FULL EPISODE: Microbes Are Pulling Your Strings - October 15, 2026

Communication studies researcher Clementine Oberst explains how Heated Rivalry, Off Campus and Shoresy are challenging hockey's longstanding stereotypes. Psychology professor Ira Hyman discusses how AI facial recognition tech has led to the arrest of innocent people. Medical microbiology and immunology professor Vanessa Sperandio chats about the amazing effects the microorganisms living in our gut can have on our minds, in particular going over one study showing that changes in the gut bacteria of mice can change the way they respond to cocaine. Evolutionary ecologist Albrecht Schulte-Hostedde outlines why raccoons have been so successful in taking over cities, especially Toronto. Economics professor Eric Kam weighs in on money dilemmas involving a refrigerator changing hands between family members and a woman's expensive McDonald's delivery habit formed using her boyfriend's credit card. Neuroscience professor Argel Aguilar-Valles reveals how psilocybin (magic mushrooms) may help the brain recover from a concussion.

Protect your privacy. Sign up for Incogni at https://incogni.com/cooper and get 60% off your first year.

Segments:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:07) Clementine Oberst

(10:00) Ira Hyman

(20:00) Vanessa Sperandio pt. 1

(30:00) Vanessa Sperandio pt. 2

(39:50) Albrecht Schulte-Hostedde

(49:50) Eric Kam pt. 1

(59:50) Eric Kam pt. 2

(1:09:50) Argel Aguilar-Valles