The Magic of Discovery: How a 3rd Grade Illusion Sparked My Lifelong Passion
Growing up in Omaha, I was like most kids—curious, energetic, and always on the lookout for something exciting. But little did I know that an ordinary day in Ms. Baumert's 3rd-grade class at St. Gerald's in Ralston, Nebraska, would turn into one of the most pivotal moments of my life.
Ms. Baumert, my wonderfully supportive teacher, had arranged for a magician to visit our school that day. As the curtains lifted, I was mesmerized. The lights, the illusions, the impossible becoming possible—it all captured my imagination in a way nothing had before.
But it wasn’t just the show that enchanted me. I’ll never forget sneaking a peek backstage after the performance, catching a brief glimpse of how one of the illusions worked. It was just a flash—a floating act that, in that moment, became a window into the world of magic. That glimpse sparked an unstoppable curiosity in me. I wanted to understand how things worked, to unravel the mysteries, and, maybe someday, create my own magic.
The Beginning of a Lifelong Journey
From that day on, I was hooked. I dove headfirst into learning everything I could about magic. I picked up every book, practiced relentlessly, and eventually started performing my own tricks. My passion grew as I moved from street shows in Omaha’s Old Market to stages across the Midwest and beyond. It’s taken me from juggling fire and spinning tops to sharing stories about focus, flow, and fulfillment in TEDx talks. That tiny peek behind the curtain turned into a lifelong pursuit of wonder and connection.
Why This Story Matters Today
As a performer, speaker, and former teacher, I’m often asked where my journey began, and I always go back to that moment in 3rd grade. It reminds me that we never know what small experience might ignite something bigger in our lives or in the lives of those around us. Now, when I perform for young audiences, I remember that any one of those kids might be having their own "Ms. Baumert" moment—maybe seeing a balloon twist for the first time, watching a yo-yo spin in a way they didn’t think possible, or witnessing a magic trick that makes them ask, "How did he do that?"
Inspiring Curiosity and Creativity
In my shows, whether I’m twisting balloons at a corporate holiday party or engaging high schoolers in my assembly program, Hocus Pocus I Can Focus, my goal is to reignite that curiosity. We’re in a fast-paced world where screens capture our attention, but I want to remind people—kids and adults alike—of the power of real-life experiences, of being in the moment and engaging in something hands-on.
For me, magic isn’t just about the illusion; it’s about creating a shared experience that takes us all to that place of awe and excitement, even if just for a moment. And who knows? Maybe, somewhere in the audience, there’s a future magician, artist, or even speaker, just waiting to discover their own path.
Finding Magic in the Everyday
Looking back, I’m grateful to Ms. Baumert for organizing that unforgettable show and for showing me, however unintentionally, that magic isn’t only about the trick—it’s about the sense of possibility it creates. That’s the magic I strive to bring to every show, whether I'm performing a magic trick, telling a story, or helping someone realize they can achieve more than they thought possible.
If I’ve learned anything over the years, it’s that inspiration can come from the smallest, most unexpected moments. So, as I continue performing and speaking, I carry this story with me, hoping to spark curiosity, wonder, and maybe a bit of magic in every person I meet.
