Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford

Discover how Elsie and Frances staged iconic fairy photographs that captivated even Sherlock Holmes' creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Their clever tricks, like retouching and double exposures, baffled photographic experts and mystics for decades. Despite media mockery and skepticism, the girls' hoax endured, stemming from social pressures and a fear of humiliation. Eventually, Elsie's confession revealed it was all a practical joke, leaving a lasting legacy in the realms of belief and deception.

Tim Harford chats with Richard Garfield, the brilliant mind behind Magic: The Gathering. They dive into the secrets of game design and economics, exploring why Monopoly fails to critique capitalism. Richard shares his process of creating engaging games, the complexities of collectible markets, and the impact of market crashes on playability. They also ponder the potential of universal basic income as a game-like mechanism for societal fairness. Plus, Richard recommends festive games to enjoy this holiday season!

In a small English village, a nylon production plant faces disaster after a reactor vessel fails. Engineers create a makeshift pipe to keep production going, unknowingly setting the stage for a massive explosion. Eyewitness accounts reveal the terrifying impact on homes and villagers. Amid Cold War tensions, the story unfolds with the consequences of prioritizing output over safety. As the blast reshapes the community, it highlights the crucial balance between industrial ambition and human risk.

The podcast dives into the mysterious disappearance of Grace Oakeshott, a woman who vanished from a beach in 1907, leaving behind only her clothes. It explores her ambitious upbringing, her struggles within a restrictive marriage, and a hidden love affair. The narrative suggests Grace reinvented herself as Joan Reeve after fleeing to New Zealand, where she contributed significantly to her new community. Through Grace's story, the discussion highlights the limited freedoms and legal challenges women faced at the time.

Discover an exclusive opportunity to join a live table read of an unreleased story. Hear how editorial decisions shape the narrative in real time. Learn about becoming a Founding Member of the Cautionary Club for unique perks like bonus episodes and behind-the-scenes access. Be among the first to vote on future storylines and get sneak peeks of upcoming content. This is your chance to dive deeper into the stories while supporting the creative process!

Tim Harford, a journalist and economist, shares a heartwarming tale of kindness from Cameroon, challenging his own mistrust of strangers. Psychologist Maya Shankar recalls how childhood bullying led her to appreciate acts of kindness that defined her path. They discuss the profound impact of giving on personal happiness and the collective fight against poverty, illustrating how even small acts, like giving a dollar, can change lives. Tune in for inspiring stories that emphasize the joy of generosity.

A fossil discovery in 1912, once hailed as a missing link, turns out to be one of science's biggest hoaxes. Tim Harford delves into the strange anatomy of Piltdown Man, blending human and ape traits. The investigation reveals a shocking scale of deception, with multiple fakes uncovered. Suspects are scrutinized, particularly the dubious practices of Charles Dawson. The discussion ties historical fraud to modern-day issues in research, emphasizing the critical need for truth in science.

Joe Robertson, a playwright known for the gripping play Kyoto, shares insights into the high-stakes world of climate politics. He delves into the disruptive tactics of lobbyist Don Perlman, who embodied the challenges of the 1997 climate negotiations. Robertson explains how strategies of doubt and misinformation were weaponized, paralleling tactics from the tobacco industry. He also highlights the importance of small island nations as moral leaders and examines the legacy of Kyoto, questioning its effectiveness in shaping future climate policy.

Join audio historian Brian Gardner, who has explored backmasking's roots, and Ashley Hamer, managing editor at Curiosity.com and musician, as they dive into the eerie world of hidden messages in music. They discuss infamous cases like the Judas Priest trial, the cultural panic of the '80s, and how our brains perceive accidental messages through pareidolia. From historical context to modern examples, they reveal the playful ways artists use backmasking today and debunk myths about its true influence on behavior.

Forrest Fenn's treasure hunt sparks a nationwide obsession, drawing adventurers into the Rocky Mountains. As excitement transforms into dangerous obsession, the hunt leads to tragic losses, including the disappearance of Eric Ashby. The community forms around shared theories, yet criminal behavior emerges amidst fierce dedication. After the treasure is allegedly found, skepticism grows, and unresolved questions linger, leading to renewed hunts and ongoing speculation about the treasure's true fate.