Anthony Grupido

Summary

In this insightful interview, Anthony Grapo, a magician, and speaker, shares his journey of combining magic with mental health advocacy. Grapo discusses his experiences with bullying, a sports injury, and the loss of friends to suicide, which led him to promote healthy coping skills among students. He emphasizes the importance of responding to life's challenges positively and the role of wonder in opening minds to mental health education. Grapo's unique approach to mental health awareness through magic has made a national impact, engaging audiences of all ages.

Takeaways

• 🎩 Anthony Grupo is a magician, speaker, and mental health advocate who combines magic with powerful messages to impact audiences, particularly focusing on mental health and suicide prevention.
• 🔍 Anthony's journey into advocacy began after personal struggles with bullying and a sports injury that derailed his college plans, leading him to unhealthy coping mechanisms and a lack of understanding about mental health.
• 💡 Anthony emphasizes the importance of response to life events rather than the events themselves, suggesting that it's our reactions that define our success and how we move forward.
• 🏫 Grupo's high school experience, including the loss of friends to suicide and a teacher's influence, inspired him to start speaking about mental health, initially at his own school and later expanding to other platforms.
• 🤹‍♂️ Anthony's transition from street performing to professional engagements showcases his dedication and the evolution of his craft, using magic to engage and educate diverse audiences.
• 📈 His presentations are tailored to the audience, with specific wording and content developed in collaboration with medical professionals to ensure accuracy and impact.
• 🤝 Anthony has performed at various events, including the Cherry Festival, and has opened for notable acts, demonstrating his ability to captivate a wide range of audiences.
• 🔗 Grupo's work in schools involves delivering keynote speeches that integrate magic with messages on mental health, resilience, and suicide prevention, making the content engaging and memorable for students.
• 🌟 He uses magic as a tool to create wonder and curiosity, which can help break down biases and open minds to new ideas and perspectives, particularly around mental health.
• 🌐 Anthony's online presence, including his website and social media platforms, allows people to connect with him and his work, offering a gateway for booking events and exploring his message further.
• 🔑 Grupo believes in the inherent goodness of people and the importance of not giving up on youth, reflecting a core principle that drives his work and interactions with young people.

Q & A

What is Anthony Grapo's profession and how does he combine magic with speaking?

Anthony Grapo is a magician, speaker, and mental health advocate who combines these elements to create impactful presentations, often addressing mental health and suicide prevention topics.

How does Anthony Grapo's TED Talk connect with its audience?

Anthony Grapo's TED Talk is impactful because it not only showcases his speaking skills but also his ability to convey a strong message that resonates with everyone, regardless of their background or personal connection to the topic.

What personal experiences led Anthony Grapo to become an advocate for mental health?

Anthony Grapo was bullied in school, suffered a head injury in high school that ended his wrestling career and college scholarship, and struggled with unhealthy coping mechanisms. These experiences led him to understand the importance of mental health and suicide prevention.

How did Anthony Grapo's high school teacher influence his path in mental health advocacy?

His high school entrepreneurship teacher opened up a conversation about mental health after a series of student suicides. Anthony shared his personal experiences with mental health struggles, which the students found helpful, inspiring him to continue speaking on the topic.

What role did street performing play in Anthony Grapo's journey as a mental health advocate?

Street performing allowed Anthony Grapo to refine his message and presentation skills. It gave him the confidence to present his mental health advocacy to a wider audience and eventually led to opportunities to speak at schools and events.

How does Anthony Grapo structure his school presentations on mental health?

Anthony Grapo's school presentations are structured as keynote speeches that incorporate magic tricks to deliver messages about mental health, resilience, and suicide prevention. He provides practical tools and resources for students and shares his personal story to inspire them.

What is the significance of Anthony Grapo's straight jacket and chain escape act in his presentations?

The straight jacket and chain escape act is a powerful visual metaphor for breaking free from the constraints of mental health struggles. It serves as a climax in his presentations, symbolizing hope and resilience.

How does Anthony Grapo maintain his energy and motivation for performing over 400 shows in a year?

Anthony Grapo maintains his energy through a focus on health - proper diet, exercise, sleep, and even sauna use. He also practices mindfulness, such as forcing himself to smile to improve his mood and engage positively with his audience.

What is Anthony Grapo's view on the importance of mental health resources in schools?

Anthony Grapo believes that mental health resources should be integrated into schools where students already feel comfortable. This approach allows for better access to support and reduces the need to earn students' trust in an already challenging environment.

What future plans does Anthony Grapo have for his career in mental health advocacy and magic performances?

Anthony Grapo aims to continue his work in schools and is open to opportunities in corporations, providing mental health education for employees. He sees the integration of mental health support as crucial for the success of companies and individuals in the future.

How can people find Anthony Grapo and book him for events?

People can find Anthony Grapo through his website, themagicofhope.com, and on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. His online presence makes it easy for event organizers to reach out and book him for various engagements.