The Last Show with David Cooper
Episodes
Dealing With Bad Work-Life Balance
14 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday, therapist and social worker Gary Direnfeld frankly discusses how to manage a poor work-life balance while r...
Curious Gaming Monkeys; Macedonian Tortoise Nightmare
14 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For the ambiguously named Vet Talk or Pet Talk, veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford covers the following stories: Japanese macaques actively exp...
FULL EPISODE: Beware the New World Screwworm - May 13, 2026
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 someone who ...
The Many Wedding Dresses of Taylor Swift
13 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For pop culture news, media personality Caitlin Green covers the following: Rihanna celebrated Mother's Day with a new tattoo; Noah ...
Phone Bans in Schools Aren't What You Think
13 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Thomas Dee chats about the surprising results from school cell phone bans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/...
Clear Packages, Sell More Products
13 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Marketing researcher Eva Marckhgott explains why clear packaging may help brands sell more desirable products. Learn more about your ad ch...
How Are Teachers Dealing With AI?
13 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Katie Davis from the UW Center for Digital Youth discusses how teachers are reckoning with AI in schools. Learn more about...
Psychotic Delusions and AI
13 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Child and adolescent psychiatrist Amandeep Jutla warns how someone with psychotic delusions might harmfully interact with AI. Learn more a...
FULL EPISODE: Beware the New World Screwworm - May 12, 2026
13 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For pop culture news, media personality Caitlin Green covers the following: Rihanna celebrated Mother's Day with a new tattoo; Noah Kahan performs on ...
Newest UFO Dump from Pentagon
12 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Christian Stepien from The National UFO Reporting Center covers the Pentagon's latest UFO file dump and how we might interpret it. Learn m...
The Issues with AI in Courtrooms
12 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Professor of government Sonali Chakravarti discusses the implications of AI showing up in court cases, and what it would mean if it were used...
Why Endless Scrolling Gets Harder to Stop
12 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychologist Annika Brandtner reveals the addictive nature of endless scrolling and why it gets harder to stop. Learn more about your ad c...
Denmark's Hands-Off Parenting: What to Learn From It
12 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology professor Marie Helweg-Larsen goes over Denmark's 'hands‑off' approach to parenting that could offer a blueprint for raising mor...
The Millennial Daughter Tax
12 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Technology and culture correspondent Katie Notopoulos explains what the 'millennial daughter tax' is, and why it's so terrifying. Learn mo...
FULL EPISODE: The Truth is the UFO Files, Probably - May 11, 2026
12 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Technology and culture correspondent Katie Notopoulos explains what the 'millennial daughter tax' is, and why it's so terrifying. Psychology professor...
The Shortcut to Mars
09 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Astrophysics professor Jesse Rogerson covers the following science news stories: Social media use may reflect stress relief and belonging m...
We Called David's Mom to Discuss Communication
09 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In advance of Mother's Day, David calls his mother to say – based on "science" – how a mom can get their children to call them back. Learn ...
Do 'Fitspiration' Videos Do More Harm Than Good?
09 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Media and psychology researcher (and former Olympic athlete) Valerie Gruest explains how viral 'fitspiration' posts may do more harm than goo...
Is It Wrong to Pay Incarcerated People in Jail?
09 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Criminologist Nancy La Vigne outlines what happened when a Pennsylvania county paid incarcerated people in jail. Learn more about your ad ...
The Benefits of Shared Fright!
09 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Fright-seeker and psychology researcher Jane Wiley discusses how the benefits of frightening activities depend on what you do afterward. L...
Do We Separate the Art From the Artist?
09 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Marketing researcher Daniel Winkler weighs in on whether fans still listen to an artist's music despite their controversies. Learn more ab...
Your Personality Type and Your Sexual Fantasies
09 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Social-personality psychologist William Chopik reveals what your personality traits say about your sexual fantasies. Learn more about your...
FULL EPISODE: Better Conversations For Mother's Day - May 8, 2026
09 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Astrophysics professor Jesse Rogerson covers the following science news stories: Social media use may reflect stress relief and belonging more than ha...
Do AI Companies Respect Privacy?
08 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's Time For Technology Time with tech analyst Carmi Levy who reports on the following stories: Investigation shows OpenAI didn't respect ...
Does Listening to True Crime Make You a Criminal?
08 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology researcher Corinna Perchtold-Stefan explores whether listening to true crime makes you a more creative criminal. Learn more abo...
Why Are Cats Obsessed With Sinks?
08 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On the ambiguously named Vet Talk or Pet Talk, veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford covers the following: New Colorado bill would redefine pets a...
FULL EPISODE: Robots on a Delayed Plane - May 7, 2026
08 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's Time For Technology Time with tech analyst Carmi Levy who reports on the following stories: Investigation shows OpenAI didn't respect privacy law...
Who's Mother's Day Really About?
07 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's Mother's Day Sunday on Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday – confusing, we know – with therapist and social worker Gary Direnfeld who drop...
3D Printed 'Ghost Guns' Might Not Be Untraceable
07 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Forensic chemistry researcher Georgina Sauzier describes how 3D-printed 'ghost guns' are not as untraceable as criminals think. Learn more...
Limiting Social Media Reduces Loneliness
07 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Scientist Dr. Gary Goldfield outlines how limiting social media to one hour a day reduces loneliness in distressed individuals. Learn more...
The Dark Personalities of Gold Diggers
07 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology researcher Lennart Freyth reveals how gold digging is strongly linked to psychopathy and dark personality traits. Learn more ab...
Teens and Online Gambling, the Risks
07 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology professor Steve Joordens discusses the dangers of online gambling and teens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone....
Security Guards and the Real Cost of Safety
07 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Economics researcher Kassandra Hernández from the UC Berkeley Labor Center explains how low wages and poor training put security guard...
A Link Between Eating Meat and Depression, or Lack Thereof
07 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology professor Christopher Hopwood shares details of his study that found no meaningful link between meat consumption and depression...
FULL EPISODE: The Kids Shouldn't Bet - May 6, 2026
07 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Economics researcher Kassandra Hernández from the UC Berkeley Labor Center explains how low wages and poor training put security guards – and the p...
Hantavirus: What You Need to Know
06 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Infectious disease specialist and professor of medicine Dr. Isaac Bogoch tells us about hantavirus and the recent suspected outbreak on a cru...
How the Rich Stay Rich
06 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sociologist Shay O'Brien spells out what kinship interlocks are and explains that they're how the rich stay rich. Learn more about your ad...
Behind the Spirit Airlines Collapse
06 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Breaking news reporter Max Rego goes over the Spirit Airlines collapse, and how it could impact flyers and raise costs for other flights. ...
The Curse of King Tut and the Case of Vanishing Scientists
06 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Professor of conspiracy studies Nathan Radke joins the show for Conspiracy Corner to outline how the curse of King Tut provides a le...
FULL EPISODE: Wash Your Hands - May 5, 2026
06 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Breaking news reporter Max Rego goes over the Spirit Airlines collapse, and how it could impact flyers and raise costs for other flights. Professor of...
Handing Out Bonuses Lowers Performance at Work
05 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Professor of economics Charles Noussair shares his surprising finding that work bonuses can lower self-set goals and reduce performance. L...
Procrastination Shapes Your Life, but Declines With Age
05 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychologist and educational researcher Lisa Bäulke discusses how procrastination declines with age but still shapes major life outcomes ove...
Make a Company's Culture Great
05 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sociologist and management professor Glenn Carroll talks about how great company culture is more than creating a nice place to work. Learn...
Birthday Dinner Alone Quarrel; Public Transit Fare Evader
05 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Economist Moshe Lander tackles some money dilemmas involving a wife planning an unwanted fancy dinner for her husband's birthday,...
Is Jimmy Kimmel Leaving Late Night?
05 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Media personality Caitlin Green speculates whether Jimmy Kimmel will leave ABC when his contract is up. Listen to Caitlin co-host The Jan...
How D&D Can Be Therapy
05 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Anthropology professor Jeffrey Snodgrass explains how tabletop games like D&D act as 'drama therapy in the wild' to boost players' self-conce...
FULL EPISODE: Everything About Procrastination - May 4, 2026
05 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Media personality Caitlin Green speculates whether Jimmy Kimmel will leave ABC when his contract is up. (Listen to Caitlin co-host The Jann Arden P...
Outsourcing Authentic Email Typos to an AI
02 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Technology and culture correspondent Katie Notopoulos unveils the new AI tool that adds typos to your emails, you know… so it looks l...
Do Crypto Traders Lack Financial Savvy?
02 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Accounting professor Jaron Wilde explores whether cryptocurrency traders lack financial savvy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit meg...
How We Talk About Risk
02 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Health sociologist Sara Perlstein dives into the meaning behind everyday conversations we have about risks with people close to us. Learn ...
The Femme Fatale, a Universal Myth
02 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Anthropology professor William Jankowiak reveals that the 'femme fatale' might be a universal myth driven by the fear of romantic deception...
The Ridiculous Shenanigans of Prediction Markets
02 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Joe Ciolli – author of the First Trade newsletter – discusses how the prediction-market gold rush is here, and how the shenanigans are...
Social Media Harms and New Moms
02 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Advertising and public relations professor Ciera Kirkpatrick talks about harms using social media can have on new mothers, and how more reali...
FULL EPISODE: The Incredible Typo Machine - May 1, 2026
02 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Joe Ciolli – author of the First Trade newsletter – discusses how the prediction-market gold rush is here, and how the shenanigans are getting mes...
The Destructive Power of Goldfish
01 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For Vet Talk – or Pet Talk – Dr. Cliff Redford goes over the following: Study argues the T-rex didn't run like a giant reptile, but mor...
What a Basic Income Program Did
01 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Educator Ahna Ballonoff Suleiman from the UC Davis Center for Regional Change explains why a county's basic income program provided rep...
The Cost of Toxic Bosses and How to Avoid Them
01 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Positive psychology researchers Kristina Shea and Christian van Nieuwerburgh go over the cost of toxic leadership in the workplace, and...
Luggage Sorting Robots in Tokyo
01 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For It's Time For Technology Time, tech analyst Carmi Levy covers the following stories: Tumbler Ridge, BC lawsuits filed in California cou...
FULL EPISODE: T-Rex? More Like Ostrich-Rex! April 30, 2026
01 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For It's Time For Technology Time, tech analyst Carmi Levy covers the following stories: Tumbler Ridge, BC lawsuits filed in California court against ...
Easing Car Traffic with Smarter Tech
30 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Professor of transportation Jeff Casello outlines the interesting ways that AI traffic lights can be use to ease congestion. Learn more ab...
AI Chatbot Addiction
30 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Computer science professor Dongwook Yoon reveals how AI chatbots can be extremely addictive, and their design may be partly to blame...
A Conspiracy of Disappearing Scientists; Alternative 3
30 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For Conspiracy Corner, political science professor Lee Kuhnle brings up a forgotten Cold War-era conspiracy theory about scientists disappearing to bu...
The Power of Volunteering
30 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday, therapist Gary Direnfeld fittingly celebrates National Volunteer Week on the wrong week, ...
Fake Medicine, Surprisingly Real Results
30 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology professor Diletta Barbiani reports the surprisingly real results that fake (placebo) medicine has on the memory and stress l...
Why Being Certain About Your Love Matters
30 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychological scientist Andy Luttrell explains how certainty in your feelings toward your partner predicts relationship happiness and m...
FULL EPISODE: Are You Sure You're Sure About Me? - April 29, 2026
30 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology professor Diletta Barbiani reports the surprisingly real results that fake (placebo) medicine has on the memory and stress levels of ...
Informal Leaders Trigger the Boss's Jealousy
29 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Business professor Lingtao Yu discusses how informal leaders trigger jealousy in their bosses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit meg...
Autonomy: The Key to Happiness
29 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology researcher Jason Payne shares details of his study that found autonomy is the key to happiness. Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...
Crowded Supermarket Aisles Make You Shop Less
29 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Consumer scientist Mathias Streicher outlines how clearing crowded supermarket aisles can boost product sales. Learn more about your ad ch...
The (Futile) Dread of Talking About Money
29 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Marketing professor Ximena Garcia-Rada reveals why couples may be wrong to dread talking about money. Learn more about your ad choices. Vi...
Can Warning Videos Weaken Misinformation?
29 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Misinformation and conspiracy theory researcher Mikey Biddlestone raises the question of whether warning videos can blunt misinformation. ...
Bad People Are Less Attractive
29 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Experimental psychology researcher Braden Hall outlines how even highly antagonistic people find immoral peers physically u...
FULL EPISODE: Even Jerks Don't Find Jerks Hot - April 28, 2026
29 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Marketing professor Ximena Garcia-Rada reveals why couples may be wrong to dread talking about money. Experimental psychology researcher Brad...
Dating During Inflation
28 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Given the cost of everything going up with inflation, Bela Gandhi from the Smart Dating Academy explains how to date without throwing away...
The Kids Don't Trust Democracy
28 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology professor Manos Tsakiris shares details of his study finding 12 to 17 year-olds are willing to engage with democracy, but feel anx...
Should You Tell Your Boss You Went to Prison?
28 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Management professor Lawrence Houston III reveals how surprisingly, voluntarily disclosing former incarceration may help one's job prospects...
The Power of Video Game Nostalgia
28 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Lecturers who teach video game design and production Alan Stewart and Peter Howell cover the power of video game nostalgia, and how it ...
The Ex Files: A Summer House Divided
28 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Media personality and reality TV aficionado Caitlin Green gives the scoop on the current drama with Summer House, and says why Gen Z is...
AI Companions: Always There. Never Real.
28 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
AI ethics researcher Oluwaseun Sanwoolu discusses how AI companions can give constant support, but distort ideas about what a relationship re...
FULL EPISODE: The Comfort Audio Club - April 27, 2026
28 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Media personality and reality TV aficionado Caitlin Green gives the scoop on the current drama with Summer House, and says why Gen Z is swapping dooms...
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...