Avsnitt
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In this episode, Damian interviews Director Matthew Testa and our own Andi Gladwin about their documentary on magic piracy, the investigation into Erdnase, and the broader implications for the magic community and creative industries.
A smash hit at Tribeca, Stealing Magic is going to be required viewing for all of us.
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Gaia started performing magic at the age of thirteen — and won the Italian Magic Championship that same year. She went on to become the only woman in history to hold that title, and has since competed as a finalist at the World Magic Championships.
But what makes her truly unusual is what she does off the stage. She holds a degree in psychology, is training as a clinical psychologist, and has taken magic into prisons as a tool for reform. She's spoken at TEDx Milano Women, written for magic publications, and built a practice that treats illusion as a branch of human science.
She performs and speaks in Italian, English, and French, and she grew up watching her parents rehearse magic in their living room — which, honestly, explains a lot.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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It's Ben Seidman! Talking about magic. And stuff.
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Phill Smith and Damian have a battle of the beards. Damian loses. Badly.
They also chat about marked decks, performance philosophy, mentalism, and much more. Let's go.
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Discover how intentional refinements and understanding when to stop can elevate your magic routines from good to great. In this episode, John Guastaferro shares insights on balancing cleverness with elegance, the importance of audience experience, and his approach to developing routines that feel natural and authentic.
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Most magicians rely on deception — but Todd Robbins specializes in deception-free amazement that leaves audiences genuinely in awe. He’s eaten over 5,000 light bulbs, performed with legends like Steve Martin and Woody Allen, and inherited a dead man’s ashes to honor a sideshow legend. Now, he reveals how his unique blend of theater, psychology, and pure craftsmanship transforms live magic into an unforgettable experience that moves people, not just mystifies them.
This episode dives into the heart of what audiences truly crave from performance — the thrill of genuine wonder. Todd shares stories from his decades of experience, including behind-the-scenes lessons from legendary sideshow performers like Melvin Burkhardt, and unpacks the subtle art of mixing humor, storytelling, and technical mastery to create moments that transcend mere tricks. You'll discover how his background in acting and theater informs every stunt, making each performance not just impressive, but emotionally resonant.
We break down:
The difference between deception and authentic amazement, and why it mattersHow to craft routines that evoke real emotion and lasting impactThe importance of audience psychology — starting with simple questions to heighten wonderThe sacred role of storytelling in elevating magic from puzzles to profound experiencesWhy modern magicians must go beyond technique and bring their true selves to stageTodd argues that magic is at a crossroads: with the internet and increasing skill, we've achieved astonishing technical proficiency. The missing link? Deepening the emotional connection and pushing the art into new realms of storytelling and theatricality. If you're a performer or a fan fed up with superficial tricks, this episode is an essential listen. Todd’s insights will inspire you to redefine what magic can be and how it can truly move your audience.
Perfect for performers seeking authenticity, enthusiasts craving deeper engagement, and anyone curious about the underbelly of performance art. Step into the arena with a master who genuinely believes in making wonder real — because the greatest magic is the one that touches the heart.
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In this episode of The Insider, Felice Ling shares her journey as a magician and street performer, discussing her early inspirations, the evolution of her craft, and the importance of community and representation in magic.
She delves into her academic background in anthropology and how it intersects with her performance art, exploring the social impact of street magic in urban settings.
Felice also highlights the significance of inclusivity in the magic community, sharing her experiences founding the Boston Magic Lab and her insights from competing at FISM.
Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the need for diverse voices in magic and offers advice for young performers looking to carve their own paths in the industry.
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Sit back, relax, and enjoy this chatty chat with Damian, Andi, and Josh.
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After seven years of chasing the man, I finally get him on!
The incredible Eric Mead chats with me about all things Conover, The Aristocrats, and much more.
This is an enlightening and funny chat you're going to love.
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In a world where magic is often shrouded in tradition, Leah Orleans stands out as a trailblazer. Growing up in a family of magicians, Leah chose to carve her own path through the realms of circus arts, contortion, and acrobatics. Now, she’s shaking up the magic community with her innovative approach, blending comedy and physicality while advocating for representation and diversity.
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After a few years, the ever-delightful Pete McCabe comes back on the show for me to brief him on what to expect at The Session as he is coming over!
We also talk a BIT about scripting. And magic.
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Join us, and Franco-Irish powerhouse, Yvan Garmy to talk about his releases, his approach to creating magic, and of course his latest release "Don't Blink" which is dropping today at www.vanishingincmagic.com
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EDIT: Reupload for corrected audio...
In this episode, Lloyd Barnes shares his unique journey in the world of magic, from his early influences and the challenges he faced in the industry to his creative philosophy and experiences at Ellusionist and Murphy's Magic.
He discusses the importance of personal creativity, the impact of public feuds, and the current state of magic, emphasizing the golden era it is experiencing.
Lloyd also provides valuable advice for aspiring magicians and highlights the significance of The Session Convention as a pivotal event for serious magicians.
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In this episode of The Insider, host Damian interviews Taylor Hughes, who shares his unique journey from being a youth minister to a full-time magician.
They discuss the importance of storytelling in magic, the role of family in navigating career changes, and the impact of improv training on performance. Taylor emphasizes the significance of authenticity and relatability in magic, as well as the importance of building relationships within the magic community.
He also offers advice for young magicians and entertainers, highlighting the need to embrace new technology while maintaining live audience engagement.
And then of course, there's chat about Taylor coming to both The Session and Magifest!
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In this episode, magician Alexander Hermann shares his journey into magic, discussing his early inspirations, the balance between technical skill and performance, and the importance of collaboration in the magic community. He emphasizes the significance of building tension and surprise in performances, as well as the impact magic can have on audiences. Alex also talks about his upcoming tricks and collections, his experiences at magic conventions, and his aspirations for the future.
Chapters
00:00 The Magic Origin Story
02:58 The Balance of Technique and Performance
05:59 Overcoming Fear of Failure
08:54 The Importance of Collaboration
11:52 Building Tension and Surprise in Magic
14:54 New Tricks and Collections
17:43 The Session Experience
20:44 Future Aspirations in Magic
23:48 The Impact of Magic on Audiences
26:53 Quickfire Questions and Closing Thoughts
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Our cofounder and Marlo scholar, Andi Gladwin joins me this week to talk all things Marlo as a celebration of our most ambitious project ever. Marlo's Magazines is a huge, six-volume box set of the legendary books.
There are only 100 of the deluxe edition printed, and they'll never be reprinted. Each one is numbered. We're opening up the sales of the deluxe 15 minutes before the mail email goes out, to get a chance of getting your hands on a deluxe, sign up here.
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In 2024, I was lucky enough to be able to interview Wayne Dobson live on stage at The Session.
We were not going to release it, as his speech is very difficult to understand at times.
However, with his passing, it seems this is probably the last interview he ever gave, so I thought we owed it to Wayne, and the community, to release it.
Thanks also to Bob Gill and Mike Sullivan for helping him.
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What an honor this was! Nick Mohammad! Proper famous actor!
Now, this recording was from last year, but it got corrupt, but I just found a back up! So here it is...
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Summary
In this engaging conversation, Nick Mohammed shares his journey from a young magician to a successful actor and comedian, discussing how he integrates magic into his comedy, the evolution of his character Mr. Swallow, and the impact of his role in Ted Lasso on his performances. He reflects on the challenges of choosing magic material, collaborating with other magicians, and the upcoming tour titled 'Showpony', which promises to blend humor with commentary on the entertainment industry.
Takeaways
Nick's journey into magic began with a Paul Daniels magic set.
He integrated magic into his comedy to enhance performances.
Mr. Swallow is based on a school teacher who inspired him.
Nick enjoys performing magic with his child.
He prefers simple magic routines that allow for comedic timing.
Collaboration with theater directors helps shape his performances.
The success of Ted Lasso has brought new audiences to Mr. Swallow.
Nick aims to challenge industry norms through his comedy.
He believes live comedy is more challenging than magic.
Nick's upcoming tour 'Showpony' will explore identity in entertainment.
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In this episode, Matt Szat hosts Walter Rolfo, the president and artistic director of FISM 2025. They discuss the importance of FISM as the premier magic competition, innovations for the upcoming event, and the role of online magic in expanding the art form. Walter shares insights on judging criteria, the experience of attending FISM, and what makes Torino special.
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Summary
In this episode, Damian interviews magician Ben Seidman, discussing his journey in magic, the creative process behind consulting for films, and the emotional impact of his routines. They explore the cultural adaptations required for performances in different regions, the decision to share magic secrets, and the importance of accessibility in magic. Ben also shares insights from his experiences performing for Penn and Teller and his excitement for creating new theatrical shows. In this engaging conversation, Ben Seidman discusses his collaborative journey in creating a new magic show, the challenges and frustrations he faces in modern magic, and the philosophy behind his performances. He shares insights into his upcoming shows, the importance of quality over quantity in magic, and the innovative techniques he employs, including dual reality. Seidman also introduces his new book, which focuses on a single trick, emphasizing the simplicity and impact of his approach to magic. Throughout the discussion, he highlights the importance of audience engagement and the joy of sharing magic with others.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ben Seidman
03:03 The Creative Process in Magic Consulting
05:56 Cultural Adaptation in Performance
08:58 The Emotional Impact of the Oracle System
12:09 The Decision to Share Magic Secrets
14:47 Creating Accessible Magic for All
18:00 Performing for Penn and Teller
21:06 Excitement and Frustration in Modern Magic
24:51 The Collaborative Journey of Magic Creation
26:02 Upcoming Shows and Ambitious Plans
27:41 Frustrations in Modern Magic
29:44 The Art of a Single Trick
31:10 Creating a High-Impact Routine
33:52 Understanding Dual Reality in Magic
39:38 Target Audience and Skill Level for Performers
41:40 Philosophical Insights on Magic Performance
- Visa fler
