From The St. Joseph News-Press: Many people know B.J. Talley as a gifted guitarist who performs with numerous musicians around St. Joseph. But Talley’s latest venture is trading melodies for mind manipulation. After learning hypnosis, Talley entertains crowds in a different way through hypnosis, magic and comedy. To see Talley in action, go see his Comedy Hypnosis Show at 8 p.m. tonight at the Ramada Inn. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.Q. So, you are a very well-known local guitar player, why did you decide to learn hypnosis?A. Several years ago I’d seen a comedy hypnosis show, and right then, I decided that is what I want to do. I began doing research and studying hypnosis, and the more I read about it, the more interested in it I became. Then in 2005, I had an opportunity to go to Vienna, Austria, and I studied hypnosis there, and in 2007, I went back again and did more study.Q. Do you consider hypnosis to be an art form? If yes, why? A. Yes, I do. For example, when a painter paints a picture, many times he sees it in his mind first and then paints it on the canvas to create his own masterpiece. In a sense, hypnosis is the same. When you are under hypnosis, your imagination is heightened and you become very suggestible. When suggestions are given, you react to them to your fullest. When your subconscious mind is in control, you feel much freer and tend to be more creative. Q. You say that it’s comedy hypnosis. Where does the comic element come from? A. When the show begins, I explain a little about hypnosis, and then I invite anyone up on stage that wants to try it. They come up and take a seat. I do about a five- to seven-minute induction and put them into a state of hypnosis. Once they are hypnotized, the fun begins. I put them in different routines, and the audience gets to laugh at how they react to them. For example, we might put the guys in a Miss America Pageant. Q. What can people expect to see when they check out your show? A. People can always expect to see a very clean and funny show. I feel there is no reason to make it vulgar or disgusting, that way people of all ages can come and enjoy it. I believe one reason people enjoy these shows so much is because it’s people they know on stage. You can either come out and watch the show or be part of it. Q. I understand you also do magic. Do you incorporate the two of them together? A. Sometimes yes. There are many times when I do a comedy hypnosis show, I’ll do an hour or so of table magic before the show begins. People seem to really enjoy it. I also do a lot of stage magic. I like to keep that on the fun side too, laughing and cutting up with the audience and volunteers. I love to entertain. Q. Do you only do comedy hypnosis shows or do you also do hypnosis to help others stop smoking or lose weight, etc.? A. I actually do both. I enjoy doing the shows, but I also know the benefits people can receive through hypnosis, whether it be stop smoking, lose weight, gain confidence, relieve stress, overcome fears, etc. Hypnosis can very beneficial and worth trying. By Blake Hannon
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Contact BJ at 816-344-3399 or email him at bj@bjtalley.com