In this episode, Justin Purcell, a Chicago-based magician, shares insights into his journey in magic, his unique performance style, and the evolution of the Chicago Magic Lounge. He discusses the importance of improv in his performances, his approach to engaging audiences, and his favorite tricks. The conversation highlights the blend of comedy and magic in Purcell's work, showcasing his commitment to creating memorable experiences for his audience. In this engaging conversation, Justin Purcell shares insights into the world of magic, discussing the essentials of walk-around performances, the challenges and joys of being a professional magician, and the importance of keeping magic fresh and entertaining. He reflects on memorable gigs, offers advice for aspiring magicians, and shares a unique trick that exemplifies his style. The discussion highlights the dedication and creativity involved in the art of magic, making it clear that it is both a passion and a profession.

Get your Tickets to the "Good Liar" here: https://www.agoodliar.com/

Magi-Whirl 2025: https://ibmring50.org/lecturers/

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In this episode of Magician's Workshop, Dr. Todd interviews Brian Curry, a renowned magician and mentalist known as The Good Liar. They discuss Brian's journey into magic, his influences, and his transition from close-up magic to stage performances. Brian shares insights on developing a unique mentalism act that avoids traditional tropes, the importance of community in magic, and his experiences with the Magi-Whirl festival. The conversation also touches on marketing strategies for magicians and the significance of storytelling in performances.

Takeaways

-Brian Curry's journey into magic began as a way to connect with others.

-The influence of mentors like Al Curlett shaped Brian's approach to magic.

-Transitioning from close-up to stage magic requires practice and experience.

-Brian's mentalism act focuses on authenticity and avoiding psychic tropes.

-The story of Patrick Walms highlights the complexities of the magic community.

-Building a career in magic involves both performance and marketing skills. -Magi-Whirl offers a unique blend of public shows and magician lectures.

-Networking and word-of-mouth are crucial for success in the magic industry.

-Mistakes are part of the learning process for new magicians.

-Brian emphasizes the importance of having a backup plan for financial security.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Brian Curry and His Journey

03:33 The Magic Duel: A Unique Performance Concept

06:30 The Transition from Close-Up to Stage Magic

09:32 Building a Mentalism Act: Philosophy and Approach

12:38 The Impact of Community and Mentorship in Magic

15:27 Marketing Strategies for Magic Shows

18:33 The Story of Patrick Walms: A Lesson in Life and Magic

21:33 Creating a Public Show: Challenges and Strategies

24:39 Building an Email List and Engaging with Audiences

27:29 The Importance of Loyal Followers in the Magic Community

29:07 Exploring Magic World Festival

35:53 Maximizing Your Convention Experience

40:02 The Art of School Shows

40:18 Rapid Fire Insights

Dr. Todd interviews The Amazing Bibik, a seasoned (mostly with oregano) magician with over 40 years of experience. They discuss Bibik's journey into magic, the importance of comedy in performances, and the unique magic scene in Chicago. Bibik shares insights on performing in restaurants, the challenges of hypnosis, and the significance of connecting with audiences through names. He emphasizes the importance of taking risks and finding one's voice in the world of magic, making this a valuable discussion for aspiring magicians and fans alike.

Takeaways

The Amazing Bibik has over 40 years of experience in magic.
He blends comedy and magic to create unforgettable performances.
His journey into magic began at a young age, inspired by a school magician.
Performing in bars and restaurants requires a unique approach to engage audiences.
Chicago has a rich history of magic and is known for its vibrant magic scene.
The importance of helping assistants on stage was emphasized by a mentor.
Comedy is essential in magic to keep audiences entertained.
Hypnosis shows require a different skill set compared to traditional magic shows.
Building a personal style in magic is a journey that takes time.
Learning names and connecting with the audience enhances the magic experience.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to The Amazing Bibik
02:37 The Early Days of Magic
05:33 The Journey into Professional Magic
08:20 The Chicago Magic Scene
11:35 Performing in Restaurants and Bars
14:30 The Role of Audience Engagement
17:29 Becoming the House Magician at Chicago Magic Lounge
20:27 The Unique Chicago Magic Experience
23:25 Adapting to the Bar Environment
28:10 The Art of Performance and Adaptability
32:32 The Dynamics of Hypnosis Shows
37:29 Comedy in Magic: The Essential Ingredient
41:38 Memorizing Names: The Bibik Method
43:25 The Bar Magic Experience
46:25 The Surprising Simplicity of Magic
49:32 Finding Your Voice in Magic
50:22 Imagining a Life Without Magic
52:36 Advice for Aspiring Magicians
53:16 Favorite Magic Books and Influences
55:30 Final Thoughts and Advice

Holy Smokes! This one is a doozy. Jonah drops bombs of advice for every level of magician!

In this episode of Magician's Workshop, Dr. Todd interviews Jonah Babins, a prominent magician and podcaster, who shares his journey into the world of magic, the evolution of his career, and insights from his experiences. They discuss the importance of community in magic, the challenges of balancing multiple roles, and the structure and benefits of Jonah's coaching program, the Mastermind. Jonah emphasizes the significance of building proof in one's craft and offers valuable advice for aspiring magicians. The conversation highlights the passion and dedication required to succeed in the magic industry,along with the importance of continuous learning and growth.

Full episode in video available on www.youtube.com/@themwpodcast

Jonah's Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@DiscourseinMagic

Jonah's Website: https://www.torontomagiccompany.com/

This is an interview for the record books; this guest is an absolute legend. Whether new to magic or a seasoned pro, this interview has insights for everyone at every level.

Dr. Todd speaks with celebrated magician Benjamin Barnes about his journey in the world of magic. They discuss Barnes' early inspirations, the importance of community, and the role of mentorship in his development as a performer. The conversation delves into the creation of the Chicago Magic Lounge, the significance of teamwork in magic, and the evolution of performance styles. Barnes shares insights on handling mistakes on stage, the value of magic books, and offers advice for aspiring magicians. The episode highlights the magic community's rich history and the importance of engaging with audiences.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Magic and Community
01:16 Guest introduction
03:03 Early Memories and Career Path in Magic
06:12 The Chicago Magic Scene and Early Performances
09:27 Creating Chicago Magic: A Journey of Growth
12:19 The Role of Teamwork in Magic
15:08 Mentorship and Learning from Eugene Berger
18:17 The Chicago Magic Lounge: A New Era
21:30 The Role of an Entertainment Director
24:17 Selecting Performers for the Lounge
27:16 Guest Experience at the Magic Lounge
30:17 Old Techniques in Modern Magic
34:56 The Importance of Books in Magic
36:26 Handling Mistakes on Stage
42:10 Advice for Aspiring Magicians
49:00 Pursuing Your Dreams

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This magician is truly one-of-a-kind! We sit down with Lindsey Noel to uncover how she made the leap from designing costumes for the screen to dazzling audiences as a standout magician. They dive into the power of character, the art of scripting, and why what you wear on stage matters just as much as what you say. Lindsey opens up about connecting with audiences, staying authentic, and what every new magician really needs to know. Plus, there's a magical detour into the world of Dungeons & Dragons! This episode is a celebration of creativity, performance, and the idea that magic is truly for everyone.

Takeaways

-Lindsey Noel loves going to the dentist, showcasing her unique personality.
-Magic is for everyone, not just magicians.
-Having a background in costume design gives magicians an edge in performance.
-Costuming is crucial in creating a character for magic acts.
-Transitioning from film to magic can enhance a performer's skill set.
-Crafting original performances is key to standing out in magic.
-Scripting helps structure magic acts, but improvisation is also essential.
-Audience interactions can lead to memorable moments in performances.
-New magicians should focus on developing their unique style rather than following trends.
-Dungeons and Dragons can be a fun and creative outlet for performers.

Chapters

00:00 The Dentist Dilemma: A Love Story
00:00 The Magic of Family Traditions
01:16 The Art of Performance: Crafting a Magical Experience
03:45 From Film to Magic: A Journey of Creativity
06:35 Costume Design: The Unsung Hero of Performance
09:48 The Evolution of Magic: From Virtual to Live Shows
12:45 The Importance of Emceeing: Setting the Stage for Success
20:52 Sources of Inspiration
25:22 Crafting Unique Presentations
31:23 The Art of Scripting Magic
39:02 Navigating Imposter Syndrome in Magic
43:04 The Gluten-Free Struggle
43:28 Scripting vs. Improvisation in Performance
44:26 Advice for New Magicians
45:15 Costuming Choices for Magicians
47:19 Memorable Audience Interactions
50:34 Coincidences and Magic
52:25 Dungeons & Dragons and Character Creation

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All Hail the King! Bill Herz explores the fascinating world of magic, particularly in the corporate sector. Bill shares his journey as a corporate magician, the evolution of magic in business, and the importance of audience engagement. They discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of performing for corporate audiences, the art of teaching magic to executives, and memorable experiences that highlight the magic community's camaraderie. Bill also shares insights on the significance of pranks in magic, the value of books for learning, and the essence of magic in keeping the wonder alive for audiences.

Takeaways

-Magic is for everyone, not just magicians.
-The magic community is welcoming and supportive.
-Corporate events require a different approach to magic.
-Teaching magic can enhance communication skills in business.
-Pranks are a fun and integral part of the magic community.
-Books allow magicians to develop their own style and character.
-Understanding your audience is key to a successful performance.
-Magic can humanize executives and break down barriers.
-The essence of magic is to entertain and inspire wonder.
-Networking within the magic community leads to lifelong friendships.

Chapters

00:00 The Accessibility of Magic Heroes
01:08 The Journey into Magic
03:43 The Magic Community and Its Support
06:49 Transitioning to Professional Magic
08:54 The Birth of Magic Corp
12:04 Corporate Magic: A Unique Niche
14:58 Building a Roster of Talent
17:45 Understanding Corporate Audiences
20:33 The Importance of Connection in Magic
27:55 The Art of Corporate Entertainment
30:16 Magic as a Tool for CEOs
35:01 Memorable Experiences with High-Profile Clients
40:05 Performing for Legends: A Night to Remember
48:49 The Prankster Magician
54:17 Books and the Magic of Learning

Hello Listeners! We have a treat today! The super cool Paige Thompson joins us today! Paige Thompson is a world-class magician known for her captivating performances and unique style. They explore Paige's journey into the world of magic, her experiences as a female magician, and her role as a resident magician at the Chicago Magic Lounge. The discussion also explores the challenges and triumphs of being a magician, the importance of community support, and the rise of wedding magic in the United States. Paige shares her insights on performance, preparation, and the significance of the Mystify Magic Festival, which showcases female magicians. This episode is a celebration of magic as an art form accessible to everyone.

takeaways

• Magic is for everyone, not just magicians.
• Paige became a full-time magician about 10 years ago.
• Her first magic kit sparked a lifelong passion for magic.
• Learning from other magicians is crucial for growth.
• Friendship and support in the magic community are invaluable.
• Transitioning from Branson to Chicago opened new opportunities.
• Chicago has a rich history of close-up magic.
• Being a resident magician provides stability and opportunities.
• Wedding magic is becoming increasingly popular in the U.S.
• Preparation is key to a successful performance

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Magic Podcast
01:50 Meet Paige Thompson: A Rising Star in Magic
02:49 The Early Days: First Memories of Magic
05:08 Becoming a Professional Magician
08:23 Learning from the Best: Assisting Other Magicians
09:38 Friendship with Dan Sperry: A Heartwarming Story
15:06 Transitioning from Branson to Chicago
19:23 Chicago Style Magic: What Makes It Unique?
20:20 Life as a Resident Magician at Chicago Magic Lounge
23:07 The Rise of Wedding Magic in the U.S.
23:53 The Dynamics of Performing in Restaurants
27:57 Finding and Creating Magic Material
28:25 The Mystify Magic Festival: A Groundbreaking Event
35:02 The Role of an Entertainment Director
44:00 Advice for Aspiring Magicians
49:35 Overcoming Performance Challenges