
Advertise on podcast: What's The Trick?
Rating
5from
This podcast has
42 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Ben HanlinExplicit
No
Date created
2025/11/13
Latest episode
2026/11/06
Average duration
51 min.
Release period
9 days
Description
How do you take a spark of an idea and turn it into something original, finished, and unforgettable? In this conversation, we sit down with some of The World’s most creative people and get geeky about their creative process. The breakthroughs, the failures, the step-by-step hard work that audiences never see. Join Ben Hanlin as he interviews Comedians, Musicians, Writers, Content Creators and asks them, “What’s The Trick?” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Check latest episodes from What's The Trick? podcast
The World's No.1 Creative: How to Make People Care About Your Work | Nils Leonard
2026/11/06
Most great ideas never happen. But what’s really stopping ideas from becoming reality?
Is it fear of failure, self-doubt, or the belief that you need someone else’s permission to make something extraordinary?
On What’s The Trick?, Ben Hanlin sits down with Nils Leonard, co-founder of Uncommon Creative Studio, to uncover the psychology of creativity, why brilliant ideas never become reality, and what separates people who dream big from those who actually make things happen.
Recognised by Business Insider as the world’s number one creative person, Nils has helped create some of the most memorable advertising campaigns for global brands including British Airways, The Ordinary and OVO Energy.
In this fascinating conversation, Nils reveals why being a little delusional might be the secret to success, how your own mind can hold you back, and why waiting for permission could be killing your best ideas.
Discover how to overcome creative barriers, develop a clearer vision for success, grab people’s attention and turn ambitious ideas into something truly unforgettable.
00:00 Why Most Great Ideas Never Happen
01:40 What Actually Makes a Great Idea?
03:19 Building Uncommon Creative Studio
06:05 Stop Waiting for Permission
06:43 Why Being Delusional Can Lead to Success
09:58 The Power of Visualising Your Future
11:11 Starting a Business With No Clients
15:42 The Creative Process Behind Famous Campaigns
21:21 How The Ordinary Challenged the Beauty Industry
25:24 Why Great Advertising Makes You Feel Something
27:35 Midpoint Break
30:42 How Rat Boots Went Viral With 160 Million Views
33:12 How to Know If an Idea Is Brilliant
36:33 The Secret to Grabbing Attention
41:24 Reinventing British Airways' Safety Video
46:15 The Greatest Advertising Campaigns Ever
48:35 The Melting Statue That Made Headlines
50:39 The Brands Changing the Game
55:29 Fast Five With Nils Leonard
57:35 The Secret to Creating Something That Lasts
About Ben Hanlin:
Ben is a magician, presenter, and keynote speaker who helps companies create engagement, connection, and memorable experiences. He hosts corporate events and interviews world-class creatives on this podcast.
About the podcast:
"What’s The Trick?" explores how creative people think, create, and turn ideas into reality.
Topics covered include creativity, communication, storytelling, content creation, performance, and building creative careers.
🎧 Listen / Watch:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BenHanlin
Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/benhanlin
Spotify: https://linktr.ee/benhanlin
📩 Work with Ben:
https://www.benhanlin.com/
---
FOLLOW BEN:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM0oXTRP-zWlJ_IiNykTLag
Instagram: http://instagram.com/benhanlin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benhanlin
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@benhanlin
---
🎤 FOLLOW NILS LEONARD:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nilsleonard/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nils-leonard-373b2b3/
Website: https://www.uncommon.studio/
How do creative people turn ideas into reality?
Ben Hanlin breaks down the mindset, process, and decisions behind it.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thrill Expert: The Psychology of Thrill Seeking | Brendan Walker
2026/10/30
Why do humans crave fear, chase adrenaline and actively seek out experiences that terrify us? And what if the scariest part of a roller coaster isn't actually the drop?
In this episode of What's The Trick?, Ben Hanlin is joined by Brendan Walker, a thrill engineer and expert in the psychology of thrill seeking, to uncover the surprising science behind fear, excitement and human behaviour.
From designing experiences for Alton Towers to measuring people's emotional reactions on roller coasters, Brendan reveals how our brains respond to danger, why anticipation can be more powerful than the event itself, and how theme parks deliberately engineer unforgettable thrills.
We explore the psychology behind some of Britain's most famous roller coasters, including Oblivion, Wicker Man and Thirteen, and discover how adrenaline, dopamine, emotional contagion and the power of suggestion influence our experiences.
In this episode, discover:
Why our brains are wired to seek fear and excitement.Why the most intense moment of a roller coaster might happen before it even moves.How other people's emotions can change what we feel.The psychological tricks used to design thrilling experiences.How Alton Towers creates rides that surprise and excite us.Why thrill seeking is about much more than speed, height and danger.
Whether you're fascinated by human psychology, roller coasters, theme parks or the science of fear, this conversation will change the way you think about thrill seeking.
00:00 Introduction – The Psychology of Thrill Seeking
01:11 What Is Thrill and Why Do We Crave It?
03:06 How Do You Create Thrill?
04:02 Why Is Novelty So Thrilling?
05:33 Can Other People's Emotions Affect Our Fear?
08:04 What Makes a Roller Coaster Truly Thrilling?
10:37 What's the Scariest Part of a Roller Coaster?
14:34 How Can We Create Thrill in Everyday Life?
16:50 A Quick Break with Ben
19:59 How Do You Become a Thrill Engineer?
22:36 How Are Roller Coasters Designed?
27:19 How Do You Test a Roller Coaster?
31:20 What Are the Best Roller Coasters?
34:13 What's the Future of Roller Coasters?
37:23 Ben's Fast Five
43:18 What's the Trick to Following Your Passion?
44:37 Ben's Final Takeaways
About Ben Hanlin: Ben is a magician, presenter, and keynote speaker who helps companies create engagement, connection, and memorable experiences. He hosts corporate events and interviews world-class creatives on this podcast.
About the podcast: "What’s The Trick?" explores how creative people think, create, and turn ideas into reality.
Topics covered include creativity, communication, storytelling, content creation, performance, and building creative careers.
🎧 Listen / Watch:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BenHanlin
Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/benhanlin
Spotify: https://linktr.ee/benhanlin
📩 Work with Ben:
https://www.benhanlin.com/
---
FOLLOW BEN:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM0oXTRP-zWlJ_IiNykTLag
Instagram: http://instagram.com/benhanlin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benhanlin
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@benhanlin
---
🎤 FOLLOW BRENDAN WALKER:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrillengineer/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/profbwalker/
- Website: www.thrilllaboratory.com
How do creative people turn ideas into reality?
Ben Hanlin breaks down the mindset, process, and decisions behind it.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Grenade Founder: How I Built a Billion-Dollar Brand Everyone Said Would Fail | Al Barratt
2026/10/23
How do you turn just £27 into a billion-dollar business? Grenade founder Alan Barratt joins Ben Hanlin to reveal the incredible story behind building one of the UK's most successful nutrition brands.
From almost losing his house to creating the hugely successful Grenade Carb Killa protein bar, Alan shares how he disrupted the chocolate industry, challenged some of the world's biggest brands and built a business valued at over $1 billion.
In this episode of What's The Trick?, Alan reveals how his investors initially rejected the idea for Grenade's protein bars, why the first 50,000 bars sold in just two hours, and how an unusual marketing strategy helped turn a small supplement company into a household name.We also explore his friendship with Sir Richard Branson, the business lessons he's learned on Necker Island, and an unexpected legal dispute between Alan and Ben involving the Grenade trademark.
From entrepreneurship and branding to marketing, business growth and taking risks, this episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to start or scale a business.
This episode is for:
- Creatives (writers, performers, content creators)
- Business owners and entrepreneurs
- Speakers and presenters
- Anyone looking to improve communication and idea generation
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 The Risk That Built a Billion-Dollar Brand
00:13 Introducing Grenade Founder Alan Barratt
01:10 How Grenade Started
06:41 The Marketing Stunt That Changed Everything
10:51 Down to £27 and Almost Losing Everything
12:44 The Idea Behind Grenade's Protein Bars
21:20 A Quick Message From Ben
24:13 Two Years Creating the Perfect Protein Bar
26:48 When the Investors Rejected the Idea
29:27 Selling 50,000 Bars in Just Two Hours
36:51 Getting Grenade Into Tesco and Petrol Stations
44:46 The Petrol Station Owner Who Fired the Wrong Staff
46:44 Competing Against Coca-Cola, Mars and Red Bull
50:41 The Legal Dispute Between Ben and Alan
57:11 Richard Branson, Necker Island and Billionaire Lessons
1:02:30 Alan Barratt's Fast Five
1:08:30 The Real Secret to Entrepreneurial Success
1:09:25 Ben's Final Thoughts
About Ben Hanlin: Ben is a magician, presenter, and keynote speaker who helps companies create engagement, connection, and memorable experiences. He hosts corporate events and interviews world-class creatives on this podcast.
About the podcast: "What’s The Trick?" explores how creative people think, create, and turn ideas into reality.
Topics covered include creativity, communication, storytelling, content creation, performance, and building creative careers.
🎧 Listen / Watch:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BenHanlin
Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/benhanlin
Spotify: https://linktr.ee/benhanlin
📩 Work with Ben: https://www.benhanlin.com/
FOLLOW BEN:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM0oXTRP-zWlJ_IiNykTLag
Instagram: http://instagram.com/benhanlin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benhanlin
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@benhanlin
🎤 FOLLOW AL BARRATT:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/al_barratt/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/al-barratt-101b1731/
How do creative people turn ideas into reality?
Ben Hanlin breaks down the mindset, process, and decisions behind it.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Speech Expert: The Psychology of Powerful Speakers: Boris, Trump & Arnie | Simon Lancaster
2026/10/09
What makes someone impossible to ignore when they speak?
Speechwriter and communication expert Simon Lancaster joins Ben Hanlin to break down the psychology, rhetoric and techniques behind some of the world’s most influential communicators - from Boris Johnson and Donald Trump to Arnold Schwarzenegger, Oprah Winfrey and some of history’s greatest speeches.
Simon reveals how professional speechwriters build powerful speeches, why stories and metaphors change the way audiences think, how to memorise a speech without relying on notes, the secret to strong openings and endings, and the simple “My Story, Our Story, What Next?” framework anyone can use.
This episode is for:
- Creatives (writers, performers, content creators)
- Business owners and entrepreneurs
- Speakers and presenters
- Anyone looking to improve communication and idea generation
---
About Ben Hanlin: Ben is a magician, presenter, and keynote speaker who helps companies create engagement, connection, and memorable experiences. He hosts corporate events and interviews world-class creatives on this podcast.
📩 Work with Ben: https://www.benhanlin.com/
---
FOLLOW BEN:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM0oXTRP-zWlJ_IiNykTLag
Instagram: http://instagram.com/benhanlin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benhanlin
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@benhanlin
---
🎤 FOLLOW SIMON LANCASTER:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/bespokespeeches
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespeechwriter1/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thespeechwriter1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lancaster-speechwriter/
Website: https://bespokespeeches.com/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rob Law (Trunki): How a Dragons Den Failure made Millions
2026/09/18
Dragon’s Den told Rob Law his business was worthless. What happened next turned Trunki into a global success story.
Ben Hanlin sits down with Trunki creator Rob Law to uncover how a university design idea became a product sold around the world, what really happened after his infamous Dragon’s Den rejection, and why the public response changed everything.
Rob also breaks down how to take a product from idea to market, why rejection doesn’t always mean you have a bad idea, the importance of listening to customers, and how he’s applying everything he learned from Trunki to his next business.
This episode is for:
- Creatives (writers, performers, content creators)
- Business owners and entrepreneurs
- Speakers and presenters
- Anyone looking to improve communication and idea generation
---
About Ben Hanlin:
Ben is a magician, presenter, and keynote speaker who helps companies create engagement, connection, and memorable experiences. He hosts corporate events and interviews world-class creatives on this podcast.
About the podcast:
"What’s The Trick?" explores how creative people think, create, and turn ideas into reality.
Topics covered include creativity, communication, storytelling, content creation, performance, and building creative careers.
🎧 Listen / Watch:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BenHanlin
Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/benhanlin
Spotify: https://linktr.ee/benhanlin
📩 Work with Ben:
https://www.benhanlin.com/
---
FOLLOW BEN:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM0oXTRP-zWlJ_IiNykTLag
Instagram: http://instagram.com/benhanlin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benhanlin
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@benhanlin
---
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How do creative people turn ideas into reality?
Ben Hanlin breaks down the mindset, process, and decisions behind it.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Simon Painter: How a Violinist Created Now You See Me Live
2026/09/11
Simon Painter went from an unemployed classical violinist to creating and producing some of the biggest live entertainment shows in the world, including The Illusionists and Now You See Me Live.
He joins Ben Hanlin to reveal how he built a global theatre career, sold 42,000 tickets at the Sydney Opera House in just eight days, why he creates the poster before the show, the disastrous opening night of The Illusionists, and the lessons he’s learned about risk, creativity and giving audiences what they actually want.
This episode is for:
- Creatives (writers, performers, content creators)
- Business owners and entrepreneurs
- Speakers and presenters
- Anyone looking to improve communication and idea generation
---
About Ben Hanlin:
Ben is a magician, presenter, and keynote speaker who helps companies create engagement, connection, and memorable experiences. He hosts corporate events and interviews world-class creatives on this podcast.
About the podcast:
"What’s The Trick?" explores how creative people think, create, and turn ideas into reality.
Topics covered include creativity, communication, storytelling, content creation, performance, and building creative careers.
🎧 Listen / Watch:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BenHanlin
Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/benhanlin
Spotify: https://linktr.ee/benhanlin
📩 Work with Ben:
https://www.benhanlin.com/
---
FOLLOW BEN:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM0oXTRP-zWlJ_IiNykTLag
Instagram: http://instagram.com/benhanlin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benhanlin
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@benhanlin
Check out Now You See Me Live: https://londoncoliseum.org/events/now-you-see-me-live/
How do creative people turn ideas into reality?
Ben Hanlin breaks down the mindset, process, and decisions behind it.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Summer Special #5
2026/09/04
The Summer Social 5 brings together highlights from three incredible guests: America’s Got Talent winner Paul Zerdin, Mischief Theatre co-founder Henry Lewis and The Simpsons & The Office writer Brant Forrester. Discover the stories, creative processes and career lessons behind three of the biggest names in comedy and entertainment.
This episode is for:
- Creatives (writers, performers, content creators)
- Business owners and entrepreneurs
- Speakers and presenters
- Anyone looking to improve communication and idea generation
About Ben Hanlin:
Ben is a magician, presenter, and keynote speaker who helps companies create engagement, connection, and memorable experiences. He hosts corporate events and interviews world-class creatives on this podcast.
About the podcast:
"What’s The Trick?" explores how creative people think, create, and turn ideas into reality.
Topics covered include creativity, communication, storytelling, content creation, performance, and building creative careers.
🎧 Listen / Watch:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BenHanlin
Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/benhanlin
Spotify: https://linktr.ee/benhanlin
📩 Work with Ben:
https://www.benhanlin.com/
---
FOLLOW BEN:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM0oXTRP-zWlJ_IiNykTLag
Instagram: http://instagram.com/benhanlin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benhanlin
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@benhanlin
How do creative people turn ideas into reality?
Ben Hanlin breaks down the mindset, process, and decisions behind it.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Summer Special #4
2026/08/28
Join Ben Hanlin for a special episode of What’s the Trick? as he looks back over the first 30 episodes and revisits three of his personal highlights. Featuring Andy Nyman on creativity and performance, Callie Hart on self-publishing and the power of BookTok, and Dominic McGregor on building Social Chain and understanding what makes content go viral.
This episode is for:
- Creatives (writers, performers, content creators)
- Business owners and entrepreneurs
- Speakers and presenters
- Anyone looking to improve communication and idea generation
About Ben Hanlin:
Ben is a magician, presenter, and keynote speaker who helps companies create engagement, connection, and memorable experiences. He hosts corporate events and interviews world-class creatives on this podcast.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Summer Special #3
2026/08/21
Join Ben for his summer specials series of What’s the Trick? as he looks back on the first 30 conversations. We explore three more of his personal highlights and the unforgettable insights from some of the show’s most inspiring guests.
This episode is for:
- Creatives (writers, performers, content creators)
- Business owners and entrepreneurs
- Speakers and presenters
- Anyone looking to improve communication and idea generation
About Ben Hanlin:
Ben is a magician, presenter, and keynote speaker who helps companies create engagement, connection, and memorable experiences. He hosts corporate events and interviews world-class creatives on this podcast.
About the podcast:
"What’s The Trick?" explores how creative people think, create, and turn ideas into reality.
Topics covered include creativity, communication, storytelling, content creation, performance, and building creative careers.
🎧 Listen / Watch:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BenHanlin
Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/benhanlin
Spotify: https://linktr.ee/benhanlin
📩 Work with Ben:
https://www.benhanlin.com/
---
FOLLOW BEN:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM0oXTRP-zWlJ_IiNykTLag
Instagram: http://instagram.com/benhanlin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benhanlin
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@benhanlin
How do creative people turn ideas into reality?
Ben Hanlin breaks down the mindset, process, and decisions behind it.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Summer Special #2
2026/08/14
Ben is back for the summer specials of What’s the Trick? as he looks back on the first 30 conversations. Revisit three more of his personal highlights and the unforgettable insights shared by some of the show’s most inspiring guests.
This episode is for:
- Creatives (writers, performers, content creators)
- Business owners and entrepreneurs
- Speakers and presenters
- Anyone looking to improve communication and idea generation
About Ben Hanlin:
Ben is a magician, presenter, and keynote speaker who helps companies create engagement, connection, and memorable experiences. He hosts corporate events and interviews world-class creatives on this podcast.
About the podcast:
"What’s The Trick?" explores how creative people think, create, and turn ideas into reality.
Topics covered include creativity, communication, storytelling, content creation, performance, and building creative careers.
🎧 Listen / Watch:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BenHanlin
Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/benhanlin
Spotify: https://linktr.ee/benhanlin
📩 Work with Ben:
https://www.benhanlin.com/
---
FOLLOW BEN:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM0oXTRP-zWlJ_IiNykTLag
Instagram: http://instagram.com/benhanlin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benhanlin
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@benhanlin
How do creative people turn ideas into reality?
Ben Hanlin breaks down the mindset, process, and decisions behind it.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Summer Special #1
2026/08/07
Join Ben Hanlin for a special episode of What’s the Trick? as he looks back on the first 30 conversations. Revisit three of his personal highlights and the unforgettable insights shared by some of the show’s most inspiring guests.
This episode is for:
- Creatives (writers, performers, content creators)
- Business owners and entrepreneurs
- Speakers and presenters
- Anyone looking to improve communication and idea generation
About Ben Hanlin:
Ben is a magician, presenter, and keynote speaker who helps companies create engagement, connection, and memorable experiences. He hosts corporate events and interviews world-class creatives on this podcast.
About the podcast:
"What’s The Trick?" explores how creative people think, create, and turn ideas into reality.
Topics covered include creativity, communication, storytelling, content creation, performance, and building creative careers.
🎧 Listen / Watch:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BenHanlin
Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/benhanlin
Spotify: https://linktr.ee/benhanlin
📩 Work with Ben:
https://www.benhanlin.com/
---
FOLLOW BEN:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM0oXTRP-zWlJ_IiNykTLag
Instagram: http://instagram.com/benhanlin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benhanlin
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@benhanlin
How do creative people turn ideas into reality?
Ben Hanlin breaks down the mindset, process, and decisions behind it.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Cally Beaton: From MTV Exec to Stand-up Comedian
2026/07/31
How a dinner with Joan Rivers led to Cally quitting her big boardroom job and pursuing her passion as a standup comedian, as a single Mum in late forties.
She reveals the mindset behind taking big risks, the lessons she learned from turning down South Park, and why being willing to fail is the key to building a more fulfilling creative life.
We also cover how to write comedy - how to get a book deal - and how to then write it!
It’s such an honest conversation and really inspiring for anyone who wants to take a leap and go for it!
This episode is for:
- Creatives (writers, performers, content creators)
- Business owners and entrepreneurs
- Speakers and presenters
- Anyone looking to improve communication and idea generation
About Ben Hanlin:
Ben is a magician, presenter, and keynote speaker who helps companies create engagement, connection, and memorable experiences. He hosts corporate events and interviews world-class creatives on this podcast.
About the podcast:
"What’s The Trick?" explores how creative people think, create, and turn ideas into reality.
Topics covered include creativity, communication, storytelling, content creation, performance, and building creative careers.
🎧 Listen / Watch:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BenHanlin
Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/benhanlin
Spotify: https://linktr.ee/benhanlin
📩 Work with Ben:
https://www.benhanlin.com/
---
FOLLOW BEN:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM0oXTRP-zWlJ_IiNykTLag
Instagram: http://instagram.com/benhanlin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benhanlin
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@benhanlin
---
🎤 FOLLOW CALLY:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callybeatoncomedian
Website: https://callybeaton.com/
How do creative people turn ideas into reality?
Ben Hanlin breaks down the mindset, process, and decisions behind it.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Brian Conley: How He Became Saturday Night TV’s Biggest Star
2026/07/24
Brian Conley reveals how he went from performing in clubs and warming up television audiences to becoming one of Britain’s biggest Saturday night entertainers, regularly reaching 15 million viewers.
He shares the lessons behind his longevity, including how to handle nerves, make every opportunity count, reinvent your career and truly connect with a live audience.
If you want to being a long lasting career in television, this episode breaks down what actually works.
This episode is for:
- Creatives (writers, performers, content creators)
- Business owners and entrepreneurs
- Speakers and presenters
- Anyone looking to improve communication and idea generation
---
About Ben Hanlin:
Ben is a magician, presenter, and keynote speaker who helps companies create engagement, connection, and memorable experiences. He hosts corporate events and interviews world-class creatives on this podcast.
About the podcast:
"What’s The Trick?" explores how creative people think, create, and turn ideas into reality.
Topics covered include creativity, communication, storytelling, content creation, performance, and building creative careers.
🎧 Listen / Watch:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BenHanlin
Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/benhanlin
Spotify: https://linktr.ee/benhanlin
📩 Work with Ben:
https://www.benhanlin.com/
---
FOLLOW BEN:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM0oXTRP-zWlJ_IiNykTLag
Instagram: http://instagram.com/benhanlin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benhanlin
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@benhanlin
---
🎤 FOLLOW BRIAN:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realbrianconley/
---
How do creative people turn ideas into reality?
Ben Hanlin breaks down the mindset, process, and decisions behind it.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Brent F: How 'The Simpsons' and 'The Office US' Were Really Written
2026/07/17
Emmy Award-winning writer Brent Forrester reveals what really happened inside the writers’ rooms of The Simpsons and The Office, from the pressure of pitching jokes to the techniques used to generate unforgettable stories.
He also explains how to create a genuinely collaborative environment, why great comedy begins with vulnerability and why aspiring artists should stop waiting for permission to make their work.
If you want to learn how to become a professional tv comedy writer, this episode breaks down what actually works.
This episode is for:
- Creatives (writers, performers, content creators)
- Business owners and entrepreneurs
- Speakers and presenters
- Anyone looking to improve communication and idea generation
Check out our sponsor, the Podcast Rooms for all of your video podcast needs: podcast-room.com
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About Ben Hanlin:
Ben is a magician, presenter, and keynote speaker who helps companies create engagement, connection, and memorable experiences. He hosts corporate events and interviews world-class creatives on this podcast.
About the podcast:
"What’s The Trick?" explores how creative people think, create, and turn ideas into reality.
Topics covered include creativity, communication, storytelling, content creation, performance, and building creative careers.
🎧 Listen / Watch:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BenHanlin
Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/benhanlin
Spotify: https://linktr.ee/benhanlin
📩 Work with Ben:
https://www.benhanlin.com/
---
FOLLOW BEN:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM0oXTRP-zWlJ_IiNykTLag
Instagram: http://instagram.com/benhanlin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benhanlin
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@benhanlin
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🎤 FOLLOW BRENT:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forrestercomedycourse
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brentforrestercomedy
Website: https://www.brentforrester.com/about
How do creative people turn ideas into reality?
Ben Hanlin breaks down the mindset, process, and decisions behind it.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Henry Lewis: How 'The Play That Goes Wrong' Became a Global Comedy Empire
2026/07/10
Henry Lewis reveals how a late-night production performed to tiny audiences grew into The Play That Goes Wrong, a West End phenomenon that has now reached more than 50 countries. He shares the persistence, testing, creative collaboration and business decisions behind Mischief’s success and explains why finishing an imperfect idea is often more valuable than waiting for perfection.
This episode is for:
- Creatives (writers, performers, content creators)
- Business owners and entrepreneurs
- Speakers and presenters
- Anyone looking to improve communication and idea generation
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About Ben Hanlin:
Ben is a magician, presenter, and keynote speaker who helps companies create engagement, connection, and memorable experiences. He hosts corporate events and interviews world-class creatives on this podcast.
About the podcast:
"What’s The Trick?" explores how creative people think, create, and turn ideas into reality.
Topics covered include creativity, communication, storytelling, content creation, performance, and building creative careers.
🎧 Listen / Watch:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BenHanlin
Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/benhanlin
Spotify: https://linktr.ee/benhanlin
📩 Work with Ben:
https://www.benhanlin.com/
---
FOLLOW BEN:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM0oXTRP-zWlJ_IiNykTLag
Instagram: http://instagram.com/benhanlin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benhanlin
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@benhanlin
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🎤 FOLLOW HENRY LEWIS:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/henrylewis
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What is this episode about?
This episode explains how to create a global hit theatre show.
How do creative people turn ideas into reality?
Ben Hanlin breaks down the mindset, process, and decisions behind it.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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