

Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford
Pushkin Industries
We tell our children unsettling fairy tales to teach them valuable lessons, but these Cautionary Tales are for the education of the grown ups – and they are all true. Tim Harford (Financial Times, BBC, author of “The Data Detective”) brings you stories of awful human error, tragic catastrophes, and hilarious fiascos. They'll delight you, scare you, but also make you wiser. New episodes every Friday.
Episodes
Mentioned books

19 snips
Jul 28, 2023 • 27min
The Father of Space Travel
Ryan Dilley, Pushkin's resident V-2 expert and former producer, dives deep into the intricate history of the V-2 rocket, revealing a personal family connection that adds an emotional layer to its story. He discusses the controversial legacy of Wernher von Braun, exploring how his wartime past intertwines with his later role in American space exploration. Dilley and Tim reflect on the ethical implications of employing former Nazis, all while teasing the compelling contrasts between technological achievements and the moral costs of history.

11 snips
Jul 21, 2023 • 42min
A Fascination with Failure: Death On The Dancefloor (Classic)
Explore the haunting Kansas City Hyatt Regency disaster of 1981, where a spectacular engineering failure claimed 114 lives. Discover the critical design flaws of the skywalks that collapsed onto partygoers below. Delve into the emotional rescue efforts and the chaotic medical responses that followed. Learn about the intricate balance between creativity and structural integrity, as past oversights serve as powerful lessons for the future of engineering and project management.

15 snips
Jul 14, 2023 • 36min
When Parakeets Plundered New York
In this enlightening discussion, Ben Naddaff-Hafrey, a bird enthusiast and host of The Last Archive, shares his journey into birdwatching that began during the pandemic. He delves into the chaotic history of invasive monk parakeets in New York City, revealing how a pet craze turned into a panic. The conversation highlights concerns about population growth, the impact of non-native species on ecosystems, and the absurdity of training parakeets to talk, all while weaving in humor and unexpected insights on environmental policies.

8 snips
Jul 7, 2023 • 36min
The Coup, the Poet and the Secret to Winning Wimbledon
Explore the intriguing life of Leander Starr Jameson, whose bold but disastrous raid inspired Rudyard Kipling's poem 'If.' Delve into the emotional turmoil faced by athletes like Jana Novotna during high-stakes matches, particularly the 1993 Wimbledon final. Discover the chaotic backdrop of Johannesburg's gold rush and the failed invasion led by Jameson during the Boer War. The podcast intertwines themes of resilience, failure, and redemption, highlighting the critical lessons drawn from both sports and politics.

6 snips
Jun 23, 2023 • 38min
The Man Who Played With Hurricanes
The podcast dives into the intriguing world of weather manipulation, where early pioneers like Irving Langmuir aimed to make deserts bloom and redirect hurricanes. It discusses the initial optimism surrounding geoengineering and contrasts it with the ethical dilemmas and controversies faced today. Through historical experiments, including cloud seeding and hurricane manipulation, it explores humanity's complex relationship with nature and the evolving perception of our ability to control the climate in the face of climate change challenges.

5 snips
Jun 15, 2023 • 43min
Cautionary Tales Presents: Lost Hills - The Dark Prince
Mickey Dora, the legendary surfer known for his rebellious spirit and con artistry, dives deep into his life of surfing glory and criminal escapades. Discover the complexities of his personality and influence on 1950s surf culture, characterized by daring adventures and a rejection of mainstream norms. The podcast also examines Dora's cultural legacy, sparking conversations about the contradictions within the surfing world, alongside thrilling tales of his escapades and the societal admiration for outlaws like him.

9 snips
Jun 9, 2023 • 37min
Sonic Poison? The Genesis of Havana Syndrome
Dive into the perplexing world of Havana Syndrome, where CIA agents faced mysterious ailments that left them in mental fog. Explore chaotic scenes in schools where children believed they were poisoned, only to uncover the truth behind mass psychogenic illness. Discover the delicate balance between mind and body as past incidents, like the Coca-Cola scare, reveal the power of public perception. Delve into the intriguing origins and ramifications of unexplained conditions that challenge our understanding of health and wellness.

26 snips
May 26, 2023 • 37min
Airships, AI and Alan Cumming: Tim Answers Your Questions
Join Jacob Goldstein, podcasting maestro and host of 'What's Your Problem?', as he collaborates with Tim on a listener Q&A session. They dive into why economics is often misunderstood and recount the dramatic tale of a small Hungarian airline's downfall. Hear insights on artificial intelligence's dual narratives, the art of storytelling in economic history, and even a glimpse into Tim's favorite role-playing games. The duo explores the importance of data and its interpretation, blending personal experiences with larger societal themes.

25 snips
May 12, 2023 • 32min
The Man Who Bet His House on a Pop Song - A Eurovision Tale
In this engaging discussion, Andrew Wright, a key member of the team behind the podcast, dives into the gamble taken by Daniel Gould, who placed his home on the line by betting on the Eurovision Song Contest. They explore the intricate blend of cultural insights and financial risk, illustrating how Daniel's keen analysis of voting patterns can lead to life-changing decisions. The conversation highlights the emotional rollercoaster of high-stakes betting, revealing both triumph and anxiety in the unpredictable world of Eurovision.

12 snips
Apr 28, 2023 • 39min
The Dark Money Behind Mother's Day
Discover the emotional origins of Mother's Day and Anna Marie Jarvis's heartfelt tribute to her mother. Delve into the twisting journey from a meaningful celebration to a commercial spectacle dominated by marketing. Explore how flowers became symbols of consumerism, and the struggles Jarvis faced against the holiday's commercialization. Despite her dedication and advocacy for genuine sentiment, Jarvis's vision faded, highlighting the poignant irony that her funeral was funded by florists. A captivating tale of love, legacy, and the holiday's transformation!