Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford

Presenting: Twenty Thousand Hertz

When Satanic Panic ripped through America, rock music was in the crosshairs. Could songs contain secret backwards messages urging children to take drugs and worship the devil? This special episode is from Twenty Thousand Hertz, a podcast all about the rich world of sound. Follow Twenty Thousand Hertz wherever you get your podcasts. https://www.20k.org/ [https://www.20k.org/] This episode mentions death by suicide. If you are suffering emotional distress or having suicidal thoughts, support is available - for example, from the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US, or the Samaritans in the UK on 116 123 See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The Treasure Hunt that Broke America (Part 2)

Forrest Fenn’s legendary treasure hunt ignites a nationwide obsession. The thrill of adventure, the promise of gold, and the call of the wild entice many seekers into the quest. Over time, excitement gives way to conspiracy and resentment, as treasure hunters stray into increasingly dangerous or aggressive interpretations of the clues. As the body count climbs, even Forrest begins to fear for his safety. For a full list of show notes see www.timharford.com [http://www.timharford.com/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The Treasure Hunt that Broke America (Part 1)

Forrest Fenn never does things the regular way. Despite no formal training and little knowledge of art, he becomes a millionaire gallery owner. An outsider by nature, Fenn’s charm, audacity, and disregard for convention earns him both wealth and respect. When a streak of bad luck threatens to destroy his empire, Fenn dreams up an audacious final act. He'll mastermind the greatest treasure hunt America has ever known. As the legend spreads, and gold fever grips the nation, Fenn begins to lose control. The story of Forrest Fenn's treasure hunt will continue next week. Find "Who Can You Trust?" by Rachel Botsman (19:45), on Apple Books [https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/who-can-you-trust/id1443077397 [https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/who-can-you-trust/id1443077397]] or where ever you get your audiobooks. This episode discusses death by suicide. If you are suffering emotional distress or having suicidal thoughts, support is available - for example, from the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US, or the Samaritans in the UK on 116 123 Read more about Tim's work at http://timharford.com/ [http://timharford.com/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The Truth About Hansel and Gretel (Classic)

Was the fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel - the story of a woodcutter’s children abandoned in the woods and left at the mercy of a witch - in fact, early true crime? A hit book - The Truth About Hansel and Gretel - said that historical records pointed to the story being based on fact. Are we too quick to dismiss the truth behind tall stories? Or are we always falling for tales that are too good to be true? This episode discusses death by suicide. If you are suffering emotional distress or having suicidal thoughts, support is available - for example, from the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US, or the Samaritans in the UK on 116 123 Read more about Tim's work at http://timharford.com/ [http://timharford.com/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

On Fire from the Inside - Lethal Injection Up Close with Malcolm Gladwell

Last week, Cautionary Tales told the tragic story of Derek Bentley, exploring Britain's troubled relationship with capital punishment. Across the Atlantic, Revisionist History has also been scrutinizing what it means for a state to try to execute a person. For this bonus episode, Malcolm Gladwell joins Tim Harford to discuss his new series The Alabama Murders, and to confront the disturbing truth behind the death penalty in America today. Hear Revisionist History: The Alabama Murders [https://lnk.to/CTinterview] wherever you get podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.