The Last Show with David Cooper
Episodes
Fungus on Mars: A Contamination Story
25 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Astrophysics professor Jesse Rogerson joins us with the following science news stories: Platypus anatomy just got weirder, the egg-la...
Baby Boys Aren't Less Social Than Girls
25 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Neuroscience professor Lise Eliot reveals it's a myth that baby boys are less social than girls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit m...
Beavers Don't Make Flooding Worse
25 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Hydrogeomorphology researcher and professor Pascale Biron questions if beaver dams really make flooding worse – they don't. Learn more a...
Why You Wake in the Wee Hours
25 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Using sleep science, assistant professor of mental health Dr. Talar Moukhtarian explains what's going on when you wake up at 3am. Learn mo...
FULL EPISODE: I Thought We Cleaned That Thing! - April 24, 2026
25 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Astrophysics professor Jesse Rogerson joins us with the following science news stories: Platypus anatomy just got weirder, the egg-laying odd...
Is Viewing Depression as a Chemical Imbalance Harmful?
24 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychiatrist and psychiatry professor Joanna Moncrieff reveals how believing in a 'chemical imbalance' might keep patients on antidepressants...
Music Makes Your Imagination More Vivid
24 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Music psychology researcher Ceren Ayyildiz explains how music and traffic noise make our imagination more vivid. Learn more about your ad ...
Italy's Paid Leave for Sick Pets
24 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For the ambiguously named Pet Talk or Vet Talk it's all things animals and veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford goes over the following: Study fi...
The Fastest Half-Marathon Runner: A Robot
24 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's Time For Technology Time and tech analyst Carmi Levy joins David to cover these stories: Tim Cook to become Apple Executive Chairman, ...
FULL EPISODE: Is Your Emotional Support Goldfish in Crisis? - April 23, 2026
24 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's Time For Technology Time and tech analyst Carmi Levy joins David to cover these stories: Tim Cook to become Apple Executive Chairman, John Ternus...
Consequences of a Sexy Dating App Profile Pic
23 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology professor Harry Reis outlines how sexualized dating profiles can sabotage long-term relationship prospects. Learn more about yo...
Navigating a Dead Bedroom
23 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday, social worker and therapist Gary Direnfeld discusses how to deal with a dead bedroom (that is, a dramat...
Goodbye PTO, Parental Leave and Pensions
23 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Leadership and workplace correspondent Sarah E. Needleman reports on how some of the most prized benefits are on the chopping block for...
The Coachella Travel Nurse
23 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
RN and travel nurse Brielle Brumfield chats about treating festival-goers at Coachella. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone....
Casual Sex, Self-esteem, Men and Women
23 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology professor Charlotte Kinrade reveals how casual sex is linked to lower self-esteem and weaker moral orientations in women but not m...
FULL EPISODE: RIP Bedroom - April 22, 2026
23 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Provost for University of Phoenix John Woods explains how workers are leveraging AI for career mobility as employers struggle to keep pace. Leadership...
Your Brain Understands Music Theory
22 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Cognitive science researcher Riesa Cassano-Coleman says how your brain might understand music theory better than you think, regardless of any...
Why Thinking Hard Feels Bad
22 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology professor Cédric Cortial outlines why thinking hard feels bad, and the emotional root of deliberation. Learn more about your a...
What Happens When We Guarantee Income For Artists
22 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Social work professor Leah Hamilton reveals how guaranteed income improved artists' finances and fostered innovation. Learn more about you...
Ultraprocessed Foods Turn Your Thighs into Well-Marbled Steaks
22 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sylvain Charlebois – host of The Food Professor podcast – explains how ultraprocessed foods are turning hum...
Young, Retired and on a Cruise
22 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Economics professor Eric Kam and David state their opinion of the story of retired teachers in their 30s who live on cruise ships full-...
What is a Death Doula?
22 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Motivated by Nicole Kidman revealing her surprising new career path, death doula Darnell Lamont Walker talks about the specifics of the jo...
Artemis II Conspiracies
22 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Professor of conspiracy studies Nathan Radke joins the show for Conspiracy Corner and discusses some of the conspiracy theories people have b...
FULL EPISODE: Wave to Your Mind on Music - April 21, 2026
22 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Economics professor Eric Kam and David state their opinion of the story of retired teachers in their 30s who live on cruise ships full-time for ...
The Sharenting Economy
21 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Angeles-based journalist Fortesa Latifi tells David about the sharenting economy, and discusses its perils. Check out Fortesa's book Like...
Live Music and Your Brainwaves Synchronize
21 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Scientist Arun Asthagiri – who studies music and the brain – explains that live music causes brain waves to synchronize more strongly wit...
When the Boss of a Perfectionist is a Perfectionist
21 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Management professor Brian Swider reveals how if you're a perfectionist at work, your boss's expectations may matter more than your own. L...
Humor Helps as We Age
21 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology researcher Heather Heap shares how humor helps older adults navigate aging. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.f...
Harnessing Serendipity to Generate Better Ideas
21 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Marketing professor Alexander Fulmer explores whether serendipity can be harnessed, and tells us how unplanned outcomes offer benefits. Le...
Parrots Know Names, They Really Know Names
21 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Biology professor Lauryn Benedict outlines how parrots don't just mimic words, some use proper names like humans to identify individuals. ...
Lobsters Feel Pain, Stun Before You Boil!
21 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Biology and environmental science researcher Eleftherios Kasiouras gives details of his study confirming lobsters can feel pain. Learn mor...
Boring Conversations Aren't Boring, According to Science
21 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Behavioral scientist Elizabeth Trinh extols the benefits of small talk by saying how boring topics are more enjoyable than you think. Lear...
FULL EPISODE: Won't Anybody Think of the Lobsters?! - April 20, 2026
21 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Biology and environmental science researcher Eleftherios Kasiouras gives details of his study confirming lobsters can feel pain. Behavioral scientist ...
On Dating an AI Companion
18 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Deputy executive producer A. C. Fowler from Business Insider's video team talks about the interview he had with a man who's been dating an AI...
How to Break Up Well
18 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Relationship researcher Erin McClung explains how to romantically break up well: which types of breakups tend to coincide with moving on more...
Why Bosses Reward the Office Snake
18 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Business professor Karl Aquino reveals why some bosses reward employees with 'dark traits' at work, and what it costs later. Learn more ab...
Justice vs. Healing When a Relationship Ends
18 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Motivated by actor Jennie Garth getting candid about her divorce and moving on, therapist Laurel van der Toorn shares how to move...
Coercive Control in Relationships
18 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Senior researcher Julie-Ann Jordan from the IMPACT Research Centre outlines how people view coercive control in relationships as less harmful...
The Doomsday Clock, Don't Worry Too Much
18 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For Conspiracy Corner, political science professor Lee Kuhnle discusses the Doomsday Clock and whether things in the world are the worst they've...
FULL EPISODE: Fear Not, It's Been Bad Before - April 17, 2026
18 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Business professor Karl Aquino reveals why some bosses reward employees with 'dark traits' at work, and what it costs later. Deputy executive producer...
Gen Z Might Survive the Robots. Older Workers: Maybe Not.
17 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Business editor Nick Lichtenberg from Fortune describes how Goldman looked at 40 years of data on the 'scarring' effects of technological dis...
Work Buddies and Well-being
17 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Organizational studies professor Stephen Friedman outlines how a work buddy can improve your well-being and your workplace. Learn more abo...
From Gamer to Air Traffic Controller
17 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Tech analyst Carmi Levy joins David for It's Time For Technology Time covering the following stories: Developers say Anthropic's new AI mod...
Penguins Living the Good Life, a Cautionary Tale
17 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For Vet Talk – or Pet Talk – veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford reveals the disturbing pattern that emerges in zoo penguins with unlimited f...
FULL EPISODE: The AI Too Dangerous to Release - April 16, 2026
17 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Tech analyst Carmi Levy joins David for It's Time For Technology Time covering the following stories: Developers say Anthropic's new AI model is too d...
Should Emojis be Used at Work?
15 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Social psychology researcher Erin Courtice answers whether or not emojis should be used in workplace communications. Learn more about your...
AI Evaluating You in a Job Interview
15 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Marketing professor Jonas Görgen outlines how job seekers mask their emotions and act more analytical when evaluated by artificial intellige...
Detox Your Brain From Social Media
15 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Marketing professor Noah Castelo explains how to detox your brain from social media and reverse ten years of damage. Learn more about your...
Taking Care of Yourself as You Age
15 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday (on a Tuesday), social worker and therapist Gary Direnfeld discusses how to take care of yourself as you ag...
On Inheritance and Greed
15 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Economics professor Moshe Lander weighs in on a messy money dilemma involving a presumptuous son expecting wealth from his mother. Moshe and Dav...
Crying During Conflict: A Doomsday Weapon
15 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Social cognition researcher Zihan Yang describes how crying during a conflict damages your opponent's reputation, at a cost to your own. Learn m...
Do Narcissists Ruin Relationships Over Time?
15 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology researcher Gwendolyn Seidman reveals whether narcissists really ruin relationships over time. Learn more about your ad choices....
FULL EPISODE: To the Office with Emojis - April 14, 2026
15 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Economics professor Moshe Lander weighs in on a messy money dilemma involving a presumptuous son expecting wealth from his mother. Moshe and David cov...
The Delicate Art of Being Rude
14 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Organizational behavior professor Merrick R. Osborne proposes when two wrongs makes a right: the narrow circumstances when rudeness may be re...
Do Women Talk More Than Men?
14 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology professor Matthias Mehl weighs in on whether women talk more than men, with the answer being: it's complicated. Learn more abou...
Getting Married for the 5th Time
14 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Motivated by Fleetwood Mac's drummer getting married for the fifth time, drive show host Drex at 102.1 the Edge shares his mother's ...
We're Skeptical of Emotions on Screens
14 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Assistant Professor in the Department of Government at Cornell University Talbot Andrews outlines why we're skeptical of the emotions we see ...
Do Audiobooks Improve Learning?
14 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Educational psychology professor Virginia Clinton-Lisell explores whether listening to audiobooks improves learning. Learn more about your...
Likely Locations of Water on the Moon
14 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Planetary scientist Paul Hayne goes over a new study that narrows down the most likely locations for water on the moon. (David sneaks in a...
FULL EPISODE: It's Okay to Be a Jerk Back - April 13, 2026
14 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Assistant Professor in the Department of Government at Cornell University Talbot Andrews outlines why we're skeptical of the emotions we see on our sc...
Students Like AI, Unless They Know It's AI
11 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Biostatistics professor Joshua Lambert reveals that students prefer AI chatbots, until they know it is one. Learn more about your ad choic...
Asking Complex Questions is Bad For Grades
11 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Cognitive psychologist and creativity researcher Tuval Raz outlines how asking complex questions improves creative project scores but hurts m...
Your Body Gives it Away When You Self-Deceive
11 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Social neuroscience researcher Giulia Romano Cappi explains how your body exhibits subtle physiological changes when you engage in self-decep...
Playing Video Games to Relax vs. to Win
11 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology professor Kayleigh Watters talks about the psychological difference between playing video games to relax and playing to win. Le...
Goodbye Middle Managers, Hello Player-Coaches
11 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Leadership and workplace correspondent Sarah E. Needleman discusses how companies are saying goodbye to middle managers in favor of 'pl...
Artemis Splashdown; Microplastic Oops; Ancient Eyes on Heads
11 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Astrophysics professor Jesse Rogerson joins David and covers the following science news stories: The Artemis II splashdown and how it...
FULL EPISODE: It's Not a Lie If You Believe It - April 10, 2026
11 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Astrophysics professor Jesse Rogerson joins David and covers the following science news stories: The Artemis II splashdown and how it will endure inte...
Is Empathy Possible Between Humans and AI?
10 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology professor C. Daryl Cameron explores whether true empathy is possible between humans and AI. Learn more about your ad choices. V...
Beautiful Parrotfish by Day, Reclusive Slime-bag by Night
10 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For the unclearly named Vet Talk or Pet Talk segment, veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford covers stories: The queen parrotfish Scarus vetula is ...
Intergalactic Outlook Problems
10 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Tech analyst Carmi Levy drops in for It's Time For Technology Time, and covers the following stories from the tech sector: Artemis II astro...
The Later Life Health Effects of Childhood Trauma
10 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Therapist Laurel van der Toorn explains how a stressful childhood creates poor adult health outcomes, and what you can do to reverse it. Lear...
FULL EPISODE: The Reclusive Slime-bag - April 9, 2026
10 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Tech analyst Carmi Levy drops in for It's Time For Technology Time, and covers the following stories from the tech sector: Artemis II astronauts packi...
The Dirty Truth of Antibacterial Soap
09 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Environmental chemist and professor Miriam Diamond warns that overusing the antibacterial chemicals in everyday cleaning products may be help...
Loneliness and Making Friends
09 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday, social worker and therapist Gary Direnfeld talks about loneliness and friend-making as an adult. Learn mor...
Late Night Coffee and Impulsiveness
09 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Biology professor Kyung-An Han shares details of her study showing the surprising effect of drinking coffee at night. Learn more about you...
Celebrity Worship and Vulnerable Narcissism
09 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology professor Lawrence Locker and criminology professor Joshua Williams describe how vulnerable narcissism is linked to intense ...
Leaving the Country: The Considering vs. Doing Gap
09 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Jack Jedwab from the Association for Canadian Studies outlines how the data shows more Americans aren't heading to Canada, it's the other way ar...
FULL EPISODE: The Awkward Art of Friendship - April 8, 2026
09 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Environmental chemist and professor Miriam Diamond warns that overusing the antibacterial chemicals in everyday cleaning products may be helping dange...
Are Extroverts Better Listeners?
08 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Then, the myth of introverts being better listeners than extroverts is busted by management professor Chris Winchester. Learn more about y...
Two Years that Broke Society
08 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Given how bleak the world can seem right now, on Conspiracy Corner, professor of conspiracy studies Nathan Radke narrows down two years that bro...
Discussing Politics at Work Might Be a Good Idea
08 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Good news if you enjoy talking politics: Management professor Kristine Kuhn reveals how chatting about politics at work may boost your well-b...
Deep Space Exploration and Medical Preparedness
08 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Toronto-based physician and space medicine researcher Dr. Farhan Asrar chats about medical preparedness during the Artemis missions and deep spa...
Proud of a Big Tax Refund? You Shouldn't Be.
08 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For anyone who thinks they're a genius for getting a large tax refund, economics professor Eric Kam rains on their parade as their tax strate...
We're Speaking Fewer Words Every Year
08 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology professor Valeria Pfeifer explains how everybody is losing hundreds of spoken words every year and has been for at least 15 years...
FULL EPISODE: The Loudmouth Listener - April 7, 2026
08 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Given how bleak the world can seem right now, on Conspiracy Corner, professor of conspiracy studies Nathan Radke narrows down two years that broke our...
Space Travel; Reality TV Scandals; Don't Use My Exfoliating Glove
07 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Media personality and self-styled reality TV historian Caitlin Green gives her layperson take on the Artemis II lunar mission, describes the ...
The First Gamblers From 12,000 Years Ago
07 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Archaeologist Robert Madden reveals how Ice Age dice show early Native Americans may have understood probability. Learn more about your ad...
Flaws in Studies Justifying Spanking Children
07 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology professor Leslie Atkinson discusses the major flaws in the historical clinical trials used to justify spanking children. Learn ...
Ghosting is Worse Than Rejection
07 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Social psychology researcher Alessia Telari shares what the psychological impact of ghosting is, and how it lasts longer than outright romant...
FULL EPISODE: Ice Age Dice - April 6, 2026
07 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Media personality and self-styled reality TV historian Caitlin Green gives her layperson take on the Artemis II lunar mission, describes the current S...
Space Toilet Trouble; Security Apocalypse 'Q-Day' Approaches
03 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On It's Time For Technology Time, tech analyst Carmi Levy covers: The Artemis II toilet problem; SpaceX has reportedly filed for the...
Artemis II Moonbound
03 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Astrophysics and astrobiology professor Sarah Rugheimer celebrates the newly launched Artemis II rocket with its historic firsts, and talks a...
Want to Sleep Better?
03 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Only slightly late for National Sleep Awareness Month (April 2nd Fools?!) sleep coach Alanna McGinn gives us tips for a better night's sleep. Le...
Newly Discovered Human-Cat Fungus Spreads
03 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For Vet Talk – or Pet Talk – veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford goes over stories: Fungus that spreads from cats to humans has been detecte...
FULL EPISODE: To the Moon and Beyond - April 2, 2026
03 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Astrophysics and astrobiology professor Sarah Rugheimer celebrates the newly launched Artemis II rocket with its historic firsts, and talks about the ...
The Stress of Dating in the Golden Years
02 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Human development and family sciences professor Lisa Neff outlines the surprising toll that new relationships take on older adults. Learn ...
How Hollywood Doesn't Learn From Failure
02 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Supply chain management professor Suresh Muthulingam discusses how in Hollywood, teams don't stick together long enough to learn from failure...
How Conspiracies Arise
02 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For Conspiracy Corner, using those who say there's evidence that we live in a simulation or that ancient Atlanteans had advanced technology, politica...
FULL EPISODE: Love Hurts... More After 50 - April 1, 2026
02 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
David attempts a punny April Fool's joke. It falls flat. Human development and family sciences professor Lisa Neff outlines the surprising toll that n...
Brain Glitch That Warps Faces
01 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychological and brain sciences professor Brad Duchaine introduces us to prosopometamorphopsia (PMO), the rare neurological condition where ...