HomeCelebrityAlex Cooper: From College Athlete to Podcasting Powerhouse

Alex Cooper: From College Athlete to Podcasting Powerhouse

Alex Cooper is one of the biggest names in podcasting. She didn’t start that way. Her rise—from figuring things out to becoming a major name—shows what happens when timing and talent align. Or maybe it was luck. Her “Call Her Daddy” podcast transformed from casual conversations to a platform hosting major celebrities and political figures.

Who is Alex Cooper?

Born August 21, 1994, in Newtown, Pennsylvania, Alex Cooper grew up as the youngest of three siblings. Her mother, Laurie, works as a psychologist, while her father, Bryan, spent his career as a sports TV producer before retiring. Growing up with a psychologist mom and a TV producer dad probably shaped the way Cooper listens—and talks. Maybe not directly, but the influence is hard to ignore.

Cooper’s early life centered around athletics. She attended Boston University, where she played midfielder for the women’s soccer team. Her time as a college athlete built skills she later used in media. No one saw it coming back then.

Friends remember her as outspoken and funny—traits that later fit podcasting. The transition from sports to media wasn’t planned – Cooper simply followed opportunities as they appeared.

“I never thought I’d end up talking for a living,” she once said. “Soccer was my whole life—until suddenly, it wasn’t.” It’s a simple line, but it kind of sums her up.

During college, Cooper began exploring different career paths, showing early signs of the entrepreneurial spirit that would define her later success.

Podcast Host

Cooper’s media career started in 2016 when she joined Dirty Water Media as an on-air studio anchor. This role gave her valuable experience in front of the camera and microphone. She quickly learned how to connect with audiences through authentic conversation.

In 2018, Cooper co-created “Call Her Daddy.” It began casually—two friends talking about dating and sex. But people noticed. The honesty resonated. The show attracted listeners who appreciated Cooper’s straightforward approach to taboo topics.

The podcast’s massive popularity led to a $60 million deal with Spotify in 2021. This agreement marked one of the largest podcast contracts ever signed by a woman. That deal made one thing clear: Cooper knew what she was worth. She wasn’t just making content—she was running a business.

Her business acumen showed again when she negotiated an even larger deal with SiriusXM worth $125 million in late 2024. This move expanded her reach and solidified her position as a leading voice in digital media.

Throughout these negotiations, Cooper maintained creative control of her content. This insistence on authenticity helped maintain her connection with fans even as her platform grew.

Is Alex Cooper Married?

People started paying closer attention when Cooper began dating Hollywood producer Matt Kaplan back in 2020. It wasn’t a headline kind of romance at first, but it got there. They first met over Zoom during the pandemic.

“Meeting someone through a screen isn’t ideal,” Cooper shared on her podcast. “But sometimes life brings you the right person in weird ways.”

Their relationship progressed steadily despite their busy careers. In April 2023, Kaplan proposed, and Cooper shared the news with her millions of followers. The ring? Huge. Oval-cut, and yeah—Instagram went wild.

The couple married in April 2024 in a beachfront ceremony in Riviera Maya, Mexico. Close friends and family attended the intimate wedding, with pictures later shared on Cooper’s social media.

Kaplan, who produces young adult films, shares her media background. Their partnership works because of that.

Alex Cooper Age

Born on August 21, 1994, Alex Cooper is currently 30 years old as of May 24, 2025. This places her squarely within the millennial generation, though much of her audience consists of Gen Z listeners.

She often talks about generational differences—how Gen Z thinks, what millennials miss. It resonates. Her ability to connect with younger listeners while maintaining appeal to her generation contributes to her broad popularity.

At 30, Cooper has accomplished what many media personalities take decades to achieve. She’s 30, which feels young for someone with this kind of reach. Most people in her position are older, more “established.” But that might be part of why she stands out.

Career Highlights

Cooper’s career evolved fast. She adapted as she went, which kept things moving. While “Call Her Daddy” started with a focus on dating and sex talk, Cooper gradually transformed it into a platform for meaningful conversations with high-profile guests.

The podcast now regularly features interviews with major celebrities like Miley Cyrus and political figures, including Kamala Harris. These conversations reveal Cooper’s skill as an interviewer who can make guests comfortable discussing personal topics.

In 2023, she started The Unwell Network. A smart move, aimed right at Gen Z creators. It was part business move, part staying current, and part staying in control. This expansion showed her understanding of media trends and her desire to support emerging voices.

Her business ventures continued with Unwell Hydration, a beverage line created in partnership with Nestlé. It’s hydration with branding aimed at younger buyers who want style with their drinks. The product line quickly gained popularity among her fan base.

Achievements

Cooper ranks among the highest-paid female podcasters in the world. She earns around $22 million a year—a rare number in podcasting.

Beyond financial success, Cooper changed how people view podcasting as a medium. Podcasts used to be kind of niche. Now they’re mainstream, and Cooper played a real role in that shift. Or at least in making it feel like a legit career path.

She shifted how many women talk about sex and relationships, topics that used to feel off-limits. By creating space for honest conversations about sexuality, relationships, and personal growth, Cooper helped normalize discussions previously kept private.

Media industry publications regularly recognize Cooper for her innovative approach to content creation and business development. Her combination of authentic voice and business acumen makes her a unique figure in entertainment.

Lifestyle

Success brought lifestyle upgrades, of course. She lives in a $10.7 million home in Studio City. It’s got everything—pool, gym, studio. Her life and work are under one roof. The property features luxury amenities including a pool, home gym, and recording studio.

Her home reflects both her personal taste and practical needs as a content creator. The dedicated recording space allows her to maintain production quality while working from home.

After signing her SiriusXM deal, Cooper purchased a Los Angeles home for her parents. After the SiriusXM deal, she bought her parents a house. She stays close to them.

Cooper’s social media offers glimpses into her daily life, showing a balance of work commitments and personal time. Her days are packed, but she still carves out time for people, for herself. It’s not all hustle.

She travels a lot—some of it work, some just to get out of LA. The trips sometimes make it into her podcast, usually as quick stories or side notes.

Income Sources

Her income doesn’t come from just one thing. It’s layered—Spotify, SiriusXM, products, ads. She’s built a setup where money comes in from all angles.

The Unwell Network brings in ad money and some subscriptions. It’s still growing, but the potential’s there.

Unwell Hydration provides product-based revenue, diversifying Cooper’s business interests beyond media content. The beverage line sells both online and in select retail locations.

Brands pay top dollar to reach her audience. She says she’s selective about partnerships.

Alex Cooper Net Worth

As of 2025, estimates place Alex Cooper’s net worth between $60 million and $100 million. This wealth comes primarily from her media contracts, business ventures, and investments.

Her net worth jumped fast, faster than most. In just a few years, she went from unknown to top-tier. That kind of jump is rare.

Her wealth management includes significant real estate investments. Beyond her residence and her parents’ home, Cooper has invested in additional properties as financial assets.

She’s now a case study in turning a personal brand into digital income. Whether others can copy it is another question.

Evolution of Call Her Daddy

When “Call Her Daddy” launched in 2018, few predicted its eventual impact. The podcast began with Cooper and co-host Sofia Franklyn discussing dating experiences with brutal honesty.

After a highly publicized split with Franklyn in 2020, Cooper took sole control of the podcast. This transition period tested her ability to maintain audience interest as a solo host.

After the split, she expanded the show beyond dating to mental health, careers, and family.

The interview format became increasingly prominent, with Cooper developing a reputation for getting guests to open up. She doesn’t shy away from hard questions, but she doesn’t push too hard either. That balance makes people open up in ways they might not expect to.

Today, “Call Her Daddy” ranks consistently among the top podcasts globally. Its evolution demonstrates Cooper’s adaptability and understanding of audience needs.

Final Thoughts

She’s not slowing down. More shows are coming to The Unwell Network. Different voices, new angles—it feels like she’s building something bigger than herself.

There’s a documentary in the works now. Behind-the-scenes, long arc storytelling—It signals this wasn’t just a lucky break.

She might write a book next. Talks are happening. Whether it’s memoir, advice, or something else, it’ll probably sound a lot like her podcast.

The Unwell Hydration line plans to introduce new flavors and formulations based on customer feedback. This product expansion shows Cooper’s commitment to business growth beyond media.

TV might be next. She’s dropped hints. Nothing confirmed yet, but it’s clear she’s thinking bigger—more screens, more formats.

Explore more

Maxine Sneed smiling outdoors with natural background

Maxine Sneed: Editor, Mother, and the First Wife of Tommy Chong

Maxine Sneed made her mark as editor of Black Radio Magazine and kept a low profile, even while married to comedy icon Tommy Chong....
Sarah Wayne Callies smiling portrait in soft natural light

Sarah Wayne Callies: A Chronicle of Strength On and Off Screen

Sarah Wayne Callies became a familiar face on TV through standout roles in Prison Break and The Walking Dead. From playing a prison doctor...
Young Lisa Marie Presley smiling with Elvis Presley in a 1970s photo

Lisa Marie Presley: The Life and Legacy of Elvis’s Only Child

Lisa Marie Presley was born into music royalty as Elvis’s only child and lived a life of both privilege and pain. She made her...

Blake Fielder-Civil: The Life of Amy Winehouse’s Ex-Husband

Blake Fielder-Civil is best known as Amy Winehouse’s ex-husband, but his life story goes far beyond their troubled romance. Born in Northamptonshire in 1982,...