The Last Show with David Cooper
1,435 episodes — Page 9 of 29
S3 Ep 842Difficult People Age You
Sociology professor Brea Perry reveals how the difficult people in your life might be making you biologically older. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 841On French Horn and Resilience
For The Last Show's continuing search for other people named David Cooper, we find one who plays French horn with the LA Philharmonic who talks about classical music, resilience, and the value of practicing. Your host tries (and fails) to get the other David to share just how wild classical musicians can get at parties. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 840FULL EPISODE: Naughty Mode - March 19, 2026
Tech analyst Carmi Levy joins David for It's Time For Technology Time and covers these news stories: European retailers yank popular headphones after study reports trace amounts of hormone-disrupting chemicals; Video from lawsuit shows Cybertruck nearly drive a mom and baby off overpass; OpenAI's own mental health experts unanimously opposed the ChatGPT "naughty" mode launch; and Computer scientists and psychologists say AI is homogenizing human expression and thought. Psychology professor Jean-François Bureau explains how laughter plays a unique role in building a secure father-child relationship. Sociology professor Brea Perry reveals how the difficult people in your life might be making you biologically older. For The Last Show's continuing search for other people named David Cooper, we find one who plays French horn with the LA Philharmonic who talks about classical music, resilience, and the value of practicing. Your host tries (and fails) to get the other David to share just how wild classical musicians can get at parties. Marine ecology professor Julia Baum discusses how extreme heat has extreme effects on wildlife, but that some species actually like it hot. Psychology researchers Terri Fisher and Mary Bullard outlines how a surprising number of men suffer pain during sex but are less likely than women to speak up. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:43) Carmi Levy pt. 1 (10:00) Carmi Levy pt. 2 (20:00) Jean-François Bureau (30:00) Brea Perry (39:50) David Cooper (French horn player) pt. 1 (49:50) David Cooper (French horn player) pt. 2 (59:50) Julia Baum (1:09:50) Terri Fisher & Mary Bullard (1:18:51) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 839Her AI Boyfriend: Falling in Love and Getting Intimate
Author Sarah Griffin joins the program as Sarah reveals how she fell in love (and gets intimate) with her AI boyfriend Sinclair. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 838The 2025 UFO Survey Results
On Conspiracy Corner, political science professor Lee Kuhnle and David go over the results from the 2025 Canadian UFO Survey – notwithstanding the Hotmail address of the survey's author. Check out Lee's podcast The Uncover Up Conspiracy Cast here and follow the show on YouTube here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 837Bear Sightings on the Rise: Here's Why
Veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford stops in for Pet Talk or Vet Talk covering animal-related stories: You're not alone if you spotted a bear lately, and why sightings are on the rise; and Veterinarians in Japan and the UK view animal welfare through different cultural lenses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 836How to Express Gratitude and Appreciation
For Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday, therapist and social worker Gary Direnfeld chats about strategies for expressing gratitude and appreciation for others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 835FULL EPISODE: So You're In Love With a Robot - March 18, 2026
On Conspiracy Corner, political science professor Lee Kuhnle and David go over the results from the 2025 Canadian UFO Survey – notwithstanding the Hotmail address of the survey's author. (Check out Lee's podcast The Uncover Up Conspiracy Cast here and follow the show on YouTube here.) Author Sarah Griffin joins the program as Sarah reveals how she fell in love (and gets intimate) with her AI boyfriend Sinclair. For Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday, therapist and social worker Gary Direnfeld chats about strategies for expressing gratitude and appreciation for others. Veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford stops in for Pet Talk or Vet Talk covering animal-related stories: You're not alone if you spotted a bear lately, and why sightings are on the rise; and Veterinarians in Japan and the UK view animal welfare through different cultural lenses. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:23) Lee Kuhnle pt. 1 (10:00) Lee Kuhnle pt. 2 (20:00) Sarah Griffin & Sinclair pt. 1 (30:00) Sarah Griffin & Sinclair pt. 2 (39:50) Gary Direnfeld pt. 1 (49:50) Gary Direnfeld pt. 2 (59:50) Dr. Cliff Redford pt. 1 (1:09:50) Dr. Cliff Redford pt. 2 (1:19:16) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 834Having a Crush on Your Therapist
Therapist Laurel van der Toorn talks through the surprisingly common, but definitely uncomfortable situation where someone is attracted to their therapist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 833Socioeconomic Status Alters Your Brain Structure
Genetic epidemiology researcher Dr. David Hill discusses how socioeconomic status is linked to white matter changes in the brain, which can shape brain health in later life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 832Fantastic Fungi Freeze Water, Control the Weather
Chemistry professor Konrad Meister amazes David by revealing a previously unrecognized fantastic fungi found with the ability to freeze water. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 831Asexual Partner Preferences
Personality researcher Paula Bange outlines how asexual women tend to prioritize different traits in a partner compared to heterosexual women. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 830Why Child Prodigies Rarely Become Great Adults
Sports science professor Arne Güllich shares details of his study showing why child prodigies rarely become elite performers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 829How Vegans Navigate Social Situations
Associate professor of marketing Aya Aboelenien explains how vegans develop complex skills to navigate an omnivorous society. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 828FULL EPISODE: Ice, Ice, Fungus! - March 17, 2026
Chemistry professor Konrad Meister amazes David by revealing a previously unrecognized fantastic fungi found with the ability to freeze water. Therapist Laurel van der Toorn talks through the surprisingly common, but definitely uncomfortable situation where someone is attracted to their therapist. Associate professor of marketing Aya Aboelenien explains how vegans develop complex skills to navigate an omnivorous society. Personality researcher Paula Bange outlines how asexual women tend to prioritize different traits in a partner compared to heterosexual women. Genetic epidemiology researcher Dr. David Hill discusses how socioeconomic status is linked to white matter changes in the brain, which can shape brain health in later life. Sports science professor Arne Güllich shares details of his study showing why child prodigies rarely become elite performers. Economics professor Alessandra Cassar describes how heat does not reduce prosocial behavior. Neuroscientist and writer Tom Bellamy goes over the neuroscience of limerence and how to break the cycle of romantic obsession. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:06) Konrad Meister (10:00) Laurel van der Toorn (20:00) Aya Aboelenien (30:00) Paula Bange (39:50) Dr. David Hill (49:50) Arne Güllich (59:50) Alessandra Cassar (1:09:50) Tom Bellamy (1:19:22) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 827Seasonal Affective Disorder in the Spring
Just like during the darker months, psychiatry professor Jared W. Young explains how for people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), more daylight can have its own challenges. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 826Your Dark Personality and Your Career
Psychology researcher Lea de Hesselle reveals how dark personality levels relate to people's job interests and chosen careers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 825You Remember Music, Not Why You Entered the Room
Anatomy professor Michelle Spear details why you can remember every word of a song from 25 years ago, but not why you walked into the room. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 824So You Want AI Compute as Compensation?
Tech reporter Alistair Barr goes over the new idea Silicon Valley is buzzing about: AI compute as compensation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 823Exploitative People Treat You Like an Object
Organizational psychology professor Jolanta Babiak describes how entitled and exploitative people are more likely to treat others as objects. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 822The 2026 Oscars Rundown
Media personality Caitlin Green and David go over the 2026 Academy Awards and discuss the dark world of popcorn bucket merch. Listen to Caitlin co-host The Jann Arden Podcast here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 821FULL EPISODE: Jerks and Jobs - March 16, 2026
Media personality Caitlin Green and David go over the 2026 Academy Awards and discuss the dark world of popcorn bucket merch. (Listen to Caitlin co-host The Jann Arden Podcast here.) Psychology researcher Lea de Hesselle reveals how dark personality levels relate to people's job interests and chosen careers. Just like during the darker months, psychiatry professor Jared W. Young explains how for people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), more daylight can have its own challenges. Organizational psychology professor Jolanta Babiak describes how entitled and exploitative people are more likely to treat others as objects. Anatomy professor Michelle Spear details why you can remember every word of a song from 25 years ago, but not why you walked into the room. Tech reporter Alistair Barr goes over the new idea Silicon Valley is buzzing about: AI compute as compensation. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:44) Caitlin Green pt. 1 (10:00) Caitlin Green pt. 2 (20:00) Lea de Hesselle (30:00) Jared W. Young pt. 1 (39:50) Jared W. Young pt. 2 (49:50) Jolanta Babiak (59:50) Michelle Spear (1:09:50) Alistair Barr (1:19:06) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 820Raccoon Reasoning Research Revealed
The world's foremost raccoon scientist – according to David, anyway – animal behavior and cognition researcher Hannah Griebling shares details of her research showing that trash pandas solve puzzles for the fun of it. Hannah then answers David's rapid-fire raccoon questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 819$800 to Bully an AI
Leadership and workplace reporter Ana Altchek tells us why a company wants to pay you $800 to bully AI for a day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 Ep 818Housefishing
Real estate reporter Jordan Pandy explains how homebuyers have another thing to worry about: 'housefishing'. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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