Ireland’s leading mentalist and brainhacker Keith Barry is back on tour!
Here we catch up with the man himself to learn more about his mind magic…
Keith, how are you keeping?
Amazing, thanks! Flat out as always, but in the best possible way. When I’m busy, I’m happiest — as long as there’s a good coffee nearby.
You’re heading back on the road for a string of shows, how are you feeling about that?
Buzzing! There’s nothing like live stage for me. The second the lights go on and I feel the energy of the crowd, it’s like plugging myself straight into a power source. I live for that adrenaline.
Tell us about the show, what can audiences expect?
A mind-bending, high-octane mix of magic, hypnosis, and psychological illusions — with a rake of audience participation. I want people walking out questioning reality, laughing their heads off, and saying, “How in the name of God did he do that?!” It’s designed to shatter the illusion of what people think is possible. And I’m also bringing my deceased father on tour – his final request was that I bring him on tour and do a seance to attempt to contact him!
We’re all busier than ever it seems, so tell us, when you get a minute of downtime, what’s the first thing you do?
Go fishing! I love fishing as it helps me defrag and empty my brain!
Are you good at switching off?
No… but I’ve learned to manage the chaos. Self-hypnosis, cold dips, breathwork and getting out into nature all help.
What are you watching on telly right now? Any standout shows over the last while?
I’m enjoying watching all the different versions of The Traitors. I’m on season 2 of the US version at the moment. Also season 5 of Stranger Things.
What are you reading?
I’m always reading a few things at once. At the moment I’m reading The Ellipsis Manual by Chase Hughes, Breaking The Habit of Being Yourself by Joe Dispenza, and also rereading Get The Life You Want by Richard Bandler. I’m constantly mining ideas for shows and keynotes. And I still love dipping back into Robert Greene now and then.
Are you listening to anything in particular at the moment?
A lot of podcasts. Huberman when I want to feel intelligent, Conan O’Brien when I want to switch off and laugh. And music-wise, everything from Hans Zimmer to AC/DC depending on the mood — or the stunt I’m planning.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Guinness, dark chocolate, Jack Daniels, wagyu beef and Judge Judy!
Tell us, what are you most thankful for in life?
Everything! I’m just thankful to be alive and grateful to have a wonderful wife and kids. I try to be grateful every day as we could be gone in an instant. I learned to think like that after a major car accident that should have killed me in 2007.
What else has the last few years taught you?
That resilience isn’t about bouncing back — it’s about bouncing forward. Every curveball life throws at you is a chance to evolve. I’ve had some big shocks and setbacks, but they’ve shaped me into who I am today.
What scares you?
Stagnation. The idea of not progressing, not growing, or losing the spark that pushes me to push boundaries. That and, oddly enough… diving!
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What’s your standout childhood memory?
Hypnotising my sister Michelle to clean my room when I was 14, and she was 16. I couldn’t believe it actually worked! After that I knew for sure hypnosis would become a prominent part of my act!
Where’s your favourite place in the world?
Home. I love nothing more than sitting at home, with the fire on, and just chilling with the family. After that – Dingle has my heart. I’ve been going there multiple times a year now for over 20 years so I’m considered a local at this stage!
What’s your most treasured possession?
My dad’s St. Christopher medal – it was the only thing he wanted me to have. I’m generally not sentimental with objects but that is very special to me.
What’s been your career highlight so far?
Headlining in Las Vegas in Planet Hollywood and winning “Magician of the Year” in Vegas was amazing. Hacking Morgan Freeman’s mind on the set of Now You See Me 2 was surreal. And escaping a straitjacket 100ft in the air with my head wrapped in clingfilm — well, that was memorable for… many reasons.
What’s been your proudest personal moment?
Becoming a dad. Nothing else comes close.
Who’s made the biggest impact on your life?
My parents. They encouraged every mad idea I ever had. And my wife, Mairead, who keeps me grounded and organised in this crazy showbiz life I chose to work in.
What are your hopes for the future?
To keep creating, keep pushing boundaries, and keep helping people unlock their true potential — whether that’s on stage, through keynotes, or through storytelling. And to have a lot of fun along the way.
Keith Barry has announced an explosive new tour celebrating 25 years of mind-blowing magic, hypnosis, and brain hacking. Keith Barry Unhinged runs from Jan-March; visit keithbarry.com for dates and info!
