Something about the holidays makes us believe in magic. Maybe it’s the twinkling lights, the anticipation of what’s beneath the tree, or simply the way the season invites us to slow down, gather with friends and family, and believe that something wonderful can happen. But some of life’s most meaningful magic isn’t found in an illusion or a perfectly wrapped package; it’s found in people willing to lend a hand, offer a few words of wisdom, or be there when you need them most. For Nashville magician Frankie Foti, that idea became deeply personal, inspiring Ask For Magic, his first magic special and a heartfelt exploration of something many of us find surprisingly difficult: asking for help.

Foti’s special weaves world-class magic with a story about the difficulty of asking for help and the vulnerability that comes with letting others in. “Now most people choose to become a magician, but because of the cards that life dealt me, I had to become a magician. I never knew where magic would take me, but I always imagined that by 30 I would have released my own magic special,” Foti said. “Then all of a sudden it was two weeks before my birthday; I had no plans, I needed advice, and I am the worst at asking for advice.”

What changed for Foti was hearing a phrase that made him reconsider getting advice —good advice is like a little magic formula that makes life better. “I used to be able to call my dad whenever I needed it. Somehow, he always knew exactly what to say, but I realized without him I’ve become terrible at asking for advice,” Foti explained. “I know I’m not alone in that, so I decided to ask my friends to share the best advice they’ve ever received, hoping that their wisdom might inspire us all.”

Adding to the magic in Ask For Magic, Foti brings a few talented friends into the spotlight as well, with performances by Franco Pascali, cardistry consultant for Brad Pitt; Riccardo Berdini, who has appeared on Penn & Teller: Fool Us; and Jackson Ridd, whose own performances have entertained stars including Charli XCX and Lana Del Rey.

An award-winning magician and resident performer at Nashville’s House of Cards, Foti was also a member of Shin Lim’s winning magic team on America’s Got Talent and is no stranger to performing for impressive audiences. Over the years, his magic has entertained celebrities including Shania Twain, Josh Brolin, Gary Oldman, Nicolas Cage, Gerard Butler, Kristen Bell and Post Malone, along with members of Linkin Park, Panic! at the Disco and Fall Out Boy. His talents have also caught the attention of major brands, with performances for Netflix, McLaren, Maserati, and CBS Studios.

Now Foti can finally add the release of his first magic special to his list of accomplishments, which he also produced and directed with support from the production team at Pop Media LA.  “I had one goal for Ask For Magic,” said Foti. “I wanted to create a cinematic magic special that also says something meaningful.”

Through magic — an art rooted in trust, connection, and a willingness to let go of control — Foti offers a thoughtful reminder that sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is ask for a little help. Watch for yourself; now streaming on YouTube.

For more information or to book Foti, visit FrankieFoti.com. Follow him along on Instagram @fotimagic.