IS YOUR MENTALISM BORING?

Mentalism can be witty, captivating, and deeply moving.

But too often it feels slow, process-heavy, and dull.

Discover the invisible architecture behind believable mentalism. This manifesto challenges you to elevate your craft — not by adding more methods, but by designing moments that matter.

Stop Being Clever.

Start Being Unforgettable

WHAT’S INSIDE?

• MENTALISM IS BORING: Ditch presentations that fail to resonate. Master the essential truth that credibility is never in the method; it’s in the frame. Transform external astonishment into internal mystery. I reveal the structural pillars—Motivation, Process, Story, Emotion, and Afterglow—that ensure your work passes The Pub Test and lingers for years.

• CHARACTER: Stop using borrowed charisma. Build a stage identity that is a curated, heightened version of yourself—giving you the psychological armor and freedom to be braver than you ever thought possible.

• WHAT THEATRE CAN TEACH THE MENTALIST: Stop running disconnected revelation strings. Apply Stanislavski’s rule—that every action must have a purpose—and discover why you are the opener, not the trick.

• WRITING A SOLO SHOW: Move beyond the corporate set and tackle the most important creative question: What do you want them to feel?. Learn to metabolize "stolen sparks" into authentic fire. Discover the practical craft of turning personal ideas into a show people want to buy tickets for. You’ll learn how to build structure that holds attention, design pacing that breathes, and find the emotional rhythm that makes a one-person show feel alive. Explore how to position your concept so that theatres, festivals, and audiences immediately understand what makes it worth seeing.

A solo show isn’t a longer act — it’s an invitation into your world. This chapter shows you how to build that world from the ground up: from concept to title, from marketing language to flow, from rehearsal to premiere.

• MUSIC IS MAGIC: Stop treating sound as mere ornament. Your soundtrack is the bloodstream that carries emotion. Learn to use cohesive soundscaping and rhythm as a ritualistic, psychological force that elevates your show from competent to unforgettable.

• IT’S NOT HYPNOSIS: Stop waiting for a "trance". Suggestion is merely focused attention. Learn to use framing and real psychological tools (like anchoring) to bend reality gently, in plain sight. Expectation drives experience. This chapter strips hypnosis of its mystique and returns it to what it truly is: communication with the unconscious mind through story, rhythm, and belief. You’ll discover how to use the same principles that make hypnosis work to strengthen any piece of magic — creating moments that feel spontaneous, personal, and utterly real.

• CHOOSING PEOPLE: Stop picking bodies. Start casting roles. This is the critical, often untaught skill: selecting participants who guarantee resonance and create the visual contrast that makes a performance unforgettable.

• THE BUSINESS OF MENTALISM: Learn the math that buys freedom. Stop selling time or tricks; sell memorable moments built on Elevation, Insight, Pride, and Connection — the only currency clients truly value.

This chapter unpacks the business behind the mystery. You’ll learn how to price your work not by the hour, but by the impact it delivers. Discover how to design offers that are simple to buy, impossible to compare, and easy to say yes to.

We’ll look at how to create demand by telling the right story — one that makes your show feel like a solution rather than a slot in the schedule. You’ll learn to shape your brand, refine your first email, and build long-term relationships with clients who don’t just book you once, but invite you back.

Business, when done right, becomes part of the art form. The way you sell, speak, and follow up all extend the same feeling your show creates — trust, curiosity, and connection.

Stop Impressing. Start Connecting.

THE CULT OF US THE - INVISIBLE ARCHITECTURE OF BELIEVABLE MENTALISM PDF

€24.90

THE CULT OF US THE -HARDCOVER. Limited edition — 100 copies. All numbered and signed

€39.90

In addition to my performances and writing, I offer consultation services tailored to the themes explored in my books. Whether you are looking for insights into the psychology of mentalism or need expert advice on creating viral magic and mentalism for video, I’m here to help. For inquiries, feel free to reach out at jose@joseahonen.com

"Jose Ahonen’s insights are truly worth listening to! Over my professional career of more than 25 years, I’ve learned to filter out what feedback is less important and what really matters. When Jose says something about my performance, I listen — and you should too!

The best part is that Jose doesn’t just say, “this could be done better,” but offers concrete ideas on how to improve it. This book does the same on a broader level, and anyone who takes their craft seriously should read it."

- Pete Poskiparta, Winner of the 2019 Dunninger Memorial Award (Psychic Entertainers Association)

US COSTUMERS!

Due to current US policies/regulations regarding international mail, I’m currently unable to use the standard postal service for these shipments. To ensure everything arrives safely and reliably, I have to use DHL, which means shipping costs will be 90€.

I sincerely apologize for these high rates-it's definitely not ideal, but it’s the only viable option at the moment. On the bright side, since these are private-to-private shipments, there should be no additional customs fees to worry about.

I’ll be keeping a close eye on the situation. If US policies change and standard mail becomes a reliable option again, I will immediately switch back to the more affordable service.

Jose Ahonen
– Mentalist and Mystery Entertainer

Over the past 15 years, Jose has performed at a wide array of events across Finland, ranging from intimate private gatherings to large-scale corporate galas. His prestigious client list includes major organizations such as Nokia, Google, Finnair, the Parliament of Finland, Kone, Nordea, Metsä Group, and ABB. Known for his sharp wit and captivating stage presence, Jose’s reputation has also taken him to international stages in the United States, the Czech Republic, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. He remains a trusted premier performer for Finland’s leading booking agencies.

Jose’s dedication to his craft has earned him significant professional acclaim. In both 2024 and 2025, he was awarded the prestigious Emeritus Reijo Salminen Trophy for his long-term artistry and skill in magic. His accolades also include a bronze medal at the 2025 Nordic Championships of Stage Magic and the Timo Tuomivaara Award in 2019.

He is a member of the elite Psychic Entertainers Association, an organization limited to approximately 250 of the world’s top professional mentalists, hypnotists, and mystery entertainers. Additionally, he is a member of the Finnish Magic Circle and the founder of Club Harha, Finland’s longest-running magic club. Beyond his own performances, Jose is a sought-after consultant, helping fellow performers craft more impactful magic.

Also a talented author, Jose has written three non-fiction books: Yli luonnollisen (Beyond Natural), Ajattele kuin mentalisti (Think Like a Mentalist), and Huijauksen Anatomia (The Anatomy of Deception, co-authored with Pete Poskiparta). His books have seen multiple print runs and have consistently ranked among the most-listened-to titles on audiobook platforms.

Jose’s influence extends into the digital realm as well. In 2014, he created a viral video that garnered tens of millions of views worldwide and was featured in major international media outlets.

From 2023 to 2024, Jose toured Finland with his solo show, Yli luonnollisen. The production visited 26 theaters across 24 cities, attracting audiences who do not typically attend magic or mentalism shows. The tour featured numerous sold-out performances—including dates at Tampere Hall and the 500-seat Pohjankartano Hall in Oulu—and culminated in a series of sold-out shows at the Rakastajat Theatre in Pori.