Hypnotist Grant Saunders -Talks Funny bits- with Anthony Galie
Anthony Galie: The Corporate Hypnotist Changing the Game
In the world of stage hypnosis, there are those who chase laughs—and then there’s Anthony Galie, the hypnotist who built a career helping people unlock performance, purpose, and potential in the corporate world.
Voted one of America’s 30 Hottest Speakers and a four-time speaker for the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table, Anthony doesn’t just deliver entertainment—he delivers transformation. I had the privilege of sitting down with this living legend to talk hypnosis, business psychology, and how a Florida-based psychologist with a fascination for the subconscious mind became a sought-after corporate keynote hypnotist.
From Psychology Student to Global Hypnosis Speaker
Anthony’s journey into hypnosis began early.
“I was fascinated by it as a kid,” he recalls. After studying psychology at university with plans to go into hypnotherapy research, a chance encounter led him into the world of clinical hypnosis—and then necessity led him into performance.
Stranded in remote Hawaii in the early 1980s with a young family and limited opportunities for a private practice, Anthony pivoted. “My wife said, ‘Why don’t you give sales seminars to real estate agents?’ I said, ‘I’ve never sold anything in my life!’ She replied, ‘Don’t let that stop you.’”
And so began the transition from clinical hypnotherapist to business speaker—motivating professionals not with gimmicks, but with goal-setting tools powered by hypnosis.
Corporate Hypnosis: More Than Just a Gimmick
Anthony didn’t take the usual route into stage hypnosis. While many performers lean on slapstick routines or audience humiliation, his shows are serious, polished, and profound—with a touch of humor.
What sets him apart?
- No clowning. His volunteers are treated with dignity and respect.
- Real-world impact. He links every hypnotic moment to a lesson in performance, perception, or productivity.
- Live demonstrations. Including his now-famous $2,000 shoe routine (more on that below), proving the power of suggestion in jaw-dropping fashion.
“I wanted to show corporate audiences that hypnosis wasn’t just entertainment—it was a powerful tool for change,” he says.
The Pitch That Wins the Room
Many hypnotists fail when trying to crack the corporate world because they don’t speak the language of business.
Anthony explains it perfectly:
“When you call a business and pitch yourself, they’re going to ask: ‘What will my people get out of this?’ If your answer is ‘they’ll be laughing for days,’ that’s great for a Christmas party—but not for a keynote.”
His response?
“I teach three simple, transferable techniques to internalize goals. It’s hands-on, usable, and one of those techniques happens to be self-hypnosis.”
Boom. That’s the formula. Value-driven, clear, and actionable.
The $2,000 Shoe Routine – Hypnosis in Action
One of the most watched and talked-about moments in Anthony’s stage career involves a hypnotized participant and a missing shoe—right in front of their face. As Anthony offers increasing amounts of money to the subject to reveal the shoe’s location, the hypnotized volunteer remains convinced they cannot see it.
The punchline?
The shoe is literally on their foot.
This phenomenon—a negative hallucination—is explained live to the audience as an example of how our perception is shaped by our focus.
“Some of you are looking right through your reps. You don’t see their potential because you’re focused elsewhere.”
It’s hypnosis. It’s performance. And it’s a powerful metaphor that lands harder than any PowerPoint ever could.
Anthony Galie’s Top Book Recommendations
When asked which books had the greatest impact on his thinking, Anthony didn’t hesitate:
- The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind by Julian Jaynes “It profoundly changed the way I saw consciousness and hypnosis. Expect to read a paragraph and spend a whole evening thinking about it.”
- Hypnotic Realities by Milton H. Erickson & Ernest Rossi “The best-written exploration of Ericksonian hypnosis in action.”
Advice for Aspiring Hypnotists
Whether you’re a stage performer or hypnotherapist, Anthony’s biggest tip?
“Be honest. Don’t overpromise. Understand the limitations. Most people are average subjects—it takes time, not miracles.”
And when it comes to breaking into the business world?
“Speak their language. Focus on value. Tell them exactly what their team will walk away with.”
Book Suggestion:
The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind – https://amzn.to/2AKC6EV
Hypnotic realities – https://amzn.to/3cAMr3v
