Shows
The Last Show with David CooperPreventing Loneliness With ChatGPTTherapist Laurel van der Toorn and David discuss how some of Gen Z are turning to ChatGPT to deal with loneliness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2026-02-0610 minThe Last Show with David CooperFULL EPISODE: Alien Life, Right Here On Earth - February 5, 2026The show opens with It's Time For Technology Time and tech analyst Carmi Levy covers the following stories: Moltbook is a new social media platform exclusively for AI, and some of its bots are plotting humanity's downfall; NASA used Claude to plot a route for its Perseverance rover on Mars; A Toronto company is helping Uber go driverless; and Apple just made its second-biggest acquisition ever after Beats. Microbial ecologist Lars Behrendt explains how strange microbes that photosynthesize in the dark of deep caves are transforming our search for extraterrestrial life. Sociology researcher Meaghan Furlano reveals how frustration in...
2026-02-061h 27The Last Show with David CooperLaurel van der Toorn: Mom Judging Your Bank Account - January 23, 2026Therapist Laurel van der Toorn and David dig into a young woman's dilemma where her mother demanded to see her finances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2026-01-2410 minThe Last Show with David CooperFULL EPISODE: Back To The Moon - January 23, 2026Science communicator and astrophysicist Jesse Rogerson brings us news stories from the science world: NASA's Artemis 2 moon rocket is on the launch pad; Astronauts splash down to Earth after medical evacuation from space station; Scientists tried to spread the flu, only to discover something unexpected; Gigantic wave in the Pacific (Specific?) was the most extreme 'rogue wave' on record; and Mosquitoes are feeding on us more often and scientists say we're to blame. Jesse fields a listener question about cryogenics and long-distance space travel. Human-computer interaction researcher Steve Rathje explains how sycophantic AI chatbots can inflate your perceptions that...
2026-01-241h 27
Modern Family MattersWhat to Do When Divorce Drudges up Suppressed Trauma for the High AchieverSend us a textJoin us as we sit down with Marriage & Family Therapist, Laurel van der Toorn, to discuss what you can do when a pending or active divorce starts to drudge up suppressed trauma for the high achiever. Laurel explains how EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy works to help people process traumatic memories and heal attachment wounds. The conversation explores why high achievers often struggle during divorce, how childhood attachment styles affect adult relationships, and the importance of addressing trauma early. Laurel provides insights into the window of tolerance, the grieving p...
2026-01-2229 minThe Last Show with David CooperLaurel van der Toorn: The Science Of Resolutions - December 30, 2025Therapist Laurel van der Toorn and David take a scientific approach to New Year's resolutions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2025-12-3110 minThe Last Show with David CooperFULL EPISODE: Beware The Rat Stowaway - December 30, 2025UK-based foreign correspondent Tony Five reports on the following delightfully ridiculous stories: British baker's criticism of Mexican 'ugly' bread triggers social media outrage; and Flight unable to make final stop after stowaway rat leaves passengers squirming. Therapist Laurel van der Toorn and David take a scientific approach to New Year's resolutions. Psychology researcher McKell Jorgensen-Wells is joined by David's partner Miranda (of all people) to go over the psychology map of romance in Taylor Swift's songs. Vancouver-based tattoo artist Taylor Menzies explains why for every tattoo of a stuffed animal she does, she'll donate one to charity. Toronto-based comedian Natalie Norman...
2025-12-311h 27
51 PercentMiriam Udel on ‘worldmaking’ through Yiddish children’s literatureOn this week's 51%, we speak with Emory University Professor Miriam Udel about how a 20th Century movement of Yiddish literature strived to help Jewish children make sense of a tumultuous world and shape the future of Jewish culture. Udel’s latest book on the subject — including how some Yiddish stories helped to promote equality for young girls — is Modern Jewish Worldmaking Through Yiddish Children’s Literature. We also speak with therapist Laurel van der Toorn about how to address “holiday burnout.”
Guests: Miriam Udel, Emory University professor and author of Modern Jewish Worldmaking Through Yiddish Children’s Literature; Lau...
2025-12-1829 min51 PercentMiriam Udel on ‘worldmaking’ through Yiddish children’s literatureOn this week's 51%, we speak with Emory University Professor Miriam Udel about how a 20th Century movement of Yiddish literature strived to help Jewish children make sense of a tumultuous world and shape the future of Jewish culture. Udel’s latest book on the subject — including how some Yiddish stories helped to promote equality for young girls — is Modern Jewish Worldmaking Through Yiddish Children’s Literature. We also speak with therapist Laurel van der Toorn about how to address “holiday burnout.”
Guests: Miriam Udel, Emory University professor and author of Modern Jewish Worldmaking Through Yiddish Children’s Literature; Lau...
2025-12-1829 minThe Last Show with David CooperLaurel van der Toorn: Holiday Regression - December 12, 2025Therapist Laurel van der Toorn unpacks how to deal with holiday regression: slipping back into old behaviors that resemble our younger selves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2025-12-1311 minThe Last Show with David CooperFULL EPISODE: Look Up At The Geminids - December 12, 2025Tony Five – our foreign correspondent – crashes into the show revealing new technology while reporting on the following stories: Florida man claims he 'teleported' into a stolen car; and Hundreds of Canada goose deaths in Manitoba leave wildlife experts perplexed. Psychology professor Rachel Dinero describes how psychedelics may enhance emotional closeness and relationship satisfaction when used therapeutically. Therapist Laurel van der Toorn unpacks how to deal with holiday regression: slipping back into old behaviors that resemble our younger selves. Astrobiologist Dr. Sarah Rugheimer explains how to observe the Geminid meteor shower this weekend – and tells David that comet 3I/ATLAS still isn't aliens...
2025-12-131h 27
SoCal VoicesBeating Burnout in SoCal Hustle CultureSouthern California is filled with overachievers. Without some balance and healthy practices, the relentless drive to accomplish more can leave us feeling like we're running on fumes. Licensed marriage and family therapist Laurel van der Toorn of Los Angeles specializes in helping high achieving professionals overcome burnout and improve their mental well-being. In this episode of SoCal Voices, she shares how burnout sneaks into the bodies and minds of high performers and what it really takes to heal. From simple mindset shifts to redefining success beyond achievement, this conversation might help you find the balance you need to thrive...
2025-11-2026 minThe Last Show with David CooperLaurel van der Toorn: Parents, Money, And Fairness - November 14, 2025Therapist Laurel van der Toorn goes over the thorny landscape of fair and equal parenting when it comes to gifting money to your adult children, and there are no easy answers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2025-11-1510 minThe Last Show with David CooperFULL EPISODE: Lots Of Friends And Lonely - November 14, 2025Foreign correspondent Tony Five explodes into the show and discusses two reasons that Kim Kardashian failed the legal bar exam: using ChatGPT to prepare and 'pathological liar' psychics assuring her that she'd pass. David talks about his cat scratch incident. Communication studies professor Jeffrey Hall reveals how young adults say they're happy with their friendships, yet many still feel disconnected. Journalist Emmalyse Brownstein explains how megayachts, dog poop, and NDAs are all part of a new job trend for Gen Z's: being private staff for the ultra-wealthy. Industrial engineering professor Guy Laban shares his study that found users disclose...
2025-11-151h 27
RECOVERable: Mental Health and Addiction Experts Answer Your QuestionsHealing Complex Trauma: Break People‑Pleasing & Rewire Your Brain (Part 2)Ever wonder why you keep repeating the same painful patterns even when you know better? Trauma therapist Laurel Vander Torn reveals that trauma is more than a single event – it’s a disconnect between what your mind knows and what your body feels. This disconnect can leave you stuck in a constant state of hyper‑vigilance, poor sleep, appetite changes and messy relationships. She introduces the “window of tolerance,” the sweet spot where you can think, feel and act without dissociating or feeling like you’re vibrating out of your skin. You’ll also learn why people‑pleasing and other complex tr...
2025-11-0635 minThe Last Show with David CooperLaurel van der Toorn: Should You Tell A Friend You Hate Their Boo? - October 30, 2025Therapist Laurel van der Toorn goes over when to tell a friend you don't like their significant other, and when you shouldn't. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2025-10-3110 minThe Last Show with David CooperFULL EPISODE: Ask AI About Soccer, It'll Request Nudes - October 30, 2025On It's Time For Technology Time, tech analyst Carmi Levy covers the following stories: Airbnb Rolls out anti-party system for Halloween; Nike says its first 'powered footwear' is like an e-bike for your feet; Son asked Tesla's Grok AI chatbot about soccer, his mother says it told him to send nude pics; and US TikTok deal was supposed to close today (it didn't). Therapist Laurel van der Toorn goes over when to tell a friend you don't like their significant other, and when you shouldn't. David interviews Kelly Podlubny from Vancouver, Canada – 2025's World Laughing Champion –about his title and how laught...
2025-10-311h 27
RECOVERable: Mental Health and Addiction Experts Answer Your QuestionsWhat Is Trauma? Therapist Explains Signs, Healing & EMDR Therapy (Part 1)Is trauma only for combat veterans? Or could it be shaping your life without you even realizing it? In this powerful episode of Recoverable, licensed family therapist Laurel van der Toorn joins Terry to unpack the internet’s most searched questions about trauma — what it is, how it shows up in your body, and how to truly heal.Find treatment near you: https://recovery.com/condition/trauma/Learn more about Laurel: https://www.laureltherapy.net/laurel-van-der-toornYou’ll learn how two people can live through the same event yet have completely different experiences, why trauma...
2025-10-2952 minThe Last Show with David CooperLaurel van der Toorn: Dad-Daughter Bacon War - October 13, 2025Therapist Laurel van der Toorn discusses the dad who supported his daughter's veganism, but who refused when she asked him to stop eating meat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2025-10-1410 minThe Last Show with David CooperFULL EPISODE: Out On The Ice - October 13, 2025The Last Show opens with foreign correspondent Tony Five revealing an intimate and heartbreaking story of what happened to his dog Frank over the weekend. (Please reach out to Tony via email at tony@lastshow.pizza.) Intimacy coordinator Jen Viens describes her job of assisting actors with sex scenes on screen. Perpetual cognitive neuroscientist Leanne Chukoskie explains the uncanny valley and why dolls like Chucky freak us out so much. The first openly gay professional hockey player, Brock McGillis, joins David – and later Tony Five – for a candid look at what it's like to be gay in pro sports, and how...
2025-10-141h 27
Work Besties Who PodcastHealing from Burnout: Insights from a TherapistsHigh performance can come with hidden costs. In this conversation, the Work Besties, Jess and Claude chat with therapist Laurel VanDerToorn, who explains why trauma and burnout can hit high achievers hard—and what real, sustainable recovery looks like. We dig into the early signs (brain fog, fatigue, cynicism), why “just take a vacation” misses the mark, and how small, repeatable behaviors compound into resilience. Laurel shares her four-layer approach—physical health → behavioral routines → deep relationships → values alignment—plus boundary-setting scripts, the Four D’s (Do, Date, Delegate, Delete), and how to protect your nervous system...
2025-10-1331 minThe Last Show with David CooperLaurel van der Toorn: Enneagram of Personality - October 2, 2025Therapist Laurel van der Toorn explains what the enneagram of personality is and how couples can use it to decrease conflict. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2025-10-0410 minThe Last Show with David CooperFULL EPISODE: Black Widows Love Cheesy Feet - October 2, 2025Foreign correspondent Tony Five covers an older story about Stephen King legendarily trolling his wife and the Mortal Kombat tournament by a woman holding her newborn. After that, Tony talks about putting his dog on Prozac. Therapist Laurel van der Toorn explains what the enneagram of personality is and how couples can use it to decrease conflict. Despite being terrifying of spiders, David learns from biology and chemistry professor Dr. Andreas Fischer that black widow lure males with the smell of cheesy feet. Machine learning professor Rayid Ghani reveals the perils of letting AI plan your next trip. Freelance tech rep...
2025-10-031h 27The Last Show with David CooperRadioactive Shrimp - September 23, 2025Foreign correspondent Tony Five covers: British scientists over the Moon after growing tea in lunar soil; and Shrimp recalled for possible radioactive contamination. Mosquito researcher Dr. Felix Hol reveals how he discovered beer, cannabis, and sex make you more attractive to mosquitos. Therapist Laurel van der Toorn discusses a man in hot water for buying a very terrible anniversary gift. Dr. Helen Kowalewska goes over her study exposing UK employers' hidden bias against maternity leave. Sociology professor Dr. Alexandra Killewald explains that women have narrowed the pay gap with men by having fewer kids. Dr. Elyse Olesinski shares how pers...
2025-09-241h 27The Last Show with David CooperInterstellar Visitor 3I/ATLAS - September 12, 2025Foreign 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...
2025-09-131h 27The Last Show with David CooperHow to Sleep Better, TikTok Cold Calls & Taylor Swift Conspiracies - August 22, 2025It’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...
2025-08-231h 27