Planet Tyrus: Mentalist Christophe Fox Reads Minds in Studio

Podcast: Planet Tyrus
Host: Tyrus (with Harry & Ryan, “B Team”)
Guest: Christophe Fox, Mentalist
Release Date: February 17, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode features a high-energy and wildly entertaining interview with Christophe Fox, a renowned mentalist, magician, and keynote speaker who specializes in mind reading and psychological demonstrations. Tyrus and his co-hosts, Harry and Ryan, welcome Fox to the “Planet Tyrus” studio for a blend of hilarious banter, deeply personal stories, and jaw-dropping mentalism performances—all delivered in the show’s signature irreverent wit. From discussions about the psychology behind magic to live mind-reading stunts with the crew, the episode explores the wonder of mentalism, its culture, and its impact on audiences.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Christophe Fox’s Origins and Influences

• Supportive Upbringing:
  Christophe shares heartfelt stories about his parents’ unwavering support and what they taught him.

  “My mom, she’s my hero for a totally different reason... the world might not reward you for what you want or how smart you are, but it will reward you for how courageous you’re willing to be.” – Christophe Fox (02:07)

• Early Passion for Magic:
  His parents took him to a magic show as a child, sparking a life-long fascination.
• Learning by Doing:
  He started from simple YouTube card trick tutorials, evolving into more advanced performance and audience engagement.
• Major Influences:
  • David Blaine, for bringing magic to the streets and interacting with everyday people.
  • Max Major, a mentor who taught him the ropes of the industry.
  • Jon Dorenbos, notable for connecting with audiences emotionally.

2. Art of Mentalism & Personal Approach

• Difference Between Magic and Mentalism:
  Mentalism is described as “a type of magic” but focused on reading and interacting with people’s minds rather than manipulating props.

  “Would you rather the card disappears, or would you rather we talk about you for a moment and I guess something about you?” – Christophe Fox (16:14)

• Honesty and Entertainment:
  Fox emphasizes he doesn’t pretend to be a psychic—his focus is on psychological skills and entertainment, not supernatural claims.

  “I try to be honest about what I do and I’m here to entertain; I’m not here to make any claims I can’t back up.” – Christophe Fox (10:15)

3. Challenges in the Age of Internet and Skepticism

• Protecting the Secrets:
  The group discusses how the internet and behind-the-scenes reveals have made it harder for magicians to maintain mystery, similar to how kayfabe in wrestling has eroded.

  “The worst thing that happened to wrestling was the internet... fans today just can’t watch the show, they have to go, have to know all the bullshit behind the scenes.” – Tyrus (10:15)
  “I think you gotta introduce some originality to it... you should be aspiring to perform in a way that people can’t just simply Google what you did.” – Christophe Fox (12:17)

• Originality:
  Performing the same tricks many times breeds subtle changes, leading to a unique, personal style—this is crucial to protect against imitation or exposure.

4. Legacy, Mentoring, and Magic Culture

• Community and Mentorship:
  Despite the “magicians never reveal their secrets” tradition, Fox reveals a collaborative space among trusted peers, and he often mentors newcomers (13:09).
• Evolving Performance:
  Over repetition and time, even replicated tricks adapt and become the performer’s own.

5. Live Mind-Reading Demonstrations

The episode’s highlight is a series of mind-reading experiments, producing amazement, confusion, and laughter from the hosts. The tension and shock are palpable as Fox directly “reads” crew members’ thoughts.

Segment 1: Ryan’s Magazine Word (26:38)

• Fox guides Ryan to visualize a magazine and pick a random, specific word (“grandchildren”) in his mind.
• Despite randomization and no cues, Fox writes down the same word.

  “Grandchildren.”
  “Grandchildren.” – Ryan & Christophe Fox (28:02) “That’s crazy.” – Ryan (28:07)

• Tyrus notes Ryan’s rational, skeptical nature heightens the effect.

Segment 2: Harry’s Lizard (34:44)

• Harry, on the spot, asks Fox to name his obscure childhood second lizard, known only to him.
• With deduction, Fox arrives at “Aunt Jemima,” to wild disbelief.

  “Aunt Jemima, you son of a bitch.” – Harry (38:48)

  • Laughter erupts as Tyrus jokes about unexpected weirdness and the randomness of childhood pet names.

  “That's just presumptuous. What pressure he put on his fiancée. Grandchildren already. Wow.” – Tyrus (35:34)

Segment 3: Rubik’s Cube Stunt (51:04)

• Fox uses a Rubik’s Cube as a metaphor for the odds of everyone being together in the room—43 quintillion combinations.
• After both Harry and Fox randomize cubes independently (including behind-the-back moves), both cubes match on all sides.

  “Oh, what the hell? What the hell?” – Ryan (54:27)
  “I think if you could have dropped a pin in the room, it would have happened. These guys aren't going to be okay.” – Tyrus (55:33)

Mini-Mentalism and Banter

• Fox answers Ryan’s intentionally long-winded question with the word “blue,” confounding the team further (44:17).

  “Let me just answer your question, if that's okay. The answer’s blue.” – Christophe Fox (44:11)

6. Reactions, Reflection, and Humor

• Tyrus and the co-hosts spend much of the episode reacting with incredulity, ribbing each other, and joking about therapy appointments post-mind-reading.

  “I think that’s the least we can do because Ryan right now’s brain is up. Damn.” – Tyrus (00:01)

• Ryan, especially, is described as “shook,” struggling to process being “humbled.”
• Lots of running gags about wealth ("Trust fund, perhaps?"), birthday interruptions, and the infamous “Aunt Jemima” lizard.

7. Christophe’s Philosophy and Advice

• Christophe insists the goal is always to leave people feeling good—not just to “amaze.”

  “Is it about the ability to make someone amazed or impressed or laughed? Or is it about the ability to just make someone feel good for a few moments?... If you can do that, man, you could do anything.” – Christophe Fox (57:17)

• He describes his life touring 70–100 corporate events a year, emphasizing unpredictability and the joy of connecting with audiences (49:02, 49:54).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Parental Influence:

  “The world... will reward you for how courageous you’re willing to be.” – Christophe Fox (02:07)

• On the Internet and Exposing Magic:

  “Once you’ve gotten behind the curtain, then you can dismantle it.” – Tyrus (10:15)

• On Mind Reading Success:

  “[Word is] ‘Grandchildren’.” – Ryan (28:02)
  “That’s crazy.” – Ryan (28:07)

• Pet Lizard Bombshell:

  “Aunt Jemima, you son of a bitch. On Black History Month, sir. How... Oh, really?” – Tyrus to Harry (38:48)

• Rubik’s Cube Routine:

  “What does quintillion mean, Harry?” – Tyrus
  “It’s right. It goes quintillion, flobbity jillion...” – Harry (50:41) “I don’t want to play anymore. He’s the devil.” – Tyrus (52:35)

• On Audience Connection:

  “If you can... make [people] feel good, you could do anything.” – Christophe Fox (57:17)

Important Timestamps

• 02:07 – Christophe Fox on his parents & values
• 06:06 – Influences: Blaine, Major, Dorenbos
• 10:15 – Tyrus on wrestling “kayfabe,” internet skepticism
• 16:14 – Mentalism vs. Magic
• 26:38–28:15 – Mind-Reading: Ryan and the word “grandchildren”
• 34:44–38:55 – Mind-Reading: Harry’s lizard “Aunt Jemima"
• 51:04–54:54 – Rubik’s Cube “impossibility” demonstration
• 57:17 – Christophe Fox’s final advice on bringing joy

Tone & Atmosphere

• High-energy, playful, and self-deprecating. Tyrus’ style dominates, combining curiosity, skepticism, and warm camaraderie.
• Frequent comedic riffs on wealth, birthdays, and baffled reactions—nothing is off limits, but the mood is supportive and inclusive.
• Authenticity, as both awe and gentle skepticism ping-pong between the crew and guest.

Quick Takeaways

• Mentalism is about surprise but, even more, connection.
• Protecting the “magic” in a digital world is tough; originality and adaptation are key.
• Live demonstrations steal the show, leaving both co-hosts and listeners amazed and smiling.
• Beneath the tricks, the mission for Fox is making people feel wonder and joy—even if just for a moment.

"Everyone wants to sort of feel good. If you can do that, man, you could do anything."
—Christophe Fox (57:17)

For bookings and more: christophefox.com
(Chrstophe Fox appears at 70–100 events/year, mostly corporate, and is always looking to bring magic, laughter, and good vibes to new audiences.)