Soccer Pals to Podcast Queens: How Alex Cooper & Lauren McMullen Built Their Media Empire
Alexandra “Alex” Cooper and Lauren McMullen met as second graders on a soccer field in Newtown, Pennsylvania. Their shared creativity—filming homemade skits and re-enacting movies—laid the foundation for a friendship that would one day redefine women’s media.
From college roommates to co-architects of the Call Her Daddy empire, their journey blends ambition, authenticity, and advocacy.
This article chronicles the transformation of Alex Cooper and Lauren McMullen from childhood friends into media powerhouses. We trace Alex’s early life—born August 21, 1994, into a sports-minded family—and her rise from a Boston University soccer star to signing blockbuster podcast deals.
We explore Lauren’s academic path, personal trials, and role as lead producer. Key events include Alex’s engagement and April 2024 wedding, the June 2025 Hulu docuseries Call Her Alex, and both women’s current ventures in live touring and mental health advocacy. Their story underscores resilience, collaboration, and female empowerment.
Early Lives & Bonding
Alexandra Cooper was born on August 21, 1994, in Newtown, Pennsylvania, the youngest of three siblings to a psychologist mother and sports TV producer father. Lauren McMullen grew up nearby, sharing Alex’s love of soccer. Together with friend Kristen Gatti, they spent weekends filming parodies and elaborate re-enactments—creative exercises that foreshadowed their future in content creation.
Academic Paths & Personal Trials
After high school, Alex attended Boston University on a soccer scholarship, while Lauren studied psychology at Tulane University. Lauren later joined Teach For America as a school counselor and pursued a master’s at Columbia University. When Lauren’s father died suddenly during her sophomore year, Alex’s parents opened their home and hearts to support her—a gesture that deepened their bond and influenced Lauren’s career focus on mental health.
The Podcast That Changed Everything
In 2018, Alex and her roommate, Sofia Franklyn, launched Call Her Daddy from a New York City apartment. Within weeks, Barstool Sports acquired it, and downloads skyrocketed from 12,000 to 2 million in two months.
By 2021, Alex signed a $60 million Spotify deal. In August 2024, she inked a $125 million, three-year agreement with SiriusXM, securing her place as one of podcasting’s highest-paid talents.
Engagement & Wedding Celebration
Matt Kaplan, CEO of Ace Entertainment, proposed to Alex in March 2023 with a surprise at-home scavenger hunt. The couple married on April 6, 2024, in a beach ceremony in Riviera Maya, Mexico, with Alex’s brother officiating and their dogs as ring bearers. Alex later told Vogue that Matt “handled almost everything,” making the day stress-free and unforgettable.
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Hulu Docuseries & Advocacy
On June 10, 2025, Hulu premiered Call Her Alex, a two-part documentary tracing Alex’s rise and revealing her first public account of sexual harassment by her Boston University soccer coach.
Alex and her family had reported the misconduct, but no action was taken at the time. The docu features Alex preparing for her first live tour and underscores her commitment to speaking out on systemic challenges that survivors face.
Lauren McMullen Today
Since joining Call Her Daddy as lead producer, Lauren has infused the show with candid conversations about dating, relationships, and mental health. She also co-leads Alex’s Unwell venture, which will launch Unwell Hydration—an electrolyte drink line debuting in January 2025—aimed at women’s wellness.
Privately, Lauren ended a seven-year relationship in the early 2020s and remains single, focusing on personal growth and utilizing her counseling expertise to support the podcast community.
Current Ventures & Legacy
Today, Alex balances her podcast empire with live tour dates, brand partnerships, and the growth of the Unwell network. Lauren continues as head producer and mental health advocate, developing content that destigmatizes therapy and personal struggles. Together, they’ve built a media platform where authenticity and empowerment drive millions of listeners.
Final Words
Alex Cooper and Lauren McMullen’s journey exemplifies how childhood friendship can spark a transformative professional partnership. Through triumphs and trials—from university fields to global streaming deals—they’ve created a community that embraces honesty and growth.
As they innovate in podcasting, wellness, and live events, their story remains a testament to the power of genuine collaboration and resilience in shaping the modern media landscape.
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