When Great Stories Meet Great Teaching

A New Chapter in Educational Innovation

In 1826, a revolutionary idea took root in Cambridge, Massachusetts. What began as informal gatherings of students and teachers discussing real-world cases would eventually transform into Harvard Business School’s case method—a teaching approach that would reshape education globally. Today, we’re excited to announce a partnership that builds upon this proven tradition of learning through compelling stories and thoughtful discussion.

EduThemes and Cautionary Tales are joining forces to bring Tim Harford’s masterful storytelling into classrooms across the country. This collaboration transforms select episodes of the acclaimed podcast into comprehensive learning experiences, carefully crafted to spark meaningful discussions and deep understanding.

Our inaugural release features “The Art of Public Speaking,” which examines the contrasting approaches of Martin Luther King Jr. and Gerald Ratner, offering students a fascinating lens through which to explore the power and pitfalls of public oratory.

Each module guides students through a thoughtfully structured journey:

• Begin by absorbing the narrative through ad-free podcast episodes
• Solidify understanding through carefully crafted comprehension activities
• Engage in peer discussions that encourage diverse perspectives
• Connect these historical lessons to personal experience through guided reflection

For educators, these modules arrive ready to import into your learning management system, combining the engaging narratives of Cautionary Tales with pedagogically sound learning experiences designed by teachers, for teachers.

This partnership represents more than just content delivery—it’s about creating moments of genuine discovery where students can explore complex ideas through the power of story and discussion. Every module is crafted to support teachers in what they do best: inspiring meaningful conversations and fostering deeper understanding.

We invite educators to explore these new resources and join us in bringing these powerful stories into their classrooms.