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Episode 2 – Grass Roots Mentalism

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7 thoughts on “Episode 2 – Grass Roots Mentalism”

  1. Paul Brook says:

    Thanks for being awesome and tuning in to episode two 🙂

    Did you agree with everything that I had to say or would you have given different advice on mentalism for a beginner?

    What mentalism effect would you suggest to someone who is new?

  2. dean.odell says:

    Another great podcast Paul, i think the books and dvds suggested are essential reading/watching for anyone interested in mentalism, i think taking simple maybe ‘self working’ effects to begin with and concentrate on performing style and presentation is important.

    Bob Cassidy’s The Thirty-Nine Steps – A Mentalist’s Library of Essential Works
    http://www.lybrary.com/thirtynine-steps-mentalism-a-10.html

    One thing that can be difficult when starting out in mentalism and performing to the people that know you, is your character and abilities maybe such a contrast to the normal you.

    This leads nicely into a question i would ask where would you suggest people go to practice and get experience early on in their performing careers?

    • Paul Brook says:

      Thanks 🙂 I would definitely agree that the effect needs to be easier to do so that the beginner can focus on presentation. I err on the side of caution with he term ‘self working’ as sometimes I’ve found that such effects get a weaker reaction. Of course, the stronger the reaction the more motivated someone will become.

      Performing for those you know when building a character isn’t the best option at all and can create obstacles even for those with very supportive friends and family.

      Feel free to ask the question using the ‘Big Green Button’ and I’d be happy to feature it on an episode 🙂

      • dean.odell says:

        Yes i am not a fan of the term ‘self working’ either but you know what i am getting at, i will have to record that question and the other one i mentioned from the last podcast 🙂

  3. joel says:

    Hi Paul, A book you didn’t mention is Practical Mental Magic by Theo Annemann, Any thoughts on it? was there a reason you didn’t put it on your list of starting up material along with 13 steps or just an oversight?

    • Paul Brook says:

      Hi Joel, yes it’s a good book, but I’ve found that when I recommend it to students it’s not too well received. That’s why I don’t include it in the initial list.

      Do you have some favourites from it?