The World’s Most Famous Pickpocket — Apollo Robbins | The Tim Ferriss Show

Added: Oct 20, 2023

Apollo begins by discussing his childhood and how his parents met. His father, who was legally blind, became a minister and worked in rough neighborhoods, often getting beaten up by gangs. Apollo's mother had three children from a previous marriage, and Apollo was born with a condition that required a blood transfusion at birth. He also had fine and gross motor problems, making it difficult for him to control his hands.

Despite these challenges, Apollo developed a love for drawing and cartooning. He had dreams of becoming a syndicated cartoon artist and even had a collection of cartoons ready to be sent out for syndication. However, a fight with his parents resulted in his artwork being destroyed, and he had to start over.

During this time, Apollo discovered a magic shop in his hometown and became fascinated with magic. He began studying magic books and learning tricks on his own. He also joined a local magic club, where he met mentors who encouraged him to continue learning and experimenting with magic.

Apollo's unique approach to magic is heavily influenced by his background and experiences. Growing up with siblings involved in illegal activities, he developed a different perspective on deception and the gray areas of life. This perspective shaped his style of magic, which often involves manipulating objects and people in unexpected ways.

Apollo also discusses his interest in mentalism, a branch of magic that focuses on mind reading and psychological manipulation. He explains that mentalism originated from psychics and mediums, but unlike them, mentalists do not claim to have real powers. Instead, they use psychological techniques to create the illusion of mind reading and prediction.

He credits his father, who encouraged him to explore different perspectives, and his magic mentors, who taught him new techniques and pushed him to think creatively. He also mentions a magician named Mark Sparks, who introduced him to the psychology of magic and influenced his performance style.

Apollo's performance style is often described as jazz-based, meaning that he improvises and adapts his tricks based on the audience's reactions. He believes in creating unique experiences for each individual and aims to spark a sense of wonder and surprise in his audience.

In addition to his magic career, Apollo has also worked as a consultant for law enforcement agencies, teaching them about the psychology of deception and pickpocketing techniques. He has used his skills to help law enforcement officers better understand how criminals operate and how to prevent theft.

Apollo credits his wife as the most influential person in his life and career. He explains that she encouraged him to explore the broader applications of his skills and to think about how they could be used to solve bigger problems in the world. She also played a role in connecting him with neuroscientists and helping him gain recognition in the field.

Apollo talks about his early experiences in Las Vegas, where he moved to pursue his career in magic and pickpocketing. He recalls meeting a touring magician who encouraged him to go to Vegas and explore his talents. He also mentions working as a designer and illustrator while pursuing his passion for magic and comedy clubs.

One critical moment in Apollo's career was when he decided to quit his job as an artist and become a full-time performer. This decision was influenced by a hypnotist he was doing freelance artwork for, who suggested that it would make for an amazing story if he quit his job and became a magician. Apollo took this advice to heart and gave his notice the same day.

Another significant moment in Apollo's career was when he was asked to perform for the Secret Service. He shares the story of how he approached two Secret Service agents and successfully stole items from them, including their credentials and glasses. This experience led to him being invited to speak at the International Society for Neuroscience and being involved in research on attention and cognitive illusions.

Apollo also discusses his approach to pickpocketing and how he adapts to different situations. He explains that he has a different social contract with his audience compared to a thief on the street. He can talk to people and justify what he's doing, which allows him to gauge their reactions and adjust his approach accordingly. He also mentions loading items on people and creating options for himself during his performances.

He emphasizes the importance of playfulness and improvisation in his work. He believes that being able to adapt and think on his feet is what sets him apart as a performer. He also mentions the significance of lore and how it can shape people's perceptions of him and his abilities.

Apollo continues by explaining the significance of a silver ring he wears, which is made from a silver coin. He mentions that silver has unique properties that make it ideal for sleight of hand and slide of hand magic. The ring serves as a reminder of his background in magic and pickpocketing.

Apollo then delves into his style of deception and how it sets him apart from traditional magicians. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the psychology of attention and perception in order to effectively deceive people. He gives examples of how he uses body language, eye contact, and misdirection to manipulate his audience's perception.

Apollo also discusses the concept of deception awareness and the value of learning about deception. He believes that critical thinking and an understanding of deception are essential in countering manipulation and crafting one's own beliefs. He mentions the use of deception in various fields, such as medicine and advertising, and highlights the importance of differentiating between malicious deception and pro-social deception.

The conversation then shifts to Apollo's personal life and his relationship with his wife, Ava. Ava is also a mentalist and they both share a fascination with deception. They have embarked on dangerous adventures together to learn about different criminal groups and the art of deception. They teach their daughter about deception and its role in society, emphasizing the importance of intent and critical thinking.

Apollo also shares some of his experiences as a pickpocket, including a story where he stole a man's pen and made him believe he had lost it. He explains the concept of equivocation, which involves using ambiguous statements to deceive people. He gives examples of how equivocation is used in various contexts, such as politics and advertising.

The episode continues with Apollo discussing the impact of books on his life. He mentions JB Bobo's coin magic as a book that had a significant influence on him in his early years. He also talks about the importance of expanding one's knowledge of deception and understanding its traditional methods.

Apollo continues by discussing his background and how he got into the world of pickpocketing. He explains that he was always interested in magic and sleight of hand, and he started learning pickpocketing techniques as a way to challenge himself and push the boundaries of his skills. He emphasizes that his intention was never to steal from people, but rather to understand human behavior and the art of misdirection.

Apollo goes on to explain the psychology behind pickpocketing and how he uses misdirection to distract people's attention and manipulate their perception. He discusses the importance of observation and awareness in his craft, and how he uses these skills to exploit people's blind spots and vulnerabilities.

Tim and Apollo delve into the concept of belief and how it influences our perception and decision-making. Apollo explains that our beliefs shape our reality and that he often uses this knowledge to his advantage when performing tricks or pickpocketing. He also discusses the role of skepticism and critical thinking in challenging our beliefs and expanding our understanding of the world.

Apollo shares his passion for learning and how he has delved into various fields of study, including neuro-linguistic programming, persuasion, and the history of deception. He mentions several books that have influenced his thinking, including "Influence" by Robert Cialdini and "The Person and the Situation" by Lee Ross and Richard Nisbett.

The conversation then shifts to the topic of pickpocket teams and the different roles within a team. Apollo explains that pickpocket teams work together to distract and steal from their targets, and he describes the various roles such as the wire, the stick, the shade, the stall, and the steer. He also discusses the importance of situational awareness and offers advice on how to protect oneself from pickpockets.

Apollo introduces his new project, the Illusion of Knowledge, which aims to educate people about deception, human behavior, and critical thinking. He explains that the project is still in development, but he hopes to create content and experiences that engage people and challenge their beliefs.

The conversation concludes with Apollo sharing some personal anecdotes about famous con artists and thieves, such as Titanic Thompson and Victor Lustig. He also discusses the importance of imagination and creativity in overcoming boredom and finding new ways to engage with the world.