FULL EPISODE: Back To The Moon - January 23, 2026
AI Thinks You're Great And It Ain't Good For You
The Last Show with David Cooper
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Show Notes
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
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