Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford

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.

Forrest Fenn's unconventional rise from a Vietnam War pilot to a millionaire gallery owner is just the beginning. After a bout of bad luck, he orchestrates an audacious treasure hunt that captures America's imagination. The treasure fever spirals out of control, leading to tragic consequences, including a chilling disappearance. Fenn's story blends personal tragedy, unexpected media frenzy, and the darker side of adventure, highlighting how a quest for hidden riches can turn perilous.

Delve into the spine-chilling possibility that Hansel and Gretel could be more than fiction, as Tim Harford investigates claims of true crime origins. Discover how a satirical hoax led readers to believe fabricated evidence linking the tale to real events. Unpack the psychology behind our gullibility and the societal reactions to this deception. Explore the dark historical truths reflected in the beloved fairy tale and ponder important lessons about media credulity and the fine line between fact and fiction.

Malcolm Gladwell, the acclaimed journalist and author of Revisionist History, dives into chilling details surrounding his new series, The Alabama Murders. He explores the traumatic backgrounds of those involved, the courtroom failures that facilitate wrongful executions, and the dark reality of lethal injection's painful effects. Gladwell argues that capital punishment often serves revenge rather than justice and reflects on Alabama's complex relationship with the death penalty. His insights challenge our understanding of morality and state power.

In 1950s London, a bungled burglary leads to the tragic death of a police officer, involving 19-year-old Derek Bentley, who had a low IQ and child-like understanding. Confusing eyewitness accounts cloud the truth about his alleged involvement. Amid public outrage and political pressure, the British justice system unjustly sentences Bentley to death. The emotional fight for a posthumous pardon reflects a broader movement against capital punishment in Britain, culminating in a profound shift in public opinion and legal reform.

Maria Konnikova, a psychologist and author, joins Sheila Heti, a celebrated writer, to delve into the complexities of mistakes and regret. They explore how inaction often stings more than bold choices, revealing insights from poker about decision-making under pressure. Sheila shares her own blunders, including a costly mishap with a grant and an unexpected encounter with ketamine. Together, they reflect on the nuances of regret and its role in personal growth, underscoring how both momentous and minor errors shape our lives.

In this fascinating discussion, Sam Jones, a European security correspondent for the Financial Times, dives into the labyrinthine world surrounding Jan Marsalek, Wirecard's elusive COO. Alongside Paul Murphy, FT's head of investigations, they unpack the breathtaking scale of Wirecard's fraud and Marsalek's double life linked to Russian espionage. Jones explores modern spy narratives and their revelations about societal weaknesses, while Murphy shares his gripping encounters with Marsalek, including a cheeky bribe offer. This tale of intrigue weaves through espionage, charm, and corruption.

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.