Hey there - I’m Mark Toland, professional mind reader, two-time TEDx Speaker, and writer. If you’re here you must be new to the blog, so let me tell you a little bit about it…
The blog started as Thursday Thoughts back in 2016 when I went through some personal struggles and was looking for an outlet to deal with my grief. I turned to weekly blogging and found that sharing my experiences - both personally and professionally - as a self-employed artist seem to really appeal to people.
So, I kept going. I wrote a post every week for years. I’d write on the road - in airports, hotels, coffee shops, backstage - you name it. I went through multiple tours, TV appearances, self-produced shows, residencies, successes, and failures — posting nearly every week without fail.
In 2020 I decided to take the posts to a daily schedule. I’d been thinking about it for a while and being trapped at home because of the pandemic seemed like a perfect excuse to write more. (Update: With work/travel picking up again I’ve slowed the schedule to less frequent posting. More time between posts = better essays.)
The posts always revolve around my work and my thoughts on what’s going on. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a professional entertainer, full of creative ideas for creative people.
I hope you enjoy reading these as much as I’ve enjoyed writing them. For now, scroll down for 10 of my favorite posts to get you started.
Finally, don’t forget to join the Thursday Thoughts Mailing List to keep up with new essays and special bonus content.
My Friend Jacob
The post that started it all. Losing my friend Jacob was one of the hardest things I’ve ever dealt with. It changed me in many ways and I’m not sure I've fully recovered. He was one of a kind and I miss him every day.
An Open Letter
I’ve performed for tens of thousands of people all over the world, but I’ve only written a letter to one of them.
Stop Believing In Bullsh*t
Performing amazing feats of mind reading sometimes leads to people believing I’m real. I’m not, and that other weird stuff you believe in isn’t either.
Why I Deleted My Social Media
I’m not on social media any more. I used to be, but it wasn’t worth it. SPOILER ALERT: I’m happier now and this is why.
Real Magic
Sometimes, when the mood is right and the audience is perfect, extraordinary things can happen.
More Mystery
We have all the answers. Our devices can give us any information we want at a moment’s notice. I want something different. I want More Mystery.
The One Thing They Remember
It took years for me to figure this out but I finally found the one thing that people remember about my performances more than any other.
My Own Little Corner
If you need me this is where I’ll be.
Connection
The secret to being successful in anything you do.
It Just Takes One
How I went from a struggling performer with no work to performing for Fortune 500 companies around the world.
