Shawn Ryan Show - Episode #186: Brett Cooper - The Real Reason She Left The Daily Wire

Host: Shawn Ryan
Guest: Brett Cooper
Release Date: March 27, 2025

1. Introduction

In Episode #186 of the "Shawn Ryan Show," host Shawn Ryan engages in a deeply personal and insightful conversation with Brett Cooper, a 23-year-old conservative cultural commentator and former actress. Brett opens up about her tumultuous journey from a challenging childhood to her meteoric rise at The Daily Wire and her subsequent decision to pursue an independent path. This summary delves into the key discussions, profound insights, and emotional narratives shared during the episode.

2. Early Life and Family Background

Brett Cooper shares her unique upbringing, marked by frequent relocations and a complex family dynamic.

• Birth and Early Years:
  Brett was born on Orcas Island, Washington, during a ten-year stint her family spent seeking solace from her parents' strained marriage.
  Quote [00:22]: "Arya, it's very freeing."

• Family Structure:
  She has two brothers, Chase and twin Reid, both significantly older by 12 and 14 years, respectively. Her father, Brett's stepfather, passed away from brain cancer when her brothers were young, further destabilizing the family.
  Quote [12:58]: "They had a lot of disdain for each other. We lived in a big house that was, like, very long."

3. Impact of Brother's Death and Family Struggles

The death of Brett's biological father profoundly affected her family, introducing grief and instability.

• Brother David's Passing:
  At age five, Brett witnessed the sudden death of her twin brother David from a cardiac arrest during a rowing session, a traumatic event that scarred the family.
  Quote [35:47]: "I still have it." (Referring to a keepsake David left)

• Emotional Fallout:
  David's death led to heightened tensions between her mother and stepfather, culminating in a hostile divorce when Brett was fifteen. This period forced Brett to emancipate herself, seeking independence amidst familial chaos.
  Quote [31:15]: "15."

4. Journey into Acting and Early Career

Brett's passion for storytelling and acting provided an escape from her troubled home life.

• Acting as an Outlet:
  From a young age, Brett immersed herself in theater, dance, and community performances, using acting to channel her emotions and find solace.
  Quote [64:15]: "I'm so good at auditions, I have to hear rejection and face it."

• Challenges in the Acting Industry:
  Despite her dedication, Brett faced the harsh realities of the entertainment industry, including frequent rejections and the struggle to find fulfilling roles.
  Quote [67:06]: "It was like the meeting of the minds."

5. Marriage and Personal Life

Brett discusses the profound impact of her marriage to Alex, which provided stability and support amidst ongoing family challenges.

• Meeting Alex:
  Their connection was instantaneous, rooted in mutual respect and shared values, leading to a swift and deeply meaningful relationship.
  Quote [141:06]: "We had a ton of fun."

• Building a Supportive Partnership:
  Alex's unwavering support enabled Brett to navigate her personal traumas and professional ambitions with greater confidence and resilience.
  Quote [152:35]: "Friendships are hard."

6. Career at The Daily Wire

Brett's tenure at The Daily Wire marked a significant phase in her career, propelling her into the limelight.

• Joining The Daily Wire:
  Brett was recruited by The Daily Wire to host the "Comment Section with Brett Cooper," a role that resonated with her passion for storytelling and cultural commentary.
  Quote [01:39]: "And that's cool."

• Rapid Growth and Success:
  Under her leadership, the show garnered 4.5 million subscribers within three years, becoming one of the platform's fastest-growing channels.
  Quote [198:50]: "It was a rocket ship."

7. Departure from The Daily Wire

Brett's decision to leave The Daily Wire was driven by a desire for creative freedom and personal integrity.

• Seeking Independence:
  After achieving remarkable success, Brett yearned to forge her own path, valuing autonomy over corporate structure.
  Quote [203:45]: "I've got a great team. Many of whom I've worked with for a while or worked with at the beginning of starting all of this."

• Overcoming Fear and Embracing Change:
  Despite fears of uncertainty, Brett embraced the opportunity to create content that aligned more closely with her personal values and vision.
  Quote [204:01]: "I was ready for something different."

8. Transition to Independent Show and New Ventures

Venturing into independence, Brett established her own platform, "The Brett Cooper Show," focusing on authentic storytelling and cultural discourse.

• Establishing an Independent Platform:
  Leveraging her experience and audience from The Daily Wire, Brett launched her own show, quickly amassing over a million subscribers in its first month.
  Quote [204:06]: "It felt like a rocket ship."

• Creating Meaningful Content:
  Her independent show emphasizes genuine conversations, personal narratives, and addressing topics often sidelined by mainstream media.
  Quote [208:17]: "Do what you love and be open, man."

9. Handling Personal and Family Mental Health Issues

Brett candidly discusses her family's ongoing struggles with mental health, including her stepfather's depression and her twin brother Reid's schizophrenia.

• Therapy and Coping Mechanisms:
  Beginning therapy at age 14, Brett developed tools to navigate her chaotic family environment, although she paused formal therapy after overcoming a tumultuous period.
  Quote [05:05]: "I couldn't comprehend the magnitude."

• Support Systems and Healing:
  Marriage to Alex provided Brett with a stable support system, enabling her to confront and heal from her past traumas while advocating for others facing similar struggles.
  Quote [53:37]: "I'm doing okay."

10. Future Plans and Personal Growth

Looking ahead, Brett aspires to balance her burgeoning career with personal goals, including starting a family and continuing to impact her audience positively.

• Embracing Motherhood:
  With her husband Alex, Brett looks forward to expanding their family, aiming to cultivate a nurturing environment while maintaining her professional endeavors.
  Quote [215:20]: "I hope soon as possible."

• Continued Commitment to Storytelling:
  Brett remains dedicated to her mission of storytelling, aiming to inspire and support her audience through authentic and relatable content.
  Quote [220:53]: "Build the foundation, stay true to yourself and just be open, man."

11. Conclusion

In this heartfelt episode, Brett Cooper offers a compelling narrative of resilience, transformation, and unwavering dedication to her values. From overcoming early-life tragedies to achieving professional acclaim and seeking personal freedom, Brett exemplifies the strength of spirit and the importance of authentic storytelling. Her journey serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that with courage and integrity, one can navigate life's most challenging moments and emerge stronger.

Notable Quotes:

• On Therapy and Coping:
  Brett Cooper [04:12]: "I didn't need to go forever. I got through that period."

• On Faith and Signs:
  Brett Cooper [50:57]: "Every time I see a cardinal. Do you know the idea with redbirds that they're..."

• On Independence:
  Brett Cooper [204:52]: "I'm building a life and putting something in place."

• On Storytelling:
  Brett Cooper [68:50]: "It's about storytelling because it's all about human nature."

• On Future Aspirations:
  Brett Cooper [215:20]: "I hope soon as possible."

This episode of the "Shawn Ryan Show" offers an unfiltered glimpse into Brett Cooper's life, highlighting her extraordinary journey and the profound lessons learned along the way. Her story underscores the power of resilience, the significance of community, and the enduring impact of authentic narratives.