Sofia Franklyn released her memoir, "Daddy Issues," on November 10, offering a detailed account of her time on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast and her subsequent split with co-host Alex Cooper. Speaking from New York City, Franklyn described her emotional state as largely settled, noting that she feels excited for the release 90% of the time. She now splits her time between New York and Italy with her husband.
The book chronicles her childhood in Salt Lake City, her move to New York, and the launch of the podcast. A significant portion is dedicated to the breakup with Cooper and the experience of watching the show grow into a major media empire without her involvement. Franklyn noted that she currently runs her own venture, the Unwell Network, a name she originally created for merchandise years ago.
One of the most revealing sections of the memoir discusses the role of Muji Fricke, a childhood friend of Cooper. Franklyn explains that Fricke was on the podcast payroll for a short period before being fired without warning. She claims he was instrumental in shaping the show's content, including providing ideas for Cooper's persona and viral jokes like "Gluck Gluck 3000." Franklyn writes that Fricke's influence helped craft an image of Cooper as an overtly sexual, clout-chasing character, a dynamic that was largely unknown to the public until now.
Fricke also served as a source of early warnings for Franklyn. According to the memoir, he told Franklyn that Cooper did not have her back even in the show's initial stages, claiming that Cooper would take lines written by Franklyn or cut her segments. Franklyn admits she noticed these behaviors but relied on her trust in her friend and roommate. She recalls that Fricke described Cooper as having few close friends, a trait he had observed since high school.
The financial and legal aspects of the split are also detailed. In 2020, the duo attempted to renegotiate their contract with Barstool Sports. While Cooper accepted a deal that included annual salaries and IP ownership, Franklyn felt the terms were unfavorable. Cooper eventually negotiated a separate deal, leading to Franklyn's departure. Cooper later secured major deals with Spotify and SiriusXM, while Franklyn launched her own podcast, "Sofia With an F."
The period following the split was difficult for Franklyn, who described turning to alcohol, drugs, and nicotine. She experienced intense paranoia and moved back in with her mother. Franklyn writes about a moment where she snapped at her mother, fearing that even she might be secretly recording her. The public initially sided with Cooper, but Franklyn believes audiences have become more savvy about media dynamics since the show's inception.
Franklyn found some validation in the recent public dispute between influencer Alix Earle and Cooper. Earle, who left the Unwell Network in 2025, accused Cooper of being manipulative. Franklyn and Earle have supported each other publicly. Franklyn notes that while she felt terrible for Earle, seeing a similar pattern play out differently offered some comfort. She observes that many others have confided in her about their experiences with Cooper, though they remain cautious.
Looking ahead, Franklyn is open to a scripted adaptation of her memoir, though nothing is currently confirmed. She has learned that people are not always what they appear to be but emphasizes the importance of not living in a state of permanent protection. She describes herself as feeling better than she did before the podcast, ready to move forward.
The memoir has been met with significant interest, marking a milestone in Franklyn's career. She remains focused on her current projects while keeping the door open for future storytelling opportunities. Her candid approach to the industry's inner workings has resonated with readers who are eager for a fresh perspective on one of the most prominent podcasts in recent years.
