Podcast Summary: The Daily - "From DealBook: Alex Cooper on Building a Media Brand"

Introduction

In the December 8, 2024 episode of The Daily titled "From DealBook: Alex Cooper on Building a Media Brand," host Andrew Ross Sorkin engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Alex Cooper, the powerhouse behind the immensely popular podcast Call Her Daddy. This episode delves into Cooper's remarkable journey from launching a candid, sex-focused podcast to establishing a multifaceted media empire, exploring the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way.

Alex Cooper's Journey into Podcasting

Alex Cooper's foray into podcasting was both serendipitous and strategic. Reflecting on her early aspirations, Cooper shares, "I grew up with my father as a sports television producer. I was in a television truck my whole life, wanting to be a director or producer" ([04:35]). Her passion for media was evident from a young age, but it was an unexpected career setback that propelled her into the podcasting realm. After being laid off from a sales job, Cooper identified a gap in the market for female-centric conversations—a space where women could openly discuss topics they might hesitate to share publicly.

Building a Media Brand

Cooper's initial podcast, Call Her Daddy, was a groundbreaking venture that resonated deeply with listeners. She recounts the explosive success of her debut, stating, "When episode one went up, the virality of the first three episodes was lightning in a bottle" ([05:56]). Collaborating with Dave Portnoy at Barstool Sports further amplified her reach and solidified her presence in the podcasting industry. Cooper emphasizes the importance of authenticity and pushing boundaries, noting, "You can never speak your mind too often on social media... I could keep pushing it further and further, and there was kind of no limit" ([06:30]).

Interviewing High-Profile Guests

Transitioning from a personal storytelling format, Cooper evolved into an interviewer, attracting high-profile guests, including Vice President Kamala Harris. She explains the strategic shift, "I wanted to focus on what's helpful to my audience... I did it, and it was fun" ([12:48]). Cooper's approach to interviews is rooted in creating a safe and genuine environment, which guests appreciate. "From the minute I open the door at my studio, I am so intentional about the way that I am speaking to someone. I am giving them all of my attention" ([09:27]). This method has enabled her to extract candid and impactful conversations, setting her apart from traditional media figures.

Community Building and Live Events

A cornerstone of Cooper's success is her ability to foster a strong community. She states, "What the content has built is a community of primarily women who show up every week and want to be seen and heard" ([21:25]). Leveraging this community, Cooper expanded her brand through live events and tours, successfully challenging the misconception that Gen Z prefers only virtual interactions. Her live tours sold out in seven cities, and she highlights the success of a partnership with the Red Sox, where her event was the highest-grossing night aside from Pride ([22:48]).

Relationships, Partnerships, and Business Decisions

Navigating partnerships has been integral to Cooper's growth. She candidly discusses her time at Barstool Sports and her collaboration with Dave Portnoy, addressing controversies with a pragmatic perspective. "I could ask every single woman in this room, like, what's been said about your boss? Probably similar stuff... it's everywhere" ([19:05]). Cooper also touches on her split from co-host Sophie Franklin, attributing it to differing visions and career aspirations. "We just did not align on what we wanted to do with our careers. And I think that's fine" ([20:24]).

Collaborations and Comparisons in the Podcasting World

Cooper acknowledges comparisons to other major figures in the podcasting sphere, such as Joe Rogan and Howard Stern. While she respects their influence, Cooper asserts her unique identity: "I'm Alex Cooper. I'm going to be Alex Cooper all day" ([17:47]). She emphasizes her focus on building a diverse media network, The Unwell Network, which supports emerging Gen Z creators. Cooper envisions a platform where multiple voices can thrive independently while maintaining a trusted relationship with their audience.

Reflections on Legacy Media and Advice

In a thought-provoking segment, Cooper offers advice to legacy media outlets grappling with declining trust among younger audiences. She advises, "Finding a way to find any form of humanity that is not so perfectly lined up that it feels like I'm getting sold a [expletive] ad... give those young interns more of a voice and maybe you should listen to them when they have some ideas" ([25:51]). Cooper underscores the importance of authenticity and organic connections, which resonate more deeply with Gen Z and millennial listeners compared to traditional, agenda-driven media content.

Conclusion

Alex Cooper's conversation with Andrew Ross Sorkin paints a comprehensive picture of a media mogul who has adeptly navigated the evolving landscape of podcasting and digital media. Her relentless pursuit of authenticity, community-building, and support for emerging creators has not only established her as a leading voice in podcasting but also as a formidable force in the broader media industry. Cooper's insights offer valuable lessons on adaptability, strategic partnerships, and the power of genuine engagement with audiences.

Notable Quotes

• "I was making little short form movies my whole life. And then I played Division 1 soccer in college. And so I had this obsession with working hard and creating films and content." - Alex Cooper ([04:35])

• "When episode one went up, the virality of the first three episodes was lightning in a bottle." - Alex Cooper ([05:56])

• "From the minute I open the door at my studio, I am so intentional about the way that I am speaking to someone. I am giving them all of my attention." - Alex Cooper ([09:27])

• "What the content has built is a community of primarily women who show up every week and want to be seen and heard." - Alex Cooper ([21:25])

• "I like, I'm just leading the charge a little bit here." - Alex Cooper ([23:58])

• "Finding a way to find any form of humanity that is not so perfectly lined up that it feels like I'm getting sold a [expletive] ad." - Alex Cooper ([25:51])

This episode of The Daily offers an in-depth exploration of Alex Cooper's influence in the media landscape, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of her strategies, challenges, and vision for the future of podcasting and digital media.