Book Review: The Engagement Effect

This 2025 book by Steve Spangler is subtitled "Cultivating Experiences that Ignite Connection, Build Trust, and Inspire Action." (Sort of a mouthful, but don't let that turn you off!) You might be familiar with Spangler from his twenty-seven appearances on The Ellen Show, his billions of views on YouTube, or even just as the guy who went viral with the "Mentos in Diet Coke" stunt a few years back. He's essentially the archetype of the "Wacky Science Experiment Guy" who rules talk shows and feel-good news segments. But don't make the mistake of dismissing him as a stunt performer. He's an educator, a serious businessman, and a legacy magician. I've been a fan ever since I started using his Energy Stick in my performances. The Engagement Effect is one of the most enjoyable "business" books I've ever read. I'll discuss the content shortly, but as an instructional designer, I was impressed by its direct, simple, and folksy style. Each chapter ends with a summary of important points,…