Hypnotist Thom Kaz is noted for transforming audience members during his high-energy, interactive show, “Hypnaughty.” After winning the “Best Comedy Hypnosis Show” in Las Vegas for six years, Kaz brings his noteworthy performance 9 p.m. every Friday night through the end of February to Magaritaville Casino and Resort in Bossier City. But more than just a performer, Kaz said he uses his skill to help people. The Forum sat down with Kaz for an exclusive interview to peek into the mind of a hypnotist.

How long have you been hypnotizing people?

Kaz: I started learning hypnosis as a peak performance tool for myself at the age of 15, as a baseball player, after reading an article in Sports Illustrated about how it helped Muhammad Ali and Rod Carew improve their focus and performance in sports. It evolved from there into clinical hypnotherapy, and I saw my first show in 1991 where a comedy hypnotist performed at The Funny Bone in Omaha, Neb. After the show, I spent some time with him, and he shared his story. I started by recording his show with a Sony Walkman the next night and then transcribing the induction to paper so I could duplicate the process. I called a party with all my friends the following weekend and did my first show in my basement.

Have you ever been hypnotized? 

Kaz: I personally have not been hypnotized by another hypnotist. I do use self-hypnosis all the time for relaxation, golf, focus and energy. 

What do you use hypnosis for?

Kaz: I’ve always used hypnosis for entertainment or helping people overcome mental obstacles or belief systems that were limiting their ability to reach their potential or improve their personal or professional performance. In fact, that’s the No. 1 reason I learned how to do this was to help people. Entertainment came later on but has opened the doors for me to reach so many more people as a result of the show.

What would you say to audience members who want to be hypnotized but are afraid?

Kaz: Hypnosis is a state of mind, and whether you know it or not, you go in and out of hypnotic states all the time. Most people who attend my show and come on stage are given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a guided relaxation process that may actually introduce them to a wonderful new mental skill. It feels like a nice nap and an hour of hypnosis is the equivalent of four hours of sleep as you enter a deep alpha theta state with your brain, which is a deep meditation experience. Are we going to have fun? Absolutely. Will you divulge secret information or private secrets? No. We will have some fun, and you will go through a carnival of skits that are entertaining, but most everyone who comes on stage reports they feel amazing and have a blast! It’s actually a personal challenge to see if you can tap into this amazing state, and for those who do participate, it can unlock a whole new set of possibilities, so give it a try. And sometimes as a bonus, if someone approaches me, I’ll give some suggestions for quitting smoking or weight loss, but I do end every show with something that they will always remember. My last word on fear to anyone who is afraid?  Don’t be … you may surprise yourself with what you take away from this experience.

Do you ever get shocked at what the audience volunteers on stage do when they are hypnotized?

Kaz: Well, I would say I’ve seen so many different reactions and responses from people that I don’t get shocked much anymore, but I am sometimes surprised at the way our guests on stage perform. That’s what makes this show so much fun, is that you see genuine reactions and facial expressions and all kinds of outrageous responses that it does sometimes make me laugh or say, ‘Never seen anything quite like that!’ to the audience. But that’s the magic of the show, different people doing different things to the same suggestion – it’s the ultimate reality show!

What have the Shreveport-Bossier City audience volunteers been like in the show? 

Kaz: So far, the folks in town have shown me they are definitely into having a good time and letting go during the show, which is awesome. We love playing Margaritaville because it is intimate, and I get to interact with the crowd directly.

WANT TO GO?

“Hypnaughty” starts at 9 p.m. every Friday through the end of February at Margaritaville. Tickets are $10 and available via Ticketmaster or the Margaritaville Retail Store.