The Last Show with David Cooper
1,260 episodes — Page 4 of 26
Celebrity Worship and Vulnerable Narcissism
Leaving the Country: The Considering vs. Doing Gap
FULL EPISODE: The Awkward Art of Friendship - April 8, 2026
Are Extroverts Better Listeners?
Two Years that Broke Society
Discussing Politics at Work Might Be a Good Idea
Deep Space Exploration and Medical Preparedness
Proud of a Big Tax Refund? You Shouldn't Be.
We're Speaking Fewer Words Every Year
FULL EPISODE: The Loudmouth Listener - April 7, 2026
Space Travel; Reality TV Scandals; Don't Use My Exfoliating Glove
The First Gamblers From 12,000 Years Ago
Flaws in Studies Justifying Spanking Children
Ghosting is Worse Than Rejection
FULL EPISODE: Ice Age Dice - April 6, 2026
S3 Ep 902Space Toilet Trouble; Security Apocalypse 'Q-Day' Approaches
On It's Time For Technology Time, tech analyst Carmi Levy covers: The Artemis II toilet problem; SpaceX has reportedly filed for the biggest IPO in history; Google issues new warning about the quantum computing security apocalypse; and New White House app is a security and privacy nightmare. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 901Artemis II Moonbound
Astrophysics and astrobiology professor Sarah Rugheimer celebrates the newly launched Artemis II rocket with its historic firsts, and talks about the mission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 900Want to Sleep Better?
Only slightly late for National Sleep Awareness Month (April 2nd Fools?!) sleep coach Alanna McGinn gives us tips for a better night's sleep. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 899Newly Discovered Human-Cat Fungus Spreads
For Vet Talk – or Pet Talk – veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford goes over stories: Fungus that spreads from cats to humans has been detected, raising concerns among scientists; and The seemingly safe dog treats that vets say are sending pets to emergency surgery. Cliff warns pet owners of ticks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 898FULL EPISODE: To the Moon and Beyond - April 2, 2026
Astrophysics and astrobiology professor Sarah Rugheimer celebrates the newly launched Artemis II rocket with its historic firsts, and talks about the mission. On It's Time For Technology Time, tech analyst Carmi Levy covers: The Artemis II toilet problem; SpaceX has reportedly filed for the biggest IPO in history; Google issues new warning about the quantum computing security apocalypse; and New White House app is a security and privacy nightmare. For Vet Talk – or Pet Talk – veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford goes over stories: Fungus that spreads from cats to humans has been detected, raising concerns among scientists; and The seemingly safe dog treats that vets say are sending pets to emergency surgery. Cliff warns pet owners of ticks. Only slightly late for National Sleep Awareness Month (April 2nd Fools?!) sleep coach Alanna McGinn gives us tips for a better night's sleep. Psychology professor Tessa West outlines how Gen Z is dating less and how the result is one of the most unprepared workforces. Ecology and conservation scientist Chris Lepczyk explains what the science has to say about whether you should let your cat roam the streets. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:30) Sarah Rugheimer (10:00) Carmi Levy pt. 1 (20:00) Carmi Levy pt. 2 (30:00) Dr. Cliff Redford pt. 1 (39:50) Dr. Cliff Redford pt. 2 (49:50) Alanna McGinn (59:50) Tessa West (1:09:50) Chris Lepczyk (1:19:07) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 897The Stress of Dating in the Golden Years
Human development and family sciences professor Lisa Neff outlines the surprising toll that new relationships take on older adults. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 896How Hollywood Doesn't Learn From Failure
Supply chain management professor Suresh Muthulingam discusses how in Hollywood, teams don't stick together long enough to learn from failure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 895How Conspiracies Arise
For Conspiracy Corner, using those who say there's evidence that we live in a simulation or that ancient Atlanteans had advanced technology, political science professor Lee Kuhnle chats about how conspiracy theories arise. Pre-order Lee's upcoming book Uncover Up: How to Think Clearly in an Age of Conspiracies here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 894FULL EPISODE: Love Hurts... More After 50 - April 1, 2026
David attempts a punny April Fool's joke. It falls flat. Human development and family sciences professor Lisa Neff outlines the surprising toll that new relationships take on older adults. Supply chain management professor Suresh Muthulingam discusses how in Hollywood, teams don't stick together long enough to learn from failure. For Conspiracy Corner, using those who say there's evidence that we live in a simulation or that ancient Atlanteans had advanced technology, political science professor Lee Kuhnle chats about how conspiracy theories arise. (Pre-order Lee's upcoming book Uncover Up: How to Think Clearly in an Age of Conspiracies here.) For Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday, Gary Direnfeld and David discuss how to deal with a bad day. Associate professor of marketing Aya Aboelenien explains how vegans develop complex skills to navigate an omnivorous society. Arctic scientist Katie Florko describes how seals will risk death by a polar bear for a varied meal. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:14) Lisa Neff (10:00) Suresh Muthulingam (20:00) Lee Kuhnle pt. 1 (30:00) Lee Kuhnle pt. 2 (39:50) Gary Direnfeld pt. 1 (49:50) Gary Direnfeld pt. 2 (59:50) Aya Aboelenien (1:09:50) Katie Florko (1:18:50) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 893Brain Glitch That Warps Faces
Psychological and brain sciences professor Brad Duchaine introduces us to prosopometamorphopsia (PMO), the rare neurological condition where people see distorted faces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 892Students Gotta Mess Up
Earth sciences professor John Maclachlan makes a case for why post‑secondary students need more room to mess up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 891Why We Judge Groups Worse Than People
Social psychologist André Vaz describes the psychological reason we judge groups much more harshly than individuals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 890The Boy-Girl Reading Gap
Sociology professor Ea Hoppe Blaabæk shares details of her study showing that boys ditch books when schools close, and girls keep reading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 889The Freedom of a Cancelled Meeting
Marketing professor Gabriela Tonietto explains why a canceled meeting feels so liberating. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 888Where's the Funny in Science?
Educator, improv comedian, and occasional scientist Dr. Vita Stout outlines how and why scientists aren't telling enough jokes at conferences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 887FULL EPISODE: Smart People, Bad Jokes - March 31, 2026
Marketing professor Gabriela Tonietto explains why a canceled meeting feels so liberating. Psychological and brain sciences professor Brad Duchaine introduces us to prosopometamorphopsia (PMO), the rare neurological condition where people see distorted faces. Educator, improv comedian, and occasional scientist Dr. Vita Stout outlines how and why scientists aren't telling enough jokes at conferences. Sociology professor Ea Hoppe Blaabæk shares details of her study showing that boys ditch books when schools close, and girls keep reading. Social psychologist André Vaz describes the psychological reason we judge groups much more harshly than individuals. Earth sciences professor John Maclachlan makes a case for why post‑secondary students need more room to mess up. 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. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:44) Gabriela Tonietto (10:00) Brad Duchaine (20:00) Dr. Vita Stout (30:00) Ea Hoppe Blaabæk (39:50) André Vaz (49:50) John Maclachlan (59:50) Jess Cording pt. 1 (1:09:50) Jess Cording pt. 2 (1:19:07) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 886Romantic Indifference: The Relationship Disintegrator
Social psychology researcher Mirna Đurić warns how romantic indifference can breed boredom, lower intimacy, and a wandering eye. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 885BS Universities: The Future of Education?
Philosophy professor Robert Sparrow shares his insights on a future with fully automated education leading to BS universities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 884Why the Myth of Alien Architects Persists
Egyptology professor Stefan Baumann outlines why some people still believe that aliens shaped ancient civilisations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 883Lonely? Chat With a Person, Not a Bot
Psychology researcher Ruo-Ning (Ronnie) Li reveals that chatting with people beats interactions with AI chatbots when it comes to reducing loneliness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 882Are Famous Men Okay?
Media personality Caitlin Green asks: Are famous men okay? To that end, her and David covers the following stories: Tiger Woods was ready for another comeback, but it ended in another car crash; Usher defends 'misrepresented' Sean 'Diddy' Combs amid prison stay; and 'Looksmaxxing' influencer arrested on battery charge in Florida. Listen to Caitlin co-hosting The Jann Arden Podcast here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 881FULL EPISODE: A Boring Relationship Killer - March 30, 2026
Media personality Caitlin Green asks: Are famous men okay? To that end, her and David covers the following stories: Tiger Woods was ready for another comeback, but it ended in another car crash; Usher defends 'misrepresented' Sean 'Diddy' Combs amid prison stay; and 'Looksmaxxing' influencer arrested on battery charge in Florida. (Listen to Caitlin co-hosting The Jann Arden Podcast here.) Social psychology researcher Mirna Đurić warns how romantic indifference can breed boredom, lower intimacy, and a wandering eye. Philosophy professor Robert Sparrow shares his insights on a future with fully automated education leading to BS universities. Psychology researcher Ruo-Ning (Ronnie) Li reveals that chatting with people beats interactions with AI chatbots when it comes to reducing loneliness. Egyptology professor Stefan Baumann outlines why some people still believe that aliens shaped ancient civilisations. Human development and family studies professor Lauren Harris explains how romance and sexual intimacy don't diminish with age. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:47) Caitlin Green pt. 1 (10:00) Caitlin Green pt. 2 (20:00) Mirna Đurić (30:00) Robert Sparrow (39:50) Ruo-Ning Li (49:50) Stefan Baumann (59:50) Lauren Harris pt. 1 (1:09:50) Lauren Harris pt. 2 (1:18:41) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 880Elevators, Elevators, Elevators! The Joy of Elevators
Bursting with contagious excitement for the ordinary, elevator enthusiast Andrew Reams – of popular YouTube channel DieselDucy – talks about his love of elevators, living with autism, and running an elevator museum. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 879Plants Count Events, But Can They Think?
Psychological sciences professor Peter M. Vishton reveals how plants can count, and that they can track the number of events they experience. David calls Peter a plant psychologist and asks, "Are plants people, too?" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 878Ferret Catching WonderDog
For Vet Talk or Pet Talk, veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford covers stories: Pharmacies fill pet prescriptions, sparking debate among veterinarians; How an island became ferret free – thanks, in part, to Woody the wonderdog; and Be wary of these metal-related toxicities for pets. Cliff quizzes David with some veterinary trivia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 877Possible Evils Lurking in Your Router
On It's Time For Technology Time, tech analyst Carmi Levy covers the following news stories: The US government just banned consumer routers made outside the country; OpenAI announces plans to shut down its Sora video generator; Teens are using AI to create 'slander' videos of their teachers; Judge says witness wore smart glasses to sneakily inform their testimony; and Publisher pulls novel over AI concerns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 876Could Star Eating Microbes Exist?
Computational biologist Nicholas Chia discusses whether the fictional star-eating 'astrophage' bacteria from sci-fi movie Project Hail Mary could plausibly exist out in the cosmos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 875Dating Simulator Helps With Romance
Psychology professor Ghayda Hassan details her testing of an AI dating simulator to help chronically single men practice romantic skills. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 874FULL EPISODE: Have You Considered Dating a Robot? - March 26, 2026
On It's Time For Technology Time, tech analyst Carmi Levy covers the following news stories: The US government just banned consumer routers made outside the country; OpenAI announces plans to shut down its Sora video generator; Teens are using AI to create 'slander' videos of their teachers; Judge says witness wore smart glasses to sneakily inform their testimony; and Publisher pulls novel over AI concerns. Psychology professor Ghayda Hassan details her testing of an AI dating simulator to help chronically single men practice romantic skills. Computational biologist Nicholas Chia discusses whether the fictional star-eating 'astrophage' bacteria from sci-fi movie Project Hail Mary could plausibly exist out in the cosmos. Bursting with contagious excitement for the ordinary, elevator enthusiast Andrew Reams – of popular YouTube channel DieselDucy – talks about his love of elevators, living with autism, and running an elevator museum. Psychological sciences professor Peter M. Vishton reveals how plants can count, and that they can track the number of events they experience. David calls Peter a plant psychologist and asks, "Are plants people, too?" For Vet Talk or Pet Talk, veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford covers stories: Pharmacies fill pet prescriptions, sparking debate among veterinarians; How an island became ferret free – thanks, in part, to Woody the wonderdog; and Be wary of these metal-related toxicities for pets. Cliff quizzes David with some veterinary trivia. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:46) Carmi Levy pt. 1 (10:00) Carmi Levy pt. 2 (20:00) Ghayda Hassan (30:00) Nicholas Chia (39:50) Andrew Reams (DieselDucy) (49:50) Peter M. Vishton (59:50) Dr. Cliff Redford pt. 1 (1:09:50) Dr. Cliff Redford pt. 2 (1:19:19) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 873An Astrobiologist on Project Hail Mary
Straight from outer space (not actually), astrobiologist Sarah Rugheimer shares her take on blockbuster Project Hail Mary with David. Check out Sarah's upcoming course Experiencing James Webb on Great Courses here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 872Neutrality Improves Group Decisions
Professor of mathematical biology and public engagement Kit Yates dives into what locusts teach us about how neutrality can speed up and stabilize collective decisions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 871Dave Cooper the Gaydio Breakfast Host
It's a rare find in our quest to interview people with the same name as your host: radio host Dave Cooper who is a presenter of a show called Gaydio Breakfast on the UK's LGBTQ+ radio station. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 870On Mid-Life Crises
With his 40th birthday on the horizon, David discusses mid-life crises with social worker and therapist Gary Direnfeld on Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 869Guaranteed Pay For Delivery Drivers Doesn't Exactly Work
Economics professor Andrew Garin reveals how Seattle tried to guarantee higher pay for delivery drivers, and why it didn't work as intended. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 868Social Media Influencers and Misinformation
Marketing professor Giandomenico Di Domenico (GD) explains how social media influencers increase the toxicity and power of misinformation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices