More or Less

Summary

Numbers are everywhere, from viral social media claims and political soundbites to the headlines that shape our daily lives. But how often do those figures actually tell the truth? In More or Less, Tim Harford takes a magnifying glass to the statistics we encounter every day, peeling back the layers of data to reveal what is credible, what is misleading, and what is outright wrong. Whether he is untangling the complexities of public health modeling during an epidemic, examining the economic reality behind government infrastructure projects, or fact-checking controversial claims about crime and immigration, Harford brings a rare level of clarity to the noise. The show excels at demystifying complex concepts, showing listeners exactly how researchers reach their conclusions and where the logic often breaks down. The format is consistently investigative and intellectually curious. You will hear from actuaries, epidemiologists, and data experts who help explain why a headline about falling life expectancy might not mean what you think, or how a single, flawed statistic can balloon into a national myth. With a sharp focus on transparency and a willingness to admit when the experts—or the team itself—get it wrong, More or Less is essential listening for anyone who wants to become a more skeptical and informed consumer of information. It is a masterclass in critical thinking, proving that behind every number is a story—and usually a lesson in how to interpret the world more accurately.

Updated Jun 30, 2026