The Impossible Handshake: How Hypnotist Chris Jones “Cured” Howie Mandel on AGT
Every fan of America’s Got Talent knows that Howie Mandel has a severe and well-documented struggle with mysophobia (the fear of germs), famously opting for fist bumps over handshakes. So, when professional hypnotist Chris Jones from Chicago stepped onto the stage and asked for Howie’s help, the entire auditorium held its breath. Chris didn’t just want to perform a trick; he wanted to attempt what many thought was impossible: getting Howie to shake hands without fear.
The performance was a psychological masterclass. Chris took Howie through a “time regression” exercise, guiding his mind back through the years until he reached the age of five. While the full hypnosis process wasn’t shown on TV for safety reasons, the result was undeniable. Under a hypnotic suggestion that Chris was wearing gloves, Howie effortlessly and comfortably shook the hypnotist’s hand—not once, but twice. The shock on the faces of fellow judges Howard Stern, Mel B, and Heidi Klum was palpable as they watched Howie break a decades-long personal boundary.
The aftermath was just as mind-bending. When Howie was brought back to full awareness, he had no memory of the handshakes and was genuinely confused by the audience’s laughter and his colleagues’ reactions. Chris even extended the suggestion to the other judges, leading to a surreal moment where Howie shook hands with Howard, Mel, and Heidi, believing they were all wearing thin latex gloves. Chris Jones earned four enthusiastic “yeses,” with Howard Stern noting that while the build-up was long, the payoff was one of the most entertaining and “special” moments in the show’s history.
