Tim Harford

Mentioned in 14 analyzed podcast episodes across 5 shows

Host and creator of the *Cautionary Tales* podcast, where he narrates historical narratives with sociological and economic analysis. Also hosts *More or Less*, a BBC World Service program focused on data, statistics, and mathematical reasoning applied to current events and everyday questions. He is invited as an expert guest to discuss economics, probability, and human decision-making across various podcast platforms.

Appears On

Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford Unexpected Elements More or Less How to Be a Better Human What's Your Problem?

Episode Appearances

Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford · Apr 10, 2026

The Lovestruck Explorer's Deadly Guessing Game

“Host and writer of Cautionary Tales podcast; narrates and analyzes the Burke expedition story.”

Coordination games and focal points in decision-makingCommunication breakdown in remote expeditionsProject management failures and cascading errors

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Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford · Mar 27, 2026

The Sightseeing Flight and the Invisible Mountain

“Presents and narrates the episode, providing analysis and context throughout the investigation narrative”

Aviation accident investigation methodologyOrganizational accountability and cover-upsCognitive biases in high-stakes decision-making

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Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford · Mar 13, 2026

"And it went click" - Dawn of the Working Dead

“Host and writer of Cautionary Tales podcast episode analyzing the unintended consequences of workplace design innovation.”

Office furniture design and workspace ergonomicsWorkplace surveillance and monitoring technologyKnowledge worker productivity and autonomy

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Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford · Mar 6, 2026

Explosives or Sugar? The Deadly Art of Distraction in Putin’s Russia - with Helena Merriman

“Host of Cautionary Tales podcast; conducted interview with Helena Merriman about apartment bombing investigation”

Russian apartment bombings of 1999 and Ryazan incidentVladimir Putin's rise to power and early presidencyFSB (Russian Federal Security Service) involvement allegations

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Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford · Feb 27, 2026

Flight of the Fantasist: The Race Around the World - Part 2

“Host and writer of Cautionary Tales; narrates the episode and synthesizes the narrative with sociological analysis.”

Entrepreneurial fraud and deception in competitive marketsSocial performance theory and self-presentation in businessMental health in high-stakes competitive environments

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Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford · Feb 20, 2026

The Philosopher and the Handyman: The Race Around the World - Part 1

“Host and writer of Cautionary Tales podcast who narrates and contextualizes the Knox Johnston and Moitessier story”

Maintenance strategy and preventive careSystem simplification vs. capability trade-offsPreparation and resource planning for long-duration projects

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Unexpected Elements · Feb 13, 2026

Are you lucky?

“Presenter on BBC World Service's More or Less discussing queue theory and practical implementation challenges”

Live Music Neuroscience and Emotional ResponseDynamic Pricing Algorithms and Consumer StrategyConcert Ticket Acquisition and Demand Management

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Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford · Feb 13, 2026

Sphygmograph Be Damned: The Science of Love

“Host and narrator of Cautionary Tales podcast”

Online dating algorithms and their limitationsAlgorithmic matching and compatibility predictionDating app business models and subscription revenue

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More or Less · Feb 7, 2026

Is this Premier League striker a secret maths genius?

“Host of More or Less podcast who guides the discussion on mathematical tricks and sports statistics”

Cube root calculation techniquesMathematical pattern recognitionPremier League goal-scoring statistics

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More or Less · Jan 31, 2026

Could Europe use its financial muscle to strong-arm the US?

“Host of More or Less podcast who guided the discussion on European financial leverage over the US”

US Financial Assets Held by European NATO MembersGovernment Bonds and Stock Market LeverageFinancial Interdependence and Economic Coercion

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Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford · Jan 30, 2026

Powered by Orgasm: The Rise and Fall of a Sex Cult - with Ellen Huet

“Host of Cautionary Tales podcast interviewing Ellen Huet about the OneTaste investigation and trial.”

Cult Dynamics and Psychological CoercionForced Labor Conspiracy ProsecutionWellness Industry Predatory Practices

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Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford · Jan 23, 2026

The WOW Machine Stops (Pt 2)

“Host and writer of the Cautionary Tales podcast episode”

Startup Financial Management and Unit EconomicsCommunity Building and Social ConnectionHappiness Economics and Psychological Well-being

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How to Be a Better Human · Dec 5, 2025

Pods Fight Poverty: Why Giving Money to Others Makes us Happier | from The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

“Host of Cautionary Tales; economist and journalist who shared story of receiving passport from strangers in Cameroon”

Direct Cash Transfers and Poverty AlleviationBehavioral Economics and Charitable GivingPsychological Benefits of Generosity

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What's Your Problem? · Dec 2, 2025

How to Experience the Joy of Giving Right Now: A Giving Tuesday Special from The Happiness Lab

“Host of Cautionary Tales podcast; shared story of receiving unexpected kindness when strangers returned his lost passport in Cameroon”

Charitable Giving PsychologyDirect Cash Transfer ProgramsBehavioral Economics and Altruism

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