
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 | 235 | Founded | 6 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | HistorySociety & Culture | |||

In November 1979, Flight 901 departs New Zealand on a sightseeing journey over Antarctica, heading directly towards a volcano. When the plane vanishes, investigators are left with a mystery: how could a seasoned pilot miss a 12,000-foot peak? As they... more
This episode comes to you from the new podcast Drug Story, which investigates the origins, workings and cautionary tales behind today's medical interventions. In this episode, host Thomas Goetz investigates the rise of Xanax, a drug used to treat anx... more
Robert Propst is more than an inventor: he is a visionary, an innovator dreaming up how to make the perfect office workstation. When he reveals his bold design for a creative, flexible 'cockpit of tomorrow', he comes into conflict with the unyielding... more
In 1999, a series of bombs explode in Russian apartments, killing hundreds and spreading panic. No one knows who is behind it. But when one device is spotted before it detonates, troubling questions emerge. Was it really a bomb? Why is the country's ... more
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Always fascinating and beautifully written.
Well written, interesting historical failures and what we can learn from them.
Haunting, sad and beautiful story. Thank you!
Perhaps one day Tim will do an episode on the cautionary tale of his decision to do commercials for Claude at a time when the efficacy of artificial intelligence is suspect, its effect on society - now and in the future - is unclear, and its strain on the environment is already well-documented. (Cue CT theme song) “How did some people’s easy embrace of AI come back to haunt all mankind? I’m Tim Hartford, and this is Cautionary Tales…”
Now I know not to waste my time with your show. There are some things you just don’t shill for.
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 | #43 | |
Apple Podcasts | #18 | |
Spotify | #26 | |
Apple Podcasts | #132 | |
Apple Podcasts | #154 | |
Apple Podcasts | #8 |
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The podcast provides a compelling blend of storytelling and education by examining true stories of human error, disasters, and intriguing historical events. Each episode features a unique narrative that highlights fascinating characters, analytical insights, and the often unintended consequences of people's actions. With a focus on cautionary tales, it seeks to unpack complex themes related to society and culture, addressing the lessons that can be drawn from misadventures, failures, and even humor from real-life scenarios. This blend of history and narrative craft makes it a rich resource for listeners interested in learning from the past in an entertaining manner.
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Cautionary Tales launched 6 years ago and published 235 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. Martha McPhee
2. Helena Merriman
3. Ellen Huet
4. Ed Thorpe
5. Richard Garfield
6. JR Martinez
7. Dr. Maya Shankar
8. Katie Milchman
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