Episodios

  • Is Self-Working Magic Working For You?

    Is Self-Working Magic Working For You?
    Dec 5 2023
    Ryan digs in to one of the biggest lies magicians tell... themselves. A critical look at the prominence of self-working tricks in the magic industry, and whether it might be a short-term gain for a long-term loss. Don't be a stout Uncle George!
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    26 m
  • Take My Advice

    Take My Advice
    Jun 26 2023
    Some magicians keep their distance from the magic community because of bad advice. Be it unwelcome, unwarranted, or unfounded there seems to be no shortage of shaky advice being thrown around. In this episode Ryan looks at the wisdom of advice, how it comes to be, and how it gets passed along. It's not all bad, though. There is a more productive way to work together and offer guidance.
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    20 m
  • Hooks, Lines, and Thinkers

    Hooks, Lines, and Thinkers
    Dec 15 2022
    Through every moment of a routine your audience's interest is rising and falling. If it drains away, you're in trouble. Are you maintaining interest, attention, and creating a desire to see what happens next?
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    16 m
  • Magic Is Crumbling

    Magic Is Crumbling
    Nov 8 2022
    Max Maven was a giant in magic, whose long shadow kept many in line. So, where does that leave us now?
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    13 m
  • Hooked On Classics

    Hooked On Classics
    May 31 2022
    In 1954 the Magic Circle presented the Hoffmann Memorial Lecture by Charles Harrison on "The Qualities of a Classical Feat of Magic." In it he suggests eight common features of a trick which make it a "classic." Not everyone is on the same page. In his introduction to "Magic By Misdirection" Dariel Fitzkee makes the opposite argument; that no trick is, in itself, "great." In this episode Ryan Pilling takes a look at both sides, and asks why any particular trick does or does not become immortalized as a classic of magic, including one curious trick which was once a regular feature, now lost to history. Corrections: The "Six Card Repeat" was originated by Tommy Tucker, not Tommy Windsor. (Windsor is known for inventing the Dye Box... which is different than the Die Box!) --- References: "The Qualities of a Classical Feat of Magic" - A lecture by Charles Harrison, published as a bonus supplement with the Magic CIrcular, August 1954. "Magic by Misdirection" - Dariel Fitzkee, 1945
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    23 m
  • Weakness Is Strength

    Weakness Is Strength
    Apr 23 2022
    A look at your personal style as a performer, as defined by your strengths, weakness, and limitations. Magicians generally tend to be all happy-go-lucky razzle-dazzle, but being yourself means bringing both the best and worst of yourself to the stage. Suggestions for further watching and listening: If you'd like to hear my favourite musical artist, John Hartford I recommend starting with his album "Aereo-Plain." https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2sh1eP4JA_O-HkoIOrRiiGJTzjPd4W-l Alan Watts speaking about Wu Wei, the principle of not forcing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzaUGhhnlQ8&t=635s Jazz pianist Kenny Werner speaks about "Effortless Mastery" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAZOamxuw5w Music used in this episode "Naptime" by David Benedict ...not John Hartford :) Three pieces played on the guzheng by Annie Zhou "Hidden Heart" by Lux Inspiria All tracks are licensed for use from Artlist https://artlist.io/Ryan-18742
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    19 m
  • Setting The Stage

    Setting The Stage
    Apr 5 2022
    The success of your magic show hinges upon your audience being ready to receive it. I have a four phase process I use to develop a relationship with my audience, maintain a positive mood, and roll out the red carpet for a magical evening.
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    19 m
  • Creating Chaos

    Creating Chaos
    Mar 21 2022
    Magicians strive to control every detail of a performance, yet the more you control, the weaker the magic becomes. What happens when you let more chaos into your presentations? How can you make your process feel more random?
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    21 m