FULL EPISODE: Just Say No to Betel Nut - September 25, 2026

For news from out of this world – namely, outer space – astrobiologist Sarah Rugheimer covers how the James Webb Space Telescope is helping astronomers become alien weather forecasters and how supermassive black holes are the architects of entire galaxies. (Check out Sarah's course Experiencing James Webb on The Great Courses here.) Senior health reporter Julia Pugachevsky brings David inside the squishy nightmare, detailing the explosions, burns, and thousands of calls to poison control because of the toys. Professor of archaeology Adam Brumm shares how ancient teeth trace one of humanity's oldest drug habits to the ice age: the betel nut. Economics professor Eric Kam weighs in on whether central banks should use AI modeling to help with economic forecasts and how major brands are expanding into resale markets. Covering some of the most important science The Last Show has ever seen, chemistry professor Nathan Kilah explains why microwaving fish smells so bad. New York-based clinical psychologist Dr. Lindsay Weisner discusses how true crime content may reduce symptoms of anxiety, fear, and insecurity. (Listen to Lindsay's podcast Crimes of Long Island here.) Protect your privacy. Sign up for Incogni at https://incogni.com/cooper and get 60% off your first year. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:10) Sarah Rugheimer pt. 1 (10:00) Sarah Rugheimer pt. 2 (20:00) Julia Pugachevsky (30:00) Adam Brumm (39:50) Eric Kam pt. 1 (49:50) Eric Kam pt. 2 (59:50) Nathan Kilah (1:09:50) Dr. Lindsay Weisner (1:19:11) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices