Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford
Pushkin IndustriesWe 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 | 252 | Founded | 7 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | HistorySociety & Culture | |||
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Latest Episodes
In the early 1900s, Sir Arthur Vickers keeps the magnificent Irish Crown Jewels safe under lock and key at Dublin Castle. When the jewels disappear, the King rages, the police investigate, and even Sir Arthur Conan Doyle gets involved. No one is ever... more
When John Darwin walks into a shop in London, it causes an instant stir. After all, John Darwin has been dead for five years. He claims to have amnesia, but everyone - from the police and the media to his insurance company - suspects he is lying. No ... more
This episode comes to you from the new series of This is History, the podcast which tells the story of the Plantagenet Dynasty. Historian Dan Jones takes you through 300 years of calamities, wars and rebellions that marked the end of the Middle Ages ... more
As Governor of Britannia, Magnus Maximus has a huge army at his disposal, which is just what he needs to secure the Roman imperial throne. But perhaps the impressive general should have looked into the past before focusing on his future. Tim is joine... more
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Reviews
- I love cautionary tales
Really one of the best podcasts out there. Wonderful interesting stories about how the world works. Wonderfully produced as well!
Apple Podcasts5albicaulis
United Statesa month ago - Top notch
One of the only podcasts that has stayed in my top three for years now. Always a story worth hearing, told expertly.
Apple Podcasts5frondofplants
Canada2 months ago I hate these "background music and storytelling" podcasts from randos who give opinions for a living, featuring themselves, with surface-level understanding of the eventd. Give me experts in the field talking about their field, not whatever this is
Podcast Addict22 months agoLen- Love this show
One of my absolute favorites. Learn a bunch of cool stuff and Tim’s voice and delivery are epic
Apple Podcasts5Labradoodle1101United States2 months ago - Look forward to it every week.
The ad reads for Claude make me feel like Mr. Harford has been taken prisoner. That being said, the recent “ The race around the world” episodes were riveting and I look forward to a new production every week. 6 out of 5
Apple Podcasts5MikeWellsyUnited States2 months ago
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Chart Rankings
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Spotify | #28 | United States/History |
Apple Podcasts | #50 | United States/History |
Spotify | #20 |  United Kingdom/History |
Apple Podcasts | #27 | United Kingdom/History |
Apple Podcasts | #31 | Canada/History |
Spotify | #15 |  Australia/History |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cautionary Tales
What is Cautionary Tales about and what kind of topics does it cover?
The show consistently explores historical misjudgments, organizational failures, and human psychology through richly told narratives. Episodes blend archival research, expert commentary, and case studies—from Tudor prophecy and industrial-scale franchising to aviation disasters and tech scandals—highlighting how pride, bias, and flawed risk assessment produce cautionary outcomes. A standout is the use of diverse guest voices, including historians, journalists, and practitioners, to illuminate lessons that still feel relevant to business, governance, and everyday decision-making.
Noteworthy qualities include meticulous storytelling, rigorous sourcing, and a willingness to tackle big ideas with wide-ranging historical and contemporary releva... more
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How many listeners does Cautionary Tales get?
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What are the audience demographics for Cautionary Tales?
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How many subscribers and views does Cautionary Tales have?
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Which podcasts are similar to Cautionary Tales?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Cautionary Tales:
1. Revisionist History
2. 99% Invisible
3. Freakonomics Radio
4. Against the Rules with Michael Lewis
5. More or Less
How many episodes of Cautionary Tales are there?
Cautionary Tales launched 7 years ago and published 252 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Cautionary Tales?
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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Cautionary Tales?
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What guests have appeared on Cautionary Tales?
Recent guests on Cautionary Tales include:
1. David Lee
2. Paul Cooper
3. Amy Westervelt
4. Gilles Dutour
5. Katie Prescott
6. Ben Walter
7. Ian Breckon
8. Peter Mahn
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.