This Is Going Well, I Think With David Cooper

It's the inaugural podcast-only Science Appliance bonus show with science communicator Dr. Daniel K. Riskin, Ph.D., DVD, RSVP. (Disclaimer: Dan says he only has some of those credentials.) Science stories covered: Scandal rocks the intriguing world of rock-skipping; To avoid mosquitoes: avoid beer, weed, and sex (and possibly rock-skipping competitions); and The rise of rodents was thanks to their thumbs. (Click here to sign up for Dan's newsletter, The Bat Signal.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Foreign correspondent Tony Five closes off his trip to Croatia by reporting on the Florida woman who punched a gator to save her dog. Researcher in human understanding of algorithms and machines Prof. Dr. Nils Köbis explains how offloading our tasks to AI can increase dishonest behavior. Anthropology professor Dr. Jeffrey Cohen educates us on the tasty Oaxacan tradition of eating grasshoppers. (Check out Jeff's book on the topic here.) Stand-up comedian Ashwyn Singh chats about comedy and his upcoming tour. Economist Dr. Eric Kam reveals the secrets to attaining good credit. Retail analyst Bruce Winder discusses whether 'fortress stores' are a good experience for consumers. Communication, media, and film professor Dr. Aidan Moir describes how 'deinfluencing' shapes how we think about shopping and our economy. Marketing professor ⁠Kaitlin Woolley⁠ explains ⁠what really keeps people committed to long-term goals⁠. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:22) Tony Five (10:00) Prof. Dr. Nils Köbis (20:00)

From Croatia, foreign correspondent Tony Five covers: Finger-based spite architecture; and Strip club executives allegedly bribed tax auditor to avoid paying millions of dollars in taxes. Psychology professor Dr. Michael Varnum reveals that sisters often display more aggression than brothers toward their siblings. On It's Time For Technology Time, tech expert Carmi Levy goes over the following stories: Using your phone on the toilet may dramatically increase your risk of hemorrhoids; Hacker breaks into on-campus smart washing machines; Amazon drivers could be wearing AR glasses with a built-in display next year; and Get ready to see more AI on YouTube. Professor of pediatrics Dr. Jason Nagata explains what "bigorexia" is and how to spot the signs. Toronto-based comedian Natalie Norman talks about being recognized in public where you wouldn't want to be. Addictions counselor Yonah Budd discusses how you can support a loved one you believe has an addiction. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:17) Tony

Foreign correspondent Tony Five reports on a British Columbia man charged with drunk driving while operating a children's Barbie Jeep at 5mph. David appeals to Tony not to let hearing horrible news weigh him down. On Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday, therapist and social worker Gary Direnfeld describes a conversation he had with his wife concerning bread – and how it could have gone very wrong. Gary and David discuss when being too nice of a parent goes bad. Human-robot interaction researcher Lauren Wright shares how robots could help kids conquer reading anxiety. Moral philosophy professor Pia Campeggiani reveals how students rate identical lectures differently based on their professor's gender. Economist Tom Lane and David debate how complete honesty on your resume might not always be the best policy. Population health researcher ⁠Dr. Anna Kenyon⁠ makes ⁠a science-backed case for doing nothing and shares how letting your mind wander can reset your brain⁠. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:45) Ton

UK-based Tony Five reports live from Croatia on the emotional support alligator that's no longer welcome at a Pennsylvania Walmart, and then David analyzes a dream Tony had. On Conspiracy Corner, Dr. Lee Kuhnle describes a few times when the CIA used sex, pornography, and sex dolls to run real-world operations. (⁠⁠⁠Check out Lee's podcast The Uncover Up here⁠⁠⁠.) Marshall Cunningham from University of Chicago's Divinity School discusses how religion comes into play with video game Grand Theft Auto. English professor Dr. Patrick Jagoda brings up how video games can be used for social good, and the role of them in higher education. (Patrick is helping organize the Year of Games at University of Chicago.) After that, it's reporter ⁠Matthew Alston⁠⁠ on the things that might make Gen Z quit a job. Psychology professor Dr. Yeeun Archer Lee goes over her research on how lonely, socially anxious people see benefit from small acts of kindness. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:35) Tony Five pt. 1 (10:00)

The show opens with Vet Talk or Pet Talk with Dr. Cliff Redford discussing the following pet-related topics: What owning a cat does to your brain (and theirs); Diagnostic system developed for identifying ADHD-suspected dog; and Dog spots suitcases being packed, what he does next changes everything. Pop culture writer Callie Ahlgrim explains how weaponized incompetence is back, and that it's driving modern women out of their marriages. Gloria Kostadinova tells the story of the 95 year-old solo traveler she sat next to on an international flight who's now her pen pal, teaching her a lot about life. In the search for a hobby for foreign correspondent Tony Five, listener Lauren pitches hobby horsing. Urban innovation researcher Andrew Irvin tells David why it's time for a new orbital activity treaty governing the ever-increasing number of satellites. Marketing and behavioral science professor Dr. Yanwen Wang reveals how AI salespeople aren't better than humans... yet. Dr. Søren Dinesen Østergaard⁠ goes over ⁠his

Foreign correspondent Tony Five describes a lizard that gave birth without mating in the UK. Astrophysicist ⁠Dr. Jesse Rogerson⁠ answers David's questions about 3I/ATLAS, the interstellar comet moving through our solar system. Media and communications researcher M. Sebih Oruç explains why you should put down your phone and engage in boredom, and how philosophy can help with digital overload. Therapist Laurel van der Toorn outlines why parallel play is the ultimate couple skill. Sociology professor Brad Wilcox reveals that people are having less sex than ever. Psychiatrist Dr. Awais Aftab defines the "Rumpelstiltskin effect," that is the surprising power of simply receiving a diagnosis. Amanda Silberling from TechCrunch describes an unlikely lawsuit: Mark Zuckerberg vs. Mark Zuckerberg. Astrophysicist Dr. Rhiannon Udall tells David about the recent discovery of the loudest ever black hole. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:47) Tony Five (10:00) Dr. Jesse Rogerson (20:00) M. Sebih Oruç (30:

Foreign correspondent ⁠Tony Five⁠ announces ⁠a new koala chlamydia vaccine⁠ (seriously) and then talks about how he was trapped in Boston on 9/11. Associate professor of psychology Dr. Anna Weinberg explains how students with overprotective parents are more vulnerable to anxiety during their transition to university. On It's Time For Technology Time, Carmi Levy covers: Majority of middle-income people not interested in using AI for financial advice; Apple's iPhone Air event; and Google admits the open web is in rapid decline. Research professor in applied science at William and Mary Dr. Joel S. Levine describes how fifty years ago NASA sent two spacecraft to search for life on Mars and how their findings are still discussed today. Cris Moore from the Santa Fe Institute questions whether courts can safeguard fairness when using AI. On Pop Cultured, Like Fungus, media personality Caitlin Green chats about filling in for David, the Banksy mural fiasco in the UK, and the cryptic child birth at Burning Man. (List

Things kick off with foreign correspondent Tony Five and the show's technical producer Adam Karch going over the recent Apple Event. Tony dispenses some hobby-based advice on Advice For Your Tomorrow's Self, Yesterday (AFY-TSY). Financial coach Michael Madden explains why he collects rent from his 6 year-old daughter every month. Then, it's social psychologist Kristina Castaneto on why reluctance to reach out to old friends is a common experience, but how reconnecting can pay off. Behavioral scientist Dr. Lucía Macchia reveals the shockingly strong link between loneliness and physical pain. On Therapy Thursdays on a Wednesday, Gary Direnfeld welcomes David back from Burning Man, discusses David's recent sobriety milestone, and touches upon World Suicide Prevention Day. Journalist Kelli María Korducki outlines the rise of executive function coaches. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:35) Tony Five & Adam Karch (10:00) Tony Five (20:00) Michael Madden (30:00) Kristina Castaneto (39:50) Dr.

Foreign correspondent Tony Five shares an odd dream. Dr. Cameron Piercy discusses how artificial intelligence loses out to humans in credibility during corporate crisis responses. On Pet Talk (or Vet Talk), Dr. Cliff Redford covers: An attorney offering free pet prenups; Social media linked to a rise in abandoned large dogs; and Unhinged pet sitter instructions. On Sex, Et Cetera, sexual health and consent educator Samantha Bitty brings up the cuffing pre-season. Social-environmental epidemiologist Mark Ferguson describes the problems with one third of children not playing outdoors after school. Event planner Rayven Crisafulli gives an overview of micro weddings. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:13) Tony Five (10:00) Dr. Cameron Piercy (20:00) Dr. Cliff Redford pt. 1 (30:00) Dr. Cliff Redford pt. 2 (39:50) Samantha Bitty pt. 1 (49:50) Samantha Bitty pt. 2 (59:50) Mark Ferguson (1:09:50) Rayven Crisafulli (1:19:19) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone

Host David Cooper returns from vacation at The Burning Man festival⁠ and discusses it with foreign correspondent ⁠Tony Five. On ⁠Noah vs. The Unknown⁠, TV personality ⁠Noah Cappe⁠ and David chat about the strange Tunguska event. Future-of-work reporter ⁠Tim Paradis describes how applying for jobs has never been easier and why that's a problem. Senior economics reporter Juliana Kaplan shares how millennials and Gen Z in their first jobs out of college might actually tell the story of the economy. David celebrates his 6 years of sobriety from alcohol with addiction expert Yonah Budd. Psychology and AI researcher David Saeteros reveals the catch with AI's personality-reading powers. Sociology researcher Zosia Cooper explains that Gen Z is the most investment-savvy generation. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:46) Tony Five pt. 1 (10:00) Tony Five pt. 2 (20:00) Noah Cappe (30:00) Tim Paradis (39:50) Juliana Kaplan (49:50) Yonah Budd (59:50) David Saeteros (1:09:50) Zosia Cooper

Today's guests with fill-in host Caitlin Green: Carmi Levi Lori Dyan Lisa Rideout Tracy & Martina Dr. Lee Kuhnle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight on The Last Show, Caitlin Green is in for David Cooper

On today’s episode of The Last Show with David Cooper, guest host Caitlin Green takes the mic for a mix of humor, culture, and big ideas. UK Correspondent Tony 5 joins for the first-ever round of Happy, Sad or Mad and a chat about the comfort shows we can’t stop watching. TikTok star, comedian, and drag performer Tom Hearn drops in to talk about his viral Ina Garten impressions and the evolving world of digital comedy in 2025. Caitlin also speaks with Jason Comely, creator of the social self-help game Rejection Therapy, about how facing rejection can actually change your life. And finally, cultural historian Christopher Gleason shares insights from his book American Poly and explains why polyamory is having such a moment in pop culture. Important Links: https://www.rejectiontherapy.com/about-rejection-therapy https://global.oup.com/academic/product/american-poly-9780197659144?cc=ca&lang=en& https://www.isthattomhearn.com https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2024/01/01/american-poly-christopher-gleason-bo

It’s Fun and Frivolity Friday on The Last Show! Caitlin Green is in for David Cooper and kicks things off with media personality, podcaster, and TikTok star Jax Irwin, who shares the story behind the runaway success of her East Coast Cold Calls and what it’s like being a digital creator in 2025. Then, entertainment host and podcaster Danielle Graham joins to unpack the latest Taylor Swift fan theories — yes, including that Super Bowl rumor. Next, if you’re desperate for a decent night’s rest, sleep expert Alanna McGinn offers advice and science-backed tips to finally help you sleep better. And finally, therapist Laurel Van Der Toorn breaks down the trending therapy term EMDR — what it means, how it works, and why people are talking about it. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:20) Jax Irwin pt. 1 (10:00) Jax Irwin pt. 2 (20:00) Danielle Graham pt. 1 (30:00) Danielle Graham pt. 2 (39:50) Alanna McGinn pt. 1 (49:50) Alanna McGinn pt. 2 (59:50) Laurel Van Der Toorn pt. 1 (1:09:50) L