In a surprising turn of events, Alix Earle’s “Hot Mess” podcast has been dropped by Alex Cooper’s Unwell Network, signaling a major shift for the influencer’s popular show. Sources familiar with the situation have confirmed that SiriusXM, a major partner in the podcast’s distribution, will also cease its ad sales for “Hot Mess.” Additionally, the Unwell Network has relinquished all rights to the podcast, allowing Earle the freedom to explore other opportunities moving forward. Yet, many believe Dave Portnoy is scooping up the podcast after his latest post on Instagram.
This development follows an escalating wave of speculation on social media, with rumors swirling about a potential rift between Cooper and Earle. The drama appears to have been ignited when Earle, a party girl influencer with a massive following on TikTok, reportedly skipped an Unwell Super Bowl party in New Orleans despite being in the city. This absence seemed to fuel the gossip, as fans and industry insiders alike began speculating that a feud was brewing between the two women.
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The Rise of Unwell Network and Alix Earle’s Podcast
Alix Earle’s “Hot Mess” podcast was initially seen as a key addition to the lineup at Unwell Network, which was launched by Alex Cooper in August 2023. At the time, Cooper—already known for her wildly successful podcast “Call Her Daddy”—announced the formation of Unwell as a new media platform aimed at connecting with Gen Z audiences. The network was designed to showcase “unique voices that embrace social challenges and personal insecurities through honest conversation,” according to its founding mission.
Earle’s podcast, “Hot Mess,” quickly gained popularity, tapping into her candid, relatable persona and addressing the kind of raw, unfiltered conversations that resonated with listeners across the social media landscape. In addition to Earle, Unwell also signed other talent, including Madeline Argy, the host of “Pretty Lonesome,” to develop a range of multiplatform projects spanning various topics like pop culture, beauty, fashion, and lifestyle.
At its inception, Unwell was hailed as a dynamic venture that could leverage Cooper’s established reputation in podcasting and her ability to attract high-profile guests, alongside the fresh perspectives of emerging voices like Earle.
A Shift in Direction for Unwell Network
The exit of Earle from Unwell Network is particularly notable as it marks a departure from the promising vision Cooper had set for the brand. Despite this setback, Unwell has continued to grow and expand. In February 2024, the network announced the signing of Grace O’Malley, who will be launching her own podcast, “DisGRACEful.” Additionally, Unwell boasts a roster that includes other shows like Harry Jowsey’s “Boyfriend Material” and Owen Theile’s “In Your Dreams,” ensuring that the network remains diverse and engaging for listeners.
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Alex Cooper herself continues to be a driving force in the podcasting world, with “Call Her Daddy” remaining one of the most downloaded and influential podcasts. In the fall of 2024, she made headlines for sitting down with Vice President Kamala Harris for an exclusive interview in the midst of the presidential election cycle, proving her ability to attract major guests and keep her audience engaged.
The Speculated Feud Between Cooper and Earle
The news of Earle’s departure from Unwell has fueled speculation about the state of her relationship with Cooper, particularly given the rumors that surfaced around the time of the Super Bowl party. Earle’s absence from the event, despite being in New Orleans, led many to question whether there was tension between the two influencers.
Although both women have yet to address the rumors publicly, the timing of Earle’s exit from Unwell Network has only added fuel to the fire. Fans on social media have been quick to speculate, with many questioning whether the decision was driven by a personal falling out or if it was simply a business decision. Some have suggested that Earle’s growing popularity on TikTok, where she shares lifestyle content and party-centric videos, may have put her on a different trajectory, one that no longer aligns with Unwell’s focus on long-form podcasting and cross-platform media.
Unwell Network’s Future Amid the Shakeup
Despite the departure of Earle, Unwell Network remains a key player in the podcasting space, with a variety of shows that continue to attract attention. The network’s ability to sign new talent, such as Grace O’Malley, suggests that it is committed to remaining a relevant voice in the media landscape. Cooper’s leadership and her strong track record with “Call Her Daddy” ensure that Unwell has a solid foundation moving forward.
However, the loss of Earle’s “Hot Mess” podcast raises questions about the network’s long-term strategy and whether it can continue to attract high-profile personalities who can bring in new listeners. Unwell’s emphasis on representing Gen Z voices and offering content that touches on social challenges and personal growth remains a central part of its mission, but the exit of a key personality like Earle may prompt the network to recalibrate its approach.
What’s Next for Alix Earle?
With Earle now free from the constraints of her contract with Unwell Network, many are wondering what the next step will be for the influencer. It’s clear that Earle has a loyal fanbase, and her massive following on TikTok suggests that she has the potential to build a thriving platform independent of traditional podcasting networks.
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Many believe that she is entertaining going to Dave Portnoy with her podcast after he posted a clip showing an outgoing call to the media personality. Many are calling this a troll to the situtation as Alix Cooper previously left Barstool Sports where she originated the ‘Call Her Daddy’ podcast.
Whether Earle decides to strike out on her own or seek out a new partnership remains to be seen, but the future looks bright for the social media star. As podcasting continues to evolve and audiences demand more authenticity and relatable content, Earle’s unfiltered, party-girl persona could make her a formidable force in the digital media world.
