The Magic Word Podcast

While attending the recent Magistrorum Conference in Dallas, I was surprised to see and hear from a variety of entertainers I had never met, seen, nor (in most cases) even heard of before. It was refreshing to see such robust and exciting talent. One such person who made an impression on me was Susan Gerbic. A long time skeptic (and regular contributor to the Skeptical Inquirer), Susan has been dispelling myths about psychics, spiritualists, and others who “suck the life and money” out of unsuspecting “believers.” Her late partner, Mark Edwards coined the term “Grief Vampires” for those who prey on the grief of others and promise the hope of talking with their dead loved ones from beyond the grave…for the right price.Susan busts psychics much like Houdini did in his day which was part of his three pronged act in his later years: magic, escapes, and spiritualism exposes. She does it using today’s social media and speaker platforms across the country. Not only does she have a rich background in the skeptic community, she is also known for her contributions to Wikipedia. In 2010, Gerbic founded "Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia" (GSoW), a group of editors who create and edit Wikipedia articles that reflect scientific skepticism. Among her many awards, she has received the "James Randi Award for Skepticism in the Public Interest" at The Amaz!ng Meeting 2013. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Having never met nor knowing anything about Susan Gerbic before we sat down to chat, we talked first about our common interests and friends in the community, like Banachek and the Amazing Randi. We quickly connected then I turned on the microphones and the results are obvious in our warm conversation as I seek to explore more about what Susan does. Since this is the “Month of Boo,” I felt it appropriate to celebrate the life of Houdini and his work on busting spiritualism by introducing you to this dynamic woman who is following in those big footsteps. 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 . The winner for Week #3 was Ken Wheeler, Jr. Congratulations, Ken. A Houdini Legacy Deck of cards will be awarded to a different winner each week in October so you have ONE more chances to win. These beautiful cards were designed by the Past National President and artist, John Midgley. If you are interested in learning more about these cards and the cause, then please visit their website at https://houdinicards.com Register now to save on registration. Click on the graphic above for more information.

Marc DeSouza is a name that should be familiar to most listeners of The Magic Word Podcast. Marc has provided “color” at the past few FISM conferences as well as a few other subsequent magic conventions. But no doubt you know him best for his vast knowledge in magic, his collection, his path to become the National President of the S.A.M., and (most recently) as the builder of the House of Magic in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area. 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 episode is a symphony for the ears as Marc walks us from room to room and even outside of the new House of Magic. You can visualize his words as he describes the rooms and the historical artifacts throughout this new magic venue. This episode was recorded in late June, before the National S.A.M. convention in Nashville. Since that time, the House of Magic has come together, boxes have been unpacked, and the official grand opening is set for November 2, 2025. 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 . The winner for Week #3 was Mina Barden. Congratulations, Mina. A Houdini Legacy Deck of cards will be awarded to a different winner each week in October so you have two more chances to win. These beautiful cards were designed by the Past National President and artist, John Midgley. If you are interested in learning more about these cards and the cause, then please visit their website at https://houdinicards.com

Jim Cunningham is the voice behind the Eli Marks Mystery Series, penned by John Gaspard. For many seasons, he was affiliated with both the Minneapolis Twins (baseball) and the Minneapolis Wild (hockey) teams. But his real passion is for all things spooky. Many years ago, he called on the Master, Eugene Burger, to help him develop a seance which he still does to this day. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize In this episode Jim talks about what it’s like to be a sports announcer personality and how he gets jobs as a book reader for Audible.com books. He shares a very interesting story about how he met and got to work closely with Eugene Burger. Jim also tells about his affinity for all things that go bump in the night. This is a perfect episode for this Month of Boo. 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 . The winner for Week #2 was Michael Skowronski. Congratulations, Michael. A Houdini Legacy Deck of cards will be awarded to a different winner each week in October. These beautiful cards were designed by the Past National President and artist, John Midgley. If you are interested in learning more about these cards and the cause, then please visit their website at https://houdinicards.com

Tony Hassini is well into his 80’s and has earned a time to look back at his illustrious career and all that he has done for entertainment. In the 1970’s he developed “The Magic of Burger King” which was a nationwide campaign coupling their advertising with real life characters. But before that, in 1968, Tony formed the International Magicians Society (IMS) which developed into the world’s largest magic organization that today presents the Merlin Award to deserving magicians around the world at special, high class award ceremonies. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize This conversation was recorded using Zoom prior to the annual Merlin Awards banquet that typically takes place in Las Vegas on the night following MAGIC Live! We first talk about Tony’s involvement with creating and developing the Marvelous Magical Burger King ad campaign in the 1970’s. During that time, he met Ray Croc, founder of McDonald’s, who gave him some good advice. But before the campaign was adopted, Tony created the IMS which, according to the Guinness World Book of Records, is the largest magic organization in the world. 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 . The winner for Week #1 was Nicolas Nardi. Congratulations, Nicolas. A Houdini Legacy Deck of cards will be awarded to a different winner each week in October. These beautiful cards were designed by the Past National President and artist, John Midgley. If you are interested in learning more about these cards and the cause, then please visit their website at https://houdinicards.com Join us in New York this Halloween for this seminal event. I plan to be in attendance and will host one of the panel discussions. For more information, please https://newyorkmagicconference.com/

Wayne Alan’s Washington D.C. experience ranges from working at the magic shop that sold magic tricks to President George H. W. Bush to magic performances in front of audiences in homeless shelters, parties at the homes of prominent Washington politicians, and several national TV appearances. He has consulted for David Copperfield and Criss Angel. He was one of the pioneers in the trade show magic field working alongside Eddie Tullock, Mike Rogers, and Dick Ryan, among others. In 1982 he was presented with a Gold Medal at F.I.S.M. in the category of Grand Illusion. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize There is so much to cover in Wayne Alan’s life that we could have talked for much longer. But this conversation gives you a good overview, along with some great stories, about this professional magician who, in his early 70’s, is far from hanging up his top hat and wand. This is the last week for this contest. If you missed out on entering the contest or you did enter but didn’t win but would like to have a copy, you can order one by sending him an email at [email protected] Throughout the month of October, we will run a contest to give away a deck of Houdini Playing Cards designed by Past National President, John Midgley. This deck was designed to help raise money for the Houdini Memorial Restoration Fund intended to help repair the Houdini gravesite. Although this contest is open to all, postage will only be paid for winners residing within the U.S. Foreign postage will apply to winners outside the U.S. 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 .

Saturday September 20, 2025 Dealer room----------------------9:00 am - 10:00 am Melody the Magnificent-------10:15 am - 10:45 am Doug Gorman----------------------11:00 am - 11:30 am Lunch--------------------------------11:30 am - 12:30 pm Dealer room-----------------------12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Jeff McBride-----------------------1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Remy Connor------------------------2:45 pm - 3:30 pm Dealer room-----------------------3:30 pm - 500 pm Dinner-------------------------------5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Crispy Knight----------------------6:00 pm - 6:45 pm Traveler Award--------------------6:45 pm - 7:00 pmAri Rose-----------------------------7:15 pm - 7:45 pmRocco Kult-------------------------8:00 pm - 8:30 pm Jeff McBride Master Class-----9:00 pm - 12:00 am 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 (they will eventually be posted when I have gotten some sleep): 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 .

Thursday September 18, 2025vendor & stage set-up ------------8:00 amThe Guide Presenting Opening Ceremonies --------------2:30 pm - 3:00 pm Dealer room--------------------------3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Susan Gerbic-------------------------5:00 pm - 6:00 pmRichard Green------------------------6:15 pm - 7:00 pmRolando Santos----------------------7:15 pm - 8:00 pm Paul Draper-------------------------8:15 pm - 9:00 pmTerry Tyson's Séance Master Class----------------9:00 pm - 12:00 am​Friday September 19, 2025 Dealer room-------------------------9:00 am - 10:30 amBruce Chadwick--------------------10:30 am - 11:15 am Daniel Gastellum-------------------11:30 am - 12:00 pm Lunch----------------------------------12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Dealer room-------------------------1:00 pm - 2:30 pm John Gilmore------------------------2:30 pm - 3:00 pm Jeff McBride-------------------------3:15 pm - 3:45 pm Andreas Sebring--------------------4:00 pm - 5:00 pm Dinner----------------------------------5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Dealer Room-------------------------6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Jordan Jonas-------------------------7:00 pm - 7:30 pm Mysterion------------------------------7:45 pm - 8:30 pm Terry Tyson's Séance Master Class----------------9:00 pm - 12:00 am 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 (they will eventually be posted when I have gotten some sleep): 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 .

Saturday, September 13th9:30 am - 10:30 am Lecture: Gustavo Raley11:00 am - Noon Lecture: Ed Ellis11:00 am - 6:00 pm Dealers Room OpenNoon - 1:00 pm - LUNCH and talk shop with Trigg Watson at Dave & Buster's (15% off meal with badge)1:00 pm - 2:00 pm - Lecture:  Howard Blackwell2:30 pm - 3:30 pm - Lecture: Lance Rich4:00 pm - 6:00 pm - LAST CHANCE IN DEALERS ROOM!6:00 pm - 7:00 pm - DINNER BREAK7:00 pm - Wonders Theatre | House Opens7:30 pm - Champions of Illusion Gala Show at Wonders Theatre - Trigg Watson, Ellie & Jeki Yoo, Howard Blackwell, Lance Rich,  Bizzaro, Gustavo Raley, Charles Bach10:00 pm - Farewell Party at Wonders Theatre11:00 pm - 12:30 am - After Hours in Lounge on balcony  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 - Tom Bohacek was a competitor in yesterday’s contest. He is also a regular attendee at this convention and tells us why it’s the only one he attends.00:13:47 - Following a lecture featuring an expert on cardistry, Ed Ellis, we chat with Vlad. He has developed an interesting character as a Vampire who also does magic. He tells us about his new book that explores how others can find their own stage persona, too. He offers us a book that will be gifted as a prize during this October.00:24:45 - Mentalism creator and author, Bob Solari, shares some stories about why he feels that this convention is better than hundreds of others he has attended.00:32:17 - Local magician, Dale Rabon, always attends this convention and in fact, only attends this convention.00:37:59 - Joan DuKore is one of the performers who performed in the close-up “Masters of Sleight of Hand” as well as last night’s gala stage show. She hails from Las Vegas but seems to be working everywhere but there as she traipses across the country.00:55:15 - Michael Healey helps us wrap up this convention with an overview of all the fun we had at this convention.01:01:02 - Chip Romero joins Michael and Scott as tells us that this is his favorite convention. He also gives us an exclusive as he shares a secret: he will be going to see Doug Henning’s widow, Debbie Henning, and buying all of items from her private possessions. 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 .

Friday, September 12th8:30 am - Registration Opens, Wonders Theatre Box Office9:00 am - Open Mic Magic Competition - One Trick, Five Minutes10:00 am - 6:00 pm Dealers Room Open10:30 am - 11:30 am - Lecture:  Jeki Yoo11:30 am - 12:30 am - Lecture: Nick Lewin12:30 pm - 1:30 pm - LUNCH BREAK1:30 pm - 2:30 pm - Lecture:  Bizzaro3:00 pm - 4:00pm -  Lecture:  David Sandy4:30 pm - 5:30 pm - Lecture: Cody Fisher4:00 pm - 6:00 pm - Dealers Room Open6:00 pm - 7:00pm - DINNER BREAK7:00 pm - Wonders Theatre | House Opens7:30 pm - Comedy Magic Cabaret Show - Nick Lewin, Dana Daniels, Bizzaro, Cody Fisher, Joan DuKore9:00 pm - 10:00 pm - “Tales from the Road” with the stars of magic10:00 pm - 12:00 am - After Hours in Lounge on balcony 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 - Marv Leventhal and Mark Fitzgerald talk about yesterday afternoon and last night’s convention activities (dinner, lecture and the show).00:07:13 - One of the long time south coast magicians, Mr. G, joins us to talk about this convention and why he is attending this year. We talk a bit about some of the events of the morning.00:14:45 - Dana Daniels will be one of the performers on the evening bill. He has been performing at a lot of magic club venues and from here plans to go perform at Kerry Pollock’s club in Hilton Head, South Carolina.00:29:22 - the Black Houdini talks about performing the upside down straight jacket hanging by one leg. He will be featured next year in Appleton, Wisconsin, at the annual S.A.M. convention.00:37:35 - Mike Noonan and Austin Seay discuss this convention plus TRICS in Charlotte, NC, that’s coming in November. 00:44:42 - Jamison Scott was one of the performers today and this is his first convention. Not just his first Magic At The Beach, but his first convention as he has only been doing magic for about a year. He brings joys and excitement to the podcast. 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 .

Thursday, September 11thNoon - 3:00pm  - Dealers Room Early Open2:00 pm - Registration Opens, Wonders Theatre Box Office3:00 pm - 4:00 pm - Dealers Sneak Preview Show (ten minutes per dealer)4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Dealers Room Open4:30 pm - 5:30 pm - Lecture: Eric Jones5:30 pm - 7:00 pm - DINNER Served By Magic At The Beach7:00 pm - Wonders Theatre | House Opens7:30 pm - Masters of Sleight of Hand show - Eric Jones, Jeki Yoo, Ed Ellis, Joan DuKore 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 Timestamps for this episode:00:00:17 - Scott Wells in Nashville for a layover between Austin and Myrtle Beach talking about upcoming convention.00:03:41 - Charles Bach, organizer of Magic At The Beach, talks about preparations over this year to bring together this awesome line-up of talent to this convention00:13:47 - Dave Tanner, magic shop owner, talks about part of helping to organize this event plus a little about his shop which is right around the corner from the Charles Bach Wonders Theatre00:20:23 - Anthony Gerard is a dealer at this convention for his first year. But he has been active across the country for the past year having attended/lectured and/or been a dealer at 18 conventions. 00:27:01 - Michael Lair is a dealer again this year who sells unique magic that is of his own creation.00:33:00 - Bill Wells, Past International President of the I.B.M. knows a thing or three about organizing conventions. Bill shares some thoughts on why he loves this convention.00:36:35 - Howard Blackwell has been running the Holy City Magic Theatre in Charleston, South Carolina, and is performing and lecturing at this convention.00:44:48 - Lance Rich will be presenting a lecture on Magic in Las Vegas during this Saturday’s events. He wrote the book on the history of magic in Las Vegas, “Neon Dreams.” 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 .

Fielding West has been a fixture of the Las Vegas comedy scene for over 50 years. But time has taken its toll and he now suffers from Emphysema, a form of COPD. But despite having to be strapped with an oxygen tank 24/7, Fielding has found a way to keep on his path of teaching people how to speak better on stage plus being part of the “Lance Burton and Friends” tour. He has even incorporated a way to make his audiences laugh with him at his malady. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Fielding is like the Everyready bunny that just keeps going, and going, and going. He continues to make people laugh with his antics on stage and has even just been recognized by the International Magicians Society (IMS) with yet another Merlin Award. This episode was recorded in May 2025 and long before he knew he was going to be receiving this award. 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 . Enter for a Chance to Win a Copy of Castle Notes: Thoughts on the "Why" as well as the "How" by Steve Friedberg Enter with your name and email address. Hard copies will be shipped within the U.S. compliments of the author. PDF copies will go to those winners who reside outside the U.S. First Name Last Name Email Address Enter Today We respect your privacy. Your email will only be shared with the author. Thank you for entering the contest. If your name is randomly selected, then an email will be sent to you requesting your physical address where the book should be sent. Good luck!

Friday, August 29, 20254:00 PM TAOM Board Meeting6:00 PM Dinner Buffet8:00 PM Dealer Exhibition 12:00 AM Midnight MadnessSaturday, August 30,20258:00 AM Breakfast9:30 AM Lecture11:00 AM Lecture12:30 PM Lunch2:00 PM Lecture4:00 PM lecture6:30 PM TAOM General Meeting and Memoriam7:00 PM Picnic BBQ Dinner Buffet8:00 PM A Night of Prestidigitation9:30 PM TAOM 2026 Convention and Swearing in of New TAOM Officers10:00 PM Midnight Madness 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 – announcement of winners from recent contest for the book “Practicing the Art of Magic” who were: Gary Weimer, Gary Freidrich, George Reis, Nicholas Nardi, Alison Homburger, and Greg Youngs.00:02:46 – Kent Cummins joins me in the car drive to Dallas for the convention as we talk about our expectations and Kent’s experiences of past conventions.00:16:37 – Eric Hogue is the President of this year’s event and he tells us what to expect and some of the challenges he has had over the past year in planning this.00:25:54 – Clark May, owner of the Rabbit in Hat magic shop in Locust Grove, Oklahoma. This is his first T.A.O.M. convention and he tells us why it’s taken so long to get here.00:37:11 – From South Africa, Trevor Duffy joins us to talk about his nationwide lecture tour. He is a dealer at this convention.00:47:02 – a brief overview of what happened so far, then we talk with John Carter who is an avid magic collector and was one of the people to helped Chip Romero put together the Doug Henning exhibit at MAGIC Live! He tells us about that experience.00:54:38 – more updates on what the morning brought us. Scott Hollingsworth, Entertainment Director of Houston’s Magic Island, who brings us up to date on the October 1st opening of the Magic Island.01:03:14 – Gene Protas will be the T.A.O.M. President for 2026 who already has the talent planned and everything else you need to know like hotel, registration, and more.01:08:37 – Now Past President, Eric Hogue and Scott wraps up the convention as Eric tells us how he felt the day went for him. 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

Larry Kahlow carries on the tradition of owning and managing a brick and mortar magic shop. And the Eagle Magic Shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is not just a magic shop. It is the oldest, longest running magic shop still operating in the United States. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Larry shares the history of the Eagle Magic Shop from it’s founding by Collins Rice Pentz to its current owner, Larry. Along the way there have been many known, well-known and unknown magicians who have darkened their doors including the famous escape artist himself, Harry Houdini. Larry shares stories passed down to him along with his own stories that now live through him. If you are interested in magic history and particularly the “life of a brick-and-mortar magic shop,” then you will love 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 .

Mark Phillips has transitioned quite nicely from active trade show worker to full time parlor show performer. Mark has long been an “in demand” trade show worker entertaining at corporate functions and attracting large crowds for his trade show clients. But over the past few years, Mark has stayed closer to his Washington, D.C. home where he regularly performs “The Magic Duel” featuring him with another magician. Currently he is working with Meadow Perry. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize In the first part of this week’s episode, Mark tells us about the evolution of developing “The Magic Duel” and the people who have worked with him over the past few years. He explains the premise and perhaps inspires you, the listener, to consider having your own theater show with another magician. The second part of our conversation holds some really good advice and tips on booking trade shows today. The way companies book trade show magicians has radically changed with the evolution of cell phones and the internet. Sometimes it’s difficult to get through all the noise to reach the right client who books trade shows. But there are pluses and minuses on how to use social media to get booked. 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 View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Time Stamps for this episode: 00:00:14 – Kelvin Chun and Ron Ishimaro, from Hawaii, regularly attend MAGIC Live! and tell us why they enjoy this event.00:06:30 – Master Payne has been a presenter at many MAGIC Live! events and regularly performs at the Moisture Festival (Renaissance Festival) in the northwest. He tells us what he enjoyed most about this year’s event.00:19:22 – Bill Smith, from Magic Ventures, was the builder of the sets for the close-up and E.T.C. show and has always been intimately involved with MAGIC Live! He also tells us about his favorite magic convention, Abbott’s Get Together and why he always attends.00:26:50 – as the evening show is about to begin, we chat with Charlie Randall, from H&R Magic Books, and Bill Flanagan, who tells us about their perception of this convention and some of the break-out shows.00:40:09 – We wrap up the convention with Stan Allen, organizer of MAGIC Live! who tells us some the challenges and victories and surprises that made this event unique. 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

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:00:00:20 – an update of last night’s late night activities as we chat with Matt Alexander, a Friend of the Magic Word, who talked a bit about the newest addition to the convention, the Experimental Theatrical Experience (E.T.C.)00:10:30 – Chris and Ryan Zubrick, illusionists from St. Petersburg, Florida, who talk about their experience in Las Vegas and the shows they’ve seen and some of their upcoming plans for their theater this year.00:17:17 – Nancy Henniing, Doug Henning’s sister from Canada, tells us some stories about growing up with Doug as she is three years younger than Doug.00:31:46 – Wayne Alan, owner of the North Historic Theatre in Virginia, was a friend of Doug Henning and he tells us some stories about Doug.00:40:42 – Lanny Kibbey helped put together Chip Romero’s gallery of Doug Henning memorabilia. He tells us about what it took to put all of this together. 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

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:00:00:19 – Join Scott as he patiently waits in the Chicago airport to depart for Las Vegas and MAGIC Live!00:06:06 - at the Orleans Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas for the opening night party, we first chat with my friend, Ian Rowland from England, as we share our excitement about being in Las Vegas and preparing for this convention. We chat also a bit about Carrot Top.00:12:36 – James Dimmare is dressed as a pirate from Treasure Island at the dress up party. He will be hosting some of the Focus Sessions.00:15:53 – MP Fisher and Robb Fisher (a Friend of the Magic Word) are dressed for evening as Rocky Balboa and Indiana Jones. They often attend MAGIC Live! and listen to the podcast during their commutes.00:21:08 – Rob Tarry and Josh G. from Austin talk about the overwhelming experience of attending their first MAGIC Live!00:26:01 – Comedy magician, John Archer, from England, is a frequent attendee at this event and is always a delightful guest.00:30:36 – Julie Eng is the Executive Director of Genii and tells us what new looks the magazine has and how Jim Steinmeyer has brought his vision to the editorial staff, too.00:36:16 – From the Magic Land of Allakazam, Greg Wilson, brings us up to date on the video digitization and some stories from the historical archives.00:40:21 – from the stage of the first day in the first session, Stan Allen welcomes the registrants to this year’s MAGIC Live!00:42:22 – Scott DeYoung and Alex Rogers met at this convention many years ago and became friends. They reunite each year at this event.00:53:00 – Mark Mason, magician extraordinaire, lost a roller case of props and hopes that someone who is attending this convention and possibly saw something that will help him recover the contents.00:55:48 – Michael Chaut, co-producer of Monday Night Magic, talks about the first day of activities here. 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

SATURDAY, AUGUST 2ND 2025 9:30AM REGISTRATION OPENS at the Abbott Plant 10:00AM ABBOTT'S DEALERS ROOM OPENS (Requires Registration) 11:00AM LECTURE Marc DeSouza (Requires Registration) 1:00PM LECTURE Artem Shchukin (Requires Registration) 1:00PM MAGIC SHOW at Abbott's Magic Showroom Theatre $5 3:00PM LECTURE Lance Burton & Friends (Requires Registration) 3:30PM MAGIC SHOW at Abbott's Magic Showroom Theatre $5 6:00PM-7:45PM DINNER (on your own) 7:45PM PRESHOW LIVE ORGAN MUSIC - by John Sturk 8:00PM GET-TOGETHER STAGE SHOW - Saturday Night Gala Show     Featuring Greg Frewin & Alexandra, Dan Sperry, John Shyrock     Requires Registration or Tickets 10:00PM ABBOTT'S DEALERS ROOM RE-OPENS (Requires Registration) 10:30PM ABBOTT'S PERFORMER AWARDS (Requires Registration) 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: These will be posted after I have gotten some sleep. 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

FRIDAY, AUGUST 1st 2025 9:30AM REGISTRATION OPENS at the Abbott Plant 10:00AM ABBOTT'S DEALERS ROOM OPENS (Requires Registration) 11:30AM LECTURE Jeff Hobson (Requires Registration) 1:00PM MAGIC SHOW at Abbott's Magic Showroom Theatre $5 2:30PM ABBOTT'S CLOSEUP SHOW John Shyrock, Marc DeSouza, Tom Ewing, Diego Vargas (Requires Registration) 3:30PM MAGIC SHOW at Abbott's Magic Showroom Theatre $5 6:00PM-7:45PM DINNER (on your own) 7:45PM PRESHOW LIVE ORGAN MUSIC - by John Sturk 8:00PM GET-TOGETHER STAGE SHOW - Friday Night Gala Show     Featuring Dale Salwak, Tom Ewing, David Charvet, Marc DeSouza,Craig Diamond     Requires Registration or Tickets 10:00PM ABBOTT'S DEALERS ROOM RE-OPENS (Requires Registration) 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:00:00:19 - Mark Holstein has been the Stage Manager for 40 years and talks about some of the great acts he’s worked with over the years.00:14:28 - John Sturk, Past National President of the S.A.M., has been the keyboard artist for the evening shows for the past 20 years or so. In the past, he has also coordinated the street performers shows.00:26:50 - Terry Evanswood is a real pro who filled in on the previous night’s show for one of the missing acts. He talks about his new Evanswood Magic Theatre in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.00:35:31 Mike Miller is the talent booker for the Get Together and he talks about why he booked the acts he did.00:45:32 - Gay Blackstone is so important to the Get Together and she never misses one of these. She is now busy producing the Masters of Illusion television show and preparing to tape season 11.00:53:07 - B.J. Mallon has a couple new books out, one a book of poems and the other a children’s book. He is a perennial favorite master of ceremonies.01:00:22 - Jania Taylor is one of the street performers at the Get Together again this year. She is also the President of the Board of Directors of the American Museum of Magic located in Marshall, Michigan, which is only about 30 miles from Colon. 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

THURSDAY, JULY 31ST 20259:30AM REGISTRATION OPENS at the Abbott Plant 10:00AM ABBOTT'S DEALERS ROOM OPENS (Requires Registration) 11:00AM LECTURE Mortenn Christiansen (Requires Registration) 12:00PM FREE STREET PERFORMANCE - Gordon Russ @ Curly's 1:00PM LECTURE John Shyrock (Requires Registration) 1:00PM MAGIC SHOW at Abbott's Magic Showroom Theatre $5 2:00PM JAY BLACKWELL JUGGLING/FIRE EATING & MORE at Sterlini Magic & Theater $10 2:30PM FREE STREET PERFORMANCE - The Amazing Bibik! @ Granny's Place 2:30PM VENT O RAMA with Brynn Cummings at Abbotts Plant (Requires Registration) 3:00PM FACE PAINTING till 6PM outside 5 Star Pizza by Award Winning Artist Carol Hendrix (Standard Fees) 3:00PM-5PM COLON HISTORICAL MUSEUM is open 3:45PM FAMOUS MAGICIANS GRAVEYARD TOUR ushered by Al The Only 3:30PM MAGIC SHOW at Abbott's Magic Showroom Theatre $5 5:00PM LIVE AT 5 WITH THE STERLINI'S at Sterlini Magic & Theater $10 5:30PM FREE STREET PERFORMANCE - Cap'n Sean & Mirf @ Magic Capital Grill 6:00PM-7:45PM DINNER (on your own) 7:45PM PRESHOW LIVE ORGAN MUSIC - by John Sturk 8:00PM GET-TOGETHER STAGE SHOW - Thursday Night Gala Show     Featuring Mike Caveney, Tom Ewing, David Charvet, Marc DeSouza,Craig Diamond     Requires Registration or Tickets 10:00PM ABBOTT'S DEALERS ROOM RE-OPENS (Requires Registration) 10:15PM CURLYS CLOSEUP CONTEST 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 - Jeff Jakorski and Marc DeSouza get ready for the Get Together. Jeff is serving as Security, checking badges, and Marc is booked as talent who will lecture and perform.00:14:20 - Anthony Gerard is a dealer who always sets up under a tent near the high school where they hold the lectures and shows. Tony has been coming since 1969.00:25:05 - Charles Greene III talks about this being his first time attending a Get Together and why it’s taken so long to get here.00:33:57 - David Charvet is another performer/lecturer at this Get Together. We chat a bit about the evening’s show hosted by Michael Caveney. 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

WEDNESDAY, JULY 30TH 2025 9:30AM REGISTRATION OPENS at the Abbott Plant 10:00AM ABBOTT'S DEALERS ROOM OPENS (Requires Registration) 10:30AM ABBOTT'S SUPER SHOWROOM SPECIALS BEGINS (Requires Registration) 12:00PM FREE STREET PERFORMANCE - Jania Taylor @ Magic Capital Grill 1:00PM LECTURE Craig Diamond (Requires Registration) 1:00PM MAGIC SHOW at Abbott's Magic Showroom Theatre $5 2:00PM JAY BLACKWELL JUGGLING/FIRE EATING & MORE at Sterlini Magic & Theater $10 2:30PM FREE STREET PERFORMANCE - John Sturk @ Grannys Place 3:00PM LECTURE David Charvet (Requires Registration) 3:00PM-5PM COLON HISTORICAL MUSEUM is open 3:00PM FACE PAINTING till 6PM outside 5 Star Pizza by Award Winning Artist Carol Hendrix (Standard Fees) 3:30PM MAGIC SHOW at Abbott's Magic Showroom Theatre $5 5:00PM LIVE AT 5 WITH THE STERLINI'S at Sterlini Magic & Theater $10 5:30PM FREE STREET PERFORMANCE - Cap'n Sean & Mirf @ Magic Capital Grill 6:00PM-7:45PM DINNER on your own 7:45PM PRESHOW LIVE ORGAN MUSIC - by John Sturk 8:00PM GET-TOGETHER STAGE SHOW - Wednesday Night Gala Show      Featuring Lance Burton, BJ Mallen, Keith West, Fielding West, Michael Goodeau      Requires Registration or Tickets 10:00PM ABBOTT'S DEALERS ROOM RE-OPENS (Requires Registration) 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 - driving in the rental car from Chicago to Colon, Michigan, as we talk a bit about my trip to Italy attending FISM. Now it’s about time for the first event: The Open Colon Golf Tournament00:06:20 - Al the Only is one of the staples of the Get Together who has attended now 53 of these Get Together. He is also the host of the Open Colon. This is the 36th tournament. Al also conducts the graveyard tour.00:19:34 - Jeff Hobson is here for the golf and the convention. He tells us why this is his favorite convention.00:29:20 - David Seebach and Julie Subanski always hosts an opening night party. We talk a bit about the upcoming convention and what he’s been doing lately.00:42:11 - Mikayla Oz is attending her first Get Together, but she’s not new to magic conventions. She has been working with Steve Daly since the first AbraCornDabra. She hopes to bring some of the ideas from this convention to Iowa.00:49:46 - Greg Bordner, proprietor of Abbott’s Magic Company and co-organizer of the Get Together with his wife, Debbie. He welcomes everyone to this year’s convention. He also promises to keep this going again at least next year.00:59:16 - Michael Mode has coordinated some parties for the local Amish families featuring some of the magician attendees. We talk here about the great opening night show which was Lance Burton and Friends that included Fielding West, Michael Goudeau, and Keith West. 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

Saturday 19 July, 2025 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: These will be posted after I have gotten some sleep. 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

Friday 18 July, 2025 View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Time Stamps: These will be posted after I have gotten some sleep. 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

Thursday 17 July, 2025 View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Time Stamps: These will be posted after I have gotten some sleep. 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

Tuesday 15 July, 2025 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: These will be posted after I have gotten some sleep. 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

Tuesday 15 July, 2025 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: These will be posted after I have gotten some sleep. 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

Monday 14 July, 2025 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: These will be posted after I have gotten some sleep. 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

Diana Zimmerman is an enchanting woman in every sense of the word: personality, charm, abilities, looks, intelligence, skill, and so much more. She has led a life of magic like few other women. And she is being recognized for her achievements by being inducted to the Los Angeles Times Global Magicians Hall of Fame on July 9th, 2025. Married at 19 to Dick Zimmerman, magician and creative genius, she performed around the world on television and stage with her one-woman performance. She traveled with a giant gramophone then later switched to a thumb tie and pick pocketing. She developed and still works with the Magic Castle Junior Program (which just celebrated their 50th year) and is the author of several books of fantasy. But she also authored the definitive collector’s edition of the Siegfried and Roy book. 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 Diana has so many stories that she shares with us this week including her early days working with her then-husband, Dick Zimmerman, then how Cary Grant encouraged her to form the junior program at the Magic Castle, and many stories about the late Siegfried and Roy. She was a close confidant to the illusionists and shares some “behind the scenes” stories from Little Bavaria to “the Incident” that ended their Las Vegas run. 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 .

While recently attending the Magic Collectors Expo in Las Vegas, we sat down with Connie Boyd to talk about her career as a successful magician on the Las Vegas Strip. But since semi-retiring from stage performing life, Connie has been the biggest advocate of spotlighting magical women both from our rich heritage as well as current and up and comers. During COVID she developed a YouTube channel that features performance reels of over 100 women that she has researched from our annals of history plus many whom she personally knows today. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Today Connie consults on magic acts with some magical women. She is a caring, giving, knowledgeable magician who is willing to pass on the skills and talents she has learned through the “school of had knocks” in life. She was trained for the ballet and performed with the circus until she fell during one of her aerialist performances in Houston, Texas. She tells us how she pivoted from dance to magic and made it a successful career. 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 .

Brian Curry is a corporate magician from the Washington, D.C. area who often performs comedy magic for executives and politicians inside the beltway. He also performs school shows while balancing a home life with a wife and family. For a long time, he and Mark Phillips shared the stage in a “dueling magicians” type performance that played to great reviews. Known as “D.C.’s most honest con man,” Brian has a regular show entitled “The Good Liar” that plays at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Brian has several stories about performing for politicians that he can’t publicly share, but the interesting ones he can share, he does in this week’s episode. He also gives some advice and tips along the way while sharing some comical stories. 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 . For more information, please visit the website at: https://ibmring50.org/lecturers/

Often we don’t know nor recognize those who work behind the scenes and spotlights. But they are the ones responsible for making the person in front of the curtains or camera look good. As they say, “it takes a village” and that is especially true for “stars” who make it on television and stage. One such person that is a “go-to” consultant is Joe Monti. When Criss Angel got his television deal for “Mind Freak”, Joe was one of the first people Criss called. As time went on and it became apparent how valuable Joe was, he also assumed the role of “producer”. Joe continues to this day to consult for magicians as well as performing for high profile corporate clients. He has even fooled Penn & Teller on their show, “Fool Us”. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize My friendship with Joe Monti goes back nearly 40 years from when we performed together at Houston’s Magic Island. It was good to catch up with a long-time friend this week as he shared many stories about what he has been doing during those years. He has a few “behind the scenes” stories to tell about working with Criss Angel plus his experience 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 . PLEASE NOTE: These events are THIS SATURDAY June 14th, 2025. For more information on the New York Magic Conference, please visit: https://newyorkmagicconference.com and to learn more about the Salute to Magic and purchase advance tickets, please visit: https://salutetomagic.com

Military veterans, Katalina and Christian Painter have made a successful career of entertaining with their two-person mind reading routine coupled with their comedy mentalism act. For many years they traveled across the U.S. together entertaining on college campuses. After a few years, they decided to “settle down” in one location and limit their travel .They found a niche market in their hometown of Indianapolis, Indiana, where today they present a weekly show entitled the “Mind Tripping Show” in the Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize This episode is a bit different from most our episodes. Typically we chat about a variety of topics with our guests. But this week we got off on a tangent from the very beginning and stayed focused on that throughout the episode. Specifically, Christian and Katalina talked about how they developed their show, how they found the venue, how they market the show, how it has evolved, and why it is still successful as they are reaching 20 years with this show. There is invaluable information in this episode, particularly if you are considering finding a venue for your show and what you need to do to prepare for it. 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 . For more information on the New York Magic Conference, please visit: https://newyorkmagicconference.com and to learn more about the Salute to Magic and purchase advance tickets, please visit: https://salutetomagic.com

There seems to be an explosion of magic theatres, one-man shows, magic bars, and magic variety venues popping up across the country and indeed, around the world. I need to use two hands to count the number that have popped up since the first of the year! This week we chat with two magicians who have ventured into the high stakes world of filling seats in New York City where there is already a LOT of magic shows. Carl Mercurio and Jim Vines together have started “The Broadway Magic Hour” (really, off-Broadway to be precise) where they present weekly, family friendly magic shows. Their journey may not be unique, but it serves as an inspiration to others who might be considering finding their own venue (and perhaps partner) where you can entertain the masses with your magical skills. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Both based in New York City, Carl and Jim have similar yet dissimilar backgrounds. One is a multiple award winning magician, the other is not. One was a restaurant and bar magician, the other one was not. But their styles, personalities, and characters meld perfectly on stage. This week they talk about the “mojo” that put and keeps them together. Moreover, they talk about how they found the venue and how they market themselves in this very competitive environment. There is a lot to learn from the pro tips that they offer. But even if you don’t plan to ever pursue having your own theatre or your own show, I think you will enjoy our chat as we hear some of the trials and tribulations of a couple guys trying to make it in the Big Apple. 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 .

Eric Leclerc (pronounced le clair) is a very funny guy. To me, his style is much like that of Las Vegas magician, Mike Hammer, with a quick wit and clever retorts while maintaining mystery at the core of each trick. He has appeared or starred in over a half dozen television shows such as Brain Games, Tricked!, Big Trick Energy, among others. He has also appeared on Penn & Teller Fool Us where he took home the Fooler trophy. Earlier this year, Eric hosted the Saturday evening galas at the Blackpool magic convention and received mixed reviews. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Eric Leclerc has been “on the road” with his school shows across Canada presenting his magic in French to French speaking schools. He joins us this week between shows as he chats about booking the tour, his philosophy on magic competitions, and of course, his thoughts on his recent performance as the compere (emcee) of the Saturday evening galas at Blackpool 2025. 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 .

Sunday May 18, 20259:00 AM magiK-MART Opens with FREE DONUTS with the dealers!  (Bring your own drink) magiK-MART Dealers Room 10:00-1030 AM Intense Lecture #6 - DAN FLESHMAN10:30 AM – 11:30 AM Interview #8 - MYSTERY MAGICIAN LECTURE1:00 PM – 3:00 PM EXTRA CHARGE MASTER CLASS with ALLAN ACKERMAN! - LIMITED SEATING FOR THIS MASTER CLASS!11:30 AM  AbraCORNdabra 2025 closes! THANK YOU FOR COMING! SEE YOU NEXT YEAR FOR AbraCORNdabra’s 16th year! View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Time Stamps: These will be posted after I have gotten some sleep. 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

Saturday May 17, 20259:00 AM magiK-MART Opens with FREE DONUTS with the dealers!  (Bring your own drink) magiK-MART Dealers Room 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM Lecture #5 - ALLAN ACKERMAN10:30 AM – 11:00 AM Break   10:30 AM – 3:30 PM The WORLD FAMOUS F.O.V. SILENT MAGIC AUCTION – raising funds for the Young Magician’s Fund. SIDE LOBBY 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM The Kernels Showcase Show BALLROOM WEST 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM FREE PIZZA & POP LUNCH ON ABRACORNDABRA! (Kernels & Parents Pizza & Pop Lunch critique in private dining room) Enjoy an AbraCORNdabra FREE PIZZA & POP LUNCH!1:30 PM – 3:00 PM Show & Lecture  #6 - JEKI YOO3:00 PM – 3:15 PM Break LAST CHANCE TO BID ON SILENT AUCTION ITEMS! (Silent auction closes at 3:15 PM)  HEARTS, DIAMONDS, CLUBS, SPADES, JOKERS, GAFFS3:30 PM – 5:00 PM THE MIDWEST CHAMPIONSHIP OF CLOSE-UP MAGIC Downstairs TWELVE PerformersSIX rooms TWO AwardsONE CHAMPION!“Who will it be?  Will it be YOU?”5:00 PM – 5:30 PM Pay & Pick up Auction Winnings   6:00 PM magiK-MART Closes   (dealers) 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM Dinner on your own   7:30 PM – 8:30 PM OscEARs Awards PartyDoors open – mingle with magical friends – cash barCome dressed in your best Gangster’s outfit or Flapper attire!  You may take your own photos in front of the “Police Line-up Wall”, find the Maitra D’ who will show you the “back alley entrance.”  Figure out the password to gain entrance into the SPEAKEASY where surprises await you! - Hotel Lobby 8:30 PM – 9:00 PM Old Maid’s Staff Show   9:00 PM -9:30 PM Awards Presentations with surprise guest9:30 PM – 10:00 PM The OscEARs Wrap Party MYSTERY MAGICIAN & GUESTS SHOW!THIS WILL BE THE MOST OUTRAGEOUS OSCEARS PARTY EVER!(What happens at THIS YEAR’S OsEAR’s Awards Party will be talked about for years to come!)10:00 PM – 11:00 PM Meet & Great with the Magical Stars – Souvenir Poster Signing    View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Time Stamps: These will be posted after I have gotten some sleep. 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

Friday May 16, 202511:00 AM CHECK-IN TO PICK UP REGISTRATION PACKETSRegistration Opens11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Flea Market   12:45 PM Grand Opening / Welcome Greeting/ FREE MAGICAL GIFT1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Show & Lecture #1 - PETER SAMELSON2:30 PM – 3:00 PM Break   2:30 PM – 7:30 PM magiK-MART Opens (dealers)3:00 PM – 4:30 PM 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM Dinner on your own   6:00 PM – 7:30 PM LECTURE (Lecture #2) - ERIC TAIT7:30 PM – 8:00 PM Break   8:00 PM magiK-MART closes (dealers)  8:00 PM – 9:30 PM Show & Lecture #3 - THE COSMIC ROMANTICS9:30 PM – ???? JOLLY TIME JAM – NEW FOR 2025Super Special Late Night Jam Session featuring some very popular “name” magicians!If you are a “nite-owl” – you will enjoy “hanging out” with fellow magi trading magical secrets & such.  This special room for late-night jamming of magic is set up JUST for you & your magical friends!Enjoy free flavored popcorns and soda sponsored by JOLLY TIME POPCORN! View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Time Stamps: These will be posted after I have gotten some sleep. 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

Wednesday May 7, 20259:30 am to 11:00 am Dealer Room Opens11:00 am to 12:30 pm Session #412:30 pm to 2:30 pm Dealers Open2:30 pm to 4:00 pm Session #56:30 pm- 10:00 Fabulous Las Vegas Dinner & Show 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: 00:00:19 - This is the first Collector Expo for Jania Taylor. She is the Chairman of the Board for the American Museum of Magic and is enjoying this convention.00:13:40 - John Carney will be one of the performers who will be on the bill for our evening’s dinner. He chats about his experiences in attending many of these events going back to the 1980’s.00:20:41 - Charles Greene III is working on yet another biography of a noted person, but this one is not necessarily a magician. His book on Ionia has been a best seller for him.00:31:09 - We thank David Copperfield for opening his museum to the attendees and I give him some critical suggestion about the Women in Magic section of his collection.00:36:00 - Stan Allen has been attending many of these history conferences since they used to be in Los Angeles. He talks about the rich history of this convention, plus he talks about MAGIC Live!00:50:14 - David Sandy and Lance Rich are two of the forces behind the success of the Magic Collector Expo. In lieu of having Bill Smith chat with us, these two gentlemen give us a wrap of the day’s activities. 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

Tuesday May 6, 20259:00 am Tour #1 Leaves for DC Museum Tour11:15 am to 4:00 pm Dealer Room Opens & Vintage Vegas Video3:35 pm Last DC Tour Returns7:00 pm to 8:30 pm Session #38:30 pm to 11:30 pm Dealer Room Open View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Time Stamps: These will be posted after I have gotten some sleep. 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

Monday May 5, 202510:00 am Registration Opens1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Dealers Open4:00 pm to 5:00 pm Session #1 “Welcome To Las Vegas7:00 pm to 8:30 pm Session #28:30 pm to 11:30 pm Dealer Room Open 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: These will be posted after I have gotten some sleep. 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

With this episode we celebrate the 900th episode of The Magic Word Podcast. Every 50 episodes we like to present a special guest who is well known throughout our worldwide magic community. And who better for this episode than Dan Sperry. He was a regular member of The Illusionists who toured the major stages of the world from Sydney, Australia, to Broadway in New York City. He has headlined in nightclubs, Las Vegas casinos, and performing arts theaters. For many years he has appeared on Masters of Illusion television show as well as many other TV shows. Now residing in Florida, he continues to travel the globe, but when at home, he enjoys (believe it or not) performing for children’s birthday parties. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize In this week’s episode, Dan shares his story of how he developed his act and his character. He tells us about his early journey as he worked with doves and learned from some of the true masters like Joseph Gabriel that developed into a residency at a casino in Las Vegas. He toured Canada with Murray Hatfield as he honed his dove act and began to settle into his Shock Illusionist persona. He also talks about developing his talking act that led to work with the Illusionists and television appearances. 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 .

Saturday April 2610:00am: 2026 Registration & 4F Shop Open10:00am: Dealers’ Room Opens (closed during events)10:30am: One Man Show1:30pm: 6th Show: Mini World3:30pm: ED Talk #25:30pm: Banquet (ticket required)7:30pm: GoH Tribute: Eric DeCamps8:00pm: 7th Show: Closing Gala10:30pm: Hospitality Suite Opens12:00am: Dealers’ Room Closes 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: These will be posted after I have gotten some sleep. 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

Friday April 2510:00am: Dealers’ Room Opens (closed during events)10:00am: 4F Shop Open (closed during events)10:30am: Pat Page Workshop: Tricks With Boxes1:30pm: 4th Show: Friday’s Frolics3:30pm: Lecture #48:00pm: 5th Show: Great Britain Gala10:00pm: Hospitality Suite Opens12:00am: Dealers’ Room Closes 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: These will be posted after I have gotten some sleep. 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

Wednesday April 231:00pm: Registration1:00pm: 4F Shop Open5:00pm: Dealers’ Room Opens (closed during events)7:30pm: 1st Show: Opening Gala (MC - Jay Scott Berry)11:00pm: Hospitality Suite Opens12:00am: Dealers’ Room Closes Thursday April 2410:00am: Registration Open (closed during events)10:00am: Dealers’ Room & 4F Shop Open (closed during events)10:30am: Lecture #1 - Horrett Wu1:30pm: 2nd Show: Magical Moments (MC - Will Fern)3:30pm: ED Talks #1 (MC’s - Christian and Katalina)7:30pm: 3rd Show: Friends Old & New (MC - Michael Dardant)9:30pm: Lecture #2 - Eric DeCamps11:00pm: Hospitality Suite Opens12:00am: Dealers’ Room Closes 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: These will be posted after I have gotten some sleep. 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 Happy birthday for our Friend of the Magic Word, “Fancy” Nancy Anderson. Originally from Lima, Peru, she now resides in the Chicago area where she lives and performs. She is a self-proclaimed BIG fan of magic and is often seen enjoying live shows at the Chicago Magic Lounge and the Rhapsody Theatre. Her actual birthday was this past week, April 21st. So, mark your calendar for next year so you don’t forget to wish her a happy birthday.

Keith Fields and his wife, The Lady Sarah, are award-winning performers, each in their own right. They co-chair the Contest Committee for the I.B. M. and also host their own weekly productions of “The Magic Soiree” that features not only their magic, but that of local magicians as well. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize As we enter the season of magic conventions, it is not too late to consider preparing an act for competition. This week Keith Fields and Lady Sarah offer great ideas, tips, advice, and perspectives on getting your act together for a contest. Keith also shares ideas from his own award-winning act on the reasons that you should consider competing. Keith and Sarah also perform their own weekly show, “The Magic Soiree” near Detroit, Michigan, and share ideas on how you can find venues to present your act on a regular basis in your own town. 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 . For more information, please visit the website at: https://poesmagicconference.com/

Completing our last of three conversations recorded at the recent 50th and final Winter Carnival of Magic in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, we sat down with “Thrillusionist” David DaVinci. He closed the last night gala show with his breathtaking illusion and bird act. David traveled with the Ringling Bros. Circus and participated in the Zing Zang Zoom show plus he has worked cruise ships and casinos across the globe. His schedule is much reduced today as he concentrates on his passions of training birds, skydiving, and enjoying the great outdoors of Idaho. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize In our chat today, David talks about working with big animals from tigers to elephants while employed by the Ringling Bros. Circus. He also tells us about “wing suits” he often wears while skydiving. I guess he just likes to get as close to birds as possible without actually being one! But life on the road as an illusionist is hard, and David tells us why as he uses his current situation to explain. 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 .

One of the advantages of attending magic conventions in the U.S. is that often times the organizers book magicians who reside outside the U.S. thus bringing them closer to our doors, and in this case, our microphone. R. Paul Wilson currently resides in Glasgow, Scotland, and has the same name as another Uncanny Scot who wrote the book under the same title; however, Paul prefers to go by the initial of R. rather than as Ron or Ronald, in part so as to avoid confusion. But Paul has certainly made his own way in our community and being known not only for his card prowess, but also for his cinematic abilities behind the camera. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize In this week’s episode, Paul talks at length about his passion for film plus the current project featuring the life of the legendary Juan Tamariz. He has spent innumerable hours with the master studying and filming him over they years. But there are many life lessons that R. Paul has learned along the way during his 50+ years on this planet, many of which he shares in this extended 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 .

While recently attending the 50th and final Winter Carnival of Magic in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, we chatted with Tiffany Sauvage (née Allen) who is 1) performing as Princess Tiffany at princess parties for children, 2) married to Boris Wild, 3) the first woman to join “Sleight Club” in North Carolina, 4) has a passion for seances, bizarre magic and horror films, and 5) performs as and lectures on the Georgia Magnet/Wonder. And she is only 34 years old! What a career so far and what potential she has for a great future. She is keeping magic history alive as she passes on the wonders that were the Georgia Wonder. 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 During this one hour conversation, we covered so much ground and thoroughly covered many areas that will be of interest to listeners. Some might be interested in knowing more about Princess Parties and how to develop the character, trick selection, and more. Others might be interested in learning more about the Georgia Magnet/Wonder and even interested in developing your own similar act. And still others might be interested in seances and the “spooky” side of magic. All of that is in this week’s episode and should stimulate interest and perhaps discussion in the magic community. 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 . Please vote for The Magic Word in both categories, Best Magic Podcaster and Best Magic Newsletter. You can cast your votes by Clicking Here.

We finish talking with a trio of officers from The Magic Circle (TMC) this week as we sit for a chat with the current President of TMC, Marvin Berglas. Not defined by being the son of the legendary “International Man of Mystery,” David Berglas, Marvin decided early to go his own way. Nealy four decades ago Marvin founded “Marvin’s Magic” which created magic kits that swept the globe The results are that he received the Gold Medal as winner of Toy of the Year in the electronic games category of the Independent Toy Awards and was awarded the coveted Outstanding Contribution Award in the British Toy and Hobby Industry in 2015/16. And as far as magic goes, he received the Outstanding Contribution to Magic award from the British Magical Society in 2014/15. And n 2016 Marvin was awarded The Maskelyne Award from The Magic Circle for services to magic. During 2017, 2018 and 2019 Marvin was the Vice-President of The Magic Circle and in 2023 was elected President of The Magic Circle. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize This week Marvin tells us about his magic kit empire and how the business grew to international proportions. And although he came from a home where magic was talked about all the time, he tells us that he did not care to pursue a career like his father until later in life as Marvin’s Magic developed. He then got involved with The Magic Circle (TMC) and became one of the very few father/son Presidents of TMC. Find out in this episode who the others were. 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 . To visit the website and get more information, please Click Here. Please vote for The Magic Word in both categories, Best Magic Podcaster and Best Magic Newsletter. You can cast your votes by Clicking Here.

The Magic Circle Past-Vice President and current Examiner, Katherine Rhodes is a powerhouse of a stage performer. She specializes in mentalism and has a unique take on how she creates and performs her show. Katherine also has her light aircraft pilots license (though we never got around to talking about that) and she frequently travels outside the U.K. to present her unique brand of mentalism. She has had long term residencies at venues where she has honed her craft over the years, and the proof is in the results. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize This week Katherine Rhodes tells us about her unique perspective performing magic from the distaff side. There are not a lot of female mentalists in the world, but Katherine is one that reigns high among her peers whether male or female. In this episode she also talks about the Magic Circle and the examination process one must go through to belong to this prestigious organization. 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.