We were lucky to catch up with Braden Carlisle recently and have shared our conversation below.

Braden, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Taking the leap into the world of touring as a magician has been one of the most significant and exhilarating risks I’ve ever embarked upon. Allow me to share the full narrative, from the backstory to the outcome, so you can truly grasp the magnitude of this adventure.

The decision to go on tour was a turning point in my life, a culmination of a series of smaller risks that had brought me to that point. Prior to the tour, I had already taken the bold step of leaving school and quitting my job to pursue magic as a full-time career. It was a daunting move, but I knew that my passion for magic was worth every sacrifice.

The idea of touring had always lingered in the back of my mind, a dream I couldn’t shake. Finally, I decided it was time to turn that dream into reality. I took a deep breath and used my savings to secure theaters in 11 different cities, book plane tickets, arrange accommodations, and set the stage for 14 magical performances. It was a considerable financial and emotional investment, a leap of faith unlike any I had ever taken before.

I remember privately joking that the tour should be called “The Break Even Tour” because, honestly, my primary hope was not to lose money. The fear of empty seats and disinterested audiences was very real. But at the same time, it was an opportunity to challenge myself and truly believe in my abilities as a magician.

As the tour unfolded, I encountered moments of doubt and anxiety. Would people I had never met show up? Would they appreciate and enjoy my performance? These questions loomed large as I traveled from city to city, but I was determined to give it my all.

The journey was a rollercoaster of emotions. There were nights when the theater was filled with enthusiastic spectators, and I felt on top of the world. Other times, the audience was smaller than I had hoped, but even then, the smiles and laughter I shared with those who attended made it all worthwhile. I met over 1500 people across the country, each with their unique stories and reactions to my magic.

In the end, the risk paid off beyond my wildest dreams. Not only did I avoid losing money, but I also gained immeasurable experience, honed my craft, and forged connections with people who share my love for magic. The tour was not just about the shows; it was a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. It reaffirmed my belief that taking risks, believing in yourself, and pursuing your passions can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

Going on tour as a magician was not just about the tricks and illusions; it was about taking a leap of faith, facing uncertainty, and discovering the magic of believing in yourself. It was a risk that transformed me both as a performer and as a person, and I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything in the world.

Braden, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Braden Carlisle, and my journey into the world of magic and performance is a story filled with passion and a unique twist.

My love for performing started early when I was in high school and part of the drama club. It was during this time that I stumbled upon a magic counter in a costume shop where we often did costume runs. At the age of 16, I bought a trick deck of cards, and it was a love-at-first-sight moment; just me and the 9 of Hearts.

Before then I was about two things: Musicals and Marching Band. From that point onward, three things became central in my life: Musicals, Marching Band, and Magic. I merged my theatrical passion with my newfound love for card tricks, crafting a unique stage show that combined the two.

What sets my journey into magic apart from many other magicians is the path I took. While most magicians start young, performing at birthday parties or close-up shows with cards and small props, I entered the magic world a bit later. Even before delving into magic, I had gained experience (as much as any high school theater enthusiast could) in set design, lighting, sound, scripting, staging, blocking, and being on stage. When I first performed, it was at open mic nights, not children’s parties. A few months into my magical journey, I even had the audacity to put on a full 90-minute show at a comedy club. I may not have been the best, but being young allowed “acceptable” to be just enough. It instilled in me the confidence to persevere.

To this day, this unique blend of theatrical experience and magic sets me apart. I approach magic for the stage by incorporating music and lighting into my routines even before I decide on the tricks themselves. My vision isn’t just to perform a magic show; it’s to create a captivating and immersive experience for my audience. That’s what I’m most proud of—the ability to fuse my love for theater and magic into something truly exceptional.

So, if you’re looking for a magician who doesn’t just perform tricks but crafts an enchanting and unforgettable show, you’ve found the right magician in me, Braden Carlisle.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Shifting my perspective on goals has been a valuable lesson in my journey, rather than an outright unlearning. Let me share the backstory behind this shift.

Goals are essential in our personal and professional lives, but setting the right kind of goals can be a challenging task, especially when factors beyond our control are involved. One of the significant shifts in my thinking was related to this concept of goals.

For instance, if you’re trying to build an online following, it’s tempting to set a goal like “get a million followers.” However, the problem with such a goal is that you can’t control whether people choose to follow you or not. This realization led me to reevaluate my approach to setting goals.

I began to focus on setting goals that I could control, making them more specific and ultimately more rewarding. An example of this shift in perspective would be a goal like “post an original piece of video content on each of my social media channels 5 times every week.” This goal not only allows me to control my output, but it also provides a clear path to measure progress, making it less frustrating and more achievable.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Absolutely! When reflecting on my creative journey, I’ve come to realize that my most invaluable resource isn’t some hidden website overflowing with magical secrets or an obscure book from a bygone era. It’s something far more profound – my friends.

The significance of reaching out and seeking assistance cannot be overstated. Whenever I encounter a creative roadblock, I’m fortunate to have a list of trusted individuals I can turn to, each with their unique expertise and insights. It’s often said that one key to personal growth is to “never be the smartest person in the room,” and I’ve found this adage to hold true in my own experiences.

My phone calls and conversations with friends have been the bedrock of my success as a magician. Their perspectives, encouragement, and willingness to share their knowledge have consistently propelled me forward. This sense of community and collaboration has not only enriched my creative journey but also reinforced the idea that magic is as much about connecting with people as it is about the tricks themselves.

In essence, the lesson here is that, while resources like books and websites are undoubtedly valuable, the most powerful resource we possess is our network of friends and colleagues. It’s through these relationships that we can find inspiration, guidance, and unwavering support, ultimately elevating our creative endeavors to new heights.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.CarlisleMagic.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/BradenCarlisle
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BradenCarlisleMagic/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bradencarlisle
• Other: www.tiktok.com/@bradencarlisle www.BradenCarlisle.com