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Not all close-up magic is the same. Learn the real difference between a party magician and a sleight-of-hand artist — and why it changes everything about your event.
After a decade leading in combat zones, fighting institutional resistance, and serving soldiers who needed it most — here is the resilience framework I actually live by.
Sixty company presidents. A Ritz-Carlton reception in Naples. A comedian who underdelivered — and a close-up magician who became the thing nobody stopped talking about for the rest of the summit.
A special ops commander told me his team came to my show after a harrowing mission. That conversation changed how I understand what purpose in leadership actually means.
When I joined the IBM's leadership, the organization was declining and afraid of its own future. Here's what it took to change that — and what fear actually looks like inside a resistant institution.
After a decade leading performers on overseas military tours, I've learned resilient teams aren't built in the crisis — they're built long before it arrives.
When geopolitical crisis shut down our military tour in Saudi Arabia, I had to lead my team home with no plan. Here are the 5 lessons that resilient leadership demands.
How corporate sponsorship actually works for a magician — what brands look for, why it's earned through craft rather than pitched, and how Jason Michaels built the Maduro Deck for Cigar Aficionado.
A brand marketing director who has read the case for experiential activation — who understands why the most sophisticated luxury brands are moving budget from media to private performance — eventually arrives at the practical question. Not whether this approach works. The data on that is unambiguous. The question is what it actually looks like when it is done correctly.
What happens in the room. What the brand receives and when. How the logistics work. What makes the difference between an activation that produces the kind of memory that compounds over years and one that produces a pleasant evening that nobody is describing three weeks later.
Those are the questions this article answers.
A watch brand debuted a new timepiece at a private dinner in Nashville — not at a press event, not through a media campaign, but in a room of their most important local clients, with world-class close-up magic happening inches from the faces of the people the brand most needed to impress. Nobody saw an advertisement that evening. Every person in that room left with a specific, personal, irreversible memory attached to the brand.
Here is exactly how that happens, what it costs the brand in effort, and what it returns in the quality of relationship it produces.
Magic
Not all close-up magic is the same. Learn the real difference between a party magician and a sleight-of-hand artist — and why it changes everything about your event.
After a decade leading in combat zones, fighting institutional resistance, and serving soldiers who needed it most — here is the resilience framework I actually live by.
Sixty company presidents. A Ritz-Carlton reception in Naples. A comedian who underdelivered — and a close-up magician who became the thing nobody stopped talking about for the rest of the summit.
When I joined the IBM's leadership, the organization was declining and afraid of its own future. Here's what it took to change that — and what fear actually looks like inside a resistant institution.
After a decade leading performers on overseas military tours, I've learned resilient teams aren't built in the crisis — they're built long before it arrives.
When geopolitical crisis shut down our military tour in Saudi Arabia, I had to lead my team home with no plan. Here are the 5 lessons that resilient leadership demands.
How corporate sponsorship actually works for a magician — what brands look for, why it's earned through craft rather than pitched, and how Jason Michaels built the Maduro Deck for Cigar Aficionado.
A brand marketing director who has read the case for experiential activation — who understands why the most sophisticated luxury brands are moving budget from media to private performance — eventually arrives at the practical question. Not whether this approach works. The data on that is unambiguous. The question is what it actually looks like when it is done correctly.
What happens in the room. What the brand receives and when. How the logistics work. What makes the difference between an activation that produces the kind of memory that compounds over years and one that produces a pleasant evening that nobody is describing three weeks later.
Those are the questions this article answers.
A watch brand debuted a new timepiece at a private dinner in Nashville — not at a press event, not through a media campaign, but in a room of their most important local clients, with world-class close-up magic happening inches from the faces of the people the brand most needed to impress. Nobody saw an advertisement that evening. Every person in that room left with a specific, personal, irreversible memory attached to the brand.
Here is exactly how that happens, what it costs the brand in effort, and what it returns in the quality of relationship it produces.
From broker opens to high-end home reveals, here's why world-class sleight of hand creates the one thing a luxury listing needs most — a room full of people who don't want to leave.
Private Correspondence
Occasional reflections on resilience, performance, and the moments that remind us why our work—and our lives—matter.
No promotions. No noise. Just thoughtful notes, shared sparingly.
Adventures
After a decade leading in combat zones, fighting institutional resistance, and serving soldiers who needed it most — here is the resilience framework I actually live by.
After a decade leading performers on overseas military tours, I've learned resilient teams aren't built in the crisis — they're built long before it arrives.
What was supposed to be a routine Armed Forces Entertainment tour turned into one of the wildest experiences of my career. One week into performing magic and comedy for U.S. troops in the Middle East, my team and I suddenly found ourselves grounded in Saudi Arabia—our base on lockdown, our plans upended, and news breaking of an international incident nearby. From navigating late-night backroads in search of a hotel that would take a credit card, to frantically booking emergency flights home with sketchy Wi-Fi and frozen bank cards, it became a real-life test of adaptability, composure, and resilience. In the end, everyone made it home safely—but not without a few unexpected lessons along the way.
Join magician Jason Michaels on a behind-the-scenes journey through a typical show day while touring military bases in the Middle East. From early mornings and tight schedules to unit visits, Commander’s Calls, and unforgettable evening performances, discover how Jason and his team use the art of magic to boost morale, foster resilience, and bring laughter and connection to U.S. troops serving far from home.
What’s it really like to tour a magic show through the Middle East? From lost luggage and confiscated props to 100-yard walks to the latrine at 3am, this behind-the-scenes article dives into the unpredictable realities of traveling and living on (and off) base. Learn how professional magicians adapt, hydrate, and keep the show going—even when battling jet lag, desert heat, or E. coli.
Let’s start at the beginning. One day in early 2015, my agent Nick called me and asked me if I had any interest in performing some shows for the military.
“Absolutely!” I exclaimed. You see, as a child and teenager, I heard many stories from my Grandfather Roy Chapman, who was a pilot in the Air Force, about his time in the military.
I vividly remember hearing about the time during World War II when his plane had been shot up and they were running low on fuel. He was worried they wouldn’t make it back to the base, so he instructed his crew to throw everything out of the plane that wasn’t essential so they would, hopefully, have enough fuel to make it back…
Magician Jason Michaels brings magic and morale to U.S. military personnel around the world. Discover how his mission to serve those who serve has taken him to over 50 countries—and why it matters now more than ever.
Over the years, I’ve performed in some incredible venues—but nothing compares to stepping onto a base and performing for the men and women in uniform.
In my latest blog post, I’m sharing the personal reason why I do magic for the military. It’s about more than entertainment—it’s about connection, morale, and honoring those who serve.
I invite you to read the story behind one of the most meaningful parts of my career.
One of the most sobering sounds I’ve ever heard was the loud “CLANG!” as the door closed and locked firmly behind me the very first time I entered a prison.
I remember thinking, “How many people know that I’m currently in here?” As if that was going to make much of a difference.
OVERCOMING Adversity
After a decade leading in combat zones, fighting institutional resistance, and serving soldiers who needed it most — here is the resilience framework I actually live by.
A special ops commander told me his team came to my show after a harrowing mission. That conversation changed how I understand what purpose in leadership actually means.
When I joined the IBM's leadership, the organization was declining and afraid of its own future. Here's what it took to change that — and what fear actually looks like inside a resistant institution.
After a decade leading performers on overseas military tours, I've learned resilient teams aren't built in the crisis — they're built long before it arrives.
When geopolitical crisis shut down our military tour in Saudi Arabia, I had to lead my team home with no plan. Here are the 5 lessons that resilient leadership demands.
Most disability speakers make an audience feel inspired on behalf of someone else. Here's what happens when the story makes them feel something about their own relationship to limitation.
Discover the top corporate speakers who can elevate your events and engage your audience effectively. Read on to find the perfect fit for your conference!
Discover inspiring stories from top speakers on resilience who have overcome challenges. Gain insights and motivation to face your own hurdles. Read more!
Explore essential insights into Tourette Syndrome, including tics and effective treatments. Understand and support those affected—read the article now.
Discover top motivational keynote speakers who can inspire your audience and elevate your event. Read on to find the perfect speaker for your needs.
When Hiromi Raymond set out to find a speaker for Nexxen's All Hands Conference, she had a specific ask: inspiration, healing, and fun — all in one room. What her operations team of 30 got was a 90-minute hybrid keynote that left them energized, seen, and equipped with tools they could use the moment they walked out the door.
Discover essential tips for hiring the perfect public speaker for your event. Make an informed choice that elevates your gathering—read the article now!
Tourette Syndrome
Discover the inspiring stories of celebrities with Tourette Syndrome who demonstrate resilience and strength. Read their journeys of overcoming challenges.
Explore essential insights into Tourette Syndrome, including tics and effective treatments. Understand and support those affected—read the article now.
Discover the inspiring story of a magician with Tourette's who blends artistry with advocacy. Join us to celebrate resilience and creativity in performance.
Explore the symptoms of Tourette Syndrome and discover effective management strategies to improve quality of life. Read the article for valuable insights.
Explore how individuals with Tourette's turn challenges into strengths, fostering resilience and growth. Read the article to find inspiration and support.
“The things we believe about ourselves always prove to be true.”
That statement, from my program #DOTHEIMPOSSIBLE, can be hard to understand. After all, it would be very easy to debate the point. I guess that’s why I felt it was necessary to provide examples from my life after I made the statement.
For today’s #TouretteTalk I’ve decided to share a short video clip from my talk about why, and how, what we believe can define the way we see ourselves, the actions we take - virtually everything in our lives…
Click here to read the rest of the article and watch the video clip.
Yesterday was Independence Day here in the United States of America. Every year, on July 4th, we celebrate the brave, monumental feat that we accomplished 243 years ago - fighting for and claiming our independence.
Our founding fathers fought for freedom. They fought for freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom to assemble - all sorts of freedoms they believed were God-given rights. The fought for their freedom against a country they didn’t believe represented them. Talk about high-achievers!
On a seemingly unrelated note, exercise and physical fitness is my hobby. I enjoy going to the gym virtually every day. And for as long as I have been going to the Gold’s Gym in my area I have seen one man in there consistently who has impressed and inspired me.
This man is in the gym all the time. I can count on seeing him at least several times a week. I think it would be safe to say that physical fitness is a lifestyle for him, too. The big difference between him and me (besides the fact that he is in better shape and is more impressive looking than me) is that he wheels his wheel-chair around the gym as he moves from machine to machine getting in a solid workout…
One of the cool things that social media provides us is access to our friends that we may have lost touch with. Over the last several years I have re-connected with my former high school Speech and Drama teacher.
I’ve written in my book about auditioning for the Jr/Sr play. That audition, and receiving a leading role in the play was a pivotal moment for me early in life. When I stepped on stage for the first time, I felt like I was “at home.” And when I was performing in front of an audience, the tics and twitches of my Tourette Syndrome just vanished.
And while I was more excited, than fearful or worried, to audition for a role in the play, choosing to step out on to a stage, where there was an audience of people focusing all their attention on me, was certainly taking a risk.
“Tourette Syndrome does not define me.”
I’ve emphatically made that statement many times. In fact, it’s probably been one of the most important messages that I’ve wanted to share with the world. I’ve seen numerous other people who have Tourette Syndrome say it, too. It’s like those of us with T.S. (or any disorder, really) want to make it clear to the world that just because we have tics, those tics do not make up who we are. Put another way, “I may have Tourette Syndrome, but Tourette Syndrome does not have me.”
So, if not being defined by Tourette’s is so important to us, how do we define ourselves, and how do we want the world to see us?
Enter two powerful words…I AM.
MOTIVATION
After a decade leading in combat zones, fighting institutional resistance, and serving soldiers who needed it most — here is the resilience framework I actually live by.
A special ops commander told me his team came to my show after a harrowing mission. That conversation changed how I understand what purpose in leadership actually means.
When I joined the IBM's leadership, the organization was declining and afraid of its own future. Here's what it took to change that — and what fear actually looks like inside a resistant institution.
After a decade leading performers on overseas military tours, I've learned resilient teams aren't built in the crisis — they're built long before it arrives.
When Iron Insurance Partners wanted their team to feel the value of work that often goes unseen, they brought in keynote speaker and magician Jason Michaels to deliver his keynote “Your Work Matters.” This case study breaks down how sleight of hand and story combined to shift a room full of insurance professionals from burned out to reminded — plus what attendees had to say afterward.
Discover the top corporate speakers who can elevate your events and engage your audience effectively. Read on to find the perfect fit for your conference!
Discover the inspiring stories of celebrities with Tourette Syndrome who demonstrate resilience and strength. Read their journeys of overcoming challenges.
Discover inspiring stories from top speakers on resilience who have overcome challenges. Gain insights and motivation to face your own hurdles. Read more!
Explore essential insights into Tourette Syndrome, including tics and effective treatments. Understand and support those affected—read the article now.
Discover top motivational keynote speakers who can inspire your audience and elevate your event. Read on to find the perfect speaker for your needs.
When Hiromi Raymond set out to find a speaker for Nexxen's All Hands Conference, she had a specific ask: inspiration, healing, and fun — all in one room. What her operations team of 30 got was a 90-minute hybrid keynote that left them energized, seen, and equipped with tools they could use the moment they walked out the door.
Discover essential tips for hiring the perfect public speaker for your event. Make an informed choice that elevates your gathering—read the article now!
Discover the top entertaining speakers who engage and inspire audiences with their unique styles. Read on to find the perfect speaker for your event!
Discover the inspiring story of a magician with Tourette's who blends artistry with advocacy. Join us to celebrate resilience and creativity in performance.
Explore the symptoms of Tourette Syndrome and discover effective management strategies to improve quality of life. Read the article for valuable insights.
Discover top financial motivational speakers who can inspire a wealth mindset and drive your financial success. Read on to elevate your perspective!
Discover the top Nashville motivational speakers who can energize your event and inspire meaningful change. Read the article for expert insights!
Discover top motivational speakers who can elevate your next event. Inspire your audience and create lasting impact—read our article for the best choices!
I like to talk a lot about doing the impossible. You might say I’m obsessed with it. From magic tricks that appear to be impossible, to overcoming barriers that seem to be - the subject just speaks to me.
In today’s blog article, I wanted to share an excerpt from my book You Can Do the Impossible, Too! where I do something that others thought might not be possible for me to accomplish.
My hope, by sharing this, is that you might see yourself in this story. And if you don’t see yourself exactly, maybe the story will speak to that part of your soul that needs to hear it - because I firmly believe that you can do the things that feel impossible in your life, too…
Click here to read the full article.