Alex Cooper on Building a Media Brand

Key takeaways

Alex Cooper acknowledges the impact of her podcast, not only as a source of entertainment but as a transformative platform for conversations among women.
She emphasizes the growing trend of media platforms giving authenticity and direct engagement with audiences more value than traditional journalistic practices.
Cooper's successful pivot from sex-related topics to discussing broader issues reflects changing societal norms and the increased public willingness to address complex topics.
The creation of The Unwell Network showcases her entrepreneurial spirit, focused on nurturing new voices in media while still maintaining a strong personal brand.
Cooper reinforces the need for media brands to foster genuine relationships with their audiences, which could restore trust in journalism.

Summary

Podcast Journey and Purpose

Alex Cooper reflects on her evolution from a podcast discussing sexual encounters to a platform featuring profound societal issues. She shares that her goal has always been to fill a gap in the media landscape where women can discuss topics openly and authentically, pushing boundaries of what women dare to address in public discourse.

Cultural Shifts in Media Communication

Cooper discusses the changing landscape of media, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and personal voice over traditional journalistic standards. She believes that the cultural acceptance of previously taboo topics, such as mental health and relationships, has positively influenced societal conversations, allowing for deeper connections and acknowledgment of human experiences.

Interviews and Newsworthy Conversations

The conversation shifts towards Cooper's interviews with high-profile individuals, including her recent interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. She explains her approach to interviews, focusing on creating a safe space for guests, which results in candid and revealing discussions, appealing to her audience's desires for authenticity.

Building a Media Empire: The Unwell Network

Cooper discusses her strategic moves into building a media empire, including her deals with Spotify and Sirius XM, establishing The Unwell Network to cultivate new talents, diversifying content offerings from podcasts to live events, and the recent feat of launching her hydration beverage to meet her audience's needs.

The Dynamics of Authorship in Media

Conversing about media trust issues, Cooper aims to project a more relatable persona in contrast to traditional media outlets. She suggests that media should cultivate authentic connections with audiences, encouraging a shift towards valuing first-hand experiences over scripted narratives.

Show notes

The host of the “Call Her Daddy” podcast and founder of the Unwell Network discusses her interview with Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of the 2024 election, her podcast’s journey from chatting about sex advice to delving into more serious subjects and how the Unwell Network’s fan merchandise became a eight-figure business.

“I don’t care if people consider me a journalist or a podcaster, or just a girl that talks online every week.”

This interview was with Andrew Ross Sorkin of The New York Times at the annual DealBook Summit and recorded live in front of an audience at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Read more about highlights from the day at https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/12/04/business/dealbook-summit-news

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