Why ‘Call Her Alex’ Shows How Branding Can Overshadow Real Stories — And What That Means for Fertility Journeys

Have you ever watched something that promises a deep dive into someone’s life, only to feel like it’s a polished commercial instead? That was exactly my vibe after watching Hulu’s documentary Call Her Alex about the Call Her Daddy star, Alex Cooper. The documentary promised an intimate portrait but ended up feeling more like a branding infomercial — which got me thinking about how branding and authenticity play a role in all kinds of personal journeys, including the deeply personal and often complicated road of fertility.

The Documentary That Was More Sales Pitch Than Story

I’m a sucker for a good doc that pulls back the curtain on fascinating personalities, especially those who have taken the unconventional route to building their platforms. But Call Her Alex, which you can read about in the Time review here, was less about who Alex Cooper truly is and more about promoting her brand and capitalizing on her fame. It felt scripted, packed with rehearsed moments and obvious product placements.

So why does this matter for us in the fertility community?

When Branding Clouds Real Fertility Stories

Whether you’re navigating fertility treatments or exploring at-home insemination, authenticity matters. We want to hear real stories — the good, the hard, and yes, the messy — not just glossy success tales crafted to sell an ideal. It’s easy to fall into the trap of marketing hype, especially with so many products vying for attention.

Take home insemination kits, for example. Companies like MakeAMom are quietly doing incredible work, providing accessible, affordable options for people to take fertility into their own hands, literally. Their kits — CryoBaby, Impregnator, and BabyMaker — cater to very specific needs like low motility sperm or conditions such as vaginismus, showing a nuanced understanding of diverse fertility challenges.

Yet you rarely see this level of tailored support get the flashy spotlight that big brand stories or celebrity-driven narratives do.

Why Transparency and Community Are Game-Changers

The fertility journey is emotional, complex, and deeply personal. When we lean into authentic sharing — about failures, fears, and triumphs — we create a community where people feel seen and supported. This is where platforms like FertilityGeek and products like MakeAMom’s kits shine.

Unlike the curated perfection of some documentaries or influencer campaigns, MakeAMom offers practical solutions with a reported 67% success rate and discreet packaging to protect privacy. They provide not just tools but resources and real user testimonials that add genuine value.

What Can We Learn From ‘Call Her Alex’?

The documentary reminds us to approach fertility products and stories with a critical eye. Are we buying into a polished image, or are we connecting with something real and helpful? Here are a few ways to stay grounded:

Ask for real testimonials that share the full journey, not just highlight reels.
Look for products tailored to your unique needs, like MakeAMom’s specialized kits.
Value transparency — companies who educate and provide resources show respect for your journey.
Engage with community stories that offer unfiltered insights.

Wrapping It Up: Find What Works for You, Authentically

At the end of the day, fertility is deeply personal, and so should be your approach to the solutions you explore. While Call Her Alex may have fallen short as a sincere documentary, it opens the door for us to demand more honesty and support in all areas of life — including fertility.

If you’re curious about exploring at-home fertility options that respect your unique story and needs, check out how MakeAMom’s home insemination kits combine innovation, affordability, and discretion to help people build their families on their own terms.

So, what do you think? Have you encountered situations where branding overshadowed authenticity? How do you cut through the noise in your own fertility journey? Drop your thoughts below — let’s keep the conversation real and supportive!