For many who love podcasts, the name Call Her Daddy brings up a lot of thoughts. It's a show that really grabbed people's attention, and it started out as a big part of the Barstool Sports world. So, that's why a question many folks often ask is: Is Call Her Daddy still owned by Barstool? It's a question that gets at the heart of how podcasts grow and change, and how creators sometimes move on to bigger things.
The story of Call Her Daddy is, in a way, a pretty interesting one, especially for anyone following the world of digital content. It began as a fun, often shocking, talk show under the Barstool umbrella, gaining a huge following quite quickly. Listeners were, you know, really drawn to the hosts' open and honest conversations about life, relationships, and just about everything in between.
But like many good stories, this one has its twists and turns. The relationship between the podcast and its original home saw some big changes. We're going to look into what happened, what that meant for the show, and where things stand today. Basically, we'll get into the details of who holds the reins now and how the show keeps going strong, so.
Table of Contents
- The Rise of Call Her Daddy: A Phenomenon Born at Barstool
- Alex Cooper: The Voice Behind the Mic
- The Big Breakup: Why Call Her Daddy Left Barstool
- Spotify Steps In: A New Chapter Begins
- What Does "Owned" Mean Now? Understanding the Current Landscape
- The Call Her Daddy Legacy: Beyond Barstool
- Frequently Asked Questions About Call Her Daddy
The Rise of Call Her Daddy: A Phenomenon Born at Barstool
Call Her Daddy first came onto the scene in 2018, and it really took off pretty fast. It was, in some respects, quite a fresh voice in the podcast world, especially for Barstool Sports, which was known more for sports talk. This show, however, focused on personal stories, dating advice, and honest chats that felt, you know, very relatable to many listeners.
Early Days and Barstool's Role
Barstool Sports, a digital media company, was the place where Call Her Daddy found its first home. They provided the platform, the production support, and, frankly, a lot of the initial push that helped the podcast get noticed. The show's hosts, Alex Cooper and Sofia Franklyn, were able to use Barstool's existing audience to gain a following quickly. It was, you know, a pretty good setup for a while.
The podcast’s style was, in a way, quite bold and unfiltered. This approach really resonated with a younger audience looking for something different from traditional media. Barstool's brand, which often leaned into edgy content, was a natural fit for the show's early days. The show's popularity grew steadily, and it became one of Barstool's top-performing podcasts, more or less.
The Podcast's Unique Appeal
What made Call Her Daddy stand out? Well, it was a bit of a mix of things. The hosts were very open about their own experiences, sharing stories that were both funny and sometimes a little shocking. They talked about things that, in a way, many people think about but don't always say out loud. This raw honesty created a strong connection with their listeners, almost like talking to close friends.
The show's direct and conversational tone, along with its often provocative topics, made it feel very authentic. People enjoyed the back-and-forth between Alex and Sofia, and the way they tackled subjects with a sense of humor and realness. This unique blend of entertainment and personal sharing was, you know, a big reason for its rapid rise in popularity.
Alex Cooper: The Voice Behind the Mic
While Call Her Daddy started with two hosts, Alex Cooper eventually became the sole voice leading the show. Her personality and direct approach have been, in a way, central to the podcast's continued success. She has a knack for getting people to open up and share their stories, which is, you know, a pretty important part of the show's appeal.
A Look at the Host's Path
Alex Cooper's journey to becoming a podcast star is, honestly, quite interesting. Before Call Her Daddy, she had a background in media and was already building a presence online. Her ability to connect with an audience, even when talking about sensitive subjects, has been a key factor in the show's lasting power. She's, basically, built a strong brand around herself and the podcast.
Her style is, in a way, very approachable, yet she doesn't shy away from asking tough questions or sharing her own opinions. This balance has allowed the show to evolve and keep its audience engaged, even after significant changes. She's, you know, quite a force in the podcast world, and her influence continues to grow, apparently.
Alex Cooper's Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Alexandra Cooper |
| Known For | Host of Call Her Daddy podcast |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Boston University (graduated 2017) |
| Career Start | Began online content creation, then Call Her Daddy in 2018 |
| Current Role | Sole host of Call Her Daddy, creator of The Unwell Network |
The Big Breakup: Why Call Her Daddy Left Barstool
The biggest moment in Call Her Daddy's history, and the reason for the question about ownership, came in 2020. This was when the podcast, or more accurately, its hosts, had a very public disagreement with Barstool Sports. It was, you know, a pretty big deal at the time, getting a lot of attention in the media.
Contract Talks and Disagreements
The core of the issue was, in fact, about money and control. As the podcast grew in popularity, Alex and Sofia felt they deserved a bigger share of the earnings and more say in how the show was run. They were, in a way, looking for a new agreement that reflected the show's massive success. Barstool, on the other hand, had its own ideas about the value of the podcast and the terms of a new deal.
These talks became quite tense, and the two sides couldn't seem to find common ground. It was a situation where, you know, both parties felt they were in the right, leading to a standstill. This kind of disagreement over terms is, in fact, not uncommon when content creators become very successful under a larger company, but this one became very public, naturally.
The "Unfollow Her" Drama
The tension reached a peak when the podcast stopped releasing new episodes for a period. This led to a lot of speculation and, basically, a very public back-and-forth. Barstool's founder, Dave Portnoy, even weighed in, sharing his side of the story and telling fans to "unfollow her" (referring to Sofia Franklyn, who was seen as the main holdout at the time). This created a huge amount of drama and, you know, pretty much everyone in the podcast world was talking about it.
Ultimately, Sofia Franklyn left the show, and Alex Cooper decided to stay with Barstool for a short time before making her next move. This period was, in a way, a defining moment for the podcast, changing its structure and setting the stage for its future. It showed just how much people cared about the show and its creators, too it's almost.
Spotify Steps In: A New Chapter Begins
After the very public split and the changes to the show's lineup, Alex Cooper, as the sole host, was in a position to make a big decision about the podcast's future. And, you know, a pretty major player stepped in: Spotify. This move marked a significant turning point for Call Her Daddy.
The Mega-Deal and Its Impact
In 2021, Spotify announced that it had signed an exclusive deal with Alex Cooper for Call Her Daddy. This was, in fact, a massive agreement, reportedly worth around $60 million over several years. This kind of money showed just how much value major platforms like Spotify saw in popular podcasts and their creators. It was, arguably, one of the biggest podcast deals at the time.
This deal meant that Call Her Daddy would no longer be available on other podcast platforms; it would be exclusive to Spotify. This move had a big impact on the podcast's reach and how people accessed it. For Spotify, it was a way to bring in more listeners and strengthen their position in the audio market. For Alex, it meant a new level of financial security and, you know, a much bigger platform, in a way.
Creative Freedom and Growth
Moving to Spotify also meant a new kind of creative environment for Alex Cooper. While Barstool had given the show its start, the Spotify deal offered, perhaps, more independence and resources for growth. Alex gained more control over the show's direction, content, and branding. This freedom allowed her to expand the podcast's scope and explore new topics, which is, you know, pretty important for any creator.
Under Spotify, Call Her Daddy has continued to grow its audience and maintain its position as a top podcast. The show has evolved, bringing in more celebrity guests and tackling a wider range of subjects, while still keeping its signature candid style. It's clear that the move was, in fact, a strategic one that has paid off for Alex and the show, apparently.
What Does "Owned" Mean Now? Understanding the Current Landscape
So, to answer the main question directly: Is Call Her Daddy still owned by Barstool? The answer is a clear no. Barstool Sports no longer has any ownership stake in the Call Her Daddy podcast. The show is now, in fact, part of a different arrangement entirely.
Alex Cooper's Ownership and Control
Under the deal with Spotify, Alex Cooper maintains significant control and ownership over the Call Her Daddy brand and its content. While Spotify has exclusive rights to distribute the podcast, the creative direction and the brand itself are, you know, very much in Alex's hands. This is a common model for big podcast deals, where the platform pays for exclusive distribution rights but the creator keeps ownership of their intellectual property, essentially.
This setup allows Alex to continue building her brand, which now includes "The Unwell Network," a broader media company she founded. The Call Her Daddy podcast is, in fact, a cornerstone of this new venture. This means that, for all intents and purposes, Alex Cooper is the primary owner and decision-maker for the Call Her Daddy universe, pretty much.
The Business Model Today
The current business model for Call Her Daddy revolves around the exclusive licensing agreement with Spotify. Spotify pays Alex Cooper a large sum for the right to host the podcast exclusively on their platform. This provides a stable income stream for the show and allows Alex to focus on content creation without worrying about, you know, the day-to-day business of distribution. This model is, in a way, very different from the revenue-sharing arrangement they had with Barstool, which was a big point of contention, as a matter of fact.
Additionally, Alex can still pursue other ventures, like her new network and other media projects, which further build her brand and income. The podcast acts as a central hub for her audience, driving interest to her other endeavors. It's a pretty smart way to manage a successful media property, you know, in today's world.
The Call Her Daddy Legacy: Beyond Barstool
Call Her Daddy's journey from a Barstool podcast to a Spotify exclusive, led by Alex Cooper, shows how dynamic the media landscape can be. The show has, in fact, gone through a lot of changes, but its core appeal seems to have remained strong. It's a testament to the power of a compelling voice and, you know, a clear vision.
Continued Evolution and Audience Connection
Since its move to Spotify, Call Her Daddy has continued to evolve. Alex Cooper has brought in a wider range of guests, including celebrities and experts, expanding the show's reach and topics. The podcast still focuses on personal stories and candid conversations, but it's also tackled more serious subjects, showing a bit of growth in its content. The audience, you know, seems to have followed along for the ride, which is pretty amazing.
The connection Alex has with her listeners is, in a way, very strong. She often interacts with them on social media and brings their questions and experiences into the show. This direct line to the audience helps keep the content fresh and relevant. It's clear that, honestly, this personal touch is a big part of why people keep coming back.
Future Outlook
What's next for Call Her Daddy? Well, it seems like the show is set to continue its success on Spotify. Alex Cooper's deal with the platform ensures its presence there for the foreseeable future. With her new media company, The Unwell Network, she's also looking to expand beyond just the podcast, creating other forms of content and, you know, building a bigger media empire. It's, basically, a pretty exciting time for her and the brand.
The story of Call Her Daddy serves as a good example of how creators can, in fact, take control of their work and build their own empires, even after starting out with a larger company. It shows that, at the end of the day, talent and a strong connection with your audience can open up many doors. You can learn more about podcast deals on our site, and also find out more about exclusive content platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions About Call Her Daddy
People often have questions about Call Her Daddy, especially given its history. Here are some common ones:
Is Call Her Daddy still on Spotify?
Yes, absolutely! Call Her Daddy is, in fact, exclusively available on Spotify. Alex Cooper signed a multi-year deal with the platform in 2021, making it the only place where you can listen to new episodes. So, if you're looking for the show, that's where you'll find it, naturally.
How much did Spotify pay for Call Her Daddy?
While the exact figure wasn't publicly confirmed by Spotify or Alex Cooper, reports widely suggested the exclusive deal was worth around $60 million over three years. This was, you know, a pretty significant amount at the time, highlighting the value of popular podcasts to streaming platforms. It was, arguably, one of the biggest deals in podcasting history.
Who owns the Call Her Daddy brand now?
Alex Cooper, the host of Call Her Daddy, primarily owns the brand and its intellectual property. While Spotify has exclusive distribution rights for the podcast, Alex maintains creative control and ownership of the Call Her Daddy name and content. She has, in fact, used this ownership to launch her own media company, The Unwell Network, with Call Her Daddy as a key part of it. So, it's very much her show, essentially.
