Ash Hodgkinson fell in love with magic and started busking in the streets of Sydney when he was just eleven years old. Magic became a passion that opened doors and he quickly started performing through his teens, across the country and internationally, on stage and on TV. As a young boy he experienced ADHD and anxiety. Magic provided a focus to manage this.

His live shows collected awards along the way; the Sydney Fringe Festival - Best Kids Entertainment, Overall winner at Short and Sweet Comedy and Magic Festival, Australian Junior Magic Champion and New Zealand Magic Champion. Performances included public and corporate gigs, but the best shows of all were the shows in children's hospitals and the slums of India. These experiences confirmed in Ash a belief that finding good vibes whatever your circumstances can, and should be, a global message.

This was the seed from which the @ashmagic channel grew and connected with a global audience providing magic, behind the scenes tutorials, comedy skits, but also connecting with the audience through comments and responses as only social media can. Every day Ash's videos are driven by his mantra of "love, accept and respect".

Unlike traditional channels, Ash will regularly post videos to his followers with positive affirmation messages and promoting mental health self care. All videos are original, scripted, directed, filmed and edited by Ash.

Ash has pursued his passion for Acting too in completing a course at the National Institute of Dramatic Art. He has practiced this craft as a core cast member of the television series R.F.D.S. playing Henry Harrod on the Channel 7 program.

It is Ash's unique approach to the @ashmagic channel which is the subject of the biography "Real Magic by Ash Magic" commissioned by Penguin Random House and released recently in August.

Ash is enthusiastic, energetic and excited - to pursue his passions and to spread optimistic messages of acceptance, inclusion, respect - and following your dreams.

The STAGES podcast is available from Apple podcasts, Spotify and Whooshkaa. Also where you find your favourite podcasts. www.stagespodcast.com.au