Due to a production computer that isn’t feeling very well, Over Coffee® will be on hiatus this week. Please enjoy this reposting of one of our top episodes of 2022!

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At the core of Dr. Matt Pritchard’s work, is a sense of wonder.

That element comes both from observing the world around him, and from practicing his craft.

Matt, “The Science Magician”, has a PhD. in experimental atomic physics, in addition to his professional-magician credentials. With the goal of boosting creativity and critical-thinking skills, he performs “science magic” shows at local schools, universities and organizations.

He is also an author, as well as a speaker. In his TED talk, “The Quantum State of Wonder”, he demonstrates a couple of his tricks which combine, as he says, “surprise plus mystery”.

And he has a creativity-boosting challenge he’d like to offer you.

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

(You may not figure that out–we didn’t! But they’re highly entertaining and will indeed spark a sense of wonder.)

At the time of our interview in 2022, Matt was hosting a podcast, Words on Wonder, featuring interviews with guests who use their creativity in unusual and interesting ways. Today, those interviews are transcribed. as a blog on his website.

Matt talked about his professional career, shared some of the ways he captivates audiences and offered a closer look at the science behind the magic.

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;

• 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.