I meannnnn.. do we reaalllly need this platform? She’s very clearly not catering to us, we are not the target demo. It would seem she’d need us if anything. Why do we need visibility on a platform that caters to granddaughters of the Klan, thematically speaking?
Hey Erika - I’m with you and I kind of addressed it in my piece. I don’t think everything is for us - and Alex made this clear - but I don’t think everything should be against us either. I definitely don’t like who she has chosen to platform, but right now she is one of the biggest shows in the world, and I don’t think that’s going to change anytime soon. So until there’s a space that large built by us, I hesitate being okay with being overlooked on this one. But open to hearing your thoughts!
Idk I think divesting from these platforms all together is a matter of sanity and survival. I’ve been thinking about “representation”. Representation can either be a tool of illumination or further obscuring of light. As to say, representation only matters depending on who is curating the optics. The only type of black woman who would qualify to be on that show is Candace Owens. Or Michelle Obama (if even that). Completely counterproductive. At what point do we recognize we don’t need to be visible on their platforms rather better to build IRL communal connections as black people, rediscovery of our history/systems off all screens?
I agree and also thank you for your thoughtful and honest responses! I don’t think changing the culture of Call Her Daddy will support us in the long run at all, as I mentioned I stopped listening to the show a long time ago. But the question I was grappling with is does she have a responsibility with her reach to be more intentional with the values say loudly says she has. And if we don’t go on, which fair and valid, do we no longer have our voices heard on that large of a reach? That doesn’t land right to me either!
I understand. I just think we should be outgrowing any delusion that we are going to get anything else from these people. It has always been vitriolic evil eyes, silent indifference, hostility, ignorance or violence. Obviously rare genuine exceptions. Perhaps there is a 3rd way. The “secret door” option. We have to create our own spaces IRL. Visibility means nothing if what’s made visible will hurt you in the end. I don’t know any black women listening to that shit anyway ngl. You’re the first I’ve heard speak on it. For some reason I’m thinking of Baba Malcolm’s “Message to the Grassroots”. He was like time will tell. Time has told us what we are dealing with. Survival requires we adapt with new information near constantly.
Frankly we don't need to be in a space that's clearly not for us. Alex Cooper is a white woman who's only interested in platforming white women and their stories. I never listened to her podcast for that very reason.
I agree for the most part and this the piece I struggle with myself. I only listen to Black and brown women podcasters (I have a list in the piece) but unfortunately we don’t have anything exactly as popular. So it’s really the question of do we stay away, and rightfully so, but lose the reach of the show to uplift our work and voice or does she have a responsibility to do better in the space she occupies?
Thank you for reading and yes! When it started it was two friends talking, and I didn't mind, but now? If she is going to be the premiere interview space, it can't only be limited to people who look like her. Smh.
This is well written and thought provoking piece. My only question- I was perusing the tracker and I wondered if it was fair to count her solo appearances on the podcast towards the white women’s total. Shouldn’t you just count the guests in order not to skew the results?
Fair question! I debated this myself since my whole question was whose voices are primarily centered or platformed on the show. So I thought the times she centered herself was important to include. But to your point, I just did the math (because I was curious too!) Without including her solo episodes, she had 142 guests, 90 being white women, so that is 63.38% of guests. So either way close to 2/3rds of all guests!
I think so?? Like in the intro music she’s calls people the daddy gang and I could never get past how dumb I thought it all sounded. That she interviewed Kamala Harris I thought was the weirdest crossover.
i dont get it. i dont get her. i dont get the appeal. i've watched one interview-- with chappell roan and i couldn't even watch the full thing bc she's so superficial in her questions. i thought it was funny that even chapel l roan seemed liked she didn't want to be asked her chat gpt questions
I honestly think you would love the podcast to my sisters. They speak about various topics healing, growing, friendship breaks up, relationships, finances, spirituality and the list goes on. And they have POC guests often. And they have a book too. And they answer dilemmas from their listeners. I’ve written in my own dilemma and have gotten a response. Also the self love fix too. I’ve never been one to listen to podcasts by white women 😭😭😭 I’ve always felt like I didn’t really resonate with certain experiences but when it came to the podcasts to my sisters I love themmmmm.
By listening in honestly and buying their book. Having a book published is not easy hey I think to my sister is in their own lane they have travelled to various countries to have sisterhood conferences. I think by the sharing the podcast perhaps suggesting that they have celeb guests on their podcasts. But I think black women should really focus on spaces where they are seen heard and appreciated not on spaces like call me daddy.. I mean we have keke palmers podcast she’s a well known celeb so why is her podcast not as big? Even when it comes to show hosts people on TikTok are hating on Jennifer Hudson but praising Kelly clarkson. Why is that???
Completely agreed - I'm going to buy their book too! I agree - we should focus on spaces were we're celebrated, and I want to ensure I use my time and energy to build up platforms that align with those values. I also didn't hear about this hate on the J Hud show! She has people dancing down a hallway, what's there to be mad about?! Smh
This is so funny. Isn’t Palmer that woman who didn’t get the memo of getting away from degenerate people and who predictably got abused because of it? The likely underlying reason why she’s not as popular is probably because her penultimate life decisions are an indicator to women like her that she aligns with downgrading the next generation of who women like her birth, all in the name of ethnic solidarity. She’s not alright and not in a fun, impactful way. She’s orienting herself and her life towards degradation.
If I were a young black woman, I would never want my sisters, female cousins, or anyone to pay that kind of woman any mind. I would never want younger black women to think the big life decisions she made that failed were fine to fall back on. I’d outright tell them it’s better to not birth with degenerate people or allow such people to have any influence over you making objective decisions over your life.
Yep, it was less than 2% (7 in 393 episodes), very saddening especially because he is also one of the biggest European podcasts so he actually has access to completely different sub-groups of Black women but oh well.
Sooo….I had the opportunity to attend her Unwell Tour “live” fantastic experience BUT-Black women are so not her audience that I’m completely unbothered by the fact that she hasn’t interviewed anyone Black besides Vice President Harris. Here’s my case study of the experience.
I read as much as I could! I hear that and understand your perspective since it’s so clear we’re not her audience. But I do think she has a responsibility to be mindful of the narrative she’s putting out there, and unfortunately it’s that one of white womanhood that doesn’t include us. I only called it out because when it’s the largest platform for women in the world so I think there is extra scrutiny needed. Like people listen to this and not the news! It’s wild.
You actually have made my point in your comments "The narrative that she's putting out there, and unfortunately it's that one of white womanhood that doesn't include us." She has an audience and it seems to be blond white women around the age of 27 years old who are wanting to be empowered in all parts of their lives. Likely the women that she typically hangs out with. There were a few Black women in the audience (that surprised me because I live in Denver) I just feel that if cross-cultural connection was a deep core value...that would be built into her show. I would rather focus on holding people in the podcasting space who are speaking to Black audiences to be more accountable for the narratives that they're creating in media.
You keep saying she has a responsibility to do this and do that but it's her show! I get that you like it and want to be represented by her platform but she's white. Just let it be🙏
“Either it needs to be created, or we all need to invest deeper by tuning into those shows.” - would love to know who to listen to; I’ve had to mute so many of the same white feminist marketing machines here as I do on my podcasts.
Oh you know who I love imo?? amelia from chicken shop date on youtube and keke palmers podcast is good too!! wish more people listened to it bc I could listen to her talk all day
Thank you for voicing this, Chanda!!! I never saw CHD as a female-empowering force considering not all females are adequately represented. Such good points about Keke, SZA and Doechi! The subsidiary she has started ‘Unwell’ with a roster of white Influencers further put me off the show and severely discredited Alex in my eyes. Brilliant take!
Thank you for sharing podcasts by BIPOC women! I’ve been a CHD fan since day 1 and have not agreed on the route it’s taken. Alex claims to be progressive, but there is a major lack of representation for POC. I find it lacking as a “progressive” platform when we are only getting stories and opinions from majority white men and women. Like you said it’s the largest platform for women in the world, but the majority of women are still being left out.
Yes - 100p agree! Also those other podcasts are great and there's been some other great suggestions in the comments, Sisters and Keke Palmer's show, that I'm also going to add to my personal list too.
Thank u so much this finally helped me understand why I was getting a bad vibe from the whole CHD/ Alex Cooper thing… we gotta get Keke Palmer’s podcast up there.. and Issa Rae pls make one
Yes! It took me awhile to sort through my own feelings as well. Keke’s podcast is gold. An Issa Rae podcast would be insane. There’s so many gems, we just have to get them more visibility!
I don’t understand why black women beg for attention from people who just want to be left alone. Why not just make your own platform relevant to your stuff?
Hey Theo - I definitely don't think we should beg for attention from anyone, and I do believe, support, and invest in Black women building their own platforms. However, Alex Cooper does have one of the biggest podcasts in the world and until we build something that has that same level of visibility, which we know will be difficult for a lot of reasons, I think it is important to be featured at a higher rate than we currently are.
Then build the thing. Does it make sense to you to continuously run after the people who produce other platforms for recognition, when you could learn to build a parallel platform yourself? Everyone goes through difficulties. Running away from them or thinking you can bypass them by running after people who want to be left alone won’t attack the core of the problem. Build your own stuff. If it’s not good, rebuild until it’s good.
she isn’t even a good interviewer to begin with, she acts like some serious journalist when in reality it’s more of a conversation which (if you’re in the market for a REAL interview) makes the episodes almost unlistenable. She also has like zero personality imo lol
I meannnnn.. do we reaalllly need this platform? She’s very clearly not catering to us, we are not the target demo. It would seem she’d need us if anything. Why do we need visibility on a platform that caters to granddaughters of the Klan, thematically speaking?
Hey Erika - I’m with you and I kind of addressed it in my piece. I don’t think everything is for us - and Alex made this clear - but I don’t think everything should be against us either. I definitely don’t like who she has chosen to platform, but right now she is one of the biggest shows in the world, and I don’t think that’s going to change anytime soon. So until there’s a space that large built by us, I hesitate being okay with being overlooked on this one. But open to hearing your thoughts!
Idk I think divesting from these platforms all together is a matter of sanity and survival. I’ve been thinking about “representation”. Representation can either be a tool of illumination or further obscuring of light. As to say, representation only matters depending on who is curating the optics. The only type of black woman who would qualify to be on that show is Candace Owens. Or Michelle Obama (if even that). Completely counterproductive. At what point do we recognize we don’t need to be visible on their platforms rather better to build IRL communal connections as black people, rediscovery of our history/systems off all screens?
I agree and also thank you for your thoughtful and honest responses! I don’t think changing the culture of Call Her Daddy will support us in the long run at all, as I mentioned I stopped listening to the show a long time ago. But the question I was grappling with is does she have a responsibility with her reach to be more intentional with the values say loudly says she has. And if we don’t go on, which fair and valid, do we no longer have our voices heard on that large of a reach? That doesn’t land right to me either!
I understand. I just think we should be outgrowing any delusion that we are going to get anything else from these people. It has always been vitriolic evil eyes, silent indifference, hostility, ignorance or violence. Obviously rare genuine exceptions. Perhaps there is a 3rd way. The “secret door” option. We have to create our own spaces IRL. Visibility means nothing if what’s made visible will hurt you in the end. I don’t know any black women listening to that shit anyway ngl. You’re the first I’ve heard speak on it. For some reason I’m thinking of Baba Malcolm’s “Message to the Grassroots”. He was like time will tell. Time has told us what we are dealing with. Survival requires we adapt with new information near constantly.
Frankly we don't need to be in a space that's clearly not for us. Alex Cooper is a white woman who's only interested in platforming white women and their stories. I never listened to her podcast for that very reason.
I agree for the most part and this the piece I struggle with myself. I only listen to Black and brown women podcasters (I have a list in the piece) but unfortunately we don’t have anything exactly as popular. So it’s really the question of do we stay away, and rightfully so, but lose the reach of the show to uplift our work and voice or does she have a responsibility to do better in the space she occupies?
She can and should do better- why leave out so many people unless she wants to eventually become irrelevant? She’s big now, but you make good points.
Thank you for this! I could feel the whiteness vibes coming from that whole thing whenever I came across it in the wild
Thank you for reading and yes! When it started it was two friends talking, and I didn't mind, but now? If she is going to be the premiere interview space, it can't only be limited to people who look like her. Smh.
I always thought the title of her podcast was goofy as hell, and refused to listen based on that principle alone lmao
Wait I’m laughing so hard - goofy is hilarious
I was always confused - are we calling her father? Are we supposed to call a woman Daddy? Either way - NO.
😂😂😂
This is well written and thought provoking piece. My only question- I was perusing the tracker and I wondered if it was fair to count her solo appearances on the podcast towards the white women’s total. Shouldn’t you just count the guests in order not to skew the results?
Fair question! I debated this myself since my whole question was whose voices are primarily centered or platformed on the show. So I thought the times she centered herself was important to include. But to your point, I just did the math (because I was curious too!) Without including her solo episodes, she had 142 guests, 90 being white women, so that is 63.38% of guests. So either way close to 2/3rds of all guests!
I could never get past the “daddy gang”
is that what they call the listeners???? RANK
I think so?? Like in the intro music she’s calls people the daddy gang and I could never get past how dumb I thought it all sounded. That she interviewed Kamala Harris I thought was the weirdest crossover.
omg that's so stupid. What does that even mean?? I'm very confused as to how she's using "daddy" as a term.
i dont get it. i dont get her. i dont get the appeal. i've watched one interview-- with chappell roan and i couldn't even watch the full thing bc she's so superficial in her questions. i thought it was funny that even chapel l roan seemed liked she didn't want to be asked her chat gpt questions
I legit had never heard of her until the Spotify deal thing. It just seems so outdated (the podcast and the title).
omg same! and I find her voice so annoying that I was never able to finish an episode :/ but ofc no hate, she is just not for me!
I honestly think you would love the podcast to my sisters. They speak about various topics healing, growing, friendship breaks up, relationships, finances, spirituality and the list goes on. And they have POC guests often. And they have a book too. And they answer dilemmas from their listeners. I’ve written in my own dilemma and have gotten a response. Also the self love fix too. I’ve never been one to listen to podcasts by white women 😭😭😭 I’ve always felt like I didn’t really resonate with certain experiences but when it came to the podcasts to my sisters I love themmmmm.
Wait I’m obsessed with this. I’m adding this to my list! How do we make this as big as CHD?
By listening in honestly and buying their book. Having a book published is not easy hey I think to my sister is in their own lane they have travelled to various countries to have sisterhood conferences. I think by the sharing the podcast perhaps suggesting that they have celeb guests on their podcasts. But I think black women should really focus on spaces where they are seen heard and appreciated not on spaces like call me daddy.. I mean we have keke palmers podcast she’s a well known celeb so why is her podcast not as big? Even when it comes to show hosts people on TikTok are hating on Jennifer Hudson but praising Kelly clarkson. Why is that???
Completely agreed - I'm going to buy their book too! I agree - we should focus on spaces were we're celebrated, and I want to ensure I use my time and energy to build up platforms that align with those values. I also didn't hear about this hate on the J Hud show! She has people dancing down a hallway, what's there to be mad about?! Smh
This is so funny. Isn’t Palmer that woman who didn’t get the memo of getting away from degenerate people and who predictably got abused because of it? The likely underlying reason why she’s not as popular is probably because her penultimate life decisions are an indicator to women like her that she aligns with downgrading the next generation of who women like her birth, all in the name of ethnic solidarity. She’s not alright and not in a fun, impactful way. She’s orienting herself and her life towards degradation.
If I were a young black woman, I would never want my sisters, female cousins, or anyone to pay that kind of woman any mind. I would never want younger black women to think the big life decisions she made that failed were fine to fall back on. I’d outright tell them it’s better to not birth with degenerate people or allow such people to have any influence over you making objective decisions over your life.
Can't believe she had more BW than the A Diary of a CEO guy, who's actually half black.
Thank you for the other recommendations!
That’s wild to hear about Diary of a CEO! Yes - highly recommend we’re your girls.
Yep, it was less than 2% (7 in 393 episodes), very saddening especially because he is also one of the biggest European podcasts so he actually has access to completely different sub-groups of Black women but oh well.
Oh. My. God. That is disappointing and another arena where so many people would benefit from hearing diverse perspectives
Oh absolutely!
Sooo….I had the opportunity to attend her Unwell Tour “live” fantastic experience BUT-Black women are so not her audience that I’m completely unbothered by the fact that she hasn’t interviewed anyone Black besides Vice President Harris. Here’s my case study of the experience.
https://michelleismoneyhungry.substack.com/p/creator-tour-case-study-alex-cooper?utm_source=publication-search
I read as much as I could! I hear that and understand your perspective since it’s so clear we’re not her audience. But I do think she has a responsibility to be mindful of the narrative she’s putting out there, and unfortunately it’s that one of white womanhood that doesn’t include us. I only called it out because when it’s the largest platform for women in the world so I think there is extra scrutiny needed. Like people listen to this and not the news! It’s wild.
You actually have made my point in your comments "The narrative that she's putting out there, and unfortunately it's that one of white womanhood that doesn't include us." She has an audience and it seems to be blond white women around the age of 27 years old who are wanting to be empowered in all parts of their lives. Likely the women that she typically hangs out with. There were a few Black women in the audience (that surprised me because I live in Denver) I just feel that if cross-cultural connection was a deep core value...that would be built into her show. I would rather focus on holding people in the podcasting space who are speaking to Black audiences to be more accountable for the narratives that they're creating in media.
You keep saying she has a responsibility to do this and do that but it's her show! I get that you like it and want to be represented by her platform but she's white. Just let it be🙏
“Either it needs to be created, or we all need to invest deeper by tuning into those shows.” - would love to know who to listen to; I’ve had to mute so many of the same white feminist marketing machines here as I do on my podcasts.
I agree! I lean towards it need to be created, but there probably is a hidden gem out there doing it right that needs the spotlight!
Oh you know who I love imo?? amelia from chicken shop date on youtube and keke palmers podcast is good too!! wish more people listened to it bc I could listen to her talk all day
Yes! Amelia is that girl love chicken shop and Keke Palmer down. Perfect examples of people doing it right
Yesssss keke has an entertaining podcast I love her tooooo
I am hopeful we are tiring of the same things and the right voices will find their way to the forefront.
Yes! Please. Also I just saw your earlier comment! I have some suggestions in the post!
Thank you for voicing this, Chanda!!! I never saw CHD as a female-empowering force considering not all females are adequately represented. Such good points about Keke, SZA and Doechi! The subsidiary she has started ‘Unwell’ with a roster of white Influencers further put me off the show and severely discredited Alex in my eyes. Brilliant take!
Amen! I really cheer on other women and think what she has done is impressive 🤍 But there is something that is off and a bit unsympathetic about it.
I’ve watched bits of her podcast here and there and came away with the feeling that I don’t trust her
I started feeling weird about her podcast, but you just put words to the awkwardness 🙌🏼🙏🏼
I’m glad I was able to help crystallize the feeling!
Thank you for sharing podcasts by BIPOC women! I’ve been a CHD fan since day 1 and have not agreed on the route it’s taken. Alex claims to be progressive, but there is a major lack of representation for POC. I find it lacking as a “progressive” platform when we are only getting stories and opinions from majority white men and women. Like you said it’s the largest platform for women in the world, but the majority of women are still being left out.
Yes - 100p agree! Also those other podcasts are great and there's been some other great suggestions in the comments, Sisters and Keke Palmer's show, that I'm also going to add to my personal list too.
Thank u so much this finally helped me understand why I was getting a bad vibe from the whole CHD/ Alex Cooper thing… we gotta get Keke Palmer’s podcast up there.. and Issa Rae pls make one
Yes! It took me awhile to sort through my own feelings as well. Keke’s podcast is gold. An Issa Rae podcast would be insane. There’s so many gems, we just have to get them more visibility!
I don’t understand why black women beg for attention from people who just want to be left alone. Why not just make your own platform relevant to your stuff?
Hey Theo - I definitely don't think we should beg for attention from anyone, and I do believe, support, and invest in Black women building their own platforms. However, Alex Cooper does have one of the biggest podcasts in the world and until we build something that has that same level of visibility, which we know will be difficult for a lot of reasons, I think it is important to be featured at a higher rate than we currently are.
Then build the thing. Does it make sense to you to continuously run after the people who produce other platforms for recognition, when you could learn to build a parallel platform yourself? Everyone goes through difficulties. Running away from them or thinking you can bypass them by running after people who want to be left alone won’t attack the core of the problem. Build your own stuff. If it’s not good, rebuild until it’s good.
Wow Theo what incredible insight I’m sure this was never considered ever. Thank you for your powerhouse intellectual advice.
If it was seriously considered and not merely a hobby thought, this wouldn’t be a problem.
This is pathetic. Have some self respect.
she isn’t even a good interviewer to begin with, she acts like some serious journalist when in reality it’s more of a conversation which (if you’re in the market for a REAL interview) makes the episodes almost unlistenable. She also has like zero personality imo lol
The fact that she’s seen as a serious journalist/interviewer baffles me