Call Her Daddy

Join Alex in the studio for a powerful interview with kidnapping and assault survivor Denise Huskins. In 2015, Denise was taken from her boyfriend’s house in the middle of the night. She was held for days, drugged, and assaulted before finally being released by her captors. But when Denise told the police what had happened to her, nobody believed her. In fact, they attacked her. They called her a liar, hoaxster, fraud, and the real life “Gone Girl.” They claimed she’d made it all up for fame and attention. Today, Denise is here to tell her incredible story of overcoming trauma, staying calm in the midst of chaos, and fighting for the truth. This is an important conversation about what it takes for women to be believed, the problem with victim blaming, and how Denise was finally able to reclaim her name and her life.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault and sexual violence. Please take care while listening. Join Alex in the studio for an important conversation with feminist philosopher and author Kate Manne about the Cornell sexual assault case that has sparked a national conversation and the powerful movement behind the words “I Am Jane Doe.” Together, they examine why survivors are so often questioned instead of believed and why our society seems more concerned with the consequences for accused men than the trauma experienced by women. From fraternity culture and consent to victim blaming, Kate unpacks the misogyny embedded in the way we talk about sexual violence. Read More from Kate Manne: The Cut: What It Feels Like at Cornell Right Now https://www.thecut.com/article/what-it-feels-like-at-cornell-right-now.html Substack: Ban the Fucking Frats—and in the Meantime, Avoid Them https://katemanne.substack.com/p/ban-the-fucking-fratsand-in-the-meantime Substack: They Didn't Want Consent https://katemanne.substack.com/p/they-didnt-want-consent Resources: If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, support and resources are available. RAINN – National Sexual Assault Hotline Free, confidential support available 24/7. Call: 800-656-HOPE (4673) Text: HOPE to 64673 https://rainn.org/hotline Know Your IX A survivor and youth-led initiative helping students understand their Title IX rights, access supportive measures, and navigate reporting and retaliation. https://advocatesforyouth.org/campaigns/know-your-ix/ Equal Rights Advocates – Student Survivor Toolkit A free resource created by survivors and legal advocates to help students understand their rights, navigate the reporting process, and access support after experiencing sexual violence. https://www.equalrights.org/issue/student-survivor-toolkit/

This week, Alex is unpacking where trust issues come from and how they show up. Alex reflects on the relationships that completely warped her idea of love and her sense of security. From expecting the worst to questioning what’s real, she breaks down how past hurt can follow you into new relationships and what it looks like to unlearn the habits you once needed to protect yourself. Enjoy!

This week, Alex talks about the pressure to rush a relationship just to hit the next milestone and what to do when your partner proposes before you’re ready. She also gets into dating someone who overpromises, dealing with a significant other who flirts with everyone, and even what to do when he lasts a little too long... Plus, Alex talks about navigating friendship fallouts and when it’s worth getting on a plane to visit a crush. Enjoy!

Join Alex in the studio for a sit-down interview with former Girls Next Door stars, Holly Madison and Bridget Marquardt. Holly and Bridget shine a light on the darker side of Playboy and detail some of the most shocking experiences they had during their time in the Mansion. They talk about reclaiming their voices and autonomy after years of being controlled by Hugh Hefner. Holly and Bridget get real and tell the Daddy Gang what signs to look out for and how to know when a relationship has turned toxic and controlling. This episode has so many inspiring and empowering conversations about body image, reclaiming and owning your sexuality, and finding the courage to walk away and start over when a situation no longer serves you.

This week, Alex discusses the complicated reality of resenting your parents while still wanting a close relationship with them. She dives into how childhood wounds can continue to shape us as adults, why we keep hoping our parents will change, and how disappointment can pull us right back into old dynamics. She also shares advice on lowering expectations, setting boundaries, practicing radical acceptance, and protecting your peace without excusing the ways your parents may have hurt you. Enjoy!

Janelle Monáe joins Call Her Daddy to discuss her personal evolution and the work required to reach her own age of pleasure. Addressing past rejection and trauma from her father's instability, she opens up about how these struggles impacted her personal relationships and how she found herself closed off to love. Janelle and Alex reflect on lessons learned from failed relationships and share why we should actually be going back and thanking our exes. Janelle speaks about her experience being in polyamorous relationships and her choice to openly talk about her sexuality despite coming from a religious family. Janelle and Alex discuss what it means if a partner refuses to post you on social media and debate whether this is actually a red flag. Janelle speaks about the inspiration for her new album, The Age of Pleasure, and what this phase of life means to her. For the game mentioned in the episode look for: Real Talk: 110 Relationship Questions You Should Only Ask Your Friends by Amil Barnes.

This week, Alex discusses the idea of the “right person, wrong time” and why it can keep you emotionally attached to someone who has already moved on. She dives into how romanticizing potential protects us from rejection, prevents us from grieving, and causes us to put our lives on hold. She then answers questions about destination weddings, seeking attention outside a relationship, and comparing your life choices to your friends. Enjoy!