We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dr. Kevin Spencer. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Kevin, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
That’s such a powerful question, and honestly, I think fear touches all of us in some way. We carry so many kinds of fear—fear of failing, of not living up to expectations, of even succeeding and what that might mean. There’s fear of rejection, fear of shame, fear of being humiliated, fear that life might not hold meaning. And sometimes those fears can feel heavy, even paralyzing. They stop us from taking the leap because we’re afraid to fall. They keep us tucked inside our comfort zones because we worry about disappointing others. They hold us back from opening our hearts, because rejection stings. And they keep us from being vulnerable, even with our closest friends, because admitting our weaknesses feels terrifying.
But here’s the beautiful truth: fear doesn’t have to be the final word. Every time we take a step in spite of it—whether it’s a small risk, an honest conversation, or a brave beginning—we prove to ourselves that fear isn’t stronger than our courage. And little by little, those steps open doors to growth, connection, and meaning we never imagined possible.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a magician, theatre artist, and educator who has always been fascinated by the ways wonder and imagination can transform how we learn, heal, and connect with each other. Over the years, I’ve blended my background in theatre and magic with my work in education and therapy, especially with children and young people with disabilities. What started as performing magic to entertain gradually grew into something much bigger—using magic as a tool for empowerment, confidence, creativity, and even therapeutic growth.
My brand, in many ways, is about teaching and performing like a magician—not just doing tricks, but creating moments of surprise and delight that unlock new possibilities for people. I’ve been developing frameworks like Teach Like a Magician and writing about “magic therapy,” which explores how the principles of performance, imagination, and play can support occupational therapy, education, and inclusive practices.
What makes my work unique is that it sits at the crossroads of art, science, and human connection. Whether I’m on stage, in a classroom, or working in a therapeutic setting, my goal is the same: to help people see themselves as capable of doing the impossible, even if just for a moment. Right now, I’m excited to be expanding this work through writing, speaking, and developing resources that make magic-based approaches more accessible for educators, therapists, and performers who want to use their craft in meaningful ways.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was a child filled with boundless curiosity, someone who saw the world as a place of possibility rather than limitation. My imagination set no boundaries—I dreamed big, asked endless questions, and believed creativity could take me anywhere.
But as I grew, the world began to press its mold upon me. Schools, workplaces, and even well-meaning people often valued compliance over curiosity, order over imagination. Like many creatives—and especially those of us who think or learn differently—I was told to “behave,” to “fit in,” to quiet the very traits that made me who I was. For a while, I did.
Yet at my core, I have always been that creative and curious person with big dreams and restless ideas. And when I finally stopped trying to fit the mold, I rediscovered that original self. I learned to let my creativity and curiosity lead me again—and in doing so, I found not only my voice, but also a community of others searching for the same freedom. And I found my wife, Cindy, the love of my life whose curiosity and creativity are as boundless as my own!
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d say, follow your passion and don’t give up on it. Take the time to discover who you are and what you feel called to do, then pour yourself wholeheartedly into bringing that vision to life. I believe each of us has been entrusted with unique talents and skills that can be used to make the world a better place.
When Cindy and I toured with our big illusion production, our goal was simple: to give audiences an evening of joy, wonder, and uplifting entertainment. Those years on the road shaped us in ways we still carry with us today, and the lessons we learned continue to influence how we live and work.
Over time, I’ve come to see that every person has what I call a sweet spot—a space where our gifts, passions, and purpose meet. These are the moments when we find ourselves “in the zone,” doing the work we were made to do. Our sweet spots aren’t random or accidental—they’re woven into us with intention. I believe they are crafted by our Creator, designed with the needs of others in mind, so that when we live from that place, we create impact that extends beyond ourselves.
When we learn to identify our sweet spots, we can better focus our energy, prioritize what truly matters, and create space for balance in our lives. Of course, not every task we face will fall inside that sweet spot, but by emphasizing what we were uniquely designed to do, we not only flourish—we also serve others more fully.
If you have a big dream, hold onto it with both hands. Be honest with yourself about your strengths and what it will take to bring that dream to life, and don’t be afraid to seek wisdom from mentors, friends, and guides along the way. Dream boldly, stay grounded, and remember: when you live from your sweet spot, the impossible begins to feel possible.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my friends would say that what really matters to me is loyalty and compassion. Those two qualities guide me in every part of my life—my marriage, my closest friendships, and my work relationships. The people who matter most to me know that I’ll stand by them, and that kind of loyalty is something I value deeply in return.
On a more personal level, I resonate strongly with Enneagram Type Four, often called The Individualist or The Romantic. I’m someone who seeks authenticity, creativity, and self-expression, and I’m deeply connected to my emotions. That sensitivity not only fuels my artistic and professional life, but also allows me to empathize and connect with others on a meaningful level.
Of course, living authentically comes with risks—it can lead to heartbreak or disappointment—but I’d rather live fully and honestly than hold back. For me, compassion and loyalty aren’t just ideals; they’re the foundation of how I strive to move through the world.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What false labels are you still carrying?
I think one of the false labels I still wrestle with is imposter syndrome. After more than 30 years in the entertainment industry, I sometimes wonder if that shadow follows me. My job for so long was to make people believe in something that wasn’t real—and I think part of me still carries the question of whether what I bring to the table is “real enough” in other spaces.
The transition from entertainment and the arts into academia has only amplified that tension. One world thrives on subjectivity and creative expression; the other on objectivity, evidence, and proof. Even with a PhD and decades of experiential knowledge, I sometimes find myself asking, “Do I really belong here?”
And yet, when I step back, I realize the answer is yes. I’ve had the privilege of presenting on the power of magic tricks to brain scientists, medical professionals, cognitive neuropsychologists, and pediatric anesthesiologists. I’ve taught magic to incredible kids with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and intellectual disabilities, watching them discover confidence and joy through something as simple as a trick. The Magician in me is captivated by those moments of wonder. The Academic in me still questions whether I truly have the expertise to contribute.
So yes, that label of “imposter” still tries to cling to me—but I’m learning to see it for what it is: not truth, but fear. And every time I lean into the work with authenticity and passion, I’m reminded that my path—this blending of art and science—is exactly where I’m meant to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://KevinSpencerLive.com
- Instagram: @magicguy2012
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinwspencer/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevinwspencer
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/spencersmagic
- Other: VIMEO: https://vimeo.com/spencersmagic
Image Credits
Lisa Navlan
Geri Kodey
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