Gayle King’s Provocative Inquiry Leaves Alex Cooper and ‘CBS Mornings’ Co-Hosts in Surprise

In a recent episode of “CBS Mornings,” esteemed journalist Gayle King posed an unexpected and intimate question to Alex Cooper, the host of the popular podcast “Call Her Daddy.” This inquiry not only startled Cooper but also elicited reactions from co-hosts Nate Burleson and Tony Dokoupil, highlighting the evolving dynamics of interview techniques in modern media.

The Unexpected Question

During the live interview, King addressed Cooper, saying, “You’re a newlywed, you and Matt [Kaplan]. It’ll be a year. So I’m curious to hear, what’s your favorite sex position with Matt?”

This direct question took Cooper by surprise. She responded, “Oh my God, Gayle! Are we allowed to talk about that?” At that moment, co-anchor Nate Burleson interjected, noting that producers had signaled a disapproval of such topics.

King’s Justification

King clarified her intent behind the provocative question. She explained that her approach was a deliberate attempt to mirror Cooper’s distinctive interviewing style on “Call Her Daddy.” King highlighted that Cooper often engages celebrities in candid discussions about personal topics, such as Katy Perry’s love language, Hailey Bieber’s favorite sex position, and Simone Biles’ mental health.

King elaborated, “The reason why I’m doing that is I’m making a point here, because this is what Alex does on her show. She gets Katy Perry to talk about her love language. You got Hailey Bieber to talk about her favorite sex position. Simone Biles about her mental health.”

Cooper’s Interviewing Philosophy

Cooper, 30, has garnered acclaim for her ability to create a comfortable environment where guests feel at ease discussing intimate aspects of their lives. She attributes this to her method of building rapport and reading the room. Cooper emphasized that while she does ask bold questions, they are posed at appropriate times to ensure guests do not feel uncomfortable.

She stated, “It is a question we all want to know, but it’s asked in the appropriate way at the right time. I’m reading the room, I’m being self-aware. It’s not like I’m making someone uncomfortable.”

The Genesis of ‘Call Her Daddy’

Reflecting on the origins of her podcast, Cooper explained that “Call Her Daddy” was conceived as a platform to challenge traditional gender norms. The title itself is a reversal of the conventional notion that men are always the dominant figures. Cooper questioned, “Why can men always be considered the daddy, the boss, the one with the money and the status? Why can’t we also be daddy?”

King’s Acknowledgment

King, an Emmy-winning journalist, expressed her admiration for Cooper’s interviewing prowess. She remarked, “What amazes me about you is that you’re sitting in there in those hooded sweatshirts that make everybody comfortable. You ask these raunchy questions, sprinkled in with a lot of smart [ones] too. And I’m wondering what the method is to your madness. How you’re able to get people to talk. And I mean it as a compliment.”

Cooper’s Media Expansion

In addition to her podcast’s success, Cooper has been expanding her media presence. She recently launched two new SiriusXM channels that build upon her Unwell Network. Over the past five years, Cooper has transitioned from discussing personal anecdotes to securing high-profile interviews with figures such as Vice President Kamala Harris, Miley Cyrus, Hailey Bieber, and Jane Fonda.

Her podcast has achieved the distinction of being the most-listened-to female podcast globally, often competing with “The Joe Rogan Experience” and The New York Times’ “The Daily” for top positions on major streaming platforms.

Conclusion

The exchange between Gayle King and Alex Cooper on “CBS Mornings” underscores the evolving landscape of interview journalism. It highlights the balance between probing personal topics and maintaining a respectful environment. Cooper’s approach demonstrates that with the right rapport and timing, even the most intimate questions can be addressed thoughtfully, offering audiences deeper insights into the lives of public figures.