Alex Cooper, the creator and host of the "Call Her Daddy" podcast, is currently married to film producer Matt Kaplan. After building a media empire on the foundation of her candid—and often controversial—dating life in New York City, Cooper transitioned into a more private relationship, marrying the ACE Entertainment CEO in April 2024.
The evolution of Alex Cooper's dating life is more than just a series of celebrity sightings; it is the narrative backbone of one of the most successful podcasting ventures in history. Since the inception of Call Her Daddy in 2018, Cooper has navigated the transition from a "single-in-the-city" provocateur to a settled media mogul. This journey has not only influenced her personal brand but has also redefined modern dating discourse for millions of listeners. As of 2026, Cooper continues to balance her role as a relatable relationship confidante with her status as a married professional at the helm of the Unwell Network.
The Era of "Mr. Sexy Zoom Man": Alex Cooper and Matt Kaplan
The most significant chapter in Alex Cooper’s dating history began during the global pandemic when she met Matt Kaplan. Known to "Daddy Gang" listeners for years only by the pseudonym "Mr. Sexy Zoom Man," Kaplan’s identity remained a closely guarded secret to protect the privacy of their burgeoning relationship. This secrecy was a strategic pivot for Cooper, who had previously shared nearly every detail of her romantic life on air.
The Meeting and the "Zoom" Moniker
The couple met during a business call via Zoom in 2020. At the time, Cooper was navigating the fallout of the "Fathers" split—the highly publicized professional breakup with her former co-host Sofia Franklyn. Kaplan, the CEO of ACE Entertainment (the production company behind hits like To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before), was initially a professional contact. The chemistry was immediate, leading Cooper to refer to him by his infamous nickname to keep fans intrigued while maintaining a boundary she hadn't previously established.
The Proposal and Wedding
The relationship progressed behind the scenes, with subtle hints dropped in episodes about "Big Al" finding a partner who respected her ambition. Kaplan proposed in early 2023 at their shared home, a moment Cooper eventually shared with her audience through a detailed episode and a Vogue feature.
The couple wed in April 2024 in a private ceremony in Riviera Maya, Mexico. The event was a significant milestone, symbolizing Cooper’s transition from the chaotic dating scenes of her 20s to a stable, supportive partnership in her 30s. In 2026, their marriage remains a central, though more protected, element of her life, often serving as a reference point for her advice on finding "the one" after years of trial and error.
The "Slim Shady" Era: Dating in the Public Eye
Before the stability of her marriage, Alex Cooper’s dating life was defined by high-profile flings and the "toxic" relationship dynamics that fueled the early success of Call Her Daddy. The most famous of these was her relationship with professional baseball player Noah Syndergaard, whom she referred to on the podcast as "Slim Shady."
Relationship with Noah Syndergaard
Cooper and Syndergaard, then a pitcher for the New York Mets, dated on and off during the early years of the podcast. This relationship provided the raw material for many of the show's original "rules" and anecdotes. The dynamic was often described as volatile, characterized by the intense highs and lows that Cooper’s audience found relatable.
The "Slim Shady" era was crucial for the podcast's growth because it humanized the "Founding Father." Listeners weren't just hearing advice; they were following a real-time soap opera. The eventual end of this relationship marked a turning point for Cooper, as she began to advocate more strongly for "knowing your worth" and recognizing red flags—lessons she claimed to have learned the hard way.
Other Notable Connections
While Syndergaard was the most prominent "character," Cooper’s dating history includes several other figures from the worlds of sports and entertainment.
- Logan Paul: While never a formal long-term couple, the two shared a highly publicized friendship and "situationship" that generated significant crossover content between their respective fanbases.
- Unnamed Athletes: Cooper frequently discussed dating players from various professional leagues (NHL, NFL), using these experiences to categorize different "types" of men for her listeners.
The Business of Dating: How Cooper’s Personal Life Built an Empire
Alex Cooper’s dating life is inextricably linked to her financial success. In 2021, she signed a $60 million deal with Spotify, which was followed by an even more massive $125 million multi-year agreement with SiriusXM in 2024. These deals were predicated on her ability to discuss dating, sex, and relationships in a way that resonates with Gen Z and Millennials.
The Transition to the Unwell Network
As of 2026, Cooper has leveraged her dating expertise to launch the Unwell Network, a production house that hosts other lifestyle creators like Alix Earle and Madeline Argy. Her role has shifted from being the primary source of dating "tea" to being a mentor for the next generation of influencers.
By marrying Matt Kaplan, Cooper proved that the "Call Her Daddy" lifestyle didn't have to end in permanent singlehood or cynicism. Instead, she rebranded the narrative: the goal of the "Daddy Gang" wasn't just to play the game, but to win it by finding a partner who supports their "unwell" (unapologetic and ambitious) nature.
| Feature | The NYC "Single" Era (2018-2020) | The "Mogul" Married Era (2024-2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Hookup culture, "the chase," and toxic dynamics. | Partnership, career growth, and boundaries. |
| Partner Identity | Often obscured by nicknames (e.g., Slim Shady). | Publicly known (Matt Kaplan), though details are curated. |
| Relationship Philosophy | "Play the game" and maintain power. | "Be the prize" and demand mutual respect. |
| Podcast Content | Personal anecdotes and "how-to" sexual advice. | High-level celebrity interviews and brand building. |
| Public Image | The "wild" party girl in Manhattan. | The polished entrepreneur in Los Angeles. |
Evolution of Dating Advice: From "Gluck Gluck" to Boundaries
The trajectory of Alex Cooper’s dating life is reflected in the shifting tone of her advice. In the early days, Call Her Daddy was known for its explicit and often manipulative "tips" for navigating the New York City dating scene. This era focused on sexual prowess and psychological tactics to keep partners interested.
The Shift to Self-Worth
Following her move to Los Angeles and her relationship with Kaplan, the advice matured. In the current 2026 landscape, Cooper’s brand emphasizes:
- Setting Hard Boundaries: Teaching listeners that it is acceptable to walk away from anyone who doesn't meet their standards.
- Emotional Intelligence: Moving away from "games" and toward direct communication.
- Independence: Maintaining a career and personal identity regardless of relationship status.
This evolution has allowed Cooper to retain her original audience as they, too, have aged out of their early 20s and are looking for more substantive relationship guidance.
Why Alex Cooper Kept Matt Kaplan a Secret
One of the most frequent questions regarding Alex Cooper’s dating history is why she waited so long to reveal Matt Kaplan’s identity. In a landscape where influencers thrive on "hard launching" their partners, Cooper’s decision to use the "Mr. Sexy Zoom Man" moniker for three years was an anomaly.
Protecting the Brand vs. Protecting the Person
Cooper has stated in various interviews (including her 2023 Rolling Stone profile) that her previous relationship with Noah Syndergaard taught her the dangers of a public romance. The scrutiny of the "Daddy Gang" could be intense, and she feared that making Kaplan public too soon would invite unnecessary interference.
Furthermore, Kaplan’s role as a high-level executive in Hollywood necessitated a degree of professional decorum. By keeping the relationship private until they were engaged, Cooper ensured that the foundation of their partnership was built away from the "Call Her Daddy" spotlight. This strategy proved successful, as their 2024 wedding was met with overwhelming support rather than the skepticism that often follows influencer relationships.
Key Relationships in the Alex Cooper Timeline
To understand Alex Cooper's dating journey, one must look at the specific figures who helped shape her public persona.
1. Noah Syndergaard (Slim Shady)
The archetype of the "star athlete" boyfriend. This relationship defined the high-stakes, high-visibility dating style of Cooper's early 20s. It provided the majority of the "toxic" content that built the show's initial cult following.
2. The "DoorDash Guy" and Other New York Flings
These were less about the individuals and more about the lifestyle. They represented the relatability of dating in a big city—using apps, dealing with "ghosting," and the humor found in mediocre dates.
3. Matt Kaplan (The Husband)
The final chapter of the dating narrative. Kaplan represents the "endgame." His presence transformed the podcast from a show about dating into a show about life, success, and the complexities of long-term commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alex Cooper’s Dating Life
Is Alex Cooper still married to Matt Kaplan in 2026?
Yes, as of 2026, Alex Cooper and Matt Kaplan remain married. Since their wedding in April 2024, the couple has been seen together at major industry events, and Cooper frequently references their life together on the Call Her Daddy podcast and social media.
Who is "Mr. Sexy Zoom Man"?
"Mr. Sexy Zoom Man" is the nickname Alex Cooper used for Matt Kaplan for several years before revealing his identity. The name originated from their first meeting, which took place over a Zoom business call during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Did Alex Cooper date Logan Paul?
Alex Cooper and Logan Paul had a very public friendship that often blurred the lines of a romantic relationship. While they were never an official "couple" in the traditional sense, they frequently collaborated on content and spoke openly about their mutual attraction, which Cooper later clarified was more of a "situationship."
How did Alex Cooper’s dating life change the podcast?
Initially, the podcast was a play-by-play of her weekly dating exploits. As she entered a serious relationship with Kaplan, the podcast shifted toward long-form interviews with A-list celebrities (like Jane Fonda, Post Malone, and Miley Cyrus), focusing more on mental health, career, and general life advice rather than just "hookup" stories.
Who is Noah Syndergaard to Alex Cooper?
Noah Syndergaard is a professional MLB pitcher who dated Alex Cooper during the early years of Call Her Daddy. On the show, he was referred to as "Slim Shady." Their relationship was a major source of content for the podcast's early episodes.
The Future of Alex Cooper’s Relationship Brand
As Alex Cooper moves through 2026, the focus of her dating content has shifted from "the hunt" to "the maintenance." She has successfully navigated the "influencer curse" of losing relevance after getting married by pivoting her content to reflect the maturity of her audience.
For those following "Alex Cooper dating" as a search topic, the takeaway is clear: Cooper has used her personal life as a blueprint for professional success. By being honest about her mistakes with "Slim Shady" and protective of her peace with Matt Kaplan, she has created a roadmap for modern women to navigate the complexities of love and power. Whether she is discussing the nuances of a prenuptial agreement or the importance of "date night," Cooper remains the preeminent voice in the intersection of celebrity dating and self-actualization.
