Claim OwnershipThe Magic Book Podcast
Subscribed: 15Played: 302
Subscribe
© Copyright 2026 The Magic Book Podcast
Description
Uncovering the rich history, innovative techniques, and extraordinary performers who have shaped the art of illusion through the written word. Episodes cover a wide range of topics, from the historical and cultural significance of magic books to practical advice on building a library. Hear insights into the creative process of writing and publishing magic books through firsthand accounts of their impact on our guests' lives and careers and the collaborative efforts that bring these texts to life. The Magic Book Podcast is your guide to the world of magic books, one episode at a time.
35 Episodes
Reverse
Frank Zazanis performs and writes as Franklin Williams, one of three personas he has built, each with a book of its own on the way. His first book, “Authentic Fabrications,” pairs 17 pieces of magical theater with 14 essays and carries a foreword by Jeff McBride. In this episode of The Magic Book Podcast, Frank explains why he scripts the closing line first, describes the third kind of audience he calls the seeking audience, and recalls how a thread routine pulled from his glove box for a Zoom show led to membership of The Magic Circle.
Michael Breggar has spent nearly twelve years writing the "Auto-Magic" column in The Linking Ring. His book, "Know Brainer," published by H&R Magic Books, collects more than 35 routines of comedy mentalism. Mike recalls the sitcom Martian who sparked his interest in mind reading, explains how Groucho Marx inspired his comedy Q&A act, and makes the case for building every routine in three acts. He also shares how he is reviving The Phoenix, the classic magic magazine, inside VANISH.
Harry Houdini was one of the greatest collectors of his era. Every corner of his Harlem townhouse held books, playbills, prints, and ephemera. Within months of his death in 1926, the collection was split, sold, and scattered. Dr. Eric Colleary, Cline Curator of Theatre and Performing Arts at the Harry Ransom Center, spent a decade piecing the story back together. He discusses his new book, the librarian Houdini kept in his attic, a bargain bought in wartime, and how Texas ended up with the rest.
For more than six decades, Woodstock's resident magician Alan Eisenson, known professionally as Just Alan, has made magic from his own life. In this episode, we discuss "Just Alan - Not Just Magic," a limited edition book about Alan, written and illustrated by Jay Fortune. Alan explains what it means to transcend technique, describes how he decides where a true story ends and invention begins, recounts the making of The Sands of India, and reflects on a one-man show that never reached the stage.
Chicago-based mentalist Christopher Carter discusses "In the Spotlight," named Penguin Magic's Book of the Year, which collects 28 routines and essays from a 35-year career across college campuses, corporate stages, and cruise ship theaters. Christopher explains why the Q&A act is so effective in mentalism, describes the Mental Interview at the heart of his approach, and explores the handling of stage danger in Staple Gun Roulette, choosing a risk that is real without being mortal.
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States