"I always refer to him. I always have little nicknames for all my past lovers. Slim Shady, door number three. The Canadian, they come and go. This one apparently is going to last. I hope forever." — Alex Cooper
"I think marriage is so thrown around like it's time people don't know each other, people are cheating on each other, one person is so unhealthy in the relationship, one person doesn't even love the other person... it's used to like will be stronger together and it's like anything that you don't... anything that bothers you about a partner will only get 10 times worse if you marry them." — Alex Cooper
"I was like, I don't even care if we don't have a wedding. I don't need a wedding. I don't even need a ring. I was like, I don't, why my view changed on marriage was I know I want to have children with this man. I know he's gonna be an incredible father." — Alex Cooper
The host, Alex Cooper, announces her engagement to Matt Kaplan, revealing the surprise proposal that occurred over a month and a half prior. She recounts the intricate plan orchestrated by Matt and her publicist, involving a fake photoshoot to ensure she looked presentable for the moment. The proposal itself was a meticulously designed scavenger hunt throughout their home, culminating in a romantic setting by a Buddha statue, where Matt proposed. Cooper reflects on her previous skepticism towards marriage, stemming from a desire for self-sufficiency and a realistic view of relationships, contrasting it with her current perspective shaped by finding a true partner in Matt.
The conversation delves into the early stages of Cooper and Matt's relationship, including their first meeting via Zoom during the pandemic for a potential TV show. Cooper highlights Matt's initial lack of overt interest and his mature approach to business, which ultimately captivated her. She shares a humorous anecdote about attempting to conceal her hair extensions during their first date and how Matt's honesty about not pushing for the TV show, but encouraging her podcast, solidified her respect for him. The episode also features a segment with her friend Lauren, who shares her perspective on the stress of planning the surprise engagement and her role in the early days of Alex and Matt's relationship, even recounting the moment she knew Alex had found "the one."
Cooper further elaborates on her evolving views on marriage, explaining that her earlier hesitation was rooted in a fear of settling and a strong emphasis on her independence. She realized that finding a partner like Matt, who amplifies her own strengths and with whom she can build a life without compromising her core self, changed her perspective. The decision to marry is framed not as a societal obligation, but as a celebration of a profound and complementary partnership, emphasizing the importance of choosing each other daily and the desire to build a family together.