Hulu’s explosive two-part documentary CALL HER ALEX lifts the veil on one of the most popular podcast hosts in the world, Alex Cooper. Known for her wildly successful Call Her Daddy podcast, Cooper finally opens up about the deeper parts of her past in this gripping special. There is never-before-seen footage from the child’s childhood, emotional family interviews, and haunting confessions in the documentary. One allegation really shocked viewers: Cooper says that she quit playing soccer in college because her coach, Nancy Feldman, allegedly abused and harassed her. But through all the chaos, one person stood by her side—Lauren McMullen, her best friend from childhood.
Who is Lauren McMullen? Where is she now? Let’s follow her path from putting together movies in her basement to becoming a major force behind Call Her Daddy.
MEET LAUREN: A BOND FORGED IN SOCCER AND STORYTELLING
Back in Newtown, Pennsylvania, during the early 2000s, a young Alex Cooper first met Lauren McMullen. Both were second graders when they crossed paths not in the classroom, but on a soccer field. What began as a love of sports quickly turned into something more meaningful. Along with Kristen Gatti, another friend, the three of them started spending the weekends in Alex’s basement, where they not only played games but also directed and acted in their own short movies.
They remade scenes from “The Devil Wears Prada,” made their own music videos, and did a lot of other creative things. Making movies became a way for these girls, especially Lauren and Alex, to deal with their problems. Cooper’s later production skills were built on this early hobby, and Lauren was always there to help her develop those skills.
But life wasn’t without challenges. In seventh grade, Lauren’s world changed dramatically when her father was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She responded by trying to support her family emotionally and financially. Though the videos slowed down, the friendship never faded. In fact, it only deepened.
THE COOPERS: MORE THAN FRIENDS, THEY BECAME FAMILY
Alex’s mother, Laurie Cooper — a licensed therapist — quickly noticed that something wasn’t quite right with Lauren. Laurie gently encouraged her to talk with a professional, supporting her without judgment. That compassion left a lasting impact.
Even through high school and college, Lauren remained closely connected with the Coopers. Then, during her sophomore year at Tulane University, tragedy struck. While on a grocery run, Lauren had an overwhelming sense of dread. Moments later, she received the devastating news — her father had been found dead in his home in Louisiana.
In shock, she called the one person she knew could guide her: Laurie Cooper. It was Laurie who gave her the strength to tell her own family what had happened. And in the aftermath, the Coopers helped Lauren process her grief in ways she hadn’t expected. That support changed everything.
It’s no wonder Lauren considers Laurie her greatest inspiration. Her empathy and presence inspired Lauren to follow in her footsteps and become a therapist herself.
FROM TEACHING TO PRODUCING: LAUREN FINDS HER PURPOSE
After graduating from Tulane, Lauren moved to New York, where she lived with Alex and Sofia Franklyn — right as the duo was launching Call Her Daddy. During that time, Lauren balanced a demanding schedule. She worked full-time with Teach For America and simultaneously pursued a Psychology degree at Columbia University. Her goal? To help young people the way others had helped her.
But the success of Call Her Daddy shifted her path. As the podcast evolved from a side project to a cultural phenomenon, Lauren’s bond with Alex gave her a front-row seat to the transformation. Eventually, she joined the team as a lead producer.
Lauren’s influence helped shape the podcast into more than just a sex-positive platform — it became a safe haven for women navigating relationships, trauma, and personal growth. Because she approached the podcast with the heart of a best friend rather than a strategist, the show maintained its raw, relatable tone. Lauren’s behind-the-scenes contributions helped create an authentic space that resonated with millions.
Today, she remains Alex’s right-hand woman — the Head Producer of Call Her Daddy and a driving force behind its Unwell brand extension.
WHERE IS LAUREN MCMULLEN NOW?
Professionally, Lauren is thriving. She’s not only a key figure in one of the most influential podcasts of this generation but also a woman who has turned her own pain into purpose. While she could’ve pursued therapy full-time, her work with Call Her Daddy allows her to help women at scale, offering them content that promotes healing, empowerment, and honest conversations.
On the personal front, Lauren remains grounded. She’s still close with her family and continues to honor her father’s memory. Around the early 2020s, she ended a seven-year relationship just before a proposal — a difficult decision, but one rooted in self-awareness. She realized she no longer loved the person and wasn’t ready for marriage. Since then, she has focused on personal growth, prioritizing a partner who will accept and love her for who she truly is.
Lauren has chosen to keep much of her private life out of the spotlight, but what’s clear is this: she is content. Her years of emotional work, friendship, and career dedication have brought her to a place of peace and fulfillment. And while she may not be in front of the microphone, her voice is heard in every episode of Call Her Daddy — shaping stories, guiding conversations, and helping others through the most vulnerable parts of their lives.
Visit tvacute.com again soon for more Call Her Alex updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and true-life journeys from the world of unscripted television.
