Mike Lamp

Background articles on the history, origins, and foundational ideas behind hypnosis, trance work, and related disciplines 📜

The Enigmatic Career of Jay B. Zee: A Pioneer in Stage Entertainment In the realm of performance arts that blend psychology with spectacle, few figures from the mid-20th century capture the imagination quite like Jay B. Zee. As a stage hypnotist whose acts spanned decades, Jay B. Zee navigated the fine line between amusement and […]

Ormond McGill Hypnosis: Techniques and Legacy of the Dean of Stage Hypnotists Ormond McGill hypnosis represents a unique intersection of theatrical performance and genuine psychological technique. McGill, who earned the title Dean of American Hypnotists through decades of stage work and teaching, developed methods that influenced both entertainment hypnosis and clinical practice. His career spanned […]

Dr. Michael Dean: Enduring Hypnosis Legacy Sanford I. Berman, known professionally as Dr. Michael Dean, stood as a steady figure in the landscape of American hypnosis during the latter half of the 20th century. Born in 1925, he pursued a career that intertwined stage performance with academic pursuits and civic contributions, avoiding the flashier elements […]

Ronald Pellar: Troubled Stage Authority Ronald Pellar, better known under his stage persona as Dr. Dante, emerged as a visible presence in American stage hypnosis during the 1960s and 1970s. His acts drew crowds in nightclubs and on tours, where he demonstrated techniques of suggestion and trance to entertain audiences. Yet his career is marked […]

Pat Collins: The Hip Hypnotist In the realm of stage entertainment, few figures captured public curiosity quite like Pat Collins, the hypnotist whose career spanned several decades. Born Patricia Ann Collins, she became widely known as “The Hip Hypnotist,” a moniker that reflected her blend of glamour and showmanship in the field of hypnosis. This […]