The Tim Ferris Show – #679: Simon Coronel, World Champion of Magic — Quitting the Day Job, The Delights of the Magic Castle, Finding Glitches in Reality, Learning How to Use Your Own Brain, and Worshiping at the Altar of Wonder

Intro

In this episode of “The Tim Ferris Show,” Tim interviews Simon Coronel, a magician and illusionist who is legally classified as an alien of extraordinary ability by the US government. Simon shares insights into his journey in the world of magic, his experiences at the Magic Castle, and the importance of understanding and learning magic. He also discusses his recent achievements, including winning the World Championship of Magic in 2022.

Main Takeaways

Simon Coronel’s Journey in Magic

• Simon discovered magic in 1999 while studying at Melbourne University.
• He worked full-time in management consulting while pursuing his secret performance career.
• Simon has won more than a dozen international awards for magic, including being crowned the World Champion of Magic in 2022 at FISM, the Olympics of Magic.

The Magic Castle

• The Magic Castle is a private club for magicians to network and a public entertainment venue for presenting illusions to the general public.
• The venue has a rich history and has influenced the magic world all over the world.
• It has an eclectic mix of specialists and technicians who are the best at what they do.

Simon’s Approach to Magic and Performance

• Simon practices radical early-ness, arriving early to appointments to avoid being late and to be strategic in cities like Los Angeles with heavy traffic.
• He enjoys sitting in the magic castle, a nighttime country club for magicians, which is also a public entertainment venue to present illusions to the general public.
• Simon believes in creating performances that are the best thing the audience has ever seen.

The Challenges and Rewards of Magic

• Simon faced challenges in pursuing magic as a profession, including the need for networking and business skills.
• Winning awards and accolades in magic helped Simon overcome imposter syndrome.
• Performing magic can create moments of awe and wonder for both the performer and the audience.

The Art and Craft of Teaching Magic

• Teaching magic requires understanding the student’s motivations and adapting the teaching approach accordingly.
• Learning magic can improve perceptual faculties and shape perception.
• Having a teacher or guide can greatly enhance the learning process.

Summary

Simon Coronel’s Journey in Magic

Simon Coronel discovered his passion for magic while studying at Melbourne University. Despite working full-time in management consulting, he pursued his secret performance career and won numerous international awards for magic. His recent achievement includes winning the World Championship of Magic in 2022 at FISM, solidifying his position as one of the world’s top magicians.

The Magic Castle

The Magic Castle is a unique venue that serves as a private club for magicians to network and a public entertainment venue for presenting illusions to the general public. With a rich history and an eclectic mix of specialists and technicians, the Magic Castle has had a significant influence on the world of magic. It provides a platform for magicians to showcase their skills and create a community of magic enthusiasts.

Simon’s Approach to Magic and Performance

Simon Coronel practices radical early-ness, arriving early to appointments to avoid being late and to be strategic in cities like Los Angeles with heavy traffic. He enjoys spending time at the magic castle, where he can immerse himself in the world of magic and witness incredible performances. Simon believes in creating performances that leave the audience in awe and wonder, striving to make each performance the best thing the audience has ever seen.

The Challenges and Rewards of Magic

Pursuing magic as a profession comes with its challenges, including the need for networking and business skills. However, winning awards and accolades can help magicians like Simon Coronel overcome imposter syndrome and gain recognition for their talent and hard work. Performing magic can create moments of awe and wonder, both for the performer and the audience, making it a deeply rewarding experience.

The Art and Craft of Teaching Magic

Teaching magic is a complex process that requires understanding the student’s motivations and adapting the teaching approach accordingly. Learning magic can improve perceptual faculties and shape perception, allowing students to create illusions that captivate and amaze. Having a teacher or guide can greatly enhance the learning process, providing valuable insights and guidance.

Conclusion

Simon Coronel’s journey in magic and his achievements as a world-class magician highlight the dedication, skill, and creativity required to excel in this art form. The Magic Castle serves as a hub for magicians to network and showcase their talents, while also providing a platform for the general public to experience the wonder of magic. Teaching and learning magic is a rewarding process that can enhance perceptual faculties and create moments of awe and wonder. Overall, the world of magic offers a unique blend of artistry, skill, and imagination that continues to captivate audiences around the world.