The Magic Newswire

Magic is among the oldest art forms and this is the podcast for those that perform it, study it, watch it, or are just fans. Interviews with celebrity performers, historians, creators, and respected teachers. All this and more on The Magic Newswire "The Spirit of Magic" podcast.

Broken Wand: Max Maven 11/04/2022

Broken Wand: Max Maven The world of magic became much poorer this week with the passing of one of the best, Max Maven. I was honored to have had the opportunity to meet and speak with Max on numerous occasions and always came away a little better from the experience. As one of my early guests on the podcast, Max set the bar very high for all those to follow. I am sharing that first chat again here for those that are still reeling from the loss and for those that are somehow not familiar with his work. From his Twitter feed on Nov. 2, 2022: I made my life about words, reading them and writing them. I wish I had a more elegant way of telling you all that I love you. I had a good run, made wonderful friends, shared many laughs, and I learned a great many things. I learned that magic allows us to be so much bigger than we are. I learned we should be kind to one another and forgive people for being flawed and prideful. The one thing I know is that we can all do better, and I think we will. /episode/index/show/magicnews/id/24908706

Broken Wand: Max Maven 11/04/2022

Broken Wand :: Amazing Johnathan 02/24/2022

Broken Wand :: Amazing Johnathan From numerous sources, we have sadly learned of the passing of the Amazing Johnathan. According to , "An exact cause of death was not immediately given, though Johnathan — born Johnathan Edward Szeles — had previously revealed he had been diagnosed with a heart condition. Szeles’ wife, the performer Anastasia Synn, confirmed her husband’s death, telling the Review-Journal he died in his sleep Tuesday night." In remembrance, I am reposting my conversation with him from just before his annual Halloween Party in 2008. Johnathan, it will be hard to forget someone who gave us so much to remember. /episode/index/show/magicnews/id/22237676

BANACHEK REMASTERED - MNW151 12/23/2020

BANACHEK REMASTERED - MNW151 My guest on this episode of the Magic Newswire's "Spirit of Magic" podcast is more than just an amazing performer, he's a respected thinker and creator in the art of magic and mentalism. Banachek was also a part of the now famous Project Alpha hoax in which he convinced scientists from Washington University that he was actually demonstrating paranormal abilities. Banachek is now a sought after consultant and performer who has worked with such performers as Criss Angel and /episode/index/show/magicnews/id/17310446

JAMES RANDI REDUC - MNW110 10/22/2020

JAMES RANDI REDUC - MNW110 The James Randi Foundation has today announced that "The Amazing Randi" had died at the age of 92, saying simply that its founder succumbed to “age-related causes” on Tuesday. Randi joined us on this episode of the "Spirit of Magic" podcast before appearing as a featured performer at the 100th Anniversary Salute to Magic show in New York City. Randi began his career as a mentalist and magician before becoming known as a scientific sceptic challenging those who claim to have paranormal abilities. He gained fame in this field after an ongoing feud between himself and Uri Gellar in the mid to late 1970's. Randi himself rejected the title of "debunker" preferring instead to be seen as an investigator in the field of pseudo-science. He was also the author of many books on the subjects of the paranormal, skepticism and the history of conjuring. Randi talked with me about his career in these varied fields and about his motivation as a paranormal skeptic. /episode/index/show/magicnews/id/16500830

BROKEN WAND :: MARVYN ROY 07/02/2020

BROKEN WAND :: MARVYN ROY Today we lost yet another true luminary in the world of magic, Marvyn Roy, better known to many as Mr. Electric." I interviewed Marvyn in 2009 and hope that you will enjoy remembering him along with me by revisiting this interview. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dai Vernon Foundation. /episode/index/show/magicnews/id/15056288

MNW 133 : Deitrich & Brooks 06/27/2020

MNW 133 : Deitrich & Brooks Dorothy Dietrich is one of the world's foremost female magician and escapologists. She was the first woman to catch a bullet in her mouth. Dorothy is also the first woman to perform a straitjacket escape while suspended hundreds of feet in the air from a burning rope and has been referred to as on of the "eight most noted magicians of the late twentieth century." Dick Brooks is a world class entertainer of both comedy and magic and helped to found FAME which later became the Society of Young Magicians within SAM. Together, they created New York's famous Magic Townhouse and gave many magicians their first job during the fifteen years that it was in operation. Brooks & Dietrich now operate the famous Houdini Museum in Scranton, PA. /episode/index/show/magicnews/id/14988221

MNW336 REDUX : THE CHARLIE MILLER INTERVIEW 03/20/2019

MNW336 REDUX : THE CHARLIE MILLER INTERVIEW Seconds, bottoms, the pass, Malini, Vernon and so much more. Charlie Miller is one of those names that are often mentioned in the context of modern card magic. In that same context, he is one of those technicians that I think that many of us know too little about. I hope that this conversation with some of his closest friends ... /episode/index/show/magicnews/id/9071807

MNW 310 Reviisited: Gary Vaynerchuck 03/19/2019

MNW 310 Reviisited: Gary Vaynerchuck We step out of the box a bit with this special episode of the Magic Newswire podcast. Gary Vaynerchuck has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, GQ, and Time, has appeared on Late Night with Conan O'Brien and Ellen. He also makes regular appearances on Fox News, MSNBC, CNN and the major network news outlets /episode/index/show/magicnews/id/9057356

Tomsoni, Teller & Todd 03/10/2019

Tomsoni, Teller & Todd Somehow, magic and mystery are combined to bring joy to the audience by scaring them to death and we talk about how that's possible with Johnny Thompson, Teller & Todd Robbins /episode/index/show/magicnews/id/8944433

Broken Wand: Tomsoni 03/10/2019

Broken Wand: Tomsoni Both Johnny & Pam Thompson Joined us for a rip roaring chat on an episode of This Week in Magic and it is a great one to listen to while thinking of him. Rest Easy my friend! /episode/index/show/magicnews/id/8944331

Broken Wand : Johnny Thompson 03/10/2019

Broken Wand : Johnny Thompson I am so very sad to report on the passing of yet another of the greats in our art. Johnny "The Great Tomsoni" Thompson was my guest on several episodes of the Magic Newswire's Spirit of Magic Podcast. This is one of my favorites and the earliest. I hope that you listen and share in his memory. /episode/index/show/magicnews/id/8944298

JOHN ROTELLINI IS GOING BLIND 11/19/2018

JOHN ROTELLINI IS GOING BLIND On April 1st, 2009, Magician John Rotellini Jr. will spend the day sightless- having silver dollars duct taped over his eyes topped with custom-made stainless steel blindfold placed over his face. Throughout the course of the day, John will visit area businesses and schools performing mentalism. Why is he doing this? To raise money for Kidd's Kids, /episode/index/show/magicnews/id/7607627

BROKEN WAND :: PAUL DIAMOND 05/09/2017

BROKEN WAND :: PAUL DIAMOND Paul Diamond may not be a household name in the world of magic today, but everyone that I speak to from Johnny Thompson, to Mac King & Lance Burton, etc... all knew "Mr. Humble." I was very sad to learn today that he had passed away. As a boy discovering the art of magic while living in South Florida, making the trip to Paul's shop in the Lauderdale by the Sea area was a must! I was lucky enough to get my first exposure to magic through a teacher associated with Paul's shop when I was in elementary school. As it turns out, Paul was also a favorite performer of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. Over the years, he's been a featured entertainer for celebrity events hosted by Celine Dion, Elton John, Milton Berle and many others. In addition, Paul had such close association with such magic legends as Slydini and Charlie Miller live with him in his Florida home. Rediscover "Mr. Humble," Mr. Paul Diamond on this republished episode of the Magic Newswire's "Spirit of Magic Podcast." Rest in peace Paul! /episode/index/show/magicnews/id/5341639

BROKEN WAND :: IRENE LARSEN 02/26/2016

BROKEN WAND :: IRENE LARSEN It has been a rough week for magic. This afternoon I learned that we had lost yet another member of magic's royality, "Princess" Irene Larsen. From Erika: /episode/index/show/magicnews/id/4175856

Broken Wand :: Tom Mullica 02/19/2016

Broken Wand :: Tom Mullica YOU ARE ALREADY MISSED MY FRIENDAs a native Atlantan, I have very fond memories of seeing Tom Mullica perform at his magic bar on Peachtree Street, The Tom Foolery. I am sad to report that today, we lost one of magic's great performers and a genuinely nice guy. When we recorded this, Tom had been battling leukemia, but it was in remission and Tom was preparing to renew his Red Skelton tribute show in Branson. There was recent talk about the opening of a new Tom Foolery on Las Vegas as well. I am so happy to have had the chance to share this moment with Tom and can only say that I am so sorry to not have had more time with him. /episode/index/show/magicnews/id/4158747

MNW342 - Chris Ramsay 02/01/2016

MNW342 - Chris Ramsay Chris Ramsay is a magician. He's a photographer. He's a guy that can't be easily categorized, which is probably exactly how he likes it. Chris discovered magic as a child and honed his skills as a traditional magician while working in a restaurant, but it wasn't until he discovered cardistry and flourishing that he really came into his own. These days, he has become one of the most popular performers posting material to social media. Listen in to learn what it is about magic that inspires him and how he thinks that new performers should begin and progress in the craft. /episode/index/show/magicnews/id/4117753

MNW174 THE MAGIC SNOBS 01/29/2016

MNW174 THE MAGIC SNOBS Jim Steinmeyer & Mike Caveney rejoin me on the Magic Newswire's "Spirit of Magic" podcast to talk about several topics including magic snobbery, the 20th anniversary of the LA Magic History Conference which just wrapped in Los Angeles, their new release from Taschen Books, "Magic: 1400 - 1950", and their current projects including Steinmeyer's biography of Howard Thurston and Caveney's long anticipated "Magic of Mike Caveney." /episode/index/show/magicnews/id/4110766

MNW79 SIM STEINMEYER PART TWO 01/29/2016

MNW79 SIM STEINMEYER PART TWO In the conclusion of my interview with magic creator, consultant, historian and author Jim Steinmeyer we cover a wide range of topics. What makes the Masked Magician Specials possible? Can the secrets of magic really be protected from exposure? What challenges are faced by Cirque when developing a new presentation of magic for the public? What's missing from modern magic as it is presented on television today? In addition we discuss the release of his upcoming book on Howard Thurston and his collaboration on an oversized book on the history of magic with Mike Caveney /episode/index/show/magicnews/id/4110705

MNW78 JIM STEINMEYER PART ONE 01/29/2016

MNW78 JIM STEINMEYER PART ONE Magic creator, consultant, historian and author Jim Steinmeyer is our guest on this episode of the Magic Newswire podcast. In addition to talking about his magical youth, Jim shares his experiences working with some of the biggest names in magic. Doug Henning, David Copperfield, Lance Burton and Siegfried & Roy are just a few of the professional performers who have all turned to Jim for assistance over the years. In addition to writing a new work on Thurston and completing an oversized book on the history of magic with Mike Caveney, Jim is acting as the magic consultant for the new Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Circus tour "Zing Zang Zoom." This is the first of a two part interview. /episode/index/show/magicnews/id/4110682

MNW156 and 157 DAVID BEN 01/23/2016

MNW156 and 157 DAVID BEN Here is a repost of the two part interview with David Ben which was originally published in October of 2009. It has been remastered to remove the ads and consolidate both parts into one continuous interview. David talks about Marlo, Vernon and many other notable figures from the history of magic. From the original post: The public, the press and his peers have recognized David as one of the world’s foremost sleight-of-hand artists. In Dai Vernon: A Biography (2006), David penned the first half (part two being in production) of the definitive portrait of Dai Vernon, the most influential magician of the twentieth century. He is the co-founder and Artistic Director of Magicana, a performing arts organization and registered charity which serves to educate and increase the public’s understanding and appreciation of the art of magic. David joins me on the podcast to talk about his love of magic and his contribution to Genii's 75th Anniversary salute to the Jinx. /episode/index/show/magicnews/id/4097767

MNW182 NICHOLAS JOHNSON 01/19/2016

MNW182 NICHOLAS JOHNSON On this episode of the Magic Newswire's "Spirit of Magic" podcast we have a chat with Australia's honest conman and one of the hosts of the latest incarnation of The Real Hustle, Nicholas Johnson. The concept for the Real Hustle as a television program originated in the UK and has gone through several incarnations in various countries. Nicholas is a con artist, magician, speaker & comedian who uses sleight of hand, card cheating, pickpocketing & psychology to recreate the world of the professional con man. /episode/index/show/magicnews/id/4088312

MNW166 : GEORGE SEIGEL 01/19/2016

MNW166 : GEORGE SEIGEL As we approach the 100th anniversary celebration of the mansion that serves as the permanent resident for the Academy of Magical Arts, we continue to explore the rich history of the Magic Castle. My guest on this episode of the podcast is George Seigel. George is the architectural historian for the Castle and the man that knows the complete history of the mansion. How many people have died in the Castle? Are there any reports of paranormal activity? Is there a connection between the family that lived there when it was a private residence and Harry Houdini? An insane asylum!? All this and more will be revealed on the Spirit of Magic Podcast! /episode/index/show/magicnews/id/4088279

MNW341 - Armando Lucero 01/16/2016

MNW341 - Armando Lucero A long time promise is now fulfilled for MagicNewswire Podcast listeners. Some time ago, I recorded a fantastic interview with "Magician's Magician" Armando Lucero. Unfortunately, due to a perfect storm of technical issues, I thought that it had been lost. In addition, time constrains placed upon me by my nob and family have prevented me from dedicating the time needed to try and recover this gem. Fortunately, I st aside some time and have managed to resurrect this conversation. Armando needs little introduction to magicians around the globe. He is an amazing performer and teacher who is much in demand for his lectures on magic an an art form. It was a pleasure having him with me on this episode of the "Spirit of Magic" podcast. I hope that you enjoy it! /episode/index/show/magicnews/id/4082654

MNW156 : DAVID BEN PART 1 01/13/2016

MNW156 : DAVID BEN PART 1 The public, the press and his peers have recognized David as one of the world’s foremost sleight-of-hand artists. In Dai Vernon: A Biography (2006), David penned the first half (part two being in production) of the definitive portrait of Dai Vernon, the most influential magician of the twentieth century. He is the co-founder and Artistic Director of Magicana, a performing arts organization and registered charity which serves to educate and increase the public’s understanding and appreciation of the art of magic. David joins me on the podcast to talk about his love of magic and his contribution to Genii's 75th Anniversary sauluteto the Jinx. /episode/index/show/magicnews/id/4075436

MNW181 : BAINE ON HAITI 01/13/2016

MNW181 : BAINE ON HAITI By now, everyone will be aware of the tragedy that has hit the country of Haiti after a major eathquake rocked the region. The magic community is representing us well in the face of the disaster through the efforts of , Daniel Ramirez & . Yesterday, David Blaine announced that he would be doing magic in Times Square for the next 72 hours to heighten public awareness of the need in and the efforts of the in the region /episode/index/show/magicnews/id/4075428

MNW95 :: PAUL WILSON 01/13/2016

MNW95 :: PAUL WILSON Paul Wilson is much more than an award winning conjuror. He's a scam artist, movie consultant and television presenter. He has studied sleight of hand, cheating and conjuring since the age of eight. He consulted on the 2004 Sylvester Stallone film "Shade" in which he directed and starred in the highly acclaimed opening titles which featured his expert sleight of hand with cards. In the filme, he appeared as Mr. Andrews. He also served as a magic consultant on the Joe Carnahan film "Smokin' Aces," has consulted for Criss Angel, produced A&E's television show Mondo Magic, appeared on Modern Marvels casino technology episodes, co-created, produced and starred in Court TV's The Takedown and is the resident cheating expert on Italian television's Arcana show. Wilson is currently a writer and presenter on the BBC's The Real Hustle. The show is now a hit in the United Kingdom and is in its' eighth season. His credits within the magic community include The Royal Road To Card Magic, Hit the Road with Paul Wilson and Lee Asher, Knock 'Em Dead, Twists Of Fate, The Restaurant Act, and The Unreal Work with Paul Wilson and Jason England. Join us for a very thoughtful interview with magician Paul Wilson on this episode of the Magic Newswire's "Spirit of Magic" podcast! /episode/index/show/magicnews/id/4075392

MNW168 :: ROBERT WALLACE 01/13/2016

MNW168 :: ROBERT WALLACE Bob Wallace, retired CIA Director of the Department of Technical Services is one of the co-authors of the new book,. In 1953, against the backdrop of the Cold War, the CIA initiated a top-secret program, code-named , to counter Soviet mind-control and interrogation techniques. Realizing that clandestine officers might need to covertly deploy newly developed pills, potions, and powders against the adversary, the CIA hired America's most famous magician, John Mulholland, to write two manuals on sleight of hand and undercover communication techniques. In 1973, virtually all documents related to were destroyed. Mulholland's manuals were thought to be among themuntil a single surviving copy of each, complete with illustrations, was recently discovered in the agency's archives. The manuals reprinted in this work represent the only known complete copy of Mulholland's instructions for CIA officers on the magician's art of deception and secret communication. Bob joins me on the podcast to talk about the book that Lance Burton describes as, "A legendary lost piece of magic history. It's James Bond meets Harry Houdini!" /episode/index/show/magicnews/id/4075354

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