Magic & Wellbeing Webinar

Our fifth webinar took place on 29 August, and we’re pleased to share the recording of the event below. Thanks very much to all the speakers for their contributions, to Carthage College for digitally hosting the event, and to all our viewers for tuning in to watch!

For info on future events click HERE

And keep reading below for details on the featured speakers

Kevin Spencer

Kevin Spencer is an award-winning illusionist who stepped away from the stage and into classrooms and hospitals. As an educator, artist, consultant, and researcher, he now focuses his attention on using the art of magic to impact change in the lives of individuals with a variety of disabilities. He has a Certification in Autism Studies, a Master’s in Education, and is a PhD candidate in Special Education. He is faculty at Carlow University (PA), a Fulbright Specialist and subject matter expert on arts integration for special populations for the U.S. Department of State, and a Research Consultant for the Institute for Arts in Medicine and the Occupational Therapy department at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Linda Miller, GP , medical educator and coach

Her medical humanities doctoral research (Birkbeck) explores the use of arts in health and medical humanities for healthcare practitioner wellbeing and reflection. She is interested in the potential of magic for wellbeing and in challenging the “magical thinking“ around “professional mystique”, a factor in practitioner burnout.

Tom Verner

Tom founded Magicians Without Borders. They perform magic shows for children in refugee camps, orphanages and hospitals around the world. He often works in war-torn places where love, laughter and magic are desperately needed.

Harrison Pravder, MagicAid and Stony Brook University

Harrison is a researcher, magic enthusiast, and medical student who is Vice President and Research Director for MagicAid, a nonprofit organization that uses magic as therapy in American children's hospitals. He currently investigates the benefits of magic in the hospital for patients and healthcare providers.

Steven Bagienski (moderator), magician, positive psychologist

Steve is a doctoral researcher studying Magic and Wellbeing Researcher at Goldsmiths University of London. He has conducted comprehensive literature reviews on magic and wellbeing. He's a recipient of the Richard Benjamin Trust studentship. And currently investigating the social and emotional experiences of magic.