logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2021
38m 43s

Spooky superstitions! Why we think 13 is...

American Public Media
About this episode

Just in time for spooky season, it’s an episode all about superstitions! Do you avoid the number 13? Or maybe it’s your lucky number, like Taylor Swift? In this episode we’ll look at why we have such strong feelings toward 13, and we’ll hear about other unlucky and lucky numbers around the world. Plus, Marc and Sanden will explain why our brains latch on to superstitions in the first place. Oh, and our favorite talking skeleton, Mr. Bonejangles, is back with a spine-tingling quiz! All that and a Moment of Um that answers the question: do cockroaches have hearts?



This episode was sponsored by


The Who, When, Wow! podcast (Who, When, Wow!)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Yesterday
How does music get recorded and stored?
<p>Most of us take listening to music or podcasts for granted. You can find them on your phone, in the car or just about anywhere you can imagine. But, have you ever wondered how those sounds were captured in the first place? To find out, Molly and Co-host Canyon shrink down and ... Show More
30m 56s
Nov 18
Do dogs know that they're dogs?
<p>We treat dogs like they're part of the family. But do they know they are a different species, or do they think they're just short, four-legged people?</p> <p data-encore-id="text">In this episode, canine cognition researcher Alexandra Horowitz helps us puzzle out this question ... Show More
26m 18s
Nov 11
Mystery Sounds from the natural world
<p>Today&rsquo;s episode is full of Mystery Sounds from around the world. Molly and co-host Rehema are joined by sonic explorer Thomas Rex Beverly, who travels the globe to capture the sounds of the natural world. He brings us some beautiful head-scratchers that really must be he ... Show More
33m 28s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2021
Why we’re superstitious
Friday the 13th is just around the corner! But what is the history surrounding this unlucky day? In this episode of Thick & Thin, I look into the roots of many popular superstitions in hopes of discovering the truth. // Follow me on IG: instagram.com/katybellotte // Sources: http ... Show More
43m 23s
Oct 2023
superstitions [video]
[video available on spotify] yesterday wasn't a great day for me. it all started when i showed up to my morning workout class and i realized that i had been booked on the 13th treadmill. i walked into the class and saw the treadmill with a big number 13 on it and i was like, this ... Show More
43m 44s
Jan 2023
Folge 82 - Freitag, der 13.
Freitag, der 13.: ein Unglückstag? Viele Menschen in Deutschland glauben, dass dieser Tag Pech bringen kann. Woher kommt dieser Aberglaube? Und wie sieht es in anderen Ländern und Kulturen aus? Das Transkript dieser Folge findest du kostenlos auf www.14minuten.de Gefällt dir der ... Show More
14m 2s
Jun 2015
280. The UK's Top 13 Superstitions
What are the most common superstitions in the UK? What are the origins of these superstitions? Why do we believe these things? Are there any particular phrases in our language that relate to these superstitions? Listen to the episode to find out more and click here for a transcri ... Show More
1h 16m
Sep 2022
Plague of the Superstitious
Have you ever knocked on wood to stop something bad from happening? Or avoided walking under a ladder? Then you’re superstitious. Superstitions come from common, yet irrational beliefs. They typically stem from folklore or urban legend. But how irrational is it, if it’s actually ... Show More
27m 24s
Apr 2024
S9 EP9: Put His Name In The Freezer
Welcome back! Being Persian we grew up in a culture full of superstition. Some of them we are so accustomed to believing like "The evil eye" and some of which we have always found down right HILARIOUS! Superstitions are such an interesting part of history and culture, so we asked ... Show More
46m 40s
Oct 2020
The Number 13
It’s the world’s unluckiest integer, and it has even spawned its own phobia. Throughout folklore and mythology, wherever the number 13 occurs, disaster follows. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 
33m 38s
Aug 2021
The psychology of superstition, with Stuart Vyse, PhD
Just in time for Friday the 13th, we discuss the psychology of superstition with Stuart Vyse, PhD, author of the book “Believing in Magic: The Psychology of Superstition.” Vyse discusses the origins of some popular superstitions, the psychological purposes superstition serves, an ... Show More
38m 46s
May 2020
Aberglaube in Deutschland – SG #209
Meine beste Freundin ist Chinesin. Mit ihr habe ich über Aberglaube gesprochen. Denn wenn wir zusammen essen gehen, dürfen wir nicht vier verschiedene Dinge bestellen - denn vier ist eine Zahl, die Unglück bringt. So ist das zumindest in China. Hier in Deutschland mögen wir die v ... Show More
6m 42s