Insult My Intelligence

Insult My Intelligence

By Tim Dowling

Columnist and author Tim Dowling gets world-leading experts to help him understand complex, interesting and unique topics.
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06/22/25

5. Are We Facing a Bananapocalypse

In this episode of Insult My Intelligence, Tim Dowling investigates the looming banana crisis — the potential downfall of the Cavendish banana, which makes up nearly all the bananas sold in the UK and Europe. With help from Dr. Chris Cockel of the Mi… Read more

06/20/25

4. Can We Revive a Dead Language?

What does it really mean to bring a “dead” language back to life? In this episode, we speak with Professor Ghil’ad Zuckermann and Professor Julia Sallabank about the complex, political, and deeply emotional work of language revival — from Australian … Read more

06/20/25

3. Why Am I Left-Handed?

In a world designed for the right-handed majority, how have left-handers not only survived but sometimes thrived? This week, Tim discovers why about one in ten of us stubbornly writes, throws, and stirs tea the ‘wrong’ way. Psychologist Chris McManus… Read more

06/20/25

2. What on Earth is Planet 9?

This week on Insult My Intelligence, Tim tackles his vast ignorance about the far edges of our solar system. He always thought Pluto was Planet 9 — but spoiler: it’s not. So is there a real ninth planet out there? To find out, Tim talks to Konstantin… Read more

06/20/25

1. How Smart is My Dog?

Welcome to the very first episode of Insult My Intelligence — the podcast where host Tim asks smart people the dumb questions we’ve all secretly wondered about. This week: dog intelligence. How clever are dogs compared to other animals? And more impo… Read more

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