Episodes

  • 881: John Graham - Magician of First Resorts

    881: John Graham - Magician of First Resorts
    Jan 30 2025
    Winner of the Most Valuable Performer at the 2023 TRICS convention, John Graham is more than just a triple threat. He is a creator, author, performer, and lecturer who has worked with Asi Wind on their book “Between Friends” which was a sellout at the 2023 Magifest. John is also the author of the best selling magic book, “Stage by Stage” that is heralded by many professional like Mac King, David Blaine, Jim Steinmeyer, and others. John is a frequent performer at high end resorts and has tapped into a market where many magicians have yet to tread. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize In this episode, John gives us some advice on how to go about finding and working in fashionable resorts. There is also an interesting perspective on moving from close-up to parlor/stage. He also gives us some great tips gleaned from his lecture that will definitely help your marketing efforts. John is a creative magician who is unafraid of sharing his “pet effects.” So many great and practical ideas are shared in his book, “Stage by Stage” that it is no wonder that Vanishing, Inc. can’t keep them in stock. Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • 880: Mortenn Christiansen - A Great Dane

    880: Mortenn Christiansen - A Great Dane
    Jan 23 2025
    For such a limited number of years (he’s only 27 years old), Mortenn Christiansen has accomplished what some take a lifetime to achieve. For as long as he can remember, he has worked in a magic shop in Denmark. He has “cut his teeth” on stage at comedy clubs as he refined a unique style in his country. In 2022 he won the coveted Comedy Award at FISM in Quebec, Canada. Since then, he has been “hot as a skyrocket” having performed on Penn & Teller Fool Us, and he has lectured and performed at the 2023 Magicfest and later that year at MAGIC Live! If you are more of a visual person, then you might enjoy watching a video of this week’s episode on YouTube. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize One of the things that Mortenn talks about in his lecture is his stage fright. In this week’s episode, he goes into much detail about that issue and how he deals with it by incorporating it into his act. He also gives us some “behind the scenes” looks at what it was like to come to Las Vegas and appear on Penn & Teller Fool Us. Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • 879: Mark Pocan - "Pocan" the Political Bear

    879: Mark Pocan - "Pocan" the Political Bear
    Jan 16 2025
    Mark Pocan represents the second congressional district in Wisconsin, near Madison. He is also a long-time magician, but had a passion since his youth for both magic and politics. He is now serving his seventh term in office and for a few years was offering a YouTube channel filled with explanations of how politics works using magic in what he called “Magic Mondays.” Although he ceased production of those videos a few years ago, he plans to get them up and running again in 2025. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Mark came from a family of politicians and, as he says, began door-to-door campaigning for his father at the tender age of six. He pursued politics through college while using magic to defray some of his costs of schooling. He still performs magic at fund raising functions and other charitable events. He is often seen attending magic conventions and has twice attended Vanishing Inc.’s magic retreats including one in Washington, D.C. where he was able to use his influence to allow attendees access to some backstage places in Congress. Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • 878: Ed Ellis - Magician/Musician

    878: Ed Ellis - Magician/Musician
    Jan 9 2025

    Ed Ellis is not a name that is on the tip of the tongues of most magicians. I wouldn’t call him an “underground” magician because I think of “those guys” as being the ones who magicians go to when they want to learn some secret move. But Ed has quietly been making a living for many decades having worked at many prestigious resorts and country clubs and of late, has been returning to the magic convention scene. So, if you have not seen him or are not familiar with his work, you can watch his video lecture on Penguin or catch him at one of many convention appearances he plans to make this year.

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    Ed talks about his journey through life as he maneuvered jobs on film, nightclubs, and resorts. He gives some valuable advice on calling on past customers and maintaining personal friendships to ensure future opportunities.

    Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.
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    59 mins
  • 877: Leah Orleans -Legacy Mystifyer

    877: Leah Orleans -Legacy Mystifyer
    Jan 2 2025
    Leah Orleans is the progeny of Jan Rose and Danny Orleans, Chicago based magicians. It only seemed natural that her path would be in the entertainment arts, but instead of traditional magic, Leah pursued the circus arts. She is a contortionist, fire eater, juggler, and even bends over backwards to shoot an arrow from a bow held by her feet! Her profession takes her around the world to Renaissance Festivals, cruise ship destinations, and more. If you are more of a visual person, then you might like to watch our Zoom video chat on YouTube. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize This week, Leah talks about growing up in a magical household with both parents working in the magic business. She also discusses how she went into the circus arts and the classes she took and the places it has taken her. Leah also talks about Mystify Magic Festival and what will make this convention stand out from all the others. She has some great words of advice to convention organizers in general, too. Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here. Hail and Farewell to those in our magic community who left us this past year. In 2024 we suffered the loss of many friends who have passed away, but whom are not forgotten. Although the list below is not exhaustive, it does reflect the names of many well-known (and some lesser known) magicians, spouses, assistants and magic aficionados who passed on in 2024. This year’s list is much less than the number reported last year (17 this year, 29 in 2023.) Some may not be as well-known to you, but they were my personal friends (hey, it is my blog!). If you are unfamiliar with any of these names, then it would behoove you to do a little online search of what these people have contributed to our craft. If you have someone you think was overlooked, then please post the name in the comments below on this blog.Those whose names are highlighted with a “hot link” were featured or interviewed here on The Magic Word Podcast. It was not my original intent when I began this journey to chronicle the voices before they left us, but I am so thankful that I did sit down with many of these friends for lively, and sometimes intimate, conversations. You can click on their name to revisit and listen to their voices again. Dick BlowersDavid OliverWilliam “Bill” RauscherChuck GollaEd HurtubisDaniel SclareRon JerniganDoc SheilsGlen Ghirardi, Sr.John AppersonAndrew GallowayBob SandersEmory Williams Harriet JacobsonJon RacherbaumerGeorge Joseph “The Amazing Kreskin” Kresge, Jr.Leonardo Trébole
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • 876: Chris Blackmore - Looking Back at Lahaina

    876: Chris Blackmore - Looking Back at Lahaina
    Dec 26 2024
    Chris Blackmore was a regular performer in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, at Warren & Annabelle’s. That is, up until the devastating fire in August 2023. The fire destroyed homes and businesses and was responsible for the deaths of over 100 people. Lives were forever changed in an instant. Warren & Annabelle’s was a premier destination dinner theater that featured magic and was one of the highest rated, most visited sites in Hawaii View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize This week, Chris talk about his experience in Lahaina as the fires started, grew, and eventually overtook the city. His perspective as “boots on the ground” are chilling yet insightful. His recollections of the halcyon day of Warren & Annabelle’s are recounted here, too. Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.
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    56 mins
  • 875: Charles Peachock - Throwing Up For A Living

    875: Charles Peachock - Throwing Up For A Living
    Dec 19 2024
    Charles Peachock is a polymath. I have spoken with several over the years and always enjoy and learn from them. Charles is an entertainer, entrepreneur, marketer, creator, health nut, and more. He was on America’s Got Talent (sic) (AGT) in the early days and advanced further than any of the previous jugglers as he went to the finals. More than just juggling, he was the one who pioneered the lighted costume on AGT, too. He is in great demand by the Disney Cruise lines who keep him quite busy. But he also created, markets, and uses Audio Ape which is method for controlling your music and lighting for your show. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize This week, Charles talks about his experience of performing/competing on AGT. He also chats about his background of why he moved from magic to juggling. As the creator of Audio Ape, he discusses why magicians need a show remote and the importance of having music to make your show better. It is rare when we get to chat with a unique talent so I know you will enjoy this episode. Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.
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    1 hr
  • 874: James Harrington - Half a Mind

    874: James Harrington - Half a Mind
    Dec 12 2024
    James Harrington and his wife, Marina, have one of the most incredible two-person mind reading acts I have seen. I experienced their show recently at MAGIC Texas in Dallas where they gave multiple shows for intimate groups of 30 people. The speed at which they move and the information shared as they both talked with each other and the audience was something that rivaled or eclipsed most other similar acts I have seen. This was their first ever magic convention performance and I feel lucky to have witnessed that because they normally only perform in their home region of Dubai. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize This week we chat with James Harrington, one half of Mind2Mind, because regrettably, his wife Marina was ironically suffering with a migraine headache. In this episode James tells us about how he traveled from his home in England and where and how he met and married Marina then developed their incredible act. We do talk about other acts, but each has its own personalities and agendas and methods. Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.
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    1 hr and 3 mins