Growing up in the 2000s I watched a lot of stuff on television. T.V was much edgier and more relevant than it is now and the movies especially the comedies peaked from mid 2000s to early 2010s. Reality T.V peaked during this time too. I usually watched a lot of Discovery channel or Nat Geo growing but I had my fair share of favourite reality shows.

Back then magicians had their own eras. You probably have heard of Chris Angel Mindfreak if you are my age and you have probably also heard of Penn & Teller, David Blaine and Dynamo. These guys used to have shows regularly screening on this channel called AXN. Along with these shows there was another show called Mythbusters which was an absolute banger of a show. Then of course there were Top Gear, Wheeler Dealers, Pawn Stars, Pimp My Ride, Storage Wars and home makeover shows. These shows really enhanced my creative side.

Having said all of that, there was one particular show I watched a lot because it was so dramatic. The show involved an anonymous magician who revealed the secrets of all the magicians. The show was called Breaking the Magician’s Code- Magic’s Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed. This show was probably the most influential for me because it revealed all the tricks a magician had or could have.

My love for solving mysteries only enhanced the experience and I never looked at Magicians the same ever again. I pay a lot of attention to what they do and how they do it.

I also looked at other people through that lens. I could immediately see through certain manipulative tactics. It became such a turn on for me to figure out the tricks. At one point it became an unhealthy obsession because I binge watched this show for hours.

Now that I have grown up I have gradually moved away from it. It was fun while it lasted and I still watch those shows when I get a chance. It certainly fed into my methodical nature and enhanced my critical thinking, in turn changing my worldview on everything. I miss those days when it felt less busy. Work didn’t take up all my time and I could actually have interests and hobbies.