Tim Dowling

theguardian.comTim Dowling: why did I buy an electric car? Because I wanted a medalLunch with my agent is going nowhere, so I decide to share my latest motoring anecdote

There doesn't need to be a ceremony or anything; they can just put the medal in the post. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...

Tim Dowling reposted

theguardian.comTim Dowling: at last I join the ranks of competent peopleIt’s not often I get the chance to admire my handiwork, but I have finally fixed a light switch

Tim Dowling: at last I join the ranks of competent people

Tim Dowling reposted

theguardian.comTim Dowling: I’ve been replaced by a younger model … it’s a reliefMy wife has summarily relieved me of gardening duties, in favour of ‘Gardening Steve’. Inevitably, there’s a catch

Tim Dowling: I’ve been replaced by a younger model … it’s a relief

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theguardian.comTim Dowling: how not to interview eminent scientists – a control freak’s guideIt was supposed to be a meeting between a great mind and mine. Instead, I was plunged into darkness and did some swearing

12 Sept

Tim Dowling: how not to interview eminent scientists – a control freak’s guide

theguardian.com‘I don’t chase the dollar. I never did’: the astonishing hidden life of Mr THe grew up in the ghetto, became a global superstar – then gave it all up. Why did he step away from the spotlight?

3 Sept

Brilliant Mr T interview from @shattenstone.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...

theguardian.comForbidden planet: was Pluto’s 2006 demotion a big mistake?Since it was stripped of planetary status, Pluto’s defenders have been fighting the decision – and they’re only getting more passionate

31 Aug

Is Pluto a planet? www.theguardian.com/science/2026...

Tim Dowling reposted

theguardian.comTim Dowling: my TV contract has run out – and so has my patienceI need to buy a smart television big enough to read ransom notes – and I’m taking no prisoners

29 Aug

Tim Dowling: my TV contract has run out – and so has my patience

Tim Dowling reposted

Mel Roxby-Mackey

@archaeoborders.bsky.social

11 July

Any archaeologist will tell you this but here is Tim Dowling demonstrating how many problems in life are easily solvable through the application of a trowel (or mattock for bigger jobs).

theguardian.comTim Dowling: I do have principles. Rule one is to avoid DIY at all costsI do occasionally contemplate getting my toolbox out. But these are idle urges – I’m only too aware of the harm my past interventions have caused

theguardian.comTim Dowling: I have a mic drop moment on stage – quite literallyNone of the audience are laughing at my jokes. Until …

2 May

If you like this sort of idiocy there are still tickets for Gateshead, Edinburgh, Birmingham and London. Plus music. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...

Tim Dowling reposted

Peter Stefanovic

@peterstefanovic.bsky.social

1 May

The absolutely brilliant Police Dog Hogan — one of the most joyful live bands on the UK circuit — fusing Americana, folk and country with energy, warmth and soul, are live at Islington Assembly Hall Thurs 18 June. Don’t miss them!

Tim Dowling reposted

Simon Hattenstone

@shattenstone.bsky.social

28 Mar

Woody Brown is non-speaking, autistic and a brilliant new novelist. I interviewed him, and he's bloody amazing. Would be great if you could share www.theguardian.com/books/2026/m...

theguardian.com‘I was in the pit of despair’: Non-speaking autistic novelist Woody Brown on his journey from write-off to writerAs a child, Brown was underestimated, infantilised and dismissed by specialists and teachers. Now 28, he has written an acclaimed debut novel set in an adult day care centre that gives people like him...

theguardian.comTim Dowling: six years of Duolingo and I speak a little Italian, but understand nothingLuckily, I have learned two phrases that express my helplessness very efficiently

28 Mar

non capisco niente. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...

Tim Dowling reposted

theguardian.comMy mother’s best advice: learn to raise one eyebrow at the worldIt took almost a year of practice and then I was too embarrassed to show off my talent. But finally, during a stage performance, I elevated a solitary brow and the crowd went wild

11 Mar

My mother’s best advice: learn to raise one eyebrow at the world

Tim Dowling reposted

justlistentothis.co.uk/interviews/p...

10 Mar

justlistentothis.co.ukPolice Dog Hogan Talk New Album, 2026 UK Tour And MoreBritain has a rich tradition of bands who never take the obvious route, but nonetheless earn a devoted cult following through doing things on those own terms. Police Dog Hogan will release their new a...

Tim Dowling reposted

7 Mar

We're on the cover!

2 Mar

It is what it is.

Tim Dowling reposted

tapedmagazine.uk/2026/01/31/q...

2 Feb

tapedmagazine.ukQ&A: Police Dog HoganPhoto Credit: Press Ahead of the release of their new album ‘The Light at the Top of the Stars, we pitched some questions to Police Dog Hogan as they prepare for its unveiling to the world alongsid…

theguardian.comTim Dowling: the dog’s training regime has taken a weird turnIntermediate Dog School involves hiding behind trees in the park …

31 Jan

This week's column, in which I am obliged to hide from the dog. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...

Tim Dowling reposted

musictalkers.com/latest-news/...

30 Jan

musictalkers.comInterview: Police Dog Hogan Talk Reflection, Resilience and The Light At The Top Of The StairsPolice Dog Hogan have spent nearly two decades quietly building one of the most devoted followings in British Americana. Their bluegrass-leaning country-pop has taken them from sparsely attended pub g...

Tim Dowling reposted

youtu.bePolice Dog Hogan - Just BreatheYouTube video by Police Dog Hogan

29 Jan

youtu.be/9ziDR6taeXw?...

Tim Dowling reposted

Lorna Curry

@lornacurry.bsky.social

24 Jan

@timdowling.bsky.social thank you for sharing the tortoise early rising story. Toni woke this week - one month early from her hibernation spot under the stairs. Now back asleep under a dog bed. PS Much loved little thing. Now has official @floperry.bsky.social portrait alongside dogs.

21 Jan

Even the written down part of this speech is insane.

21 Jan

Are they gonna clap when this over?

theguardian.comTim Dowling: how a toilet-based epiphany saved me from the January bluesRepairing the cistern has not only given me hope for the year ahead, it has changed our lives …

17 Jan

A rare January victory. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...

theguardian.comTim Dowling: I have a new mystery ailment but sympathy is in short supplyI can’t tell the GP ghosts are pulling my hair. That’s even more embarrassing than my previous ailments – ‘hot hand’ and ‘phantom phone’

10 Jan

Spoiler: eventually, it mysteriously went away. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...

Tim Dowling reposted

Seán Moncrieff

@seanmoncrieff.bsky.social

15 Dec 2025

On the show today: Tiktok politicians; @henrymckean.bsky.social on the kids coming home; @timdowling.bsky.social on male shapewear; @lucymichael.bsky.social on gardai and tasers; @jamesproclaims.bsky.social reviews 'The Revenge Club' 'Irish Blood' & 'Man vs Baby'; Ireland's most significant actor..

theguardian.comTim Dowling: my band is set to play live on the radio. What could possibly go wrong?Rehearsals for a live broadcast at short notice reduce us to silence then swearing. This does not bode well

13 Dec 2025

I should probably stress that in the end EVERYTHING WENT FINE www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...

theguardian.comTim Dowling: how did I end up on a helpline for the old and befuddled?The online banker sounds concerned, as if he’s trying to keep me on the line until the ambulance arrives

29 Nov 2025

I've advanced to a new circle of customer service purgatory www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...

Tim Dowling reposted

Simon Hattenstone

@shattenstone.bsky.social

14 Nov 2025

Beautiful piece by @TimAdamsWrites on the brilliant Observer journalist Rachel Cooke who could write wonderfully about anything, has died tragically young and will be hugely, hugely missed by so many people. observer.co.uk/news/nationa...

observer.co.ukRemembering Rachel Cooke | The Observer

theguardian.comJelly’s back! Here are three worth making – and three that should wobble off to the binThe traditional treat is all over Instagram and TikTok. But does it always taste as impressive as it looks? And why is it so hard to get it to set rather than slump? Time for a deep dive …

12 Nov 2025

I went all in on jelly. As ever, gastronomy was the loser. www.theguardian.com/food/2025/no...

theguardian.comTim Dowling: life on the road was so much simpler than being at homeOn tour with the band there were no snapping tortoises, no dog kerfuffles and certainly no peeping scaffolders

8 Nov 2025

One for the Tims www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...

theguardian.comTim Dowling: I love books – but can’t remember anything about the ones I’ve just readIn bed I lie awake, staring at the books on my nightstand, trying to remember a single salient fact about any of them

4 Oct 2025

I enjoyed the blue one, for what it’s worth. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...

theguardian.comSteam, stodge – and so much suet: I made 10 endangered British puddings. Are any actually worth saving?With many classic puddings on the verge of dying out, I set out to discover which should be back on the menu. It was a journey through some of the heaviest desserts in history

23 Sept 2025

So, I made a lot of puddings. www.theguardian.com/food/2025/se...

theguardian.comUgly, mortifying – and addictive? Tim Dowling’s week in the world’s most divisive shoesTwenty years after they first hit the shelves, five-fingered shoes are apparently having a big fashion moment. But what is it like to wear them in public?

13 Aug 2025

I wore toe shoes www.theguardian.com/fashion/2025...

theguardian.comTim Dowling: the old dog snorted with delight – and then she was gone | Tim DowlingOur short stay in the country ended in heartbreak. If there’s a best way for an animal to die, I can’t say I’ve found it

2 Aug 2025

RIP, the old dog. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...

Tim Dowling reposted

theguardian.comTim Dowling: the dog is destroying the lawn, but I need to catch her red-pawedI spend all afternoon watching the dog. Then an email pings and I turn to read it. When I turn back, the dog is gone and there’s a new hole in the lawn

19 July 2025

Tim Dowling: the dog is destroying the lawn, but I need to catch her red-pawed

theguardian.comThe fisherman aesthetic: anglercore is everywhere – but does it suit me?Waders you could wear to a gallery opening, vests cropped weirdly short and laden with pockets. I tried the biggest trend in fashion to find out why so many non-fishers are wearing it

8 July 2025

The short answer to the question is: yes, I'm afraid it does suit me. www.theguardian.com/fashion/2025...

Tim Dowling reposted

Roy Kelly

@stanyanfan49.bsky.social

24 May 2025

As a custodian of an ancient tortoise adept at concealing himself with the least available ground cover, that elusive Pimpershell, I always identify with @timdowling.bsky.social’s columns about his. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...

theguardian.comTim Dowling: let my tortoise’s humiliating mishap be a lesson to himA freak thunderstorm soaks the middle one on his way to our house (he’s come to raid the fridge), but the real drama is the toppled tortoise

theguardian.comTim Dowling: Help! We have no internet and I really do have work to doI’ve got a date with one of the country’s worst-rated customer service departments. What could possibly go right?

10 May 2025

Here's this week's column, posted a bit later than usual (no idea why). www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...

theguardian.comTim Dowling: it’s the last date of my band’s tour – do I risk telling my Italian sausage joke?There is one story I’ve prepared but never used. Is the world ready for it?

26 Apr 2025

The world is still not ready for my joke. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...

24 Apr 2025

I'd forgotten that when I went to interview Onion staff 23 years ago, their photographer asked to borrow my gormless, self-satisfied mug.

The Onion@theonion.com

Peace Activist Has To Admit Barrett .50 Caliber Sniper Rifle Is Pretty Cool theonion.com/peace-a...

theguardian.comTim Dowling: I’m on tour with my band – and my wife is ignoring my callsAfter a misunderstanding over who was using the car, my wife teaches me a lesson without saying a word

22 Mar 2025

The less I say about this the better, except: there are ticket still available for Glasgow, Edinburgh and Brighton. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...

theguardian.comKate Bush and Damon Albarn among 1,000 artists on silent AI protest albumRecordings of empty studios represent impact on musicians of UK’s plans to let AI train on their work without permission

25 Feb 2025

Somewhere on this album is the sound of me not playing the banjo, which is now destined to become a popular live request. www.theguardian.com/technology/2...

Tim Dowling reposted

isthiswhatwewant.comIs This What We Want?More than 1,000 musicians have come together to release Is This What You Want?, an album protesting the UK government’s proposed changes to copyright law.

25 Feb 2025

We're among 1,000+ musicians who are jointly releasing this album of recordings of empty studios to protest the government's planned changes to copyright law, which would hand the life's work of the country's musicians to AI companies for free. Don't legalise music theft! isthiswhatwewant.com

theguardian.comWill a dog bed for humans improve my life? My pets and I found outThe Snuggle Pod is big enough for a 6ft person and at least one dog. Unfortunately, I have two dogs

4 Feb 2025

I slept in a giant human dog bed, with dogs www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...

theguardian.comMy week with a man bag: am I cool enough for winter’s hottest trend?Timothée Chalamet, Pharrell Williams and Jacob Elordi have no qualms about using one. But can our writer carry it off?

30 Jan 2025

For the record I would like to state that I know you're not supposed to wear them around your neck like a feed bag. But I am eerily compliant in the company of photographers. www.theguardian.com/fashion/2025...

theguardian.comTim Dowling: doing dry January is a doddle these days – but I can’t wait for it to be overI’ve succumbed to peer group pressure and am abstaining this month. So why are friends still bringing all this booze to my house?

25 Jan 2025

Celebrating my sobriety in this the 11th week of January. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...

Tim Dowling reposted

ralphmclean.bsky.social

@ralphmclean.bsky.social

22 Jan 2025

Celebrating #SteveEarle at 70 on #ralphmcleancountry tonight. Some old favourites and a couple of exclusive session tracks. Also new music from Brown Horse, Dean Owens and Police Dog Hogan plus a classic live performance from #GarthHudson. 8pm on BBC Radio Ulster & Sounds folks.

Tim Dowling reposted