Rider or Die
Discourse in Magic
In this episode of Discourse in Magic, I explore the art of crafting the perfect artist rider for your magic performances. I break down the essentials of what a rider is and why it is crucial for your event's success. We'll go over the key elements you should include, from sound and lighting to stage setup and seating arrangements, ensuring that every detail is covered. I'll share insights on specifying microphone and lighting requirements, as well as how seating arrangements can make or break a show. Additionally, we'll discuss recording policies to clarify media usage and explore...
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The Heart of Magic With Dustin Tavella
Discourse in Magic
Join us as we sit down with the incredibly talented , winner of the 2021 season of America's Got Talent, who shares his inspiring journey from a young magician dressed as a clown to a celebrated performer captivating audiences worldwide. Dustin recounts how his passion for magic began with a simple magic kit and a special trick gifted by his uncle, setting him on a path of discovery and performance. His story takes a fascinating turn as he explores the music industry, producing and writing for significant projects before rediscovering his love for magic through a serendipitous encounter....
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The Lead Machine
Discourse in Magic
Today we're unpacking the secrets of creating a successful lead machine for your magic business. Many magicians believe generating leads is the key to success, but there's so much more to it. In this episode, we explore three essential systems that will ensure your business not only flourishes but also thrives year after year. We'll discuss how to effectively generate new leads through various methods like SEO, Google ads, and social media, tailoring these strategies to find the perfect fit for your unique market. But that's not all! Listen in as we discuss the importance of nurturing...
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The Secrets of a Master Illusionist with Reza Borchardt
Discourse in Magic
Get ready to be amazed by the world of grand illusions with our extraordinary guest, , as we explore his magical journey from a passionate young enthusiast to a leading illusionist in Branson, Missouri. Reza takes us behind the curtain, sharing how his early exposure to magic through TV shows and the generous mentorship of magicians like and fueled his love for the craft. Discover the secrets behind his mind-blowing performances, where large illusions transform into spellbinding stories that captivate audiences, each show bringing something new and exciting through the power of storytelling...
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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...
info_outlineMagician 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 magic can’t be missed! Crafting a standout act in Vegas requires more than just tricks; it demands a deep understanding of humor, audience engagement, and a strong stage persona. Mike shares his evolution from collaborating with a partner to performing solo, emphasizing the importance of scripting and developing material that resonates with diverse audiences. His advice for aspiring magicians is as enlightening as his performances: stay true to your style, but never stop refining your craft.
Mike provides insights into the unique life of a Vegas performer. He contrasts the stability of a residency with the excitement of touring, highlighting the creative freedoms and logistical headaches that come with each. He offers a glimpse into the magic of performing in one location, where night after night, the show becomes a familiar yet ever-evolving spectacle. Whether you're an aspiring magician, a fan of comedy, or simply curious about the life of a Las Vegas entertainer, Mike Hammer's journey is sure to captivate and inspire!
Building a Comedy Show in Vegas
We discuss Mike’s early career challenges and successes of a magician breaking into the Las Vegas entertainment sceneMike landed a gig at the Four Queens Hotel and Casino, performing at an unusual time of 3 PM. The challenge of attracting audiences at this time led me to try street magic, a tough endeavor that demanded engaging the public one-on-one. Despite a slow start with small audiences, Mike sustained myself through corporate work and gradually built a larger audience over two years.
Crafting Stand-Up Comedy Material
We explore Mike’s unique approach to blending comedy and magic by focusing on writing humor that stands independently of the tricks themselves. Mike shares his journey from relying on the humor inherent in magic tricks to crafting jokes that enhance the magic without depending on it. We discuss the importance of writing and how it transforms a performance, moving away from stock jokes to personalized material that aligns with my comedic character. Mike emphasizes the value of recording live shows to capture spontaneous humor, allowing me to refine and build upon these moments. Through anecdotes, I highlight the necessity of balancing improvisation with prepared material to ensure consistent audience engagement, regardless of their reactions.
The Realities of Performing in Vegas
This chapter explores the contrasting experiences of performing in a fixed location versus touring as a magician. I share my reflections on the idea of owning a magic lounge in Toronto and the allure of corporate gigs that offer a good balance between enjoyment and financial reward. The conversation shifts to the joys and challenges of having a residency in Las Vegas, including the benefits of stability and the opportunity to continually refine material. However, it also touches on the logistical headaches like technical issues, ticketing problems, and traffic delays affecting show timings. Despite these challenges, performing in one place allows for creative improvisation and a stable life. There's also a nostalgic appreciation for touring, where audiences in different cities often provide unique, memorable experiences, highlighting the contrasting excitement of being a special event in a town compared to being one of many entertainment options in Vegas.
Endless Chain
Bernardo Sedlacek
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Website: https://mikehammershow.com/