

Tim Harford
Financial Times journalist, BBC contributor, and author of "The Data Detective." Host of the podcast Cautionary Tales.
Top 10 podcasts with Tim Harford
Ranked by the Snipd community

36 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 1h 11min
Do we need to change our minds about index funds?
Tim Harford, an economist and author of 'How To Make The World Add Up', discusses the risks of sticking rigidly to investment strategies in changing markets. He delves into the historical lessons from economists like Fisher and Keynes, emphasizing adaptability. The conversation covers the debate between index funds and actively managed funds, the hidden costs of high management fees, and the necessity of simplifying financial concepts. Tim also addresses the psychological and emotional aspects that influence investing decisions, advocating for mindful, informed approaches to wealth.

24 snips
Dec 25, 2024 • 59min
The 12 Books of Christmas | Adam Grant on The Science of Achieving Greatness
In this lively discussion, organizational psychologist Adam Grant and economic journalist Tim Harford explore groundbreaking concepts from Grant's latest book, 'Hidden Potential.' They dive into the journey of overcoming self-doubt, sharing a captivating story about a competitive school's chess team. The pair emphasizes the power of character skills in education and the role of feedback in fostering personal growth. With engaging anecdotes, they highlight innovative teaching methods and the importance of embracing discomfort for success.

10 snips
Jan 26, 2024 • 34min
Adam Grant and Tim Harford on Achieving Greatness, Part One
In a captivating discussion, organizational psychologist Adam Grant, who guides leaders like Bill Gates, joins economist Tim Harford, a Financial Times columnist. They explore how to inspire creativity and tap into hidden potential within organizations. The conversation highlights the power of character skills in personal growth, illustrated by an inspiring chess team's victory. Grant shares insights on receiving constructive feedback and the benefits of alternating skill practices, linking these concepts to enhanced learning and performance.

9 snips
May 23, 2025 • 47min
Presenting Cautionary Tales | Lights, Camera, Tax Break
Tim Harford, host of Cautionary Tales, dives into the intriguing and often messy intersection of Hollywood and tax evasion. He unveils the scandal behind the production of 'Marty,' spotlighting Ernest Borgnine's struggles and triumphs in the industry. From the challenges of navigating casting decisions to the impact of tax laws on creativity, the discussion highlights the often-hidden pressures actors face. Harford also reflects on the excitement of award season, particularly Borgnine's emotional Oscar acceptance speech, emphasizing the complex reality of fame.

6 snips
Nov 11, 2024 • 42min
111. What Would Happen If We Didn't Tax Anyone?
Tim Harford, an economist and author renowned for his insights on behavioral economics, joins Steph for a thought-provoking discussion. They dive into the implications of a taxless society and how it would function without government revenue. Harford explores the intriguing origins of butter mountains and wine lakes, shedding light on agricultural surpluses. They also assess how individual lifestyle choices can affect community health and happiness while linking personal passions to economic benefits. It's a captivating blend of economics and everyday life!

6 snips
Jan 28, 2024 • 33min
Adam Grant and Tim Harford on Achieving Greatness, Part Two
In this engaging conversation, Adam Grant, renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, teams up with Tim Harford, esteemed economic journalist and author. They dive into key issues for business leaders, such as economic trends and talent retention. Grant and Harford discuss the importance of embracing discomfort for personal growth and how collaboration can enhance creativity in writing. They also tackle the pitfalls of perfectionism, advocating for incremental improvements as a path to greatness.

5 snips
Jan 19, 2024 • 50min
The Mend is Nigh: Hannah Ritchie on How to Build a Sustainable Planet
Hannah Ritchie, a leading data scientist from Oxford and author of 'Not the End of the World', chats with Tim Harford, a Financial Times columnist. They discuss innovative strategies for sustainability, emphasizing the importance of optimism and high living standards. Ritchie challenges common beliefs about climate solutions, revealing that renewable energy has become economically viable. They also explore historical air pollution trends, energy challenges, and the environmental impact of food choices, advocating for dietary changes to combat climate change.

Aug 27, 2025 • 48min
The Shark That Ate Hollywood
Tim Harford, the host of Cautionary Tales, takes a deep dive into the chaotic production of Jaws, detailing its messy yet iconic filmmaking process. He shares insights on the challenges posed by a malfunctioning mechanical shark and the intense pressures faced by director Steven Spielberg and his crew. Delving into creativity under pressure, Harford draws parallels with historical events like Apollo 13, illustrating how setbacks can spark innovation. The discussion reveals Jaws' profound impact on Hollywood, marking a shift in the summer blockbuster landscape.

Jan 5, 2021 • 53min
How to Make the World Add Up, with Tim Harford
Tim Harford, a Senior economist for the Financial Times, and David Spiegelhalter, Winton Professor at Cambridge, dive into the world of statistics and its real-life implications. They explore how emotional reactions can distort data interpretation, critique the credibility of popular psychology studies, and share cautionary tales about miscommunicating risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also discuss strategies to counter misinformation and the importance of diverse news consumption, all while emphasizing the power of numbers in understanding our world.

Nov 19, 2019 • 31min
Cautionary Tales
Tim Harford, an economist and author known for his insights on decision-making, dives into the chaotic aftermath of the 2016 Academy Awards blunder. He unpacks how poor design choices and communication failures led to the 'La La Land' mix-up, emphasizing that safety systems can introduce new risks. Harford draws parallels to the financial chaos of AIG's collapse, illustrating how small decisions can lead to monumental consequences. Through engaging anecdotes, he highlights the vital lessons learned from these cautionary tales.