Stuff They Don't Want You To Know Yes, The CIA Hired Magicians, Chapter Two: The Hidden Hands
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Feb 21, 2025 Uncover the wild connection between the CIA and magicians. Dive into John Mulholland's transformation from a young magician to a key figure in espionage. Explore the secretive oaths of magicians and their surprising ties to Cold War strategies. Discover how magic techniques informed CIA operations, blurring lines between illusion and intelligence. Delve into the impact of magic on soldiers during WWII. Finally, learn about the clandestine lives of magicians involved in covert activities and the intricate balance of deception in high-stakes scenarios.
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Mulholland's Early Life
- John Mulholland, born John Wickeser, loved magic from a young age.
- After seeing Heinrich Keller perform, he dedicated his life to the craft.
Magic's Essence
- Stage magic relies on skill, misdirection, and subterfuge, not advanced technology.
- This makes it timeless and dependent on mastering the craft.
Patriotic Spellbook
- Mulholland, a US patriot, wrote a "spell book" for soldiers during WWII.
- It served as entertainment and potentially foreshadowed his later work.
