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The Magic Word Podcast

Entertainment

Scott Wells is a full time professional magician who has traveled around the world where he has met, worked with and become friends with some pretty cool people. Enjoy listening to these podcasts with magicians talking about their magic, magic conventions and what's going on in the magic scene today.

Location:

Houston, TX

Description:

Scott Wells is a full time professional magician who has traveled around the world where he has met, worked with and become friends with some pretty cool people. Enjoy listening to these podcasts with magicians talking about their magic, magic conventions and what's going on in the magic scene today.

Language:

English


Episodes

822: Pat Fallon - Magically Delicious

3/14/2024
From Dublin, Ireland, Pat Fallon joins us as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day a little early this week. Pat is a performer of the highest rank, Member of the Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star. He is a stage performer as well as performing close-up and his venues are weddings, corporate trade shows, children’s parties, and grand theaters across Great Britain. Pat usually stays within the borders of the U.K. but is known outside his country for his lectures and creativity and good sense of humor. In this episode, Pat tells us how Ireland celebrates St. Patrick’s Day, also he chats about working at weddings in Ireland and why he doesn’t like performing aboard cruise ships. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here. Click on the banner above for more information from our sponsor this week, Wonder Bash.

Duration:01:11:02

821: Arthur Benjamin - Genius At Work

3/7/2024
Arthur Benjamin, Smallwood Family Professor of Mathematics at Harvey Mudd College and a professional magician, is perhaps better known in our community as the “Mathemagician.” He truly makes math fun, entertaining, and, yes…exciting. In his stage performance, Arthur calculates the square roots of double digit and even triple digit numbers all in his head with lightening quick precision that he can say the number faster than anyone can input the data in a calculator and read the answer. His routine does not use any stooges nor electronics, but is all done in real time in his real head. It is a fascinating display of mental acuity that he explains is within the capabilities of anyone who can do basic math. Mathematician, magician and professor Arthur Benjamin performs high-speed mental calculations, memorization tricks and other astounding math stunts, many of which are taught in his many books on the subject which are all available through Amazon. In this week’s episode, Arthur talks about how he developed this act after starting out as a child magician then utilizing his unique skills to build an act around his passion for math. His TED Talks have been viewed over 11 Million times and his books are best sellers. I only wish everyone could have a math teacher like Arthur who would inspire the next generation to love math. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here. Register TODAY for this outstanding convention. You will become a better magician as a result of it! Visit: https://poesmagicconference.com/

Duration:01:09:03

820: Ken Weber - the ANSWER man

2/29/2024
Ken Weber is the President of Weber Asset Management and also a mentalist, magician, consultant and author. This week we chat with Ken about these latter job descriptions. Ken has performed aboard cruise ships and as a young man in the Catskills of New York. He was an early member of the Psychic Entertainers Association (P.E.A.) and frequent attendee at MINDvention and other mentalism conventions. He authored “Maximum Entertainment” that was updated and re-published as “Maximum Entertainment 2.0.” More than just a reprint of the original, there is much more material added to the new book. We have had Ken on this podcast from time to time as part of the content from a few magic convention reports in the past. But in this episode, we finally get to sit down and have a proper conversation about his book, “Maximum Entertainment 2.0” as well as some tips that he suggests when he is consulting with some of the top pros in the business. He has some good advice that will benefit you whether you are a close-up or stage magician or mentalist. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here. Click on the banner above to visit the website for more information on this convention. You don’t want to miss it. The talent line-up is incredible. Why travel thousands of miles to attend a “national” convention when you can see some of the same stars (and more) in the heart of the country?

Duration:01:13:30

819: Blackpool Magic Convention 2024 - Day Three Report

2/18/2024
Sunday 18th February 2024 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Dealers’ Hall Open 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. John Bannon Lecture (Arena) and Luca Volpe Lecture (Foyer Hall) 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Ikeda Yosuke Lecture (Spanish Hall) and Maga Gaia Lecture (Derham Lounge) 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Danny Goldsmith Lecture (Arena) and International Close-Up Show (Foyer Hall) 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Montreal Trio Lecture 2 (Spanish Hall) and Lawrence Turner Lecture (Derham Lounge) 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Mac King Mega Talk (Opera House) 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Harrison Greenbaum Lecture (Arena) and Mat O’Neill Parlour Show (Derham Lounge) 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Steve Spill Lecture (Spanish Hall) and Fergus Roy Lecture (Foyer Hall) and Mat O’Neill Parlour Show (Derham Lounge) 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. The Clairvoyants Interview (Arena) 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Mat O’Neill Interview (Spanish Hall) and Bernardo Sedlacek Lecture (Foyer Hall) and Jimmy C Lecture (Derham Lounge) 6:15 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. Gala Show (Opera House) 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Suhani Shah Show (Circle Hall) 8:45 p.m. - 10:15 p.m. Gala Show (Opera House) 8:45 p.m. - 9:45 p.m. Suhani Shah Show (Circle Hall) 11:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. Harrison Greenbaum Show (Arena and limited to audiences of 18+) and “Not The Gala Show” (Old Victoria Bar and limited to audiences of 18+) View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Time stamps for this episode: 00:00:18 - Paul Romhany talks about his experience as a lecturer here and this being his first Blackpool Magic Convention (BMC). 00:11:50 - Bill Herz, President of MagiCorp Productions, tells us about his representation of some of the top magic acts in the world for corporate shows. 00:20:34 - Jeff Burns, one of the Fifth Dimension magicians (maybe not the music group you’re thinking of) is from Aberdeen, Scotland, and chats about his tradition of attending BMC. 00:26:10 - Foxy, from Liverpool, is a regular listener of The Magic Word Podcast and his favorite place to listen is when he walks beside the Mersey River in Liverpool. 00:34:43 - Winner of multiple awards from The Magic Circle (TMC), Edward Hilsum, talks about working with the youth program at TMC. 00:40:33 - Jimmy C. was a lecturer from America who tells us about his experience plus a short recap of what was in his lecture (in case you missed it) 00:45:44 - Raymond Crowe, from Australia, was a lecturer and performer at this year’s BMC. Here he gives some important advice to all magicians. 00:59:23 - Uwe Sperlich, from Munich, Germany, is a regular at the BMC and here he tells us why plus recaps some of his highlights from this convention. Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Stitcher by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here..If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here

Duration:01:06:17

818: Blackpool Magic Convention 2024 - Day Two Report

2/17/2024
Saturday 17th February 2024 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Dealers’ Hall Open 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Michael O’Brien Lecture (Arena) 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Paul Richards Lecture (Spanish Hall) and Kyle Purnell Lecture (Foyer Hall) 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Family Entertainment Competition (Opera House) 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. David Regal Lecture (Arena) and David Kaye Lecture (Derham Lounge) 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Montreal Trio Lecture (Spanish Hall) and Bear Pit Close-Up (Foyer Hall) 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Axel Adler Lecture (Arena) and Mat O’Neill Parlour Show (Derham Lounge) 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Remy Lasvenes Lecture (Spanish Hall) and Tom Wright Show (Foyer Hall) 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Shoot Ogawa Lecture (Arena) and Jozo Bozo Lecture (Derham Lounge) 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Raymond Crowe Lecture (Spanish Hall) and Steve Faulkner Lecture (Foyer Hall) 6:15 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. Gala Show featuring Mac King (Opera House) 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Magical Bones Black Magic (Arena) and Ben Hart Jadoo (Circle Hall) 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Shoot Ogawa Show (Arena) 8:45 p.m. - 10:15 p.m. Gala Show with Mac King (Opera House) 8:45 p.m. - 9:45 p.m. Mike Caveney and Friends Show (Circle Hall) 9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Magical Bones Black Magic (Arena) and Ben Hart Jadoo (Circle Hall) 11:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. Jack Gleadow Mr. Saturday Night (Foyer Hall) 11:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. Harrison Greenbaum Late Night Roast (Arena and limited to audiences of 18+) and Battle Magic Cabaret (Old Victoria Bar and limited to audiences of 18+) View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Time stamps for this episode: 00:00:18 - Alain Iannone, from Roma, Italy, tells us why he loves to attend the Blackpool Magic Convention (BMC) plus what he has seen or bought here on the first day of activities. 00:08:52 - Richard Steele, from the U.S., is a dealer for ProMystic, and tells us what it’s like to be a dealer in the huge exhibit hall. 00:14:19 - Before the International Close-Up Show began, we spoke with the father/son team of Lennard and Andy Charlton, from the U.K. who tell us why they come together to BMC year after year. 00:19:35 - Craig Mitchell often reviews big conventions like FISM and BMC. He is known for his “no holds barred” style of journalism and he talks a bit about what he’s seen so far. 00:31:11 - Ian Kendall, from Scotland, took the train over to Blackpool for attending just a couple of days using day passes which means not seeing the evening shows. 00:44:08 - Mandy Davis was manning (womanning?) the Magic Circle stall as she is soliciting membership into the prestigious organization. 00:51:58 - Creator, author, performer and producer, Nick Einhorn, from the U.K., tells us what he’s been up to in the past several years since we last met. 00:59:03 - Richard Young, from the U.K., is half of the Strange & Young team that performs on their own plus with the Champions of Magic. Richard also co-hosts “The Magicians Podcast Network” Here we have a lively discussion about us both hosting a podcast with Murray Sawchuck about exposure in magic. 01:09:54 - Mike Caveney hosted “Mike Caveney and Friends” as one of the alternate shows to the Day One gala. We catch up with him who tells us how he selected this year’s line-up of “friends.” 01:15:00 - Kyle Purnell, from the U.S., is a first time attendee at BMC and was also a performer/lecturer. He tells us about his experience. 01:23:03 - No report from BMC would be complete without a chat with John Archer, one of the funniest guys in Great Britain. 01:29:13 - Rebecca and Allan Taylor, from the U.K., tell us about their escapology club in England and the conventions they sponsor. Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe...

Duration:01:33:48

817: Blackpool Magic Convention 2024 - Day One Report

2/16/2024
Friday 16th February 2024 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Dealers’ Hall Open 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Paul Romhany Lecture (Spanish Hall) and Richard Griffin Lecture (Arena) 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. International Close-up Show (Foyer Hall) 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. John “Chunkie” Russell Lecture (Derham Lounge) 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Ann DeGuzman Lecture (Arena) and Ben Hart Lecture (Spanish Hall) 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Cameron Francis Lecture (Foyer Hall) 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Mat O’Neill Parlour Show (Derham Lounge) 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Christian Grace Lecture (Arena) and Tom Wright Lecture (Spanish Hall) 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Marvin Berglas Lecture (Foyer Hall) and Dave Allen Lecture (Derham Lounge) 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Adrian Quillien Lecture (Spanish Hall) 6:15 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. Gala Show (Opera House) 6:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Mike Caveney and Friends Show (Circle Hall) 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Shoot Ogawa Show (Arena) 8:45 p.m. - 10:15 p.m. Gala Show (Opera House) 8:45 p.m. - 9:45 p.m. Mike Caveney and Friends Show (Circle Hall) 9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Shoot Ogawa Show (Arena) 11:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. Harrison Greenbaum Show (Arena and limited to audiences of 18+) 11:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. Whose Lie Is It Anyway? (Old Victoria Bar) View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Time stamps for this episode: 00:00:18 - we are off from the Dallas Ft. Worth airport to ride our magic carpet “across the pond” to merry old England for the Blackpool Magic Convention 2024. Join us for the trip!! 00:03:32 - Our first stop before Blackpool is a visit to The Magic Circle (TMC) where John Bannon was the featured lecturer on Monday, 12 February. Our first chat is with Ian Rowland, a mentalist and motivational speaker to the corporate market. He is also a master of “kirigami” which is the art of cutting cards and folding. It is beautiful artwork. 00:12:21 - Faye Presto is working on a new close-up cover for the table at TMC. She also tells us about the proper way to put a bottle through the table. 00:20:27 - Marvyn Berglas, President of TMC, tells us what he’s doing as the new President and plans for improvements in the building. 00:28:06 - From Sweden, Johan Stahal, is a FISM competitor winner of Sweden’s Got Talent, and is attending this BMC for his eighth time. 00:30:05 - Pat Fallon, from Ireland, and Scott catch up as long time friends and Pat tells us a little about touring and magic clubs in Ireland. 00:35:35 - David Regal, from the U.S., is an artiste at BMC who doubles with his lecture and close-up performance. He was walking around with R. Paul Wilson, from Scotland, who is a regular attendee at BMC. 00:39:47 - Brendan Rodriquez, from the U.K., has a video blog (vlog) and is shooting video in, at and around the BMC for broadcast. 00:44:00 - Empressario and big event producer, Paul Stone, is from Liverpool and talks a bit about his “Beatles Tour” around town that he privately gave to Mac King, Mike Caveney, Tina Lennart, and a few others before the BMC began. 00:49:17 - Tracy Bradshaw, a worker at the BMC registration booth, tells us what the VIP registrants get that is different from regular registrations. 00:53:15 - David Plant is a member of the Blackpool Magic Club who sponsors BMC. He gives us a “convention by the numbers” and a quick overview/history of BMC. 01:00:33 - Anders Boulanger, from Winnipeg, Canada, is taking a quick break between working trade shows to come here for his first BMC and tells us how overwhelming it is. 01:06:41 - Keith McCabe, from Ireland, has been coming to the BMC for over 20 years and talks about some of the few magic clubs and magicians and types...

Duration:01:23:08

816: Protecting Secrets with David Sandy, Bill Smith and Mark Holstein

2/15/2024
Over the last two weeks, we have presented two individuals who support and encourage magic exposure. This episode features three magicians who have vested interests in keeping magic secrets secret. David Sandy is a performer, producer and collector. Bill Smith is a builder, performer and collector. Mark Holstein is an attorney, performer and collector. What they all have in common is their passion for the keeping magic secrets from the prying public in order to keep our audiences amazed and mystified. Each of our guests this week has a little different perspective on why we should protect the secrets of our craft. While agreeing that anything can be found online in an instant, it still takes time for someone to go to the effort of looking it up. They believe that magic secrets shouldn’t come across social feeds indiscriminately without the viewer requesting it. They believe that secrets are being shared with some people who would rather not know. The adage, “it’s fun to be fooled, but more fun to know,” is not what they believe. This week, they tell us why. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here

Duration:01:10:26

815: Justin Flom - Justified?

2/8/2024
Forbes magazine proclaimed Justin Flom as the “most viewed magician on the planet.” He has racked up 20 billion views since the pandemic started and was named the “No. 1 influencer” across all social platforms for Jan. 2022 according to Tubular Leaderboard, which tracks views and interactions. He launched his viral visibility with the exposure of the “deceptive base” used (mainly) by illusionists. He went on to expose more and more methods and tricks in magic before moving into other areas to increase and broaden his market and assure longer “watch time” for his videos that ultimately turn into big profits. He hasn’t performed magic professionally for the last four years and today known more as a spray paint artist. This week Justin “preaches his gospel” of why magic exposure is good for our art. “I love magic exposure. I think it’s good, right, moral and the future of magic.” - Justin Flom This quote is the essence of this week’s episode as Justin Flom justifies his actions and has no moral nor ethical compunction about his actions. Moreover, he encourages others to do the same. You may leave your thoughts on this whether you agree or disagree in the comment section below this blog. Please be civil and devoid of vitriol on either side of this issue or your comment will be deleted. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here

Duration:01:11:27

814: Murray Sawchuck - Magic Exposure

2/1/2024
The goals and objectives of The Magic Word Podcast is not to chase current news nor necessarily get involved in controversy. That being said, magic exposure is something that’s been going on since the inception of our craft as a performing art. Attention on “how we do it” rises and fades from time to time and several times within one generation. Magic exposure is a relevant topic of conversation and one that is often publicly discussed in committee meetings of international magic organizations and local clubs just as it is privately talked about among and between magicians. Murray Sawchuck recently made a “splash” in the magic community with his exposure of a couple tricks that has some magicians buzzing. This week, Murray defends his position and talks about what he has done and why he did (does) it. You decide if you want to watch this video, see magic exposed, and contribute to the number of views. Murray is unapologetic in his “exposure” of magic and has reasons why what he does is not exposure, according to his definition. He has revealed “how tricks are done” on his social media and in his shows for many years. But now that he is an “influencer” and reached a level of success and notoriety in the magic community, what he does is seen by more people. View fullsize View fullsize Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here

Duration:01:09:51

813: Magifest 2024 - Day Three Report

1/27/2024
Saturday 27th January 2024 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Dealer’s Room Open 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. John Guastaferro's One Degree: An Afternoon of Music, Magic, and Motivation John G combines his love for music (classical guitar), motivational speaking (he runs a non-profit for a major corporation) and magic (he has developed some truly world-class card magic) in this one-of-a-kind event. You will leave feeling inspired and with an array of new card moves and tricks. 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Youth Event Final call for young magicians. Surprises await, just for our young attendees. 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Asi Wind and John Graham: Magic Between Friends Two fan favorites join forces to present a lecture and talk on how collaboration will improve our magic. 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Jay Sankey Lecture Join Jay Sankey to celebrate the relaunch of his Definitive Sankey books and learn his latest magic! 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Gala Show Featuring Juliana Chen, Trigg Watson, Alexander Koblikov, Montreal Trio, Art Benjamin. Hosted by Andi Gladwin. 10:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. Bar Magic (Blaise Serra) View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Time stamps for this episode: (to be filled in after I’ve had some sleep) 00:00:18 - Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Stitcher by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here..If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here

Duration:01:03:16

812: Magifest 2024 - Day Two Report

1/26/2024
Friday 26th January 2024 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Dealer’s Room Open 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Arthur Benjamin Lecture Dr. Benjamin combines his love of magic and mathematics in a way you've never seen before. He is astoundingly good. Whether or not you're mathematically inclined, this will be a fascinating foray into the intersection of magic and math. 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Blaise Serra Lecture You may not have heard of Blaise Serra, but you won't forget his prodigious sleight-of-hand skills and innovative techniques. 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Magifest Live Hosted by Randy Shine This our most popular programming event. Watch Jason Suran, Lance Rich, and Richard Hatch give short talks on a range of topics. 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Youth Event Young magicians, check back in with new friends for surprises, games, and more. 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Juliana Chen Lecture A master of stagecraft and a FISM winner, Juliana will share her experience and work that she has taken all over the world. 5:30 p/m/ - 6:30 p.m. Allan Ackerman Lecture A legend in card magic, Allan Ackerman will be demonstrating new and unpublished material from his brand new hardbound collection. If you've never seen Allan work live, brace yourself for velvety-smooth presentations of diabolical card magic. 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Jason Suran Show One of New York's busiest mind-reading entertainers, Jason Suran's high energy performance is sure to be a convention hit. Think Woody Allen meets Derren Brown. 9:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Richard Turner: Dealt In the final-curtain performance of his acclaimed one-man show, the legendary Richard Turner will deliver his heartfelt, funny, and amazing show one last time, just for us. History in the making. 11:00 p.m. - 11:45 p.m. Richard Turner: Interview A chance to get to know a living legend. This is your time to spend time with this year's Guest of Honor. 10:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. Bar Magic (Blaise Serra) Don't miss this chance to see one of the world's finest exponents with a deck of cards, up close and personal. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Time stamps for this episode: (to be posted after I’ve gotten some sleep) 00:00:18 - Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Stitcher by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here..If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here

Duration:00:45:50

811: Magifest 2024 - Day One Report

1/26/2024
Thursday 25th January 2024 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Dealer’s Room Open 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Peter Samelson Lecture. Peter Samelson will offer a new lecture on both stage and close-up magic. An expert in both arenas, this lecture will span the course of his career, along with new material. 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Youth Program Welcome Event All young magicians are welcome, and so are parents! Meet and make new friends for your exciting weekend ahead! 7:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. NEW: Basecamp Welcome Meet and Greet 7:30pm - 8:30pm Michael Feldman Lecture To celebrate the release of his new book, "The Pages are Blank," Michael Feldman will perform and talk about his avant-garde card material. Watch out for his deck switch: it might just be the best one you've ever (not) seen. 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. David Kaplan Show Columbus's own David Kaplan returns to the Magifest stage, this time with his own show. A combination of magic, mime, and physical comedy, don't miss this. 10:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Dan Harlan Show and Lecture View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Time stamps for this episode: (to be uploaded after I’ve had some sleep) 00:00:18 - Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Stitcher by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here..If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here

Duration:00:42:16

810: Rolando Santos - Evoking Emotions

1/18/2024
Rolando Santos has said a lot over his long, professional career and he still has a lot to say to the world. He is a storyteller with his background in news reporting and with his magic, as well. Rolando is a Past International President of the I.B.M. and also a Retired CEO - CNN Chile and an Emmy Award Winning journalist. Rolando talks about the Seven Emotions and how we as magicians can employ them to make our act stronger. They are: Anger, Fear, Happiness, Sadness, Awe, Curiosity, and Hope. He also discusses points on how making connections by being observant and aware of our surroundings. These are strong emotions that are universal and allow us to make those evocative connections. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.

Duration:01:06:26

809: Tales From The Road

1/11/2024
At last year’s “Magic at the Beach” convention in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the organizer, Charles Bach, asked his friends and fellow performers to participate in a panel discussion where they would recount some of their “horror stories” from the road. All of us have had problems getting to or from our shows or even during our shows. For the most part, those are not pleasant memories to remember, much less than to retell to a large group of magicians. This week, John Shryock hosts a panel of magicians who “bare it all” by retelling some stories that were painful to remember and in some cases were just painful. Featured in this podcast are stories told by John Shryock, Eric Buss, Dan Harlan, Kerry Pollock, Charles Bach, and Greg Frewin. After the panel discussion, we hear from three more of the performers in an outside setting who recount their own “Tales From The Road”: Wacky Chad, Steve Beam and Amazing Adam View fullsize View fullsize Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here

Duration:01:02:21

808: Daniel Garcia - Ideas Unlimited

1/4/2024
Daniel Garcia is a highly respected magic creator and consultant. But he is an awesome performer in his own right, too! Daniel helps create magic for David Blaine, Dynamo, Cyril Takayama, and Dynamo, (just to name a few) for their performances on stage and screen and online, too. Daniel talks this week about some of the celebrated magicians with whom he has worked, as well as how he comes up with his creative ideas. He has a system for developing these ideas that he shares in this episode. He also surrounds himself with other creative types like Blake Vogt, Alex Rangel, Brent Braun, and others who are titans of trickery in their own right. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Aha!: 10 Ways to Free Your Creative Spirit and Find Your Great Ideas By Ayan, Jordan Buy on Amazon How to Fly a Horse: The Secret History of Creation, Invention, and Discovery By Ashton, Kevin Buy on Amazon Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear By Gilbert, Elizabeth Buy on Amazon The Creative Act: A Way of Being By Rubin, Rick Buy on Amazon Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here Hail and Farewell to those in our Magic Community who left us this past year. In 2023 we suffered the loss of many friends who have passed away, but whom are not forgotten. Perhaps as we grow older, we are more aware of those who pass. But this last year saw the passing of almost twice as many as were listed in the magic obituaries of 2022. Although the list below is not exhaustive, it does reflect the names of many well-known (and some lesser known) magicians, spouses, assistants and magic aficionados who passed on in 2023. Some may not be as well-known to you, but they were my personal friends (hey, it is my blog!). If you are unfamiliar with any of these names, then it would behoove you to do a little online search of what these people have contributed to our craft. If you have someone you think was overlooked, then please post the name in the comments below on this blog. Those whose names are highlighted with a “hot link” were featured or interviewed here on The Magic Word Podcast. It was not my original intent when I began this journey to chronicle the voices before they left us, but I am so thankful that I did sit down with many of these friends for lively, and sometimes intimate, conversations. You can click on their name to revisit and listen to their voices again. Joe Stevens Scott Alexander Bob King George Kimery Karl Fulves Véronique Ross Greg Koren Maria Ibanez Thom Peterson Gloria Metzner aka Gloria Dea Harry Lorayne Dr. Edwin “Eddie” Dawes George Silverman Dan Witkowski Milton “Milt” Page Larsen Ricky D. Boone Dan Garrett Larry Becker Darwin Ortiz Dirk Arthur Dick Gustafson Leo Behnke Graham Putnam Jeff Lanes David Berglas Jack Delvin Tom Craven Micky Hades Bill Goldman Tommy Smothers

Duration:01:01:56

807: Kerry Pollock - Wireless Wizard

12/28/2023
Kerry Pollock came into magic and comedy in a very interesting way. With a background in engineering, he developed a professional act as he created so many products that are now used by top professionals. He is the “go to guy” when magicians need something different and all original. He is also the creator of the game show “Bonk.” Kerry now owns and manages his own comedy club called “Comedy Magic Cabaret” in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Wow, is this week’s episode full! Kerry tells stories from his years of working at Houston’s Magic Island in the 1980’s when he created “Kate & Edith” to creating magical effects for Warren & Annabelle’s in Lahaina, Hawaii, to other electronic creations made for private homes (like Giovanni Livera and Bruce Averbook as well as magic celebrities like Mac King) to what he’s doing in his comedy club in Hilton Head, South Carolina. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here

Duration:01:15:41

806: Charles Bach - A Classy and Classic Performer

12/21/2023
A direct descendant of the classic composer, Johann Sebastian Bach, Charles Bach is himself a creative musician, magician, dancer and choreographer. He danced in New York City then moved to Las Vegas where he performed at the former Caesars Magic Empire, then aboard cruise ships, before landing in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where he performs in his own theatre, the Charles Bach Wonders Theatre. Charles talks about his long and winding road that has led him to Myrtle Beach, SC, where he performs nightly in his own theater. He was also friends with the late Chappy Brazil, who was a well known and respected magician and master of the watch steal. Among many other things discussed in this episode, Charles recounts in some detail the night of Chappy’s untimely death. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here

Duration:00:57:49

805: Christopher Carter - Mind Over Alma Mater

12/14/2023
Christopher Carter has earned his place in the annals of collegiate entertainers having won numerous awards as a mentalist/mind reader at colleges and universities across the U.S. He has also starred in various one-man shows in and around Chicago, Illinois. Oh, and let’s not forget that he is in demand as a keynote speaker at corporate functions. In this week’s episode, Chris shares many stories from the road plus loads of tips, advice, and suggestions that apply not only to the college entertainer, but also to other variety artists. This particular episode is almost more like a lecture than a conversation; however, it is quite conversational with questions asked and answered with nothing held back. If you have not seen Christopher perform or lecture, you will definitely seek him out after hearing this week’s episode. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here

Duration:00:57:16

804: Murray Sawchuck - Our Annual "Murray Christmas" Episode

12/7/2023
It’s that time of year again when we visit with our Las Vegas correspondent, Murray Sawchuck. .Our chat with Murray has become a holiday tradition here on The Magic Word Podcast. It’s always good to catch up with Murray and see what he’s been up to in the ever-evolving land of wonder that is Las Vegas. Shows, people and buildings come and go like flickering lightning bugs. Murray also keeps a full calendar of dates not only in Vegas with his daily show at the Tropicana’s “Laugh Factory,” but also across the U.S. as he travels from coast to coast performing in comedy clubs and for corporate dates. This year Murray recaps some of the happenings in Las Vegas during this past year, plus gives us some tips on what to see and do when visiting “Sin City.” He also talks about his second television comedy special and what social media he has been using, what’s current ,and problems with “shadow banning.” View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here..If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize LEE ALEX PRESENTS... "CHRISTMAS BANDANA 2023" - NEW DESIGN FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON! It even SMELLS like Christmas! The Christmas Bandana 2023 measures approximately 20 x 20 inches (50cm x 50cm) and features TWO 'NO SNAG' POCKETS making switches and transformations easier than ever. The secret pockets in the Christmas Bandana 2023 allow you to exchange items at ease. Display the bandana empty on both sides and fold it into a bag. One item placed within the folds of the bag can easily transform to another item previously hidden in the SECOND pocket. After the transformation the bandana can once again be shown to contain nothing! It’s not too late in the holiday season to order one for yourself. It is a trick that can be handled and easily learned by beginners, but seasoned pros love it, too. For more information or to order yours direct from Penguin, please visit: https://www.penguinmagic.com/p/S36489 Order the Christmas Bandana from your favorite magic dealer or direct from Penguin Magic at: https://www.penguinmagic.com/p/S36489

Duration:01:05:29

803: John McLaughlin -The Intersection Between Spy Craft and the Craft of Magic

11/30/2023
It was a hot and muggy night in Warsaw, unusual for this time of the year. Sitting at the bar was a man nursing a beer. No one noticed his unkempt appearance or the bulge in his jacket pocket. As the bartender rang up another transaction, a young man wearing a ball cap swung open the door. A quick sideways glance was given to the stranger who strode over to take a seat at the bar. The young man ordered a beer then turned and quietly said, “Erdnase.” After a few uneasy moments that seemed like an eternity, the man reached into his pocket. He pulled out a deck of cards and suddenly…it was magic time. That could have gone in a completely different direction and oftentimes it does in the world of spy craft. This week we chat with the former Acting Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (C.I.A.), John McLaughlin. There is an overlap and kinship in the keeping of secrets both as spies and as magicians, though one doesn’t control the balance of life and death in their hands. John is an American Intelligence Officer who served as Deputy Director of the C.I.A. under President Bill Clinton and then briefly as the Acting Director of the C.I.A. under President G.W. Bush then retired in 2004. McLaughlin currently serves as a Senior Fellow and Distinguished Practitioner-in-Residence at the Philip Merrill Center for Strategic Studies at the Johns Hopkins University Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington, D.C View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize While attending the 2023 S.A.M. convention in New Orleans, John and I had a chance to have a long conversation about some of the declassified operations in the C.I.A., “Project Mincemeat”, the “War Magician” (Jasper Maskelyne), the similarities between spies and magicians, and the local magic scene in Washington, D.C. Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Stitcher by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here..If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here Click on this link to see information and prices for other ways of reading/hearing "The War Magician", i.e. digital, audible, paperback and hardback.

Duration:01:04:30