This Is Going Well, I Think With David Cooper

The very British, the very Tony Five, joins the show after taking a month away. We're glad he's back! Tony fills us in on a harrowing trip to the United States to visit an ailing family member. After the trip, things go from bad to worse as Tony struggled with severe depression. Content warning: The topic of suicide is discussed in detail in this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since David's mother is currently in town visiting, and he's heading off to the Burning Man event soon, here are a couple of phone calls he made to his mother at the event. In the first one, he confesses to masturbating next to her in bed when he was a child. In the second, he apologizes but then starts asking about intimate details of her life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Ilana MacDonald from the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics goes over the blue moon, the super moon, and the full with David. The two briefly get caught in a black hole, or at least talking about them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, David talks about how there's no episode today. It's confusing, we know. Then he plays a clip of an interview with a drunken Irishman about the book Finnegans Wake. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Natasha Vinik is in today. She and David catch up by having a nonsense conversation that touches on penis enlargement, and Natasha jokes about wanting men to join a new "sh*tty club." Natasha baits David by asking him for advice in selecting audio equipment for a new podcast. While sharing about losing a grandparent recently, Natasha explores her fraught relationship with her father through the lens of a bizarre text message. By the end of the episode, we finally find out the concept for Natasha's new dating podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. David Shusterman joins the show to discuss cosmetic penis injections – though the conversation never quite gets there. David (your host) attempts to solicit free urology advice, when an offhand remark about the Canadian healthcare system completely derails the interview. This leads into a deep, hour-long political discussion between the Davids, where topics such as media control, vaccines, monarchies, the role of government, election interference, and Tucker Carlson all come up. With wildly opposing viewpoints, the two engage in civil discourse and find that, as much as they are different, they also have maybe a thing or two in common. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David records a brief episode about quotes that are both stupid and profound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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