This week we welcome the incredible Phill Smith, one of magic's most prolific creative forces. His fingerprints are on countless books, decks, and products in the magic industry - and anyone who's seen his Penguin Lecture knows his creativity extends far beyond visual design.

In this surprisingly eclectic episode, Phill reveals the eight effects he'd take to a desert island, beginning with the delightfully absurd "Tiny Hand" by Michael Ammar. This unexpected choice creates what Phill describes as a surreal moment where spectators briefly imagine an impossible scenario - a tiny person inside the performer's hand. Contrast this with his second selection: Fork Bending performed as a serious demonstration of seemingly genuine ability.

Phill shares how his journey through mentalism began with Bill Goldman's "Mental Yarn," the first real mentalism effect he ever witnessed. He explains why this procedural method of expanding minimal information into mind reading fascinated him and influenced his own creative approach to magical methods.

The conversation reveals Phill's practical philosophy toward learning and performing. Rather than constantly seeking the "best" version of an effect, he advocates mastering one solid method thoroughly. "I will find a version of something that's good and then I'll polish that so that it becomes the best, rather than spending forever seeking perfection," he explains.

Perhaps most fascinating is Phill's discussion of creating powerful moments through opportunistic performance. He describes how he and his colleagues secretly prepare name revelations at magic conventions by noting spectators' names on badges, then seamlessly integrating this information into performances that feel impossible and deeply personal.

Whether you're familiar with Phill's work designing marked decks like the DMC Elites and Elysium Duets or completely new to his creative contributions, this episode offers valuable insights into creating magic that resonates on a personal level with audiences. His selections demonstrate that sometimes the simplest effects, presented thoughtfully, create the most powerful magical experiences.

Phill’s Desert Island Tricks:

1. Tiny Hand
2. Fork Bending
3. Mental Yarn
4. Inexplicable Thrift Store Find
5. Key Master
6. Twisting the Aces
7. Hands Off / Alpha’s Deck
8. Thetalia

Banishment. Magic Beef

Book. Ahead of the Pack

Item. Forks

Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

Magic happens only in the mind of the spectator—this profound insight forms the core of our extraordinary conversation with magic legend Michael Ammar. Fresh from his UK lecture tour, Michael joined us in the studio to share the eight effects he'd take to a desert island and the philosophy that has guided his remarkable career.

Michael's stories transport us from the hallowed halls of the Louvre, where a card placed on the ceiling became an unexpected tourist attraction, to Steve Wozniak's living room, where a framed card on ceiling became "the best conversation piece in my house." With characteristic humour, he recounts nearly being arrested at the Wichita airport for a ceiling card escapade and turning a dollar bill inside-out for the very Secretary of Treasury who signed it, discovering only afterward that such currency manipulation might constitute a federal offence!

Beyond these delightful anecdotes lies a deep reverence for the spectator experience. Michael explains how he transforms traditionally passive effects like the Cups and Balls into collaborative experiences where audience members themselves create the magic. He shares profound insights about the critical importance of body language, noting that "people trust body language more than words" yet few performers consciously script their physical communication.

What truly distinguishes Michael's approach is his compassionate view of volunteers. "Every spectator is someone's mother, father, daughter, son," he reminds us, advocating for treating audiences with genuine respect rather than using them as props. This philosophy of leaving the art "cleaner than we found it" resonates powerfully in today's performing landscape.

Whether you're a professional magician seeking to deepen your craft or simply fascinated by the psychology behind astonishment, this conversation with one of magic's most influential figures will transform how you think about the art of creating wonder.

Michael’s Ammar’s Desert Island Tricks:

1. Cups and Balls
2. Card on Ceiling
3. Coins Through Silk
4. Shadow Coins
5. 100 Dollar Bill Switch
6. Bill to Lemon
7. Cannibal Cards
8. Albo Cards (JC’s Super Closer)

Banishment. When Magicians use Spectators as Props

Book (shelf). Art of Astonishment, The Classic Magic of Larry Jennings, The Complete Works of Derek Dingle, Stars of Magic, Expert Card Technique, Collected Magical Art’s Journals, Hugard’s Magic Monthly, Apocalypse magazine, Martin Gardner’s Books

Item. His Wife (or a good coffee machine)

Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

What makes a magic trick truly unforgettable? For Noel Qualter, it's creating moments that make spectators exclaim, "That's the weirdest, craziest thing I'll remember for a long time!" This philosophy has guided his remarkable career from three-time originality award winner to fooling Penn & Teller.

In this captivating conversation, Noel opens up about co-founding Trick Trick Boom with Roddy McGhie, a company dedicated to producing magic that breaks free from convention. Their first release, Mini Book Pro, exemplifies this approach – a miniature laptop impossibly transforming into a signed card – and has rapidly become a modern classic that professional magicians worldwide have embraced.

Noel's desert island selections reveal the mind of an innovator who values theatrical presentation as much as methodology. From Jon Allen's Destination Box (a twenty-year workhorse in his repertoire) to his newest creation Bandit (which solves the age-old problem of vanishing folded objects in an interesting and fooling way), each choice demonstrates his commitment to practical, memorable magic.

The conversation takes unexpected turns as Noel shares his creative process, including his technique of pausing magic product trailers before the full premise is revealed to spark original ideas. He delivers strong opinions about mentalism (spoiler: he's not a fan) while championing "mental magic" with clear, visual impact. His journey from being cut from Fool Us to eventually fooling Penn & Teller years later offers an inspiring glimpse into persistence and creative evolution.

Whether you're a professional performer looking for fresh material, a magic enthusiast curious about innovative approaches, or simply fascinated by creative thinking, Noel's insights will transform how you view the art of impossible. Check out tricktrickboom.com to discover the offbeat, unforgettable magic this unique creator continues to develop.

Noel’s Desert Island Tricks:

1. Minibook Pro
2. Destination Box
3. Band-It!
4. Benson Burner
5. Glyphs
6. Card Tricks are Extinct
7. Cylinder and Coins
8. WZRD

Banishment. Mentalism

Book. Daemon Magic Catalogue

Item. iPad

Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

What happens when a career-threatening injury forces a flying trapeze artist to reinvent herself? For Kay Dyson, it meant becoming "Miss Magic”, a transformation that has led to performances for celebrities like Victoria Beckham and The Rolling Stones, and appearances on shows from GMTV to Wizard Wars.

Kay's journey began in Gerry Cottle's Circus as part of the groundbreaking all-female Flying Bell Stars. After a harrowing accident that came within millimetres of breaking her neck, she found herself drawn to magic through a chance encounter with a close-up magician. Within six weeks, she was performing professionally, a meteoric rise powered by her natural performance skills honed in the circus.

Throughout her 20-year career performing at Manchester United and countless high-profile events, Kay has developed a distinctive approach to magic that plays to her strengths as a female performer. "A lot of tricks don’t work for a female... you've got to put your own spin on it," she explains, describing how she transforms traditional effects to suit her perspective and persona. Her vent mask routine, where she transforms male volunteers into "Chantel" before performing French Kiss, exemplifies this creative adaptation.

Kay's performances are carefully designed to create emotional variety, rom the belly laughs of her sponge ball routines (which once literally saved her life during an encounter with a tribe in Africa) to the tears induced by her yet-to-be-released sentimental closing effect. She likens her show to a roller coaster, taking audiences through surprise, wonder, tension, and release.

Whether she's developing new original effects like "Losing Your Marbles" or planning her next theatrical production, Kay continues to push boundaries and create magical memories that last, sometimes even being mentioned in funeral eulogies, as happened with her performance for a vicar's wife. Her story reminds us that magic isn't just about tricks, it’s about creating moments that connect us and sometimes outlive us.

Kay’s Desert Island Tricks:

1. Extractor (E2)

2. Vent Mask (French Kiss)

3. Hook

4. Last Rolo / Losing Your Marbles

5. Sponge Balls / Ding Dong

6. Cards Across

7. Psychic Touch / 7b. Magic Kettle

8. Yet to be released Rising Revelation

Banishment. Scruffiness

Book. The War Magician: The True Story

Item. Diary

Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

Ever wondered what it's like to perform magic for the Queen? Or how about orchestrating a death-defying stunt where a car explosion nearly takes down a helicopter with a celebrity inside? Jonathan Goodwin, the legendary escape artist and stunt performer, pulls back the curtain on these incredible moments and more in this captivating conversation.

Goodwin's approach to performance art stands apart from traditional magicians - he created experiences where genuine danger and clever theatrical thinking collide to create moments of wonder. From his nerve-wracking experience performing "Brainwave" for Queen Elizabeth II at her 80th birthday (where time seemed to slow down as he frantically searched for her chosen card in dim lighting), to the hilarious mishaps behind "The Fish Slap Prediction" (featuring a live trout escaping down a London high street), his stories give us a peek behind the curtain where otherwise, we would never likely see.

What makes this conversation particularly fascinating is Goodwin's insights into the psychology of creating memorable magical moments. He articulates why endings matter more than beginnings, how the question of "why" should drive creation rather than technical prowess, and why magic works best when it feels implausible rather than impossible. His methodology for designing routines reveals the mind of an artist who understands that genuine connection with an audience transcends mere technical skill.

Whether describing his crossbow routine with its hidden assistant reveal, his admiration for Blackstone's floating light bulb, or the terrifying behind-the-scenes reality of television stunts gone nearly wrong, Goodwin's passion for pushing boundaries while honouring the traditions of magic shines through. His recent creation "No Bull" continues to baffle even the most knowledgeable magicians and was a huge hit at the Blackpool Magic Convention 2025, proving his creative genius remains undiminished.

This episode will forever change how you view the intersection of danger, deception, and wonder.

Jonathan’s Desert Island Tricks:

1. Brainwave Deck
2. Fish Slap Prediction
3. Crossbow Routine
4. Blackstone Floating Lightbulb
5. Moretti Cardboard Box
6. No Bull
7. Car Off Cliff
8. Burned at the Stake

Banishment. Silent Manipulation Routines

Book. The Method to my Madness

Item. His Wife

Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

Step into the wonderfully whimsical world of Roddy McGhie, where card boxes mysteriously grow tiny doors and silver laptops transform into signed playing cards. In this captivating conversation, Roddy reveals how his distinctively offbeat approach to magic has carved him a unique space in the industry.

From the nerve-wracking moment of investing borrowed money to produce his first commercial hit "Little Door," to witnessing people's jaws literally drop when rubber bands pass through one another, Roddy generously shares the pivotal moments and creative influences that shaped his magical journey. What began as a side passion alongside his mental health support work has blossomed into co-owning Trick Trick Boom, a company specialising in the unusual, practical, and memorable magic that has become Roddy's trademark.

Beyond just selecting his eight desert island tricks, Roddy delivers profound insights about performance philosophy. His refreshing take on handling difficult audiences—"My job is to fool people, not make fools of them"—challenges conventional wisdom about audience management. Whether explaining why some magicians are too nervous to perform Tobias Dostal's phone-vanishing miracle "Optics," or defending the unmatched reactions to the humble sponge balls, Roddy's experiences demonstrate that prioritising audience impact over magician approval leads to more meaningful performances.

Whether you're drawn to his creative process, technical expertise, or performance wisdom, this episode offers something magical for everyone. Subscribe now and discover why Roddy's approach to magic continues to surprise, delight, and inspire performers worldwide.

Roddy’s Desert Island Tricks:

1. Stand Up Monte
2. Little Door
3. Optics
4. Sponge Balls
5. What’s in a name
6. Tommy Wonders Nest of Boxes
7. Beard Book
8. Mini Book Pro

Banishment. Heckler Put Down’s

Book. Definitive Sankey Book 1

Item. Rubber Bands

Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

What happens when a professional electrician turns his workplace tools into instruments of wonder? Iain Bailey reveals how his day job has become the perfect foundation for creating authentic, practical magic that resonates with audiences everywhere.

In this captivating conversation, Iain takes us through his Desert Island Tricks list, showcasing effects that brilliantly merge practicality with astonishment. From Holy Moly (using standard washers) to his viral Dove Magic routine (featuring cleverly punned deodorant and dishwasher products), each selection demonstrates his philosophy that magic should be "fun and practical”.

Bailey's inventive approach shines through in creations like Dig It, a card reveal involving a miniature spade, and Reverb, his AirPod vanishing effect that cleverly utilises audio illusion. What makes Iain's work particularly compelling is his commitment to directness - banishing long, tedious tricks in favour of powerful moments that deliver maximum impact in minimum time. "Is the juice worth the squeeze?" becomes his guiding principle for selecting effects.

Perhaps most fascinating is Bailey's willingness to embrace his professional identity, creating a "Tricks of the Trade" stage show that combines electrical work with magic rather than hiding his day job. This authenticity has served him well, helping him produce magic that feels organic and genuine rather than contrived.

Whether you're looking for practical performance advice or creative inspiration for everyday object magic, this episode delivers with humour, insight, and plenty of surprising revelations. Listen now and discover why sometimes the most magical objects might already be in your pocket or toolbox!

Iain’s Desert Island Tricks:

1. Holy Moly
2. Dig-It
3. Imagination Coins
4. Little Hand
5. Rope, Nut, Knot / Fibre Optics
6. Reverb
7. Dove Magic
8. Nest of Wallets

Banishment. Long Tedious Card Tricks

Book. The Approach by Jamie D Grant

Item. Swiss Army Knife

Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

Magician Geoff Weber discusses his carefully curated collection in this fascinating deep dive into a professional's most treasured magical tools.

With over 25 years of experience and credits including published effects like X-Finger, Geoff now performs as "the retro magician" with an 80s-themed act packed with nostalgia. His desert island selections reveal both practical wisdom and surprising insights about what makes certain magic effects truly timeless.

From the seemingly simple 3D Sponge Bunnies (which Geoff notes is "only done by beginners and seasoned pros") to his provocative claim that the humble Paper Clipped by Jay Sankey outshines any fancy card-to-box on the market, each choice comes with fascinating justification. Geoff's list spans close-up classics, mentalism, and coins while offering thoughtful commentary on why certain props and methods endure.

Along the way, Geoff shares valuable nuggets like why Joe Rindfleisch's rainbow rubber bands revolutionised his performance of classics like Crazy Man's Handcuffs, and how his Blockbuster Video confabulation integrates mentalism with nostalgic 80s references. He also makes a compelling case for why every magician's deck should include an odd-backed card.

What magic trick does Geoff believe has "exacerbated the problem of cookie-cutter magicians"? Which effect does he feel is his best creation yet has been "overlooked by the magic community"? Listen now to discover the answers and perhaps reconsider which effects would make your own desert island list!

Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk