Call Her Daddy may be one of the most iconic podcasts on the internet, but recently, the spotlight has shifted from its host, Alex Cooper, to her apparent fallout with fellow podcast star Alix Earle. What began as a promising business partnership has now spiraled into online speculation, cryptic posts, and an unexpectedly dropped show.
So, what led to the dramatic unraveling of their relationship? Let’s break down everything we know about the rift between Cooper and Earle—from business beginnings to the public breakup.
From Pod Queens to Podcast Rivals
Back in 2023, Cooper launched the Unwell Network, a media company under the umbrella of her and her husband Matt Kaplan’s parent company, Trending. The goal? To support rising digital creators with strong voices and growing fanbases. Among the first creators tapped for the project were Alix Earle and Madeline Argy.
At the time, Cooper spoke enthusiastically about building a network that would resonate with Gen Z. “We live in a world where we are inundated with content,” she said in a statement, “but The Unwell Network will be the source everyone can go to for unique perspectives exploring what’s top-of-mind today for this generation.”
Earle’s podcast, Hot Mess, quickly became a flagship show on the network. Marketed as a weekly recap of her chaotic and glamorous life, the podcast promised “in-depth, exclusive details” that had fans “watching, talking, and wanting more.” Cooper herself called Alix “a unique presence” and said she was honored to mentor a new generation of creators.
The Super Bowl Snub That Sparked It All
Everything seemed to be going perfectly—until it wasn’t.
The first public sign of trouble came in early 2025 during the Super Bowl weekend in New Orleans. Unwell Network hosted a party in celebration of the big game, and although Alix Earle was confirmed to be in town, she noticeably skipped the event.Instead, Earle posted a photo carousel on Instagram, simply captioned “NOLA.” Notably absent from her post was any mention of the Unwell party—or Cooper. Fans immediately began speculating about tension behind the scenes.
Hot Mess Gets the Axe
Just three weeks later, the rumors gained serious traction. Hot Mess was suddenly removed from the Unwell Network’s roster, with Variety reporting that the company had also “renounced all rights” to the show.
For fans, the abrupt end was shocking. Earle later addressed the issue, claiming she was struggling to get her podcast hosted elsewhere, despite no longer being tied to Unwell.
In response, Cooper took to Instagram with a short—but pointed—message via her Stories:
“Hi I see ur comments,” she wrote. “Alix not being able to podcast has nothing to do with Unwell. Idk why she can’t/what’s going on. Unwell gave her everything back—she owns her IP.”
The message was short, but the subtext was clear: Cooper was distancing herself from whatever was holding Earle back.
Business Breakup or Personal Rift?
It’s still unclear whether this drama is strictly business—or something more personal. While neither party has publicly addressed the root cause of their falling out, many fans believe the Super Bowl no-show may have been a tipping point in an already tense dynamic.
Others point out that mentorships and collaborations in the influencer world often blur the lines between friendship and business. When things go sour, the fallout can feel especially messy—and public.
What’s Next for Alix and Alex?
As of now, Earle’s future in podcasting remains uncertain. Without a new network or platform officially confirmed, fans are left wondering whether Hot Mess will return in any form—or if Alix will pivot away from podcasting altogether.
As for Cooper, her brand and network continue to expand, but this public rift may serve as a cautionary tale for the challenges of mixing mentorship, friendship, and business in the influencer world.
One thing’s for sure: the internet loves a good drama, and this story isn’t over just yet.
