The Setup: discussions in magic & comedy

We talk the nominees and John's picks for the winners, and also his exciting week filling in at the Peller with Robert Ramirez AND Taylor Hughes!

We talk for the last time before John leaves for Edinburgh! See you soon from the land of haggis!

We launch the show! Even without knowing that it's called "The Setup". John and Chris talk about their backgrounds in magic and comedy, and their thoughts about exposure, jokes, Magic Castle auditions, and goals for 2019.

We discuss the Rose Table, being great from the wrists down, and of course, random movies.

And it's someone you've heard of! Let's start drumming up a huge controversy here. Just kidding. It's about how "The Karate Kid" actually presents a valid, if Asian, pedagogical approach to learning.

We talk about Puddles Pity Party, John's Fringe show, and the connection (or not) between honesty and pessimism.

Chris discusses getting debunked on TikTok, John makes Chris do "Improv the Bellhop", and then a lengthy discussion of Juan Tamariz' new book "The Magic Rainbow".

Note: we recorded this episode in advance, before the legend Johnny Thompson passed away. Our condolences to his family and friends. We discuss whether Chris should get Tarbell, who should be grateful for performing and watching, Chris's relief on magicians not judging him in public, magicians and comedians calling each other out, magic libraries, and what makes a good cookbook. Recommended: "Miracles for Mortals" by Geoff Williams!

John discusses a theory and commentary from Tommy Wonder, and Chris discusses public versus private. ALSO CONTENT WARNING: Chris pitches a truly heinous sketch idea on this podcast. We know it's horrific, so be prepared.

We discuss Helder Guimarães' show "The Present" from the Geffen Playhouse!

We're a week into Scotland and we give you this update.

John & Chris discuss preparations for Fringe, whether or not you need a moment of obscurity for a transformation, the common thread between all of the most popular magicians, and how everyone should watch "I Think You Should Leave".

We talk about expectations, reactions, Magic Bar LA, simultaneous tricks, and ruining the Anniversary Waltz (but not really).

We talk about rental cars, never finishing stories, ACAAN, red buttons, and Red Buttons!

Skip this one if you don't care about the Avengers!

What more do we have to say? The brilliant Harrison Greenbaum is on the show today. We talk about stand-up comedy, magic, and everything in between. He's amazing and has tons of insights into both worlds, and why we are all terrible. Enjoy!

John and Chris create our fantasy lineups for magic shows in close-up, parlor, and stage. Who will make the cut? Who will they completely forget about and then feel bad that they forgot about? Who's on your list? Email us at thesetuppod@gmail.com!

We talk about the tiers of magicians, and why comedy magic never makes it to the top, and much much more. Check out Simons' work at thingsbysimon.com and his new project, Magic Puzzle Company at magicpuzzlecompany.com!

We talk about Chris's upcoming audition, John's Fringe show, and more... for so long that we had to split this one up into two parts.