We had the good fortune of connecting with Charlie Laud and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charlie, can you tell us about an impactful book you’ve read and why you liked it or what impact it had on you?
“The Royal Road to Card Magic”. It’s an introductory text on sleight of hand that, in a practical sense, has absolutely nothing to do with my career in any way, shape, or form. However, not having any hobbies for the majority of my 20’s nearly killed me. I don’t think I’m results-oriented by nature, but the pressure of succeeding compelled me to do away with anything frivolous (anything fun, joyful, celebratory of the essential mystery of existence, etc.). Switching my reading habits from books on personal development to books on card magic has given me something to practice that is in a way, completely useless, but simultaneously, contains the very essence of wonder that, if I’m lucky, shows up in my work.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets my art apart is that it’s dumb and bad. I just like to make people laugh. Dumbness is a crucial factor. I think I used to get bogged down with being edgy, or relevant, or cynical. But for now the determining factor is how dumb something is. Not dumb for the sake of dumb, but dumb in the way that cuts through discernment and yanks the heart. I personally love when I laugh at something first and understand it later, or never – as if my gut got it before my brain. There’s freedom there.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Tacos from anywhere. Zankou Chicken. Then push a man into the LA river. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Geordie McElroy and Matt Thompson – two summer camp staff who encouraged me to keep writing.

Website: www.charlielaud.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greezballsonthephone/?hl=en

Linkedin: none

Twitter: @chaharlelie

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwOlXVNXbNIZDHhI5TPu2OQ

Image Credits
(none. all original)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.