Magician's Workshop

Hello Magical People!  It was an amazing time talking to Ben Train, who is a real pro mentalist with the bonafides to prove it. He shares his journey through the world of magic, emphasizing the importance of community, mentorship, and the evolution of his craft from card magic to stand-up mentalism. He discusses his early experiences with magic, influential literature, and the impact of family on his career choices. Ben also provides valuable insights into navigating the corporate magic scene, determining one's worth as a performer, and effective lead generation strategies. His advice for aspiring magicians highlights the necessity of practice, audience engagement, and the significance of a strong show structure.

Hey Magic People!  He may not be a household name, but this Magician has an incredible story! Jeff Corn shares his journey through the world of magic, from his early experiences with sleight of hand to his professional performances in Las Vegas and beyond. He discusses the importance of understanding magic history, particularly the influence of legendary magicians like Johnny Thompson. Jeff also reflects on his experiences performing at the Magic Castle and his aspirations for future projects, emphasizing the joy and community found within the magic world. Don't forget to leave us a review! It makes a huge difference! Show Takeaways Jeff's first exposure to sleight of hand was through a video called Impossible Card Magic. He learned a lot from lifelong performers at a magic shop in Albuquerque. Jeff's journey took him from Albuquerque to Las Vegas, where he performed for tourists. The pandemic shifted Jeff's focus, leading him to move back east. Understanding the history of magic is crucial for both hobbyists and professionals. Johnny Thompson is considered one of the most important magicians of the last 50 years. Performing at the Magic Castle was a significant milestone for Jeff. Jeff uses color-coded Post-it notes to organize his magic routines. He believes that magic is an intimate experience that doesn't always translate well to video. Jeff is excited about future projects and the potential for growth in the Jacksonville magic scene.  

In this episode, renowned magician Andy Gladwin takes us on a journey through his multifaceted career. As a co-founder of Vanishing Inc, one of the largest magic retailers, Andy delves into the company’s origins and mission to improve the art of magic. He shares insights into his personal life as a busy magician and father, reflects on his early influences and transition from computer programming to professional magic, and discusses his experiences performing at prestigious events and on shows like Penn & Teller: Fool Us. Andy also talks about his favorite card tricks, the importance of proper crediting in magic, and the creation and evolution of Vanishing Inc, including its masterclass and live events. Throughout, listeners get a unique glimpse into the dedication, collaboration, and passion that fuel Andy’s contributions to the magic community.

In this bonus minisode, Dr. Todd shares his experience of receiving a standing ovation at his first magic show. He reveals the five key strategies that contributed to his success: pre-show engagement, structuring the show for maximum effect, focusing on quality over quantity, developing a narrative, and connecting with the audience. From performing simple card tricks beforehand to building a cohesive story and practicing tricks until perfection, Dr. Todd explains how these elements made his performance memorable and engaging.

Hello Magical Friends! In this episode, Dr. Todd and Brandon explore the multifaceted world of magic, discussing its power to inspire, connect, and teach valuable life lessons. Brandon shares his journey from a young magic enthusiast to a professional speaker, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and the 'impossibility mindset' in both magic and life. They delve into the role of overconfidence in decision-making, the significance of building connections through performance, and how magic can serve as a tool for personal and professional growth. The discussion highlights the accessibility of magic and its potential to enhance everyday experiences, making it a valuable skill for anyone.   Takeaways Magic is a powerful tool for inspiration and connection.The journey into magic often starts with a moment of awe.Storytelling enhances the impact of magic performances.Overconfidence can lead to poor decision-making.Magic can be used to teach important life lessons.Building relationships is key to engaging an audience.The 'certainty pocket' helps in decision-making.Magic can improve daily life and work experiences.Finding your 'why' is crucial for performing magic.Magic is a universal language that transcends borders.  

Hello, my Magical People! In this excellent episode,  Leah Orleans shares her multifaceted journey as a circus performer, entertainment marketer, and the driving force behind the Mystify Magic Festival. She discusses her passion for creating interactive experiences, the importance of diversity in magic, and the innovative approaches implemented in the festival. Leah emphasizes the significance of community and connection in the entertainment industry while addressing the challenges of organizing such a large-scale event. The conversation provides insights into the festival's structure, goals, and the exciting opportunities it presents for attendees. Takeaways -Leah Orleans is a full-time circus performer and entertainment marketer.-Creating engaging experiences for audiences is a key part of Leah's work.-Diversity in magic is essential for inspiring future generations.-The Mystify Magic Festival aims to attract new attendees to magic conventions.-Leah emphasizes the importance of community and connection in the entertainment industry.-The festival will feature a variety of events and sessions tailored to different interests.-Innovative technology will enhance the festival experience for attendees.-Challenges in organizing the festival include managing a large team and logistics.-Leah's journey reflects the importance of mentorship and support in the arts.-The festival is designed to be inclusive and welcoming to all participants.  

Rachel Wax shares her journey from a career in fashion to becoming a full-time magician. She discusses her early experiences with magic, the challenges of transitioning careers, and the unique environment of Speakeasy Magic. Rachel also delves into the importance of audience interaction, character development in performances, and the significance of community within the magic world. The conversation culminates in an exciting preview of the upcoming Mystify Magic Festival, aimed at creating a safe space for everyone regardless of orientation, gender, or race.

Full Video can be found on www.youtube.com/@themwpodcast Dr. Todd interviews Brielle, a professional magician who shares her unique journey from studying psychology and German to becoming a magician. Brielle discusses her experiences on the show 'Fool Us', the importance of connection in magic, and her involvement in community healing through magic. She offers insights into the challenges of performing in restaurants, mentalism's role, and magic's popularity in Chicago. The conversation highlights the emotional aspects of magic and the joy it brings to both performers and audiences.   key takeaways Brielle's journey from psychology to magic showcases the importance of following one's passion. Education played a significant role in shaping Brielle's career as a magician. The experience of performing on 'Fool Us' was both terrifying and rewarding for Brielle. Magic serves as a powerful tool for connection and healing in communities. Brielle emphasizes the importance of reading the room and understanding audience dynamics. Restaurant magic requires a unique approach to engage diners without disrupting their experience. Mentalism allows Brielle to utilize her psychology background in her performances. Brielle's love for close-up magic stems from its focus on personal connection with the audience. The Healing Appalachia event highlights the role of magic in supporting recovery and community. Brielle's story inspires aspiring magicians to embrace their unique paths and experiences. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background01:32 Education Journey and Fulbright Experience04:19 Transition to Magic and Early Influences06:59 Developing a Magic Career09:58 The Impact of 'Fool Us' on Career12:59 Magic as a Connection and Performance15:59 The Reality of Magic and Audience Expectations18:58 Reflections on Fame and Personal Growth25:18 The Magic of Festivals and Performances28:14 Exploring the World of Close-Up Magic32:38 Tips for Restaurant Magic36:52 The Role of Psychology in Magic43:48 Healing Appalachia: Magic for a Cause46:21 Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors47:48 intro sound final.mp4

Video version on www.youtube.com/@themwpodcast In this episode, Erik Casey, a professional magician and creator, shares his journey from a young hobbyist to a recognized figure in the magic community. He discusses the creation and evolution of his signature trick, Poker Test, and its mega successful sequel, Poker Test 2.0. Erik emphasizes the importance of originality in magic while acknowledging the influence of other magicians. He also talks about his future projects, including a new trick and a book, and his aspirations to perform on Penn and Teller's Fool Us. The conversation highlights Erik's passion for magic, creativity, and community involvement, particularly in the upcoming Mystified Magic Festival. Takeaways Erik Casey began practicing magic at the age of eight. He emphasizes the importance of acting and presentation in magic. Poker Test was inspired by gambling demonstrations and evolved over time. Collaboration with other magicians has been crucial to Erik's success. The transition from Poker Test to Poker Test 2.0 involved learning from past experiences. Erik believes in encouraging magicians to create their own gimmicks. He values originality in magic and strives to inspire others. The Mystified Magic Festival is a significant upcoming event for Erik. Erik's book, Casey's Notes, is set to release soon with unique content. He aims to perform on Penn and Teller's Fool Us, focusing on entertaining magic. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Equipment Talk00:00 Cooking and Sous Vide Enthusiasm00:00 Magic and Dentistry Connection00:00 The Podcast Concept and Audience Engagement00:00 Eric Casey's Background and Achievements01:37 The Power of AI in Magic Introductions03:17 The Journey of Poker Test: From Concept to Creation04:08 Collaborative Magic: The Role of Mentorship16:36 Navigating Success and Challenges in Magic Creation32:31 Originality vs. Adaptation in Magic Performance36:57 The Art of Oil and Water46:50 The Journey into Magic52:40 The Transition from Law to Magic56:19 Creating for Penn and Teller01:05:02 The Passion of Magicians01:05:02 Hobbies Beyond Magic01:07:41 Craftsmanship in Magic01:08:38 Innovations in Magic Products01:08:49 Upcoming Projects and Events01:10:53 The Future of Magic and Community01:13:22 Personal Reflections and Aspirations01:22:03 intro sound final.mp4  

In this engaging conversation, magician Carisa Hendrix shares her journey from an introverted child to a celebrated performer known for her character Lucy Darling. She discusses her early inspirations, the challenges she faced, and her record-breaking fire-eating feat. Carisa reflects on the evolution of her performance style, the importance of character work, and how her experiences shaped her artistic voice. She also delves into the current zeitgeist of entertainment, exploring themes of meta-modernity and the significance of connecting with audiences through relatable art. As she looks to the future, Carisa expresses excitement about her upcoming projects and the continued growth of her character.

In this previously unpublished clip, Erik Tait discusses the creative process behind his unique magic routine featuring Nick the Duck. He shares insights into how he transformed a simple wooden duck into a memorable character that engages audiences through humor and storytelling. The discussion highlights the importance of status play in performance and how the backstory of the duck enhances audience connection and participation.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Todd interviews Eric Tate, an award-winning magician and comedian, who shares his journey into the world of magic, his experiences performing at various venues, and the impact of television on his career. Eric discusses his role at Penguin Magic, the process of creating and producing magic products, and the importance of teaching magic effectively. He also highlights memorable moments from Penguin Live and shares exciting upcoming projects, including a new book and a unique magic effect.

In this premiere of The Magician’s Workshop, meet Dr. Todd—a dentist by trade, magician by passion—as he shares his personal journey into the world of magic. From discovering his first magic set as a child to mastering sleight-of-hand tricks that transformed his professional and personal life, Dr. Todd explores how magic has been a constant source of wonder, creativity, and connection. Hear about the mentors, moments, and experiences that shaped his magical path, and learn why he’s on a mission to interview magicians who perform, create, and teach this incredible artform. Whether you’re a seasoned magician or just curious about magic, this episode sets the stage for an enchanting journey into the stories and secrets behind the tricks. Join us, because magic is for everyone—and the real magic is you.