Economics expert Jacob Goldstein answers intriguing questions like the effects of winning the lottery, impact of Bitcoin on the economy, and the correlation vs. causation dilemma. They also ponder on how to prepare for the inevitable robot takeover of jobs.

A corporate executive leaks Nazi military secrets to the British using a typewriter. British officials ignore crucial intelligence on German radar technology. The oversight leads to significant losses for British military forces during WW2.

Follow the captivating story of Sam Israel and his fraudulent hedge fund, Bayou Capital, as he juggles deceit, lies, and the pursuit of exceptional profits. Learn how pyramid and Ponzi schemes spiral out of control, ensnaring both victims and fraudsters in a web of deception.

Historian Dan Snow joins Tim Harford to discuss the downfall of the Inca Empire due to Spanish conquest in Peru. They draw parallels with the Battle of Crécy, highlighting treachery and deceit in pursuit of gold. The episode showcases cultural and strategic warfare dynamics, emphasizing the devastating impact of European diseases on the Inca. Pizarro's cunning tactics and ingenious strategies in defending Cusco against overwhelming odds lead to a significant victory.

Discover the rise and fall of Nicolae Ceaușescu, a megalomaniac dictator who bankrupted Romania while building a lavish palace. Uncover his disastrous population control policies and the squalid orphanages filled with unwanted children. Hear how his quarter-century rule crumbled overnight, exploring the unraveling of dictatorships and the social science behind them. Partnered with HBO's 'The Regime,' this episode delves into real-life dictatorships and their downfall.

Discover the connection between dictators and germophobia, the deceptive tactics used during the annexation of Crimea, the consequences of speaking truth to power in oppressive regimes like the Soviet Union, and the influence of germophobia on decisions in Putin's failed invasion of Ukraine.

On World Happiness Day, Dr. Laurie Santos discusses mental chatter control, the impact of endings on happiness perception, and finding joy in overcoming challenges with Dr. Maya Shankar, Tim Harford, and Malcolm Gladwell.

Chuck Yeager's harrowing experience in a plummeting aircraft teaches a valuable lesson of doing less. The episode highlights the benefits of inaction in critical moments, the power of subtraction in problem-solving, and how simplicity can lead to innovation and happiness.

US troops discover a Nazi concentration camp with smoldering corpses and enslaved laborers making V2 rockets. Wernher von Braun escapes, trying to switch sides. The podcast unfolds the grim realities of the V2 rocket program during WWII and von Braun's controversial legacy in space exploration.

This podcast explores the challenges faced by Baron Werner von Braun and his colleagues in developing rocket weapons during World War II. It delves into their efforts to secure funding, convince Nazi power brokers, and overcome internal politics. The crucial test launch of the V2 rocket is discussed, highlighting its significance as a usable weapon for Germany. The chapter also discusses the challenges faced in constructing the V2 rockets and the influence of Adolf Hitler and Heinrich Himmler on the rocket program.