EPISODE 015: William Pack

Jeff McBride is the best of the best, and when I originally thought about this podcast & what I wanted it to be, Jeff was the unofficial "patron saint" of Symbols & Secrets. It's a delight to have him on the show sharing his thoughts on secrets, magic, mystery, and beyond. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Jeff McBride 00:12 Host Introduction 00:50 Conversation With Jeff 01:54 Keeping Secrets 06:45 Magic Everywhere 11:50 Magic Monkey Vs Meaning Maker 13:45 Uncomfortable With Power 19:22 Our Most Powerful Resource In Life 27:04 Outro CONNECT Mystery School: https://www.magicalwisdom.com/ Jeff's Site: https://mcbridemagic.com/

Fred Zimmerman is a respected Chicago actor who has appeared in National Broadway Touring Companies, Regional & Stock Companies, and in theaters across Chicagoland. He can also be seen on several Hit NBC Series, including Chicago Fire and Chicago PD.  When he's not onstage getting into the heads of his characters, he's getting inside the heads … of his AUDIENCE at corporate & private events. Fred stops by the podcast to talk about the work that goes into creating his shows & experiences for his audiences. It's a fantastic look into getting the most out of your character on (and off) stage. CONNECT Website: https://www.fredzimmerman.com/ Facebook: @FredEZimmerman

Most people know Scott Adams as the creator of Dilbert; a wildly successful comic strip. Few people know he has a background with magic, hypnosis, personal programming, and more. This is a conversation that really shares a lot of valuable insight for anyone interested in mindset, motivation, magic, or mentalism. Strap in. CONNECT Website: https://www.scottadamssays.com/ Books: https://www.amazon.com/Scott-Adams/e/B000AP9MO0/ Twitter: @ScottAdamsSays

Alain Nu is an absolute legend in the world of Mentalism. He's had his own series on TV, performed all over the world, a recognized master of a very difficult skill (metal bending), an author, and a lot more. He stops by the show to talk about having 'out there' interests & how to convert those into engaging corporate-friendly presentations, how to create new mentalism, and more. This is one you have to listen to! CONNECT Website: https://themanwhoknows.tv/ Book: "State of Mind"

William Pack is a Chicago staple with a foot in the world of cheats, cons, and swindles while firmly planting his other foot into the history of magic + performing. In our conversation he explains why magic has never been a hobby, how he used to cheat a charity, and more. I guarantee you'll learn a thing or three. CONNECT Website: https://www.WilliamPack.com Libraries: https://www.LibraryProgramming.com Books On Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/wpack

Peter first became fascinated with magic at the age of eleven when he stumbled across a magic book at his local library.  He now travels around the country performing his award winning magic that will defy your reality.  Peter's show is about two things, astonishing magic, and having a good time; and he doesn't skimp on either.  You might recognize him by his trademark orange sneakers, or from the group of people around him freaking out at his magic and having a good time.  The title Magician for Non-Believers is about being honest with his audience.  Magic isn't real… but Peter will make you believe it is for the length of his show.  Combining original mind blowing magic, and a heavy dose of humor is his secret to success and why it's made him one of the top booked college acts around the country. CONNECT Website: https://www.PeterBoie.com Instagram: @peterboie YouTube: @PeterBoie

Ryan Plunkett is a Chicago-based magician who has been performing for the past two decades. Ryan is a founding ensemble member as well as a regular performer of the Chicago Magic Lounge, a theater dedicated to bringing back the art of Chicago style magic. Ryan is also a highly sought-after magic consultant, magic creator, and lecturer. Ryan has published three books on the art of magic and is a regular performer at the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, California. Ryan's performance consists of an evening of striking and elegant magic presented in a charming and easy-going style. Ryan specializes in a style of magic that is personal and intimate and demands to be seen close-up. CONNECT Website: https://www.RyanPlunkett.com Instagram: @ryanplunkett_official His Book: A New Angle

Luis Carreon is an accomplished and well-respected magician. He won the Harlan Tarbell Close-up Competition Award from the International Brotherhood of Magicians two years in a row. He also took home first place at the Chicago Magic Competition hosted by The Society of American Magicians.  With his unique style of humor and wisdom, Luis regularly travels the country teaching other magicians about the art of magic. He is, also, the head demonstrator at Magic Inc., the oldest family-owned magic shop in the country. He has performed his show Bending Minds and Bending Dreams at theaters all around Chicago. Internationally, Luis has been featured on the Univision evening news showcasing his talents. He was honored to be a semi-finalist on Tengo Talento, the Spanish language equivalent of America's Got Talent. In addition, he is also a frequent performer at the famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, California.  Luis can be seen performing regularly at The Chicago Magic Lounge where he is also one of the founding members. CONNECT Instagram: @magicianluiscarreon Facebook: @LuisCarreonMagic Website: https://www.luiscarreon.com

He's done everything. Late night talk shows, giant keynote stages, huge audiences, small audiences, and everything in between. It hasn't been a straight path, and he wouldn't wish it on anyone he cares about. Listen to Jamy Ian Swiss to discover the value of creativity, being earnest, and what it takes to live outside the system. CONNECT Visit His Website Conjuror's Conundrum 525,000+ Words Of Magic Book Reviews

Paige Thompson emerges as one of the few world-class female magicians. Currently living in Chicago, Paige has become one of the Resident house magicians of the Chicago Magic Lounge. A long time dream was recently fulfilled as she appeared for the first time in the close-up gallery at the internationally acclaimed Magic Castle. Her performances have taken her to the stages of Las Vegas, Branson, New York, Nashville and beyond. Her television credits include America's Got Talent and Germany's Das Supertalent working alongside some of the top illusionists in magic. CONNECT Website: https://www.paigesmagic.com/ Instagram: @paigesmagic