What's The Trick?

Summary

Ever wonder what actually goes on behind the scenes of a viral hit, a legendary stage performance, or a career-defining breakthrough? What’s The Trick? pulls back the curtain on the creative process by sitting down with the world’s most imaginative minds to uncover how they turn raw inspiration into reality. Host Ben Hanlin gets past the polished final product to explore the messy, tactical, and often grueling work that audiences never see. Whether he is interviewing world-class illusionists like Derren Brown or headline performers like Paul Zerdin, the conversations dive deep into the mechanics of success. You will hear about the strategic pivots required to navigate high-stakes television competitions, the psychological nuances of crafting a live show, and the difficult reality of maintaining artistic integrity while working within massive industry systems. This isn’t just an interview show; it is a masterclass in persistence. Each episode dissects the failures, the iterative adjustments, and the grit required to keep a creative vision alive over a long career. If you are a content creator, an artist, or simply someone fascinated by the intersection of strategy and imagination, this podcast offers a rare, geeky, and honest look at the steps required to turn a spark into something unforgettable. Join Ben as he asks the experts, "What’s The Trick?" and discover the hard work that makes the magic happen.

Updated Jul 3, 2026