Science Magician Dr. Matt Pritchard deals in wonder.

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And he also deals in education.

Dr. Pritchard, or Matt, as he prefers to be called, performs science magic shows at local schools, universities and organizations. Many of his tricks are original. They’re also designed to have his audience members asking, “How did you do that?”

Matt enjoys the question–and the discussions that ensue. His goal, as both a scientist (with a PhD. in experimental atomic physics!) and a professional magician, is to inspire, inform and boost critical thinking skills.

He also offers a creativity-boosting challenge, with his work.

“Binge-watch some of my videos,” he suggests, ” And just sit there and go, ‘How would I do this?'”

Matt, who is both an author and a speaker, hosts a podcast, “Words on Wonder”. He also has a TED talk, “The Quantum State of Wonder”, in which he demonstrates a couple of his tricks which combine, as he says, “surprise plus mystery”.

Matt talked about his background and some of the science and math principles behind his illusions, as well as how he maintains his sense of wonder.

On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:

• How Matt became interested in his two areas of expertise;

• His professional journey, in both atomic physics and magic, and the catalyst for finding common ground in these two areas ;

• A tip for engaging audiences, no matter what you’re presenting;

• What it’s like to audition for the world’s most prestigious magicians’ society;

• How Matt surprised those magicians!:

• One of the demonstrations he does, that tends to wow audiences of all ages;

• How he applies math to an often-seen “estimate” challenge;

• A closer look at his podcast, Words on Wonder;

• How not to “burn out” when producing creative work;

• Matt’s recommendation of two authors who inspire him;

• A historic “curiosity” about a magician from Matt’s blog;

• What the “magician mindset” is;

• One of Matt’s favorite discoveries which he incorporates into his performances;

• How magicians apply the psychology of magic to an audience;

• An application of that psychology, which Matt uses in his show;

• Matt’s thoughts about explaining the science behind the magic;

• A seemingly-“impossible” stunt Matt performs in some of his science magic shows;

• The physics behind one of the stunts he has invented;

• What inspires Matt with a sense of wonder;

• How to incorporate that sense of wonder into daily life;

• What Matt has learned about wonder from his own children;

• Where he’d most like to grow, with science magic, in the future.