Luck Dragons, Magic Castles, and the Anthropology of Consciousness—Oh My!

Luck Dragons, Magic Castles, and the Anthropology of Consciousness—Oh My!

by | Mar 31, 2025 | Newsletters

“Magic lies in challenging what seems impossible.”

– Carol Moseley Braun

I love Falkor, the luck dragon from The NeverEnding Story, because he embodies qualities that resonate deeply with me—hope, perseverance, wisdom, optimism, and a touch of playful trickery.

Falkor’s unwavering optimism, friendship, and determination—along with his magical flight home—symbolize faith in the journey, even when the destination is uncertain. And, of course, his mischievous side—like when he joyfully soars after the bullies at the end—reflects the clever, lighthearted spirit of storytelling that I revel in.

I’m incredibly fortunate to perform in so many magical spaces like the ones I believe you will be excited to read about below. But lately, I’ve been invited to even more conferences, sales meetings, and C-suite events as a speaker, sharing the lessons I’ve learned along the way. We are in a time when people need optimism, wisdom, and a little hope.

If you happen to know someone looking for an engaging keynote speaker,

Send them HERE to learn more about what your friend Paul is up to.

“Having a luck dragon with you is the only way to go on a quest.”

– Falkor

The Magic Castle

I’m back Performing in Hollywood

at the World-Famous

Magic Castle

May 19-25, 2025

in the jewell-box-style Close-Up Gallery.

Only 26 seats per show,

4 shows per night!

Enjoy the video below from my last appearance in this historic room!

Fun Mind-Reading on TV

And the Largest Variety Festival in the U.S.A

I’m headed to Seattle to perform at the Moisture Festival April 1-6.

Sometimes audience members say things you don’t expect: “Big D Energy”

Alan Plotkin filmed this at the Moisture Festival last year.

Magic on Good Things Utah

I had the pleasure of appearing on Good Things Utah on ABC with hosts Deena Marie Manzanares and Valerie Cameron!

We had an absolute blast with fast-paced mind-reading, diving into their minds to discover:

  • The classic fairytales that inspired Disney’s biggest movies
  • Oscar-winning films and legendary actors
  • And a fun conversation about the 100-year anniversary of the NFL “the National Forensics League” (now the National Speech & Debate Association), which is honoring me on their site!

A huge thank you to Good Things Utah for having me—it’s always a joy to share wonder and conversation with such fantastic hosts!

“What’s Her Name” Podcast

There is a wonderful podcast series called “What’s Her Name” I have appeared twice, once to talk about magician Adelaide Hermann and once to talk about Bess Houdini and the Houdini Seances.

Links to the podcasts HERE:

Bess Houdini

Adelaide Hermann

They are having an in-person celebration with many of the guest speakers in April at the Clubhouse on South Temple (in 1913 it was the Ladies’ Literary Club)

Unlock the Anthropological Secrets of Mystery & Magic!!

Unlock the Anthropological Secrets of Mystery & Magic!!

Join Paul Draper, renowned anthropologist, mentalist, and this year’s keynote speaker for the 42nd Annual Conference of the Society for the Anthropology of Consciousness—a section of the American Anthropological Association.

May 1-3, 2025

Palazzo Resort, Las Vegas

Theme: Mystery & Magic

Discover how magic, consciousness, and culture intersect in this transformative event!

Sundance Finds a New Home and Imagineers are Crafting Tomorrow’s Dreams

I am sorry to hear that Park City, Utah lost the Sundance Film Festival after 40 years. It was an iconic festival for the state and brought so many opportunities to the area and so much annual revenue.

It is a huge loss. I hope this inspires the local community and state to invest more in art, culture, and performance spaces like the beautiful Egyption Theater, Park City photographed above.

May this be a wake up call to make Utah more welcoming to the world, to innovation, and to continuous growth.

Spending time this afternoon in the Walt Disney Imagineering building in Glendale California.

Hope to see some Disney friends tomorrow night in California Adventure.

Then I am off to share a stage with Paige O’Hara, the original voice of Beauty from Beauty and the Beast at the Indiana Comic Convention.

You make it all possible!

Thank you for reading my newsletter and connecting with me as I travel around the world. 

My life is made better in every way because I have known you!

Let me know how I can help you on your journey!

Your Friend,

Paul

What Are You Celebrating in 2025

What Are You Celebrating in 2025

by | Jan 16, 2025 | Newsletters

Looking Back on Highlights and Looking Forward Toward the New Year

Here are some highlights from my 2024!

“Inside the NBA”

My performance on Inside the NBA during the Emirates Cup was seen by over 10 million people!

“That was Awesome!” – Shaq 

“Oh, My Goodness, WOW!” – Charles Barkley

United Nations

I flew to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland to share insight as a consultant for the WIPO, one of the 15 specialized agencies of the United Nations.

Read About Workshops

The Magic Castle

In the elegant, jewel-box-style Close-Up Gallery of the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, I performed a week of my formal close-up show.

My formal close-up show can been performed at corporate events during cocktail hour, at house parties, in hospitality suites, and anywhere your guests are gathering for a unique experience. Formal Close-Up shows always impress and delight!

University of Cambridge

I was honored to lecture and perform for post doctorate researchers, sponsored by the Centre for Research in the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities – the CRASSH program for Mental Heath Awareness Week.

Read the Article

Celebrity Interviews

Each year, I perform for and interview celebrities at huge pop culture events. In 2025, I’ve already engaged to appear at the following:

Indiana Comic Convention – March 14-16, 2025 – Indianapolis, IN

ATL Comic Convention – July 18-20, 2025 – Atlanta, GA

Tampa Bay Comic Convention – August 1-3, 2025 – Tampa Bay, FL

FanX Salt Lake – September 25-27, 2025 – Salt Lake City, UT

Holiday Magic

I was so excited to share some holiday magic with my home state of Utah!

“From Christmas ornaments that changed color before our eyes to an unbelievable dreidel game, and even multiplying red balls that appeared in our own hands! It’s pure holiday magic, perfect for your family gatherings, company parties, or any celebration.” – Good Things Utah

Marvyn’s Magic Theater in Palm Springs

At Marvyn’s Magic Theater in Palm Springs, I visit for a week each year to perform two shows a night.

This is the short video the theater asked a local videographer to record based on my time there in 2024.

Cooking with Good Things Utah on ABC

I presented my first-ever cooking segment, making delicious latkes for Hanukkah on Good Things Utah on ABC! Of course, I also sprinkled in a bit of magic while on the air.

Keynote Speaking

In addition to my custom keynote offerings, I have focused my keynote speaking topics based on my areas of expertise.

Key topics include:

  • Cyber Security: Social Engineering
  • Mindfulness & Self-Care
  • Culture: Mission & Vision Alignment 
  • Leadership & Change Management

Charity Auctions

I am a trained auctioneer and use that skill for charity auctions like this one for the Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation at the Illuminarium Las Vegas last night!

Some of the items at this auction sold for more than $5,000. I love doing this work for charities!

Virtual Shows and Lectures

I’m really enjoying being able to offer highly customized virtual shows and lectures. These are joyful for teams who work remotely and for families who live far apart.

I’ve joined several virtual conferences this year and delighted people at their regular weekly meetings.

Trade Shows

I have worked as a speaker and crowd gatherer at major trade shows in the gaming, medical, and tech industries this year around the country. Click HERE for a clip of my performance at a trade show for Storm Bowling.

There were fifty people watching live in the booth, but with the power of social media, over 46,000 people have already enjoyed it!

Watch a Bowling Prediction

New Year: Top 10 Things to Create in 2025

  1. Fresh Opportunities: New beginnings to grow personally and professionally.
  2. Learning New Skills: Picking up a hobby, reading, or trying something new.
  3. Improved Health: Building better habits for body and mind.
  4. Exciting Projects: Taking your performances and creative work to the next level.
  5. Making an Impact: Inspiring and connecting with communities through outreach.
  6. Travel Adventures: Exploring new places and revisiting favorites.
  7. Culinary Treats: Enjoying seasonal delicacies and experimenting in the kitchen.
  8. Celebrating Milestones: Personal achievements and moments with loved ones.
  9. Cultural Events: Embracing traditions and discovering new ones.
  10. Spreading Joy: Creating magic and wonder in the lives of others.

I’m looking forward to helping you celebrate in 2025!

 

Let’s find a time to connect and work together to bring laughter, magic, and wonder to your events!

Thank you for joining me on this incredible journey.

 

Your friend,

Paul Draper

October Update from Paul Draper

October Update from Paul Draper

by | Oct 16, 2024 | Newsletters

Back From Europe, Interviewed Evil Witches, Ready for Halloween, and then Your Holiday Party!

The United Nations and Witches from TV and Film!

An Evil Queen and a Wicked Witch! What a wonderful day to be a Wizard. Once Upon a Time!

Enjoy the Interview: HERE

Teen Witch, Coach Bolton, and Paul Draper.

You can watch HERE

Next I flew to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland to share insight as a consultant for the WIPO, one of the 15 specialized agencies of the United Nations!

Lecturing and Performing at Cambridge

I dined at the High Table at St. John’s college at the University of Cambridge as a guest of Munby Fellow Dr. Joshua Jacob Fitzgerald who studies Aztec codices in manuscripts written in the Nahuatl language!

I sat with the professors and fellows and their guests at the front of the room and dined on a delightful three-course meal.

For my American friends, think about Harry Potter and the professors eating on a raised platform at the front of the room. 

I was surrounded by experts in Egyptian hieroglyphs, ancient languages, classical texts, theoretical physicists, biologists, and other incredibly stimulating individuals at the top of their fields!

What an incredible evening followed by tea and coffee in a beautiful balcony banquet room all lit by candlelight to finish the night.

My mind is buzzing with ideas.

Communing with Neolithic Wonders

Centre for Research in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Lectured and performed at the University of Cambridge for the Post Doctorate Researchers sponsored by the CRASSH program for Mental Heath Awareness Week.

The Magic Circle in London

Spoke before the assembled magicians in-person and virtually at The Magic Circle in London.

(King Charles is a member)

In this photo I am standing with the original art work of my favorite poster in all of magic:

David Devant – All Done by Kindness.

Then on my phone showing my attempted live action re creation of the image at a recent show in Seattle.

Accepting Calls Now

Holiday Parties and end of year celebrations are just around the corner.

Let’s talk about: Leadership Lectures, Mindfulness Workshops, Cyber Security Trainings, and tons of Magical Mind-Reading Shows!

Send me an email or call and let’s celebrate your favorite people together!

Paul Draper

+1 (801)-541-2976

October Update from Paul Draper

All the world’s a stage. Time to go on tour.

by | Sep 12, 2024 | Newsletters

The Fourth Quarter starts in two weeks!

Halloween – Christmas 

The most magical time of the year

First: A European Tour for October and then Holiday Parties in North America for December

Many dates still available:

Sept 30, Oct 1, 2 Nottingham, UK

Oct 3-5 United Nations: Switzerland

October 7 Cannock

October 8-9 Zeal Monachorum

October 10 Brighton

October 15 Cambridge

October 21 Magic Circle – London

October 22 Abbotts Langley

October 24 Blackpool

October 28-31 Disneyland USA

November 7-9 Silicon Slopes USA

FanX – September 26-28

I will be appearing at FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention September 26-28 at the Salt Palace Convention Center.

Enjoy fun clips from past events!

From Animal Crackers to Karate Kids!

 

Nightmare Before Christmas

What are your favorite Halloween and Christmas Movies?

“Nightmare Before Christmas” has it all!

A photo taken in front of the bar from the movie “Hello Dolly“ that now sits at The Magic Castle in Hollywood and is an active bar and performance space. This was taken about a decade ago by photographer Dave Tada.

In the photos below, captured from the film, you can catch Walter Matthau and Michael Crawford arguing with the same face on the bar in the background.

Next to this Tommy Tune is leaping over the bar to escape a rampaging Walter Matthau.

“All the world’s a stage”

– William Shakespeare

Are there strict show requirements for a Paul Draper performance?!?!?

This is a question I’ve been asked a lot lately!

The basic answer is: A stage, some light, a microphone, and a kind introduction.

Fun photos below showcase the venues I regularly perform in: Big stages, hotel ballrooms, conference centers, outdoor lounges, and even up-close at your table.

Wherever you are gathering, we can connect!

Comedy, Magic, Mind-Reading, and Wonder.

Thank you for joining me on this journey.

 

I am so looking forward to connecting with you soon.

 

Your friend,

Paul Draper

801-541-2976

Musicology, Paleontology, & Primatology. PLUS: 3 NEW Show Videos!

Musicology, Paleontology, & Primatology. PLUS: 3 NEW Show Videos!

by | Jul 21, 2024 | Newsletters

Paul Draper: Musicology, Paleontology, & Primatology

PLUS: 3 Brand NEW Show Videos!

Stage Mentalism & Mind-Reading Show

Enjoy a quick video showcasing my full-evening mentalism show presented in a luxury 130-seat theater in Palm Springs.

This is the same show I present in corporate ballrooms, conference centers, performing arts spaces, theaters, universities, and on luxury cruise ships!

MAGIC: Right before your eyes!

I love creating bursts of laughter, applause, and connection UP CLOSE.

Cocktail hours, hospitality suites, weddings, and even moments between meetings can all use magic where I gather your favorite people for moments of unique magical fun.

Morning Show Shenanigans

ABC NEWS: Today on set Paul Draper did some very impressive stunts that left Deena and Surae’s jaws on the floor.

His first effect included matching randomly selected rocks and cards so by some miracle Deena and Surae had selected the matching set. He also played “Table Talk” with them and accurately predicted all of their answers! 

Deena and Surae were laughing, gasping, and certainly questioning the world around them.

Celebrity Moderator

A new season of Cobra Kai was just released on Netflix! 

Click above to see me on stage at FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention in front of 5,000+ screaming fans interviewing cast members:

William Zabka, Thomas Ian Griffith, Tanner Buchanan, Xolo Mariduena, Mary Matilyn Mouser, and Jacob Bertrand

in the Grand Ballroom of the Salt Palace Convention Center!

If you liked that, click the video below to watch me interview:

Jim Beaver, Millie Bobby Brown, Sean Astin, Robbie Amell, Danny Trejo, Mickey Dolenz, Ronda Rousey, Paris Themmen, Mark Steines, Cristina Ferrare, Mitch Pileggi, William B. Davis, Dule Hill, James Roday and more!

Trade Show:

Bringing the STORM

Click HERE for a clip of my performing a prediction at a trade show a few days ago for Storm Bowling. This clip has already had almost 42,000 views on their Facebook page! 

It’s amazing, in the booth there were probably 50+ people watching live but with the power of social media, thousands have enjoyed it. The reach we can have presenting hybrid performances live and online is incredible.

Ideas to be Passionate About!

Musicology

Amazing One Note Pygmy Flute

Above Francis Bebey:

He was a Cameroonian musicologist, writer, composer, and broadcaster.

You can read more at his Wikipedia Page HERE

Another performer of this unique instrument below

Paleontology

They named him Loki! 

 A brand new, never seen (by human eyes) dinosaur now on display. 

Yes they were toucan colored! 

From the press release: Paleontologists found Lokiceratops’ skull near the border of Montana and Canada.

“We started to realize that it was different than anything that anyone’s ever seen before,” said Mark Loewen

Find out more HERE

Primatology

Wild orangutan used medicinal plant to treat a wound. First time observed and recorded!

The primate named Rakus chewed up yellow root and applied it to an open facial wound, closing the sore within days. 

He chewed it, without swallowing, then spread its juices and poultice on his wound, where some flies had begun gathering. Rakus came back to the plant and ate it the next day, and soon, his wound was fully healed.

Read the full article HERE

It is an honor to know you.

Each month I read the list of my friends who open this email and I think about you. I think about how honored I am to be connected with you.

Please let me know when there are ways I can help and support you on your journey.

Your friend,

Paul Draper