On this episode, BigHead sits down with Kent Axell, the mastermind, magician, and storyteller behind Ghost Stories, an immersive experience hidden inside the 1923 Prohibition Bar at Mandalay Bay. Kent takes us behind the curtain to discuss what it really takes to craft an intimate, spooky vibe on the Vegas Strip. From his early days learning sleight-of-hand as a kid to performing theater in New York, his insights offer a fascinating look into the mind of a modern entertainer.
We also chat about the shifting landscape of live entertainment in Vegas, the growing demand for smaller, interactive venues, and even share a few laughs over local horror movie recommendations and classic gaming culture.
In this episode, we discuss:
-The origin story of Ghost Stories at Mandalay Bay’s 1923 Prohibition Bar
-Key differences between magic, psychological manipulation, and mentalism
-Why magic magnifies personality traits
-Handling disruptive audience members in an intimate 40-seat room
-Ethical boundaries in magic
-Dark internet theory, AI, and the rising demand for real-life human experiences
-The rise of indie horror films like Obsession
-His experience coaching up-and-coming magicians -Creative side pursuits including a cappella and gaming
