The Last Show with David Cooper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The show opens with tech analyst Carmi Levy reporting on the following: Matthew McConaughey fights unauthorized AI likenesses by trademarking himself; ChatGPT to start showing users ads based on their conversations; Toronto police to use AI to handle non-emergency calls (don't forget to file your AI TPS reports); YouTube chief says 'managing AI slop' is a priority for 2026; and Atari Hotel project in Las Vegas quietly powers down. Social psychology professor Bastian Jaeger explains how people readily spot gender and race bias but often overlook discrimination based on attractiveness. On Vet Talk – sometimes called Pet Talk – veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford covers: Some dogs can pick up hundreds of words, but do they learn like children; and Trained dogs can detect hemangiosarcoma by scent. Developmental psychologist Anastasiia Grigorev reveals the psychological reason news reports single out women and children. Evolutionary psychologist Dr. Daniel Kruger shares details of his study linking unpredictable childhoods to poorer relationships via increased mating effort. Gastroenterologist and professional fart demystifier ⁠Dr. Wendi LeBrett⁠ answers David's questions on passing gas and explains some of the science behind tooting. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:48) Carmi Levy pt. 1 (10:00) Carmi Levy pt. 2 (20:00) Bastian Jaeger (30:00) Dr. Cliff Redford pt. 1 (39:50) Dr. Cliff Redford pt. 2 (49:50) Anastasiia Grigorev (59:50) Dr. Daniel Kruger (1:09:50) Dr. Wendi LeBrett (1:19:06) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Conspiracy Corner, political science professor Lee Kuhnle briefs David on the myths and plausible explanations for the strange history of the Bermuda Triangle. Check out Lee's podcast The Uncover Up here⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Toronto-based comedian ⁠Natalie Norman⁠ talks about whether the recent 2016 throwback photo trend is annoying, weighs in on an 'Am I the A-hole?' dilemma, and explores what to do when you're in a relationship but your coworker is attractive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

British journalist ⁠Esther Walker⁠ walks us through ⁠the accusations Brooklyn Beckham has for his parents David and Victoria⁠, and ⁠gives her take⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday, therapist and social worker ⁠Gary Direnfeld⁠ chats about how to navigate estrangement and falling out that happens with families, and whether you should air your family trouble online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

British journalist Esther Walker walks us through the accusations Brooklyn Beckham has for his parents David and Victoria, and gives her take. For Conspiracy Corner, political science professor Lee Kuhnle briefs David on the myths and plausible explanations for the strange history of the Bermuda Triangle. (⁠Check out Lee's podcast The Uncover Up here⁠.) On Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday, therapist and social worker Gary Direnfeld chats about how to navigate estrangement and falling out that happens with families, and whether you should air your family trouble online. Social psychology researcher Savannah Adams explains how some moral acts matter more than others. Toronto-based comedian Natalie Norman talks about whether the recent 2016 throwback photo trend is annoying, weighs in on an 'Am I the A-hole?' dilemma, and explores what to do when you're in a relationship but your coworker is attractive. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:33) Esther Walker (10:00) Lee Kuhnle pt. 1 (20:00) Lee Kuhnle pt. 2 (30:00) Gary Direnfeld pt. 1 (39:50) Gary Direnfeld pt. 2 (49:50) Savannah Adams (59:50) Natalie Norman pt. 1 (1:09:50) Natalie Norman pt. 2 (1:19:18) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Technology and culture correspondent ⁠Katie Notopoulos⁠ reveals ⁠the craze with TV show Heated Rivalry and how its fans have taken over the internet⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Future-of-work reporter ⁠⁠Tim Paradis⁠ shares ⁠how big tech companies are handling fears of lost productivity with AI: by forcing employees to show their work⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Associate professor of psychiatry in clinical research ⁠Kathrine Bang Madsen⁠ gives details of how ⁠ADHD diagnoses among mothers surge in the years following childbirth⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Media and tech reporter ⁠Sydney Bradley⁠ explains how ⁠party invite app Partiful is becoming the new Tinder⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Technology and culture correspondent Katie Notopoulos reveals the craze with TV show Heated Rivalry and how its fans have taken over the internet. Media and tech reporter Sydney Bradley explains how party invite app Partiful is becoming the new Tinder. Future-of-work reporter ⁠Tim Paradis shares how big tech companies are handling fears of lost productivity with AI: by forcing employees to show their work. Associate professor of psychiatry in clinical research Kathrine Bang Madsen gives details of how ADHD diagnoses among mothers surge in the years following childbirth. Cybersecurity expert ⁠Francis Syms covers stories: Smart glasses are trying to break up with your phone; and Ontario Premier calls Chinese EVs 'spy cars'. Professor of atrocity prevention Eric Wiebelhaus-Brahm and associate professor of justice studies Arnaud Kurze describe how a hashtag on social media can be a powerful tool to prevent atrocities. Marketing professor ⁠Freeman Wu⁠ shares details of ⁠his study suggesting taking photos at live events can come at a social cost⁠. Organizational behavior professor ⁠Soo Min Toh⁠ explains ⁠why after a long day at work, you can go ahead and watch some TV⁠. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:26) Katie Notopoulos (00:00) Sydney Bradley (00:00) Tim Paradis (00:00) Kathrine Bang Madsen (39:50) Francis Syms (49:50) Eric Wiebelhaus-Brahm & Arnaud Kurze (59:50) Freeman Wu (1:09:50) Soo Min Toh (1:19:08) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Linguistics professor ⁠Nicole Rosen⁠ explains ⁠slanguage and how '6-7' makes sense even though it means nothing⁠, and answers David's linguistics questions regarding accents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Media personality ⁠⁠Caitlin Green⁠⁠ brings up ⁠how creepy AI can be at the hands of celebrity super-fans⁠. Listen to Caitlin co-hosting The Jann Arden Podcast here⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Charlie Keil⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠The Cinema Studies Institute⁠ and David consider whether taking political positions is dangerous for figures in entertainment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Food science professor ⁠Maria Corradini⁠ (and oven temperature scientist) describes ⁠the temperature required for the perfect cookie⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Linguistics professor Nicole Rosen explains slanguage and how '6-7' makes sense even though it means nothing, and answers David's linguistics questions regarding accents. Food science professor Maria Corradini (and oven temperature scientist) describes the temperature required for the perfect cookie. ⁠Charlie Keil⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠The Cinema Studies Institute and David consider whether taking political positions is dangerous for figures in entertainment. Media personality ⁠Caitlin Green⁠ brings up how creepy AI can be at the hands of celebrity super-fans. (⁠⁠Listen to Caitlin co-hosting The Jann Arden Podcast here⁠⁠.) Developmental psychologist Yalda T. Uhls reveals how youth rank safety as top priority. Data science researcher Christian Hotz-Behofsits describes his innovative new tool that draws on emojis. Economics and social policy professor Nikki Shure explains how the graduate pay premium is two thirds lower for young women than previously thought. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:42) Nicole Rosen pt. 1 (10:00) Nicole Rosen pt. 2 (20:00) Maria Corradini (30:00) Charlie Keil (39:50) Caitlin Green (49:50) Yalda T. Uhls (59:50) Christian Hotz-Behofsits (1:09:50) Nikki Shure (1:17:32) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gastroenterologist and professional fart demystifier ⁠Dr. Wendi LeBrett⁠ answers David's questions on passing gas and explains some of the science behind tooting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Professor of biobehavioral health ⁠Dr. Orfeu Buxton⁠ reveals how ⁠fragmented sleep predicts slower mental processing speed the next day in older adults⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will Douglas Heaven⁠, a senior editor for AI from ⁠MIT Technology Review⁠, introduces us to ⁠the ways certain scientists are treating AI models like aliens⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tech analyst ⁠Carmi Levy⁠ joins the show for It's Time For Technology Time covering stories: US senate passes Defiance Act for a second time to address Grok deepfakes⁠; US wants to integrate Musk's Grok AI into military networks this month⁠; Canadian advocacy group aims to break up Apple's App Store⁠; Big streamers challenging financial disclosure rules in CRTC CanCon decision⁠; and Iran's internet shutdown is chillingly precise and may last some time⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tech analyst Carmi Levy joins the show for It's Time For Technology Time covering stories: US senate passes Defiance Act for a second time to address Grok deepfakes; US wants to integrate Musk's Grok AI into military networks this month; Canadian advocacy group aims to break up Apple's App Store; and Big streamers challenging financial disclosure rules in CRTC CanCon decision. Gastroenterologist and professional fart demystifier Dr. Wendi LeBrett answers David's questions on passing gas and explains some of the science behind tooting. Professor of biobehavioral health Dr. Orfeu Buxton reveals how fragmented sleep predicts slower mental processing speed the next day in older adults. Will Douglas Heaven, a senior editor for AI from MIT Technology Review, introduces us to the ways certain scientists are treating AI models like aliens. Co-owner at Gryfe's Bagels Bakery in Toronto David Fisher weighs in on one woman's controversial 'smuggling' of 144 bagels from his bakery from Toronto into Los Angeles. Carmi Levy comes back to cover how Iran's internet shutdown is chillingly precise and may last some time. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:14) Carmi Levy pt. 1 (10:00) Carmi Levy pt. 2 (20:00) Dr. Wendi LeBrett (30:00) Dr. Orfeu Buxton (39:50) Will Douglas Heaven pt. 1 (49:50) Will Douglas Heaven pt. 2 (59:50) David Fisher (1:09:50) Carmi Levy pt. 3 (1:19:07) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For science news, professor ⁠Jesse Rogerson⁠ covers: An ancient wolf cub's last meal just rewrote the woolly rhino extinction story⁠; Chimps reveal why teenagers are notorious for risky behaviors⁠; and Record-breaking asteroid spins so fast it should tear itself apart⁠. Jesse and David field a listener question about black holes that extends deep into the 'noodle-verse'. Got a science question for The Last Show? Leave a voicemail at ⁠1-888-505-6644⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Toronto-based comedian ⁠Natalie Norman⁠ gives a visual demonstration of ⁠red lipstick theory⁠ (it's hard to see on a podcast),and weighs in on ⁠one couple's bathroom-based 'Am I the A-hole?' dilemma⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

History of science professor ⁠Marga Vicedo⁠ discusses ⁠the (mostly) positive impact of Mattel's new Autistic Barbie⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday, therapist and social worker ⁠Gary Direnfeld⁠ goes over the birthday blues and how to manage travel stress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For science news, professor Jesse Rogerson covers: An ancient wolf cub's last meal just rewrote the woolly rhino extinction story; Chimps reveal why teenagers are notorious for risky behaviors; and Record-breaking asteroid spins so fast it should tear itself apart. Jesse and David field a listener question about black holes that extends deep into the 'noodle-verse'. (Got a science question for The Last Show? Leave a voicemail at ⁠1-888-505-6644⁠.) History of science professor Marga Vicedo discusses the (mostly) positive impact of Mattel's new Autistic Barbie. For Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday, therapist and social worker Gary Direnfeld goes over the birthday blues and how to manage travel stress. Toronto-based comedian Natalie Norman gives a visual demonstration of red lipstick theory (it's hard to see on a podcast),and weighs in on one couple's bathroom-based 'Am I the A-hole?' dilemma. Physics and astronomy professor ⁠Daniel Oblak⁠ explains how ⁠we emit a visible light that vanishes when we die⁠. David has both Niagara Falls, Ontario mayor ⁠Jim Diodati⁠ and travel writer ⁠Emily Pogue⁠ on the show. David tries (and fails) to generate controversy, asking Emily to apologize directly to Jim for having ⁠written that her favorite side of Niagara Falls is the US one⁠. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:38) Jesse Rogerson pt. 1 (10:00) Jesse Rogerson pt. 2 (20:00) Marga Vicedo (30:00) Gary Direnfeld pt. 1 (39:50) Gary Direnfeld pt. 2 (49:50) Natalie Norman (59:50) Daniel Oblak (1:09:50) Mayor Jim Diodati & Emily Pogue (1:18:59) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marketing professor ⁠Freeman Wu⁠ shares details of ⁠his study suggesting taking photos at live events can come at a social cost⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Addictions counselor ⁠⁠⁠Yonah Budd⁠ and David chat about ⁠a 2025 report from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Conspiracy Corner, professor of conspiracy studies Nathan Radke gives an overview of ⁠the notorious doll Annabelle and its handler Dan Rivera⁠, as well as the haunted doll industry as a whole. Check out Nathan's show The Uncover Up Conspiracy Cast here⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Foreign correspondent ⁠Tony Five⁠ from London, England and David discuss autonomous vehicles and ⁠the Waymo passenger who fled one after it drove on light rail tracks in Phoenix⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Educator and author ⁠Laura Danger⁠ describes weaponized incompetence, ⁠the unpaid job many women shoulder in relationships, and how to make things more fair⁠. Check out Laura's book No More Mediocre here⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Foreign correspondent Tony Five from London, England and David discuss autonomous vehicles and the Waymo passenger who fled one after it drove on light rail tracks in Phoenix. Marketing professor Freeman Wu shares details of his study suggesting taking photos at live events can come at a social cost. Educator and author Laura Danger describes weaponized incompetence, the unpaid job many women shoulder in relationships, and how to make things more fair. (Check out Laura's book No More Mediocre here.) For Conspiracy Corner, professor of conspiracy studies Nathan Radke gives an overview of the notorious doll Annabelle and its handler Dan Rivera, as well as the haunted doll industry as a whole. (Check out Nathan's show The Uncover Up Conspiracy Cast here.) Addictions counselor ⁠⁠Yonah Budd and David chat about a 2025 report from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Psychology researcher Gavin Vance reveals details of a study linking men's higher intelligence to fewer abusive relationship behaviors. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:35) Tony Five (10:00) Freeman Wu (20:00) Laura Danger pt. 1 (30:00) Laura Danger pt. 2 (39:50) Nathan Radke pt. 1 (49:50) Nathan Radke pt. 2 (59:50) Yonah Budd (1:09:50) Gavin Vance (1:19:13) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David has both Niagara Falls, Ontario mayor ⁠Jim Diodati⁠ and travel writer ⁠Emily Pogue⁠ on the show. David tries (and fails) to generate controversy, asking Emily to apologize directly to Jim for having ⁠written that her favorite side of Niagara Falls is the US one⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Media personality ⁠Caitlin Green⁠ goes over the ⁠2026 Golden Globes and its winners⁠, outfits, controversies, and more. Listen to Caitlin as co-host of The Jann Arden Podcast here⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

UK-based foreign correspondent ⁠Tony Five⁠ enthusiastically reports on ⁠London's No Trousers Tube Ride⁠ and ⁠the woman accused of swimming nude in her neighbor's pond/pool while 'trying to be a mermaid'⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Associate professor of public affairs ⁠Stephen Neely⁠ reveals that ⁠Gen Z reports very high anxiety levels as their screen time increases⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Organizational behavior professor ⁠Soo Min Toh⁠ explains ⁠why after a long day at work, you can go ahead and watch some TV⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

UK-based foreign correspondent Tony Five enthusiastically reports on London's No Trousers Tube Ride and the woman accused of swimming nude in her neighbor's pond/pool while 'trying to be a mermaid'. David has both Niagara Falls, Ontario mayor Jim Diodati and travel writer Emily Pogue on the show. David tries (and fails) to generate controversy, asking Emily to apologize directly to Jim for having written that her favorite side of Niagara Falls is the US one. Organizational behavior professor Soo Min Toh explains why after a long day at work, you can go ahead and watch some TV. Media personality Caitlin Green goes over the 2026 Golden Globes and its winners, outfits, controversies, and more. (⁠Listen to Caitlin as co-host of The Jann Arden Podcast here⁠.) Associate professor of public affairs Stephen Neely reveals that Gen Z reports very high anxiety levels as their screen time increases. Business studies lecturer Nelly Liyanagamage proposes that board game Catan can make you a better strategist. Marketing professor Karen Anne Wallach shares how exclusionary ads can win over customers. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:43) Tony Five (10:00) Mayor Jim Diodati & Emily Pogue (20:00) Soo Min Toh (30:00) Caitlin Green pt. 1 (39:50) Caitlin Green pt. 2 (49:50) Stephen Neely (59:50) Nelly Liyanagamage (1:09:50) Karen Anne Wallach (1:19:07) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Physics and astronomy professor ⁠Daniel Oblak⁠ explains how ⁠we emit a visible light that vanishes when we die⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Timothy Schultz⁠ – host of podcast ⁠Lottery, Dreams, and Fortune⁠ – describes what it was really like to win a $28M lottery jackpot at age 21 while working at a gas station. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Communication professor ⁠Lindsay Duede⁠ details how ⁠adults with ADHD crave more relationship support but often feel shortchanged⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Hawkins⁠ from ⁠The Canberra School of Government⁠ proposes that ⁠we can learn economics from Star Trek⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Science writer ⁠Rachael Funnell⁠ gives the scoop on ⁠why our pets eat grass⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Astrobiologist ⁠Sarah Rugheimer⁠ covers space news with stories: Vera C. Rubin Observatory discovers enormous, record-breaking asteroid⁠; and Astronomers are on 'Cloud 9' with a new, starless gas cloud⁠. Find Sarah's Audible Original Searching for Extraterrestrial Life here⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Experimental psychology researcher ⁠⁠⁠Madison Williams⁠ reveals ⁠how teledildonics are changing the way we have sex with Internet-enabled orgasms⁠. David has a weird fixation with Avatar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Astrobiologist Sarah Rugheimer covers space news with stories: Vera C. Rubin Observatory discovers enormous, record-breaking asteroid; and Astronomers are on 'Cloud 9' with a new, starless gas cloud. (⁠⁠⁠Find Sarah's Audible Original Searching for Extraterrestrial Life here⁠⁠⁠.) Physics and astronomy professor Daniel Oblak explains how we emit a visible light that vanishes when we die. Science writer Rachael Funnell gives the scoop on why our pets eat grass. John Hawkins from The Canberra School of Government proposes that we can learn economics from Star Trek. Experimental psychology researcher ⁠⁠Madison Williams reveals how teledildonics are changing the way we have sex with Internet-enabled orgasms. David has a weird fixation with Avatar. Timothy Schultz – host of podcast Lottery, Dreams, and Fortune – describes what it was really like to win a $28M lottery jackpot at age 21 while working at a gas station. Communication professor Lindsay Duede details how adults with ADHD crave more relationship support but often feel shortchanged. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:08) Sarah Rugheimer (10:00) Daniel Oblak (20:00) Rachael Funnell (30:00) John Hawkins (39:50) Madison Williams (49:50) Timothy Schultz pt. 1 (59:50) Timothy Schultz pt. 2 (1:09:50) Lindsay Duede (1:19:07) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On It's Time For Technology Time , tech analyst ⁠Carmi Levy⁠ covers: Scientists create robotic rabbits to fight invasive pythons in Florida⁠; OpenAI launches ChatGPT Health to connect with user medical records⁠; Cops forced to explain why AI generated police report said an officer transformed into a frog⁠; and What to expect from CES 2026, the annual show of all things tech⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Media personality ⁠Caitlin Green⁠ discusses ⁠Ashley French (Tisdale) speaking out against her toxic mom group⁠. Listen to Caitlin co-hosting The Jann Arden Podcast here⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices