The Last Show with David Cooper
1,260 episodes — Page 8 of 26
S3 Ep 717Can AI Write Creative Music?
Information systems researcher Jose Oros shares his research detailing how as AI-generated music advances, humans still lead in creativity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 716The Social Media Jackpot, Harder Than Ever
Reporters Sydney Bradley and Dan Whateley and outline how hitting the social media jackpot is harder than ever, and how that's changing the creator economy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 715The Psychology of Waifus and Husbandos
Psychology researcher Connor Leshner sheds light on the psychology behind the phenomenon of waifus and husbandos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 714FULL EPISODE: Facebook for Faces, Deathbook for Death - February 17, 2026
Doing a job most of us could never do, paranormal investigator David Gibb – director of the Canadian Haunting and Paranormal Society – describes what his line of work entails. Media and tech reporter Sydney Bradley explains how Meta patented an AI that lets you keep posting from beyond the grave. Information systems researcher Jose Oros shares his research detailing how as AI-generated music advances, humans still lead in creativity. Psychology researcher Connor Leshner sheds light on the psychology behind the phenomenon of waifus and husbandos. Sydney Bradley rejoins the program along with reporter Dan Whateley and the two outline how hitting the social media jackpot is harder than ever, and how that's changing the creator economy. Behavioral neuroscientist Dr. Jim Pfaus and David discuss where orgasms are formed, and his recent study that confirms non-genitally stimulated orgasms are biologically real. Family estrangement and emotional healing expert Tania Khazaal explains why she believes that you should think twice before cutting off your parents completely. Microbial ecologist Lars Behrendt describes how strange microbes that photosynthesize in the dark of deep caves are transforming our search for extraterrestrial life. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:18) David Gibb (10:00) Sydney Bradley (20:00) Jose Oros (30:00) Connor Leshner (39:50) Dan Whateley & Sydney Bradley (49:50) Dr. Jim Pfaus (59:50) Tania Khazaal (1:09:50) Lars Behrendt (1:19:10) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 713Phubbing and Anxiety
Psychology professor Dr. Claire Hart shares her research showing how constantly checking your phone during conversation is more about deeper psychological needs than having bad manners. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 712Comedy at a Cat Cafe
New York-based comedian and cat daddy Marty Cunnie talks about the stand-up comedy show he runs out of a cat cafe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 71123 Dates with My Dead Dad
Author and mental health and disability researcher Dr. Corey McAuliffe discusses grief and her new book: 23 Dates with My Dead Dad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 710Do Kids Cooperate Naturally?
Psychology and neuroscience professor Dorsa Amir goes over the study of 400 children in five societies that found culture shapes how kids cooperate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 709Your Memories: Changed by the Present
Social-personality psychologist William Chopik explains that memories of childhood trauma may shift depending on current relationships. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 708Good and Bad Neighbors
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 707FULL EPISODE: Is Your Phone Your Comfort Blanket? - February 16, 2026
Psychology professor Dr. Claire Hart shares her research showing how constantly checking your phone during conversation is more about deeper psychological needs than having bad manners. Social-personality psychologist William Chopik explains that memories of childhood trauma may shift depending on current relationships. Psychology and neuroscience professor Dorsa Amir goes over the study of 400 children in five societies that found culture shapes how kids cooperate. 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. Author and mental health and disability researcher Dr. Corey McAuliffe discusses grief and her new book: 23 Dates with My Dead Dad. New York-based comedian and cat daddy Marty Cunnie talks about the stand-up comedy show he runs out of a cat cafe. Psychology professor Cendri Hutcherson discusses how daily mental sharpness can lead to a productivity boost equivalent to 40 extra minutes of work. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:27) Dr. Claire Hart (10:00) William Chopik (20:00) Dorsa Amir (30:00) Brad Smith pt. 1 (39:50) Brad Smith pt. 2 (49:50) Dr. Corey McAuliffe (59:50) Marty Cunnie (1:09:50) Cendri Hutcherson (1:19:07) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 706An Echidna's What Looks Like That?! - Dan Riskin
It's The Science Appliance and a special podcast-only episode of The Last Show. Man of science Dr. Daniel K. Riskin joins David to discuss Squatty Potties, echidna private parts, showers vs. growers, playing Jeopardy! together, and pizza. Oh, and they also cover the following science news stories: Why humans have unusually large penises compared to other primates; Horses can smell your fear, and it makes them afraid too; and Better off being a 'kind liar'? Why honesty isn't always the best policy. 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 705Flirting for Extra Credit: What Students Think
Experimental psychology researcher and flirting expert Braden Hall reveals how narcissistic students perceive student-professor flirting as less morally troubling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 704Social Media Burnout and Digital Wellbeing
Marketing professor Dr. Ashley Hass – cofounder of the [Dis]connect Collective – discusses social media burnout and digital wellbeing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 703Lava Tubes on Venus
It's news from outer space and professor Sarah Rugheimer covering: First evidence of a subsurface lava tube on Venus; and US astronaut to take her 3-year-old's cuddly rabbit into space. Listen to Sarah's Audible Original Searching for Extraterrestrial Life here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 702The Profound Gesture of Turning Away
Based on his upcoming book Turning Away, author and English professor Benjamin Saltzman chats about the ancient gesture we sometimes do when someone is in need. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 701Slovenian Wine and Bosnian Sandwiches for Valentine's
Comedian Natalie Norman and David wonder if Valentine's Day is overrated and talk about how they've spent (and will be spending) the day. The two cover the following offbeat news stories: British Airways passenger hands out drugged sweets to crew, 3 rushed to hospital; and Fast-food chain Raising Cane's files lawsuit as landlord tries to evict them for chicken smell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 700FULL EPISODE: Stuffies In Space - February 13, 2026
It's news from outer space and professor Sarah Rugheimer covering: First evidence of a subsurface lava tube on Venus; and US astronaut to take her 3-year-old's cuddly rabbit into space. (Listen to Sarah's Audible Original Searching for Extraterrestrial Life here.) Experimental psychology researcher and flirting expert Braden Hall reveals how narcissistic students perceive student-professor flirting as less morally troubling. Marketing professor Dr. Ashley Hass – cofounder of the [Dis]connect Collective – discusses social media burnout and digital wellbeing. Based on his upcoming book Turning Away, author and English professor Benjamin Saltzman chats about the ancient gesture we sometimes do when someone is in need. Psychiatrist Carol Vidal goes over what data from 560,000 students reveals: a disturbing mental health shift after 2016. Comedian Natalie Norman and David wonder if Valentine's Day is overrated and talk about how they've spent (and will be spending) the day. The two cover the following offbeat news stories: British Airways passenger hands out drugged sweets to crew, 3 rushed to hospital; and Fast-food chain Raising Cane's files lawsuit as landlord tries to evict them for chicken smell. In advance of Valentine's Day, experimental psychology researcher Madison Williams and David discuss high-tech sex toy options for couples and single folks to try out for the occasion. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:22) Sarah Rugheimer (10:00) Braden Hall (20:00) Dr. Ashley Hass (30:00) Benjamin Saltzman (39:50) Carol Vidal (49:50) Natalie Norman pt. 1 (59:50) Natalie Norman pt. 2 (1:09:50) Madison Williams (1:18:49) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 699No Contact With Your Family: A Good Idea? Tania Khazaal Explains
Family estrangement and emotional healing expert Tania Khazaal explains why she believes that you should think twice before cutting off your parents completely. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 698Close Friends, Family and Gambling Risk
Professor of mental health research Richard Velleman shares details of his study showing that having a close friend with a gambling addiction increases personal risk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 697Revenge Porn Image Removal and Google
It's Time For Technology Time with tech analyst Carmi Levy who covers stories: Google now lets users remove explicit images and other personal info from search results; Abuse involving smartwatches and rings rising at ‘alarming’ rate, charity warns; It turns out that when driverless Waymos are stumped, they get intervention from workers in the Philippines; and Study finds deepfake fraud taking place on an industrial scale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 696Surprising Truth About Kids, Pets and Mental Health
On Vet Talk (or Pet Talk), veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford fields a listener question about an aggressive dog – that is, a very specific listener: the technical producer of The Last Show, Adam Karch. Then, Cliff discusses the surprising toll growing up with pets takes on children's mental health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 695FULL EPISODE: Driverless Cars, Maybe Not Driverless - February 12, 2026
It's Time For Technology Time with tech analyst Carmi Levy who covers stories: Google now lets users remove explicit images and other personal info from search results; Abuse involving smartwatches and rings rising at ‘alarming’ rate, charity warns; It turns out that when driverless Waymos are stumped, they get intervention from workers in the Philippines; and Study finds deepfake fraud taking place on an industrial scale. Family estrangement and emotional healing expert Tania Khazaal explains why she believes that you should think twice before cutting off your parents completely. On Vet Talk (or Pet Talk), veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford fields a listener question about an aggressive dog – that is, a very specific listener: the technical producer of The Last Show, Adam Karch. Then, Cliff discusses the surprising toll growing up with pets takes on children's mental health. Associate professor of psychology Dr. Alex Jones explains how the 'macho' face ratio theory previously believed by evolutionary psychologists is flawed. Veterinarian Nadja Affenzeller reveals how hearing angry or happy human voices is linked to changes in dogs' balance. Professor of mental health research Richard Velleman shares details of his study showing that having a close friend with a gambling addiction increases personal risk. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:28) Carmi Levy pt. 1 (10:00) Carmi Levy pt. 2 (20:00) Tania Khazaal (30:00) Dr. Cliff Redford & Adam Karch (39:50) Dr. Cliff Redford (49:50) Dr. Alex Jones (59:50) Nadja Affenzeller (1:09:50) Richard Velleman (1:18:53) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 694Those Tough February 14th Scripts
It's Gary After Dark on Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday where therapist and social worker Gary Direnfeld and David walk through what to do when your Valentine's Day doesn't fit the narrow, commonly expected script. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 693Cheap Chocolate On Valentine's
Marketing researcher Siti Suwanda defines consumption stigma and says why eating cheap chocolate feels so embarrassing, especially on Valentine's Day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 692Messy Money Matters With A Cat Sitter
Economics professor Eric Kam and David tackle some messy money matters, weighing in on 'Am I The A-Hole?' dilemmas involving a cat sitter drinking someone's expensive wine and money lost with an investment recommendation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 691The Future Of Hotels And AI
Associate professor of hospitality Ajay 'AJ' Aluri explains how hotel guests embrace AI convenience, but still want a human touch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 690Is A Gay Hockey Romance Good For Sport?
Health studies professor Treena Orchard discusses the romantic gay hit Heated Rivalry and goes over whether the show will measurably improve things with queer representation in sport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 689Social Health To Prevent Tragedy
Psychology professor Steve Joordens and David discuss the horrific tragedy that occurred in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. Steve proposes a refocus in the conversation of preventing mass shootings to a concept he calls social health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 688FULL EPISODE: Coping With Valentine's Day Disappointment - February 11, 2026
Psychology professor Steve Joordens and David discuss the horrific tragedy that occurred in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. Steve proposes a refocus in the conversation of preventing mass shootings to a concept he calls social health. Marketing researcher Siti Suwanda defines consumption stigma and says why eating cheap chocolate feels so embarrassing, especially on Valentine's Day. Then, it's Gary After Dark on Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday where therapist and social worker Gary Direnfeld and David walk through what to do when your Valentine's Day doesn't fit the narrow, commonly expected script. Health studies professor Treena Orchard discusses the romantic gay hit Heated Rivalry and goes over whether the show will measurably improve things with queer representation in sport. Economics professor Eric Kam and David tackle some messy money matters, weighing in on 'Am I The A-Hole?' dilemmas involving a cat sitter drinking someone's expensive wine and money lost with an investment recommendation. Associate professor of hospitality Ajay 'AJ' Aluri explains how hotel guests embrace AI convenience, but still want a human touch. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:11) Steve Joordens pt. 1 (10:00) Steve Joordens pt. 2 (20:00) Siti Suwanda (30:00) Gary Direnfeld pt. 1 (39:50) Gary Direnfeld pt. 2 (49:50) Treena Orchard (59:50) Eric Kam (1:09:50) Ajay 'AJ' Aluri (1:18:46) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 687Winter Storm Leviathan Conspiracy
On Conspiracy Corner, professor of conspiracy studies Nathan Radke gives us a history of conspiracies at the high seas and explains how the recent northeastern winter storm awakened some wacky and wild Leviathan theories. 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 686The Security Problem With Moltbook
Cybersecurity expert David Shipley relays how security concerns and skepticism are bursting the bubble of Moltbook, the viral AI social forum. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 685Why You Hate Lines, According To Science
Associate professor of economics Sera Linardi shares how people judge lines by what's ahead, not how long they wait. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 684Pink Noise Ruins Your Sleep
Sleep researcher and psychiatry professor Dr. Mathias Basner reveals how pink noise reduces your REM sleep and may harm your sleep quality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 683FULL EPISODE: Release The Kraken! - February 10, 2026
Sleep researcher and psychiatry professor Dr. Mathias Basner reveals how pink noise reduces your REM sleep and may harm your sleep quality. For Conspiracy Corner, professor of conspiracy studies Nathan Radke gives us a history of conspiracies at the high seas and explains how the recent northeastern winter storm awakened some wacky and wild Leviathan theories. (Check out Nathan's podcast The Uncover Up Conspiracy Cast here and follow the show on YouTube here.) Associate professor of economics Sera Linardi shares how people judge lines by what's ahead, not how long they wait. Cybersecurity expert David Shipley relays how security concerns and skepticism are bursting the bubble of Moltbook, the viral AI social forum. Associate professor of hospitality and tourism Alisha Ali discusses how hospitality skills can help businesses adapt to the AI revolution. Board-certified pelvic health therapist Dr. Sara Reardon (@the.vagina.whisperer) explains the benefits of using a Squatty Potty and talks to David about pelvic floor health. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:03) Dr. Mathias Basner (10:00) Nathan Radke pt. 1 (20:00) Nathan Radke pt. 2 (30:00) Sera Linardi (39:50) David Shipley (49:50) Alisha Ali (59:50) Dr. Sara Reardon pt. 1 (1:09:50) Dr. Sara Reardon pt. 2 (1:19:09) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 682Sex And Sex-tech: Valentine Edition
In advance of Valentine's Day, experimental psychology researcher Madison Williams and David discuss high-tech sex toy options for couples and single folks to try out for the occasion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 681Goodbye Performance Review, Hello AI Report Card
Future-of-work reporter Tim Paradis relays why so many companies are rethinking performance reviews and what they're doing instead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 680Streaming Cheating
Were you supposed to watch a TV show with your significant other? Watched it without telling them, and then lied about it? Well, according to Boutique matchmaker and dating expert Shannon Tebb: that's streaming cheating and it's a major red flag. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 679Mental Sharpness, A Productivity Boost
Psychology professor Cendri Hutcherson shares how daily mental sharpness can lead to a productivity boost equivalent to 40 extra minutes of work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 678Button Pressing Science For Dogs
Step aside big dog button-industrial complex, as animal welfare consultant Dr. Holly Molinaro is here to explain the actual science (or lack thereof) behind whether dogs can talk by pushing buttons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 677The Bad Bunny Halftime Show
Media personality Caitlin Green covers news from popular culture, including: Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show; The 2026 Winter Olympics 'penisgate' scandal; and Harry Styles fans are selling blood to buy tickets for his NYC concert. Catch Caitlin co-hosting The Jann Arden Podcast by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 676FULL EPISODE: Something Techie And Sexy For Everyone - February 9, 2026
Step aside big dog button-industrial complex, as animal welfare consultant Dr. Holly Molinaro is here to explain the actual science (or lack thereof) behind whether dogs can talk by pushing buttons. Psychology professor Cendri Hutcherson shares how daily mental sharpness can lead to a productivity boost equivalent to 40 extra minutes of work. Future-of-work reporter Tim Paradis relays why so many companies are rethinking performance reviews and what they're doing instead. Media personality Caitlin Green covers news from popular culture, including: Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show; The 2026 Winter Olympics 'penisgate' scandal; and Harry Styles fans are selling blood to buy tickets for his NYC concert. (Catch Caitlin co-hosting The Jann Arden Podcast by clicking here.) In advance of Valentine's Day, experimental psychology researcher Madison Williams and David discuss high-tech sex toy options for couples and single folks to try out for the occasion. Then, were you supposed to watch a TV show with your significant other? Watched it without telling them, and then lied about it? Well, according to Boutique matchmaker and dating expert Shannon Tebb: that's streaming cheating and it's a major red flag. Psychology professor Dr. Suzanna Forwood explains her study showing takeout meals serve as both reward and comfort after work. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:51) Dr. Holly Molinaro (10:00) Cendri Hutcherson (20:00) Tim Paradis (30:00) Caitlin Green (39:50) Caitlin Green (49:50) Madison Williams (59:50) Shannon Tebb (1:09:50) Dr. Suzanna Forwood (1:19:16) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 675Love Letters By Robots Feel Crummy
Marketing researcher Danielle Hass explains why using AI to write love notes leaves people feeling crummy about themselves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 674The Tension Between Being Moral And Authentic
Professor of psychology Jordan Wylie outlines the tension between moral pursuits and personal authenticity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 673Psychopathy And Digital Sexual Abuse
Forensic psychology professor Dr. Dean Fido reveals that psychopathy is linked to a proclivity for committing certain digital sexual abuse crimes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 672In-Laws And Outlaws
Comedian Kate Davis talks about how her mother-in-law moved into her home after a run-in with the law. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 671More Vacation Could Keep You From Quitting
Economics professor Bill Kosteas shares how more paid time off keeps workers from quitting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 670It's Safe To Nuke An Asteroid After All
Astrophysics professor Jesse Rogerson reports on science news with the following stories: Study shows some bottled water is worse than tap for microplastics; A high-sugar breakfast may trigger a 'rest and digest' state that dampens cognitive focus; Simulation suggests it may be safe to nuke an earthbound asteroid after all; and Microbes in Fukushima found surprisingly unscathed by radiation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 669FULL EPISODE: Don't Write An AI Love Poem - February 6, 2026
Astrophysics professor Jesse Rogerson reports on science news with the following stories: Study shows some bottled water is worse than tap for microplastics; A high-sugar breakfast may trigger a 'rest and digest' state that dampens cognitive focus; Simulation suggests it may be safe to nuke an earthbound asteroid after all; and Microbes in Fukushima found surprisingly unscathed by radiation. Marketing researcher Danielle Hass explains why using AI to write love notes leaves people feeling crummy about themselves. Economics professor Bill Kosteas shares how more paid time off keeps workers from quitting. Forensic psychology professor Dr. Dean Fido reveals that psychopathy is linked to a proclivity for committing certain digital sexual abuse crimes. Professor of psychology Jordan Wylie outlines the tension between moral pursuits and personal authenticity. Comedian Kate Davis talks about how her mother-in-law moved into her home after a run-in with the law. Writer and community facilitator Jess Janz goes over the finding that 27% of US adults reported eating all their most recent meals alone. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:28) Jesse Rogerson pt. 1 (10:00) Jesse Rogerson pt. 2 (20:00) Danielle Hass (30:00) Bill Kosteas (39:50) Dr. Dean Fido (49:50) Jordan Wylie (59:50) Kate Davis (1:09:50) Jess Janz (1:18:37) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 668Photosynthesis In The Dark
Microbial ecologist Lars Behrendt explains how strange microbes that photosynthesize in the dark of deep caves are transforming our search for extraterrestrial life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices