Since its launch in 2018, Call Her Daddy has grown from a niche podcast into a pop culture staple, recognized not only for its risqué humor and open discussions about relationships but also for its impact on media, social norms, and female empowerment in modern society. Created by Alexandra Cooper and Sofia Franklyn, the podcast quickly gained popularity for its no-holds-barred style, bold content, and unapologetic approach to taboo topics.
Call Her Daddy got much of its fame during quarantine and COVID. Many people were bored and didn’t have much to do. During COVID, a lot of people went on walks and listened to podcasts; this is when the rise in podcasts happened.Today, Call Her Daddy has established itself as a defining voice in contemporary pop culture, addressing themes of sex, relationships, self-empowerment, and more through a raw and comedic lens.
The Content and Format that Made Call Her Daddy Stand Out
Unlike traditional relationship or self-help podcasts, Call Her Daddy takes a radically different approach, mixing explicit language, humor, and relatable storytelling. Its hosts delve into their own lives, often recounting personal experiences with romantic and sexual relationships in a blunt, comedic style. The podcast resonates with listeners because it brings humor and openness to subjects that are often seen as taboo or private, making it feel more authentic and relatable.
The Call Her Daddy format typically includes a mix of storytelling, “how-to” advice, and commentary on dating culture, relationships, and social dynamics. The show’s early episodes often featured frank conversations between Cooper and Franklyn, providing insights on navigating the complexities of relationships in a way that felt both humorous and, at times, empowering. This candor has made the podcast a go-to for young adults, especially young women, navigating similar experiences in their own lives.
A Shift in Female Empowerment and Sexuality in the Media
Call Her Daddy is part of a larger trend in media that celebrates female empowerment and the normalization of open discussions about sexuality. Shows like Sex and the City set the groundwork for such content by showing women’s perspectives on sex and relationships, but Call Her Daddy takes it to a new level by addressing subjects that are still rarely discussed openly. Cooper and Franklyn’s frank discussions about dating tactics, sexual experiences, and personal insecurities give listeners a sense of empowerment to embrace and express their sexuality without shame.
By speaking candidly about subjects like casual sex, relationship drama, and social media, Call Her Daddy has pushed boundaries on what women’s conversations in public spaces can look like. The podcast’s popularity highlights a shift in how society views women’s sexuality; it’s no longer confined to hushed conversations but has become a celebrated and widely discussed topic. This aligns with a broader movement in pop culture, where more women are feeling empowered to speak openly about their desires, boundaries, and agency.
The Controversial Split: Alex Cooper and Sofia Franklyn
One of the most significant moments in the podcast’s history came in 2020, when a contractual dispute led to a public and controversial split between Cooper and Franklyn. After the two hosts went silent on social media, fans discovered that tensions were high between the two and Barstool Sports, the podcast’s parent company at the time. The saga captivated audiences, with Barstool Sports’ founder, Dave Portnoy, even addressing the controversy on the podcast feed itself. Ultimately, Cooper stayed with Barstool to continue the podcast solo, while Franklyn left to create her own content.
This dramatic fallout became a pop culture event in its own right, with fans choosing sides and analyzing every detail as if it were a reality show. The split also gave audiences an insider look at the business side of podcasting, revealing that even highly successful partnerships can break down over financial and contractual disagreements. The incident highlighted the complexities behind the production of successful media ventures, as well as the personal tensions that can arise in high-stakes partnerships.
The Influence of Call Her Daddy on Modern Dating Culture
Call Her Daddy has not only reflected dating culture but actively shaped it. The podcast introduced phrases and concepts that have become part of its listeners’ everyday vocabulary, like “daddy gang” (the show’s fans) and “gluck gluck 9000” (a term for a certain type of sexual move). By popularizing these terms, the podcast has had a direct impact on how people discuss and understand dating, often presenting Cooper’s advice as “playbooks” for navigating modern romance.
In doing so, Call Her Daddy has changed the way many young people approach dating. For instance, some listeners have adopted a more assertive approach to relationships, embracing the podcast’s advice on self-worth and high standards. On the other hand, the podcast has also faced criticism for promoting a somewhat cynical or transactional view of relationships, often focusing on how to gain the upper hand in romantic dynamics. Regardless, Call Her Daddy has undeniably left a mark on dating culture, shaping how many young people think about attraction, commitment, and self-respect.
Celebrity Guests and the Expansion of the Podcast’s Reach
As Call Her Daddy gained fame, it began hosting high-profile guests, from TikTok stars and social media influencers to A-list celebrities. These guests bring in diverse perspectives and often dive deep into their personal lives, making the podcast even more appealing to listeners and expanding its reach into broader circles of pop culture. Notably, in her solo-hosted episodes, Alex Cooper has continued to attract major celebrities, such as Miley Cyrus and Hailey Bieber, further cementing Call Her Daddy’s status as a pop culture staple.
These celebrity interviews have allowed the podcast to move beyond its original format, creating a space where public figures can discuss issues that may be too candid or controversial for mainstream outlets. Cooper’s interview style, which often feels like an informal conversation between friends, has enabled these guests to open up in ways that other platforms might not allow. This approach resonates with fans, who feel like they’re getting a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the lives of people they admire.
From Podcast to Pop Culture Powerhouse: The $60 Million Spotify Deal
The true extent of Call Her Daddy‘s influence became clear in 2021 when Cooper signed a $60 million deal with Spotify, one of the most lucrative podcasting deals to date. This move marked a turning point, transitioning the podcast from a cultural phenomenon to an established brand in the media landscape. The deal allowed Cooper to expand the podcast’s reach further, producing episodes exclusively on Spotify and bringing in even higher-profile guests.
This moment was significant not only for Call Her Daddy but for the podcasting industry as a whole. The deal underscored the rising value of podcasts in popular media, highlighting how influential podcasters have become in shaping pop culture conversations. With this deal, Call Her Daddy proved that podcasts could command as much attention—and financial backing—as traditional media platforms, paving the way for other creators to monetize their unique voices and content.
The Cultural and Social Impact of Call Her Daddy
Call Her Daddy reflects and shapes cultural shifts, challenging conventional norms around relationships, sexuality, and women’s self-expression. The podcast’s candid discussions about “taboo” topics—like casual dating, mental health, and sexual empowerment—reflect a societal movement towards openness and authenticity in conversations about personal lives. In this sense, Call Her Daddy serves as both a mirror and a catalyst for change, influencing how young people approach their own relationships and self-image.
Critics, however, argue that the podcast occasionally promotes harmful stereotypes or encourages a competitive, “game-playing” approach to dating. Yet even this controversy contributes to Call Her Daddy’s impact on pop culture, as it sparks debates around the ethics of relationship advice and the messages that media figures should be sending to their audiences.
The podcast also has a strong social media presence, engaging with its fan base through platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where Cooper and her team share memes, episode snippets, and behind-the-scenes content. This engagement strategy has helped Call Her Daddy build a dedicated fan community, or “Daddy Gang,” who see the podcast as more than just entertainment—it’s a lifestyle and identity.
Conclusion: Call Her Daddy’s Legacy in Pop Culture
In just a few years, Call Her Daddy has transformed from a shock-value podcast into a pop culture powerhouse, with Alex Cooper leading the charge as a voice for candid, unfiltered conversations about modern relationships. The podcast has made a lasting impact on dating culture, female empowerment, and media, pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in discussions around relationships and self-expression.The podcast’s legacy will likely endure as it continues to address relevant, sometimes controversial topics in a way that resonates with its audience. As long as young people seek unfiltered guidance on navigating love, sex, and self-worth, Call Her Daddy will remain an influential force in the ever-evolving landscape of pop culture. Its story exemplifies how modern media can evolve and adapt to stay relevant, proving that even the most unconventional platforms have the potential to shape society’s attitudes and beliefs.
