In Part Two of Old Superstitions and Where They Came From, host Amy dives even deeper into history’s weirdest omens — from cursed umbrellas and lucky chimney sweeps to haunted birds, poisoned wine toasts, and the mysterious house spirits that still lurk in folklore. Learn why Victorians feared birds in the house, why brides once kissed chimney sweeps for luck, and how a sneeze once required a papal blessing to survive. It’s another darkly funny, historically rich journey into the strange ways humans have tried to outsmart fate. Packed with humor, fake ads, and centuries of delightful nonsense, this Strange History Podcast episode explores the odd rituals that shaped our everyday habits — and reminds us that a little superstition never hurt… unless you open that umbrella indoors. Press play, raise your glass, and let’s toast to surviving another curse.

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This episode of The Strange History Podcast was lovingly crafted with the help of ElevenLabs.io — the magical technology that gives Amy her time to sleep, eat, work and spend time with her dog Jack. While some might say she sounds too good to be true, we assure you, Amy is absolutely a real person… who just happens to have access to studio-grade AI vocal cords and an unnatural ability to pronounce “necromancy” without flinching. Any resemblance to an AI is purely coincidental — and mildly flattering. Dan the announcers name is really Bill and Patrick, the fake ad guy who thinks he is funny? well he is questionable at best. So yes, AI was used but the people are real and the shinanigans are.... well.... shinanigans.