Mirror, Mirror on the wall, where do superstitions come from, and why are they here at all?
As Halloween sparks conversations about ghosts, luck and all things spooky, renowned comedian Ting Lim explores the superstitions and beliefs that shape cultures around the world in SBS Audio’s latest podcast, Jinxed! Whether you cover mirrors before you go to sleep or hold your breath when driving past a cemetery, you’re in the right place. Ting delves into the strange, funny and deeply personal beliefs people grow up with, exploring what happens to these traditions in modern society and why they continue to stay with us.
The eight-part series explores the superstitions passed down from one generation to the next, unpacking the myths, beliefs and stigmas woven into everyday life. Ting examines the intersection of superstition and stigma, delving into the origins of these stories and how culture shapes these beliefs.
Comedian and host of Jinxed!, Ting Lim said: “I consider myself a cynic, right up until something goes wrong. Then I’m blaming the full moon, reading my horoscope and wasting perfectly good seasoning by throwing it over my shoulder. Jinxed digs into the stories behind our superstitions, where they came from, how they’ve evolved, and why we still believe them.”
Each episode is packed with humour, curiosity and expert insight, featuring some of Australia’s funniest voices.
Episode 1: Wait, Chinese astrology is more than just the 12 zodiac animals? Comedian He Huang believes Chinese astrology helps keep her grounded. In this episode of Jinxed! Ting chats with He about her renewed interest in Ba Zi, also known as Chinese astrology.
Episode 2: Why is the left hand considered evil? Ting is joined by Ethiopian Australian comedian Tilahun Hailu to explore the origins of the stigma surrounding left-handedness, reflecting on his childhood in South Sudan.
Episode 3: What is it about mirrors that makes them so creepy? Ting chats with comedian Sashi Perera about her lifelong fear of mirrors, while also dissecting their significance in Sri Lankan culture with Sean Perera, Sub-Dean at the Australian National University.
Episode 4: How does a community become a code word for witchcraft? Ivan Aristeguieta grew up hearing stories about family bones being stolen for witchcraft. Ting speaks with the Venezuelan-born comedian about growing up around Santería, unpacking the myths and stigma that continue to surround the religion.
Episode 5: Ever been told to hold your breath when driving past a cemetery? Comedian Alex Hudson takes it one step further: lift your legs too. Joining Ting, together they explore the superstitions, rules and unusual rituals surrounding death, including those rooted in the Victorian era.
Episode 6: Does the evil eye really exist? Joined by comedian George Kapiniaris, Ting explores how protection against the evil eye is believed to work and whether social media might be the perfect breeding ground for a modern-day evil eye.
Episode 7: Why do people in southern Vietnam avoid calling the eldest child the eldest? Joined by comedian Diana Nguyen, her family’s “second eldest” daughter, Ting explores one of Vietnam’s more curious traditions and the responsibilities that come with the role.
Episode 8: Why are some people told to avoid poinciana trees at night? Joined by Torres Strait Islander comedian Leon Filewood, Ting explores the urban legend of the Poinciana Woman. Together, they unpack where the story may have originated, compare ghost stories from around the world, and ask why the Torres Strait Islands can feel especially eerie after dark.
The eight episodes of Jinxed! will drop on 28 October 2026. Listen on the SBS Audio App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, LiSTNR, SBS On Demand or wherever you stream your podcasts.