Episode 117: Human Connection with Author and Mentalist Alexander Beresford

Posted on by Wynne Leon

There is so much about magic that is similar to writing – the timing, the paring down to create suspense, the need to dig deep in order to create a meaningful effect. Not that I make any claim to knowing magic but it’s one of my takeaways from the fascinating podcast conversation Vicki Atkinson and I had with mentalist and author, Alexander Beresford.

Alex writes so poignantly about human connection and insight. We talk about his book Mr. Fenwick and The Door That Stay Closed (Until It Didn’t). It is such a feast for word-lovers and anyone who believes in hope.

We talk about the cross over between writing and magic that he reveals in thoughtful nuggets in his book, The Inward Stage. Alex powers of perception not only fuel his performances as a mind reader and magician but also create rich insights that sparkle in his writing.

Alex tells us about performing for former President Jimmy Carter and his family. And Vicki and I delightfully get to participate in one of his effects. (see clip below)

Alex tells us about the brotherhood of magic and how he connected with another of our favorite guests, Andrew Mayne.

Here is a clip of Alexander performing an effect on Vicki and me during this podcast:

Amazing, right? This is a fantastic episode featuring a deep and insightful author. We know you’ll love it!

Here are some ways you can listen and watch the full episode:

Episode 117 Transcript

Episode 129: Wish I Was Here with Ilsa Rey – Sharing the Heart of the Matter

Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson talk with author Ilsa Rey about her book, Wish I Was Here that will be released on December 23, 2025. The conversation delves into the thrilling narrative where Anna's best friend Isaac invents an invisibility pill and is kidnapped for it. In a desperate attempt to save him, Anna takes the pill herself, leading to a race against time to find him and secure the antidote before she remains invisible forever.Ilsa tells us about her 10 year journey of writing the book as well as all the ways she used rejection and feedback to grow. We talk about writing in the zone as well as the research that goes into great books like Wish I Was Here.TakeawaysAnna's best friend Isaac invents an invisibility pill.Isaac is kidnapped for his invention.Anna takes the invisibility pill to save herself.She has one week to find Isaac and the antidote.Remaining invisible could lead to insanity and death.Anna must follow clues left by Isaac.The story explores themes of friendship and urgency.The narrative is filled with adventure and suspense.The invisibility pill serves as a catalyst for the plot.The stakes are high as Anna races against time.Links for this episode:For show notes and more great inspiration, please see https://sharingtheheartofthematter.comVideo Trailer for "Wish I Was Here": https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Py-B0EbMMmEV3QBsxDHxVX4Pfr3d04wy/view?usp=sharingPurchase Wish I Was Here on Black Rose WritingIlsa's blog: Writing and Martial ArtsFrom the Hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/
  1. Episode 129: Wish I Was Here with Ilsa Rey
  2. Episode 128: This is Your Body on Trauma with Meg Bowman
  3. Episode 127: King Copper with Lauren Scott
  4. Episode 126: Cherry Whip with Michael Antman
  5. Episode 125: Jade's Broken Bridge with Michele Lee Sefton

Links for this Episode:

Alexander Beresford’s website: Eyes and Minds

Mr. Alabaster Fenwick and the Door That Stayed Closed (Until it Didn’t) on Amazon

The Inward Stage on Amazon

From the Hosts:

Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/

Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

21 thoughts on “Episode 117: Human Connection with Author and Mentalist Alexander Beresford”

  5. Ok, first, Alexander wins for the best podcast back drop. 😊 Those lit lanterns are super cool. It was interesting to hear that writing is like time traveling (which, in turn, means magical to me) in that, the author writes someting in the present, and years later, a reader picks the book and feels the presence in their present. I absolutely love that idea of what is carried through. I am intriqued by the idea that his book is for word lovers. Yes! Once again, Wynne and Vicki, you have found a unique guest! I think talking to a mentalist would be crazy fascinating. Thank you!

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      2. Please let me know what you think…I can’t put my finger on it but I have “that feeling” about the story…you…some connection you’ll make. Love ya oodles! 🥰❤️🥰

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  7. Nice chat! The magic was intriguing. “Mr. Alabaster Fenwick and the Door That Stayed Closed (Until It Didn’t)” sounds like a heart-warming story with a different twist. My grandfather was married for a third time when he was 92 and his love story was featured in the local paper. However, they didn’t have any cats. 🙂

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    1. Thank you so much, Nancy! Your grandfather’s story sounds intriguing! I bet you’ll love the sweetness in Alexander’s tale about Mr. Fenwick. Truly enchanting. Big hugs to you! 🥰

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  8. Wonderful episode, Vicki and Wynne. You both had a great connection and it made me smile to think about the future of live entertainment and how that can never be replaced by new technologies like AI.

    So much of what makes a good Magic show or live show is the sense of wonder and trust in the audience – more so than showmanship and skill, although that plays a factor too. I can imagine how much that connection with your audience matters in a classroom or library talk setting too, Vicki.

    So many wonderful nuggets in this episode. 💕

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    1. Oof! “Sense of wonder and trust in the audience”. You said that so well, Ab. Agree, agree. Making connections. Thanks so much for tuning in. Talking with Alexander was a total treat and I know you felt it, too. He’s mellow and centered. Super authentic. xoxoxo! 🥰

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