logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2021
40m 28s

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 ... Show More
Up next
Jun 16
Crystals: More than just shiny rocks
This episode shines a light on crystals, and they’re sparkling right back at us! We’ll zoom way in on a diamond to understand the structure that makes crystals special, and hear about some unexpected crystals, too (hint: chocolate chip cookies contain a few different crystals!). ... Show More
35m 15s
Jun 9
Brains On Presents: Smash Boom Best - Slime vs Slinkies
We will be back next week with a new episode! This week we have an episode from our sister show Smash Boom Best: Slime vs Slinkies!Set out these two playthings on a table and see which one your kid grabs first. Is it the gooey, squishy, surprising slime? Or the springy, wiggly, w ... Show More
40m 46s
Jun 2
Why do we like the number 100?
As Brains On fast approaches 400 episodes, we wanted to re-visit this one. Not only is it our milestone episode 100, but our pal Gungador goes from Most Epic Fighting Battle Realm to a much more challenging setting: high school. We ask why people seem to love the number 100 so mu ... Show More
42m 45s
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