Marketing vs. Sales
Discourse in Magic
Transform your magic career by distinguishing between the flashy allure of marketing and the powerhouse of sales. Join me as I unravel the myth that appearing on big shows like or is the golden ticket to success. Instead, discover how the real breakthroughs lie in mastering sales tactics such as SEO, ads, and strategic cold emailing. This episode promises to equip you with actionable insights to effectively convert interest into bookings and sustain a thriving magic business in the digital age. Through engaging stories and real-world examples, I share how even magicians with impressive media...
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Mike Hammer's Vegas Adventure
Discourse in Magic
Magician and comedian Mike Hammer takes center stage, unveiling the secrets behind his 13-year run on the Las Vegas strip. From his humble beginnings with a simple magic kit in Chicago to captivating audiences in the entertainment capital of the world, Mike's story is as magical as his performances. With humor and heart, he opens up about the challenges of transitioning from small gigs in restaurants and strip clubs to the bright lights of Vegas, revealing the persistence, networking, and a sprinkle of serendipity that got him there. Mike's candid reflections on the art of blending comedy with...
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3 P's of Magic Sales
Discourse in Magic
Join me in this holiday-themed episode of Discourse in Magic, where I guide you through maximizing your sales as a magician during this bustling season. I break down the three essential pillars that contribute to successful sales: pricing, promotional material, and the sales process. Learn how to strike the perfect balance in your pricing strategy, craft compelling promotional materials with testimonials and visuals, and streamline your sales process from initial inquiry to post-gig follow-ups. By focusing on these key areas, you'll be set up for a prosperous holiday season and beyond. In the...
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How to Prepare for December
Discourse in Magic
Unlock the secrets to skyrocketing your holiday bookings this year! Prepare to transform your magic business with our latest episode of Discourse in Magic, where Jonah Babins, guides you through the essential tactics to capitalize on the peak holiday season. Discover why October and early November are the golden months for gig inquiries, and learn how doubling your marketing efforts can yield incredible results. This isn’t just about working harder; it’s about working smarter to ensure a phenomenal end to 2024. In this episode, we break down actionable strategies to boost your visibility...
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The Magic Behind Campers Playing Cards
Discourse in Magic
Join us for an exciting episode of Discourse in Magic as we welcome back Ben Train to discuss the launch of our latest project, the Campers Playing Cards. We explore our motivations behind creating this unique deck, our shared love for playing cards, and our desire to contribute something special to the magic community. We also touch on the practical enhancements designed to make these cards versatile for magicians, and the joy of seeing others use and appreciate our creations. In this episode, we take you through the creative journey behind the card deck’s design. From initial...
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The Art of Blending Comedy and Magic with Bruce Gold
Discourse in Magic
Magician, comedian, and consultant joins us for an enthralling chat about his dynamic journey from a childhood fascination with magic to an influential career in Hollywood. Starting with a magic set he received as a kid, Bruce shares his path through the comedy club scene, where he learned invaluable lessons by observing both triumphs and failures. He talks about the gritty reality of being overworked and underpaid in the early stages of a performer's career, emphasizing how these experiences helped shape his unique style that blends magic and comedy. Transitioning from the comedy club...
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Why Not Corporate?
Discourse in Magic
Learn how to diversify your magic career and discover why corporate gigs might not be the golden ticket they're often made out to be. Join host Jonah Babins as he guides you through the captivating world of alternative markets for magicians in this episode of Discourse in Magic. We'll dissect the allure of corporate events and uncover the real challenges that come with them, from their seasonal nature to the complexities of rebooking. This is an eye-opener for anyone who believes that corporate shows are the pinnacle of a magician's career. But that's not all—we'll broaden your...
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Trade Show Magic with Danny Orleans
Discourse in Magic
Unlock the secrets of trade show magic with , a master magician whose career spans from children's theater to corporate stages. You'll gain actionable insights into how Danny transitioned from performing at kids' birthday parties to captivating professional audiences at trade shows. Listen as he shares his journey, highlighting key strategies and influential mentors like r and who helped shape his career. Discover the often-overlooked opportunities in trade show magic, and learn how Danny navigated this niche market to secure and maintain high-profile bookings. From his initial break with a...
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How to Start Getting Gigs
Discourse in Magic
What if you could transform your passion for magic into a steady stream of gigs without quitting your day job? On this episode of Discourse in Magic, join me, Jonah Babins, as I reveal the secrets to getting your first paid magic performances. We’ll dissect the three pillars of a successful magician's business: establishing authority, mastering basic sales techniques, and generating leads. Learn how to create proof of your magical prowess with just a simple webpage or PDF, and understand the critical role of photos, testimonials, and logos in building your credibility. Tune in to...
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Captivating Audiences with Chris Michael
Discourse in Magic
Prepare to be amazed as we sit down with the extraordinary magician, ! From his early days inspired by a local librarian magician to captivating audiences at high-profile corporate events, Chris's journey is nothing short of magical. He shares heartfelt stories about the emotional bonds formed through magic, particularly with his mother, and offers aspiring magicians invaluable advice on securing gigs and captivating audiences with charisma and close-up magic. Chris reveals the power of storytelling in his craft, emphasizing how compelling, truthful narratives from one's life can create...
info_outlineDiscover the remarkable journey of Spanish magician Jandro in this captivating episode of Discourse in Magic. Inspired by the legendary Juan Tamariz, Jandro recounts his serendipitous discovery of a local magician's academy in Valencia and his evolution into a renowned magician and TV personality. With anecdotes from his 15-year tenure on a Spanish late-night show, where he performed magic and wrote comedy for celebrities like Will Smith and Taylor Swift, this episode offers an enthralling peek behind the curtain into the world of magic and entertainment.
Creativity and Technique in Magic
We explore the importance of joke writing and daily practice in honing one's craft, whether it's magic or comedy. Jandro shares experiences from working on a magic TV show, emphasising the need for creativity when resources are limited. He recounts how rigorous practice with card techniques gave way to innovative, intuitive performance styles when working on live TV. We also discuss the concept of using jokes and situational techniques as alternatives to traditional magic methods, highlighting the blend of technical skill and creative thinking in successful magic performances.
Fooling Penn and Teller
Jandro shares an amusing anecdote about wanting to perform a "car trick" on Penn and Teller's Fool Us, playing on language misunderstandings and breaking assumptions. We explore how the use of unexpected elements, such as shooting in a remote landscape with a printed background and utilising a drone instead of a webcam, enhances the performance. Additionally, the concept of integrating deeper messages into tricks is discussed, exemplified by a routine involving the consequences of lying, where each falsehood results in a cat's "explosion." The chapter concludes with insights into the strategies used to consistently fool seasoned magicians like Penn and Teller by always thinking ahead and presenting tricks designed specifically for one-time performances on the show.
Magical Masters and Creative Influences
We discuss the joy and growth that comes from collaborating with iconic figures like Penn and Teller, and how their innovative ideas elevate each other's work. The conversation highlights the profound impact of Spanish magicians like Juan Tamariz and his mentors, including Ascanio and Gabi Pareres, on the art of magic. We emphasise the importance of understanding the deep psychological and philosophical aspects behind magical performances, as well as the legacy left by these masters. The discussion also touches on the evolution of magic through the contributions of newer magicians who continue to build on the foundations laid by their predecessors, stressing the necessity of studying the masters to truly appreciate and advance the craft.
Endless Chain
Ruben Vilagrand
Links
https://x.com/Jandro
https://www.penguinmagic.com/magician/juan-tamariz
https://www.cwtv.com/shows/penn-teller-fool-us/