Jon Armstrong: The Art of Comedy and Connection in Magic

In this episode of The Magician’s Workshop, Dr. Todd sits down with world-renowned magician Jon Armstrong — known for his sharp wit, engaging storytelling, and unforgettable performances. From his early days discovering magic to performing at Disney World and the Magic Castle, Jon shares how he developed a signature blend of comedy and sleight of hand that truly connects with audiences.

They dive into:

✨ The three pivotal moments that shaped Jon’s journey into magic

How performing at Disney World transformed his career

The balance between comedy and magic — and why laughter should serve the trick, not steal the show

The power of storytelling in creating meaningful magic

What Jon learned performing for cruise ship audiences

Behind the scenes of his work as a television consultant for magic

Whether you’re a magician, performer, or just curious about the craft, this conversation offers insight into what makes magic memorable — and what keeps audiences coming back for more.

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Have a favorite Jon Armstrong routine or memory? Share it in the comments! #JonArmstrong #MagicPodcast #MagiciansWorkshop #ComedyMagic #StorytellingInMagic #DisneyMagician #MagicCastle #MagicInterview

In this episode of the podcast, Todd sits down with professional magician David Corsaro to explore the fascinating world of magic. From his early days as a young enthusiast to performing on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, David shares the lessons, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped his career.

✨ Topics covered in this conversation: The importance of performing often to grow as a magician Why engaging with the audience matters more than the trick itself How to adapt and personalize existing effects The role of honesty, humility, and continuous learning in magic Networking and building lasting connections in the magic community Marketing strategies for magicians just starting out Why mistakes are opportunities, not failures The generosity and support within the magic world Whether you’re a magician, performer, or simply curious about what it takes to create unforgettable moments of wonder, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

Takeaways: The perfect magic trick doesn’t exist—it’s about the right trick, for the right person, at the right time.

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Dr. Todd interviews magician Peter Wood, exploring his journey from childhood fascination with magic to becoming a professional performer. Peter shares insights into his influences, the evolution of his unique performance style, and the importance of originality in magic. He discusses the technical aspects of sound and lighting, the art of custom prop making, and memorable moments in his career. The conversation emphasizes the blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and storytelling that defines a successful magic performance. Takeaways Peter's journey into magic began at a young age with a magic kit. Influences like Copperfield and local magicians shaped his path. Going pro at a young age allowed him to build experience gradually. His performance style is inspired by the aesthetics of the Golden Age of magic. The Collector of the Impossible is a unique concept that defines his shows. Custom prop making is a key aspect of his performances. Sound and lighting play crucial roles in enhancing the magic experience. Memorable performances have solidified his reputation in the magic community. Originality is essential for standing out in the magic industry. Peter emphasizes the importance of creating a world for the audience.

Step behind the curtain with Abi , the stage manager who helps bring Lucy Darling’s unforgettable magic to life!

✨ In this fascinating conversation, Todd and Abi explore the hidden world of stage management and the teamwork that makes magic possible. Abi shares her journey from being a magic-loving kid to running shows for Carisa Hendrix, the brilliant performer behind Lucy Darling.

You’ll hear about:

The backstage dynamics of the legendary “Core Four”

How stage management shapes the audience experience

✨ The challenges (and joys!) of keeping a magic show seamless

The fun inside joke of “baby mode” within their team If you’ve ever wondered what really happens behind the curtain of a world-class magic show, this episode is for you.

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Drop a comment below with your favorite Lucy Darling moment or question for Abi — we’d love to hear from you!

✨#LucyDarling, #CarisaHendrix, #Abi, stage management, magic show, behind the scenes magic, Core Four, Magician’s Workshop podcast, variety show, magic fans, magic podcast interview, backstage stories, modern magic, comedy magic.

Discover how magician Jade went from working in a magic shop to becoming an award-winning performer, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations of magicians. Step into the world of award-winning magician Jade as she sits down with Dr. Todd for an inspiring conversation about magic, culture, and creativity. From her early days working in a magic shop to becoming a celebrated performer, Jade shares how theater, dance, and personal expression shaped her unique style of magic. She opens up about the importance of cultural representation in the magic community, the emotional depth she brings to her performances, and the power of inspiring the next generation of magicians. In this interview, Jade also gives practical advice for young performers, reflecting on her experiences at magic conventions, the value of community, and why acceptance matters in the world of magic. If you’re passionate about magic, performance, or storytelling, this episode is filled with wisdom, inspiration, and unforgettable moments. ✨ Watch now to discover Jade’s journey and the future of magic! Takeaways -Jade Tjin is an award-winning magician and performer. -Magic conventions are about connecting with people worldwide. -Jade's first encounter with magic was working at a magic shop. -Winning the gold medal was a surprise and a turning point for Jade. -Cultural representation in magic is becoming more prominent. -Jade's performances are characterized by emotional storytelling. -Theater and dance have influenced Jade's performance style. -Jade encourages young magicians to not limit themselves. -The magic community is evolving to be more inclusive. -Jade values downtime and the balance between work and rest.

Luke Harrison, a professional variety artist, shares his journey through the world of sideshow acts, including fire eating and sword swallowing. He discusses the nuances of variety arts, the challenges of performing dangerous acts, and the unique reactions they elicit from audiences. Luke also reflects on his experiences as an escape artist and his role in Matt King's show, where he performs as a bear. The discussion highlights the honesty and authenticity of sideshow performances compared to traditional magic, emphasizing the connection between performer and audience.

✨ In this episode of The Magician’s Workshop, Dr. Todd sits down with world-renowned magician Alexandra Duvivier to explore her incredible journey through the art of magic. From growing up as the daughter of legendary magician Dominique Duvivier, to winning the prestigious Mandrake d’Or, to fooling Penn & Teller, Alexandra shares the lessons, challenges, and philosophies that have shaped her career. Topics we cover include: Alexandra’s path from childhood inspiration to professional magician The importance of storytelling and curiosity in magic Her experience fooling Penn & Teller on Fool Us What winning the Mandrake d’Or meant to her career The responsibility magicians have in creating meaningful experiences Whether you’re a magician, a fan of live performance, or simply curious about the power of wonder, this conversation offers deep insights and inspiration. Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations with the world’s top magicians. Like the video if you enjoyed the episode. Check out our merch to support the show #AlexandraDuvivier #PennAndTellerFoolUs #MagiciansWorkshopPodcast Thumbnail picture of Alexandra Duvivier by Adeline Galland

Why do we believe in the impossible? In this episode of The Magician’s Workshop, Dr. Todd sits down with magician, historian, and psychologist Professor Peter Lamont to uncover the fascinating connection between magic, the mind, and critical thinking.

Discover how magicians influence perception, the psychology behind belief systems, and why understanding how we think can be even more magical than the tricks themselves. Peter also reveals the ethical challenges magicians face, the surprising history of classic illusions, and how critical thinking can change the way we see the world—on stage and off.

Peter Lamont is known for his groundbreaking research on the history and psychology of magic, as well as his insights into why humans are drawn to mystery and wonder.

✨ In this episode you’ll learn: The hidden psychology magicians use to shape audience perception Why critical thinking is vital in magic and everyday life The ethics of deception in entertainment How belief systems shape the way we experience magic

Subscribe for more interviews with magicians, creators, and thinkers from around the world.