The Last Show with David Cooper

First, 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? Social and behavioral science researcher Nate Breznau reveals details of his study where scientists used the same data, but their politics predicted the results. 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. Information science researcher Federica Bologna explains how readers crave good stories, no matter the characters' gender. Communication professor Bree McEwan goes over the Meta, TikTok and YouTube landmark trial over youth addiction claims. Professor of management ⁠Peter Cappelli⁠ shares details of ⁠his study showing how overlooked workplace slights can carry real costs⁠. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:16) Carmi Levy pt. 1 (10:00) Carmi Levy pt. 2 (20:00) Nate Breznau (30:00) Dr. Cliff Redford pt. 1 (39:50) Dr. Cliff Redford pt. 2 (49:50) Federica Bologna (59:50) Bree McEwan (1:09:50) Peter Cappelli (1:19:15) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Media psychology professor ⁠Nathan Walter⁠ explains why ⁠forceful language makes people resist health advice⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday, social worker and therapist ⁠Gary Direnfeld⁠ says whether AI therapy worries him, then discusses how best an adult should deal with a bully. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Psychedelics and cannabis researcher ⁠Dr. Daniel Kruger⁠⁠ reveals ⁠best practices for first psychedelic experiences, and gives us some harm reduction advice⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The show opens on a discussion of why coaches get blamed (and fired) for poor team performance in sports with associate professor of kinesiology, sport, and recreation Brian Soebbing. Media psychology professor Nathan Walter explains why forceful language makes people resist health advice. 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. On Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday, social worker and therapist Gary Direnfeld says whether AI therapy worries him, then discusses how best an adult should deal with a bully. Psychedelics and cannabis researcher Dr. Daniel Kruger⁠ reveals best practices for first psychedelic experiences, and gives us some harm reduction advice. 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 (01:28) Brian Soebbing (10:00) Nathan Walter (20:00) Jared Wesley & Pieter de Vos (30:00) Gary Direnfeld pt. 1 (39:50) Gary Direnfeld pt. 2 (49:50) Dr. Daniel Kruger (59:50) Natalie Norman pt. 1 (1:09:50) Natalie Norman pt. 2 (1:19:17) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gastroenterologist and professional fart demystifier ⁠⁠⁠Dr. Wendi LeBrett⁠⁠⁠ provides information about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and answers David's questions about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Astrophysics professor ⁠Jesse Rogerson⁠ drops in for science news, covering: Penguins may be adapting to a rapidly warming climate, but at a cost⁠; Spider monkeys pool knowledge for fruit⁠; People are swayed by AI-generated videos even when they know they're fake⁠; and Scientists reveal the oldest map of the night sky, previously lost to time⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Conspiracy Corner, professor of conspiracy studies Nathan Radke goes over some famous moments in gaslighting history. Check out Nathan's podcast The Uncover Up here⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clinical psychology researcher ⁠Anuki Amarakoon⁠ explains how ⁠singles who have casual sex may get a boost in confidence⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Astrophysics professor Jesse Rogerson drops in for science news, covering: Penguins may be adapting to a rapidly warming climate, but at a cost; Spider monkeys pool knowledge for fruit; People are swayed by AI-generated videos even when they know they're fake; and Scientists reveal the oldest map of the night sky, previously lost to time. Gastroenterologist and professional fart demystifier ⁠⁠Dr. Wendi LeBrett⁠⁠ provides information about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and answers David's questions about it. On Conspiracy Corner, professor of conspiracy studies Nathan Radke goes over some famous moments in gaslighting history. (⁠Check out Nathan's podcast The Uncover Up here⁠.) Clinical psychology researcher Anuki Amarakoon explains how singles who have casual sex may get a boost in confidence. Microbiology professor Ben Willing gives us a closer look at the benefits of fermented foods. Human-computer interaction researcher ⁠Steve Rathje⁠ explains how ⁠sycophantic AI chatbots can inflate your perceptions that you're better than average⁠. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:45) Jesse Rogerson pt. 1 (10:00) Jesse Rogerson pt. 2 (20:00) Dr. Wendi LeBrett (30:00) Nathan Radke pt. 1 (39:50) Nathan Radke pt. 2 (49:50) Anuki Amarakoon (59:50) Ben Willing (1:09:50) Steve Rathje (1:19:17) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Media personality ⁠⁠Caitlin Green⁠⁠ touches on pop culture topics: ⁠Climber dad Alex Honnold successfully scales 101-story building without ropes or harnesses⁠⁠; ⁠Heated Rivalry stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie carry the Olympic torch in Italy⁠⁠; and ⁠The 2026 Oscar nominations⁠⁠. ⁠Hear Caitlin co-hosting The Jann Arden Podcast⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Writer and community facilitator ⁠Jess Janz⁠ goes over ⁠the finding that 27% of US adults reported eating all their most recent meals alone⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Professor ⁠Tin D. Vo⁠ gives a deep dive into what the romance show Heated Rivalry means for queer inclusion and representation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cognitive science professor ⁠Sam Johnson⁠ shares ⁠research revealing how dread shapes your decision-making⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Media personality Caitlin Green touches on pop culture topics: Climber dad Alex Honnold successfully scales 101-story building without ropes or harnesses; Heated Rivalry stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie carry the Olympic torch in Italy; and The 2026 Oscar nominations. (Hear Caitlin co-hosting The Jann Arden Podcast.) Cognitive science professor Sam Johnson shares research revealing how dread shapes your decision-making. Writer and community facilitator Jess Janz goes over the finding that 27% of US adults reported eating all their most recent meals alone. Professor Tin D. Vo gives a deep dive into what the romance show Heated Rivalry means for queer inclusion and representation. Economics, behavior, and policy professor Jana Vyrastekova reveals how encouraging students to socialize at an early stage can prevent loneliness. 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. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:23) Caitlin Green pt. 1 (10:00) Caitlin Green pt. 2 (20:00) Sam Johnson (30:00) Jess Janz (39:50) Tin D. Vo (49:50) Jana Vyrastekova (59:50) Will Douglas Heaven pt. 1 (1:09:50) Will Douglas Heaven pt. 2 (1:19:07) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast-only special of The Last Show with science man, bat biologist, and generally affable individual Dan Riskin. Dan sits down at David's apartment in New York to tape The Science Appliance. Dan recounts his recent travels to Australia heavily featuring a most terrifying 'spider car' – and it's worse than you think. After that, Dan covers the following science news stories: Study shows orange pigments in redheads prevent cellular damage; The sequel paradox: Research shows less innovation sells more tickets, but only at first; and Podcasts won't slow your driving reactions, but phone calls (even hands-free) will. David talks about grandma-style pizza. Dan practices his microphone technique by shouting the word 'echidna'. ⁠⁠⁠Sign up for Dan's weekly science newsletter The Bat Signal⁠ by clicking here⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Human-computer interaction researcher ⁠Steve Rathje⁠ explains how ⁠sycophantic AI chatbots can inflate your perceptions that you're better than average⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Based on her study of friendship, sociology professor ⁠Janice McCabe⁠ reveals ⁠how you make lasting friendships⁠. Check out Janice's book Making, Keeping, and Losing Friends here⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Therapist ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Laurel van der Toorn⁠ and David dig into ⁠a young woman's dilemma where her mother demanded to see her finances⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Science communicator and astrophysicist ⁠Jesse Rogerson⁠ brings us news stories from the science world: NASA's Artemis 2 moon rocket is on the launch pad⁠; Astronauts splash down to Earth after medical evacuation from space station⁠; Scientists tried to spread the flu, only to discover something unexpected⁠; Gigantic wave in the Pacific (Specific?) was the most extreme 'rogue wave' on record⁠; and Mosquitoes are feeding on us more often and scientists say we're to blame⁠. Jesse fields a listener question about cryogenics and long-distance space travel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Professor of management ⁠Peter Cappelli⁠ shares details of ⁠his study showing how overlooked workplace slights can carry real costs⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Science communicator and astrophysicist Jesse Rogerson brings us news stories from the science world: NASA's Artemis 2 moon rocket is on the launch pad; Astronauts splash down to Earth after medical evacuation from space station; Scientists tried to spread the flu, only to discover something unexpected; Gigantic wave in the Pacific (Specific?) was the most extreme 'rogue wave' on record; and Mosquitoes are feeding on us more often and scientists say we're to blame. Jesse fields a listener question about cryogenics and long-distance space travel. Human-computer interaction researcher Steve Rathje explains how sycophantic AI chatbots can inflate your perceptions that you're better than average. Professor of management Peter Cappelli shares details of his study showing how overlooked workplace slights can carry real costs. Based on her study of friendship, sociology professor Janice McCabe reveals how you make lasting friendships. (Check out Janice's book Making, Keeping, and Losing Friends here.) Therapist ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Laurel van der Toorn and David dig into a young woman's dilemma where her mother demanded to see her finances. Then, it's English professor Cecily Devereux on why we can't stop reading mysteries. Media and tech reporter ⁠Sydney Bradley⁠ explains how ⁠party invite app Partiful is becoming the new Tinder⁠. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:33) Jesse Rogerson pt. 1 (10:00) Jesse Rogerson pt. 2 (20:00) Steve Rathje (30:00) Peter Cappelli (39:50) Janice McCabe (49:50) Laurel van der Toorn (59:50) Cecily Devereux (1:09:50) Sydney Bradley (1:19:07) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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