
We tell our children unsettling fairy tales to teach them valuable lessons, but these Cautionary Tales are for the education of the grown ups – and they are all true. Tim Harford (Financial Times, BBC, author of “The Data Detective”) brings you stories of awful human error, tragic catastrophes, and hilarious fiascos. They'll delight you, scare you, but also make you wiser. New episodes every Frida... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 206 | Founded | 6 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | HistorySociety & Culture | |||

Was the fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel - the story of a woodcutter’s children abandoned in the woods and left at the mercy of a witch - in fact, early true crime? A hit book - The Truth About Hansel and Gretel - said that historical records pointed ... more
Last week, Cautionary Tales told the tragic story of Derek Bentley, exploring Britain's troubled relationship with capital punishment. Across the Atlantic, Revisionist History has also been scrutinizing what it means for a state to try to execute a p... more
An amateurish burglary in 1950s London ends in murder. One of the men involved is a 19-year-old named Derek Bentley. Bentley has the understanding of a child - and he wasn't the killer. But the British justice system seems determined to deliver the d... more
In 1983, a plane takes off from Ottawa with less than half the required fuel on board. As the engines cut out one by one, the pilot is left with a ticking clock and an impossible task. But what does a tale of an unusual plane crash have in common wit... more
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I really love the podcast and keep up the hard work
Great listening
Tim can make the most mundane seeming topic absolutely fascinating. From structural engineering to aerodynamics to the suffragette movement. Don’t listen to the naysayers - this podcast is exceptionally well produced.
Very thorough research and captivating topics.
Tim’s tone and cadence is mesmerizing, keeping me on the edge of my seat at every turn. Love it.
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Spotify | #36 | |
Apple Podcasts | #15 | |
Spotify | #22 | |
Apple Podcasts | #141 | |
Apple Podcasts | #156 | |
Apple Podcasts | #6 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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Exploring stories that straddle the line between cautionary and entertaining, this series presents true tales of human error, misjudgment, and catastrophic consequences. Each episode is anchored by a compelling narrative that sheds light on fascinating historical figures and pivotal moments, revealing lessons that resonate with contemporary audiences. Tim Harford's storytelling engages listeners with a blend of humor and gravitas, making serious subjects approachable while underscoring their significance. The content spans a diverse range of themes, from medical controversies to legendary disasters, appealing to those interested in historical context as a means to understand modern dilemmas.
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These podcasts share a similar audience with Cautionary Tales:
1. Revisionist History: The Alabama Murders
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3. The Last Archive
4. Against the Rules: The Big Short Companion
5. More or Less
Cautionary Tales launched 6 years ago and published 206 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on Cautionary Tales include:
1. Jonathan Goldstein
2. Sheila Hetti
3. Sam Jones
4. Arvind Ethan David
5. Sam Bankman-Fried
6. Will MacAskill
7. Peter Singer
8. Michael Lewis
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