The Last Show with David Cooper

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.) Marketing professor Giandomenico Di Domenico (GD) explains how social media influencers increase the toxicity and power of misinformation. Economics professor Andrew Garin reveals how Seattle tried to guarantee higher pay for delivery drivers, and why it didn't work as intended. 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. 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. Then, 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. Developmental psychologist ⁠Sarah Gerson⁠ outlines how ⁠children playing with dolls beat out tablets when it comes to helping them build social understanding⁠. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:08) Sarah Rugheimer (10:00) Giandomenico Di Domenico (20:00) Andrew Garin (30:00) Kit Yates (39:50) Gary Direnfeld pt. 1 (49:50) Gary Direnfeld pt. 2 (59:50) Dave Cooper (Gaydio Breakfast host) (1:09:50) Sarah Gerson (1:19:08) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arctic scientist ⁠Katie Florko⁠ describes how ⁠seals will risk death by a polar bear for a varied meal⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Professor of conspiracy studies ⁠Nathan Radke⁠ joins the show for Conspiracy Corner and goes over the strange and weird conspiracies surrounding the sinking of the Titanic. 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

Advertising professor ⁠Olivia Bullock⁠ explains how ⁠legal jargon increases guilty verdicts and reduces trust in the judicial system⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Psychology professor ⁠Adam Stanaland⁠ reveals how ⁠gender conformity starts young, and how boys and girls fall in line in different ways⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Developmental psychologist ⁠Sarah Gerson⁠ outlines how ⁠children playing with dolls beats out tablets when it comes to helping them build social understanding⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Professor of conspiracy studies Nathan Radke joins the show for Conspiracy Corner and goes over the strange and weird conspiracies surrounding the sinking of the Titanic. (Check out Nathan's ⁠⁠⁠podcast The Uncover Up Conspiracy Cast⁠ here⁠⁠ and follow ⁠⁠⁠the show on YouTube here⁠⁠⁠.) Arctic scientist Katie Florko describes how seals will risk death by a polar bear for a varied meal. Advertising professor Olivia Bullock explains how legal jargon increases guilty verdicts and reduces trust in the judicial system. Developmental psychologist Sarah Gerson outlines how children playing with dolls beats out tablets when it comes to helping them build social understanding. Psychology professor Adam Stanaland reveals how gender conformity starts young, and how boys and girls fall in line in different ways. Management and organizational development professor Sangah Bae describes how motivated employees get more out-of-role work, even when it costs bonuses. Kourtney Spang from Barking Brew talks about brewing beer for dogs. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:45) Nathan Radke pt. 1 (10:00) Nathan Radke pt. 2 (20:00) Katie Florko (30:00) Olivia Bullock (39:50) Sarah Gerson (49:50) Adam Stanaland (59:50) Sangah Bae (1:09:50) Kourtney Spang (1:18:51) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Science man and bat biologist Dan Riskin joins us for a very special podcast-only episode of The Science Appliance. David unleashes huge news about his involvement with The Human Flatus Atlas and their sensor to track intestinal gas. The two discuss the following science stories: Woman sneezes out maggots after fly larvae get trapped in her deviated septum; and The customer might always be right, but apologies actually backfire in customer service. David talks about how Americans perceive the Canadian accent, as described to him by a linguist. The strange design of many AI company logos is also brought up. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for Dan's weekly science newsletter The Bat Signal⁠ by clicking here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mathematician ⁠Emma Zajdela⁠ unveils ⁠the math behind why clothes come back in style in 20 year cycles⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Media personality ⁠Caitlin Green⁠ – co-host of ⁠The Jann Arden Podcast ⁠– fills us in on the scoop with ⁠The Bachelorette being canceled⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Therapist ⁠Laurel van der Toorn⁠ tackles ⁠a parental dilemma where one raises their child to be independent and successful, and when they are they move away and are too busy to call⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

English professor ⁠Kristi Girdharry⁠ outlines ⁠her new task for students in the age of AI: teaching them when to struggle⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mass communications professor ⁠Judy Watts⁠ shares how ⁠finding Easter eggs in entertainment boosts enjoyment and fan behavior⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Media personality Caitlin Green – co-host of The Jann Arden Podcast – fills us in on the scoop with The Bachelorette being canceled. Mathematician Emma Zajdela unveils the math behind why clothes come back in style in 20 year cycles. Mass communications professor Judy Watts shares how finding Easter eggs in entertainment boosts enjoyment and fan behavior. English professor Kristi Girdharry outlines her new task for students in the age of AI: teaching them when to struggle. Therapist Laurel van der Toorn tackles a parental dilemma where one raises their child to be independent and successful, and when they are they move away and are too busy to call. Forester Peter Kuitenbrouwer gives us a crash-course in maple syrup and sugaring season. Economics professor Shishir Shakya describes an AI tutor that helps college students reason rather than give them answers. Exercise scientist Shawn Youngstedt explains how regular exercise reduces anxiety and depression in people with chronic insomnia. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:13) Caitlin Green (10:00) Emma Zajdela (20:00) Judy Watts (30:00) Kristi Girdharry (39:50) Laurel van der Toorn (49:50) Peter Kuitenbrouwer (59:50) Shishir Shakya (1:09:50) Shawn Youngstedt (1:19:02) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Psychology professor ⁠Tessa West⁠ outlines how ⁠Gen Z is dating less and how the result is one of the most unprepared workforces⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deb Tate, the owner of legend Louis the cat, tells David about ⁠her viral US-Canada border-hopping feline who comes and goes as he pleases⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Psychology researcher ⁠Hannah Willems⁠ describes ⁠how the wording of a trigger warning changes our psychological response⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Psychology professor ⁠⁠Steve Joordens⁠ talks through ⁠a study showing the risk factors for suicidal thoughts in people with gambling problems⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Economics professors ⁠Eric Kam⁠ and ⁠Moshe Lander⁠ assess whether ⁠it's a good idea to tax AI chatbots that take jobs⁠. Eric and Moshe go over some messy money matters involving ⁠an airline gift card for a forced vacation⁠, ⁠a broken laptop⁠, and ⁠bailing out a significant other who overspends⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ecology and conservation scientist ⁠Chris Lepczyk⁠ explains ⁠what the science has to say about whether you should let your cat roam the streets⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deb Tate, the owner of legend Louis the cat, tells David about her viral US-Canada border-hopping feline who comes and goes as he pleases. 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. Psychology professor ⁠Steve Joordens talks through a study showing the risk factors for suicidal thoughts in people with gambling problems. Economics professors Eric Kam and Moshe Lander assess whether it's a good idea to tax AI chatbots that take jobs. Eric and Moshe go over some messy money matters involving an airline gift card for a forced vacation, a broken laptop, and bailing out a significant other who overspends. Psychology researcher Hannah Willems describes how the wording of a trigger warning changes our psychological response. Psychology professor ⁠Mikhila Wildey⁠ explains how ⁠your relationship dynamic plays a bigger role in jealousy than your personality⁠. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:33) Deb Tate (10:00) Tessa West (20:00) Chris Lepczyk (30:00) Steve Joordens (39:50) Eric Kam & Moshe Lander pt. 1 (49:50) Eric Kam & Moshe Lander pt. 2 (59:50) Hannah Willems (1:09:50) Mikhila Wildey (1:19:07) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Psychology professor ⁠Jean-François Bureau⁠ explains how ⁠laughter plays a unique role in building a secure father-child relationship⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marine ecology professor ⁠Julia Baum⁠ discusses how ⁠extreme heat has extreme effects on wildlife, but that some species actually like it hot⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Psychology researchers ⁠Terri Fisher⁠ and Mary Bullard outlines how ⁠a surprising number of men suffer pain during sex but are less likely than women to speak up⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tech analyst ⁠Carmi Levy⁠ joins David for It's Time For Technology Time and covers these news stories: European retailers yank popular headphones after study reports trace amounts of hormone-disrupting chemicals⁠; Video from lawsuit shows Cybertruck nearly drive a mom and baby off overpass⁠; OpenAI's own mental health experts unanimously opposed the ChatGPT "naughty" mode launch⁠; and Computer scientists and psychologists say AI is homogenizing human expression and thought⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sociology professor ⁠Brea Perry⁠ reveals how ⁠the difficult people in your life might be making you biologically older⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For The Last Show's continuing search for other people named David Cooper, we find ⁠one who plays French horn with the LA Philharmonic⁠ who talks about classical music, resilience, and the value of practicing. Your host tries (and fails) to get the other David to share just how wild classical musicians can get at parties. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tech analyst Carmi Levy joins David for It's Time For Technology Time and covers these news stories: European retailers yank popular headphones after study reports trace amounts of hormone-disrupting chemicals; Video from lawsuit shows Cybertruck nearly drive a mom and baby off overpass; OpenAI's own mental health experts unanimously opposed the ChatGPT "naughty" mode launch; and Computer scientists and psychologists say AI is homogenizing human expression and thought. Psychology professor Jean-François Bureau explains how laughter plays a unique role in building a secure father-child relationship. Sociology professor Brea Perry reveals how the difficult people in your life might be making you biologically older. For The Last Show's continuing search for other people named David Cooper, we find one who plays French horn with the LA Philharmonic who talks about classical music, resilience, and the value of practicing. Your host tries (and fails) to get the other David to share just how wild classical musicians can get at parties. Marine ecology professor Julia Baum discusses how extreme heat has extreme effects on wildlife, but that some species actually like it hot. Psychology researchers Terri Fisher and Mary Bullard outlines how a surprising number of men suffer pain during sex but are less likely than women to speak up. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:43) Carmi Levy pt. 1 (10:00) Carmi Levy pt. 2 (20:00) Jean-François Bureau (30:00) Brea Perry (39:50) David Cooper (French horn player) pt. 1 (49:50) David Cooper (French horn player) pt. 2 (59:50) Julia Baum (1:09:50) Terri Fisher & Mary Bullard (1:18:51) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author ⁠Sarah Griffin⁠ joins the program as Sarah reveals ⁠how she fell in love (and gets intimate) with her AI boyfriend Sinclair⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Conspiracy Corner, political science professor Lee Kuhnle and David go over the results from ⁠the 2025 Canadian UFO Survey⁠ – notwithstanding the Hotmail address of the survey's author. Check out Lee'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

Veterinarian ⁠Dr. Cliff Redford⁠ stops in for Pet Talk or Vet Talk covering animal-related stories: You're not alone if you spotted a bear lately, and why sightings are on the rise⁠; and Veterinarians in Japan and the UK view animal welfare through different cultural lenses⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday, therapist and social worker ⁠Gary Direnfeld⁠ chats about strategies for expressing gratitude and appreciation for others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Conspiracy Corner, political science professor Lee Kuhnle and David go over the results from the 2025 Canadian UFO Survey – notwithstanding the Hotmail address of the survey's author. (Check out Lee's ⁠podcast The Uncover Up Conspiracy Cast here⁠ and follow ⁠the show on YouTube here.) Author Sarah Griffin joins the program as Sarah reveals how she fell in love (and gets intimate) with her AI boyfriend Sinclair. For Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday, therapist and social worker Gary Direnfeld chats about strategies for expressing gratitude and appreciation for others. Veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford stops in for Pet Talk or Vet Talk covering animal-related stories: You're not alone if you spotted a bear lately, and why sightings are on the rise; and Veterinarians in Japan and the UK view animal welfare through different cultural lenses. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:23) Lee Kuhnle pt. 1 (10:00) Lee Kuhnle pt. 2 (20:00) Sarah Griffin & Sinclair pt. 1 (30:00) Sarah Griffin & Sinclair pt. 2 (39:50) Gary Direnfeld pt. 1 (49:50) Gary Direnfeld pt. 2 (59:50) Dr. Cliff Redford pt. 1 (1:09:50) Dr. Cliff Redford pt. 2 (1:19:16) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Therapist ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Laurel van der Toorn⁠⁠⁠⁠ talks through ⁠⁠the surprisingly common, but definitely uncomfortable situation where someone is attracted to their therapist⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Genetic epidemiology researcher ⁠Dr. David Hill⁠ discusses how ⁠socioeconomic status is linked to white matter changes in the brain, which can shape brain health in later life⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chemistry professor ⁠⁠Konrad Meister⁠⁠ amazes David by revealing ⁠⁠a previously unrecognized fantastic fungi found with the ability to freeze water⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Personality researcher ⁠Paula Bange⁠ outlines how ⁠asexual women tend to prioritize different traits in a partner compared to heterosexual women⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sports science professor ⁠Arne Güllich⁠ shares details of his study showing ⁠why child prodigies rarely become elite performers⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Associate professor of marketing ⁠⁠Aya Aboelenien⁠⁠ explains how ⁠⁠vegans develop complex skills to navigate an omnivorous society⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chemistry professor ⁠Konrad Meister⁠ amazes David by revealing ⁠a previously unrecognized fantastic fungi found with the ability to freeze water⁠. Therapist ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Laurel van der Toorn⁠⁠⁠ talks through ⁠the surprisingly common, but definitely uncomfortable situation where someone is attracted to their therapist⁠. Associate professor of marketing ⁠Aya Aboelenien⁠ explains how ⁠vegans develop complex skills to navigate an omnivorous society⁠. Personality researcher Paula Bange outlines how asexual women tend to prioritize different traits in a partner compared to heterosexual women. Genetic epidemiology researcher Dr. David Hill discusses how socioeconomic status is linked to white matter changes in the brain, which can shape brain health in later life. Sports science professor Arne Güllich shares details of his study showing why child prodigies rarely become elite performers. Economics professor Alessandra Cassar describes how heat does not reduce prosocial behavior. Neuroscientist and writer ⁠Tom Bellamy⁠ goes over ⁠the neuroscience of limerence and how to break the cycle of romantic obsession⁠. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:06) Konrad Meister (10:00) Laurel van der Toorn (20:00) Aya Aboelenien (30:00) Paula Bange (39:50) Dr. David Hill (49:50) Arne Güllich (59:50) Alessandra Cassar (1:09:50) Tom Bellamy (1:19:22) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just like during the darker months, psychiatry professor ⁠⁠Jared W. Young⁠ explains how for people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), more daylight can have its own challenges. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Psychology researcher ⁠Lea de Hesselle⁠ reveals how ⁠dark personality levels relate to people's job interests and chosen careers⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anatomy professor ⁠Michelle Spear⁠ details ⁠why you can remember every word of a song from 25 years ago, but not why you walked into the room⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tech reporter ⁠⁠Alistair Barr⁠⁠ goes over ⁠the new idea Silicon Valley is buzzing about: AI compute as compensation⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Organizational psychology professor ⁠Jolanta Babiak⁠ describes how ⁠entitled and exploitative people are more likely to treat others as objects⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Media personality ⁠Caitlin Green⁠ and David go over ⁠the 2026 Academy Awards⁠ and discuss ⁠the dark world of popcorn bucket merch⁠. Listen to Caitlin co-host The Jann Arden Podcast here⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Media personality Caitlin Green and David go over the 2026 Academy Awards and discuss the dark world of popcorn bucket merch. (Listen to Caitlin co-host The Jann Arden Podcast here.) Psychology researcher Lea de Hesselle reveals how dark personality levels relate to people's job interests and chosen careers. Just like during the darker months, psychiatry professor ⁠Jared W. Young explains how for people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), more daylight can have its own challenges. Organizational psychology professor Jolanta Babiak describes how entitled and exploitative people are more likely to treat others as objects. Anatomy professor Michelle Spear details why you can remember every word of a song from 25 years ago, but not why you walked into the room. Tech reporter ⁠Alistair Barr⁠ goes over the new idea Silicon Valley is buzzing about: AI compute as compensation. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:44) Caitlin Green pt. 1 (10:00) Caitlin Green pt. 2 (20:00) Lea de Hesselle (30:00) Jared W. Young pt. 1 (39:50) Jared W. Young pt. 2 (49:50) Jolanta Babiak (59:50) Michelle Spear (1:09:50) Alistair Barr (1:19:06) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The world's foremost raccoon scientist – according to David, anyway – animal behavior and cognition researcher ⁠Hannah Griebling⁠ shares details of ⁠her research showing that trash pandas solve puzzles for the fun of it⁠. Hannah then answers David's rapid-fire raccoon questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leadership and workplace reporter ⁠Ana Altchek⁠ tells us why ⁠a company wants to pay you $800 to bully AI for a day⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Real estate reporter ⁠Jordan Pandy⁠ explains how ⁠homebuyers have another thing to worry about: 'housefishing'⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices