Introduction to Call Her Daddy

Launched in the fall of 2018, the podcast Call Her Daddy, hosted by Alexandra Cooper and Sofia Franklyn, quickly gained traction by discussing candid topics related to their personal experiences, including relationships and lifestyle choices. The show’s debut episode featured Franklyn humorously noting her role as someone “just to ride Alex’s coattails,” while Cooper introduced herself as a “stay-at-home, try-hard vlogger by day and an Insta-hoe by night.” Their relatable narratives struck a chord with audiences, resulting in a lucrative three-year contract with Barstool Sports shortly after its launch.

Conflict and Split

In 2020, amid the escalating popularity of Call Her Daddy, Cooper and Franklyn sought to renegotiate their agreement with Barstool. This decision led to deterioration in their personal and professional relationship, culminating in a public fallout characterized by accusations and legal disputes. Franklyn alleged that Cooper had betrayed her trust during negotiations, while Cooper expressed frustration over Franklyn’s alleged lack of cooperation, further complicated by the involvement of Franklyn’s boyfriend, Peter Nelson, an HBO Sports executive.

The Shift in Control

With Barstool retaining control of the podcast’s intellectual property, Cooper took full ownership of Call Her Daddy in May 2020. The episodes featuring Franklyn were subsequently removed from the podcast’s archives. Following her departure from Barstool in 2021, Cooper secured a $60 million deal with Spotify, and in 2024, she reached an impressive $125 million agreement with Sirius XM. As a result, the podcast has transformed from its initial raunchy tone to a more refined format, featuring interviews with high-profile figures, including Kamala Harris and Michelle Obama.

Insights from Daddy Issues

Recently, Franklyn released her memoir, Daddy Issues, with the intention of shedding light on her perspective of the tumultuous relationship. However, the book has garnered mixed reviews, with many interpreting it as less of a reflective memoir and more of an expression of resentment. Franklyn’s narrative begins with a prologue involving a legal threat from Cooper’s husband regarding the memoir’s content, suggesting a significant backstory.

Allegations and Claims

Throughout the memoir, Franklyn makes several allegations about Cooper’s behavior during their time together. One notable claim involves Cooper allegedly orchestrating a date with Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard, with Franklyn tasked to capture photos for potential press leaks. Another assertion indicates that Cooper did not originate the infamous “Gluck Gluck 3000/9000” joke; instead, Franklyn claims it was created by a high-school friend of Cooper’s.

Franklyn speculates on the creative origins of Cooper’s comedic persona, attributing elements of her humor to influences outside of Cooper’s own expression. Yet, as Franklyn presents her narrative, she overlooks the evolution of Cooper’s style, which has markedly changed from its initial conception.

The Downfall of Their Friendship

The memoir delves into the collapse of their friendship, with a pivotal incident during a 2019 Barstool holiday party, where Franklyn’s excessive partying led to missed recordings and tension around contract renegotiations. The narrative explores suspicions of an inappropriate relationship between Cooper and Barstool founder Dave Portnoy, though this claim lacks substantial evidence and raises questions about the depth of their friendship, as Franklyn admits she was not deeply integrated into Cooper’s personal life.

Conclusion

Franklyn’s Daddy Issues seems to aim at reliving the controversies around Call Her Daddy, yet it raises more questions about the dynamics between friendship and ambition. Ultimately, while the memoir aims to spotlight her side of the story, it coincidentally reiterates previous perceptions of Cooper’s ambitious and image-conscious persona. In contrast, the narrative of an unraveling friendship highlights the complexities inherent in merging personal connections with professional aspirations.