New TED Talk! Magic in the Age of AI

And a brand new crossword: Couples Therapy

In this newsletter:

• My latest TED Talk - magic with AI

• Thank you Chicago!

• A brand new crossword: Couples Therapy

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TED Talk: Magic with AI

Last November I flew to Paris to give my third TED Talk. I wanted this one to incorporate AI, both in the talk itself and in the magic trick that accompanied it. The result? A mind-reading illusion with ChatGPT! The talk is called “Magic and wonder in the age of AI” and I hope you’ll give it a watch. Please let me know what you think!

Here’s a link to the talk at TED.com as well as YouTube below.

As a subsequent thrill, BCG, who originally invited me to Paris, asked me to speak and perform at their flagship dinner at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. In the second half of the talk, when I perform the illusion with ChatGPT, I asked for an audience volunteer. At first no one raised a hand, but then Sam Altman bounded up to the stage. High stakes! But the chief of OpenAI was gracious and had a great time (and I believe was fooled). Here’s a photo:

This trick is now the centerpiece of a brand new show I perform on corporate stages around the country. It’s called Mentalist vs. the Machine and it pits me against the latest technology. I’m in the process of putting together a fun magical trailer for this show. Will share it with you in the coming weeks!

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The Enigmatist at Chicago Shakes - Thank you!

To all the fans of puzzles and prestidigitation who came out to The Chicago Shakespeare for The Enigmatist, I’d like to say thank you. I perform this show in a lot of places, but I have to say that your city’s nerd-meter was reading off the charts! You were a welcoming, warm and brainy audience. Thank you for joining the puzzle party!

I’ll be announcing here soon where the next run of The Enigmatist will be. Until then, please stay in touch and enjoy a brand new crossword every two weeks!

For those who are inspired for more puzzles and magic, there are details below on how to book me for private parties and corporate appearances.

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Here’s your new crossword!

It’s crossword time, my friends. This one is called Couples Therapy. Solve it here. As always, please let me know what you think in the comments! I had a lot of fun making this one.

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Events

Interested in booking me for your next event? More info here on private parties, corporate speaking & performances and team-building puzzle hunts.

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Puzzle Hunt Playing Cards

Enigmas: Puzzle Hunt Playing Cards. Included within this unique deck are four very special puzzle cards. Solve them all to unlock an online Puzzle Hunt! Available here.

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