Magic, Mischief, and Mind Games: David Kwong on The Grands Club Podcast
- katherinebernard
- Apr 23
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 24
By Kathy Bernard
What do you get when you mix a master magician, a New York Times crossword creator, and a bestselling author who knows how to fool your parents? A delightfully clever guest for The Grands Club Podcast, of course!
I had the joy of interviewing David Kwong, renowned magician and author of How to Fool Your Parents: (and other magic tricks and mind games), and let me tell you—this episode is pure magic.
David isn’t your average illusionist. With degrees from Harvard and an impressive background consulting on Hollywood films like Now You See Me, he brings a scholarly twist to sleight of hand. But what truly enchanted me was his deep respect for the power of storytelling and connection—especially between generations.
A Magical Conversation for All Ages
In our episode, David pulled back the curtain on how magic can be more than entertainment—it can be a tool for bonding, learning, and sparking curiosity in kids and adults alike. He shared stories of performing for his own family and teaching children to perform simple tricks that build confidence and sharpen critical thinking.
We laughed about some of the funniest tricks kids try on their parents (spoiler: they don’t always go as planned!), and David offered tips for grandparents looking to wow their grandkids or even co-create a little magic show at the next family gathering.
Magic Meets Mindfulness
One of the most fascinating parts of our conversation was when David explained how magic encourages mindfulness and presence—two things we can all use more of, especially in today’s fast-paced, screen-filled world. Performing magic requires patience, focus, and empathy—because it’s not about fooling people, it’s about entertaining and inspiring them.
As grandparents, we can model those values while having a blast with a deck of cards, a few rubber bands, or even a disappearing coin.
Grammie’s Takeaway (and a Book Idea!)
David’s book isn’t just for kids. How to Fool Your Parents is a brilliant gateway into curiosity-driven learning, and it’s loaded with humor, history, and yes—plenty of tricks. If you're a grand who wants to be the cool grand (or even just surprise your tech-savvy tween grandkid), this episode is a must-listen.
And here’s a little behind-the-scenes tidbit: I suggested to David that he might want to write a sequel titled How to Fool Your Grandparents. I think he liked the idea—so keep your eyes peeled! We just might have inspired the next magical masterpiece.
As David says: “Magic is about wonder, and wonder is ageless.”
Tune into this enchanting episode of The Grands Club Podcast and discover how a little misdirection can lead to big moments of connection.
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts—just search The Grands Club Podcast, and look for the episode with David Kwong.
Want to learn a few tricks yourself? Let me know in the comments—we just might do a special “Grand Magic Mini-Series” with David’s help!
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