Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford

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Latest Episodes:

Why Milk Cartons "Scared the Bejesus Out of a Generation" - with Roman Mars Nov 06, 2026

Show notes

For this special crossover episode, Tim is joined by the one and only Roman Mars to discuss his new series, A History Of The United States In 100 Objects. From a safe that stayed locked away for a century to a well-intentioned milk carton that terrified a nation, each item reveals a fascinating piece of American history - and comes with its very own cautionary tale.

Listen to A History Of The United States In 100 Objects on the 99% Invisible feed, or on BBC Sounds.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Miners See Ghosts | Halloween Season Oct 30, 2026

Show notes

In the late 1970s, Yorkshire miner Chris Campbell sees something that terrifies him. The spirit of a miner who died in a collapse is calling to him. Is the ghostly figure a waking dream, a trick of the light, or something we should take altogether more seriously?

For a full list of sources, see the show notes at timharford.com

Cautionary Tales is celebrating Halloween with a full month of paranormal themed episodes. If you have a spooky story or a skeptical question, get in touch at tales@pushkin.fm. If you want access to an extra Halloween episode about the strange world of radio telepathy, alongside plenty of other benefits, check out the Cautionary Club on Patreon.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Introducing... Unexplained: Lying in Wait Oct 27, 2026

Show notes

This episode comes to you from Unexplained, the podcast that explores mysterious and haunting true stories.

In 2009, during the war in Afghanistan, eight marines are tasked with occupying an isolated outpost known as The Rock. For those marines, the war is going to become stranger than any of them could have imagined.

Unexplained is available wherever you get your podcasts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pedlar and the Witch | Halloween Season Oct 23, 2026

Show notes

In 1612, a young woman encounters a pedlar in the British countryside. A seemingly trivial quarrel spirals into chaos when the pedlar is struck down by an unknown force, leading to one of Britain's most notorious witch trials.

Justice for Witches Campaign: https://charlottemeredith.co.uk/the-campaign/

For a full list of sources see the show notes at timharford.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Tale of Blood and Ashes: The Exeter Vampires | Halloween Season Oct 16, 2026

Show notes

In 1800s America, something terrifying is feeding on the quiet town of Exeter. As members of George Brown's family succumb one by one, the town considers drastic measures to protect the living from the dead.

For a list of sources, see the show notes at timharford.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Aliens Landed in Wiltshire | Halloween Season Oct 09, 2026

Show notes

In 1980s Southern England, intricate crop circles are appearing overnight, and people are desperate for an explanation. Could humans really create something so complex without anyone spotting them? The truth is out there! Actually, the truth is right here. The problem is getting people to believe it.

For a list of sources, see the show notes at timharford.com

Cautionary Tales is celebrating Halloween with a full month of paranormal themed episodes! If you have a spooky story or a skeptical question, get in touch at tales@pushkin.fm. If you want access to an extra Halloween episode - about the strange world of radio telepathy - alongside plenty of other benefits, check out the Cautionary Club on Patreon.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Mummy's Curse (Halloween Classic) Oct 02, 2026

Show notes

This October, Cautionary Tales is going all out for Halloween. We've got four brand new spooky episodes coming your way throughout the month, plus a fifth over on the Cautionary Club on Patreon.

If you have your own Halloween-themed Cautionary Tale or have any questions about belief and the paranormal we'd love to hear from you - contact tales@pushkin.fm

To begin the month, we're revisiting one of our favourite episodes, about the grizzly fates of the archaeologists who disturbed the resting place of Tutankhamun.

For a list of sources, see the show notes at timharford.com

To join the Cautionary Club head to Patreon.com/cautionaryclub

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Muhammad Ali Met Henry’s Hammer Sep 25, 2026

Show notes

Before he became Muhammad Ali, Cassius Clay was known as the "Louisville Loud-mouth", as famous for his sharp taunts and poetic put-downs as he was for his skills in the ring. In 1963, Clay arrived in England to take down beloved British Heavyweight, Henry Cooper. Clay is the clear favourite, but the showdown will be remembered as one of boxing history's most shocking battles, changing both men forever and showing what it really means to win.

For a list of sources, see the show notes at timharford.com

Join our Cautionary Club to get episodes ad-free, hear bonus interviews and get an extra Cautionary Tale every month .

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How a Broken Arm Improved my French - with David Epstein Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

Last week, Cautionary Tales described the rise and fall of General Magic, the startup with too much money and too few constraints. Was General Magic really doomed from the start, and what does its fate tell us about AI, drug discovery and our love lives? David Epstein, author of Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better, joins Tim to make the case for loving limitations.

For a list of sources, see the show notes at timharford.com

Join our Cautionary Club to get episodes ad-free, hear bonus interviews and get an extra Cautionary Tale every month.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talent, Time and Money: The Curse of General Magic Sep 11, 2026

Show notes

It's 1990. A new company called General Magic is going to build its vision of the future: the smart phone. They have talent, almost unlimited cash, and a 15 year head start on the iPhone. What could go wrong?

This episode was based, with permission, on David Epstein's book Inside the Box: How Constraints Make us Better. For a list of sources, see the show notes.

Join our Cautionary Club to get episodes ad-free, hear bonus interviews and get an extra Cautionary Tale every month.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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