{"id":15606,"date":"2023-04-19T19:18:52","date_gmt":"2023-04-19T18:18:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/?p=15606"},"modified":"2024-04-16T17:31:46","modified_gmt":"2024-04-16T16:31:46","slug":"serendipity-and-the-sceptic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/blog\/serendipity-and-the-sceptic\/","title":{"rendered":"Serendipity And The Sceptic &#8211; A Mentalist&#8217;s Hilarious Encounter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-vnqb42-dc4b5c646cdf7a59f552539066318441\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-vnqb42-dc4b5c646cdf7a59f552539066318441{\npadding-bottom:10px;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-vnqb42-dc4b5c646cdf7a59f552539066318441 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-vnqb42-dc4b5c646cdf7a59f552539066318441 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-vnqb42-dc4b5c646cdf7a59f552539066318441 av-special-heading-h1 blockquote modern-quote  avia-builder-el-0  el_before_av_image  avia-builder-el-first  av-linked-heading'><h1 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Serendipity And The Sceptic &#8211; A Mentalist\u2019s Hilarious Encounter<\/h1><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-k2xdybux-7a91714b8ddb5bed524e9f97b74c067b\">\n.avia-image-container.av-k2xdybux-7a91714b8ddb5bed524e9f97b74c067b img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-k2xdybux-7a91714b8ddb5bed524e9f97b74c067b .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-k2xdybux-7a91714b8ddb5bed524e9f97b74c067b av-styling- avia-align-center  avia-builder-el-1  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_textblock '   itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class='wp-image-15614 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-15614 avia_image ' src=\"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/reception.jpg\" alt='Shane Black Mentalist converting sceptical guest at wedding reception' title='mentalist-and-wedding-magician-shane-black-entertaining-guests'  height=\"961\" width=\"1440\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/reception.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/reception-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/reception-1030x687.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/reception-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/reception-705x470.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-39j46m-3ce6d6c64e5e0dbdf10dd15e565d65f3'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock av_inherit_color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>As a mentalist, I&#8217;ve found that the longer I&#8217;m in this profession, the stranger things get during my shows. One of my all-time favourite stories is from a wedding performance that still leaves me chuckling.<\/p>\n<p>Picture this: a lovely wedding filled with laughter and love, where I&#8217;m working the room. I approach a lively group and ask a guest to write down the name of her childhood pet. She tucks the paper away in her bag, ensuring no one catches a glimpse.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-15609\" src=\"http:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Guest-Writing.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Guest-Writing.jpg 1260w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Guest-Writing-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Guest-Writing-1030x687.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Guest-Writing-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Guest-Writing-705x470.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>I explain that writing helps with memory retention and focus, allowing me to pick up on subtle signals she might be giving off. As she concentrates on the pet&#8217;s name, I deduce the name and eventually reveal it: &#8216;Pancake&#8217;. The table erupts in applause.<\/p>\n<p>But of course, there&#8217;s always one sceptic, arms crossed, unimpressed. He challenges me, betting \u20ac50 that I can&#8217;t guess his dog&#8217;s name <em>without<\/em> him writing it down.<\/p>\n<p>Tension builds, but as if the universe aligned just for this moment, one of his friends strolls by and \u2014unbeknownst to the sceptic\u2014 whispers to me, &#8220;His dog&#8217;s name is Arthur.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Talk about perfect timing!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-15612\" src=\"http:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/GUEST-WHISPERER.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"369\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/GUEST-WHISPERER.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/GUEST-WHISPERER-300x184.jpg 300w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/GUEST-WHISPERER-1030x633.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/GUEST-WHISPERER-768x472.jpg 768w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/GUEST-WHISPERER-705x433.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>With this inside information, I engage in some playful banter with the sceptic, acting as if it&#8217;s a difficult task. He limits me to one guess, so with complete confidence, I say, &#8220;Your dog&#8217;s name is Arthur.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>I&#8217;ll never forget the transformation on his face\u2014from doubter to believer in an instant. He spewed every curse word he could think of while the table roared with laughter.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-15617\" src=\"http:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Skeptic.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"415\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Skeptic.jpg 1133w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Skeptic-300x208.jpg 300w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Skeptic-1030x713.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Skeptic-768x531.jpg 768w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Skeptic-705x488.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Now, fast-forward about five years. I&#8217;m sitting in the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin after performing at a corporate event, about to enjoy a well-earned pint, when a man approaches me and asks if I&#8217;m Shane Black.<\/p>\n<p>When I confirm, he tells me he met me at a wedding where I guessed his pet&#8217;s name. I perform that routine often, but something about this guy sparks a memory. So I take a chance and say, &#8220;Oh, was that your dog, Arthur?&#8221; His face lights up, and I know it&#8217;s him.<\/p>\n<p>He&#8217;s practically reliving the moment as he excitedly asks, &#8220;How do you do that? Are you psychic or something?&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>With perfect timing, I lift my pristine pint of Guinness, clink it against his glass, and say, &#8220;No, but I have a knack for names. To Arthur.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/media.tenor.com\/M4DeUwzENPkAAAAC\/ronnie-drew-ronnie-drew-pint.gif\" alt=\"Ronnie Drew Ronnie Drew Pint GIF - Ronnie Drew Ronnie Drew Pint Pint Of Plain GIFs\" width=\"498\" height=\"373\" \/><\/p>\n<p>And just like that, a once-sceptical stranger and I shared a toast, forever connected by a moment of pure, mentalism serendipity.<\/p>\n<p>#ArthurGuinness #Mentalism #Serendipity<\/p>\n<p><strong>Photo Credits:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Harrison Media \/\u00a0George Pennock Photography \/\u00a0Dermot Byrne Photography<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ka81djpc-ef4bfa9355c791fa2adbf351a3d0d2ce\">\n.flex_column.av-ka81djpc-ef4bfa9355c791fa2adbf351a3d0d2ce{\n-webkit-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n-moz-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:20px 20px 20px 20px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class='flex_column av-ka81djpc-ef4bfa9355c791fa2adbf351a3d0d2ce av_one_full  avia-builder-el-3  el_after_av_textblock  avia-builder-el-last  first flex_column_div column-top-margin'     ><section  class='av_textblock_section av-kahznbg1-317b7f0418c4a61bf6a4aa1bd985a044'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-2mz90t-9e6361a1b3f2e2c8edef3c4ef1f09763\">\n.av_font_icon.av-2mz90t-9e6361a1b3f2e2c8edef3c4ef1f09763 .av-icon-char{\nfont-size:30px;\nline-height:30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<span  class='av_font_icon av-2mz90t-9e6361a1b3f2e2c8edef3c4ef1f09763 avia_animate_when_visible av-icon-style- avia-icon-pos-left av-no-color avia-icon-animate'><a href='http:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/blog'  class='av-icon-char' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue830' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello' ><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><a href=\"http:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/blog\"><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Back to blog.<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ever had one of those experiences that&#8217;s just too good to be true? I&#8217;ve got an unforgettable story from a gig where I managed to convert a sceptic, all thanks to a perfectly-timed whisper and the power of serendipity!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16125,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"Serendipity And The Sceptic - A Mentalist's Hilarious Encounter","_seopress_titles_desc":"Ever had one of those experiences that's just too good to be true? This is one of my all-time favourite stories about a wedding performance where I turned a sceptic into a believer.","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[14,10,16,15],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15606"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15606"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15606\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15626,"href":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15606\/revisions\/15626"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16125"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15606"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15606"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15606"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}