Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford

In this enlightening conversation, Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist at Wharton and author of 'Think Again,' delves into the importance of adaptability in leadership and decision-making. He draws parallels between historical crisis moments and personal growth. Grant explores why we often cling to outdated ideas, illustrated by Steve Jobs' complex relationship with his phone. The discussion also emphasizes nurturing curiosity and innovation, promoting the idea of an 'escape fire' as a means to overcome rigid thinking and embrace change.

The perplexing case of Mitrice Richardson takes center stage, diving into the details of her mysterious disappearance in Malibu. The discussion questions law enforcement's accountability and the chilling lack of progress in solving her unsolved death. Forensic insights reveal unsettling findings about her remains, and the narrative raises critical queries about potential foul play. Eyewitness accounts add layers of confusion, leaving listeners grappling with the dark truths lurking within the community.

Chaos erupts in the cockpit of Air France Flight 447 as pilots believe they've lost control during a storm. The incident uncovers the dangers of over-relying on technology, revealing how a simple maneuver could have avoided disaster. The podcast explores the alarming interactions between human error and advanced automation, highlighting the necessity for pilots to retain manual flying skills. It also dives into the implications of AI in decision-making, emphasizing that dependency on tech can yield catastrophic outcomes.

Discover the remarkable journey of women breaking into marathon running, defying absurd societal norms. Hear about Kathrine Switzer's courageous run at the Boston Marathon despite fierce opposition from race officials. Explore the historical struggles women faced in long-distance events and the ongoing evolution toward equality in athletics. Delve into the endurance challenges women continue to face today and celebrate the trailblazers who paved the way for future generations. It's a powerful testament to resilience and determination.

The feuding Dassler brothers sparked a legendary rivalry that transformed the athletic shoe industry, birthing Adidas and Puma. The tension was so fierce it divided their hometown, Herzogenaurach, along brand loyalties. Pelé's choice of Puma boots before the 1970 World Cup not only skyrocketed sales but also intensified competition. Through personal journeys and innovative spirit, the brothers’ turmoil overpowered their shared love for craft, impacting generations of sports branding and igniting debates on whether their hatred was a distraction or a catalyst for greatness.

Explore the harrowing world of whaling in the Pacific, where a ship faces the wrath of an enormous whale. Delve into Tilikum's tragic tale, raising ethical questions about captivity and the close bond between orcas and their trainers. Experience a desperate fight for survival against nature's fury, contrasted with the emotional depths of human-animal connections. Discover the unpredictable beauty of wildlife and ponder the complexities of revenge, empathy, and morality in life-and-death situations.

Jacob Goldstein, the witty host of "What's Your Problem?" and author of "Money: The True Story of a Made-Up Thing," joins Tim Harford for a captivating discussion. They explore whether winning the lottery truly brings happiness and delve into the economic implications of Bitcoin. The duo also tackles the future of work amid growing automation, considering Universal Basic Income as a possible solution. Plus, they reflect on the age-old conundrum of correlation versus causation, making complex topics both engaging and accessible.

This is the tale of Hans Ferdinand Mayer, a corporate executive who risked everything to leak critical Nazi military secrets to Britain. Despite the urgency of his revelations about Germany's radar technology, British officials surprisingly dismissed them. The discussion navigates Britain's intelligence failures and overconfidence during World War II, highlighting how ignored warnings led to dire consequences. Personal stories intertwined with military drama reveal the high stakes of information and the tragic losses that followed.

Rob Armstrong, a Financial Times journalist and co-host of the "Unhedged" podcast, shares riveting insights into the world of financial fraud. He delves into the elaborate schemes, including Ponzi and pyramid scams, showcasing their psychological manipulation. Armstrong tells the chaotic tale of Sam Israel, whose hedge fund spiraled into deceit amid personal turmoil. The discussion highlights how greed leads to downfall and warns of the emotional aftermath for victims caught in these schemes. An eye-opening exploration of trust, deception, and the darker side of financial dreams.

Join historian Dan Snow, a celebrated presenter known for his engaging historical documentaries, as he delves into the conquest of the Inca Empire by Spanish conquistadors. Discover the bloody quest for gold that led to the empire's downfall and hear about the dramatic Battle of Crécy, revealing surprising tactics and cultural clashes. Dan highlights how European diseases devastated indigenous populations and examines the Inca's courage in the face of tragedy, drawing contemporary parallels that resonate today.