Before MTK was an entertainer he used his deceptive practices and artful dodges in another line of work...crime!

That's right, during his more indiscriminate youth Matt was once a Grifter, Card Sharp  (Perhaps more commonly referred to as a Con-Man and a Card Cheat) and pickpocket!  Now reformed(?) and working for the opposite side of the law he'll part the veil to give you an inside look like never before!  This eye opening, irreverent and candidly, humorous romp in to the under belly will impart you with knowledge while it entertains.  Thereby instructing you how to be in the known and therefore stay a bit safer.

Matt discusses the con-man himself, the mind set that goes in to it, and many of his methods.  He'll include a variety of the types of crimes found within this vocation, some of the psychological techniques used by the modern day grifter, and how these methods have evolved.

Perhaps most notable is his thorough discussion of their connections as people who supposedly speak with the dead, perform miracles, and do the seemingly impossible.

A high point is always found in the demonstrations of many of the discussed feats with the audience members themselves as participants (these change from day to day depending upon MTK's mood but often include things like memory implantation and removal, 3 Card Monte, pickpocketing, gypsy switches, change raising, speaking with the dead, card cheating, psychic surgery, etc, etc - so it's never the same presentation twice!) and of course the time allotted for questions after the presentation.

So be ready to have some fun, and keep a close eye on your wallet!  You've seen films and television like The Sting, The Riches, Rounders, Match Stick Men and Catch Me If You Can... now come and meet the real thing!

"...deceptive, manipulative, intelligent, and charismatic.  He (MTK) proclaimed that he certainly possessed most of these qualities and proved this in his presentation of rapid-fire facts with a twist of humor that engrossed the audience for a half-hour over the scheduled time."

                                      -The Times

"He is awesome!  I would recommend him to all!"

                            -Michael Kyles, Entertainment Director
                                    Southeastern Louisiana University



"For my money, it's his lectures on artful dodging, conning and grifting that are the most worthwhile. Fans of Ricky Jay's funny-carnie one-man shows will recognize something in the Knife's lit-witty raconteur, as he uses a silver tongue as sharp as the blades he swallows to discuss the manipulation of cards and minds alike."

                                          -A.D. Amorosi,
                                             Philadelphia City Paper



"4 out of 4!... we're getting goosebumps just typing this up."

                                   -Dorothy Robinson & HaLeigh Boutin,
                                                The "Metro" Paper



"The lecture was informative and intertwined with Matt The Knife's one of a kind comedy. He was one of the best speakers we have brought to campus and we look forward to bringing him back very soon!"

                              -Cody Parks, Assistant to C.A.B
                                                St. Leo University



"By explaining the true nature of life for people like those depicted, as well as the less apparent aspects of their occupation, you provided an entertaining and extremely useful element to the afternoon."

                                          -Craig Watson,
                                          Trinity Repertory Company

Not all miracles are miraculous and all too often cults and con men alike use such feats to dangerous ends!