definitely agree with a lot of what you said here, but i do think that chd specifically isn't really meant for the kind of discussion you are talking about wanting to hear- in the few episodes that i've listened to, it seems like cooper is aiming more at humanizing her guests by speaking to them in a more conversational/casual tone, and usually touches on more personal issues than artistic or political ones. i definitely think there is space for the more serious and well-researched interviews you talk about wanting to see more of, but i don't think every interviewer has to focus on that. i really like how cooper has set up her show and think she's really talented, and appreciate getting to see a side of celebrities that you wouldn't on other podcasts/shows. additionally, to touch on you point on how the episode didn't focus on issues that chappell values, such as trans rights, i believe she actually emphasized at one point of the episode that she's really tired of people asking her political opinions on things and that she feels a lot of pressure to be educated about every aspect of queer history and current events when she doesn't really have the time for it. to your point however i definitely do agree that there is a line between content creator/legitimate journalist that is being blurred more and more, and that higher quality journalism especially in the media criticism world is lacking rn.
Thank you for reading! It really is more about your final point than anything else—the fact that these influencer led podcasts are becoming so popular and how they inform the public’s opinions and perceptions of the guests. I don’t think showing the more personal side of a guest works out to every guest’s benefit, especially when it’s such a small slice of that person, but viewers will watch thinking they get the whole picture of who that person is now and have negative opinions, which definitely turned out to be the case here for people who are less familiar with Chappell. As for the point on her values, I did hear/see her comment on politics and while arguably trans rights are political, I think it’s also a personal issue to her, but it is fair to say that I can’t speak on her behalf. I think if anything those topics were avoided as to not ruffle any feathers because coming from Barstool, I’d argue Cooper knows she has an audience of people on all sides of the political divide and is probably advised to stay more neutral to keep a larger fanbase.
I haven't watched the CHD interview, but I did watch Chappell's Apple music interview with Kelleigh Bannen (country music artist) and it was really fun and informative even as someone who listens to almost 0 country. I think rolling stone also has an interview series similar to variety's actors on actors. Hopefully these things gain traction!
Her recent BBC One interviews were similarly great! But they don't give clickbait headlines like CHD does :/ people are just so determined to find reasons to hate her
"There is no appeasing a group of people who find their community in hating others." I just want this message to make it to all the businesses out there who are playing games with their values just to market products! Very thoughtful essay too, that kind of rational thinking can be hard to find online. Thanks for a good read
Thank you for reading! And yes, I would really love for that message to reach those businesses too. It's been so disheartening to see such a drastic shift in the way so many have gone back on their "values" in recent times. I'm not naive enough to think any company or corporation is my "friend" but seeing them use their power to support hatred speaks volumes!
You nailed it. The interview felt shallow because Call Her Daddy is, at its core, a brand built on shallow. That’s the whole appeal—superficiality dressed up as vulnerability, clout-chasing disguised as curiosity. So when someone like Chappell Roan, who’s got real vision, artistry, and intention behind what she’s doing, enters that space, it’s not a match. It’s like trying to pour something sacred into a red solo cup.
The problem isn’t just the questions—it’s the container. Call Her Daddy isn’t designed to hold nuance, complexity, or anything that can’t be turned into a viral soundbite. It thrives on spectacle. And when it tries to pivot into “depth,” it often ends up flattening the people it’s supposed to highlight.
Honestly, it’s a waste of Chappell’s brilliance. She deserves interviewers who actually listen, who know how to ask real questions, who come prepared to meet her in the emotional terrain she’s clearly capable of offering. This wasn’t that. <3
“I was thinking that I don’t need to listen to Alex Cooper talk about her Porsche Cayenne when she’s in the unique position of interviewing one of the most emblematic artists of our time.” AGREED
Ok wait I'll go back and read in detail, I promise but I want to give my thoughts on this before I get influenced or distracted.
Why watch an NPC ask Chappel mindless questions? Because that's where you see her genius. In relation to him, the dissonance between the level of his questions and her responses is unsettling and it should be.
There's an interview with Jimmy Fallon where he asks about a time she was thinking about quitting music and she's says, idk like esthetician or I'm really good at genetics, like a genetics person, what's that called?
And she just waits. Everyone is uncomfortable and that's the point.
That whole interview is actually amazing.
I'll read now! Appreciate your sharing because I hadn't thought of this perspective.
Thank you! As a podcast host and music fan, I HATED this interview. It was unskilled, boring, and so superficial. The interviewer felt so unprepared. Hoping that thoughtful, considered, carefully- researched media will rise to the top because we are currently in the midst of a clickbait hell—and a drought of original, fresh journalism in the mainstream.
I'm sorry but in the 90s we had SeRiOuS jOuRnAliStS like Diane Sawyer slut shaming a teenage Britney Spears, telling Madonna she doesn't morally have the right to write a children's book and asking Janet Jackson if she read her racy lyrics to her mother. Interviews of female popstars have ALWAYS been trash, but now at least they're just insane and incompetent instead of outright offensive.
ALSO CHD is having DAME JANE GOODALL on and that makes me irate. Is she going to ask JANE GOODALL what sweatpants she wears when Jane is one of the single most influential biological scientists of our time!?!? Dame Goodall doesn't do media so it's a huge deal she is going on a podcast at all and HOW is it CHD. Hopefully, regardless of if the podcast makes me want to slam my head I to a rock, it will generate a lot of talk about who Jane is, the work she's done and is still doing.
No bc when I saw Bald Ann Dowd tweet “the concept of Jane Goodall on call her daddy” I thought it was just a silly joke and then I realized it was actually a THING THAT WAS HAPPENING and I wanted to scream
I think the interview is for fans who are curious about her as a person and less about the people interested in her process and musicality. The general public is probably less interested in a celebrity’s knowledge about their field than who they are dating. Which I’m not saying as a negative thing necessarily.
Really great read, you're able to articulate something I've been noticing too but didn't know how to think deeper on. I've been seeing the same thing in larger media in general like with actors and athletes. Especially with athletes, I keep seeing interviews (done by social media people, not journalists) that are essentially just different versions of the like '1 gotta go: Burgers, chicken wings, or pizza!' engagement bait that is churned out day after day. Also love the shoutouts to Sadboyz and Eddy Burback. This is great work
Thank you so much for reading! And yeah it’s crazy how much content is just fueled for rage bait or quick click bait and how much easier that content is to access vs the rare, deep and insightful interviews out there. And Sad Boyz + Eddy are always doing great work on the internet!
The only influencer (if she is considered one) that I think has been phenomenal at interviewing is Brittany Broski. Her Hozier interview was amazing in my opinion!
I haven't watched that specific one, but I do think something that sets Brittany Broski apart from other influencers is that she isn't afraid to be a fan, and that really benefits her in how she talks to celebrity guests on her podcast. I think it's similar to Sean Evans and Hot Ones there, and also in the way that there's a clear theme to the show, which for Brittany, comes from her own personal interests too! Other influencers try to be too cool and act like they're on the same level as the celebrities they're talking to, which is honestly cringe as fuck for people who aren't even making art as musicians or actors or whatever else, but are simply known for yelling into their phone screens and posting brand sponsorships 🫠 and to that end, I think it's also telling that Brittany is someone who has actually embarked on a mission to create art as a musician! She really loves and respects artist and their artistry! Not every influencer whose been given a microphone can say the same about themselves.
Thanks for sharing a great, important perspective on the difference between media and journalism and the significance and essence of credibility. I regularly chat with colleagues and friends about the falling state of journalism and the frustrations with social media given priority although there is not necessarily a transparent structure to deem it as credible. Genuinely happy to chat about this anytime! I feel like my favorite podcast as of late that shows the spirit of research and connection is Las Culturistas.
Thank you so much for reading and I'm glad it resonated! I can talk about this for days on end so I may have to take you up on that! And yes, Chappell on Las Culturistas was actually insightful and fun and showed her personality, rather than trying to make her fit into some weird, straight mold like on CHD.
definitely agree with a lot of what you said here, but i do think that chd specifically isn't really meant for the kind of discussion you are talking about wanting to hear- in the few episodes that i've listened to, it seems like cooper is aiming more at humanizing her guests by speaking to them in a more conversational/casual tone, and usually touches on more personal issues than artistic or political ones. i definitely think there is space for the more serious and well-researched interviews you talk about wanting to see more of, but i don't think every interviewer has to focus on that. i really like how cooper has set up her show and think she's really talented, and appreciate getting to see a side of celebrities that you wouldn't on other podcasts/shows. additionally, to touch on you point on how the episode didn't focus on issues that chappell values, such as trans rights, i believe she actually emphasized at one point of the episode that she's really tired of people asking her political opinions on things and that she feels a lot of pressure to be educated about every aspect of queer history and current events when she doesn't really have the time for it. to your point however i definitely do agree that there is a line between content creator/legitimate journalist that is being blurred more and more, and that higher quality journalism especially in the media criticism world is lacking rn.
Thank you for reading! It really is more about your final point than anything else—the fact that these influencer led podcasts are becoming so popular and how they inform the public’s opinions and perceptions of the guests. I don’t think showing the more personal side of a guest works out to every guest’s benefit, especially when it’s such a small slice of that person, but viewers will watch thinking they get the whole picture of who that person is now and have negative opinions, which definitely turned out to be the case here for people who are less familiar with Chappell. As for the point on her values, I did hear/see her comment on politics and while arguably trans rights are political, I think it’s also a personal issue to her, but it is fair to say that I can’t speak on her behalf. I think if anything those topics were avoided as to not ruffle any feathers because coming from Barstool, I’d argue Cooper knows she has an audience of people on all sides of the political divide and is probably advised to stay more neutral to keep a larger fanbase.
I haven't watched the CHD interview, but I did watch Chappell's Apple music interview with Kelleigh Bannen (country music artist) and it was really fun and informative even as someone who listens to almost 0 country. I think rolling stone also has an interview series similar to variety's actors on actors. Hopefully these things gain traction!
Her recent BBC One interviews were similarly great! But they don't give clickbait headlines like CHD does :/ people are just so determined to find reasons to hate her
"There is no appeasing a group of people who find their community in hating others." I just want this message to make it to all the businesses out there who are playing games with their values just to market products! Very thoughtful essay too, that kind of rational thinking can be hard to find online. Thanks for a good read
Thank you for reading! And yes, I would really love for that message to reach those businesses too. It's been so disheartening to see such a drastic shift in the way so many have gone back on their "values" in recent times. I'm not naive enough to think any company or corporation is my "friend" but seeing them use their power to support hatred speaks volumes!
You nailed it. The interview felt shallow because Call Her Daddy is, at its core, a brand built on shallow. That’s the whole appeal—superficiality dressed up as vulnerability, clout-chasing disguised as curiosity. So when someone like Chappell Roan, who’s got real vision, artistry, and intention behind what she’s doing, enters that space, it’s not a match. It’s like trying to pour something sacred into a red solo cup.
The problem isn’t just the questions—it’s the container. Call Her Daddy isn’t designed to hold nuance, complexity, or anything that can’t be turned into a viral soundbite. It thrives on spectacle. And when it tries to pivot into “depth,” it often ends up flattening the people it’s supposed to highlight.
Honestly, it’s a waste of Chappell’s brilliance. She deserves interviewers who actually listen, who know how to ask real questions, who come prepared to meet her in the emotional terrain she’s clearly capable of offering. This wasn’t that. <3
So perfectly said!
The swiftologist also had a similar take on tiktok and he got roasted alive. Influencer does not equal journalist
“I was thinking that I don’t need to listen to Alex Cooper talk about her Porsche Cayenne when she’s in the unique position of interviewing one of the most emblematic artists of our time.” AGREED
i agree! i miss journalism and radio stations!!
Ok wait I'll go back and read in detail, I promise but I want to give my thoughts on this before I get influenced or distracted.
Why watch an NPC ask Chappel mindless questions? Because that's where you see her genius. In relation to him, the dissonance between the level of his questions and her responses is unsettling and it should be.
There's an interview with Jimmy Fallon where he asks about a time she was thinking about quitting music and she's says, idk like esthetician or I'm really good at genetics, like a genetics person, what's that called?
And she just waits. Everyone is uncomfortable and that's the point.
That whole interview is actually amazing.
I'll read now! Appreciate your sharing because I hadn't thought of this perspective.
Love Chappel!
Thank you! As a podcast host and music fan, I HATED this interview. It was unskilled, boring, and so superficial. The interviewer felt so unprepared. Hoping that thoughtful, considered, carefully- researched media will rise to the top because we are currently in the midst of a clickbait hell—and a drought of original, fresh journalism in the mainstream.
fab essay, thank you
Thank you for reading!
I'm sorry but in the 90s we had SeRiOuS jOuRnAliStS like Diane Sawyer slut shaming a teenage Britney Spears, telling Madonna she doesn't morally have the right to write a children's book and asking Janet Jackson if she read her racy lyrics to her mother. Interviews of female popstars have ALWAYS been trash, but now at least they're just insane and incompetent instead of outright offensive.
ALSO CHD is having DAME JANE GOODALL on and that makes me irate. Is she going to ask JANE GOODALL what sweatpants she wears when Jane is one of the single most influential biological scientists of our time!?!? Dame Goodall doesn't do media so it's a huge deal she is going on a podcast at all and HOW is it CHD. Hopefully, regardless of if the podcast makes me want to slam my head I to a rock, it will generate a lot of talk about who Jane is, the work she's done and is still doing.
No bc when I saw Bald Ann Dowd tweet “the concept of Jane Goodall on call her daddy” I thought it was just a silly joke and then I realized it was actually a THING THAT WAS HAPPENING and I wanted to scream
Im like 👁👄👁 we are cooked
I think we’ve been cooked for a while unfortunately 😭🥲
I think the interview is for fans who are curious about her as a person and less about the people interested in her process and musicality. The general public is probably less interested in a celebrity’s knowledge about their field than who they are dating. Which I’m not saying as a negative thing necessarily.
Really great read, you're able to articulate something I've been noticing too but didn't know how to think deeper on. I've been seeing the same thing in larger media in general like with actors and athletes. Especially with athletes, I keep seeing interviews (done by social media people, not journalists) that are essentially just different versions of the like '1 gotta go: Burgers, chicken wings, or pizza!' engagement bait that is churned out day after day. Also love the shoutouts to Sadboyz and Eddy Burback. This is great work
Thank you so much for reading! And yeah it’s crazy how much content is just fueled for rage bait or quick click bait and how much easier that content is to access vs the rare, deep and insightful interviews out there. And Sad Boyz + Eddy are always doing great work on the internet!
The only influencer (if she is considered one) that I think has been phenomenal at interviewing is Brittany Broski. Her Hozier interview was amazing in my opinion!
I haven't watched that specific one, but I do think something that sets Brittany Broski apart from other influencers is that she isn't afraid to be a fan, and that really benefits her in how she talks to celebrity guests on her podcast. I think it's similar to Sean Evans and Hot Ones there, and also in the way that there's a clear theme to the show, which for Brittany, comes from her own personal interests too! Other influencers try to be too cool and act like they're on the same level as the celebrities they're talking to, which is honestly cringe as fuck for people who aren't even making art as musicians or actors or whatever else, but are simply known for yelling into their phone screens and posting brand sponsorships 🫠 and to that end, I think it's also telling that Brittany is someone who has actually embarked on a mission to create art as a musician! She really loves and respects artist and their artistry! Not every influencer whose been given a microphone can say the same about themselves.
Totally agree. I think you would LOVE this video about how the art of interviewing is dead, mostly thanks to influencers: https://youtu.be/pEACDrR497w?si=nu_-7IDOMT6x4Gk2
Loved this piece from you!
Thanks for sharing a great, important perspective on the difference between media and journalism and the significance and essence of credibility. I regularly chat with colleagues and friends about the falling state of journalism and the frustrations with social media given priority although there is not necessarily a transparent structure to deem it as credible. Genuinely happy to chat about this anytime! I feel like my favorite podcast as of late that shows the spirit of research and connection is Las Culturistas.
Thank you so much for reading and I'm glad it resonated! I can talk about this for days on end so I may have to take you up on that! And yes, Chappell on Las Culturistas was actually insightful and fun and showed her personality, rather than trying to make her fit into some weird, straight mold like on CHD.