The Lovestruck Explorer's Deadly Guessing Game

Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford

Pushkin Industries

History, Society & Culture

4.7 • 6.4K Ratings

🗓️ 10 April 2026

⏱️ 39 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In 1860, police officer Robert O'Hara Burke plans an expedition to map the mysterious blank in the centre of Australia. Joining him is scientist William Wills, and a ragtag team of hires. Burke falls out with virtually everyone around him, and demonstrates an uncanny ability to make terrible choices - from the equipment he brings to the route he takes. But even as the mission unravels, one final, simple decision could still save him.

For a full list of show notes, see timharford.com.

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Transcript

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0:00.0	This is an I-Heart podcast.
0:02.5	Guaranteed human.
0:17.5	This cautionary tale was inspired by a suggestion from a loyal listener.
0:22.5	Thank you, JP. I hope you enjoy the episode.
0:29.9	Braha!
0:31.4	Robert O'Hara Burke calls out the name of the man he'd left in charge of the camp at Cooper's Creek.
0:38.6	Kuwi! Braha!
0:42.7	Dusk is falling.
0:45.2	Burke and his two surviving colleagues recognize their surroundings.
0:50.0	The camp is close.
0:51.8	They've travelled 30 miles that day,
0:55.0	clinging wearily to the backs of their two surviving camels,
0:59.2	who are just as exhausted as they are.
1:02.5	Braha!
1:04.2	It's been over four months since they saw Braha
1:08.0	and the other men they left at Cooper's Creek.
1:11.0	In that time, they've trekked 2,000 miles,
1:15.1	to the northern coast of Australia and back again.
1:19.4	They're the first white men ever to cross the country.
1:23.7	Glory and fame await when they get back to Melbourne,
1:29.9	still nearly another thousand miles away.
1:39.0	But now they'll have support. More men. Fresh camels and horses. And food. Thank goodness.
	...

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