The Last Show with David Cooper
Episodes
Could Star Eating Microbes Exist?
27 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Computational biologist Nicholas Chia discusses whether the fictional star-eating 'astrophage' bacteria from sci-fi movie Project Hail Mary coul...
Dating Simulator Helps With Romance
27 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology professor Ghayda Hassan details her testing of an AI dating simulator to help chronically single men practice romantic skills. ...
FULL EPISODE: Have You Considered Dating a Robot? - March 26, 2026
27 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On It's Time For Technology Time, tech analyst Carmi Levy covers the following news stories: The US government just banned consumer routers made outsi...
An Astrobiologist on Project Hail Mary
26 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Straight from outer space (not actually), astrobiologist Sarah Rugheimer shares her take on blockbuster Project Hail Mary with David. Che...
Neutrality Improves Group Decisions
26 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Professor of mathematical biology and public engagement Kit Yates dives into what locusts teach us about how neutrality can speed up and stab...
Dave Cooper the Gaydio Breakfast Host
26 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's a rare find in our quest to interview people with the same name as your host: radio host Dave Cooper who is a presenter of a show called ...
On Mid-Life Crises
26 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
With his 40th birthday on the horizon, David discusses mid-life crises with social worker and therapist Gary Direnfeld on Therapy Thursdays on a...
Guaranteed Pay For Delivery Drivers Doesn't Exactly Work
26 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Economics professor Andrew Garin reveals how Seattle tried to guarantee higher pay for delivery drivers, and why it didn't work as intended...
Social Media Influencers and Misinformation
26 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Marketing professor Giandomenico Di Domenico (GD) explains how social media influencers increase the toxicity and power of misinformation....
FULL EPISODE: Rock Aliens and Sun Microbes - March 25, 2026
26 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Straight from outer space (not actually), astrobiologist Sarah Rugheimer shares her take on blockbuster Project Hail Mary with David. (Check out Sarah...
Seals Risk Death For a Varied Meal
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Arctic scientist Katie Florko describes how seals will risk death by a polar bear for a varied meal. Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...
Strange Titanic Conspiracies
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Professor of conspiracy studies Nathan Radke joins the show for Conspiracy Corner and goes over the strange and weird conspiracies surrounding t...
Legal Jargon in Court Means More Guilty Verdicts
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Advertising professor Olivia Bullock explains how legal jargon increases guilty verdicts and reduces trust in the judicial system. Learn m...
Gender Conformity Starts Young
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology professor Adam Stanaland reveals how gender conformity starts young, and how boys and girls fall in line in different ways. Lea...
Dolls vs. Tablets: What's Better For Children
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Developmental psychologist Sarah Gerson outlines how children playing with dolls beats out tablets when it comes to helping them build social...
FULL EPISODE: Risk Your Life For Fish - March 24, 2026
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Professor of conspiracy studies Nathan Radke joins the show for Conspiracy Corner and goes over the strange and weird conspiracies surrounding the sin...
Big Flatus Reveal; Don't Know Why She Swallow the Botfly - Dan Riskin
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Science man and bat biologist Dan Riskin joins us for a very special podcast-only episode of The Science Appliance. David unleashes huge news about hi...
The Math Behind Fashion's Cycles
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Mathematician Emma Zajdela unveils the math behind why clothes come back in style in 20 year cycles. Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...
The Mormon Housewives and Bachelorette Scandal
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Media personality Caitlin Green – co-host of The Jann Arden Podcast – fills us in on the scoop with The Bachelorette being canceled...
Independent Children: A Double-Edged Sword
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Therapist Laurel van der Toorn tackles a parental dilemma where one raises their child to be independent and successful, and when they are th...
Teaching Students to Struggle Despite AI
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
English professor Kristi Girdharry outlines her new task for students in the age of AI: teaching them when to struggle. Learn more about y...
Why We Love Easter Eggs in Entertainment
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Mass communications professor Judy Watts shares how finding Easter eggs in entertainment boosts enjoyment and fan behavior. Learn more abo...
FULL EPISODE: Bell-Bottoms May Never Die - March 23, 2026
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Media personality Caitlin Green – co-host of The Jann Arden Podcast – fills us in on the scoop with The Bachelorette being canceled. Mathematician...
Gen Z Isn't Dating. Now They're Unprepared For Work.
21 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology professor Tessa West outlines how Gen Z is dating less and how the result is one of the most unprepared workforces. Learn more ...
Louis: International Smuggler With Whiskers
21 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Deb Tate, the owner of legend Louis the cat, tells David about her viral US-Canada border-hopping feline who comes and goes as he pleases. Learn...
Trigger Warning: Our Psychological Response
21 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology researcher Hannah Willems describes how the wording of a trigger warning changes our psychological response. Learn more about y...
Problem Gambling and Suicidal Thoughts
21 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology professor Steve Joordens talks through a study showing the risk factors for suicidal thoughts in people with gambling problems...
To Tax the Bots or Not
21 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Economics professors Eric Kam and Moshe Lander assess whether it's a good idea to tax AI chatbots that take jobs. Eric and Moshe go ...
Should Cats Be Allowed to Roam?
21 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Ecology and conservation scientist Chris Lepczyk explains what the science has to say about whether you should let your cat roam the streets...
FULL EPISODE: Border Jumping (Cat) Burglar - March 20, 2026
21 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Deb Tate, the owner of legend Louis the cat, tells David about her viral US-Canada border-hopping feline who comes and goes as he pleases. Psychology ...
Dads and Jokes and Dad Jokes
20 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology professor Jean-François Bureau explains how laughter plays a unique role in building a secure father-child relationship. Learn...
Extreme Heat's Effect On Wildlife
20 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Marine ecology professor Julia Baum discusses how extreme heat has extreme effects on wildlife, but that some species actually like it hot...
Pain During Sex and Speaking Up
20 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology researchers Terri Fisher and Mary Bullard outlines how a surprising number of men suffer pain during sex but are less likely than ...
The Problem With ChatGPT's Erotic Mode
20 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Tech analyst Carmi Levy joins David for It's Time For Technology Time and covers these news stories: European retailers yank popular headph...
Difficult People Age You
20 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sociology professor Brea Perry reveals how the difficult people in your life might be making you biologically older. Learn more about your...
On French Horn and Resilience
20 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For The Last Show's continuing search for other people named David Cooper, we find one who plays French horn with the LA Philharmonic who talks ...
FULL EPISODE: Naughty Mode - March 19, 2026
20 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Tech analyst Carmi Levy joins David for It's Time For Technology Time and covers these news stories: European retailers yank popular headphones after ...
Her AI Boyfriend: Falling in Love and Getting Intimate
19 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Author Sarah Griffin joins the program as Sarah reveals how she fell in love (and gets intimate) with her AI boyfriend Sinclair. Learn mor...
The 2025 UFO Survey Results
19 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On Conspiracy Corner, political science professor Lee Kuhnle and David go over the results from the 2025 Canadian UFO Survey – notwithstanding...
Bear Sightings on the Rise: Here's Why
19 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford stops in for Pet Talk or Vet Talk covering animal-related stories: You're not alone if you spotted a bear la...
How to Express Gratitude and Appreciation
19 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday, therapist and social worker Gary Direnfeld chats about strategies for expressing gratitude and appreciatio...
FULL EPISODE: So You're In Love With a Robot - March 18, 2026
19 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On Conspiracy Corner, political science professor Lee Kuhnle and David go over the results from the 2025 Canadian UFO Survey – notwithstanding the H...
Having a Crush on Your Therapist
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Therapist Laurel van der Toorn talks through the surprisingly common, but definitely uncomfortable ...
Socioeconomic Status Alters Your Brain Structure
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Genetic epidemiology researcher Dr. David Hill discusses how socioeconomic status is linked to white matter changes in the brain, which can s...
Fantastic Fungi Freeze Water, Control the Weather
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Chemistry professor Konrad Meister amazes David by revealing a previously unrecognized fantastic fungi found with the ability to fre...
Asexual Partner Preferences
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Personality researcher Paula Bange outlines how asexual women tend to prioritize different traits in a partner compared to heterosexual women...
Why Child Prodigies Rarely Become Great Adults
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sports science professor Arne Güllich shares details of his study showing why child prodigies rarely become elite performers. Learn more ...
How Vegans Navigate Social Situations
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Associate professor of marketing Aya Aboelenien explains how vegans develop complex skills to navigate an omnivorous society. ...
FULL EPISODE: Ice, Ice, Fungus! - March 17, 2026
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Chemistry professor Konrad Meister amazes David by revealing a previously unrecognized fantastic fungi found with the ability to freeze water...
Seasonal Affective Disorder in the Spring
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Just like during the darker months, psychiatry professor Jared W. Young explains how for people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), more ...
Your Dark Personality and Your Career
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology researcher Lea de Hesselle reveals how dark personality levels relate to people's job interests and chosen careers. Learn more ...
You Remember Music, Not Why You Entered the Room
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Anatomy professor Michelle Spear details why you can remember every word of a song from 25 years ago, but not why you walked into the room...
So You Want AI Compute as Compensation?
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Tech reporter Alistair Barr goes over the new idea Silicon Valley is buzzing about: AI compute as compensation. Learn more about you...
Exploitative People Treat You Like an Object
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Organizational psychology professor Jolanta Babiak describes how entitled and exploitative people are more likely to treat others as objects...
The 2026 Oscars Rundown
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Media personality Caitlin Green and David go over the 2026 Academy Awards and discuss the dark world of popcorn bucket merch. Liste...
FULL EPISODE: Jerks and Jobs - March 16, 2026
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Media personality Caitlin Green and David go over the 2026 Academy Awards and discuss the dark world of popcorn bucket merch. (Listen to Caitlin co-ho...
Raccoon Reasoning Research Revealed
14 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The world's foremost raccoon scientist – according to David, anyway – animal behavior and cognition researcher Hannah Griebling shares detai...
$800 to Bully an AI
14 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Leadership and workplace reporter Ana Altchek tells us why a company wants to pay you $800 to bully AI for a day. Learn more about your ad...
Housefishing
14 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Real estate reporter Jordan Pandy explains how homebuyers have another thing to worry about: 'housefishing'. Learn more about your ad choi...
Does the 'Cry It Out' Strategy Work?
14 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Developmental psychology professor Dr. Dieter Wolke outlines the clash psychologists have over the 'cry it out' parenting strategy. Learn ...
Being Kind in a Complex World
14 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology professor James Coan reveals why being nice matters in a complex world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/ad...
Genes We Share With Golden Retrievers
14 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On Vet Talk or Pet Talk (we're unclear on the segment's exact name), veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford covers animal related stories: Golden R...
FULL EPISODE: Trash Panda Puzzles - March 13, 2026
14 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Real estate reporter Jordan Pandy explains how homebuyers have another thing to worry about: 'housefishing'. The world's foremost raccoon scientist –...
Don't Waste Time with Dating App Filters, How to Find Love
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology professor Paul Eastwick – co-host of the Love Factually podcast – challenges the idea that...
Why Misinformation Feels So Good to Share
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Urban researcher Wes Regan reveals why misinformation feels so good to share, and what to do about it. Learn more about your ad choices. V...
Where Does the Libido Gap Myth Come From?
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology and brain science researcher Diana Peragine shares details of her study challenging beliefs on the 'libido gap' between men and wo...
Reactions to an RFK Food Pyramid Experiment
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Senior correspondent at Business Insider Emily Stewart describes how her RFK diet experiment went viral, and the backlash that turned i...
No Headphones on a Plane? Lifetime Ban For You!
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Tech analyst Carmi Levy joins David for It's Time For Technology Time covering stories: United Airlines can permanently ban passengers who ...
Smart Underwear To Measure Your Farts
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
David hails microbiologist and professor Brantley Hall as one of the greatest scientific minds of our time. Brantley outlines why he created ...
FULL EPISODE: How to Find Love, Off-App - March 12, 2026
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology professor Paul Eastwick – co-host of the Love Factually podcast – challenges the idea that dating app fil...
Self-Awareness, The Key to AI
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Economics professor Andrew Caplin explains how to improve your performance at work with AI: by understanding your own strengths and weaknesse...
What is Happiness?
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Philosophy professor Anné Verhoef sketches out what exactly happiness is. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hairdressers, Secret Weapon in Tackling Climate Change
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Social scientist Sam Hampton reveals a secret weapon in tackling climate change: hairdressers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit meg...
Black Mirror Becomes True; Predictions Markets, Our Downfall
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For Conspiracy Corner, professor of conspiracy studies Nathan Radke and David discuss the times that the near-future predicted by TV show Bla...
FULL EPISODE: AI and Why Self-Awareness Never Hurts - March 10, 2026
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Social scientist Sam Hampton reveals a secret weapon in tackling climate change: hairdressers. Economics professor Andrew Caplin explains how to impro...
Banning Pajamas on Flights and The Oscars
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
With Tampa International Airport's social media fueling the fire of the great pajamas and Crocs on airplanes debate, David weighs in with Ca...
Natural Food Labels: Misleading or Not?
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Economist and professor Christoph Bauner reveals how 'natural' and 'healthy' food labels may mislead consumers. Learn more about your ad ...
The Science of Online Infidelity
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Social psychology researcher Dylan Selterman explains the psychology of Ashley Madison and the science of online infidelity. Learn more ab...
Thinking of Switching Chatbots?
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Business news reporter Henry Chandonnet describes what you'd gain or lose from switching chatbot platforms. Learn more about your ad choic...
Swipe Right, but Safer
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Health professor Diana Parry gives an overview of a new safety map that aims to help people navigate risks on dating apps . Learn more...
FULL EPISODE: Crocs on a Plane - March 9, 2026
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
With Tampa International Airport's social media fueling the fire of the great pajamas and Crocs on airplanes debate, David weighs in with Caitlin Gre...
Relationships and Their Role in Jealousy
07 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology professor Mikhila Wildey explains how your relationship dynamic plays a bigger role in jealousy than your personality. Learn mo...
Targeted Digital Ads and Their Creepiness
07 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Marketing professor Harley Krohmer outlines why digital targeting creeps out customers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone....
Messy Money Matters with Groceries and a Roommate's Girlfriend
07 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Economics professor Eric Kam and David attack some messy money matters involving a grocery-eating roommate and their girlfriend, ...
Grieving a Pet
07 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Veterinarian and author Nadja Lubiw-Hazard tackles the problem of how to grieve a beloved pet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone...
Artemis Moon Program Shake-up
07 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's news from outer space and professor Sarah Rugheimer with the slightly disappointing NASA announcement of a big shake‑up within t...
Talking to Teens With Dangerous Thoughts
07 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Motivated by Instagram alerting parents if their teens search for harmful content, psychology professor Steve Joordens and David discus...
FULL EPISODE: You Jelly, Bro? Try a New Relationship - March 6, 2026
07 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's news from outer space and professor Sarah Rugheimer with the slightly disappointing NASA announcement of a big shake‑up within the Artemi...
Don't Clip My Wings, You Cockroach!
06 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's Vet Talk (but also Pet Talk) with veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford, who covers these stories: Cockroaches that eat each other's wings be...
The Social Side of Gamer Spaces
06 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Anthropology professor Mattias van Ommen outlines how competitive gaming on Discord fosters social connections. Learn more about your ad c...
The Side-By-Side Bias Fix
06 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychology professor Christiane Spitzmueller explains that decision-making nudges can improve racial equity in tenure decisions. Learn mor...
Disinformation and Misinformation Running Rampant
06 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 la...
Lonely? Careful, There's an App for That
06 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Philosophy professor Robert Sparrow shares his thoughts on how AI imaginary friends (companions) are no substitute for human connection. L...
FULL EPISODE: Your Robot Companion Isn't All That - March 5, 2026
06 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 exclus...
When to Stop Eating Before Bed
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dietician, health coach, and author Jess Cording reveals what time you should stop eating before bed for heart health. Then, Jess shares s...
Animals in TV and Film Today
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Media and culture studies professor Cynthia Chris discusses whether or not animals have a future on Hollywood sets. Learn more about your ...
The Anatomy of Angry Online Comments
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Communications studies professor Ben Clarke shares his analysis showing that hate is more common in early online article comments. Learn m...
Slavic Languages and Literatures or Something
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Last Show continued its search for people with the same name as its host and found a Slavic languages and literatures professor named David Coo...
FULL EPISODE: Step Aside, Lassie! - March 4, 2026
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Communications studies professor Ben Clarke shares his analysis showing that hate is more common in early online article comments. Media and culture s...
Romance and Sex Don't Decrease With Age
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Human development and family studies professor Lauren Harris explains how romance and sexual intimacy don't diminish with age. Learn more ...