The Last Show with David Cooper
Episodes
Infrasounds: A Sudden Creepy Feeling
10 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Professor of psychology Rodney Schmaltz explains how low frequency sounds you can't hear can spike your cortisol levels, offering a biologica...
Parental Indulgence Linked to Psychopathy and Narcissism
10 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology professor Jennifer Vonk shares details of her study linking parental indulgence to psychopathic and narcissistic traits in adultho...
A Vitiligo Primer
10 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Anatomy professor Dr. Benedicta Quaye Mensah discusses how the skin condition vitiligo remains misunderstood, despite affecting around 1 in 1...
Chatbots With Empathy Get Facts Wrong
10 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
AI researcher Sofia Hafner discusses how training AI chatbots to be warm and empathetic makes them less factually accurate. Learn more abo...
The Power of Puffery in Ads
10 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Marketing researcher Michael Thomas outlines the power of puffery on consumer behavior. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone....
Fantasizing About Someone Else During Sex
10 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Human sexuality researcher Aki Gormezano reports that fantasizing about someone else during sex is common and doesn't necessarily signal rela...
FULL EPISODE: Sounds You Feel, But Can't Hear - June 9, 2026
10 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Professor of psychology Rodney Schmaltz explains how low frequency sounds you can't hear can spike your cortisol levels, offering a biological reason ...
Why People Listen to True Crime
09 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Communication researcher Sofia Rhea explains that most people listen to true crime podcasts to learn, but that people with dark personality t...
The Formula That Explains Your Dining Habits
09 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Computer science researcher Brian Christian outlines how a Richard Feynman formula could explain your dining habits in a new city. Learn m...
What Happens When Someone Gets Downvoted?
09 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Marketing professor Varad Deolankar covers what happens when people get downvoted on Reddit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megap...
Cutting Toxic Content From Your Social Feed
09 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology professor Curtis Puryear goes over how diversifying your social feeds can cut exposure to toxic content and preserve enjoyment....
When Parents Forbid Friendships
09 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Professor of psychology Brett Laursen reveals how forbidden friends can become former friends after moms voice disapproval. Learn more abo...
AI Ads: Look Good, Perform Poorly
09 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Media and communications professor Adam Peruta shares his findings that AI ads are almost indistinguishable from human-made ones, but don't p...
FULL EPISODE: Surely You're Eating That, Mr. Feynman! - June 8, 2026
09 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Communication researcher Sofia Rhea explains that most people listen to true crime podcasts to learn, but that people with dark personality traits hav...
Organ Donation Nightmare: Donor Transmits Rabies!
05 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Infectious disease specialist and professor of medicine Dr. Isaac Bogoch breaks down a bizarre case of an organ donor unexpectedly giving rab...
Why is Economic Inequality the Status Quo?
05 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Behavioral scientist Daniel Connolly explores why economic inequality is the status quo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone...
Cat Ownership and Schizophrenia; When Your Kitty Eats String
05 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford joins The Last Show for Vet Talk or Pet Talk and covers the following feline topics: Cat ownership linked to...
The Real Cost of Fast-Delivered Packages
05 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Human resource studies professor Alex Kowalski shares how fast deliveries worsen conditions for e-commerce warehouse workers. Learn more a...
FULL EPISODE: An Unbelievable Case of Rabies - June 4, 2026
05 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford joins The Last Show for Vet Talk or Pet Talk and covers the following feline topics: Cat ownership linked to increased ...
Amazing New Tiny Blue Octopus; Physicists Perfect Randomness
04 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For science news, astrophysics professor Jesse Rogerson covers the following: Physicists just achieved perfect randomness for the first tim...
Visibility of Disability in Advertising
04 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Marketing professor Zachary Estes discusses why disability inclusion in advertising can build stronger brand affinity. Learn more about yo...
An AI with Sketchy Essay Notes
04 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology professor Deborah Talmi explains how AI chatbots are not yet good enough to grade university essays, rewarding style over substanc...
Why People Hide Chronic Pain at Work
04 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Management professor Beth Schinoff reveals why employees hide chronic pain to meet workplace norms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...
How Sexually Active Are the Elderly?
04 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Clinical psychologist specializing in sexology Sidsel Louise Schaller amazes David with the fact that the elderly are more sexually active th...
FULL EPISODE: Meteor Explodes, Homes Shake - June 3, 2026
04 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For science news, astrophysics professor Jesse Rogerson covers the following: Physicists just achieved perfect randomness for the first time ever; Tin...
How Cynical Are Your Friends?
03 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Social-personality psychologist William Chopik reveals how we aren't great at telling how cynical our friends are, and then how you can ch...
When Aliens Attack
03 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For Conspiracy Corner, professor of conspiracy studies Nathan Radke goes over times in history when aliens allegedly attacked, namely the ...
The Tiny Facial Movements of Pain
03 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Cognitive science professor Dr. Elizabeth Torres explains how tracking tiny facial movements could offer a more objective way to measure pain...
Billionaires in Jets: Apocalypse Early Warning System
03 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Los Angeles-based artist and coder Kyle McDonald shares how he created a billionaire jet tracker to warn people about a possible apocalypse, ...
FULL EPISODE: How to Change Your Personality - June 2, 2026
03 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Los Angeles-based artist and coder Kyle McDonald shares how he created a billionaire jet tracker to warn people about a possible apocalypse, and then ...
A Huge Heterosexual Dating Myth
02 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology professor Paul Eastwick – co-host of the Love Factually podcast – debunks a myth about dating troubles for high-earning ...
Turning a Job Loss Into an Opportunity
02 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Professor of strategy and organization Madeline Toubiana explains how playing the entrepreneurial game can turn job loss into opportunity....
iPad Rage and Kids
02 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Clinical psychologist Dr. Gabie Izralson goes over iPad rage and what parents should do about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ...
FULL EPISODE: What Do Men and Women Want? - June 1, 2026
02 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology professor Paul Eastwick – co-host of the Love Factually podcast – debunks a myth about dating troubles for high-earning women, and disc...
Power-Up With Profanity
30 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For an expletive-laden interview, psychology professor Richard Stephens reveals just how much swearing helps you perform better when peak per...
A Conspiracy of Bureaucratic Incompetence
30 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On Conspiracy Corner, political science professor Lee Kuhnle explores bureaucratic incompetence as an explanation for major events that have spa...
The Probability of a Blue Moon
30 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
With a full Blue Moon coming this weekend, statistics professor Jeffrey Rosenthal discusses the probability and associated superstitions o...
Is Reality TV Basically Sports?
30 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Media personality Caitlin Green covers the drama surrounding the Summer House reunion and questions whether we should treat reality TV lik...
Gen Z, Summer Jobs, and Gig Apps
30 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Retail reporter Alex Bitter reports on how Gen Z is turning to gig apps like Uber and GoPuff for summer jobs. Learn more about...
The Silent Divorce
30 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Divorce mediators Alex Howard and Amanda Silver, hosts of Dirty Laundry: The Divorce Podcast, chat about ...
FULL EPISODE: Peak Performance, I Swear - May 29, 2026
30 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
With a full Blue Moon coming this weekend, statistics professor Jeffrey Rosenthal discusses the probability and associated superstitions of such an ev...
Doggy Daycare Leptospirosis Outbreak; Helping Jamaican Animals
29 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For the ambiguously named Vet Talk or Pet Talk, veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford chats about his recent trip to Jamaica and goes over the followin...
Adulthood, Friendship, and Loneliness
29 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Marie-Elisabeth Pihl who researches friendship discusses friend-making and why so many adults find themselves lonely. Learn more about your a...
Travel With Us to Intercourse, PA
29 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Joining The Last Show's around the world travel series is Dan Auker from Barry's Car Barn, who details why Intercourse is great for the whole fa...
Data Centers Make Neighborhoods Hotter
29 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's Time For Technology Time with tech analyst Carmi Levy who covers these stories: Study shows data centers could make neighborhoods hott...
A Physicist's Look at the Prisoner's Dilemma
29 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Physicist Alexandre Morozov takes a fresh look at the prisoner's dilemma which shows hope for cooperation. Learn more about your ad choice...
FULL EPISODE: A Dangerous Run-In With Crabs - May 28, 2026
29 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's Time For Technology Time with tech analyst Carmi Levy who covers these stories: Study shows data centers could make neighborhoods hotter; The dar...
The Female-Only Fish That Keeps On Cloning
28 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's science news with professor Jesse Rogerson covering: AI slop is flooding science publishing, and one major site is fighting back; ...
Icing Injuries Makes the Pain Linger Longer
28 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Neuroscientist and professor Jeffrey Mogil reveals that icing an injury may make pain last twice as long. Learn more about your ad choices...
Handling Teenage Rites of Passage
28 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday, therapist and social worker Gary Direnfeld and David chat about teenage rites of passage, and how to handl...
The Backrooms: The Mysterious Abandoned Spaces
28 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Consumer culture studies lecturer Sophie James and professor James Cronin discuss Backrooms: odd abandoned spaces and the dark tourism ...
You're Wrong About Fasting: It Doesn't Melt Your Brain
28 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology researcher Christoph Bamberg explains how you're probably wrong about fasting, as it may not have a negative impact on your brainp...
FULL EPISODE: Moon Base, Phase One, Go! - May 27, 2026
28 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's science news with professor Jesse Rogerson covering: AI slop is flooding science publishing, and one major site is fighting back; We finally know...
Smart Beluga Whale Passes the Mirror Test
27 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Marine mammal scientist and cognitive psychology professor Diana Reiss shares how a beluga whale showed a sign of intelligence once thought u...
People Overestimate AI's Confidence
27 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Cognitive psychology professor Clara Colombatto reveals how people overestimate how confident AI systems are in their responses. Learn mor...
Do We Absorb Info Better on Paper or Screens?
27 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Cognitive psychology professor Erik Reichle explains how we absorb information that we read on paper versus on screens. Learn more about y...
A Zombie Ant Video Game That Teaches Evolution
27 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Neuro-parasitologist William C. Beckerson chats about the zombie ant virtual reality game that increases players' understanding of evolution...
Does Emotional Intelligence Stop Rudeness?
27 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Linguist Nicola McNab communicates what the science says about whether emotional intelligence stops us from being rude. Learn more about y...
Mohenjo-daro: The Ancient, Equal Society
27 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Archaeology professor Adam S. Green discusses how a 4,000-year-old city defied history's rules by becoming more equal as it became more succe...
FULL EPISODE: Whale, Know Thyself - May 26, 2026
27 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Linguist Nicola McNab communicates what the science says about whether emotional intelligence stops us from being rude. Cognitive psychology professor...
Sloth World Problems
23 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Animal welfare consultant Dr. Holly Molinaro covers the sloth-based tragedy at Sloth World and tells David why paid animal petting experie...
Why Is Almost Everyone Right-Handed?
23 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Evolutionary anthropologist Rachel Hurwitz outlines how our ancient, evolutionary history reveals why almost everyone is right-handed today...
Historical Hoaxes and Scams
23 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Corner, professor of conspiracy studies Nathan Radke goes over historical hoaxes and scams, explaining what we can learn from them today. Check...
Kids Taking Risks Keeps Them Safe
23 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Professor in pediatrics Mariana Brussoni extols the benefits of kids engaging in risky play, and describes how it helps them make faster, sma...
Booze Causes Inflammation, Healthy Diet Doesn't Help Much
23 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Exercise and sport science professor Jimikaye Courtney shares how a healthy diet doesn't cancel out the inflammatory effects of alcohol. L...
FULL EPISODE: On Binge Drinking and Kale Smoothies - May 22, 2026
23 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Animal welfare consultant Dr. Holly Molinaro covers the sloth-based tragedy at Sloth World and tells David why paid animal petting experiences should ...
Humanity's Survival Is Unlikely: A Nobel-Winning Physicist's Warning
22 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Nobel-prize winning theoretical physicist David Gross talks about his interest and work in particle physics, and then explains that if we don...
Jeff Bezos on Income Tax: Lower Earners Shouldn't Pay It
22 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Economics professor Moshe Lander weighs in on Jeff Bezos stating that the bottom half of earners should pay zero in income taxes. Learn mo...
Podcasts Verification Badges; Pizza Hut Claims $100M Loss from AI
22 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On It's Time For Technology Time, Carmi Levy covers the following stories from the tech industry: Spotify is launching verification badges ...
Why Tech Founders Are Dumping Their Girlfriends
22 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Journalist Amanda Yen gives the scoop on a new trend amongst young tech founders who are dumping their girlfriends and going 'monk mode'. ...
Dildo, Newfoundland: Visit This Summer!
22 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Joining The Last Show's around the world travel series is Andrew Pretty from Dildo Boat Tours, who details why there's no place like Dildo, N...
FULL EPISODE: Non-Proliferation Now - May 21, 2026
22 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On It's Time For Technology Time, Carmi Levy covers the following stories from the tech industry: Spotify is launching verification badges for podcast...
Should We Be Concerned About Ebola?
21 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Infectious disease specialist and professor of medicine Dr. Isaac Bogoch breaks down what's really going on with the current Ebola virus outb...
Sleeping With Earbuds; What Time You Wake Up
21 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's breaking snooze from The Snooze Room with neurologist Dr. Kenneth Lee who breaks down whether it's safe to wear earbuds while sleeping...
What to Know About Anonymous School Tip Lines
21 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sarah Stilwell from University of Michigan's Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention describes how anonymous school tip lines reveal patte...
Stardust Trapped in Antarctic Ice
21 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's science news with professor Jesse Rogerson who dives into the following stories: Cannabis linked to lower weight and reduced diabetes ...
The Story of Women's Desire For Wealthy Partners
21 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Social scientist Macken Murphy outlines how women's desire for wealthy partners drops when they have more economic power. Learn more about...
The Cheese Oracle, Your Destiny in Cheddar
21 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Meet journalist, author, and cheese oracle Jennifer Billock who can read people's destiny in a chunk of cheddar. Jen does a reading for Da...
FULL EPISODE: The Fog is Alive! - May 20, 2026
21 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's science news with professor Jesse Rogerson who dives into the following stories: Cannabis linked to lower weight and reduced diabetes risk in mic...
Who Will Be the Next James Bond?
20 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Media personality Caitlin Green joins the show for pop culture news covering speculation over Lorne Michaels leaving SNL as well as who will ...
Preventing the "One Day I'll..." Trap
20 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Positive psychology professor Christian van Nieuwerburgh explains the "one day I'll..." trap and how to get out of it. Learn more about your ad ...
Greed and Who (or What) Benefits From It
20 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Professor of management Katalin Takacs-Haynes gets philosophical in a conversation about greed and how no evidence shows that it benefits soc...
Cost-Cutting With Gen AI Could Increase Cyberattacks
20 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Computer science professor Michael Lones warns how cost-cutting use of generative AI could increase cyber-attack risks at companies. Learn...
'Tradwives' and 'Yesteryear'
20 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sociology researcher Meaghan Furlano goes over the online 'tradwife' and 'yesteryear' video trends, and reveals some of the issues with them...
The Remorse Bias in Courts
20 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Criminology professor Colleen Berryessa examines the 'remorse bias' in legal decision-making. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit mega...
FULL EPISODE: Don't Be Too Greedy - May 19, 2026
20 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Media personality Caitlin Green joins the show for pop culture news covering speculation over Lorne Michaels leaving SNL as well as who will replace h...
Hacky Sacks: The Latest Gen Z Trend
16 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
David laughs with technology and culture correspondent Katie Notopoulos as she reports on hacky sacks becoming the latest Gen Z trend. Lea...
A Man Who Swims Coney Island's Chilly Waters
16 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Brooklyn-based model and all-around legend Stephen Niese explains why he swims the wacky waters of Coney Island every day. Learn more abou...
Men's Friendships: Shallower and Less Supportive?
16 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sociologist Emily Fox analyzes the gender friendship gap: the idea that certain groups of men have shallower and less emotionally supportive ...
Childhood ADHD's Link to Midlife Distress
16 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Professor of aging and clinical psychology Joshua Stott discusses the link between childhood ADHD traits and midlife distress. Learn more ...
It's Science, We Swear: The Power of Bad Words
16 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Expletive enthusiast and psychology professor Timothy Jay discusses why swearing is so important and how it has a place in the office...
The Sexual Pleasure and Satisfaction Gap
16 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sociologist Jessie Ford reveals the striking gap between people's sexual pleasure and overall sexual satisfaction. Learn more about your a...
FULL EPISODE: The Awesome Power of Profanity - May 15, 2026
16 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Brooklyn-based model and all-around legend Stephen Niese explains why he swims the wacky waters of Coney Island every day. Sociologist Jessie Ford rev...
Is Hantavirus the Next COVID?
15 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Astrophysics professor Jesse Rogerson brings the following science news stories to the show: Deadly hantavirus can spread between humans, b...
Idea Theft Stings, What to Do About It
15 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Professor of organizational behavior David Zweig chats about idea theft and how properly crediting employees for their ideas is key to buildi...
In Defense of Paying a Hacker's Ransom
15 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On It's Time For Technology Time, tech analyst Carmi Levy reports on the following stories: Learning management software company Canvas rea...
The Divorce Mediators Are in Session
15 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Divorce mediators Alex Howard and Amanda Silver, hosts of Dirty Laundry: The Divorce Podcast go over what exactly their jobs entail....
FULL EPISODE: Plants Can Hear?! - May 14, 2026
15 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On It's Time For Technology Time, tech analyst Carmi Levy reports on the following stories: Learning management software company Canvas reaches 'agree...
Conspiracy Analysis: The Pentagon UFO Dump
14 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Cultural history professor Lee Kuhnle joins the show for Conspiracy Corner, and analyzes the Pentagon's recent UFO dump using his lens as someon...
Women, Chores and Sexual Desire
14 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Clinical psychology researcher Alexandra Liepmann outlines the link between how couples divide household chores and women's sexual desire....