Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford cover image

Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford

Latest episodes

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9 snips
Oct 27, 2023 • 39min

Killers of the Flower Moon: Osage Chief Jim Gray In Conversation

Former Principal Chief of the Osage Nation Jim Roan Gray discusses his great-grandfather's murder and the legacy of the Osage reign of terror, as well as his thoughts on the film adaptation of 'Killers of the Flower Moon' and meeting Martin Scorsese. They also touch on the boarding school experience, the impact on the Osage community, and the importance of learning from history.
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16 snips
Oct 20, 2023 • 41min

Oil and Blood: The Osage Murders

In this episode, Tim Harford tells the chilling story of the Osage Murders, where members of the Osage Nation were targeted for their newfound wealth from oil reserves. The investigation by lawman Tom White uncovers a vicious plot that leads to destruction and suspicion. The aftermath of the convictions and present-day struggles of the Osage Nation are also explored, highlighting the lasting impact of the murders. This cautionary tale is the basis for the film directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Robert DeNiro and Leonardo DiCaprio.
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8 snips
Oct 13, 2023 • 34min

DOUBLE BILL: A Monkey For Mayor / A Screw Loose At 17,000 Feet

H’Angus the Monkey, the man who dressed as Hartlepool United’s monkey mascot and won a mayoral election, raises questions about selecting effective leaders. The consequences of mixing up bolts while fitting an airplane windshield at 17,000 feet were dramatic, highlighting the importance of attention to detail. The podcast explores the impact of cumulative errors and the need for proper maintenance to prevent accidents. An aircraft maintenance manager named Guy faces challenges in replacing an airplane windshield.
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Sep 29, 2023 • 36min

"7000 horses are being flown across space..." - Cautionary Questions #2

The hosts answer listener questions, discussing topics like board games and music. They delve into the popularity of board games and role-playing games in different countries. They explore the rising popularity of Dungeons & Dragons among kids and ponder the most pressing problem humans need to solve. The importance of sound design in Cautionary Tales is highlighted, featuring an interview with the podcast's sound designer. The process of producing the podcast and the chilling atmosphere created through sound design are also discussed.
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7 snips
Sep 19, 2023 • 45min

Cautionary Tales Presents: Getting out of Dodge from Revisionist History

This podcast explores the influence of the TV show Gunsmoke on gun rights decisions by Supreme Court justices. It analyzes the significance of Gunsmoke in American culture and discusses the portrayal of guns and violence in Westerns. The podcast also delves into the controversy surrounding gun control, the impact of the revolver in the 19th century, and the history of Dodge City as a violent town. Overall, it offers a cautionary tale about the potential effects of media on societal perceptions and decisions.
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11 snips
Sep 15, 2023 • 40min

A Chorus of Contempt at The Sydney Opera House

Follow the triumph and bitter victory of architect Jørn Utzon in winning a competition to design the Sydney Opera House. Explore the scandals, setbacks, and conflicts surrounding its design and construction. Learn about the controversial appointment and withheld payments to Utzon, leading to his resignation. Discover the challenges faced in completing the project and the failed attempts at reconciliation. Uncover the unseen beauty and aftermath of the Sydney Opera House controversy.
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21 snips
Sep 1, 2023 • 38min

The City That Sold Itself To Wall Street

The podcast discusses the controversial parking meter leasing deal in Chicago, the negative impacts of privatizing parking meters, the trade-off between parking and housing, the impact of the deal on electric vehicles, and the challenges of parking and appreciating green spaces.
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8 snips
Aug 18, 2023 • 36min

General Ludd's Rage Against the Machines

In this intriguing podcast, the history and significance of Luddism is explored, focusing on the attack on William Cartwright's textile mill in 1812. The defensive measures, resistance faced by mill owners, and the impact of technological progress are discussed, highlighting the luddite fallacy and the need for equitable benefits. The chapter also mentions the summer of Jeep event in the credits.
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13 snips
Aug 11, 2023 • 37min

Andy Warhol's Factory of Truth

Cautionary Conversation: Andy Warhol’s assistant, Gerard Malanga, is facing a long prison sentence in Italy. He’s forged several Che Guevara portraits and tried to pass them off as genuine Warhols. What happens next is a landmark event in the history of art and authenticity… Tim Harford is joined by Alice Sherwood, author of Authenticity, to discuss truth and fakery in modern times. Today, authenticity seems to matter more than ever — and yet we’re also constantly assailed by people and products that are not what they seem. What’s going on here? And what’s the attention economy got to do with it?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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5 snips
Aug 4, 2023 • 37min

Poles Apart: How A Journalist Divided A City

Heroic explorer Frederick Cook has just returned from the very roof of the world, the first man to reach the North Pole. Or so he says. Journalist Philip Gibbs has been watching him, and he’s convinced he’s lying. When Gibbs publishes that belief, he stands alone. Cook has a gripping manner and an excellent reputation: his winning tale must be true. Diners boo Gibbs at a restaurant, newspapers publish sly-looking caricatures of him, and he even receives threats of violence. But then, everything changes. We often think of polarisation as a modern problem — but the story of Cook and Gibbs has much to teach us here. For a full list of sources for this episode, please visit timharford.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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