Behind the Secrets by VANISH – Details, episodes & analysis

Welcome to Behind the Secrets - the official podcast from VANISH Magic Magazine.

Each week, we sit down with world-class magicians, mentalists, creators, producers, and rising stars who’ve turned the impossible… into reality. We dive into the untold stories behind the sleight of hand and the spectacle... From the first trick that sparked their obsession… to the bold risks, backstage lessons, spectacular flops, and unforgettable moments that shaped their path - we explore the artistry, psychology, performance, and legacy of magic in all its forms. Behind every great illusion is a person who dared to believe… and a real human story; one of courage, creativity, obsession, and pure wonder. 

We are launching with our amazing guests very soon!

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He’s won America’s Got Talent. Twice. He’s conquered FISM - the Olympics of Magic. He headlines his own Vegas residency night after night. But behind the smoke, mirrors, and cards, Shin Lim is an artist who almost walked away from it all.

In this captivating and unfiltered conversation, I sit down with Shin Lim to explore the journey behind the magic - the heartbreaks, the hair (yes, we talk about his hair), the failures, the flow, and the fire that fuels his artistic obsession.

Shin opens up about the moment carpal tunnel ended his dream of being a concert pianist, and how a YouTube video - and his brother’s slip force trick - changed his life forever. We dive deep into how music became the backbone of his storytelling, why he performs entire routines without speaking, and what it really means to make an audience believe.

He shares the gritty details of almost quitting magic after a disappointing performance at FISM, the surprise phone call that pulled him out of that spiral, and how he built a visual style that now defines an entire genre of close-up magic.

This episode is part masterclass in discipline, part behind-the-scenes of a Vegas headliner, and part soulful exploration of creativity, love, and what is hands-down a legacy-in-the-making.

We cover:

• Shin’s unexpected pivot from piano prodigy, to carpal tunnel, to card magic
• Why Shin nearly gave up magic - and the last-minute tour offer that changed his life
• How belief is the real trick behind the trick
• What it really takes to compete at FISM - and why he’ll never do it again
• The secret to making magic feel real
• How Shin’s wife Casey transformed his Vegas show with visual storytelling and scent design
• Creating magic as a couple: the joy, the creative arguments, and the balance between tech and aesthetic
• The role of music in creating emotion, timing, and flow onstage
• Finding your voice as a performer
• Staying humble when your face is on Vegas billboards
• The truth about magic fails, live-show meltdowns, and how to handle tech disasters
• Shin’s advice for young magicians
• Card in mouth secrets
• How imposter syndrome shows up, even on the Vegas strip
• Why focusing on fame is the fastest way to lose your magic
• How Shin visualizes routines in his head when he can’t physically rehearse
• And more!

Whether you’re an artist, performer, creative, or simply someone curious about what it takes to master a craft and live your dream - this episode will leave you inspired, entertained, and reminded that anything is possible when you stop chasing approval and start chasing wonder.

Watch the full episode at YouTube:

Behind the Secrets by VANISH

Connect with Shin Lim: 

Shin Lim Magic

Shin Lim on Instagram

Shin Lim on YouTube

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Connect with Jordana, Podcast Director

Email: jordana@jordanab.me