50 Things That Made the Modern Economy

1,424

Tim Harford tells the fascinating stories of inventions, ideas and innovations which have helped create the economic world.

Recent Episodes
  • Introducing: Season 2 of 30 Animals That Made Us Smarter
    Jul 22, 2021 – 18:04
  • Introducing 13 Minutes to the Moon Season 2
    Mar 9, 2020 – 03:53
  • Gutenberg press
    Mar 2, 2020 – 10:10
  • Slot machines
    Feb 24, 2020 – 09:34
  • Chess algorithms
    Feb 17, 2020 – 09:55
  • Auctions
    Feb 10, 2020 – 09:51
  • Dams
    Feb 3, 2020 – 09:51
  • Tulips
    Jan 27, 2020 – 10:01
  • Sanitary towel
    Jan 20, 2020 – 09:46
  • Wardian case
    Jan 13, 2020 – 09:58
  • Fast food franchise
    Jan 6, 2020 – 09:51
  • CCTV
    Dec 30, 2019 – 09:51
  • Retirement
    Dec 23, 2019 – 10:32
  • Santa
    Dec 16, 2019 – 16:07
  • Sewing machine
    Dec 9, 2019 – 09:37
  • Hollerith punch card
    Dec 2, 2019 – 09:53
  • Stock option
    Nov 25, 2019 – 10:05
  • Fundraising appeal
    Nov 18, 2019 – 09:53
  • SWIFT
    Nov 11, 2019 – 10:05
  • Wedgwood
    Nov 4, 2019 – 09:38
  • Glasses
    Oct 28, 2019 – 10:27
  • Vickrey turnstile
    Oct 21, 2019 – 09:44
  • GPS
    Oct 14, 2019 – 09:58
  • Bonsack machine
    Oct 7, 2019 – 09:35
  • Prohibition
    Sep 30, 2019 – 10:07
  • Interface Message Processor
    Sep 23, 2019 – 10:20
  • Canned food
    Sep 16, 2019 – 09:57
  • Interchangeable parts
    Sep 9, 2019 – 10:30
  • Oil
    Sep 2, 2019 – 08:59
  • Chatbot
    Aug 26, 2019 – 10:03
  • Solar PV
    Aug 19, 2019 – 09:49
  • Cassava
    Aug 12, 2019 – 09:54
  • Fire
    Aug 5, 2019 – 09:51
  • RFID: The tech you’ve never heard of – but use every day
    Jul 29, 2019 – 10:01
  • Postage stamp
    Jul 22, 2019 – 10:07
  • Rubber
    Jul 15, 2019 – 09:59
  • CubeSat
    Jul 8, 2019 – 09:56
  • Factory
    Jun 29, 2019 – 08:59
  • Blockchain
    Jun 24, 2019 – 10:32
  • Pencil
    Jun 17, 2019 – 10:25
  • 'Like' button
    Jun 10, 2019 – 08:59
  • Dwarf wheat
    Jun 3, 2019 – 09:00
  • Pornography
    May 27, 2019 – 08:57
  • Recycling
    May 20, 2019 – 10:34
  • Spreadsheet
    May 13, 2019 – 10:31
  • Brick
    May 6, 2019 – 09:52
  • Mail order catalogue
    Apr 29, 2019 – 08:58
  • Bicycle
    Apr 22, 2019 – 08:59
  • QWERTY
    Apr 15, 2019 – 08:59
  • Bonus 4: Woodpecker and black box
    Apr 15, 2019 – 14:57
Recent Reviews
  • dldnh
    Excellent
    An excellent podcast, always very interesting.
  • Jehrieoheue
    Sanitary towels (pads)
    Yeees let’s break that stigma that is still lingering ! :)
  • CourtWad
    Nice.
    Like the economy? Wanna learn history? You’ll like this podcast.
  • astrosjeff
    Brilliant little nuggets
    The host does an excellent job of telling the story behind things both big and small — some super obvious, and some you would never have thought of. Each episode is a great little nugget of information.
  • OkeyDokeyNeeto
    Healthy Brain Candy
    Super fun and engaging. A side door into looking at the world through an economic lens for those of us who got hives whenever business majors walked into the room.
  • Bevguy
    50 Things
    Marvellous series for anyone who likes to know how the world around us works. ... But isn't able to read an in-depth book on a new topic every week!
  • fadecutmike
    Turning into leftist propaganda
    Used to enjoy this show, lately it has been nothing more than a laundry list of leftist talking points. Surprised they haven’t done an Orange Man Bad episode yet..
  • avm1406
    All hail Tim Hartford.
    The renaissance man and of BBC podcasts. Spectacular show.
  • Carl from chicago
    Very good and quick
    They are just 10 minutes long and one a minute of filler. Some are obscure and some obvious. I liked the one on cement / concrete and didn’t realize how important sand was to the world.
  • SJ2029
    Such interesting information in a hurry
    Long podcasts that dive deeply into a topic can be great but what if you just want to learn a little bit about interesting topics that affect our everyday lives and economy? This podcast does just that, piquing interest with short m, fascinating episodes. Very interesting!
  • rdama
    Fantastic
    Just like their prior podcasts using a similar format..."x things that made the world", etc, BBC has nailed this. Almost every one of these has information that I found fascinating and useful. The episode on tinned food for some reason does not play on my phone..Thanks BBC.
  • tmeers
    My Favorite Podcast
    I stumbled upon this podcast in 2018 and it captured my mind very quickly. Tim Harford has a soothing voice and is able to condense the topics into fascinating, easily digestible and poignant podcasts that never really seem to get old.
  • Old Man Barrett
    Only about 6 minutes of actual content
    This podcast is great but is not well suited for much extended listening due to the fact that nearly half of it is adds.
  • Aabecker555
    Perfect podcast in the morning.
    Tim Harford is a wonderful narrator.each episode is well structured. Delivered engagingly. Great food for thought.
  • Retired lady lawyer
    Factories
    This is very enlightening, brings some vague ideas I had into focus.
  • Will in Austin
    I, Pencil
    This guy spends two or three sentences “debunking” the succinct but legendary I, Pencil, then declares himself right and Leonard E. Read wrong. Dude, you didn’t win the argument. Don’t pat yourself on the back over for that weak sauce.
  • Ldhufgrb
    Thank you!
    I love the podcast, but I am an English beginner, so how do I get the tapescripts? I am willing to pay the money for it.
  • bigsablept
    Much love for Tim
    This podcast is a true gem. I’m not a fan of the first 15 seconds of every episode where someone other than Tim talks. But I’ll forgive it because Tim is always very good.
  • ZPWilson92
    10 minutes is too short
    This show is incredible but I wish the episodes were longer. Even coming out further apart and putting three together into a 30 minute episode would be nice. The credits just come too soon
  • BooksinNewYork
    Amazing podcast !
    So much to learn about the world and in under ten minutes too! Thank you for season two.
  • Splott74
    Super interesting!
    Bite size, really well done and enlightening.
  • Robatc
    Fun and interesting
    These are really well done, relatively short and fascinating. Even a topic that doesn’t look like one you’d like has something, some factoid that will make it worthwhile. I usually am left wanting to know more and do a little research afterwards.
  • Careynations
    Brilliant!
    I love this podcast so much!! Tim Harford shares SUCH fascinating stories that provide incredible insight and entertainment. I highly recommend giving this a listen. P.S. the first series helped get me through my design degree. I used it as a resource when looking for topics to research and write about.
  • Chris in Newburyport, MA
    Awesome
    Loved the first 50, which I binged. Looking forward to next 50, also 30 Animals. Excellent content and varied topics.
  • Xcetric
    Great podcast
    I found this through an episode in npr's 'The indicator podcast' and I love it.
  • mrlgts
    Brilliant podcast
    Fascinating information in small bits. A great quick listen.
  • Brd57
    What a Gem
    This podcast is nice and quick packed with interesting information. Laid out in a easily digestible format. So glad there’s a second season!
  • James DeH
    It’s gets better and better!
    The first two episodes (spoiler) end with the inventors dying in a sorry state of poverty. Thankfully this is not a theme for the podcast. Each episode is a glimpse into a fascinating part of history. Sources provided at the end of each episode of the listener desires to learn more. James
  • dettifoss
    Each bite-size chunk is a gem.
    This podcast is professionally presented, educational and fun. It makes sense of many aspects of modern life, how they came about, and why they are so useful. A series of 10-minute articles, each dedicated to a single building block of the modern world, and how it changed the lives of all of us. From how money works to air conditioning, from infant formula to insurance, antibiotics to light bulbs, this is not a series about "how things work", rather how seemingly everyday objects and ideas changed our lives.
  • CharlesVashon
    Brilliant!
    Another brilliant BBC podcast that makes me look so much more intelligent in conversations. Great podcast length and ever better subjects matters.
  • abbermac20
    Fascinating
    The sound quality is great, and the information is so interesting. The episodes are short, sweet and to the point. First heard from the beautiful nerd Roman Mars of 99% Invisible
  • DaveinEvansGA
    Short yet informative
    Short and informative are two uncommonly paired words. Considering current social attention spans, it makes this podcast a hit. It does contain enough information to give your brain a light lunch with something to chew on. Many are interesting enough to spur some internet searches and reading.
  • 1caveat
    Delicious
    These are amazing tidbits of important history, a lovely little bite!
  • Airstotle
    CaraLinde
    I really enjoyed the first season and am so happy you are back with season 2! Tim’s style and presentations are always interesting, to-the-point, and educational. Thank you Tim and team for another great podcast season!
  • Father Borisna
    CUCUMBER! 🥒
    🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒
  • Sean G in USA
    Always good to come back to
    I’ve heard all 50, but they’re so enjoyable I listen to random episodes when driving long distances. Great insights and well researched.
  • Ben C. Le
    Best poscast I've heard
    Thank you so much Tim! this is by far the most intense and precise yet interesting load of information I've heard in years. Can't wait for MARCH 2019...
  • jrcairns
    Interesting and thought-provoking
    This podcast takes common and seemingly simple things and gives an uncommon perspective which reveals how complex they really are.
  • SusieNS
    Smart, short and entertaining
    I love these podcasts! The BBC is one of the few broadcasters that keeps producing quality shows, and provides well documented information, it’s a great way to learn something new and keep yourself entertained on the road
  • Darin 505
    Great
    Love that we have a season 2 I added all 50 things to my phone so I would never lose them. Now I get a season 2 Thank you
  • SmoothHughes
    50 is not enough
    Listened to all fifty, read the book, listened to some twice. What a great series.
  • Daikosune
    Awesome!
    History, economics, sociology, biography all in one place. I enjoyed it so much I’m going to buy the book.
  • Weiser ID
    One of the most interesting podcasts I’ve ever listened to!
    Tim Hartford was amazing. I’ve listened to all 51 episodes and only found 2 to be anything short of fascinating. I now have about 45 books on my reading list thanks to their list of sources. Thank you Tim and BBC. Amazingly well produced and a fun listen! Except ... the female intro and commercials could have been better normalized. Tim’s voice comes through soothingly on my cars speakers. But the intro and commercials were too loud by comparison. Resulting in an often jarring panic to turn down the volume. Fix that and this would easily be the most well produced podcast I’ve listened to.
  • hisstairrickal
    Excellent
    Short well presented segments designed to inform, educate and enrich. Highly recommend.
  • Neeq12
    The stuff of our world
    I'd been searching for a resource that explores the basic things that make our economy and society tick and this podcast fits the bill. Love the work! Keep it up.
  • Irish Sharky
    Most interesting podcast
    I keep the episodes and relisten to them. They are great. I love podcasts about the economy.
  • Khglynn
    New Years Resolution: Leave Podcast Reviews
    New Years Resolution: finally leave reviews for at least your top 50 podcasts. They give you way too much free entertainment. The least you can do is leave them a quick review. New Years Reality: I listen to 50+ exceptional podcasts. I don’t have time to write that many reviews. New Years Solution: Leave this cookie-cutter review for the few(ish) podcasts you love. Only review the ones you would (or have) recommended to people in real life. Review Note: I have listened to hundreds of podcasts, this is (in my humble opinion) the best of the best. Download, enjoy, and then recommend widely.
  • Liggity34
    Wonderful series!
    Each episode is short, sweet, and jam packed with interesting tidbits.
  • NateLikesTea
    Very fascinating!!
    Fun, short, educational snippets that really help you consider how our world was shaped in ways many of us haven’t remotely considered. Definitely worth a listen!
  • Delfin42???
    Very informative
    Wonderful series of 9 minute podcasts where we learn some economics along with history and science. I can’t recommend it highly enough. Great for middle and high school students as well.
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