Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michael D. Cooper. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Michael D. thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was betting on myself and committing to building The Big Scoop with Coop into something meaningful while still balancing a full-time job, college, family, and everyday life responsibilities.

When I first started, there was no blueprint, no guarantee, and honestly, no clear path to where The Big Scoop with Coop could go. I just knew I had a passion for conversation and a desire to create something that highlighted real stories that people don’t always get to hear behind the scenes. The safe route would’ve been to treat it as a hobby or something I did occasionally. I made the decision early on to take it seriously, even when it didn’t make sense on paper.

There were times when I was putting my own time, energy, and resources into the show without immediate results. Late nights editing, emailing, learning new skills on the fly, reaching out to guests without knowing if I’d get a response at all. My show came with a level of uncertainty. But I kept pushing. I kept refining the vision, and most importantly, I stayed consistent.

What started as an idea has grown into a long-running interview series that features actors, athletes, and influential voices across entertainment, sports, business, and culture. That risk turned into relationships, opportunities, and moments I couldn’t have imagined when I first started.

The biggest thing I’ve learned is that risk isn’t always about making a huge leap overnight; it’s about choosing to believe in something and showing up for it consistently, even when the results aren’t immediate. Looking back, that decision to bet on myself wasn’t just a risk; it was the foundation for everything that’s continuing to grow today.

Michael D., love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Michael D. Cooper, also known as Coop, and I’m a host, creator, and the founder of The Big Scoop Productions. I created The Big Scoop with Coop, a purpose-driven interview series built around real conversations, real stories, and a platform for people to share the journeys behind their success.

My path into this space didn’t come from a traditional media background; it came from a genuine curiosity about people and a desire to create something meaningful. I’ve always been drawn to conversations that go beyond surface-level moments, and I saw an opportunity to build a platform that highlights not just what people have achieved, but how they got there.

What started as an idea has grown into a long-running series that’s now in its 13th season, featuring a wide range of guests, including actors, athletes, comedians, and industry professionals. I’ve had the opportunity to sit down with names like Terri J. Vaughn, LisaRaye McCoy, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Bill Duke, and many others. The goal is to create conversations that are both engaging and inspiring.

Through my work, I provide more than just interviews; I create a space where stories are told authentically. In a time where a lot of content feels rushed or surface-level, my focus is on making guests feel comfortable enough to open up and share real experiences. That’s where the value comes in. Whether it’s for the audience looking for inspiration or for brands and partners looking to connect with meaningful content, the goal is always the same: to create something that resonates.

What sets me apart is my consistency and my approach to connection. I’ve built this platform while balancing a full-time career and continuing my education, which has required discipline, vision, and a long-term mindset. I’ve never approached this as a quick win. I’ve approached it as something I’m building over time.

I’ve also been selected as a speaker for TEDx Raleigh. In August 2026, I’ll be sharing a message centered around the power of conversation and how one conversation can truly change the direction of someone’s life. That opportunity reflects the same purpose that drives my work every day.

What I’m most proud of is not just the names attached to the show, but the relationships and trust that have been built along the way. Guests don’t just come on to promote, they come on to have real conversations. That’s something I don’t take lightly.

Looking ahead, my vision is to continue growing The Big Scoop Productions into a larger media platform expanding into new opportunities, larger partnerships, and broader audiences, while staying rooted in the same purpose that started it all.

At the end of the day, I want people to know that this brand is built on authenticity, consistency, and creating meaningful conversations that leave a lasting impact.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my audience on social media has been a combination of consistency, learning what resonates, and staying true to the core message behind my brand.

When I first started, I didn’t have a large following or a built-in audience. What I did have was a clear vision to create meaningful, purpose-driven conversations that people could connect with. In the early stages, I focused on simply showing up and putting content out, even when the numbers weren’t where I wanted them to be.

As I continue to pay closer attention to what people are responding to. I realized that moments where guests shared how they got their big break, overcame challenges, or had defining career moments really connected with viewers. That led me to focus more on short-form content, especially through clips that highlight those key moments.

Short-form content, particularly on platforms like YouTube Shorts, became a major turning point. It allowed me to reach new audiences who may not have discovered the full interviews otherwise. From there, it became about consistency, posting regularly, refining titles, improving presentation, and learning how to keep people engaged within the first few seconds.

Another important factor has been authenticity. I’ve never tried to force content or chase trends that didn’t align with my brand. Everything I put out still connects back to the bigger purpose of my show, which helps build trust with the audience over time.

For anyone just starting, my biggest advice is to stay consistent, focus on the value you’re providing, and be patient. Growth doesn’t always happen overnight, but if you stay committed and continue improving, the audience will come.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

What has helped me build my reputation in my market comes down to consistency, authenticity, and the way I approach conversations.

From the beginning, I’ve treated The Big Scoop with Coop as more than just an interview platform; I’ve treated it as a space where people can come and have real, meaningful conversations. That approach has allowed me to build trust with my guests, which naturally translates to stronger interviews and a better experience for the audience.

Over time, consistency has played a major role. Reaching 13 seasons didn’t happen overnight; it came from showing up, refining the process, and staying committed even when things were still growing. That level of consistency stands out, especially in a space where many people start but don’t sustain.

Another factor has been the range and quality of guests I’ve been able to bring onto the show. Interviewing individuals like Terri J. Vaughn, LisaRaye McCoy, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Bill Duke, and so many others has helped establish credibility and reinforced the platform I’m building.

I also believe my ability to make guests feel comfortable sets me apart. When people feel at ease, they open up, and that’s where the most impactful moments come from. Those moments are what people remember, and that’s what keeps them coming back.

Ultimately, my reputation has been built by staying true to the mission: creating authentic, purpose-driven conversations that resonate with both guests and the audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thebigscoopwithcoop.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigscoopwithcoop
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebigscoopwithcoop
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldcooper1/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/thebigscoopwithcoop
• Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebigscoopwithcoop

Image Credits

Michael D. Cooper