Watch this Kelowna mentalist & magician wow radio hosts

In a time when reality often feels more fantastical than fiction, Ryan Michael is bringing a different kind of magic to the stage.

The mentalist and magician does anything but traditional "abracadabra."

Instead, he masterfully enjoys "messing with people's minds."

His performances are about more than just tricks and illusions. It's about creating an experience, one that transforms adults back into children, with their faces lighting up with pure wonder at his skill.

"It is my favourite thing in the world; taking people out of their daily lives and bringing them into the world of magic," he told Kelowna10 after a mind-bending performance at the 103.1 Beach Radio and 104.7 The LIZARD studios.

Check out the video for some unbelievable moves.

For Michael, there's something incredibly rewarding about evoking screams from grown men and women with a simple card trick.

Michael's love for the craft stretches back to being a kid. At the age of seven, he recalled being captivated by a magician on stage. But growing up in the mountain village of Jasper, Alta., honing those skills was difficult.

After arriving in the Okanagan as a young man, he dove head first into the craft. He now spends upwards of four hours a day practicing magic and mind-reading.

Regularly, Michael graces the stage at Crown & Thieves winery. As the calendar turns, he is gearing up for a brand-new show.

Beyond the winery, he also performs at corporate events and company parties across Canada.

Unlike many who are constantly seeking the next big break, when asked about what's next, Michael said he believes he's found his place.

"I feel like a lot of people are always reaching, and looking for that next step, and I am really grateful, because I think I've found it," he said. "I love Kelowna. I love the Okanagan. I love Crown & Thieves, and I love doing corporate events all across Canada. And if I do this for the rest of my life, I'll be happy."