The Last Show with David Cooper
1,435 episodes — Page 8 of 29
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
S3 Ep 867FULL EPISODE: Rock Aliens and Sun Microbes - March 25, 2026
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
S3 Ep 866Seals Risk Death For a Varied Meal
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
S3 Ep 865Strange Titanic Conspiracies
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
S3 Ep 864Legal Jargon in Court Means More Guilty Verdicts
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
S3 Ep 863Gender Conformity Starts Young
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
S3 Ep 862Dolls vs. Tablets: What's Better For Children
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
S3 Ep 861FULL EPISODE: Risk Your Life For Fish - March 24, 2026
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
S3 Ep 860Big Flatus Reveal; Don't Know Why She Swallow the Botfly - Dan Riskin
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
S3 Ep 859The Math Behind Fashion's Cycles
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
S3 Ep 858The Mormon Housewives and Bachelorette Scandal
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
S3 Ep 857Independent Children: A Double-Edged Sword
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
S3 Ep 856Teaching Students to Struggle Despite AI
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
S3 Ep 855Why We Love Easter Eggs in Entertainment
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
S3 Ep 854FULL EPISODE: Bell-Bottoms May Never Die - March 23, 2026
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
S3 Ep 853Gen Z Isn't Dating. Now They're Unprepared For Work.
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
S3 Ep 852Louis: International Smuggler With Whiskers
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
S3 Ep 851Trigger Warning: Our Psychological Response
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
S3 Ep 850Problem Gambling and Suicidal Thoughts
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
S3 Ep 849To Tax the Bots or Not
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
S3 Ep 848Should Cats Be Allowed to Roam?
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
S3 Ep 847FULL EPISODE: Border Jumping (Cat) Burglar - March 20, 2026
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
S3 Ep 846Dads and Jokes and Dad Jokes
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
S3 Ep 845Extreme Heat's Effect On Wildlife
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
S3 Ep 844Pain During Sex and Speaking Up
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
S3 Ep 843The Problem With ChatGPT's Erotic Mode
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