Cautionary Tales
by Pushkin Industries / Tim Harford
Tim Harford tells stories of awful errors, tragic catastrophes and hilarious fiascos to show we can all learn from them.
About Cautionary Tales
In Cautionary Tales, economist Tim Harford (The Undercover Economist) uses famous historical failures—from the sinking of the Titanic to the 1980s New Coke disaster—to teach us about psychology, statistics, and human error. It’s a beautifully produced show that feels like a cross between a thriller and a college lecture, showing us why even the smartest people make terrible mistakes. What sets Cautionary Tales apart from other history podcasts is its uses historical disasters to teach profound lessons in economics and psychology. The show is particularly valuable for fans of economics, history, and anyone interested in why systems and people fail. New episodes are released weekly, making it easy to stay up to date with the latest content. Cautionary Tales is completely free to listen to on all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
What Makes This Podcast Unique
Uses historical disasters to teach profound lessons in economics and psychology.
Who Should Listen?
Fans of economics, history, and anyone interested in why systems and people fail.
Pricing & Plans
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- Weekly episodes
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Our Take: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptional research and storytelling
- High-production value with dramatic reenactments
- Very practical lessons for decision-making
- Consistent weekly release schedule
Cons
- Can be quite intense and tragic at times
- Host's style is very precise and scholarly (though engaging)
- May not cover every niche subtopic in the field
Verdict
"Cautionary Tales is one of the standout podcasts in the History space. With weekly episodes and free access, it delivers consistent value to its audience. Uses historical disasters to teach profound lessons in economics and psychology. If you're looking for a reliable history podcast that goes beyond surface-level coverage, Cautionary Tales deserves a spot in your rotation."
Frequently Asked Questions about Cautionary Tales
What is Cautionary Tales about?
Tim Harford tells stories of awful errors, tragic catastrophes and hilarious fiascos to show we can all learn from them.
Who hosts Cautionary Tales?
Cautionary Tales is created by Pushkin Industries / Tim Harford. Tim Harford is an economist, journalist, and author. He is a senior columnist at the Financial Times.
How often are new episodes of Cautionary Tales released?
New episodes of Cautionary Tales are released weekly.
Is Cautionary Tales free to listen to?
Yes, Cautionary Tales is free to listen to on all major podcast platforms.
Where can I listen to Cautionary Tales?
You can listen to Cautionary Tales on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and directly on the show's website. Simply search for "Cautionary Tales" in your preferred podcast app.
About the Host: Pushkin Industries / Tim Harford
Pushkin Industries / Tim Harford
Tim Harford is an economist, journalist, and author. He is a senior columnist at the Financial Times.
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