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Artwork for Cautionary Tales

Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford

Pushkin Industries
Wernher Von Braun
Nazi Germany
World War II
Tenerife Airport Disaster
V2 Rocket
Torrey Canyon
George Washington
Peenemünde
Rocketry
Missile Technology
Concentration Camps
Happiness Lab
American Dream
Captain Pastrengo Ruggiati
HMS Association
Martin Luther King Jr.
Gerald Ratner
A4 Rocket
Aiming and Aerodynamics
Rest and Holidays

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes235Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HistorySociety & Culture

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Artwork for Cautionary Tales

Latest Episodes

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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Recent Guests

Martha McPhee
Person sharing firsthand experience with Xanax use
Episode: Presenting: Drug Story - On Xanax and Anxiety
Helena Merriman
Presenter of Putin and the Apartment Bombs, The History Bureau
BBC Studios
Episode: Explosives or Sugar? The Deadly Art of Distraction in Putin’s Russia - with Helena Merriman
Ellen Huet
Bloomberg Journalist and author of 'Empire of Orgasm'
Bloomberg
Episode: Powered by Orgasm: The Rise and Fall of a Sex Cult - with Ellen Huet
Ed Thorpe
Mathematician and casino player known for card counting and developing wearable computing.
MIT
Episode: Fritterin' Away Genius (Classic)
Richard Garfield
Renowned game designer and mathematician
Magic: The Gathering, King of Tokyo
Episode: "They fall behind and are slowly crushed" - Board Games and Economics with Richard Garfield
JR Martinez
Army veteran who became a TV actor and host of Medal of Honor
Episode: How to Experience the Joy of Giving Right Now: A Giving Tuesday Special from The Happiness Lab
Dr. Maya Shankar
Psychologist and host of A Slight Change of Plans
Episode: How to Experience the Joy of Giving Right Now: A Giving Tuesday Special from The Happiness Lab
Katie Milchman
Professor at Wharton School and host of the podcast Choiceology
Episode: How to Experience the Joy of Giving Right Now: A Giving Tuesday Special from The Happiness Lab
Joe Robertson
Co-writer of the play Kyoto
Episode: Kyoto: The Battle that Defined Climate Politics - with Joe Robertson

Host

Tim Harford
Respected journalist and economist known for his engaging storytelling and analytical insights.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 13.1k ratings
  • Always fascinating and beautifully written.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    graipeski
    14 days ago
  • Well written, interesting historical failures and what we can learn from them.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Sean
    18 days ago
  • Race Around The World

    Haunting, sad and beautiful story. Thank you!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Prsopect Farms
    United States22 days ago
  • Great show, but no to AI ads

    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…”

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Trebuchet2
    United States23 days ago
  • Nice Claude Ad

    Now I know not to waste my time with your show. There are some things you just don’t shill for.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    grocerytroll
    United States24 days ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some comments express frustration over frequent ad breaks, detracting from the overall listening experience.
The podcast is often described as insightful, educational, and thoroughly entertaining, making it a favorite among diverse audiences.
Many highlight the host's captivating delivery and ability to tackle complex subjects in an easy-to-understand manner.
Listeners praise the engaging storytelling and well-researched narratives, expressing appreciation for how the episodes combine humor with important life lessons.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Spotify
#43
United States/History
Apple Podcasts
#18
United States/History
Spotify
#26
United Kingdom/History
Apple Podcasts
#132
United Kingdom/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#154
Canada/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#8
Canada/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Presenting: Drug Story - On Xanax and Anxiety
Q: How did anxiety evolve into a medical condition, and what role did medications like Xanax play in that history?
Anxiety shifted from a normal emotion into a diagnosable disorder as post-World War II life and societal pressures increased. Medications like benzodiazepines were developed to provide rapid relief, with Xanax becoming highly popular due to fast action and aggressive marketing. Over time, dependence, withdrawal, and misuse highlighted the risks, leading to current guidelines that favor psychotherapy and SSRIs over long-term benzo use.
"They fall behind and are slowly crushed" - Board Games and Economics with Richard Garfield
Q: What would happen if the jobs went away?
Garfield suggests that universal basic income could serve as a thought exercise for dealing with a future where most jobs are automated, advocating for consideration of UBI as a mechanism to support citizens.
Kyoto: The Battle that Defined Climate Politics - with Joe Robertson
Q: What does Santa tell the conference and how does Don deal with him?
Santa communicates that human emissions are influencing global climate, which Don undermines through disinformation tactics.
Kyoto: The Battle that Defined Climate Politics - with Joe Robertson
Q: How did you come across this story and what convinced you of the dramatic potential?
We had an interest in polarization and stumbled on the story of Kyoto, realizing it spoke to divided societies and showcased the difficulties of reaching agreement.
The Canal, the Crash and the Ketamine - Pushkin's Reign of Error
Q: Nate, are there any decisions lately that you didn't make and now you're just experiencing a sense of regret?
Nate reflected on a past poker hand where he didn't make a call which is now a source of ongoing regret.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Cautionary Tales

What is Cautionary Tales about and what kind of topics does it cover?

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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How many listeners does Cautionary Tales get?

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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. Against the Rules: The Big Short Companion
4. Radiolab
5. More or Less

How many episodes of Cautionary Tales are there?

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.

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. 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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