Insult My Intelligence

Tim Dowling speaks with Managing Director of the charity organisation GiveWell Buddy Shah all about effective altruism. What it is, how GiveWell implements it and why we should be more effective in our altruism. He also speaks with Bastian Jaeger a psychology professor who has been studying why people tend to be so ineffective when giving to charity. 

Tim Dowling speaks with research leader of human evolution at the London Natural History Museum Chris Stringer and archaeologist Dr Rebecca Wragg about Neanderthals. They explain the difference between the lives and looks of early Homo Sapiens and Neanderthals. They also explain which are the most credible explanations for the disappearance of Neanderthals.

In this episode Tim Dowling speaks with biologist Mario Moura and explore Kristofer Helgen about the millions of animals that aren’t currently known to science. Helgen explains how, in 2013, he discovered the Olinguito, the most recently discovered predator. Mario Moura explains where the best places are to look when trying to discover new mammals.

Tim Dowling investigates the history of weather control, with the help of guests Dr Kristine Harper and Jim Fleming. Starting with the con men in the 19th century, through to the government sponsored weather control of the 20th century and even what the future of weather control and climate change could look like. Despite a history littered with weather control failures governments have continued to invest huge amounts to control the skies.

Tim Dowling interviews Rachel Bronson the CEO of the Bulletin of The Atomic Scientists, the organisation in charge of setting the Doomsday Clock. They discuss the Doomsday Clock's history and origins and how it has changed in the last 75 years. They also question whether the current time of 100 seconds to midnight is where it should be.