What is Call Her Daddy and who were the original hosts
Call Her Daddy is a globally recognized podcast that began in 2018, centered on candid conversations about relationships, sex, and modern dating. The show launched with two original hosts: Alexandra Cooper and Sofia Franklyn, who together built the podcast into a cultural phenomenon. This evergreen explainer outlines who these original hosts were, how the show’s format and ownership evolved, and the core team that supported the brand in its early years.
Alexandra Cooper: role and background
Alexandra Cooper is a writer, producer, and co-founder of the Call Her Daddy brand. As one of the two original hosts from 2018 onward, she shaped the show’s conversational style and editorial direction. Her background in writing and digital media helped define the podcast’s relatable, sex-positive voice and longform interview format.
Sofia Franklyn: role and background
Sofia Franklyn, the other original host alongside Cooper in 2018, brought a candid, humorous perspective to early episodes. She co-hosted the show during its first year, contributing to its rapid growth in listeners and social media momentum. Franklyn stepped away from hosting duties in late 2018 as the podcast transitioned to a new production model.
Timeline: original hosting arrangement
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| July 2018 | Call Her Daddy launches with Alexandra Cooper and Sofia Franklyn as hosts | Establishes the show’s initial format and on‑air chemistry |
| Late 2018 | Sofia Franklyn departs; Cooper continues as host with rotating co‑hosts | Marks the shift to a multi‑host, guest driven format under new production |
| 2021 | Podcast moves to Spotify under a licensing deal; brand and content continue under Cooper | Secures wider distribution and long‑term stability for the show |
Post‑original host transition: structure and key roles
After Franklyn’s departure, Call Her Daddy adopted a flexible hosting model. Alexandra Cooper remained the consistent on‑air voice, while the show regularly featured guest hosts, comedians, and experts. The core team expanded to include producers, editors, and talent managers who helped scale production and distribution.
Notable recurring co‑hosts and contributors (early years)
- Barrett Brooks: early recurring co‑host and producer
- Ben Barden: comedian and frequent guest host
- Will Gonsalves: early producer and operations lead
- Emmett Higgins: head of audio and post‑production
Together, this group maintained the podcast’s tone and quality while enabling Cooper to test new formats and segments.
Brand ownership and business evolution
Call Her Daddy was initially produced under a partnership with Independent Artists, a podcast network founded by Cooper and Franklyn. In 2021, the show entered a licensing and distribution agreement with Spotify, which provided resources for production, marketing, and global reach. Cooper retained ownership of the brand and continued shaping content, ensuring alignment with the show’s long‑term identity.
Key business and distribution milestones
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Independent Artists network launch; podcast self‑distributed | Early monetization and ownership structure |
| 2020 | Rapid audience growth; sponsorships expand revenue | Proof of concept for scaled creator business |
| 2021 | Licensing deal with Spotify; wider distribution and resources | Stabilized funding and production capabilities |
| 2022 2024 | Continued exclusive partnership with Spotify; expanded video and live events | Long‑term revenue and audience reach |
Team structure and production model
The podcast’s durability comes from a disciplined production workflow and a clear editorial vision led by Cooper. The team uses a hybrid creator network model, pairing in‑house producers with freelance editors and audio engineers. Roles typically include showrunner, head of audio, talent bookers, marketing lead, and community manager, enabling consistent weekly output and responsive audience engagement.
Core functional roles (typical structure)
| Role | Responsibility | Common Title |
|---|---|---|
| Showrunner / Host | Content vision, interview direction, brand voice | Alexandra Cooper |
| Head of Audio | Recording, editing, sound design | Emmett Higgins |
| Producer | Booking, research, show notes, scheduling | Barrett Brooks, others |
| Marketing & Partnerships | Sponsors, cross‑promotion, audience growth | Marketing lead |
| Community & Social | Audience interaction, moderation, clips | Community manager |
How to identify authentic Call Her Daddy content
Because the show entered a licensing agreement with Spotify, official episodes are primarily hosted on Spotify and the Call Her Daddy website. Look for verified branding, consistent audio quality, and show notes published on these channels. Unofficial uploads on other platforms may lack the full episode experience and may not reflect the latest sponsorship or editing standards.
Common questions about the original hosts
Were Alexandra Cooper and Sofia Franklyn the only original hosts
Yes, Cooper and Franklyn were the two hosts who launched the podcast in July 2018. Franklyn left after roughly one year, and Cooper continued as the central host, shaping the show’s direction going forward.
Did the show change format after the original hosts left
The format evolved from a primarily two‑host conversational style to a guest‑driven model with rotating co‑hosts, while Cooper retained editorial control. This shift helped scale production and diversify perspectives while preserving the show’s core tone.
Where can I listen to the original episodes
Early episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and the Call Her Daddy website. Some third‑party platforms may host copies, but the official catalog is maintained on Spotify and the show’s direct channels.
Status and ownership clarity
Call Her Daddy originated with Cooper and Franklyn as the founding hosts. After Franklyn’s departure in late 2018, Cooper led the brand’s transition to a scalable production model and secured a long‑term licensing partnership with Spotify. The podcast remains an influential example of how a creator‑led show can evolve while retaining consistent editorial control.
Bottom line
The original hosts of Call Her Daddy were Alexandra Cooper and Sofia Franklyn, who co‑launched the podcast in July 2018. Franklyn exited after about a year, and Cooper continued as the primary host, building a sustainable, partner‑backed operation. Understanding this history helps clarify the show’s origins, ownership, and the team structure that supports its ongoing production.