We were lucky to catch up with Amanda Lindsey recently and have shared our conversation below.

Amanda, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Taking a risk in my career as a magician came when I decided to audition for Penn & Teller: Fool Us. The idea of being on TV didn’t fill me with doubt — I’ve always had confidence in my magic and my ability to perform. What I wasn’t sure about, though, was whether I wanted to put myself out there for millions of people to see on YouTube.

See, I’m the type of person who’s comfortable in front of an audience, whether it’s a small intimate gathering or a large crowd at a corporate event. But the idea of being exposed to such a wide audience on YouTube made me question: would I want that level of visibility? The decision wasn’t about worrying whether I could handle rejection — I’m not afraid of that. I’ve faced enough challenges in my career to know that rejection is just part of the journey. But I did wonder if being so publicly visible would be worth it, especially considering how many eyes would be on me, watching every move I make.

Ultimately, I realized that Fool Us could open doors and help elevate my career in ways I hadn’t considered before. It wasn’t just about being seen by millions — it was about connecting with a broader audience and potentially reaching people who had never seen my type of magic before. The exposure would help maximize my career potential, and that outweighed my concerns about the visibility.

So I took the leap and submitted my audition video, knowing the consequences of putting myself out there. When I got the call, I didn’t hesitate. It was an opportunity to showcase my talent in front of not only Penn and Teller but also an audience who would appreciate magic in all its forms. On stage, I was fully in my element, performing confidently, and though I didn’t fool Penn & Teller, the experience itself turned out to be incredibly rewarding.

The risk paid off. It wasn’t just about the exposure, but also about the confidence it gave me to keep taking chances and embracing new opportunities. Sure, millions of people saw my performance, but it led to greater opportunities in my magic career. It taught me that sometimes the biggest risks we take — even if they seem daunting in the moment — are the ones that push us to grow and discover what we truly want for ourselves.

Amanda, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Amanda, a magician with a passion for creating unforgettable experiences that captivate and engage audiences. My journey into the world of magic started at the age of eight. I was mesmerized by a magic television special, and from that moment on, I knew magic was something I had to pursue. My dad would take me to the local magic shop on weekends, and those trips were the beginning of my lifelong love for the craft. He didn’t just support my interest — he fueled it, showing me the world of magic, where I could create wonder and amazement. At the same time, my mom would coach me on writing, encouraging me to develop scripts and stories that brought my tricks to life. Together, they helped shape not just my skills in magic but my ability to connect with others through storytelling.

By 5th grade, I performed my first magic show for my classmates, and from then on, I was hooked. I started performing professionally in 2014, and since then, I’ve built a career focused on crafting unique experiences that go beyond simply showing off tricks. What sets me apart is my commitment to creating immersive performances where the audience doesn’t just watch the magic — they become a part of it. Whether it’s an intimate close-up set at a corporate event, a fun family-friendly performance at a birthday party, or a larger stage show, I tailor each performance to fit the energy of the crowd and the occasion, making sure everyone leaves with a sense of wonder.

In addition to my work as a magician, I have a Master’s in Counseling, which gives me a deeper understanding of human behavior and emotions. This background allows me to connect with my audience in a way that makes them feel valued and engaged. I’m not just performing magic; I’m creating moments of joy and connection, something that resonates long after the show is over.

Another thing that’s close to my heart is my commitment to giving back. I’m passionate about helping animals in need, and every time I get booked for an event, I donate a portion of my earnings to an animal charity. This is something I’m incredibly proud of, and as I continue to grow in my career, I’m excited to expand these philanthropic efforts and make an even greater impact.

What I’m most proud of is the opportunity to blend my love for magic with my desire to make a positive difference in the world. Magic isn’t just about tricks — it’s about creating memorable experiences and using my platform to contribute to causes that matter. Every performance is an opportunity to connect, to inspire, and to give back.

If there’s one thing I want potential clients and followers to know, it’s that my work goes beyond entertainment. It’s about creating shared moments of wonder, building genuine connections, and using magic to spread joy. As I continue to grow, I look forward to expanding my reach and making a lasting impact — both through my performances and my charitable efforts.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I’ve been fortunate enough to have videos go viral on social media, with views ranging from a few thousand to even a few million. It’s been an incredible journey of connecting with people from all over the world and sharing my passion for magic. But what makes this even more meaningful to me is how I’ve been able to tie my social media presence to something greater — my love for animals and my commitment to giving back.

Every time you follow, like, or share my content, you’re not just supporting a magician; you’re helping me make a difference. A portion of the income I receive from social media goes directly to animal charities. The more gigs I book, the more I’m able to donate to causes that mean the world to me. It’s my way of using my platform for good, and as I grow, I hope to expand these charitable efforts and make an even bigger impact on the lives of animals in need.

So, if you’re reading this and you’re not already following, I’d love for you to join me on this journey. Every interaction helps, and together, we can make a difference while enjoying the magic and wonder that connects us all.

If you’re just starting to build your social media presence, here are a few key pieces of advice that can help you grow and connect with your audience:

1. Be Authentic
Social media is all about connecting with people, and the best way to do that is by being yourself. Share your true story, passions, and behind-the-scenes moments. People are drawn to authenticity, so don’t worry about trying to be perfect—just be real, and your audience will appreciate it.

2. Consistency is Crucial
Success on social media doesn’t happen overnight. It’s important to stay consistent with your posts, whether it’s once a day or a few times a week. Consistency helps you stay on your followers’ radar, and it builds trust over time. Having a content calendar or plan can be helpful, so you’re never scrambling to figure out what to post next.

3. Engage with Your Audience
Don’t just post content and walk away. Make sure you engage with your followers by responding to comments, liking their posts, and being active in the community. This builds relationships and makes your audience feel valued, which encourages them to continue following you.

4. Share Value
Whether you’re offering entertainment, education, or inspiration, make sure that what you’re sharing provides value to your audience. People follow you because they’re expecting something — whether it’s magic, insight, or fun. Make sure your content resonates and keeps them coming back for more.

5. Leverage Hashtags
Hashtags are a great way to increase your visibility and get discovered by new audiences. Research the most popular and relevant hashtags in your niche, and use them to expand your reach. Don’t go overboard — a few well-chosen hashtags can make a big difference.

6. Collaborate
One of the fastest ways to grow your audience is through collaboration. Partner with other creators in your field or with similar audiences to cross-promote each other’s work. This can help you tap into a new following that already shares your interests.

7. Post High-Quality Content
Quality matters. Make sure your content is visually appealing, well-edited, and represents your brand in the best way possible. This doesn’t always mean professional-grade production, but making an effort to ensure your posts look good and reflect your unique style goes a long way.

8. Experiment with Different Formats
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of content—videos, stories, reels, and images. Some audiences respond better to short, snappy videos, while others might enjoy longer, in-depth posts. Find what works for you and your audience, but don’t be afraid to mix it up.

9. Have Patience
Building a social media presence takes time, so be patient with yourself and the process. Don’t get discouraged if your follower count doesn’t skyrocket right away. Focus on creating great content and building connections, and the growth will follow naturally.

10. Track Your Progress
Pay attention to your analytics. Understanding what types of posts perform well, when your audience is most active, and what resonates can help you refine your content and strategy. Social media is dynamic, so being flexible and learning from your data is key.

Bonus Tip: Use Your Platform for Good
One thing that’s worked well for me is using my social media presence to support causes I care about. For example, I donate a portion of my earnings from social media to animal charities, which not only helps raise awareness for important causes but also resonates with my audience. If you’re passionate about something, don’t be afraid to use your platform to make a positive impact.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

To best support artists and creatives, society should focus on providing fair compensation, investing in arts education, and creating accessible platforms for exposure. It’s important to foster inclusivity and diversity, ensuring all voices are heard. Financial support through grants and alternative funding can help sustain artists’ careers, while encouraging collaboration and community among creatives strengthens the ecosystem. Supporting local venues and organizations, like Luvwoo Bar, also plays a key role in keeping the arts vibrant. Come visit me at Luvwoo Bar and support places like that—it’s a great way to help the creative community thrive!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.magicamanda.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magicamanda87
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MagicAmanda87/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-lindsey-m-ed-ncc-lpc-96a838a6/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/magicamanda

Image Credits

Jerry Hill