FULL EPISODE: Your Robot Companion Isn't All That - March 5, 2026
Cat IBS
The Last Show with David Cooper
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Show Notes
It's Vet Talk (but also Pet Talk) with veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford, who covers these stories: Cockroaches that eat each other's wings become exclusive partners; and Dogs behave like toddlers when humans need help, cats usually don't. Cliff fields a couple listener questions dealing with feline IBS and dental issues. Philosophy professor Robert Sparrow shares his thoughts on how AI imaginary friends (companions) are no substitute for human connection. For It's Time For Technology Time, tech analyst Carmi Levy reports on these stories: Burger King to bring AI-based voice coach to Canada later this year; Misinformation, AI images related to Iran conflict spreading online; Algorithms are dishing out AI food slop and bad recipes that are wasting our time and money; Instagram will alert parents if teens repeatedly search for suicide or self-harm content; and MWC 2026's most bizarre phone can start fires (on purpose). Anthropology professor Mattias van Ommen outlines how competitive gaming on Discord fosters social connections. Psychology professor Christiane Spitzmueller explains that decision-making nudges can improve racial equity in tenure decisions. Management researcher Sharmeen Merchant discusses how a man's psychological fit at work tends to increase when his financial values align with his partner's.
Segments:
- (00:00) Introduction
- (01:35) Dr. Cliff Redford pt. 1
- (10:00) Dr. Cliff Redford pt. 2
- (20:00) Robert Sparrow
- (30:00) Carmi Levy pt. 1
- (39:50) Carmi Levy pt. 2
- (49:50) Mattias van Ommen
- (59:50) Christiane Spitzmueller
- (1:09:50) Sharmeen Merchant
- (1:18:48) Sign-off
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