Why Do Superstitions Feel So Good?

Why do we cling to rituals that we know don’t impact outcomes? In a speculative conversation full of superstition, Kurt shares the story of his “lucky” Timberwolves socks — a pair he’s convinced has the power to affect his NBA team’s fate, even though rationally he knows they don’t. Many of us have a similar story or good-luck ritual that we preform in specific situations, but what’s the behavioral science behind sports superstitions, fan rituals, and the meaning we assign to them?

In this month’s bonus episode, we explore the psychological concepts that drive these behaviors, including BF Skinner’s theory of superstitious conditioning, Ellen Langer’s “illusion of control,” and the power of intermittent reinforcement. This isn’t just a case of fan fanaticism, it’s deeply rooted in our human desire for agency, control, and belonging. Even when correlation doesn’t imply causation, our brains still crave stories that connect our actions to outcomes.

It’s not just about winning. It’s about meaning, connection, and participation. So go ahead — wear the socks. Just….wash them sometimes, maybe.

Want to watch along? Check out this episode on YouTube!