The Last Show with David Cooper
1,435 episodes — Page 10 of 29
S3 Ep 792Grieving a Pet
Veterinarian and author Nadja Lubiw-Hazard tackles the problem of how to grieve a beloved pet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 791Artemis Moon Program Shake-up
It's news from outer space and professor Sarah Rugheimer with the slightly disappointing NASA announcement of a big shake‑up within the Artemis Moon program. Listen to Sarah's Audible Original Searching for Extraterrestrial Life here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 790Talking to Teens With Dangerous Thoughts
Motivated by Instagram alerting parents if their teens search for harmful content, psychology professor Steve Joordens and David discuss how to speak with a teenager experiencing difficultly in that regard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 789FULL EPISODE: You Jelly, Bro? Try a New Relationship - March 6, 2026
It's news from outer space and professor Sarah Rugheimer with the slightly disappointing NASA announcement of a big shake‑up within the Artemis Moon program. (Listen to Sarah's Audible Original Searching for Extraterrestrial Life here.) Psychology professor Mikhila Wildey explains how your relationship dynamic plays a bigger role in jealousy than your personality. Motivated by Instagram alerting parents if their teens search for harmful content, psychology professor Steve Joordens and David discuss how to speak with a teenager experiencing difficultly in that regard. Economics professor Eric Kam and David attack some messy money matters involving a grocery-eating roommate and their girlfriend, a rent mistake, and a family landlord-tenant issue. Veterinarian and author Nadja Lubiw-Hazard tackles the problem of how to grieve a beloved pet. Marketing professor Harley Krohmer outlines why digital targeting creeps out customers. Psychology professor Dr. Sarah Schnitker explains the importance of patience, and why it can be transformative. Management and organizations professor Julianna Pillemer reveals the psychological burden of having a massive social media audience. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:33) Sarah Rugheimer (10:00) Mikhila Wildey (20:00) Steve Joordens (30:00) Eric Kam (39:50) Nadja Lubiw-Hazard (49:50) Harley Krohmer (59:50) Dr. Sarah Schnitker (1:09:50) Julianna Pillemer (1:19:28) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 788Don't Clip My Wings, You Cockroach!
It's Vet Talk (but also Pet Talk) with veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford, who covers these stories: Cockroaches that eat each other's wings become exclusive partners; and Dogs behave like toddlers when humans need help, cats usually don't. Cliff fields a couple listener questions dealing with feline IBS and dental issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 787The Social Side of Gamer Spaces
Anthropology professor Mattias van Ommen outlines how competitive gaming on Discord fosters social connections. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 786The Side-By-Side Bias Fix
Psychology professor Christiane Spitzmueller explains that decision-making nudges can improve racial equity in tenure decisions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 785Disinformation and Misinformation Running Rampant
For It's Time For Technology Time, tech analyst Carmi Levy reports on these stories: Burger King to bring AI-based voice coach to Canada later this year; Misinformation, AI images related to Iran conflict spreading online; Algorithms are dishing out AI food slop and bad recipes that are wasting our time and money; Instagram will alert parents if teens repeatedly search for suicide or self-harm content; and MWC 2026's most bizarre phone can start fires (on purpose). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 784Lonely? Careful, There's an App for That
Philosophy professor Robert Sparrow shares his thoughts on how AI imaginary friends (companions) are no substitute for human connection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 783FULL EPISODE: Your Robot Companion Isn't All That - March 5, 2026
It's Vet Talk (but also Pet Talk) with veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford, who covers these stories: Cockroaches that eat each other's wings become exclusive partners; and Dogs behave like toddlers when humans need help, cats usually don't. Cliff fields a couple listener questions dealing with feline IBS and dental issues. Philosophy professor Robert Sparrow shares his thoughts on how AI imaginary friends (companions) are no substitute for human connection. For It's Time For Technology Time, tech analyst Carmi Levy reports on these stories: Burger King to bring AI-based voice coach to Canada later this year; Misinformation, AI images related to Iran conflict spreading online; Algorithms are dishing out AI food slop and bad recipes that are wasting our time and money; Instagram will alert parents if teens repeatedly search for suicide or self-harm content; and MWC 2026's most bizarre phone can start fires (on purpose). Anthropology professor Mattias van Ommen outlines how competitive gaming on Discord fosters social connections. Psychology professor Christiane Spitzmueller explains that decision-making nudges can improve racial equity in tenure decisions. Management researcher Sharmeen Merchant discusses how a man's psychological fit at work tends to increase when his financial values align with his partner's. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:35) Dr. Cliff Redford pt. 1 (10:00) Dr. Cliff Redford pt. 2 (20:00) Robert Sparrow (30:00) Carmi Levy pt. 1 (39:50) Carmi Levy pt. 2 (49:50) Mattias van Ommen (59:50) Christiane Spitzmueller (1:09:50) Sharmeen Merchant (1:18:48) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 782When to Stop Eating Before Bed
Dietician, health coach, and author Jess Cording reveals what time you should stop eating before bed for heart health. Then, Jess shares some habits from her Little Book of Game Changers: 50 Healthy Habits for Managing Stress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 781Animals in TV and Film Today
Media and culture studies professor Cynthia Chris discusses whether or not animals have a future on Hollywood sets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 780The Anatomy of Angry Online Comments
Communications studies professor Ben Clarke shares his analysis showing that hate is more common in early online article comments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 779Slavic Languages and Literatures or Something
The Last Show continued its search for people with the same name as its host and found a Slavic languages and literatures professor named David Cooper. The other David sits in on the show and tells us about his niche field and what it's like having that name. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 778FULL EPISODE: Step Aside, Lassie! - March 4, 2026
Communications studies professor Ben Clarke shares his analysis showing that hate is more common in early online article comments. Media and culture studies professor Cynthia Chris discusses whether or not animals have a future on Hollywood sets. Then, The Last Show continued its search for people with the same name as its host and found a Slavic languages and literatures professor named David Cooper. The other David sits in on the show and tells us about his niche field and what it's like having that name. Dietician, health coach, and author Jess Cording reveals what time you should stop eating before bed for heart health. Then, Jess shares some habits from her Little Book of Game Changers: 50 Healthy Habits for Managing Stress. Information systems professor Osama Mansour explains some ways that AI could be reshaping your relationship with money. On Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday, therapist and social worker Gary Direnfeld and David discuss ways not to act upon your turbulent moods. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:09) Ben Clarke (10:00) Cynthia Chris (20:00) David Cooper (Slavic Languages Professor) (30:00) Jess Cording (39:50) Jess Cording (49:50) Osama Mansour (59:50) Gary Direnfeld pt. 1 (1:09:50) Gary Direnfeld pt. 2 (1:19:16) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 777Romance and Sex Don't Decrease With Age
Human development and family studies professor Lauren Harris explains how romance and sexual intimacy don't diminish with age. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 776'Looksmaxxing'
Toronto-based comedian Natalie Norman discusses pill organization and 'looksmaxxing'. David tells Natalie about his recent berry/Barry party. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 775Why Your Boss is a Bully
Organizational behavior researcher Dean Baltiansky goes over his study digging into why some bosses are bullies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 774ChatGPT and Therapy: Worsened Psychiatric Symptoms
Dr. Søren Dinesen Østergaard shares how the use of ChatGPT for mental health advice can lead to worsened psychiatric symptoms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 773FULL EPISODE: Grandma's Busier Than You Think - March 3, 2026
Organizational behavior researcher Dean Baltiansky goes over his study digging into why some bosses are bullies. Dr. Søren Dinesen Østergaard shares how the use of ChatGPT for mental health advice can lead to worsened psychiatric symptoms. Human development and family studies professor Lauren Harris explains how romance and sexual intimacy don't diminish with age. Toronto-based comedian Natalie Norman discusses pill organization and 'looksmaxxing'. David tells Natalie about his recent berry/Barry party. Hospitality and tourism professor Lavi Peng reveals how ordering from AI is linked to people selecting more indulgent foods. Psychology researcher Curt Dunkel outlines how early physical attractiveness predicts a more socially effective personality in adulthood. Psychology professor Pat Barclay explains how people prefer generous partners over wealthy ones, unless wealth is highly unequal. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:28) Dean Baltiansky (10:00) Dr. Søren Dinesen Østergaard (20:00) Lauren Harris pt. 1 (30:00) Lauren Harris pt. 2 (39:50) Natalie Norman (49:50) Lavi Peng (59:50) Curt Dunkel (1:09:50) Pat Barclay (1:18:48) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 772Perplexing Prosthetics; Rihanna's Return; SNL Storrie
Media personality Caitlin Green updates us with the following pop culture news: Amanda Seyfried wore a 'prosthetic b*tthole' in Testament of Ann Lee nude scene; Rihanna confirms that she's back in the studio; Connor Storrie's SNL appearance; and Pink sends pointed message while hosting Kelly Clarkson Show after divorce reports. Listen to Caitlin co-host The Jann Arden Podcast here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 771Catchy Melodies and Their Math
Data scientist Olya Ibragimova reveals that mathematical symmetry helps explain why catchy melodies stick. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 770Rogue Army of Vacuum Robots
Cybersecurity expert Francis Syms covers the following lighthearted stories: User accidentally gains control of over 6,700 robot vacuums while tinkering, security flaw reveals floor plans and live video feeds; and Burger King will use AI to check if employees say 'please' and 'thank you'. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 769It's the End of Personal Privacy. Now What?
Journalist Valerie Fortney explains how it's the end of your personal privacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 768Pay Up for True Love
Senior economics reporter Juliana Kaplan details how you may have no choice but to pay $20 a month to find your true love. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 767FULL EPISODE: She Wore a Prosthetic What?! - March 2, 2026
Media personality Caitlin Green updates us with the following pop culture news: Amanda Seyfried wore a 'prosthetic b*tthole' in Testament of Ann Lee nude scene; Rihanna confirms that she's back in the studio; Connor Storrie's SNL appearance; and Pink sends pointed message while hosting Kelly Clarkson Show after divorce reports. (Listen to Caitlin co-host The Jann Arden Podcast here.) Senior economics reporter Juliana Kaplan details how you may have no choice but to pay $20 a month to find your true love. Journalist Valerie Fortney explains how it's the end of your personal privacy. Cybersecurity expert Francis Syms covers the following lighthearted stories: User accidentally gains control of over 6,700 robot vacuums while tinkering, security flaw reveals floor plans and live video feeds; and Burger King will use AI to check if employees say 'please' and 'thank you'. Data scientist Olya Ibragimova reveals that mathematical symmetry helps explain why catchy melodies stick. Chief fire prevention officer Ryan Schell outlines how to prevent lithium-ion battery fires. Social-personality psychologist William Chopik explains that memories of childhood trauma may shift depending on current relationships. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:41) Caitlin Green pt. 1 (10:00) Caitlin Green pt. 2 (20:00) Juliana Kaplan (30:00) Valerie Fortney (39:50) Francis Syms (49:50) Olya Ibragimova (59:50) Ryan Schell (1:09:50) William Chopik (1:19:24) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 766The Upside of Tech in Therapy
When The Last Show producer searched far and wide for guests with the same name as your host, she stumbled upon clinical psychologist David Cooper, who joins the program to tell us why the future of merging technology with therapy isn't so grim after all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 765On-again Off-again Relationships and Their Risks
Communication studies professor René Dailey spells out how on-again, off-again relationships can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 764Survivor and its Legacy After 50 Seasons
The TV show Survivor celebrates its 50th season, so health sciences professor Hartley Jafine – who teaches a university course about the show – explains how it changed reality TV. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 763Ozempic and GLP-1s to Treat Alcohol Abuse
Physician and scientist Lorenzo Leggio from the National Institutes of Health discusses how Ozempic and GPL-1 drugs show promise for alcohol abuse disorder, and why existing drugs to treat drinking problems are underutilized. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 762Why Patience Can Be Transformative
Psychology professor Dr. Sarah Schnitker explains the importance of patience, and why it can be transformative. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 761FULL EPISODE: Patience Really is a Virtue - February 27, 2026
Communication studies professor René Dailey spells out how on-again, off-again relationships can take a toll on your mental and physical health. When The Last Show producer searched far and wide for guests with the same name as your host, she stumbled upon clinical psychologist David Cooper, who joins the program to tell us why the future of merging technology with therapy isn't so grim after all. Psychology professor Dr. Sarah Schnitker explains the importance of patience, and why it can be transformative. Physician and scientist Lorenzo Leggio from the National Institutes of Health discusses how Ozempic and GPL-1 drugs show promise for alcohol abuse disorder, and why existing drugs to treat drinking problems are underutilized. The TV show Survivor celebrates its 50th season, so health sciences professor Hartley Jafine – who teaches a university course about the show – explains how it changed reality TV. Assistant professor of public health Haosen Sun describes how reading may protect older adults against loneliness better than some social activities. Experimental psychology researcher and flirting expert Braden Hall reveals how narcissistic students perceive student-professor flirting as less morally troubling. Psychology professor Amy Muise explains how your attachment style predicts which activities boost romantic satisfaction. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:38) René Dailey (10:00) David Cooper (clinical psychologist) (20:00) Dr. Sarah Schnitker (30:00) Lorenzo Leggio (39:50) Hartley Jafine (49:50) Haosen Sun (59:50) Braden Hall (1:09:50) Amy Muise (1:19:10) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 760Zebra Finches Love Pink
Animal cognition researcher Julia Self explains how the zebra finch has a strong preference for pink in its nests. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 759Punch the Monkey's Saga and Attachment Theory
On Vet Talk – or Pet Talk – veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford covers the following stories: What viral monkey Punch and his plushie tell us about attachment theory; Woman loses all her limbs after being licked by a dog; and Completely new life form is wreaking havoc on deep-sea sharks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 758Teasing: Harmful or Playful?
Child and youth studies professor Naomi Andrews tackles the issue of whether teasing is playful or harmful. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 757FULL EPISODE: What Color's Your Best Nest? - February 26, 2026
Animal cognition researcher Julia Self explains how the zebra finch has a strong preference for pink in its nests. Child and youth studies professor Naomi Andrews tackles the issue of whether teasing is playful or harmful. On Vet Talk – or Pet Talk – veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford covers the following stories: What viral monkey Punch and his plushie tell us about attachment theory; Woman loses all her limbs after being licked by a dog; and Completely new life form is wreaking havoc on deep-sea sharks. Health sciences and psychology professor Tony Bogaert discusses how he tracked the phrase "feeling sexy" across millions of books and uncovered a major difference in sexual psychology. Psychology researcher Samuli Linnunsalo reveals how the presence of eyes on a robot affects your perception of it. Psychology professor Paul Eastwick, co-host of the Love Factually podcast, challenges the idea that we should view dating as a marketplace. (Check out Paul's book Bonded by Evolution here.) Media and tech reporter Sydney Bradley explains how Meta patented an AI that lets you keep posting from beyond the grave. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:02) Julia Self (10:00) Naomi Andrews (20:00) Dr. Cliff Redford pt. 1 (30:00) Dr. Cliff Redford pt. 2 (39:50) Tony Bogaert (49:50) Samuli Linnunsalo (59:50) Paul Eastwick (1:09:50) Sydney Bradley (1:19:12) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 756Dealing With Your Own BS
On Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday, Gary Direnfeld and David attack the problem of dealing with our own BS, and tackle the topics of self-sabotage and comparing yourself to others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 755The Psychology of the 'Friend Zone'
Psychology researcher Marius Stavang shares the psychology of the 'friend zone' and how teenage boys experience it much more than girls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 754Grand Theft Chocolate
Sylvain Charlebois – host of The Food Professor podcast – explains why currently there's a spike in chocolate theft and a run on cottage cheese. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 753Unemployment Changes the Way You Dream
Dr. Emily Cook and Kyle Napierkowski from the Center for Organizational Dreaming discuss how unemployment changes the you people dream. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 752Math Anxiety of Parent and Child
Psychology and neuroscience professor David Geary reveals how parental math anxiety is linked to lower math skills in young children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 751Limerence and Breaking the Romantic Obsession Cycle
Neuroscientist and writer Tom Bellamy goes over the neuroscience of limerence and how to break the cycle of romantic obsession. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 750FULL EPISODE: The Neurochemistry of Having a Crush - February 25, 2026
Sylvain Charlebois – host of The Food Professor podcast – explains why currently there's a spike in chocolate theft and a run on cottage cheese. Neuroscientist and writer Tom Bellamy goes over the neuroscience of limerence and how to break the cycle of romantic obsession. Dr. Emily Cook and Kyle Napierkowski from the Center for Organizational Dreaming discuss how unemployment changes the you people dream. On Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday, Gary Direnfeld and David attack the problem of dealing with our own BS, and tackle the topics of self-sabotage and comparing yourself to others. Psychology and neuroscience professor David Geary reveals how parental math anxiety is linked to lower math skills in young children. Psychology researcher Marius Stavang shares the psychology of the 'friend zone' and how teenage boys experience it much more than girls. Marketing professor Mehak Bharti answers why people say they care about ethical shopping but often buy differently. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:24) Sylvain Charlebois (10:00) Tom Bellamy (20:00) Dr. Emily Cook & Kyle Napierkowski (30:00) Gary Direnfeld pt. 1 (39:50) Gary Direnfeld pt. 2 (49:50) David Geary (59:50) Marius Stavang (1:09:50) Mehak Bharti (1:19:18) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 749Reframe Your Depression as Strength in Minutes
Social psychologist Christina Bauer unveils a 20-minute tool to help you reframe your depression as a source of strength. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 748Mid-career is a Dangerous Time for Burnout
Leadership lecturer Dr. Katie Elizabeth Green explains why mid-career is such a dangerous time for burnout and workplace stress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 747The Benefits of Joint Savoring
Human development and family studies researcher Noah Larsen shares details of his study showing how stressed couples may benefit most from joint savoring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 746On Your Romantic Partner's Spending
Financial planner and lecturer Jamie Lynn Byram uncovers how your partner's spending habits can impact your relationship dynamics. Social psychologist Christina Bauer unveils a 20-minute tool to help you reframe your depression as a source of strength. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 745Prediction Markets: Should You Be Skeptical of Them?
Economics professor Werner Antweiler ran and researched what happened on a prediction market, and warns us why we should be skeptical of them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 744Secret Doomsday Devices
For Conspiracy Corner, professor of conspiracy studies Nathan Radke gives details of secret doomsday devices that actually existed – or at least governments had plans for – that would be unbelievable if not for declassified reports. Check out Nathan's podcast The Uncover Up Conspiracy Cast here and follow the show on YouTube here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 743FULL EPISODE: Simple Blueprints to End the World - February 24, 2026
Financial planner and lecturer Jamie Lynn Byram uncovers how your partner's spending habits can impact your relationship dynamics. Social psychologist Christina Bauer unveils a 20-minute tool to help you reframe your depression as a source of strength. Economics professor Werner Antweiler ran and researched what happened on a prediction market, and warns us why we should be skeptical of them. For Conspiracy Corner, professor of conspiracy studies Nathan Radke gives details of secret doomsday devices that actually existed – or at least governments had plans for – that would be unbelievable if not for declassified reports. (Check out Nathan's podcast The Uncover Up Conspiracy Cast here and follow the show on YouTube here.) Leadership lecturer Dr. Katie Elizabeth Green explains why mid-career is such a dangerous time for burnout and workplace stress. Human development and family studies researcher Noah Larsen shares details of his study showing how stressed couples may benefit most from joint savoring. Personal health informatics researcher Zhuoran Huang reveals how AI chatbots generated weight loss coaching messages that were perceived as helpful as human-written advice. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:11) Jamie Lynn Byram (10:00) Christina Bauer (20:00) Werner Antweiler (30:00) Nathan Radke pt. 1 (39:50) Nathan Radke pt. 2 (49:50) Dr. Katie Elizabeth Green (59:50) Noah Larsen (1:09:50) Zhuoran Huang (1:18:29) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices