Podcast Summary: "Brett Cooper Breaks Silence on Leaving the Daily Wire, Starting Over, and Controversy"
Episode Release Date: May 4, 2025
Published on: The Iced Coffee Hour podcast hosted by Graham Stephan and Jack Selby

Introduction

In this revealing episode of The Iced Coffee Hour, hosts Graham Stephan and Jack Selby sit down with Brett Cooper to discuss her recent departure from the Daily Wire, her journey toward starting anew, and various controversies that have surrounded her. The conversation delves deep into societal divides, personal growth, and the complexities of modern relationships.

Departure from the Daily Wire

Brett Cooper opens up about her decision to leave the Daily Wire, emphasizing the challenges of moving away from a well-established platform.

• Brett Cooper [00:41]: "I wrote every single episode of the show that I did and I put the story together. I drove the creation of it."

• Graham Stephan [01:13]: "What was the most difficult part of branching out on your own?"

• Brett Cooper [01:19]: "Not knowing what I didn't know."

Cooper explains that leaving the Daily Wire was a significant step toward gaining autonomy in her content creation and aligning her work more closely with her personal values.

Societal Divides: Men vs. Women

A substantial portion of the discussion centers on the deepening divide between men and women in 2025, touching on happiness, finances, education, and ideology.

• Brett Cooper [00:56]: "This divide between men and women goes so deep right now... happiness and finances and educational levels to ideology."

• Graham Stephan [04:25]: "According to the polls it is the most divisive we've ever been in history."

Cooper attributes the increasing division to heightened partisanship on both sides, echo chambers amplified by social media algorithms, and a lack of common ground. She highlights the challenges of maintaining relationships amid these societal tensions.

Personal Life and Marriage

Cooper shares intimate details about her personal life, including her recent marriage to Alex Selby, and how it has influenced her perspective.

• Brett Cooper [02:12]: "Yes, happy to be here."
• Jack Selby [06:37]: "So many things to catch up on. Thanks again."

Cooper describes the supportive dynamics of her marriage, emphasizing mutual respect and understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses. She discusses the importance of having a partner who complements her and shares similar values.

Controversies and Public Perception

Cooper addresses the backlash she has faced following specific episodes, including her stance on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and her discussions about young men in society.

• Brett Cooper [12:35]: "I think it was just something that I hadn't talked about a lot, was that I'm not a fan of Zelensky."

• Brett Cooper [10:56]: "It’s incredibly hard... requires a lot of humility."

She explains that her critical views on certain political figures have sparked negative reactions, often misunderstood as animosity rather than thoughtful critique. Cooper also reflects on her episode about the challenges facing young men, which received intense backlash from male listeners who felt misunderstood.

Mental Health and the Systemic Issues

A significant segment of the conversation focuses on Cooper's personal struggles with her brother's mental illness and the inadequacies of the current mental health system.

• Brett Cooper [52:29]: "The system is really not set up to help people like my brother succeed."

• Brett Cooper [58:28]: "He was in this awful environment. He stopped speaking."

Cooper passionately discusses the lack of proper nutritional and lifestyle support in mental health facilities, advocating for more holistic and empathetic approaches. She critiques the isolation and neglect experienced by her brother, highlighting the urgent need for systemic reform.

Dating and Relationship Advice

Cooper offers insights into the complexities of modern dating, especially in the context of heightened societal divisions and hookup culture.

• Brett Cooper [74:03]: "There are different deal breakers for guys and for girls, but they are very similar."

• Brett Cooper [78:16]: "It's about mutual respect and understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses."

She emphasizes the importance of shared values, ambition, and mutual support in relationships. Cooper advises joining organized groups or clubs as a more effective way to meet like-minded individuals compared to traditional dating apps, which she critiques for fostering superficial connections.

Handling Criticism and Public Scrutiny

Cooper discusses the unfair criticisms she has faced, often labeled as "super hateful" due to her political views, despite her efforts to approach issues with empathy and common sense.

• Brett Cooper [43:19]: "Oh, she's super hateful. Just because of my politics."

She expresses frustration over ad hominem attacks that overshadow the substantive issues she addresses. Cooper advocates for a more nuanced understanding of her intentions and the content she produces, pointing out that snippets of her work out of context contribute to misunderstandings.

Future of Her Podcast and Business Model

Transitioning from the Daily Wire, Cooper reveals her plans for her independent podcast, focusing on sustainable and value-driven growth.

• Brett Cooper [175:03]: "I wanted to have something that worked for me and my values and my audience and the show and where I wanted it to go."

Cooper outlines her revenue streams, primarily through advertising partnerships with brands she genuinely supports, and a subscription-based platform, Cooper Confidential. She highlights the importance of maintaining control over her content and ensuring that her advertising aligns with her personal and professional ethics.

Rapid Fire Segment

In a swift rapid-fire section, Cooper addresses questions ranging from personal opinions to societal issues. Some notable responses include:

• Who do you think is smarter, Andrew Tate or Jordan Peterson?
  Brett Cooper: Jordan Peterson.

• Do women have too much dating power in today's society?
  Brett Cooper: Yes.

• Is therapy culture ruining resilience?
  Brett Cooper: Yes.

These concise answers reflect Cooper's positions on various contemporary topics, showcasing her firm stances.

Conclusion

Brett Cooper's candid revelations provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of her motivations, challenges, and aspirations following her departure from the Daily Wire. Her insights into societal divides, mental health, and relationships offer valuable perspectives in today's polarized environment. The episode underscores the importance of personal growth, mutual respect in relationships, and the need for systemic changes in addressing mental health issues.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Brett Cooper [00:52]: "I was always kind of thinking about breaking a cycle."
• Brett Cooper [04:25]: "I think there was far more division in like a 2020 than there is now."
• Brett Cooper [10:56]: "It's incredibly hard... requires a lot of humility."
• Brett Cooper [25:07]: "Becoming pro life was like, that's like a major, like, complete 180 shift."
• Brett Cooper [33:35]: "I have to go on stage and do your violin recital and you don't know the song."
• Brett Cooper [43:19]: "It's unfair because it's more of an ad hominem attack."
• Brett Cooper [74:03]: "There are different deal breakers for guys and for girls, but they are very similar."
• Brett Cooper [175:03]: "I wanted to have something that worked for me and my values and my audience and the show and where I wanted it to go."

Recommendations for Non-Listeners:
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the personal and professional transitions of a public figure navigating away from a major platform. Brett Cooper's honest discussion about societal issues, personal struggles, and relationship dynamics provides valuable insights and fosters a deeper connection with her audience.