The Magic Detective Podcast

This episode explores the early days of Joseph Dunninger. These are his magic days, prior to him becoming the mentalist of renown. This episode is dedicated to Maxine Dunninger Hohneker.

This episode is on the life of Frank Ducrot, the man who arguably owned more magic shops than anyone in history! Well it was one shop, but he consolidated 38 others. Listen and learn more about this amazing man. https://www.themagicdetective.com/2023/12/magicians-we-lost-in-2023.html

Here we have something special once again. The episode today comes from a manuscript published by Micky Hades of Canada. I took the manuscript and turned it into an old style Radio Broadcast of sorts. Listen to the podcast to learn more about it! The recording takes place Nov 1st, 1926. Enjoy!!!

This is about the very first Houdini Seance that took place at Bess Houdini's home. Arthur Ford was the medium. Did Bess received the real message? Did Arthur Ford cheat or was it legit? Welcome to Season 6 of The Magic Detective Podcast! Remember to visit MagicHistorian.com to get your official Magic Detective T-shirt!

Today, I offer a hidden gem. A fantastic artist who I knew nothing about, but turns out to be an amazing magician, writer, and creator. He invented effects that are still done today, he wrote countless columns in magazines, and had 70+ of his own publications. He did card magic, coin magic, mentalism, escapes, pick pocketing, and even magic over the radio! In fact, I finish the podcast today with one of his effects, so for the first time on this podcast, I'll be presenting 'Podcast Magic!'. In addition, because it's magic month, I'm putting my Magic Detective t-shirt on sale. Just go to MagicHistorian.com to get your t-shirt, and help support and promote the podcast!

This episode deals with the life and exploits of Maurice Fogel, the first man to do a solo mentalism show in Great Britain. He became hugely popular in his day and devised a number of diabolical publicity stunts! check out his Russian Roulette Routine https://www.themagicdetective.com/2023/09/the-amazing-fogel-worlds-greatest.html

William Marion Fay was a partner in the famous Davenport Brothers act. He traveled with them overseas, performed in their show, and had many adventures along the way. Some even say he is up to his old tricks today, listen to find out.

Did you know Tony Curtis had another life as a magician? I didn't either, but if you judge him by his talk show appearances, it sure looks that way! See what playing HOUDINI in a movie can do to a person!

The great Jos Bema, aka Tommy Wonder is profiled on this episode of the podcast. The transcript for this episode is available on my blog, along with videos for each of the tricks mentioned in this podcast. https://www.themagicdetective.com/2023/05/the-wonderful-life-of-tommy-wonder.html

This episode is on the life of Henry 'Hen' Fetsch, author of The Milk Pitcher Book, creator of Mental Epic and many other mysteries. Listen to his fascinating story and if your new to Hen, you'll discover a resource for some incredible magic!

The Magic Detective is back...well, sorta. Coming back shortly. This is just a quick heads up to let you know what's been going on and to announce a new contest with new prize! In addition, check out my magic history items for sale on ebay https://www.ebay.com/usr/carnegiemagic Send contest entry to : mailto:info@carnegiemagic.com

This one features Ralph Emerson Powell, an unusual character from the 1930s. Popular in the Cleveland area but with a questionable background....and he was tied to a frightening event in history. Magic History Items on Ebay https://www.ebay.com/usr/carnegiemagic

It's the final show of 2022. This time I did a quick review of the previous Season, and then I share with you a NEW Radio interview I did a short time ago. I will be doing a lot more radio and tv in the coming year 2023, and I will do my best to share that content with YOU! Also, don't forget the CONTEST from Ep 86. Go back and listen to the question if you need to. I'll be picking a winner sometime before the next podcast mid January. So you have time!!!!

Did you know Charles Dickens of The Christmas Carol fame, of Nickolas Nickelby, David Copperfield, A Tale of Two Cities, and many more stories, was also an amateur magician? Indeed he was. Now hear all about it! OH, and when you finish hearing about his exploits, stay around for a Christmas story written by HOUDINI, and narrated by Dean Carnegie. UPDATE: After the episode went up, I was contacted by Ian Keeble, who I refer to as an authority on Dickens. He mentioned some errors I made in the podcast, some of which have been made by others historians in the past. He showed me the corrections, and I have put them up on my blog for historical accuracy. https://www.themagicdetective.com/2022/12/charles-dickens-amateur-conjurer.html

The world of magic owes a lot to this man. He created the first TV specials devoted to magic. His efforts preserved on video some amazing acts. He was the first author to try and give an accurate accounting of Houdini's life. He...well, Milbourne Christopher was many things: magician, author, performer, producer, historian, investigator and much more. I think you're really going to enjoy learning about this remarkable man.

Well my Houdini week episodes took longer than expected, lol. This is the last of that bunch. On this episode I discuss a myth surrounding Houdini and also the medium Eva C., and more! Check it out!

Here are details on the friendship of Ira Davenport, half of the act who invented the Spirit Cabinet, and Harry Houdini the great escape artist. This is the transcript for this episode https://www.themagicdetective.com/2022/11/the-unusual-friendship-between-houdini.html

A look at one of the 'secrets' to Houdini's escapes and then one of his most famous challenges where he uses this device.

Here is the life story of Ching Ling Foo, the original Chinese magician who created a sensation at the turn of the century! It's an amazing story, filled with occasional tragedy. This is the last episode for Season 4. Season 5 will begin shortly. I mistakenly said it was the end of season 3 on the episode, lol.

This time, the Magic Detective gets interviewed! This appeared a couple years ago on WSMI-FM Radio in Mid Illinois. It was a fun interview that I had forgotten about. I just found the recording and thought you'd like to hear some stuff about Houdini, myself, and other historical figures. enjoy.