. That with me and Sophia was crazy, but I think anything Moving forward, it's very frustrating because I, like, yeah, that's just not the truth, though. And I think I've had so many more successful female business relationships than I have failures. And not even just creators. Like I said, my head of marketing is a woman. My head of podcasting is a woman. My head of brand partnerships is a woman. We have 100 plus people at this company. 90% of them are women, and then the other five are gays, and then. And 5% are men. And I love working with women. And so, yeah, I think that gets frustrating. But I'm also kind of like. I don't think I say anything about it because I'm kind of like, haven't.
- [59:16]
Avery Woods
Said a word to the point where I'm like, do I need to speak up? Because here's the thing. And I never. We never will. And that's. That's the. That's the hard part is, like, when you have so many opinions about you and also your relationship with other people from stuff that's completely pulled out of their ass, or if you have a different reputation, this other person, then you're automatically pinned as a bad guy. Which. Holy. Has that happened to me?
- [59:44]
Alex Cooper
No, Avery, constantly. My mom has said this to me. She's like, you are never the victim, Alex. Yeah, you are in a position which you have worked really hard for, and it's great, great. But you're in a position where you do have power and money and influence or whatever, so you're never the victim. And so I get that. And so if I'm ever put up against another woman, I'm not the victim. And I get that. But then sometimes I'm just like, like. But, like, it's not the truth, so. But also, like, I don't care because, again, it's not affecting my business. And again, Matt and I have talked about this. If it ever gets to a point where, like, someone's coming at me and is going. Gonna, like, go out and try to say something. There is no one that is more confident sitting down in front of a microphone and looking into a camera and telling a story than I am. So, like, I'm always ready, but I don't feel like I need to do that unless it's affecting my business.
- [60:38]
Avery Woods
Also, those of us that know behind the scenes and, like, what you've done and also, like, stayed silent is something that I admire a lot. And, like, I've also learned that as long as the people in my inner circle, my personal, know that I did the right thing and that I'M a good person. That's literally all that matters to me.
- [61:00]
Alex Cooper
It's a good point.
- [61:01]
Avery Woods
And you should feel that way about yourself.
- [61:03]
Alex Cooper
Thank you.
- [61:03]
Avery Woods
Because I know things that have happened.
- [61:06]
Alex Cooper
Yeah.
- [61:06]
Avery Woods
And what you've done when you didn't need to do it, but you did it because it was the right thing to do and it was never talked about publicly. Yeah. And I praise you for that.
- [61:14]
Alex Cooper
Thank you. I appreciate that. And I, I agree. I think it's like, again, it kind of goes back to what I said earlier. You have to find. Find the moments where you're like, is this worth it? And I think I also just really believe, like, people that are shitty and people over and everything, they'll get their karma. And so people may say that and think that about me online, like, oh, she's gonna get her karma. I. I have never gone into a business relationship ever in my life and been like, I'm going to this person over and anything that looks like that online. You do not have the full story. And the reason I won't tell the full story is because. Because again, I'm not the victim. So I'm not going to come out and say a story and then, no, if they want to tell the story, then I will rebuttal and I'll tell that story. But you know what I mean? It's like, I'm not going to punch down. I get it. People online are going to be like, it's always, Alex is never the victim. So I'm going to shut the up until someone comes at me.
- [62:12]
Avery Woods
I love that the interviews this year were crazy. On Call Her Daddy, can you pick your top three for the year?
- [62:18]
Alex Cooper
Okay. I actually think I can. And I want to say this. I'm only going based off of what's in my head right now, because a year is so fucking long. But just what comes to mind. Ellen Pompeo.
- [62:32]
Avery Woods
Oh, that was so good.
- [62:33]
Alex Cooper
Meredith Gray walking into my studio. I know I have watched Gray's with my mother and my sister my whole fucking life. Seeing that woman come in, her daughter came like, I now have become friends with her. I don't even, like, I can't even compute it.
- [62:47]
Avery Woods
When she talked about working at Duncan in Boston, I was. She goes, oh, you went to college. Good for you. I was working at Duncan.
- [62:53]
Alex Cooper
I was like, I'm obsessed with you. She is everything you could imagine and more. Mariska Hargitay, another, probably one of my favorite people I've ever met in my life. She walked into that studio and her fucking energy and her wisdom and her charisma and her just, like, aura. I'm like, I want to hang out with you at all times. She was amazing. I gave her like a color daddy sweatsuit. She's like sending me pictures on the plane, fully rocking it. Like, she. She's just amazing energy. Shonda Rhimes, another. It was hearing her talk about again. It kind of goes back and wraps this up even of, like, when she was like, be the bitch. If people are going to call you a bitch because you're just asking someone to do their job or you're asking someone not to cross your boundaries, be the bitch. Be the bitch. If that's what they're going to call it. Be. Be the bitch. And she was so incredible in the way that she talked about business and, and, you know, as a woman in this industry, as a black woman in this industry, everything that she's had to overcome and more. And yet she's standing on her two feet. She has this incredible empire she's built. I just really, really look up to her and I appreciate her and I bow down to her. Then there's gonna be others that I'm forgetting. But, like, I mean, Cardi B. Oh, Kim Kardashian. I'm sorry, I can't pick. I'm like, I had the most insane.
- [64:11]
Avery Woods
Chloe insane.
- [64:12]
Alex Cooper
It was a really crazy year.
- [64:13]
Avery Woods
I'm like my calendar boss's queen.
- [64:15]
Alex Cooper
She's no. They were everything you could have imagined.
- [64:18]
Avery Woods
I've seen you in high stress environments before an interview, prepping at an unwell live event, backstage, talking to staff and anyone that's working on set and production. You are so kind, so respectful. You handle your but in a kind way. It's always please and thank you. Let's change this. This.
- [64:40]
Alex Cooper
Like, I think why, though? Thank you. I think something that's been very integral to the way that I work with people is, like I said, like, when you come from being the person that does all of it in the beginning. Like, I am no better than anyone on my team. I will get down. I will change the batteries in the zoom recorder for us to start recording. If the lights are up and someone's at the bathroom, I'll start doing the lights. Like, I don't consider myself talent. I am a part of this production and I look at myself and I produce myself. Like, I'm talent. Like, when, when I'm interviewing people, I'm already in post edit being like, I'm gonna cut that. I'm gonna move that over. Like, so I think Having been behind the scenes so much of my career, I respect every person that goes from the editors, the social media people to everyone. It takes a village to get this thing moving. And it's just important to realize that. Especially when you're talent, like don't be a dick.
- [65:33]
Avery Woods
Okay. Dream interview for next year. Any to mind that you're like, I would love, love to interview this person cuz you, I feel like you've done it all.
- [65:42]
Alex Cooper
I know, I know.
- [65:43]
Avery Woods
Oh my God. Also one of my favorites this year though from you, my queen, Victoria Beckham.
- [65:47]
Alex Cooper
I. Oh, how did I.
- [65:48]
Avery Woods
No, I literally myself when you announced that and I knew I. Because I'm a Spice Girls girl.
- [65:54]
Alex Cooper
I'm beyond obsessed with her. I got drinks with her and David.
- [65:57]
Avery Woods
No you did not. No, I got invited to his, to his thing in Miami cuz he launched this like kids line, the snack line. But because I took my kids offline, I didn't want them to go. But at home was like, can I go by myself? My team was like, it's probably going to be weird.
- [66:11]
Alex Cooper
Show up without kids.
- [66:12]
Avery Woods
They're like, I just need a snack. Daddy Beckham.
- [66:15]
Alex Cooper
They are the hottest, coolest couple. He literally came down with like jerseys. Lauren and I were there for drinks. They brought us full custom jerseys with our last names on them. Victoria hooked us up. Victoria gave me like a $2,500 purse from her line. She gave us all makeup. Lauren and I left the drinks. We were like, we just met Victoria and David Beckham and we are decked out to the nines.
- [66:36]
Avery Woods
And I thought I literally made it when I got on her beauty PR list and I literally got free makeup from her and I was like, so she literally is friends with me. She just doesn't know it.
- [66:44]
Alex Cooper
She is everything and more. No, that was like one of, one of the all time greats. I, I don't, I don't have a full answer. I would say Rihanna is obviously someone that I would like die to interview. I just think she's so cool. But I, I think it's similar to the Whitney and Mark thing where like call her daddy is kind of based off of like a lot of high lows where, where it's like I'm, I'm finding the rhythms of the Internet where it's like you can have these like uber, uber big celebrities like a Kim Kardashian and then you can have Love island and then you can have a therapist. And I'm trying to find the perfect flow. But the biggest indicator for me is Always just my audience. And if the daddy gang is telling me, you better get this person on, which is what happened that morning when I woke up and everyone was like, whitney in the chair now. Now I'm like, on it. So that's kind of how I would say my barometer is. I guess the question back to them is like, who is your dream guest? And I'll try my best to get them.
- [67:39]
Avery Woods
Me. Someone you could never get.
- [67:41]
Alex Cooper
Who?
- [67:43]
Avery Woods
Beyonce.
- [67:44]
Alex Cooper
Oh, well.
- [67:45]
Avery Woods
But, like, I'll tell you why.
- [67:46]
Alex Cooper
You're right. I couldn't get.
- [67:47]
Avery Woods
I'll tell you why. Because my first concert I ever went to at the Mid State Fair in Templeton, California, where I grew up, I sat on my mom's shoulders at 6 years old on a dirt floor when there was four of them. And Tina was hand making the costume. Costumes.
- [67:57]
Alex Cooper
I love the details of the story.
- [67:59]
Avery Woods
Like, I remember my mom pointed. She was like, the one in the yellow dress is going to be a star. And that was Beyonce. And she was like, I mean, super young. And then I've gone to so many con. Like, I was nine months pregnant at the on the Run tour with Jay Z and Beyonce with Ziggy when I was pregnant.
- [68:12]
Alex Cooper
Oh, my God. No, we're gonna manifest that for you.
- [68:16]
Avery Woods
But okay, but who's your favorite person you've interviewed off camera? Like a guess you've had on, but like your favorite person behind the scenes? Like, that's real.
- [68:26]
Alex Cooper
And you connect with Kelsey Ballerina. Really, she is. I met her at a really difficult time in her life, and I will never forget. It was in one of my first studios. She came in to call her daddy. She had a story to be told about this huge divorce that she was going through. And it was like I felt like I was sitting with, like, a truly real, real, real honest human being. And it turned into girl talk almost. It's like if your friend's going through divorce and then. Then to have stayed close with her and stay friends with her. She's so real and I love her and I think she's so talented, and I just. Yeah, I've really enjoyed being close with her.
- [69:08]
Avery Woods
Okay. Ending unwell energy. Let's talk about it.
- [69:12]
Alex Cooper
So excited.
- [69:13]
Avery Woods
We just did a taste test on my Tik Tok. They're launching December 28th. Guys are so good. We're missing one flavor, which is watermelon. I love the cherry lime. I think it tastes like a red Jolly Rancher.
- [69:22]
Alex Cooper
It's so fun to do this, you guys. I've been working on it for a Year, and I fly to DC Is where the headquarters are, and I work with this incredible genius woman, Chelsea, who used to be a top chef. She's worked in Michelin star restaurants, and then she transformed into getting more into beverage. And she has worked in beverage, and she concocted all of the unwell hydration flavors. And now we've gone on to energy. And I remember when I sat with her and she had me taste test all these, and I was like, how the did you do that without the chemicals? Because I've tried Alani New. I've tried Celsius, I've tried Bloom, I've tried all of them as I was doing it. And we did a whole taste test, and we had like some of our Gen Z kids, we had some of our older kids. And in this taste test, we would do the competitor versus us, and we wouldn't tell people who was what. And everyone's like, this is 10 times better. We're like, that's unwell. And I think it was just cool because it's like, again, as I'm thinking about motherhood or whatever, I'm like, I want to take care of myself. I also know that one day I want to be making something that actually my children could drink one day. I'm not saying I want my kid to be drinking it. Energy drink. I want to know. I know that when they're teens, they're going to be drinking this. And the fact that there's nothing on the market right now that doesn't have. I know I sound like a freak when I'm saying this word because I didn't know what it was until I started getting into this process. But sucralose is horrible for you. You are putting chemicals into your body when you're drinking that out of Alani New. In Celsius. And trust me, I know all my girls love Alani New. I told the girls in the office, I'm like, I get it. This is. This sucks to hear. But that's why I just made this fucking thing, because I actually give a fuck about what we're putting onto our body. Each can is $2.69.
- [70:53]
Avery Woods
Really?
- [70:53]
Alex Cooper
$2.69?
- [70:55]
Avery Woods
That's cheap, girl.
- [70:57]
Alex Cooper
I'm trying.
- [70:57]
Avery Woods
Are you selling it individually or buy a pack?
- [71:00]
Alex Cooper
Both.
- [71:00]
Avery Woods
It's in Target.
- [71:01]
Alex Cooper
It's in Target. And. And we're also doing a fun Target merch line that you'll see there. So it's like. It's very fun. Target's been amazing partners to us, and they.
- [71:11]
Avery Woods
You've Told me that in the past.
- [71:12]
Alex Cooper
They're incredible, and they want to go all out, and they want to. Want to lean in, and we want to lean in. So it's really fun. And I'm enjoying it because it's like, I drink every day, and I was.
- [71:21]
Avery Woods
Alex. The reason she wanted me to try is because she knows I'm like, I'm a tired mom, and I'm chugging my energy drinks every day.
- [71:27]
Alex Cooper
Well, I see you drinking those every day.
- [71:28]
Avery Woods
I know, but it. It also is like, you get to a point in your 30s, you're like, I want to live forever. Like, I want to watch my grandkids grow up.
- [71:36]
Alex Cooper
And what am I putting in my body?
- [71:38]
Avery Woods
Putting in my body? Because I'm not. I'm. To be honest, I'm not looking like, I'm just drinking it and tasting it and, like, needing a caffeine boost, understandably. These are so good. They're so good for mixing, like, a good cocktail. If you like, like a vodka Red Bull, these are such a good replacement.
- [71:51]
Alex Cooper
Yes.
- [71:51]
Avery Woods
So we have cherry, lime, we have pineapple, coconut, and then guava, passion fruit, orange guava. Passion fruit, orange guava. And then watermelon. Watermelon, Your favorites. The pineapple, coconut.
- [72:02]
Alex Cooper
It's so good.
- [72:03]
Avery Woods
I like the passion guava.
- [72:05]
Alex Cooper
And you also like the cherry lime.
- [72:07]
Avery Woods
And the cherry lime.
- [72:08]
Alex Cooper
But I need. If you're Gen Z, I need you to tell me, because I didn't like the cherry lime as much as the rest. And then Avery walks in. I'm like, hey, you're Gen Z. Because I had a. One year apart, I had a fight with the girls in my office where I'm like, you guys, you really like cherry lime? And they were like, it's my favorite. And I was like, okay. So that anyone online that's like, it tastes like cough syrup? No. Because apparently Gen Z says, it's. It's Jerry. It's. What is it? Jolly Rancher?
- [72:31]
Avery Woods
Yeah, it's like a red Jolly Rancher. Well, there you fucking. As soon as I smelled it, it was like a red Jolly Rancher.
- [72:35]
Alex Cooper
So it's either you love it or you hate it with that flavor. Enjoy.
- [72:38]
Avery Woods
I love it. I'm excited.
- [72:40]
Alex Cooper
I feel like that's now going to make people buy that one to do taste tests on fucking line. Because they're going to be like, does it actually taste like cough syrup or Jolly Rancher? Let me know.
- [72:48]
Avery Woods
Well, I also think it just depends on, like. Like, I love certain Alanis. And then I've gotten AIs and I'm like that it made me gag. You know, it just depends. Like, everyone has a different palette.
- [72:58]
Alex Cooper
And that's also what I was working on with these, which is crazy now that I'm so obsessed with drinks because when you do taste testing, I felt like a lot of the ones on the market are very, very sugary tasting. And for me personally, if I want to have a full drink or I want to mix it with alcohol or whatever, whatever, I want it to be something that like, you're sipping on and it's enjoyable, but you're also not like, Jesus Christ. This is kind of like now getting like nasty. Like, I feel like I'm putting in my body that shouldn't be in there. It's probably because it is that you shouldn't be putting in there. So.
- [73:28]
Avery Woods
So December 28th in Target, you guys can get unwell energy.
- [73:33]
Alex Cooper
Anything else, you know, just, I've got a lot of fun stuff.
- [73:38]
Avery Woods
Therapy for me.
- [73:38]
Alex Cooper
No, I know. We're both like, I don't know, being a woman's hard. No, I love you and I'm so happy that I got to come on and I having you at unwell for a year again, it feels like more. But I'm so happy I've met you and I feel like it's been so enjoyable to watch you build this brand. And I think again, like, everyone upstairs on the exact level and not exact level is like, she's literally the real deal. And you are so professional. You're so enjoyable to work with. You're such a team player. And I think I understand what online can say, but it is crazy because I see a complete different side because I see the work version of you. And you walk in this office, you look at everyone in the eyes, you shake their hands, you say thank you. You, you're like, you're the Avery to me. And then I get it, you're having to put your content up there and people are seeing a different version. But I hope maybe people learned a little bit more about you today of like, you're a hard ass worker and you are respected by everyone at this company.
- [74:32]
Avery Woods
Thank you. That means a lot. And also I feel like I'm, you know, my goal next year is to kind of transition into more business ownership and of kind. Kind of take a little bit of a step back when it comes to social media. But at the end of the day, like, that is how I'm able to take care of my family. And I'm so grateful for that. Even if it comes with horribly excruciating opinions like I'm still here and I wouldn't be able to do it without those platforms and without you. So I love you. Thank you so much for being here. My God.
- [75:03]
Alex Cooper
Cheers.
- [75:04]
Avery Woods
Cheers to Unwell energy.
- [75:07]
Alex Cooper
Thank you for having me on.
- [75:08]
Avery Woods
Of course.
- [75:14]
Alex Cooper
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Alex Cooper
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- [76:08]
Alex Cooper
Ever since switching to T Mobile, something.
- [76:10]
Avery Woods
Weird has been happening.
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Alex Cooper
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