
327: Tim Dowling on marriage, ageing, WhatsApp and goose barnacles
From The Scummy Mummies Podcast by Ellie Gibson and Helen Thorn
January 13, 2026 · 43 min
About this episode
Tim Dowling joins the Scummy Mummies to discuss marriage, parenting adult children, and the joys of ageing.
How do you stay married for 33 years? What's it like to live with your kids when they're adults? And what's the best thing about being over 60? Answering all these questions is hilarious Guardian columnist Tim Dowling! It's been a decade since Tim was last on the podcast, so we have a bit of a catchup, and are pleased to learn both his marriage and tortoise are still thriving. We discuss WhatsApp etiquette, and why young people think we're doing email all wrong. Tim tells us about performing with his band, Police Dog Hogan, at Glastonbury, and what it's like to open for the ZingZillas. We round off with some excellent Scummy Mummy Confessions involving work experience, fish, and dribbling. Tim's books, How to be a Husband and Dad You Suck , are out now . For Police Dog Hogan tour dates check out pdhogan.com . This podcast is sponsored by KatKin. Helen recently switched her beloved cats, Fozzie and Tigger, to this food, and they absolutely love it! The discount code SCUMMYMUMMIES50 will get you 50% off your first order - just go to katkin.com . We are back on tour in 2026! Many venues are already selling out so get…
People in this episode
Hosts: Ellie Gibson, Helen Thorn
Guest: Tim Dowling
Topics covered
- marriage
- parenting
- ageing
- WhatsApp etiquette
- music
- comedy
Keywords
- marriage
- parenting
- Glastonbury
- comedy
- Tim Dowling
- KatKin
Sponsors
KatKin
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Guardian, Police Dog Hogan
Products: How to be a Husband, Dad You Suck
Places: Glastonbury, Northampton, Cirencester, Edinburgh, Dundee, Glasgow, Arbroath
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