The Last Show with David Cooper
1,260 episodes — Page 6 of 26
S3 Ep 817Does the 'Cry It Out' Strategy Work?
Developmental psychology professor Dr. Dieter Wolke outlines the clash psychologists have over the 'cry it out' parenting strategy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 816Being Kind in a Complex World
Psychology professor James Coan reveals why being nice matters in a complex world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 815Genes We Share With Golden Retrievers
On Vet Talk or Pet Talk (we're unclear on the segment's exact name), veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford covers animal related stories: Golden Retriever genes linked to anxiety, aggression, and intelligence in humans; Why mammals aren't as colorful as reptiles, birds or fish; and Invasive crab adapts to almost any environment and competes with local fauna as if the river were its own. (Remember kids: eat your invertebrates.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 814FULL EPISODE: Trash Panda Puzzles - March 13, 2026
Real estate reporter Jordan Pandy explains how homebuyers have another thing to worry about: 'housefishing'. 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. Psychology professor James Coan reveals why being nice matters in a complex world. Developmental psychology professor Dr. Dieter Wolke outlines the clash psychologists have over the 'cry it out' parenting strategy. On Vet Talk or Pet Talk (we're unclear on the segment's exact name), veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford covers animal related stories: Golden Retriever genes linked to anxiety, aggression, and intelligence in humans; Why mammals aren't as colorful as reptiles, birds or fish; and Invasive crab adapts to almost any environment and competes with local fauna as if the river were its own. (Remember kids: eat your invertebrates.) Leadership and workplace reporter Ana Altchek tells us why a company wants to pay you $800 to bully AI for a day. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:18) Jordan Pandy (10:00) Hannah Griebling pt. 1 (20:00) Hannah Griebling pt. 2 (30:00) James Coan (39:50) Dr. Dieter Wolke (49:50) Dr. Cliff Redford pt. 1 (59:50) Dr. Cliff Redford pt. 2 (1:09:50) Ana Altchek (1:18:28) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 813Don't Waste Time with Dating App Filters, How to Find Love
Psychology professor Paul Eastwick – co-host of the Love Factually podcast – challenges the idea that dating app filters are useful, and gives us tips on how to look for a partner without apps. Check out Paul's book Bonded by Evolution here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 812Why Misinformation Feels So Good to Share
Urban researcher Wes Regan reveals why misinformation feels so good to share, and what to do about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 811Where Does the Libido Gap Myth Come From?
Psychology and brain science researcher Diana Peragine shares details of her study challenging beliefs on the 'libido gap' between men and women. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 810Reactions to an RFK Food Pyramid Experiment
Senior correspondent at Business Insider Emily Stewart describes how her RFK diet experiment went viral, and the backlash that turned it into a political food fight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 809No Headphones on a Plane? Lifetime Ban For You!
Tech analyst Carmi Levy joins David for It's Time For Technology Time covering stories: United Airlines can permanently ban passengers who don't wear headphones; Nintendo is suing the US government over tariffs; Apple launches the MacBook Neo – or is it the MacBook keyboard edition?; and Meta just bought the social network for AI bots everyone’s been talking about. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 808Smart Underwear To Measure Your Farts
David hails microbiologist and professor Brantley Hall as one of the greatest scientific minds of our time. Brantley outlines why he created smart underwear. (Spoiler: it's farts. Lots of farts. And science. Science and farts.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 807FULL EPISODE: How to Find Love, Off-App - March 12, 2026
Psychology professor Paul Eastwick – co-host of the Love Factually podcast – challenges the idea that dating app filters are useful, and gives us tips on how to look for a partner without apps. (Check out Paul's book Bonded by Evolution here.) David hails microbiologist and professor Brantley Hall as one of the greatest scientific minds of our time. Brantley outlines why he created smart underwear. (Spoiler: it's farts. Lots of farts. And science. Science and farts.) Senior correspondent at Business Insider Emily Stewart describes how her RFK diet experiment went viral, and the backlash that turned it into a political food fight. Tech analyst Carmi Levy joins David for It's Time For Technology Time covering stories: United Airlines can permanently ban passengers who don't wear headphones; Nintendo is suing the US government over tariffs; Apple launches the MacBook Neo – or is it the MacBook keyboard edition?; and Meta just bought the social network for AI bots everyone’s been talking about. Psychology and brain science researcher Diana Peragine shares details of her study challenging beliefs on the 'libido gap' between men and women. Urban researcher Wes Regan reveals why misinformation feels so good to share, and what to do about it. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:28) Paul Eastwick pt. 1 (10:00) Paul Eastwick pt. 2 (20:00) Brantley Hall (30:00) Emily Stewart (39:50) Diana Peragine (49:50) Wes Regan (59:50) Gary Direnfeld pt. 1 (1:09:50) Gary Direnfeld pt. 2 (1:19:17) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 806Self-Awareness, The Key to AI
Economics professor Andrew Caplin explains how to improve your performance at work with AI: by understanding your own strengths and weaknesses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 805What is Happiness?
Philosophy professor Anné Verhoef sketches out what exactly happiness is. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 804Hairdressers, Secret Weapon in Tackling Climate Change
Social scientist Sam Hampton reveals a secret weapon in tackling climate change: hairdressers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 803Black Mirror Becomes True; Predictions Markets, Our Downfall
For Conspiracy Corner, professor of conspiracy studies Nathan Radke and David discuss the times that the near-future predicted by TV show Black Mirror has come to pass. Following that, Nathan outlines how prediction markets could unleash some pretty ugly stuff on humanity. 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 802FULL EPISODE: AI and Why Self-Awareness Never Hurts - March 10, 2026
Social scientist Sam Hampton reveals a secret weapon in tackling climate change: hairdressers. Economics professor Andrew Caplin explains how to improve your performance at work with AI: by understanding your own strengths and weaknesses. For Conspiracy Corner, professor of conspiracy studies Nathan Radke and David discuss the times that the near-future predicted by TV show Black Mirror has come to pass. Following that, Nathan outlines how prediction markets could unleash some pretty ugly stuff on humanity. (Check out Nathan's podcast The Uncover Up Conspiracy Cast here and follow the show on YouTube here.) Philosophy professor Anné Verhoef sketches out what exactly happiness is. Hospitality and tourism professor Seden Dogan chats about how fans value ethics over innovation at AI hologram concerts. Sisters Lauretta and Sharon Gavin share how they formed a 'mommune' as single mothers raising their children together. Finally, 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. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (00:59) Sam Hampton (10:00) Andrew Caplin (20:00) Nathan Radke pt. 1 (30:00) Nathan Radke pt. 2 (39:50) Anné Verhoef (49:50) Seden Dogan (59:50) Gavin Sisters (1:09:50) Dr. Saman Maleki (1:19:18 ) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 801Banning Pajamas on Flights and The Oscars
With Tampa International Airport's social media fueling the fire of the great pajamas and Crocs on airplanes debate, David weighs in with Caitlin Green – media personality and co-host on The Jann Arden Podcast. The two chat about the upcoming 2026 Academy Awards and its nominations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 800Natural Food Labels: Misleading or Not?
Economist and professor Christoph Bauner reveals how 'natural' and 'healthy' food labels may mislead consumers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 799The Science of Online Infidelity
Social psychology researcher Dylan Selterman explains the psychology of Ashley Madison and the science of online infidelity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 798Thinking of Switching Chatbots?
Business news reporter Henry Chandonnet describes what you'd gain or lose from switching chatbot platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 797Swipe Right, but Safer
Health professor Diana Parry gives an overview of a new safety map that aims to help people navigate risks on dating apps . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 796FULL EPISODE: Crocs on a Plane - March 9, 2026
With Tampa International Airport's social media fueling the fire of the great pajamas and Crocs on airplanes debate, David weighs in with Caitlin Green – media personality and co-host on The Jann Arden Podcast. The two chat about the upcoming 2026 Academy Awards and its nominations. Health professor Diana Parry gives an overview of a new safety map that aims to help people navigate risks on dating apps . Business news reporter Henry Chandonnet describes what you'd gain or lose from switching chatbot platforms. Economist and professor Christoph Bauner reveals how 'natural' and 'healthy' food labels may mislead consumers. Social psychology researcher Dylan Selterman explains the psychology of Ashley Madison and the science of online infidelity. Radio host Brad Smith and David talk about whether you should be a good neighbor, and share stories about neighbors they've had in the past. Segments: (00:00) Intro (01:27) Caitlin Green pt. 1 (10:00) Caitlin Green pt. 2 (20:00) Diana Parry (30:00) Henry Chandonnet (39:50) Christoph Bauner (49:50) Dylan Selterman (59:50) Brad Smith pt. 1 (1:09:50) Brad Smith pt. 2 (1:19:07) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 795Relationships and Their Role in Jealousy
Psychology professor Mikhila Wildey explains how your relationship dynamic plays a bigger role in jealousy than your personality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 794Targeted Digital Ads and Their Creepiness
Marketing professor Harley Krohmer outlines why digital targeting creeps out customers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 793Messy Money Matters with Groceries and a Roommate's Girlfriend
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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