Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford

Pushkin Industries
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55 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 42min

Missing Fish and Fatal Feasts: Ritual and Ruin at the Sun King’s Table

Step into the extravagant court of Louis XIV, where manners dictate life and death. François Vatel, the ultimate party planner, faces a monumental task: hosting a banquet for the king. As the scales of etiquette tip precariously, Vatel must navigate political intrigue and looming failure. With unexpected shortages and a failing spectacle, the pressure mounts. The tragic tale unfolds as one misstep leads to heartbreaking consequences, illustrating how the pursuit of favor can lead to ruin.
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77 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 38min

Don't Panic! Douglas Adams' Guide to Tomorrow - with Arvind Ethan David

Join Arvind Ethan David, the creative force behind the audiobook Douglas Adams: The Ends of the Earth, as he explores the life and legacy of the iconic writer. He reveals how Adams used wit to address pressing issues like AI and social media. Arvind shares his personal journey from a young fan to a mentee, delving into Adams' innovative take on technology and conservation efforts. Discover how Adams' insights about extinction and empathy shape our understanding of humanity today, reminding us that practical action, not panic, is essential.
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77 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 41min

A Deadly Day at the Races: What Radical Protest Can and Cannot Do

Explore the daring tactics of the Suffragettes as they fought for women's rights, including firebombing and hunger strikes. Delve into the chaotic moment when Emily Davison stormed the Epsom racetrack and the mixed reactions that followed. Unpack the complexities of radical protest and its impact on broader movements. Was Davison's final act a calculated protest or a tragic mistake? The podcast challenges the narratives around her actions and raises important questions about intent and consequences.
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80 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 41min

True Lies and Genuine Fakes

Dive into the world of art forgery as the notorious Eric Hebborn's audacious schemes unfold. Discover a dramatic tale involving a damaged da Vinci drawing that blurs the lines of authenticity. Explore the implications of deepfake technology in art and politics, revealing challenges in discerning truth. Hebborn's legacy raises profound questions about the nature of reality and trust. The narrative takes unexpected twists, intertwining courtroom drama with philosophical reflections on value and perception.
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91 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 39min

Stalling for Survival - A Lonely Fight Against a Deadly Medicine

In this enlightening discussion, Katie Hafner, host of The Lost Women of Science podcast, sheds light on Frances Oldham Kelsey's heroic stand against thalidomide in the 1960s. The brutal impact of this drug on innocent lives is explored, along with the remarkable perseverance Kelsey showed in resisting industry pressure. Hafner emphasizes the critical importance of drug safety regulation and the lessons learned from Kelsey’s steadfast dedication to public health. This captivating story resonates with today’s ongoing debates about pharmaceutical ethics.
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10 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 2min

Announcing: The Cautionary Club

Discover the excitement of a brand new community designed for fans. Membership offers exclusive content and behind-the-scenes stories. Engage in discussions about the creative choices that bring the show to life. Plus, get the chance to vote on future topics and ask questions. This initiative is all about deepening your connection to the stories you love.
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132 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 40min

Disaster Favours the Daring: Shipwreck at Honda Point

Dive into the gripping tale of the 1923 naval disaster at Honda Point, where Captain Dolly Hunter's squadron faced a deadly maritime catastrophe. Discover the tensions between traditional navigation and emerging technologies that shaped crucial decisions. Feel the chaos as thick fog leads to ship collisions, showcasing overconfidence and miscommunication among leaders. Amidst survival struggles on the USS Young, witness extraordinary bravery and camaraderie among sailors as they battle life-threatening conditions.
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119 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 41min

Paradise Poisoned: How Utopias Fall Apart

Dive into the story of Dore and Friedrich, a couple fleeing societal norms for the remote Galapagos island of Floreana. Their dream quickly unravels due to pesky fleas, unexpected visitors, and hidden tensions, revealing the fragility of utopian ideals. As they battle personal struggles and external pressures, a powerful baroness emerges, complicating their quest for solitude. With themes of love, betrayal, and the harsh realities of isolation, their paradise fades into chaos, offering a cautionary tale about the cost of pursuing perfection.
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41 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 40min

"Genius Still Unrecognised" - The Worst Poet in the World

Explore the baffling legacy of William McGonagall, once dubbed the worst poet in history. His jarring poetry and tragic life serve as a springboard for discussions about artistic failure versus unique expression. From his theatrical beginnings to humorous misadventures, the tale reveals a misunderstood artist seeking recognition. The podcast delves into the tragic irony of his legacy, where mockery intertwines with cultural significance, prompting listeners to rethink unrecognized genius in the world of art.
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121 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 39min

Office Hell: The Demise of the Playful Workspace (Classic)

Explore the rise and fall of the playful workspace revolution in the 90s. An advertising agency’s bold move to eliminate cubicles revealed chaos instead of creativity. Workers faced struggles with hot-desking and cumbersome technology. Discover design philosophies from great architects and how personal autonomy impacts employee satisfaction. There's a fascinating comparison of open offices to remote work benefits, spotlighting the essential balance between collaboration and distraction. The discussion delves into the fleeting nature of creative office designs and the lessons still relevant today.

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