The Last Show with David Cooper

Jane Laboucane⁠⁠, indigenous author of the Kinky Screw novels, goes over ⁠the series' smutty, Nancy Drew-inspired protagonist⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Vet Talk – or is it Cat Talk? – veterinarian ⁠Dr. Cliff Redford⁠ goes over the following: Cats aren't vegans, but why isotopic signatures of their fur could trick us into thinking that way⁠; The signs your cat may not want a feline sibling⁠; and Surge in rabies reports prompts public health concerns⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Therapist ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Laurel van der Toorn⁠ and David discuss ⁠how some of Gen Z are turning to ChatGPT to deal with loneliness⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sociology researcher ⁠Meaghan Furlano⁠ reveals how ⁠frustration in hetero relationships has a long history, and that's why today's crisis looks so familiar⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The show opens with It's Time For Technology Time and tech analyst ⁠Carmi Levy⁠ covers the following stories: Moltbook is a new social media platform exclusively for AI, and some of its bots are plotting humanity's downfall⁠; NASA used Claude to plot a route for its Perseverance rover on Mars⁠; A Toronto company is helping Uber go driverless⁠; and Apple just made its second-biggest acquisition ever after Beats⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The show opens with It's Time For Technology Time and tech analyst Carmi Levy covers the following stories: Moltbook is a new social media platform exclusively for AI, and some of its bots are plotting humanity's downfall; NASA used Claude to plot a route for its Perseverance rover on Mars; A Toronto company is helping Uber go driverless; and Apple just made its second-biggest acquisition ever after Beats. Microbial ecologist Lars Behrendt explains how strange microbes that photosynthesize in the dark of deep caves are transforming our search for extraterrestrial life. Sociology researcher Meaghan Furlano reveals how frustration in hetero relationships has a long history, and that's why today's crisis looks so familiar. For Vet Talk – or is it Cat Talk? – veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford goes over the following: Cats aren't vegans, but why isotopic signatures of their fur could trick us into thinking that way; The signs your cat may not want a feline sibling; and Surge in rabies reports prompts public health concerns. Jane Laboucane⁠, indigenous author of the Kinky Screw novels, goes over the series' smutty, Nancy Drew-inspired protagonist. Therapist ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Laurel van der Toorn and David discuss how some of Gen Z are turning to ChatGPT to deal with loneliness. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:39) Carmi Levy pt. 1 (10:00) Carmi Levy pt. 2 (20:00) Lars Behrendt (30:00) Meaghan Furlano (39:50) Dr. Cliff Redford pt. 1 (49:50) Dr. Cliff Redford pt. 2 (59:50) Jane Laboucane (1:09:50) Laurel van der Toorn (1:19:09) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Media personality ⁠Caitlin Green⁠ briefly takes over and hosts the show, interviewing David and his girlfriend Miranda about their recent watching of ⁠the romantic hit Heated Rivalry⁠. Listen to Caitlin co-hosting The Jann Arden Podcast here⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Conspiracy Corner, political science professor Lee Kuhnle tells the cautionary tale of the ⁠dancing plague of 1518⁠, and uses it to show how more modern panics form. Check out Lee's podcast The Uncover Up here⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday, social worker and therapist ⁠Gary Direnfeld⁠ and David do rapid-fire therapy with the following topics: Are 'little white lies' okay?; Going from boss to consultant with your children; Crazy dog (and cat) owners; and When your kids come home looking for a fight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's fungus time with microbiology professor and all-around fun gal ⁠Sydney Glassman⁠. (See what we did there?) Sydney describes ⁠the fire-loving fungi that have learned to eat charcoal⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's fungus time with microbiology professor and all-around fun gal Sydney Glassman. (See what we did there?) Sydney describes the fire-loving fungi that have learned to eat charcoal. Then, media personality Caitlin Green briefly takes over and hosts the show, interviewing David and his girlfriend Miranda about their recent watching of the romantic hit Heated Rivalry. (Listen to Caitlin co-hosting The Jann Arden Podcast here.) For Conspiracy Corner, political science professor Lee Kuhnle tells the cautionary tale of the dancing plague of 1518, and uses it to show how more modern panics form. (Check out Lee's podcast The Uncover Up here.) Philosopher and scientist Michael Prinzing reveals how being virtuous is good for you and can make your life more meaningful. Social-personality psychologist ⁠⁠William Chopik⁠⁠ explains that narcissism shows surprisingly consistent patterns across many different countries. On Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday, social worker and therapist Gary Direnfeld and David do rapid-fire therapy with the following topics: Are 'little white lies' okay?; Going from boss to consultant with your children; Crazy dog (and cat) owners; and When your kids come home looking for a fight. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:20) Sydney Glassman (10:00) Caitlin Green & Miranda (20:00) Lee Kuhnle pt. 1 (30:00) Lee Kuhnle pt. 2 (39:50) Michael Prinzing (49:50) William Chopik (59:50) Gary Direnfeld pt. 1 (1:09:50) Gary Direnfeld pt. 2 (1:19:06) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sociology professor ⁠Dr. Jordan Foster⁠ explains that ⁠men are embracing beauty culture, however many of them refuse to call it that⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Psychology professor ⁠Krystia Reed⁠ shares details of ⁠her study showing justice can happen on a laptop with virtual juries⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI in mental health researcher ⁠Dr. Karthik V. Sarma⁠ reveals how ⁠chatbots tend to overdiagnose mental health conditions when used without structured guidance⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI in mental health researcher Dr. Karthik V. Sarma reveals how chatbots tend to overdiagnose mental health conditions when used without structured guidance. Then, 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. Sociology professor Dr. Jordan Foster explains that men are embracing beauty culture, however many of them refuse to call it that. Psychology professor Krystia Reed shares details of her study showing justice can happen on a laptop with virtual juries. 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. Economist ⁠⁠Moshe Lander⁠⁠ tackles some money dilemmas involving picking up dinner tabs, rental properties and kids, and compensation for babysitting. Political science professor ⁠Jared Wesley⁠ shares details of ⁠a new university course aimed at helping students resist rage bait⁠ along with its instructor and facilitator ⁠Pieter de Vos⁠. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:05) Dr. Karthik V. Sarma (10:00) Dr. Saman Maleki (20:00) Dr. Jordan Foster (30:00) Krystia Reed (39:50) Dr. Sara Reardon pt. 1 (49:50) Dr. Sara Reardon pt. 2 (59:50) Moshe Lander (1:09:50) Jared Wesley & Pieter de Vos (1:19:17) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Media personality ⁠Caitlin Green⁠ joins David for pop culture news, including: Catherine O'Hara, Home Alone and Schitt's Creek actress, dies at 71⁠; and Moments from the 2026 Grammys⁠. You can hear Caitlin on The Jann Arden Podcast here⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Psychology professor ⁠Dr. Suzanna Forwood⁠ explains ⁠her study showing takeout meals serve as both reward and comfort after work⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Professor of public health ⁠Jessica Kruger⁠ reveals how ⁠swapping a cold one for a cannabis beverage can help people drink less⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Media personality Caitlin Green joins David for pop culture news, including: Catherine O'Hara, Home Alone and Schitt's Creek actress, dies at 71; and Moments from the 2026 Grammys. (You can hear Caitlin on The Jann Arden Podcast here.) Psychology professor Dr. Suzanna Forwood explains her study showing takeout meals serve as both reward and comfort after work. Professor of public health Jessica Kruger reveals how swapping a cold one for a cannabis beverage can help people drink less. Author and psychotherapist ⁠Dr. Stephanie Sarkis⁠ navigates a dilemma where someone is frustrated with a friend who uses their ADHD as an excuse. (⁠Find Dr. Sarkis's book Healing From Toxic Relationships here⁠.) Social psychology researcher and assistant professor Jenny Veldman discusses how women tend to downplay their gender in workplaces with masculinity contest cultures. (Jenny's research was done together with Dr. Andrea Vial at NYU Abu Dhabi.) Then, the study showing a claimed online business page can have unintended effects on customer reviews is described by its author Jong Youl Lee. Cognitive science professor ⁠Sam Johnson⁠ shares ⁠research revealing how dread shapes your decision-making⁠. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:44) Caitlin Green pt. 1 (10:00) Caitlin Green pt. 2 (20:00) Dr. Suzanna Forwood (30:00) Jessica Kruger (39:50) Dr. Stephanie Sarkis (49:50) Jenny Veldman (59:50) Jong Youl Lee (1:09:50) Sam Johnson (1:18:41) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Social and behavioral science researcher ⁠Nate Breznau⁠ reveals details of ⁠his study where scientists used the same data, but their politics predicted the results⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Information science researcher ⁠Federica Bologna⁠ explains how ⁠readers crave good stories, no matter the characters' gender⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's stories from the tech sector with analyst ⁠Carmi Levy⁠ for It's Time For Technology Time, covering: Song banned from Swedish charts for being an AI creation⁠; Ring can now verify if a video has been altered⁠; Legislators push to make companies tell customers when their products will die⁠; and What does TikTok being saved really mean for you⁠? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Vet Talk, veterinarian ⁠Dr. Cliff Redford⁠ reports on: Caring for and learning from the dogs of Chernobyl⁠; Llamas could be big pharma's secret weapon to find new drugs⁠; and One week in a foster home can dramatically improve shelter dogs' lives⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First, it's stories from the tech sector with analyst Carmi Levy for It's Time For Technology Time, covering: Song banned from Swedish charts for being an AI creation; Ring can now verify if a video has been altered; Legislators push to make companies tell customers when their products will die; and What does TikTok being saved really mean for you? Social and behavioral science researcher Nate Breznau reveals details of his study where scientists used the same data, but their politics predicted the results. On Vet Talk, veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford reports on: Caring for and learning from the dogs of Chernobyl; Llamas could be big pharma's secret weapon to find new drugs; and One week in a foster home can dramatically improve shelter dogs' lives. Information science researcher Federica Bologna explains how readers crave good stories, no matter the characters' gender. Communication professor Bree McEwan goes over the Meta, TikTok and YouTube landmark trial over youth addiction claims. Professor of management ⁠Peter Cappelli⁠ shares details of ⁠his study showing how overlooked workplace slights can carry real costs⁠. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:16) Carmi Levy pt. 1 (10:00) Carmi Levy pt. 2 (20:00) Nate Breznau (30:00) Dr. Cliff Redford pt. 1 (39:50) Dr. Cliff Redford pt. 2 (49:50) Federica Bologna (59:50) Bree McEwan (1:09:50) Peter Cappelli (1:19:15) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Political science professor ⁠Jared Wesley⁠ shares details of ⁠a new university course aimed at helping students resist rage bait⁠ along with its instructor and facilitator ⁠Pieter de Vos⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Media psychology professor ⁠Nathan Walter⁠ explains why ⁠forceful language makes people resist health advice⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday, social worker and therapist ⁠Gary Direnfeld⁠ says whether AI therapy worries him, then discusses how best an adult should deal with a bully. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Psychedelics and cannabis researcher ⁠Dr. Daniel Kruger⁠⁠ reveals ⁠best practices for first psychedelic experiences, and gives us some harm reduction advice⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The show opens on a discussion of why coaches get blamed (and fired) for poor team performance in sports with associate professor of kinesiology, sport, and recreation Brian Soebbing. Media psychology professor Nathan Walter explains why forceful language makes people resist health advice. Political science professor Jared Wesley shares details of a new university course aimed at helping students resist rage bait along with its instructor and facilitator Pieter de Vos. On Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday, social worker and therapist Gary Direnfeld says whether AI therapy worries him, then discusses how best an adult should deal with a bully. Psychedelics and cannabis researcher Dr. Daniel Kruger⁠ reveals best practices for first psychedelic experiences, and gives us some harm reduction advice. Toronto-based comedian ⁠Natalie Norman⁠ talks about whether the recent 2016 throwback photo trend is annoying, weighs in on an 'Am I the A-hole?' dilemma, and explores what to do when you're in a relationship but your coworker is attractive. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:28) Brian Soebbing (10:00) Nathan Walter (20:00) Jared Wesley & Pieter de Vos (30:00) Gary Direnfeld pt. 1 (39:50) Gary Direnfeld pt. 2 (49:50) Dr. Daniel Kruger (59:50) Natalie Norman pt. 1 (1:09:50) Natalie Norman pt. 2 (1:19:17) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gastroenterologist and professional fart demystifier ⁠⁠⁠Dr. Wendi LeBrett⁠⁠⁠ provides information about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and answers David's questions about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Astrophysics professor ⁠Jesse Rogerson⁠ drops in for science news, covering: Penguins may be adapting to a rapidly warming climate, but at a cost⁠; Spider monkeys pool knowledge for fruit⁠; People are swayed by AI-generated videos even when they know they're fake⁠; and Scientists reveal the oldest map of the night sky, previously lost to time⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Conspiracy Corner, professor of conspiracy studies Nathan Radke goes over some famous moments in gaslighting history. Check out Nathan's podcast The Uncover Up here⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clinical psychology researcher ⁠Anuki Amarakoon⁠ explains how ⁠singles who have casual sex may get a boost in confidence⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Astrophysics professor Jesse Rogerson drops in for science news, covering: Penguins may be adapting to a rapidly warming climate, but at a cost; Spider monkeys pool knowledge for fruit; People are swayed by AI-generated videos even when they know they're fake; and Scientists reveal the oldest map of the night sky, previously lost to time. Gastroenterologist and professional fart demystifier ⁠⁠Dr. Wendi LeBrett⁠⁠ provides information about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and answers David's questions about it. On Conspiracy Corner, professor of conspiracy studies Nathan Radke goes over some famous moments in gaslighting history. (⁠Check out Nathan's podcast The Uncover Up here⁠.) Clinical psychology researcher Anuki Amarakoon explains how singles who have casual sex may get a boost in confidence. Microbiology professor Ben Willing gives us a closer look at the benefits of fermented foods. Human-computer interaction researcher ⁠Steve Rathje⁠ explains how ⁠sycophantic AI chatbots can inflate your perceptions that you're better than average⁠. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:45) Jesse Rogerson pt. 1 (10:00) Jesse Rogerson pt. 2 (20:00) Dr. Wendi LeBrett (30:00) Nathan Radke pt. 1 (39:50) Nathan Radke pt. 2 (49:50) Anuki Amarakoon (59:50) Ben Willing (1:09:50) Steve Rathje (1:19:17) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Media personality ⁠⁠Caitlin Green⁠⁠ touches on pop culture topics: ⁠Climber dad Alex Honnold successfully scales 101-story building without ropes or harnesses⁠⁠; ⁠Heated Rivalry stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie carry the Olympic torch in Italy⁠⁠; and ⁠The 2026 Oscar nominations⁠⁠. ⁠Hear Caitlin co-hosting The Jann Arden Podcast⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Writer and community facilitator ⁠Jess Janz⁠ goes over ⁠the finding that 27% of US adults reported eating all their most recent meals alone⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Professor ⁠Tin D. Vo⁠ gives a deep dive into what the romance show Heated Rivalry means for queer inclusion and representation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cognitive science professor ⁠Sam Johnson⁠ shares ⁠research revealing how dread shapes your decision-making⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Media personality Caitlin Green touches on pop culture topics: Climber dad Alex Honnold successfully scales 101-story building without ropes or harnesses; Heated Rivalry stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie carry the Olympic torch in Italy; and The 2026 Oscar nominations. (Hear Caitlin co-hosting The Jann Arden Podcast.) Cognitive science professor Sam Johnson shares research revealing how dread shapes your decision-making. Writer and community facilitator Jess Janz goes over the finding that 27% of US adults reported eating all their most recent meals alone. Professor Tin D. Vo gives a deep dive into what the romance show Heated Rivalry means for queer inclusion and representation. Economics, behavior, and policy professor Jana Vyrastekova reveals how encouraging students to socialize at an early stage can prevent loneliness. Will Douglas Heaven⁠, a senior editor for AI from ⁠MIT Technology Review⁠, introduces us to ⁠the ways certain scientists are treating AI models like aliens⁠. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:23) Caitlin Green pt. 1 (10:00) Caitlin Green pt. 2 (20:00) Sam Johnson (30:00) Jess Janz (39:50) Tin D. Vo (49:50) Jana Vyrastekova (59:50) Will Douglas Heaven pt. 1 (1:09:50) Will Douglas Heaven pt. 2 (1:19:07) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast-only special of The Last Show with science man, bat biologist, and generally affable individual Dan Riskin. Dan sits down at David's apartment in New York to tape The Science Appliance. Dan recounts his recent travels to Australia heavily featuring a most terrifying 'spider car' – and it's worse than you think. After that, Dan covers the following science news stories: Study shows orange pigments in redheads prevent cellular damage; The sequel paradox: Research shows less innovation sells more tickets, but only at first; and Podcasts won't slow your driving reactions, but phone calls (even hands-free) will. David talks about grandma-style pizza. Dan practices his microphone technique by shouting the word 'echidna'. ⁠⁠⁠Sign up for Dan's weekly science newsletter The Bat Signal⁠ by clicking here⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Human-computer interaction researcher ⁠Steve Rathje⁠ explains how ⁠sycophantic AI chatbots can inflate your perceptions that you're better than average⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Based on her study of friendship, sociology professor ⁠Janice McCabe⁠ reveals ⁠how you make lasting friendships⁠. Check out Janice's book Making, Keeping, and Losing Friends here⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Therapist ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Laurel van der Toorn⁠ and David dig into ⁠a young woman's dilemma where her mother demanded to see her finances⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Science communicator and astrophysicist ⁠Jesse Rogerson⁠ brings us news stories from the science world: NASA's Artemis 2 moon rocket is on the launch pad⁠; Astronauts splash down to Earth after medical evacuation from space station⁠; Scientists tried to spread the flu, only to discover something unexpected⁠; Gigantic wave in the Pacific (Specific?) was the most extreme 'rogue wave' on record⁠; and Mosquitoes are feeding on us more often and scientists say we're to blame⁠. Jesse fields a listener question about cryogenics and long-distance space travel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Professor of management ⁠Peter Cappelli⁠ shares details of ⁠his study showing how overlooked workplace slights can carry real costs⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Science communicator and astrophysicist Jesse Rogerson brings us news stories from the science world: NASA's Artemis 2 moon rocket is on the launch pad; Astronauts splash down to Earth after medical evacuation from space station; Scientists tried to spread the flu, only to discover something unexpected; Gigantic wave in the Pacific (Specific?) was the most extreme 'rogue wave' on record; and Mosquitoes are feeding on us more often and scientists say we're to blame. Jesse fields a listener question about cryogenics and long-distance space travel. Human-computer interaction researcher Steve Rathje explains how sycophantic AI chatbots can inflate your perceptions that you're better than average. Professor of management Peter Cappelli shares details of his study showing how overlooked workplace slights can carry real costs. Based on her study of friendship, sociology professor Janice McCabe reveals how you make lasting friendships. (Check out Janice's book Making, Keeping, and Losing Friends here.) Therapist ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Laurel van der Toorn and David dig into a young woman's dilemma where her mother demanded to see her finances. Then, it's English professor Cecily Devereux on why we can't stop reading mysteries. Media and tech reporter ⁠Sydney Bradley⁠ explains how ⁠party invite app Partiful is becoming the new Tinder⁠. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:33) Jesse Rogerson pt. 1 (10:00) Jesse Rogerson pt. 2 (20:00) Steve Rathje (30:00) Peter Cappelli (39:50) Janice McCabe (49:50) Laurel van der Toorn (59:50) Cecily Devereux (1:09:50) Sydney Bradley (1:19:07) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices