Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford

Episode: Your Chance to Attend a Cautionary Tales Table Read
Date: December 4, 2025
Host: Tim Harford (Pushkin Industries)

Episode Overview

This special announcement episode unveils a new participatory opportunity for fans of "Cautionary Tales." Tim Harford introduces a unique perk for members of the newly launched Cautionary Club, a Patreon community for listeners. He invites both new and existing members to participate in a live online table read of an upcoming episode and outlines how to join or become a founding member.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Launch and Purpose of the Cautionary Club

• Tim Harford expresses delight over the strong response to the Cautionary Club community, a Patreon-based platform for listeners.
• The club offers exclusive content including bonus episodes, a members-only newsletter, and opportunities for listeners to suggest future episode topics.

2. Founding Member Status and Special Invitation

• Members who join the Cautionary Club before the end of the year will be designated as "founding members."
• Founding members gain exclusive access to a live, behind-the-scenes table read of a future "Cautionary Tales" episode.

3. What to Expect at the Live Table Read

• During each narrative episode’s development, Tim and the production team gather for an initial script reading, discussing editorial feedback and shaping the episode.
• Founding members are now invited to observe this creative process in real time and will have the chance to ask questions during a live video call.

4. Automatic Perks for Existing Members

• Current Cautionary Club members are automatically granted founding member status and will receive their table read invitations soon.
• Questions can be directed to the show's email address.

5. Sign-Up Details and Next Steps

• Tim provides clear instructions for signing up, spelling out the Patreon URL for clarity.
• He encourages fans to join before the year’s end to secure their status and participate in the exclusive behind-the-scenes event.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the enthusiastic community response:

  • "I'm delighted that so many of you have signed up for the Cautionary Club, our new Patreon community for listeners..."
    — Tim Harford [00:09]

• Highlighting the live table read opportunity:

  • "As a founding member, you'll be able to peek further behind the curtain and receive an invitation to a live online table read of a future Cautionary Tales episode."
    — Tim Harford [00:33]

• Describing the editorial process:

  • "For each narrative episode, the whole production team gets together to hear me read the script for the first time and make editorial suggestions. Now you'll have the chance to see that process in real time and ask our team questions in a live video call."
    — Tim Harford [00:48]

• Assurance for existing supporters:

  • "And if you've already signed up for the Cautionary Club, not to worry, you are automatically a founding member and you'll get your invitation shortly."
    — Tim Harford [01:17]

• Encouragement to join and closing note:

  • "If you'd like to sign up, head to patreon.com cautionaryclub — that's Patreon P-A-T-R-E-O-N.com cautionaryclub. We look forward to seeing you there."
    — Tim Harford [01:34]

Important Segments & Timestamps

• Community Introduction and Welcome — [00:09]
• Announcement of Founding Member Benefits — [00:21]
• Explanation of Table Read Event — [00:33]
• How to Sign Up and Contact Details — [01:21 - 01:34]

Summary

This episode serves as a call-to-action for listeners to participate more deeply in the creative process of "Cautionary Tales." Tim Harford’s warm and inclusive tone invites fans new and old to become founding members of the Cautionary Club, offering not only exclusive digital content but also the rare chance to witness—and interact with—the team during a live episode table read. Existing members are reassured, and clear instructions are provided for anyone wishing to join the experience.