The Last Show with David Cooper
1,435 episodes — Page 12 of 29
S3 Ep 692Messy Money Matters With A Cat Sitter
Economics professor Eric Kam and David tackle some messy money matters, weighing in on 'Am I The A-Hole?' dilemmas involving a cat sitter drinking someone's expensive wine and money lost with an investment recommendation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 691The Future Of Hotels And AI
Associate professor of hospitality Ajay 'AJ' Aluri explains how hotel guests embrace AI convenience, but still want a human touch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 690Is A Gay Hockey Romance Good For Sport?
Health studies professor Treena Orchard discusses the romantic gay hit Heated Rivalry and goes over whether the show will measurably improve things with queer representation in sport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 689Social Health To Prevent Tragedy
Psychology professor Steve Joordens and David discuss the horrific tragedy that occurred in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. Steve proposes a refocus in the conversation of preventing mass shootings to a concept he calls social health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 688FULL EPISODE: Coping With Valentine's Day Disappointment - February 11, 2026
Psychology professor Steve Joordens and David discuss the horrific tragedy that occurred in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. Steve proposes a refocus in the conversation of preventing mass shootings to a concept he calls social health. Marketing researcher Siti Suwanda defines consumption stigma and says why eating cheap chocolate feels so embarrassing, especially on Valentine's Day. Then, it's Gary After Dark on Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday where therapist and social worker Gary Direnfeld and David walk through what to do when your Valentine's Day doesn't fit the narrow, commonly expected script. Health studies professor Treena Orchard discusses the romantic gay hit Heated Rivalry and goes over whether the show will measurably improve things with queer representation in sport. Economics professor Eric Kam and David tackle some messy money matters, weighing in on 'Am I The A-Hole?' dilemmas involving a cat sitter drinking someone's expensive wine and money lost with an investment recommendation. Associate professor of hospitality Ajay 'AJ' Aluri explains how hotel guests embrace AI convenience, but still want a human touch. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:11) Steve Joordens pt. 1 (10:00) Steve Joordens pt. 2 (20:00) Siti Suwanda (30:00) Gary Direnfeld pt. 1 (39:50) Gary Direnfeld pt. 2 (49:50) Treena Orchard (59:50) Eric Kam (1:09:50) Ajay 'AJ' Aluri (1:18:46) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 687Winter Storm Leviathan Conspiracy
On Conspiracy Corner, professor of conspiracy studies Nathan Radke gives us a history of conspiracies at the high seas and explains how the recent northeastern winter storm awakened some wacky and wild Leviathan theories. 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 686The Security Problem With Moltbook
Cybersecurity expert David Shipley relays how security concerns and skepticism are bursting the bubble of Moltbook, the viral AI social forum. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 685Why You Hate Lines, According To Science
Associate professor of economics Sera Linardi shares how people judge lines by what's ahead, not how long they wait. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 684Pink Noise Ruins Your Sleep
Sleep researcher and psychiatry professor Dr. Mathias Basner reveals how pink noise reduces your REM sleep and may harm your sleep quality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 683FULL EPISODE: Release The Kraken! - February 10, 2026
Sleep researcher and psychiatry professor Dr. Mathias Basner reveals how pink noise reduces your REM sleep and may harm your sleep quality. For Conspiracy Corner, professor of conspiracy studies Nathan Radke gives us a history of conspiracies at the high seas and explains how the recent northeastern winter storm awakened some wacky and wild Leviathan theories. (Check out Nathan's podcast The Uncover Up Conspiracy Cast here and follow the show on YouTube here.) Associate professor of economics Sera Linardi shares how people judge lines by what's ahead, not how long they wait. Cybersecurity expert David Shipley relays how security concerns and skepticism are bursting the bubble of Moltbook, the viral AI social forum. Associate professor of hospitality and tourism Alisha Ali discusses how hospitality skills can help businesses adapt to the AI revolution. Board-certified pelvic health therapist Dr. Sara Reardon (@the.vagina.whisperer) explains the benefits of using a Squatty Potty and talks to David about pelvic floor health. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:03) Dr. Mathias Basner (10:00) Nathan Radke pt. 1 (20:00) Nathan Radke pt. 2 (30:00) Sera Linardi (39:50) David Shipley (49:50) Alisha Ali (59:50) Dr. Sara Reardon pt. 1 (1:09:50) Dr. Sara Reardon pt. 2 (1:19:09) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 682Sex And Sex-tech: Valentine Edition
In advance of Valentine's Day, experimental psychology researcher Madison Williams and David discuss high-tech sex toy options for couples and single folks to try out for the occasion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 681Goodbye Performance Review, Hello AI Report Card
Future-of-work reporter Tim Paradis relays why so many companies are rethinking performance reviews and what they're doing instead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 680Streaming Cheating
Were you supposed to watch a TV show with your significant other? Watched it without telling them, and then lied about it? Well, according to Boutique matchmaker and dating expert Shannon Tebb: that's streaming cheating and it's a major red flag. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 679Mental Sharpness, A Productivity Boost
Psychology professor Cendri Hutcherson shares how daily mental sharpness can lead to a productivity boost equivalent to 40 extra minutes of work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 678Button Pressing Science For Dogs
Step aside big dog button-industrial complex, as animal welfare consultant Dr. Holly Molinaro is here to explain the actual science (or lack thereof) behind whether dogs can talk by pushing buttons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 677The Bad Bunny Halftime Show
Media personality Caitlin Green covers news from popular culture, including: Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show; The 2026 Winter Olympics 'penisgate' scandal; and Harry Styles fans are selling blood to buy tickets for his NYC concert. Catch Caitlin co-hosting The Jann Arden Podcast by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 676FULL EPISODE: Something Techie And Sexy For Everyone - February 9, 2026
Step aside big dog button-industrial complex, as animal welfare consultant Dr. Holly Molinaro is here to explain the actual science (or lack thereof) behind whether dogs can talk by pushing buttons. Psychology professor Cendri Hutcherson shares how daily mental sharpness can lead to a productivity boost equivalent to 40 extra minutes of work. Future-of-work reporter Tim Paradis relays why so many companies are rethinking performance reviews and what they're doing instead. Media personality Caitlin Green covers news from popular culture, including: Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show; The 2026 Winter Olympics 'penisgate' scandal; and Harry Styles fans are selling blood to buy tickets for his NYC concert. (Catch Caitlin co-hosting The Jann Arden Podcast by clicking here.) In advance of Valentine's Day, experimental psychology researcher Madison Williams and David discuss high-tech sex toy options for couples and single folks to try out for the occasion. Then, were you supposed to watch a TV show with your significant other? Watched it without telling them, and then lied about it? Well, according to Boutique matchmaker and dating expert Shannon Tebb: that's streaming cheating and it's a major red flag. Psychology professor Dr. Suzanna Forwood explains her study showing takeout meals serve as both reward and comfort after work. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:51) Dr. Holly Molinaro (10:00) Cendri Hutcherson (20:00) Tim Paradis (30:00) Caitlin Green (39:50) Caitlin Green (49:50) Madison Williams (59:50) Shannon Tebb (1:09:50) Dr. Suzanna Forwood (1:19:16) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 675Love Letters By Robots Feel Crummy
Marketing researcher Danielle Hass explains why using AI to write love notes leaves people feeling crummy about themselves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 674The Tension Between Being Moral And Authentic
Professor of psychology Jordan Wylie outlines the tension between moral pursuits and personal authenticity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 673Psychopathy And Digital Sexual Abuse
Forensic psychology professor Dr. Dean Fido reveals that psychopathy is linked to a proclivity for committing certain digital sexual abuse crimes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 672In-Laws And Outlaws
Comedian Kate Davis talks about how her mother-in-law moved into her home after a run-in with the law. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 671More Vacation Could Keep You From Quitting
Economics professor Bill Kosteas shares how more paid time off keeps workers from quitting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 670It's Safe To Nuke An Asteroid After All
Astrophysics professor Jesse Rogerson reports on science news with the following stories: Study shows some bottled water is worse than tap for microplastics; A high-sugar breakfast may trigger a 'rest and digest' state that dampens cognitive focus; Simulation suggests it may be safe to nuke an earthbound asteroid after all; and Microbes in Fukushima found surprisingly unscathed by radiation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 669FULL EPISODE: Don't Write An AI Love Poem - February 6, 2026
Astrophysics professor Jesse Rogerson reports on science news with the following stories: Study shows some bottled water is worse than tap for microplastics; A high-sugar breakfast may trigger a 'rest and digest' state that dampens cognitive focus; Simulation suggests it may be safe to nuke an earthbound asteroid after all; and Microbes in Fukushima found surprisingly unscathed by radiation. Marketing researcher Danielle Hass explains why using AI to write love notes leaves people feeling crummy about themselves. Economics professor Bill Kosteas shares how more paid time off keeps workers from quitting. Forensic psychology professor Dr. Dean Fido reveals that psychopathy is linked to a proclivity for committing certain digital sexual abuse crimes. Professor of psychology Jordan Wylie outlines the tension between moral pursuits and personal authenticity. Comedian Kate Davis talks about how her mother-in-law moved into her home after a run-in with the law. Writer and community facilitator Jess Janz goes over the finding that 27% of US adults reported eating all their most recent meals alone. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:28) Jesse Rogerson pt. 1 (10:00) Jesse Rogerson pt. 2 (20:00) Danielle Hass (30:00) Bill Kosteas (39:50) Dr. Dean Fido (49:50) Jordan Wylie (59:50) Kate Davis (1:09:50) Jess Janz (1:18:37) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 668Photosynthesis In The Dark
Microbial ecologist Lars Behrendt explains how strange microbes that photosynthesize in the dark of deep caves are transforming our search for extraterrestrial life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 667Nancy Screw, A Smutty Nancy Drew
Jane Laboucane, indigenous author of the Kinky Screw novels, goes over the series' smutty, Nancy Drew-inspired protagonist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 666Cats Aren't Vegans
For Vet Talk – or is it Cat Talk? – veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford goes over the following: Cats aren't vegans, but why isotopic signatures of their fur could trick us into thinking that way; The signs your cat may not want a feline sibling; and Surge in rabies reports prompts public health concerns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 665Preventing Loneliness With ChatGPT
Therapist Laurel van der Toorn and David discuss how some of Gen Z are turning to ChatGPT to deal with loneliness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 664The Hetero Relationship Crisis Loop
Sociology researcher Meaghan Furlano reveals how frustration in hetero relationships has a long history, and that's why today's crisis looks so familiar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 663Moltbook, AI-Only Social Media
The show opens with It's Time For Technology Time and tech analyst Carmi Levy covers the following stories: Moltbook is a new social media platform exclusively for AI, and some of its bots are plotting humanity's downfall; NASA used Claude to plot a route for its Perseverance rover on Mars; A Toronto company is helping Uber go driverless; and Apple just made its second-biggest acquisition ever after Beats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 662FULL EPISODE: Alien Life, Right Here On Earth - February 5, 2026
The show opens with It's Time For Technology Time and tech analyst Carmi Levy covers the following stories: Moltbook is a new social media platform exclusively for AI, and some of its bots are plotting humanity's downfall; NASA used Claude to plot a route for its Perseverance rover on Mars; A Toronto company is helping Uber go driverless; and Apple just made its second-biggest acquisition ever after Beats. Microbial ecologist Lars Behrendt explains how strange microbes that photosynthesize in the dark of deep caves are transforming our search for extraterrestrial life. Sociology researcher Meaghan Furlano reveals how frustration in hetero relationships has a long history, and that's why today's crisis looks so familiar. For Vet Talk – or is it Cat Talk? – veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford goes over the following: Cats aren't vegans, but why isotopic signatures of their fur could trick us into thinking that way; The signs your cat may not want a feline sibling; and Surge in rabies reports prompts public health concerns. Jane Laboucane, indigenous author of the Kinky Screw novels, goes over the series' smutty, Nancy Drew-inspired protagonist. Therapist Laurel van der Toorn and David discuss how some of Gen Z are turning to ChatGPT to deal with loneliness. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:39) Carmi Levy pt. 1 (10:00) Carmi Levy pt. 2 (20:00) Lars Behrendt (30:00) Meaghan Furlano (39:50) Dr. Cliff Redford pt. 1 (49:50) Dr. Cliff Redford pt. 2 (59:50) Jane Laboucane (1:09:50) Laurel van der Toorn (1:19:09) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 661Miranda And David On Heated Rivalry
Media personality Caitlin Green briefly takes over and hosts the show, interviewing David and his girlfriend Miranda about their recent watching of the romantic hit Heated Rivalry. Listen to Caitlin co-hosting The Jann Arden Podcast here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 660The Dancing Plague Of 1518
For Conspiracy Corner, political science professor Lee Kuhnle tells the cautionary tale of the dancing plague of 1518, and uses it to show how more modern panics form. Check out Lee's podcast The Uncover Up here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 659Rapid Fire Therapy
On Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday, social worker and therapist Gary Direnfeld and David do rapid-fire therapy with the following topics: Are 'little white lies' okay?; Going from boss to consultant with your children; Crazy dog (and cat) owners; and When your kids come home looking for a fight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 658Fire-loving, Charcoal-eating Fungi
It's fungus time with microbiology professor and all-around fun gal Sydney Glassman. (See what we did there?) Sydney describes the fire-loving fungi that have learned to eat charcoal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 657FULL EPISODE: Straight Take On Gay Hockey - February 4, 2026
It's fungus time with microbiology professor and all-around fun gal Sydney Glassman. (See what we did there?) Sydney describes the fire-loving fungi that have learned to eat charcoal. Then, media personality Caitlin Green briefly takes over and hosts the show, interviewing David and his girlfriend Miranda about their recent watching of the romantic hit Heated Rivalry. (Listen to Caitlin co-hosting The Jann Arden Podcast here.) For Conspiracy Corner, political science professor Lee Kuhnle tells the cautionary tale of the dancing plague of 1518, and uses it to show how more modern panics form. (Check out Lee's podcast The Uncover Up here.) Philosopher and scientist Michael Prinzing reveals how being virtuous is good for you and can make your life more meaningful. Social-personality psychologist William Chopik explains that narcissism shows surprisingly consistent patterns across many different countries. On Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday, social worker and therapist Gary Direnfeld and David do rapid-fire therapy with the following topics: Are 'little white lies' okay?; Going from boss to consultant with your children; Crazy dog (and cat) owners; and When your kids come home looking for a fight. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:20) Sydney Glassman (10:00) Caitlin Green & Miranda (20:00) Lee Kuhnle pt. 1 (30:00) Lee Kuhnle pt. 2 (39:50) Michael Prinzing (49:50) William Chopik (59:50) Gary Direnfeld pt. 1 (1:09:50) Gary Direnfeld pt. 2 (1:19:06) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 656The Vagina Whisperer On The Squatty Potty
Board-certified pelvic health therapist Dr. Sara Reardon (@the.vagina.whisperer) explains the benefits of using a Squatty Potty and talks to David about pelvic floor health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 655Men And Beauty Culture
Sociology professor Dr. Jordan Foster explains that men are embracing beauty culture, however many of them refuse to call it that. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 654Virtual Courtroom Juries
Psychology professor Krystia Reed shares details of her study showing justice can happen on a laptop with virtual juries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 653AI Overdiagnoses Mental Health Conditions
AI in mental health researcher Dr. Karthik V. Sarma reveals how chatbots tend to overdiagnose mental health conditions when used without structured guidance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 652Poop Pills To Cure Cancer
It's poop pills with immunologist Dr. Saman Maleki who gives the exciting scoop on early trials of a medication that shows promise for cancer patients. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 651FULL EPISODE: What Kind Of Medication?! - February 3, 2026
AI in mental health researcher Dr. Karthik V. Sarma reveals how chatbots tend to overdiagnose mental health conditions when used without structured guidance. Then, it's poop pills with immunologist Dr. Saman Maleki who gives the exciting scoop on early trials of a medication that shows promise for cancer patients. Sociology professor Dr. Jordan Foster explains that men are embracing beauty culture, however many of them refuse to call it that. Psychology professor Krystia Reed shares details of her study showing justice can happen on a laptop with virtual juries. Board-certified pelvic health therapist Dr. Sara Reardon (@the.vagina.whisperer) explains the benefits of using a Squatty Potty and talks to David about pelvic floor health. Economist Moshe Lander tackles some money dilemmas involving picking up dinner tabs, rental properties and kids, and compensation for babysitting. Political science professor Jared Wesley shares details of a new university course aimed at helping students resist rage bait along with its instructor and facilitator Pieter de Vos. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:05) Dr. Karthik V. Sarma (10:00) Dr. Saman Maleki (20:00) Dr. Jordan Foster (30:00) Krystia Reed (39:50) Dr. Sara Reardon pt. 1 (49:50) Dr. Sara Reardon pt. 2 (59:50) Moshe Lander (1:09:50) Jared Wesley & Pieter de Vos (1:19:17) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 650Catherine O'Hara Passing; The Grammys
Media personality Caitlin Green joins David for pop culture news, including: Catherine O'Hara, Home Alone and Schitt's Creek actress, dies at 71; and Moments from the 2026 Grammys. You can hear Caitlin on The Jann Arden Podcast here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 649Takeout, A Reward And A Comfort
Psychology professor Dr. Suzanna Forwood explains her study showing takeout meals serve as both reward and comfort after work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 648Cannabis Beverages Vs. Alcohol
Professor of public health Jessica Kruger reveals how swapping a cold one for a cannabis beverage can help people drink less. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 647FULL EPISODE: Tops Off At The Grammys - February 2, 2026
Media personality Caitlin Green joins David for pop culture news, including: Catherine O'Hara, Home Alone and Schitt's Creek actress, dies at 71; and Moments from the 2026 Grammys. (You can hear Caitlin on The Jann Arden Podcast here.) Psychology professor Dr. Suzanna Forwood explains her study showing takeout meals serve as both reward and comfort after work. Professor of public health Jessica Kruger reveals how swapping a cold one for a cannabis beverage can help people drink less. Author and psychotherapist Dr. Stephanie Sarkis navigates a dilemma where someone is frustrated with a friend who uses their ADHD as an excuse. (Find Dr. Sarkis's book Healing From Toxic Relationships here.) Social psychology researcher and assistant professor Jenny Veldman discusses how women tend to downplay their gender in workplaces with masculinity contest cultures. (Jenny's research was done together with Dr. Andrea Vial at NYU Abu Dhabi.) Then, the study showing a claimed online business page can have unintended effects on customer reviews is described by its author Jong Youl Lee. Cognitive science professor Sam Johnson shares research revealing how dread shapes your decision-making. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:44) Caitlin Green pt. 1 (10:00) Caitlin Green pt. 2 (20:00) Dr. Suzanna Forwood (30:00) Jessica Kruger (39:50) Dr. Stephanie Sarkis (49:50) Jenny Veldman (59:50) Jong Youl Lee (1:09:50) Sam Johnson (1:18:41) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 646Can Science Get Political?
Social and behavioral science researcher Nate Breznau reveals details of his study where scientists used the same data, but their politics predicted the results. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 645Does Gender Matter To Readers?
Information science researcher Federica Bologna explains how readers crave good stories, no matter the characters' gender. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 644Tell Me When My Product Will Die
It's stories from the tech sector with analyst Carmi Levy for It's Time For Technology Time, covering: Song banned from Swedish charts for being an AI creation; Ring can now verify if a video has been altered; Legislators push to make companies tell customers when their products will die; and What does TikTok being saved really mean for you? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 643The Dogs Of Chernobyl
On Vet Talk, veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford reports on: Caring for and learning from the dogs of Chernobyl; Llamas could be big pharma's secret weapon to find new drugs; and One week in a foster home can dramatically improve shelter dogs' lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices