Reaction and Commentary to Fooling Penn & Teller with Bryan Saint! // Penn & Teller: Fool Us!

Bryan Saint takes you behind the scenes to tell you exactly what was happening during the taping of his phone charger/infomercial act on Penn & Teller: Fool Us. You'll learn why part of his act had to be shot twice, how long his conversation with Alyson Hannigan actually was, and exactly how many people since the taping have correctly guessed the secret of the trick!
Link to the performance video on Penn & Teller: Fool Us:
• Fooled by a phone char...
Connect with Bryan on Social Media!
Facebook: / thebryansaint
Instagram: / thebryansaint
TikTok: / thebryansaint

[@thebryansaint]

The one thing I hate I forgot to mention was that the charging of the phone was NOT done by completing a circuit. We’ve found that’s been the main guess. However, the first draft of that moment in the routine was that I would use Alyson’s phone and say that the charger “comes with an invisible power outlet.” I pretended to push into an invisible outlet in midair and the phone charged. We ended up scrapping the idea cause we thought the static electricity idea was funnier and also wanted a shot of me with Penn & Teller! 😇

[@sferguson1130]

No stone left unturned. You made the right choice 👌 Incredible performance. ( infomercial voice ) >> “ Wow. That’s a true professional “

[@DanielMartins-og2gj]

around 3:49 you Say "Right now" in both videos. Same exact time..love the entertainment!@

[@chair547]

reed switch and palmed magnet?

[@danatronics9039]

There are lots of ways to make a touch sensor. But even if you didn't do any of them, I suspect you could also make a discreet wireless button to send the signal to charge at your command.

[@TheFXofNewton]

Yes, if the phone is charging the circuit has been completed. That's electronics. Even if you used some app and faked the charging, that's still completion of a circuit.

[@Philms91]

Plugging it in incorrectly made it even more relatable and convincing. Added a layer of believability, “that’s definitely a usb cable!”

[@jaycehall]

That was my exactly thought watching it, if it'd gone in perfect, I would have said it was fake.

[@scottgriz]

Would have been more relatable if he had gotten it right on the third try.

[@markellis2675]

So true! If it worked the first time we'd think " ha! The trick is it's not even a USB cable!"

[@markellis2675]

Bryan,this was enjoyable to watch. I'm glad this was a great experience for you. I didn't realize how much was edited for TV.

[@Memento_Mori]

The "Wow, that's a long phone charger" line made me laugh because it nails the delivery. It's just slightly less over the top than the rest of the infomercial style pitch, so it's extra funny because it nails the insincerity of sales. It's so subtly tongue in cheek.

[@wayneyadams]

"Wow, that's a long phone charger" is a very funny line because we are expecting some over the top line like they have in infomercials. It really is a highlight of the act.

[@MrAndyStenz]

So great to hear your experience on the show and I really appreciate the human aspects and your humility to share your “mistakes.” Well done. I have my ideas on how but it doesn’t matter - it’s a wonderful act and is always fun to see! Congrats!

[@orlovsskibet]

Everyone know that it takes three attempts, to plug in a USB cable. Anything less is pure magic

[@AdamFloro]

Yes, once the right way, but off a little bit so it won't go in, then the wrong way, then the right way again this time actually looking at it.

[@NeedaNewAlias]

@@AdamFloro no, they are cursed

[@TheBluemindedGod]

Honestly, I would just add plugging it in incorrectly to the bit.

[@Salokin92]

But what if it's Lightning or USB C :$

[@JLaFs]

@@Salokin92 The other end

[@jonathanclark7444]

@@JLaFs usb c - lightning has no wrong end which might be what they mean?

[@Troffixx]

@@jonathanclark7444 Ermmm he meant the other end of the cable - USB-A, which has only one correct way to plug it in.

[@jonathanclark7444]

@@Troffixx yeah I was talking about salokin who said what if it’s lightning or usb c but the op was clearly talking about usb a which does have a wrong end.

[@Birckin]

Thank you for sharing your experiences behind the scenes, the details of how the whole show is produced are really interesting ^^ And I'm glad they all treat the performers so well, knowing they all work their best and respect each other so much is pretty wholesome :) And don't worry about not nailing the USB on the second shot, you may not be the first person to nail it on the first try, but we mortals have to try at least 3 times to get it in XD

[@OriginalGabriel]

My favorite part was Teller rubbing his jacket. The fact that you knew he'd do something that good, without telling him to do so, and then ran with it (without laughing like I did) was perfect ... as was the whole performance. Also, given some of the blue humor on the show, I'm really curious as to what you said that crossed their line.

[@poppabear9279]

I’m an electronic engineer and fairly certain I know how the trick works. Won’t expose my theory here but must say that’s the cleanest rope trick I’ve ever seen, and still mystified by one slight you performed. Well done Bryan. Technology itself was the mind blowing part for most but the clean rope trick maneuvers, are on point. Been a magician since a child, working in talent shows back in grade school even. Never had the personality to pull it off, but you sure do. Well done.

[@ericm1839]

i like the inside info about how much work goes into making this into a competition AND a performance, especially behind the scenes. I think I know how you did it, but if I'm right you did a DAMN good job hiding it

[@Grumbo91]

Very interesting bts, thanks for sharing. Love hearing about that sort of insight, the VT not playing for the audience, P&T discussing for such a long time, the fact there are other judges, the fact parts can be reshot. All very interesting!

[@aefoaanemone4731]

Thank you for the breakdown of your performance, i couldn't imagine that guessing stage could take P&T so long.

[@teirdalin]

Fantastic work Bryan, very fun performance and very unique. It's so strange that they didn't let performers take the trophies home. Thank you for this behind the scenes talk about everything.

[@Mr_Yeah]

4:53 Plugging in USB-A correctly the first time would've been a magic trick that fooled everyone.

[@Titian083]

I've seen a fair amount of clips of foolers on P&T, but you were the first one that was so funny and charismatic. Enough so that this is the first time I sought out a behind the scenes talk/explanation. Well done man

[@dgbaley459]

Great video, loved it - thanks! One of the best acts on Fool Us. Your original video is blocked here in UK (due to content from LDS) which is a shame, I hope this one doesn't get blocked here too.

[@fk319fk]

I think the best part of the video was you commenting on the staff at foolus. I like the rope trick, well done. I do not know, or care, how you did the charger sequence. It was well done and felt real. For me, that is all I want to see.

[@promqueenkiller]

It's impossible to plug in a USB cable correctly on the first try.

[@furiousfear772]

Ahem I have done it a lot of times.

[@GremlinPuke]

R/whoosh

[@fk319fk]

I do it all the time also, I just do not count the incorrect time, after all it is not correct.

[@TheJovan211]

What's so impossible, it's 50-50

[@ImAlsoMerobiba]

It takes true magic to be able to do that.

[@CodingCorvus]

"EqUiPmEnT mAlFuNcTiOn" I love this video

[@LemuriaGames]

Brilliant video, loved it. Great look behind the scenes, and so positive.

[@TheBluemindedGod]

1:33 I was already fooled with THIS trick. I've watched it twenty times, and I cannot figure out how it was done.

[@daltonbrown3431]

Look it up its easy

[@TheBluemindedGod]

@@daltonbrown3431 I tried to look it up, but I could only find the trick where you stab through the dollar. What is this one called?

[@daltonbrown3431]

@@TheBluemindedGod hoodwink pencil through bill tutorial skip to about 5min

[@TheBluemindedGod]

@@daltonbrown3431 Thanks my dude!

[@daltonbrown3431]

Bp

[@J3ff_K1ng]

The greatest trick is that the awards at the left are a sticker in the wall XD

[@BzBlade]

I get that you place a visual mark on the usb cable to get it on the first try but I think you should've done a feel mark or a drop of super glue to raise the surface so you can feel which is the correct way

[@djAstraim]

The trick was amazing. But this insight, was over the top! Shooting a show is a piece of magic too, so, thanks for this. Top class from you.

[@mattmaloney5988]

This is brilliant to see. Thank you muchly for sharing.

[@CoAndCoLaptopAccount]

Easily one of my favorite acts due to how funny it is! fantastic job!

[@pauldelcour]

I can only say I thoroughly enjoyed your virtually perfect performance. Not a flaw. So good and worth watching again and again.

[@cypher686]

I love how you did a behind a scenes. Thank you

[@trisinogy]

Great routine right there! Besides the obvious skills on display during the show and in this video, I’d like the fact you are giving credit to your friend for his idea of using a charger. Class act.

[@Merennulli]

Glad to know Penn and Teller realized there was a battery. That always puzzled me how they couldn't figure out your act since it seemed clear they knew how the rope tricks worked and they phone charger bit is so straightforward that every layperson seeing your act thinks they know how that part works. I was guessing from their reactions that you used a resistance touch switch connected to the two prongs so it would react to touch while still looking like a normal charging block. I couldn't see how the phone reacted when they were playing with it while you talked to Alyson, but they never touched where you held it by so I assumed they were getting it to work. Given your comment here about plugging it into an invisible outlet, though, it sounds like you had some sort of pressure switch or interrupter switch built into the USB-A plug.

[@grumpyotter]

To me the funniest part was Penn and Teller playing with it at the end --Penn squeezing it and Teller touching his hand with it again.

[@NinossoniN]

its got better with the USB mishap, more natural and believable overall

[@morticae]

Well since we're guessing. You mention the original idea was to hold it in the air, so there's no capacitive or pressure switch in the prongs. Based on how you held it, I'd guess a simple pressure switch in the usb connector itself. Maybe a magnetic switch if you wanted to be sure they couldn't trigger it. Fun trick, and frankly I think it's fun that it's relatable enough to let people have fun guessing.

[@grumpyotter]

I think the way he is holding his hand gives a clue to the mechanism.

[@tacothethinker]

have you gotten additional VO jobs since this performance? It would be great to add to your portfolio.

[@Joshen4321]

You sound just like binging with babish. Beautiful voice

[@bieltann9058]

The plugging the USB in the wrong way thing made it so real.

[@matthewzuber9823]

This was actually quite funny to watch. I would to see more of you hahaha

[@BlankSlate1111]

One of the best routines on Fool Us. imo. Thanks!

[@FusionDeveloper]

There is a joke that the first way you try to plug in USB is right, but won't fit. Then you flip it and it won't fit, so you flip it again. Then you finally get it plugged in. This is why USB C was invented.

[@Grimmwoldds]

I went out and bought a USB C cable since I was so frustrated trying to plug my micro USB in. I turned that sucker over for hours trying to plug it in. Turns out I was supposed to turn the phone over(thanks KZbin comments!)

[@BeaDSM]

I saw that smile and knew it was putting the USB in the wrong way round first time, but hadn't realised it was a second shooting!

[@GameNinja13]

I mean I'm assuming there's a magnet release unrelease on the left wrist, as after the trick is over you rub it on your arm. Assuming that's to turn it off so it doesn't accidently go off while they inspect. Then the "turning on" is because I notice you hold the charger by the cable only and push there. So either the pushing motion on the hand or carefully squeezing the end of the charging cable that's plugged into the brick

[@Jomskylark]

Fascinating to hear a behind the scenes perspective. When Penn and Teller were testing the phone charger themselves during discussion, was it working? And they just couldn't figure out how?

[@TheRyujinLP]

Almost a year later but might as well answer this heh. It was working, you can see it light up a few times when they were testing it and they knew the basics of the trick, in that the charger base had a battery in it. What was tripping them up was how the battery "knew" when to turn on. That's the clever part of the trick.

[@chaosangel42]

the infomercial delivery of this act is such a delight, I don't know why it so specifically reminds me of ZooBooks though

[@user-zi8lg5qu1h]

I just now realized how he "disconnected" those ends of cords.

[@raterus]

USB-C, always plugs in right the first time! Got to love reversible plugs.

[@InfinityDsbm]

The phone end is the reversible on apple chargers, the USB side that goes into the charger isn't reversible on type c

[@JManu3]

Once while in the dark I tried to plug the big USB end into the USB-C entrance in my phone. In the end, USB always wins.

[@denisbeaudoin4618]

@@InfinityDsbm usb-c is reversible. You are thinking of the older style.

[@subwarpspeed]

@@InfinityDsbm more correctly USB-C is reversible but a norm has been to have the old USB-A on the charger side but that's not a must, lots of USB-C to USB-C cables exists.

[@barkman708]

Wow! That's a long phone charger.

[@dpwellman]

You'll say, "wow," every time.

[@coluzea]

you're awesome dude. i really appreciate that you made a follow up video

[@Gunbudder]

i love this trick because rope tricks are awesome, even when you know how they work, and i think every EE has made a trick plug before. i have seen this trick but with a lightbulb instead of a phone. the way its done is kind of obvious, but still funny. a battery (probably a lipo) is inside the wall wort, and you use capacitive coupling to enable the charging circuit. the charging circuit i'm guessing is a lipo with a step up to 5v behind a capacitive coupling switch. you could do other types of magic switches too. i've seen this trick where you have an implanted magnet or magnetic ring, and its a reed switch. this makes it so only you can turn it on. i've also seen an IR fingerprint scanner that reads your thumb through the plastic which is an awesome trick because its really not obvious how the switch works. and of course you can have the prongs set up to be a switch that carries current, but that's not a great idea

[@nickcrovo9512]

The plug box has a battery (as you said) the thing that turns the charger on and off doesn't have anything to do with it touching skin (as you said). The way it turns on and off is by pulling or pushing on the cord where it attaches to the male end of the USB. You are holding the male end of the USB between your thumb and index finger, and holding the cord to your palm with your ring and index finger, moving the cord in and out using the palm, which makes the motion imperceptible to Teller.

[@heisenberg69]

This was nice. Thanks!

[@GratuitousSets]

Nice reactive poster! I almost didn’t notice

[@nome3795]

What's that?

[@TheMajesticYak0]

So am I correct in thinking the charger only worked when you held it for P&T and it didn’t work when they tried it on its own after you handed it to them? A simple circuit that closes when a conductive material is pressed against the plugs would still work for anyone else and wouldn’t fool P&T. So it is would seem clear the circuit design is more complicated than that.

[@spacenoodles5570]

Probably a magnetic switch or something like that

[@tylermassage6220]

@@spacenoodles5570 yup

[@1dgram]

Or even completing the circuit using a bit of metal on his finger.

[@kemasuk]

I think it being a "deadpan(ish)" delivery of a "non-joke" is why people laugh. It literally is a subversion of expectations.

[@jobethk588]

What a sweet video.

[@tildessmoo]

I can think of a few ways to do the charging, but I don't know which one you did... The biggest problem is that you left the charger with Teller, which means it has to be something that works for you but not for him, so it's not as simple as the AC plug having a switch behind it that presses when you push it against his hand or an inertial switch (which sounds fancy, but it could just be a ball bearing) to turn it on when you turn it vertically... Maybe an inertial switch that you can shake into a gate to prevent it from working afterwards? But that would mean you'd have to be pretty careful onstage unless it's easy to get out again if you really want to, which would again make giving it to Teller a bad idea... Basically, I can think of ways to do this trick, but I have no idea how _you_ did it, which honestly, judging by how Penn talks during the judging segment, sounds like how most foolers do it anyway.

[@PKAmedia]

"Ï put markings on the usb, I spent weeks training plugging in the usb" No matter your insane levels of preparation and training, old USB's smell weakness. The slightest hesitation.... It's not your fault. There was literally no more you could do. Not a signal human alive could of done better. Anyway obviously rest of performances was amazing. Great stuff Death to USB 2.0!

[@magioladitis]

wow. Just wow.

[@robertosnow3841]

Someone out there just put there phone on the charger and went....oooo I get it now. If ya know you know.

[@barak363363]

Thanks! it was very informative

[@RobertBallMagician]

Fantastic video loved it.😊😊😊😊👍👍

[@CryseTech]

Wow that was really interesting and your show was awesome :D

[@mistarrraze6254]

What infomercials are you in you really sound familiar?

[@rosswilliams5740]

The best act on the show hands down! 🤣👌

[@sciphon3084]

Enjoyed this.

[@jalontf2]

Anything to do with the plug tap on your wrist at 5:35 shutting off the output in that small capacitor?

[@nicx7785]

That's my guess, since there's an odd sound when it (and it's not the prongs) touches his arm and it's just an odd movement that happens to represent the static thing. I'd guess a gyro sensor/accelerometer to make sure it only happens when it faces down, and a REED Switch. Magnet in arm, etc.

[@ArchangelExile]

Wow, performers didn't actually get to take their trophies home before? What did you get back then? A hearty handshake, a pat on the back, and a "good job"?

[@grumpyotter]

I thought he meant they WOULD get one--it just came later. But that now they have changed it for you to take home right then.

[@Gunbudder]

13:49 i think doing it wrong at first made the trick more real. it lets everyone know its a real USB plug. also every engineer knows the trick to plug it in correctly every time. you just look inside the female side and then look inside the male side. the plastic tabs go on opposite sides. i haven't plugged a USB in wrong for probably 10 years lol. it doesn't look as graceful to just getting it right without looking though

[@BornIn1500]

That doesn't take an engineer and it's definitely not a "trick". It's obvious to anyone that the plastic tabs go on opposite sides so it fits together. It's just that most people are lazy and don't take the time to look first.

[@nicholsonfile]

I love the USB commentary haha

[@DMTHOTH]

I really wanted to know the name of the background music of your stage.. :(

[@retroelectrical]

The end of the trick is simple. Either Bryan swaps out the chargers before handing it to Teller, or there is some sort of kill switch on the charger to turn off the battery. Another possibility it simple electronics; that the charger is built to only charge ONCE. Sort of like a fuse. One time only. That way a circuit could be established ONCE through by touching the wall plug end, and then never again.

[@automaticwaffle]

Has anyone ever told you that you resemble Bruce Campbell, especially around 3:00

[@larryphotography]

Great trick and I love the commentary.

[@u12bdragon]

It wasnt done by completing a circuit, rather by the resistance of the metal plugs against his hand.

[@ImAlsoMerobiba]

Wow, that's a long phone charger

[@jorntumrongwit9056]

I'm just gonna guess remote controlled power bank

[@marmagician]

I like your magic sir very nice magic

[@samuell.hodgesjr.1577]

Hi, Mr. Saint. Sam again. After writing/commenting you on your Article page, I realized after submitting it, there was a typo. I left the "e" off in the word, "use,". (It read something like:...all of them us them... Sorry, I could correct it. But, anyway. Thanks for sharing this behind the scenes.

[@DJKCandLADYG]

Hi Bryan, I am a dj how can I get some sound effects done?

[@WillPybuseccentric]

im still wondering if my gravity guess was close...

[@ku8721]

Actually yes a connection somewhere closed, otherwise electricity wouldn't flow, but I don't think the battery was in the charger. So was the battery was on you and the electric charge was transferred through skin contact with Teller? Now the rope magic has been done for years but I'm guessing with the cord you used neodymium magnets, but how did you get the junction to be smooth enough for them not to see? But I've always wanted to try voice over work any suggestions on how to get started? Edit: Just reached the end of the video and: first step buy a voice-over microphone!

[@markellis2675]

Use your magic to make USB cables work right the first attempt.😂

[@breakbad9753]

Does it have anything to do with your watch ?

[@ArchangelExile]

4:52 Don't worry, it's not possible in the first place.

[@EvilNightwolf]

You could additionally say something like "... and it is as easy to use as every regular USB cable." and then try to plug it in the wrong way.

[@jamielee9350]

Like I have always said.... No such thing as "Magic" .... Just pure "Theatrics" 😎😎😎

[@georgio3753]

So.... Can I buy the charger or not??

[@bharath4397]

I am the one that walked to him in the set, that adapter has a potato in it.

[@xerozoo]

rechargeable battery inside charger casing. capacitance sensors instead of plugs

[@Уєяѕє-й1ц]

I just love how he share every little details of the episode

[@erikziak1249]

Of course it was not charging by completing a circuit. The resistance of human skin prevents that at that voltage. I however have an idea how it was done. At least if I wanted to do this trick, I know what I would do. It would be no problem to fit it all into the tiny charger box. Electronic components are dirt cheap and small today. I think I might even do it with the leads touching just the fabric, but I see sensitivity problems in this approach. And no, I would not use any mechanical solution, where I would have to apply pressure on the leads. It would be possible to gently touch them from the side. Of course, the "pressure" option would be also possible, but probably more complex to build.

[@manavagrawal720]

Was it a Tesla coil? I need to knowwww :////////////////////////

[@dpwellman]

No one plugs USB in correctly on the first, and often second, or even third try.

[@chessryu777]

But... how is it done?

[@christophmuller3511]

My guess: a small LiPo battery inside the charger together with a capacitive touch sensor circuit to detect whether the prongs are touched to enable the charging process.

[@thebryansaint]

Christoph Müller The one thing I hate I forgot to mention was that the charge had nothing to do with completing a circuit. The first draft of the routine was that I would use Alyson’s phone and say that the charger “comes with an invisible power outlet.” I pretended to push into an invisible outlet in midair and the phone charged. We scrapped the idea cause we thought the static electricity was funnier and wanted a shot of me with Penn & Teller.

[@MasterOfMadmen]

If you seriously didn't complete a circuit then you had to induce current on an already completed circuit. If you induced a current on the charging circuit and it's that clean that you're able to hand the charger to P&T, then it's even more impressive to me.

[@johnmay256]

If it's not capacitive touch on the plug prongs to trigger a relay or MOSFET to engage the battery, and as Bryan said it had nothing to do with completing a circuit as he was originally going to plug it into an invisible outlet mid-air, then the other (or only other?) option is a remote control either operated by Bryan secretly or someone off stage or in the audience. - But the curious thing is he left it with Penn & Teller after the act was over and they had the chance then to play with it themselves, so was it still working at that point(?) as we don't get to see from the camera angles when Alyson is doing the interview part at the end. - Either way, great trick Bryan and slick, funny scripting really well presented. I think that part is often overlooked with the acts on Fool Us. There are many great tricks on the show, but quite often the writing and presentation is a little cringey with some acts. But you did a great job Bryan :-)

[@MlorenDraymeer]

I'm going to take a guess: Everyone seems to assume the battery is in the plug and that you left it with P&T. I'm guessing that instead this part of the trick followed the style of the earlier rope trick: That your hand holding the plug was actually holding two cables. One cable went from Penn's phone to your hand and connected to a battery (either palmed or perhaps the cable went up your sleeve and the battery was in your clothes). The other short cable was a dummy connected to the plug. You used slight of hand to make it look like the two were connected. You turned the power on and off via a hidden switch manipulated elsewhere (e.g. could be in your shoe and toggled by a toe, or any number of other options). Before handing the cable to them you use slight of hand to swap the plug with the battery so the one you hand to them is a perfectly ordinary cable. I may be way overthinking this though. :D

[@Jacksonm325]

Great video Bryan!

[@unclecreepy4185]

Did I gloss over you explaining how the trick was done and the answer to “all you need to fool P&T is technology”?

[@binisman6064]

No, its the correct answer. This guy is trying to build his career though, never expect a magician to be honest it's a fools errand

[@sheerdumbluck]

Yes. He basically hinted that Penn and teller knew a battery had to be in the charger but they could not explain enough of his trick for the official judges to think they had truly understood the trick. They weren’t fooled by technology, they were fooled by how he used a rope trick that was also a good and real charger wire that also worked with a portable hidden battery.

[@heartofthunder1440]

That battery was another guess, but I thought it had to be something in the 2 prongs on the block. That when pressed up against something just the slightest pressure would trigger the juice to the phone.

[@stevedaz7937]

P&T tried that

[@DanBujo]

Much simpler. It uses your skin to close the circuit so the prongs don't have to move at all.

[@venosaur121212]

@@DanBujo He said in this video, that it would have worked with an invisible outlet. The prongs don't need to touch anything.

[@icychill105]

i would imagine it would be a nightmare getting that spool through TSA because its just wires that could be used for anything

[@avlinrbdig5715]

beautyful ntertinment. built up nice. with them skillz nd parody, you ciould prolly be talkin bout anything, an ds till get rofl's

[@arizvisa]

usb is a terrible protocol anyways. especially terrible due to not being able to easily terminate usb cables at a low cost. it winning over communication/network protocols that had more distance and b/w at the time is still unreal.

[@DaveSomething]

nobody can plug a usb cable in right the first time... they're designed that way!