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The Magic Word Podcast

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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
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882: Fifth Dimension - Safety First and Always

2/6/2025
Jeff Burns and Ivor Smith together are known as the Fifth Dimension who specialize in giving “magically enhanced presentations” to corporations around the world. In particular, they use magic for safety training sessions. There are many people who are in the business of motivational speaking and training, but few who focus on one area of training by using magic to help employees to remember key safety precepts. They travel the world to train employees with their unique style and method, always networking and making new contacts for the next opportunity. If you are more of a visual person, then you might enjoy watching our conversation that was recorded over Zoom. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize In this episode, Jeff and Ivor don’t hold back on giving the secrets of their success with tips on how others can replicate their business model. There is enough business in the world to go around to the magic community. They suggest that you don’t have to focus on safety, but there are training seminars that every large corporation puts on for their employees that needs facilitators. So why not use a magician to make those sessions both educational and fun while being memorable, too! One of the takeaways in this podcast is the quote from Jeff who reminds us that when companies cut back on their entertainment budgets, they don’t cut their training budgets. So, there are always opportunities for magicians to get “a piece of the corporate pie” by using magic to train their employees. 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:01:12:14

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881: John Graham - Magician of First Resorts

1/30/2025
Winner of the Most Valuable Performer at the 2023 TRICS convention, John Graham is more than just a triple threat. He is a creator, author, performer, and lecturer who has worked with Asi Wind on their book “Between Friends” which was a sellout at the 2023 Magifest. John is also the author of the best selling magic book, “Stage by Stage” that is heralded by many professional like Mac King, David Blaine, Jim Steinmeyer, and others. John is a frequent performer at high end resorts and has tapped into a market where many magicians have yet to tread. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize In this episode, John gives us some advice on how to go about finding and working in fashionable resorts. There is also an interesting perspective on moving from close-up to parlor/stage. He also gives us some great tips gleaned from his lecture that will definitely help your marketing efforts. John is a creative magician who is unafraid of sharing his “pet effects.” So many great and practical ideas are shared in his book, “Stage by Stage” that it is no wonder that Vanishing, Inc. can’t keep them in stock. 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:01:05:52

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880: Mortenn Christiansen - A Great Dane

1/23/2025
For such a limited number of years (he’s only 27 years old), Mortenn Christiansen has accomplished what some take a lifetime to achieve. For as long as he can remember, he has worked in a magic shop in Denmark. He has “cut his teeth” on stage at comedy clubs as he refined a unique style in his country. In 2022 he won the coveted Comedy Award at FISM in Quebec, Canada. Since then, he has been “hot as a skyrocket” having performed on Penn & Teller Fool Us, and he has lectured and performed at the 2023 Magicfest and later that year at MAGIC Live! If you are more of a visual person, then you might enjoy watching a video of this week’s episode on YouTube. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize One of the things that Mortenn talks about in his lecture is his stage fright. In this week’s episode, he goes into much detail about that issue and how he deals with it by incorporating it into his act. He also gives us some “behind the scenes” looks at what it was like to come to Las Vegas and appear on Penn & Teller Fool Us. 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:01:06:22

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879: Mark Pocan - "Pocan" the Political Bear

1/16/2025
Mark Pocan represents the second congressional district in Wisconsin, near Madison. He is also a long-time magician, but had a passion since his youth for both magic and politics. He is now serving his seventh term in office and for a few years was offering a YouTube channel filled with explanations of how politics works using magic in what he called “Magic Mondays.” Although he ceased production of those videos a few years ago, he plans to get them up and running again in 2025. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Mark came from a family of politicians and, as he says, began door-to-door campaigning for his father at the tender age of six. He pursued politics through college while using magic to defray some of his costs of schooling. He still performs magic at fund raising functions and other charitable events. He is often seen attending magic conventions and has twice attended Vanishing Inc.’s magic retreats including one in Washington, D.C. where he was able to use his influence to allow attendees access to some backstage places in Congress. 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:01:11:04

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878: Ed Ellis - Magician/Musician

1/9/2025
Ed Ellis is not a name that is on the tip of the tongues of most magicians. I wouldn’t call him an “underground” magician because I think of “those guys” as being the ones who magicians go to when they want to learn some secret move. But Ed has quietly been making a living for many decades having worked at many prestigious resorts and country clubs and of late, has been returning to the magic convention scene. So, if you have not seen him or are not familiar with his work, you can watch his video lecture on Penguin or catch him at one of many convention appearances he plans to make this year. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Ed talks about his journey through life as he maneuvered jobs on film, nightclubs, and resorts. He gives some valuable advice on calling on past customers and maintaining personal friendships to ensure future opportunities. 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:00:59:27

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877: Leah Orleans -Legacy Mystifyer

1/2/2025
Leah Orleans is the progeny of Jan Rose and Danny Orleans, Chicago based magicians. It only seemed natural that her path would be in the entertainment arts, but instead of traditional magic, Leah pursued the circus arts. She is a contortionist, fire eater, juggler, and even bends over backwards to shoot an arrow from a bow held by her feet! Her profession takes her around the world to Renaissance Festivals, cruise ship destinations, and more. If you are more of a visual person, then you might like to watch our Zoom video chat on YouTube. 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 This week, Leah talks about growing up in a magical household with both parents working in the magic business. She also discusses how she went into the circus arts and the classes she took and the places it has taken her. Leah also talks about Mystify Magic Festival and what will make this convention stand out from all the others. She has some great words of advice to convention organizers in general, too. 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 2024 we suffered the loss of many friends who have passed away, but whom are not forgotten. 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 2024. This year’s list is much less than the number reported last year (17 this year, 29 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. Dick Blowers David Oliver William “Bill” Rauscher Chuck Golla Ed Hurtubis Daniel Sclare Ron Jernigan Doc Sheils Glen Ghirardi, Sr. John Apperson Andrew Galloway Bob Sanders Emory Williams Harriet Jacobson Jon Racherbaumer George Joseph “The Amazing Kreskin” Kresge, Jr. Leonardo Trébole

Duration:01:05:47

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876: Chris Blackmore - Looking Back at Lahaina

12/26/2024
Chris Blackmore was a regular performer in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, at Warren & Annabelle’s. That is, up until the devastating fire in August 2023. The fire destroyed homes and businesses and was responsible for the deaths of over 100 people. Lives were forever changed in an instant. Warren & Annabelle’s was a premier destination dinner theater that featured magic and was one of the highest rated, most visited sites in Hawaii 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 This week, Chris talk about his experience in Lahaina as the fires started, grew, and eventually overtook the city. His perspective as “boots on the ground” are chilling yet insightful. His recollections of the halcyon day of Warren & Annabelle’s are recounted here, too. 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:00:56:20

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875: Charles Peachock - Throwing Up For A Living

12/19/2024
Charles Peachock is a polymath. I have spoken with several over the years and always enjoy and learn from them. Charles is an entertainer, entrepreneur, marketer, creator, health nut, and more. He was on America’s Got Talent (sic) (AGT) in the early days and advanced further than any of the previous jugglers as he went to the finals. More than just juggling, he was the one who pioneered the lighted costume on AGT, too. He is in great demand by the Disney Cruise lines who keep him quite busy. But he also created, markets, and uses Audio Ape which is method for controlling your music and lighting for your show. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize This week, Charles talks about his experience of performing/competing on AGT. He also chats about his background of why he moved from magic to juggling. As the creator of Audio Ape, he discusses why magicians need a show remote and the importance of having music to make your show better. It is rare when we get to chat with a unique talent so I know you will enjoy this episode. 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:01:00:19

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874: James Harrington - Half a Mind

12/12/2024
James Harrington and his wife, Marina, have one of the most incredible two-person mind reading acts I have seen. I experienced their show recently at MAGIC Texas in Dallas where they gave multiple shows for intimate groups of 30 people. The speed at which they move and the information shared as they both talked with each other and the audience was something that rivaled or eclipsed most other similar acts I have seen. This was their first ever magic convention performance and I feel lucky to have witnessed that because they normally only perform in their home region of Dubai. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize This week we chat with James Harrington, one half of Mind2Mind, because regrettably, his wife Marina was ironically suffering with a migraine headache. In this episode James tells us about how he traveled from his home in England and where and how he met and married Marina then developed their incredible act. We do talk about other acts, but each has its own personalities and agendas and methods. 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:01:02:36

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873: Tales From The Road 2

12/5/2024
During the Magic At The Beach 2024 convention, one of the sessions was “Tales From The Road” which was reprised from last year, since it was such a success then. Organizer, Charles Bach, gave permission to record and broadcast this session again this year that contains some great “road warrior” stories by some of the top working professionals. It is a good cross section of magicians with varied backgrounds and experiences which I know you will enjoy.. 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: 00:09:04 - Jafo talks about his experience on Penn & Teller Fool Us 00:11:43 - Karl Hein talks about an embarrassing situation with a child on stage who peed his pants 00:16:20- James Brandon tells us a harrowing story about a fiery situation that happened on a Parisian stage 00:23:06 - Charles Peachock tells us a harrowing story about being stranded in the Yukon and trying to catch a cruise ship 00:25:55 - Chris Blackmore had a bad show in his early years that he turned into gold 00:30:34 - Paul Stone put John Calvert on the London Palladium Stage, but there were some problems 00:38:02 - Dan Sperry had a children’s birthday party experience with a child in a wheelchair 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:01:05:16

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872: Scott Wells - It's All About AI Generation

11/28/2024
Wow! That’s about all I can say. Wow! It is amazing what Artificial Intelligence (AI) can do. In this week’s episode we touch on AI and have a few things generated for us. First of all, we get a photo retouch in the photos below. Next we get a little new music generated for this podcast. And finally, we actually have a podcast episode generated by AI. Wow! 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 View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize The AI generated podcast was based on the November 2021 M.U.M. cover article that was written by Tom Vorjohan. The website that generated it was https://notebooklm.google/ My friend, John Gaspard, linked it in his “Behind the Page” podcast (about the Eli Marks book series) and it piqued my interest. The music was generated by AI using https://suno.com/ and the photos by https://www.photoleapapp.com/ and https://newprofilepic.com/ 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:00:19:37

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869: TRICS 2024 - Day Three

11/9/2024
Saturday November 9, 2024 Event Time John Graham 11:00 – 12: 00 Rocco 12:30 – 1:30 Lunch 1:30 – 3:00 Rubi 3:00 – 4:00 Shoot 5:00 – 6:00 Dinner 6:00 – 8:15 Saturday Show 8:15 – 10:15 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: 00:00:17 – Day Three kicks off with Mark Pocan who talks about this being his first TRICS convention and was inspired to come when he learned the Bernardo Sedlacek and Rubi were going to be here. 00:09:36 – Rhett Bryson, theater teacher for Farnum University, talks about his collection of automata and he also hosts the Whispering Imps website. 00:14:52 – Jeff Lefton is at this convention after being inspired by last year’s TRICS convention report and came to see John Graham after having read his book, “Stage by Stage.” But he arrived early to see Kerry Pollock at his club in Hilton Head. He also talked about setting up an activity venue for children to come and have their birthday parties. 00:21:02 – Terry Ward, from Orlando, was one of the lectures/performers from a previous year.and tells us which acts he has enjoyed at this convention. 00:26:57 = Bernardo Sedlacek is one of this year’s lecturers/performers who also offered a workshop to registrants. He talks about working shows in Spain, even though he is from Brazil. 00:32:45 – Boris Wild is another registrant who was also a lecturer/performer but is now just enjoying this event as a registrant and not having todo anything. 00:43:00 – David Parr and Tery Tyson were presenters at the “Insights” session yesterday. In this quick chat, they provide a summary of their talks. Bernardo Sedlack chimes in towards the end, too. 00:51:28 – Tiffany Allen is married to Boris Wild and now travels back and forth between the U.S. and France. She is the only female member of the Sleight Club, which is the group who is sponsoring this event. 01:03:57 – Organizer Scott Robinson provides a little “post mortem” on the convention as we talk about all the things that went on in 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 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:01:12:36

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868: TRICS 2024 - Days One and Two

11/8/2024
Thursday November 7, 2024 Event Time Ed Ellis 6:00 pm – 7:00pm Newcomer 8:00pm – 8:45pm David Parr 9:30pm – 10:00pm Friday November 8, 2024 Event Time Paul Gertner 11:00 – 12:00 Bernardo 1:00 – 2;00 Lunch 2:00 – 3:30 Pipo 3:30 – 4:30 Insights 5:00 – 6:30 Dinner 6:30 – 8:00 Friday Night Show 8:00 – 9:30 Pizza Party 10:00 Until 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: 00:00:17 – Join Scott Wells at Starbucks in the Austin, Texas, airport as we prepare to jump on our “magic carpet” to Charlotte, North Carolina, for TRICS Convention. 00;04:57 – Before the first event (Ed Ellis lecture) we visit the dealers’ room where we chat with Roy Kueppers who is showing his wares for the first time. Roy also talks about his brand being stolen and the importance of owning a trademark for your name and why you should consider doing it if you want to own your own brand. 00:11:30 – Rocco talks about joining Franz Harary with his new show in Hong Kong that will be similar to his show in Macau. 00:15:53 – Organizer, Scott Robinso, tells us what to expect this weekend and how it differs from previous years. This year he went international and contest winners (i.e. FISM, IBM, SAM winners, Penn & Teller Foolers, etc.) He tells us there are 160 registrants plus performers here this year. 00:23:06 – a word from our sponsor, the New York Magic Conference, coming up on Saturday November 16th in Douglaston, NY. 00:26:40 – Mike Dunagan, International President of the I.B.M., talks about the conventions he’s attended as president. He talks about next year’s I.B.M. convention being in Houston, Texas, featuring Randy and Kristy Pitchford as the Guests of Honor. 00:35:21 – Following Paull Gertner’s lecture, we chat with Michael Bloemeke who just qualified at MAGIC Texas to compete in FISM Italy in 2025. 00:44:18 – Geoff Williams was another lecturer/performer from a previous year. We do a quick overview recapping what went on today. 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. This week’s episode is sponsored by the New York Magic Conference. Please click on the graphic above or visit https://newyorkmagicconference.com/ for more information.

Duration:00:54:03

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867: John Cox - What's New With Houdini?

10/31/2024
As we end our “Month of Boo'“ on The Magic Word Podcast, we close it out on the 98th anniversary of the death of Harry Houdini who passed on Halloween (October 31st), 1926. It is fitting that we have a chat with the internationally noted expert on “all things Houdini,” John Cox. John is the blogger of “Wild About Houdini” which is a daily blog about the master of escapes. He always seems to find some interesting nugget about Houdini’s life that has been long overlooked or “escaped” his attention. If you are more of a visual person, then you might enjoy watching our conversation that was recorded over Zoom. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize This week, John Cox talks about the many variations of the “Houdini Seance” since the first one by Bess Houdini first held on the year following Harry’s death. These modern day seances includes the current “Official” one hosted by Dorothy Dietrich and Dick Brookz and the “Original” one hosted by Tom Boldt and Bill Radner. John also tells us some details about Houdini’s trial in Germany, plus he updates us on the books he is writing including the elucidation on Houdini’s diary from his early years before he rose to his legendary status. 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:01:04:20

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866: Albert Lucio - Do The Spirits Return?

10/24/2024
Keep Austin Weird. That is the city’s slogan, and there is much that proves they are indeed, keeping it weird. One such business entity that does just that is “The Austin Seance” run by Albert Lucio and Jake Cordero. They conduct these seances throughout the year in and around the Austin area, but they are kept particularly busy, as you would imagine, during the “Month of Boo,” October. This week we chat with Albert about not only the seances, but also he provides us with a scholarly look at the rise of Spiritualism and more than just a brief history of this religion. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize This week, Albert talks about Spiritualism in America, how it traveled abroad and why it captured the hearts and minds of the public. He also talks about The Austin Seance that is different from most seances you might attend. He tries to “keep it real” and not use any trickery or magic props or electronics. It is an “organic” seance that creates a new experience for guests each time they visit. One never knows what they will see, hear, or feel from one seance to the next. 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:01:00:01

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865: Michael Rangel - Queen Mary Medium at Large...Ship

10/17/2024
In the middle of this “Month of Boo,” we are getting much more serious about “things that go bump in the night” as we feature a Magic Castle member who regularly performs seances aboard the Queen Mary. This grand old ship sailed for 31 years before being permanently docked in Long Beach, California, operating as a passenger liner from 1936 to 1967. Michael’s seance is called “57 Ghosts” which runs sporadically throughout the year, but five nights a week now through November 3, 2024. For more information, Click Here. 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 We begin our chat discussing the loss of a mutual friend, Greg Arce, then go on to talk about other seance venues and how Michael got involved with and focusing on the Queen Mary. He shares several stories from the Queen that are, no doubt, also told with much more detail during the seance. 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:01:12:38

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864: Michael Campion - Coming Into His Own

10/10/2024
In our second installment in this “Month of Boo'“ on The Magic Word Podcast, we feature a “family friendly” entertainer, Michael Campion. He is a young “heart throb” for adolescents who watched the five year series “Fuller House” online where he starred as the character, Jackson. It has been six years since we last visited with Michael when he was then just 16. Today his interest in magic has come to the forefront and he is currently performing on weekends in a one-man show at Beetle House in Los Angeles called, “Haunted Mystery Show of Magic.” Tickets are available by Clicking Here. The reason we revisited with this young man is to discover his journey from a family entertainer to a magician who is now featuring a seance as part of his show. Michael is not the first actor in Hollywood to have a love of magic and performing and balance it with his acting career. Another one who comes to mind is Steve Valentine. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Many who listen to this episode are much older than our guest this week. But there is a lot to learn from as Michael Campion shares his insights and journey to write, develop, find a venue, and market his one-man show. It shows his determination and will hopefully inspire other listeners to follow their dreams to produce their own shows. 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:00:58:13

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863: Eric Dittelman - "L" Before "E" Except in...

10/3/2024
As we begin on “Month of Boo'“ on The Magic Word Podcast, we gently slide into it this week featuring a mind reader, Eric Dittelman. He was the first mentalist to be a finalist on America’s Got Talent (sic) where he broke new ground. He has also appeared on Penn & Teller Fool Us (video below). Since then he has kept busy and in demand on the college circuit and as a corporate performer. Just like last week’s guest, Alex Boyce, Eric also is a regular performer at SpeakEasy Magick in New York City. Eric doesn’t regularly perform nor lecture at magic conventions, so this week’s episode is a real masterclass and maybe the closest thing you’ll hear as a lecture from him. During COVID, he and Mat Franco co-hosted a podcast called Mind Over Magic, which ran for over 100 episodes. It was one of my regular podcasts that I never missed. I think you might enjoy hearing it, too. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize This week, Eric talks about his rise to become a finalist on AGT, performing on the college circuit, developing the podcast with Mat Franco, identifying his “powers” as a mentalist, and more! He reveals lost of ideas and tips for working professional and those who want to find success as a mentalist. . 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. This was the book that Eric Dittelman briefly talked about in this week's podcast. Please click on the graphic above to visit your Amazon account. And remember, when you do, you are helping The Magic Word Podcast through the Amazon Affiliate program when you buy this or any other product through Amazon. Thank you for your support.

Duration:01:00:04

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862: Alex Boyce - Making it There in Old New York

9/26/2024
There are many rising, young stars in our magic community. Some are gifted close-up workers while others are confident stage performers, all with bright futures ahead of them. One such young performer (now 28 years old) who excels in both and whom I have kept my eye on is Alex Boyce. His life has been consumed with magic and was a student at Tannen’s Magic Camp. Since his graduation from the camp, he is now an instructor. He has competed in stage contests at magic conventions and worked his act in and around his home in New York including Scott’s Resort in the Catskills where they filmed “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” He now regularly performs at SpeakEasy Magick in New York City and is a client of Bill Herz, who represents many of the top names in magic today. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize This week, Alex talks about his early days of performing in the Catskills, entering magic competitions, learning and teaching at Tannen’s Magic Camp, performing for celebrities and corporate parties, and some of the friends he works with at SpeakEasy Magick in New York City. 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 graphic above to visit the website for more information.

Duration:01:06:37

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861: Up in Colon...Michigan, that is with Al the Only

9/19/2024
Al the Only loved performing as a “40 miler” around the Detroit, Michigan, area for many decades. He entertained regularly as a restaurant magician and also as a trade show “infotainer.” He excelled in performing for numerous corporate clients, but his “real home” is where his heart is…Colon, Michigan, the Magic Capitol of the World. Al has been traveling to Colon for decades where he regularly gives tours of the magicians’ graveyard, He has even written a book about it that is updated every so often as another couple dozen magicians are interred there. A few years ago he moved to Lahaina, Hawaii, and suffered a huge loss due to the fires that devastated the town in 2023. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize In this episode, Al the Only talks about performing magic in restaurants, working the trade showroom floors, entertaining corporate clients, authoring the book “The Magic Graveyard” and giving tours of the graveyard for over 40 years. He also discusses his move to Hawaii and how his home was destroyed in the 2023 fire that devastated Lahaina. 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:01:04:22