What does it take to become one of the world’s greatest illusionists? Rob Lake has performed in over 60 countries, created magic for Broadway and television, and even built a multi-million dollar entertainment business—one illusion at a time.
In this unforgettable episode, Rob reveals the hidden world behind the curtain: from building illusions in his garage as a kid to creating full-scale productions with a 20-person touring crew. He shares the brutal realities of the entertainment industry, the pressure to reinvent constantly, and how he turned passion into profit—without ever taking on investors.
Timestamps
0:00 – Intro: The business behind the illusion
1:00 – Why Dubai is the Vegas of the Middle East
3:00 – Building magic from cardboard boxes to global tours
6:00 – The hidden psychology of illusions
10:00 – Why most magicians never make it
14:00 – From performing at birthday parties to theme parks in Japan
18:00 – Creating illusions that take decades to perfect
23:00 – What reality TV didn’t show you
26:00 – The myth of the “one big break”
29:00 – Behind the scenes: 20-person teams, warehouses & global shipping
32:00 – When do you retire a trick?
34:00 – Vegas, $50 million theatres & PR hype
36:00 – What it takes to stay relevant for decades
38:00 – Rob’s biggest mistakes (and what he learned)
40:00 – Mentorship, legacy & what’s next for Rob Lake
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I’m Matt Haycox—entrepreneur, investor, mentor, and your go-to guy for no-bollocks advice on business and personal growth.
With over 25 years of experience building and funding businesses across industries, I’ve faced it all—wins, losses, and the ultimate comeback story. Through my podcasts, No Bollocks with Matt Haycox and Stripping Off with Matt Haycox, I cut through the bullshit to bring you real, actionable strategies and raw conversations with entrepreneurs, celebrities, and industry leaders.
Whether you’re looking to scale your business, secure funding, or avoid the mistakes I’ve learned the hard way, my goal is simple: to help YOU create YOUR success story.
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