The “Call Her Daddy” Podcast Takeover

From interviewing former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris to Monica Lewinsky, the infamous mistress of Bill Clinton, to also sitting down with celebrities like Ellen Pompeo, the Call Her Daddy podcast showcases an undeniably impressive range. Its ability to blend candid realism with diverse conversations has solidified its status as one of the most popular podcasts today. Whether the show is seen as explicit and bold or relatable and mindful, its success and groundbreaking themes are undeniable. Furthermore, Call Her Daddy has been widely recognized for its influence, becoming a Spotify exclusive and arguably one of the most listened to podcasts worldwide.

The podcast was initially created to discuss taboo topics, particularly those that young adults, especially women, may have questions about, such as sex and relationships. Over time, it has evolved from a casual, conversational podcast into one that features high-profile interviews with celebrities and public figures. The success of Call Her Daddy can be attributed to its massive social media presence, including an Instagram account with 2.4 million followers and an estimated 5 million listeners per week.

Host Alex Cooper is known for her laidback, engaging style as well as her entrepreneurial ventures outside the podcast. While Cooper is now the sole face of Call Her Daddy, the show originally launched in 2018 with co-host Sofia Franklyn before the two parted ways in 2020. The podcast was initially signed by Barstool Sports, but since 2021, Alex Cooper has co-signed ownership with Spotify.

The podcast has featured interviews with major celebrities, including Christina Aguilera, Ke$ha, Camila Cabello, Paris Hilton, Miley Cyrus, and many more. Notably, recent episodes have included in-depth conversations with Vice President Kamala Harris, Monica Lewinsky, and Ellen Pompeo.

Diving into Key Episodes

One of the most talked about episodes called “Vice President Kamala Harris”, features Kamala Harris, where critical political topics were discussed. The conversation covered issues that resonate with many American women, including abortion rights and the Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, which originally protected a woman’s right to choose an abortion within the first trimester of pregnancy. Harris highlighted how former President Donald Trump played a role in overturning Roe v. Wade, which has led to abortion bans or severe restrictions in 20 states, with some offering no exceptions for rape or incest. Cooper also shared that when the ruling was overturned, she received thousands of direct messages from women across the country who felt scared and powerless. Harris called the restrictions “outrageous,” emphasizing that women should have the right to make decisions about their own bodies rather than being controlled by the government. Cooper also mentioned that she had been in contact with the Trump administration regarding a potential interview, but that episode never came to fruition.

Another widely discussed episode, “Monica Lewinsky: An Intern Vs. The President,” featured Monica Lewinsky, shaking the internet upon its release. Cooper opened the episode by putting listeners in Lewinsky’s shoes, reflecting on how, as a young intern at the White House, Lewinsky had the opportunity to work under President Bill Clinton, one of the most powerful men in the world. Cooper then detailed how Lewinsky was groomed into an inappropriate relationship with Clinton, highlighting the power imbalance and the intense public scrutiny Lewinsky endured. This episode aimed to reshape Lewinsky’s narrative, allowing her to share her side of the story. Additionally, Cooper announced that Lewinsky is planning to launch her own podcast soon. The interview sparked viral moments and widespread media coverage on platforms like NBC, TODAY, and CNN. The episode generated mixed reactions to which some supported Lewinsky and advocated for women who have historically faced more shame than men in similar situations, while others criticized her and dismissed the controversy as something that happened decades ago.

Another standout episode, titled “Ellen Pompeo: Pick Me, Choose Me, Pay Me More,” featured the actress best known for her leading role in Grey’s Anatomy. Pompeo began the episode by sharing how her teenage daughter is a huge fan of Call Her Daddy. One of the most shocking moments came when she revealed that she had been paid significantly less than her co-star, Patrick Dempsey, despite being the show’s central character. Many listeners were shocked, as Pompeo is the face of Grey’s Anatomy, with her character serving as the main lead for over a decade. She explained that Dempsey, already an established actor, had more leverage, while she was still building her career. This discussion expanded into broader issues women face in the workforce, touching on gender pay gaps, patriarchy, and misogyny.

Beyond celebrity gossip and fun conversations, Call Her Daddy has carved out a space for discussions that many listeners find eye opening, relatable, or thoughtful. Its popularity is not just a result of its famous guests but also the fresh perspectives it offers. Whether it is shedding light on Pompeo’s experience with pay disparity, allowing Lewinsky to reclaim her story, or tackling women’s rights with Harris, Call Her Daddy continues to spark conversations that go beyond traditional podcast entertainment.