Thanks to Canva for sponsoring the illusionist. In the 10 years since Canva began, it has

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for zero pounds, including free libraries of video, audio, graphics, and their amazing

tools, magic write, and magic design, which use AI to help you with your first drafts,

get you through the creative block, whew, because it's easier to start from something than

from a blank page. I put in a few writing prompts and, well, if Canva learns to speak, I think

I can just hand over hosting this show to it entirely. Also, if you and your colleagues

are working together, your human colleagues, that is, you can design and collaborate with

Canva for teams. Right now, you can get a free 45 day extended trial when you go to Canva.me-illusionist.

This is the illusionist, in which I, Helen Salzman, fashion a pair of wings out of feathers

and wax and give them to language with strict instructions for use. It's still name season

here at The Illusionist. In today's show, we're going to hear a few of your stories about

why you changed your names. Thanks so much to all of you who've been telling me about your

names, it is never boring. I think there'll be another episode about name changes, so if

you want to, do record yourself, telling me why you changed your name and why you chose

the name you chose. The people who are here today have included only as much or as little

of their current or past names as would be safe to have it publicly and that they are comfortable

with. For instance, where trans correspondents mention their dead names, that was their decision

and some correspondents remain anonymous. On with the show.

I changed my name because my parents spelled it wrong.

Why did I change my name? I didn't like it. I have legally changed my name twice now, first

and last. My parents tell this cute story about choosing my name the night before I was

...