50 Things That Made the Modern Economy

BBC
  • 4.5 (4)
  • BUSINESS
50 Things That Made the Modern Economy

The history of economics explained, without ads

US$2,99/month or US$29,99/year

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

  1. 22/07/2021

    Introducing: Season 2 of 30 Animals That Made Us Smarter

    How animals make us smarter – we thought you might like to hear our brand new episode. It’s about a robotic arm inspired by an elephant’s trunk. For more, search for 30 Animals That Made Us Smarter wherever you get your podcasts. #30Animals

    18 min

  2. 09/03/2020

    Introducing 13 Minutes to the Moon Season 2

    Jump on-board a doomed mission to the Moon. Apollo 13: the extraordinary story, told by the people who flew it and saved it. Search for 13 Minutes to the Moon wherever you get your podcasts. #13MinutestotheMoon

    4 min

  3. 02/03/2020

    Gutenberg press

    Johannes Gutenberg's printing press changed the course of human history. It created a new way of doing business, drastically reduced the cost and speed of making books, and enabled texts, ideas and arguments to spread further and faster than ever before. So why did he struggle to make money from it?

    10 min

  4. 24/02/2020

    Slot machines

    First developed by a toy company in the 1890s, slot machines have become one of the most profitable tools of the gambling trade - but many who play them say winning isn't the point. So why can't people pull themselves away? Tim Harford looks under the spinning wheels and flashing lights to see what these devices reveal about the business of addiction.

    10 min

  5. 17/02/2020

    Chess algorithms

    In 1997, Garry Kasparov, widely regarded as the world's greatest chess player, was defeated by Deep Blue, a computer. But how much did that reveal about the 'brainpower' of machines? Tim Harford explains by delving into the history of algorithms. They've been used by mathematicians and scientists for millennia, but have acquired a new level of power and importance in the digital age.

    10 min

  6. 10/02/2020

    Auctions

    Are things only worth what people are willing to pay for them? Tim Harford explains why a method of buying and selling that originated in ancient times has endured to the present day, and is now underpinning the success of some of the internet's most powerful brands.

    10 min

  7. 03/02/2020

    Dams

    From reliable water supplies to large-scale electricity generation, the benefits brought by dams can be huge. But so can the problems. Tim Harford explains how these massive structures have changed the world for many, but led to catastrophe for others.

    10 min

  8. 27/01/2020

    Tulips

    In the 1630s, the Netherlands experienced 'tulip mania' - a surge in demand for tulips from wealthy buyers, with some individual bulbs costing twenty times more than a carpenter's annual salary. Then, in February 1637, the price suddenly crashed. It's often cited as the first great financial bubble, but is that really the case? Tim Harford tries to sort fact from fiction.

    10 min
See All (110)

Shows with Subscription Benefits

  • The day’s top stories from BBC News, including the latest on the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, plus bringing you developments on US politics and the climate. Delivered twice a day on weekdays, daily at weekends.

    • 4.5 (31)
    • DAILY NEWS

  • A weekly programme that illuminates the mysteries and challenges the controversies behind the science that's changing our world.

    • 5.0 (3)
    • SCIENCE

  • If time is tight, what's the one thing that you should be doing to improve your health and wellbeing? Michael Mosley reveals surprisingly simple top tips that are scientifically proven to change your life.

    • 5.0 (1)
    • HEALTH & FITNESS

  • Tim Harford and the More or Less team try to make sense of the statistics which surround us. From BBC Radio 4

    • 5.0 (1)
    • BUSINESS

  • Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the ideas, people and events that have shaped our world.

    • 3.5 (2)
    • HISTORY

  • Director of the British Museum, Neil MacGregor, narrates 100 programmes that retell humanity's history through the objects we have made.

    • 3.7 (3)
    • HISTORY

The history of economics explained, without ads

US$2,99/month or US$29,99/year

View Subscription FAQs

Hosts & Guests

Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

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

Information

More From BBC

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada