This Is Going Well, I Think With David Cooper

Today, David was tackling some homework in advance of the radio he does at the Burning Man event on Burning Man Information Radio (BMIR 94.5 FM). In the spirit of that, here's an archive clip from one of his shows on that station that includes David's girlfriend Miranda, George Stroumboulopoulos, and a "fungus hippie." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we bring you everything you wanted to know (and lots you probably didn't) from Dr. Penis, a plastic surgeon specializing in penis injections, whose real name is Dr. Norman Rowe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, David seeks free medical advice about his bowel problems from gastroenterologist Dr. Benjamin Schmidt. Dr. Schmidt answers the question: How many bowel movements a day is normal? We discover the reasons why the doctor chose to specialize in gastroenterology. Additionally, we get a brief overview of the genetic history of bacteria within the gut. Surprisingly, we learn that travel may have a positive effect on one's stomach. Then, David addresses his anal fissure issues, putting them to final rest. (Also: botox in your butt?! What?!) The two discuss Crohn's disease and how being an "anxious pooper" might not be terribly bad for your health. Dr. Schmidt shares some colorful stories from his experiences as a doctor. David explains what "lemur poop coffee" is – yes, it's a real thing. Dr. Schmidt also talks about the videos he's been working on and introduces us to "gut hypnotherapy". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Once upon a time, David told a mediocre joke so many times on the radio that he got complaints. Rather than just stop telling it, he held a 22-minute funeral for it. Here's that funeral, from the archive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Toronto-based comedian Natalie Norman joins David for a salacious conversation about masturbation, edging, pornography, and sex toys – including the Hitachi Magic Wand and the (poorly named) Womanizer. Somewhere in the discussion, Natalie confirms she'll be cat-sitting for David and asks if she can have sex in his apartment. Shifting gears while discussing the Burning Man event, the tone becomes somewhat serious as the two cover drug addiction, and mixing drugs and stand-up comedy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's science time! Evolutionary biologist Dan Riskin joins David to inform us that rattlesnakes enjoy cuddling. Then, it's tangent time as they discuss the fables of The Tortoise and the Hare, The Scorpion and the Frog, and a terrifying tarantula story – during which Riskin crescendos to profanity (bleeped by request). Due to Dan's use of the f-word, the two engage in a conversation about profanity in broadcasting. Additionally, one of the most best TV news moments is brought up: Mike Tyson swearing on live television. Somewhere amidst this chaotic episode, two more science news items emerge: people's willingness to endure pain in order to learn more quickly, and how helping young people feel competent and purposeful – not just happy – may improve grades. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

French horn player David Cooper joins host David Cooper today (yes, it's confusing, we know). The musician discusses his upcoming departure from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Both Davids delve into failures and the loss of labels while trying to focus on creative work. David, the French horn player, reflects on his recently completed teaching stint and reveals a few potential career opportunities he's contemplating. The two engage in a conversation about resilience and bravery. (The host manages to slip in his favorite quote from The Bhagavad Gita once again.) The Davids share their thoughts on what it truly means to be unstoppable – drawing inspiration from a French horn teacher and the wise words of Rick Moranis. The show ends with the Davids professing their love for one another. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, it's Chicago-based food writer Dennis Lee, the creator of Food Is Stupid. Dennis asks David how he's been since they last spoke. Then, the overarching topic for a serious conversation: What does it mean to do something as a creative? (The two get sidetrack down a smell-based rabbit hole.) Dennis shares how he got started as an independent creator. They talk about how comparing yourself to others is a trap. Dennis somehow relates a deep discussion about creativity to creating an insane sandwich containing every possible ingredient... the pain au pain. Robots taking over our jobs comes up. The show ends with a couple of humblebrags and a ponderance on poop. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sexual health and consent educator Samantha Bitty joins David as he goes off about bad first impressions. Samantha talks about the Netflix series The Ultimatum: Queer Love. The two go over what "compersion" means, as well as other topics in polyamory and non-monogamy. They dive into some silly stuff, like a game of Would You Rather? Sex Edition, and have fun with "eggcorns." The conversation then turns to an interesting question: Would you rather problematic comedy not exist, or are you fine with simply not supporting it? And an even more important question arises: Is Larry David sexy? Samantha discusses how she's living a Celibacy Light™ lifestyle, and the duo resolve to stay in better touch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Therapy Thursdays... on a Thursday?! Social worker Gary Direnfeld catches up with David without realizing the podcast has started. Then, there's an update on the Direnfeld v. Electrolux saga. Afterwards, Gary gives us insight into a harrowing hit-and-run car accident he was the victim of - he's okay! David mentions how his therapist blindsided him by suggesting he stop drinking non-alcoholic beer. Gary ends the show by sharing an anecdote about the difference between feeling unsafe and uncomfortable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, an interview with the eccentric, elusive, and erotic fiction writer Chuck Tingle takes place. With titles such as Creamed In The Butt By My Handsome Living Corn, Chuck has become a cult figure in the wacky world of the Internet. He is here to spread an important message: love is real. Chuck explains what the "Tingleverse" is and how he navigates various timelines. He enlightens David about the meaning of a buckaroo. We delve into the story of his frozen wife, Barbara. He elaborates on the four categories of erotic fiction he writes (with each eliciting a tingle down your spine). We gain insight into his perspectives on tolerance and intolerance. Chuck touches upon his creative process, and he and David discuss neurodivergency. The interview end with Chuck recommending where people can start exploring his extensive body of work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Insane footage of a footage of a Royal Caribbean cruise passenger surviving a fall from the 10th floor deck prompts David to discuss why on Earth anyone would ever go on one of the things. Broadcaster and cruise enthusiast Iain Grant of Ask The Experts joins for that conversation. The discussion also hits some wacky notes: anal fissures (of course), circumcision, and swingers. The episode ends with Iain confronting David about interviewing a "stripper clown." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, a mini-episode! David's hoping to bring interactivity to This Is Going Well, I Think. David shares what he misses about having a more interactive show and ponders how to bring and element of it to this one. If you have any thoughts or ideas on the subject, email David at david@jew.pizza. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Things begin with Tony Five berating David for showing up late to the podcast taping. Tony brings up how the UK's civil servants are coming out against bullying. The two attack the deep question, "Why are people prejudiced?" – only they do it in the dumbest possible way. David shares what he thought when he broke the news that Russia had invaded Ukraine on commercial radio. The conversation turns to "selective outrage" in the media. David likens the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to his divorce. Then, another deep question arises: "If you gave children weapons, would they behave as badly as adults?" The duo discuss why doom scrolling may be a terrible idea. The show ends with a cliffhanger: "Is poo racist?" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Things are obviously not going well. Whatever this is, it involves fungus. Promise! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford engages with David, discussing the differences between being a doctor for animals vs. people. During their conversation, anal fissures come up (of course), leading to a discussion about an organ that many animals possess but humans do not: anal glands. They also discuss his film Dr. Cliff Worldwide Vet, which will be screened at the NYC TV Festival on July 17, 2023. Then a serious discussion. In the context of Hurricane Katrina and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: If you help pets, you help people. Cliff shares his personal journey of combining his roles as a veterinarian and a performer. Dr. Cliff then flips the script and interviews David, who shares his experiences as a Canadian living in the US. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Evolutionary biology and science expert Dan Riskin confesses to being a listener of this podcast. He and David discuss astronaut Chris Hadfield. David then claims that Dan said the nicest thing anyone's ever said about him. Dan shares about his time working with Craig Ferguson and the Discovery Channel. The conversation turns to what it means to "do the work" vs. receiving recognition for your work. David shares why the following quote means so much to him: "You have the right to work, but only for the work's sake. You don’t have the right to the fruits of the work." (That’s Bhagavad Gita, by the way.) David forgets a word and panics. Finally, it's science time. The stories covered: If you're not a fast thinker, you might be a better thinker; Scientists may have found the neurological basis of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; and Judges make punishments more harsh when there’s a longer delay before punishment. David remembers the word he was looking for: ambivalent. (No show tomorrow for July 4th. See y

Things are getting spicy! David is joined by Isabella Mise, Senior Director of Communications from Ashley Madison ostensibly to talk about the top cities for summer affairs, but things quickly end up going a little deeper. The two talk about extramarital affairs and non-monogamy. They discuss how to be discreet and what it means to conduct an affair with "integrity." Should monogamous relationships be the default? Find out all that and more on This Is Going Well, I Think! Oh, and David somehow manages to work his Jewish mother into the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's cats, cats, cats with biology professor Dr. Jonathan Losos. He's the author of The Cat's Meow: How Cats Evolved from the Savanna to Your Sofa (available wherever books are sold). David and him discuss why cats make the sounds they do, the domestication of cats, and feline behavior. They share a little bit about their own furry friends. Because what interview would be complete without David mentioning his own pet, Tomato? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Tony Five shares a little bit about his job in drug enforcement – wait, is Tony a NARC?! That story involves being in the middle of a notorious British murder case. (This murder brought to you by Ring™ cameras.) After that, the two "educate" each other on their respective national politics. Tony then brings the content: according to British PM Rishi Sunak, China poses the biggest threat to the world. Do these two idiot agree? Listen to find out! Then, could your cars' ECU (electronic control unit) be spying on you? State-sponsored spy viruses have infected consumer electronics before. David starts talking about his cat, and the topic of rat kings abruptly ends the episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices