This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Brad Barton, Reality Thief discusses the art of magic, perception, and the mind of a child. Through years of study and performance Brad has found adults tend to reduce the enjoyment of magic by over-thinking and analyzing the moment of astonishment. By remembering what it means to think like a child, Brad shows us how to let go and to once again enjoy the wonder of it all.

Performing for over 20 years, Brad Barton, Reality Thief combines magic, psychology, comedy, and audience participation to create memorable moments in both his close-up and stage work. Having performed for diverse groups from CEO's, engineers, celebrities, politicians, and rock stars, Brad has taken his years of knowledge and focused them on his most challenging audience to date . . .kids. He now lives in Berkeley, CA where he continues to reveal the wonder in a constantly evolving world.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)