Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford

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Latest Episodes:

"Dangerously Near to Absolute Perfection" May 02, 2025

Show notes

In 1900, two friends in the flourishing Arts and Crafts Movement in London share a vision: to print the ultimate edition of the Bible. Together they create The Doves Press, and its unique font, Doves. But in their quest to make something beautiful, the friends spiral towards an act of incredible ugliness.

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

Get ad-free episodes, plus an exclusive monthly bonus episode, to Cautionary Tales by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm. Pushkin+ subscribers can access ad-free episodes, full audiobooks exclusive binges, and bonus content for all Pushkin shows.
Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkin
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buried by the Wall Street Crash (Classic) Apr 25, 2025

Show notes

Cautionary Tales returns with a new episode on May 2nd.
Both of the world’s greatest economists, Irving Fisher and John Maynard Keynes, thought they could see into the future and make a killing on the stock market - and then both were wiped out by the Wall Street Crash. One died a pauper, the other millionaire. What does it take to bounce back from ruin? Oh... and UFOs.

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“I love being the person who doesn’t know anything” - Why Steven Levitt has swapped academia for podcasting Apr 11, 2025

Show notes

20 years ago, a book called Freakonomics became an instant bestseller and worldwide sensation. Tim Harford got his hands on the first copy that Steve Levitt ever signed... and promptly sold it on eBay. In this Cautionary Conversation, the pair are reunited to discuss the Freakonomics phenomenon, why Levitt left the hostile world of academia, and how simple changes could revolutionise everything from education to organ donation.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Old Man and the Wrecking Crew Apr 04, 2025

Show notes

When Britain entered its first Covid-19 lockdown in March 2020, many found comfort in evoking the British wartime spirit. A timely hero emerged - Captain Tom Moore, a WWII veteran who walked up and down his garden to raise money for frontline nurses. But when the fundraising switched to a new charity, did anyone think to check where was the money was going?

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Houdini: The Phone Call from the Coffin (Part 3) Mar 28, 2025

Show notes

Fearing for his life, Harry Houdini leaves secret codes with his loved ones, promising to use them in any post-mortem messaging. In 1926, Houdini's death shocks the world, but the news that follows is even more astounding. A report of the impossible: contact has been made.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Houdini's Detective and her 1500 Dead Husbands (Part 2) Mar 21, 2025

Show notes

Harry Houdini finds an ally in his fight against spiritualism, a brilliant detective called Rose Mackenberg, who'll do whatever it takes to expose a fake. Together, the two head to Washington to try and get lawmakers to criminalise mediums. The hearing that follows will be violent, sensational and leave Houdini fearing for his life.
This is the second of a three-part series.
For a full list of sources, see the show notes at timharford.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Houdini: A Message from the Spirits (Part 1) Mar 14, 2025

Show notes

Harry Houdini is remembered today for his legendary escapes and illusions, but he also had a lifelong obsession with the paranormal. After dabbling in fake seances himself, Houdini made it his mission to uncover frauds and expose mediums. This would put him on a collision course with his spiritualist friend, Arthur Conan Doyle, and leave him fearing for his life.
This is the first of a three-part series.

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

Get ad-free episodes, plus an exclusive monthly bonus episode, to Cautionary Tales by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm. Pushkin+ subscribers can access ad-free episodes, exclusive audiobook binges, and bonus content for all Pushkin shows.

Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkin
Subscribe on Pushkin.fm: pushkin.fm/plus

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would You Trust a Gangster Nanny? - Cautionary Questions with Rachel Botsman Mar 07, 2025

Show notes

Do we trust our fitness trackers too much? How do fraudsters gain our faith? Why do people trust podcasters? And would you trust a drug dealing nanny with a tambourine? Tim Harford is joined by trust expert Rachel Botsman to answer your questions.
Rachel lectures in trust at Oxford University and her new audiobook How To Trust and Be Trusted is available via Pushkin.fm and wherever audiobooks are sold.
We love hearing from you, so please keep your questions coming: tales@pushkin.fm.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lights, Camera, Tax Break Feb 28, 2025

Show notes

When Ernest Borgnine gets his big break in Hollywood, he can hardly believe his luck. But soon he discovers his supposed star vehicle, Marty, is not the dream gig he thought it was.
In this episode of Cautionary Tales, recorded live at the Bristol Festival of Economics, Tim Harford examines what happens when the murky world of tax avoidance collides with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Nursery Rhyme That Ruined a Rock Band Feb 21, 2025

Show notes

"Down Under" was huge. This jokey ode to legendary Australian wanderlust helped Men at Work win a Grammy and was a key part of the band's creative legacy. By 2007, it had been earning Men At Work a steady stream of royalties for nearly 30 years. That was when a quiz show pointed out the song's subtle connection with an Australian nursery rhyme...

Tim Harford examines one of the most controversial copyright battles in music history. Where does inspiration end and infringement begin?

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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