Search found 474 matches

by Scott Wells
July 15th, 2021, 4:16 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Saul Ravencraft - A Bizzarist Comes Out
Replies: 0
Views: 473

Saul Ravencraft - A Bizzarist Comes Out

We all have secrets that we keep hidden. That's the nature of humans in general, but particularly for magicians. This week we chat on The Magic Word Podcast with Chris Walden who found his true nature as being a "bizzarist." More than just a character or an onstage persona, Chris came to f...
by Scott Wells
July 15th, 2021, 2:08 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Katrina Kroetch - A New Force Awakens
Replies: 11
Views: 2134

Re: Katrina Kroetch - A New Force Awakens

Perhaps now is a good time to direct your attention to the podcast by Penn Jillette (Penn's Sunday School - Episode #543 - October 16, 2019) where he specifically talks about this routine and what went on onstage with their discussion (between Penn and Katrina). This might provide some truth and ill...
by Scott Wells
July 13th, 2021, 6:34 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Katrina Kroetch - A New Force Awakens
Replies: 11
Views: 2134

Katrina Kroetch - A New Force Awakens

Some of the members here might remember Katrina Kroetch from the 2019 Genii convention in Florida when she...uh, helped out Penn Jillette and Piff in their late night show. I believe there may even be a thread here somewhere about that evening's show. But in any event, that is not the focal point of...
by Scott Wells
July 1st, 2021, 11:09 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Dr. Eric Colleary - In Front of (Houdini's) Bookcase
Replies: 0
Views: 590

Dr. Eric Colleary - In Front of (Houdini's) Bookcase

Although we are not in the Halloween season when we see a lot of discussion about Houdini, I think that anytime is a good time to learn more about this legendary icon of our world. This week on The Magic Word Podcast, Eric Colleary, Ph.D. talks about the largest collection of Houdini ephemera in the...
by Scott Wells
June 27th, 2021, 5:54 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Jeff Hobson - World Class Host
Replies: 0
Views: 453

Jeff Hobson - World Class Host

It has been a while since I have reminded this group about the content in the weekly episodes of The Magic Word Podcast. But I thought this latest one might warrant getting back into the groove of listening. This week, Jeff Hobson is our guest who talks about his work in Las Vegas as the "Host ...
by Scott Wells
October 29th, 2020, 5:31 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Aiden SInclair - Illusions of the Past
Replies: 0
Views: 739

Aiden SInclair - Illusions of the Past

We are deep in the Halloween season so it's time for our annual spooky podcast episode. This year, because we are all wearing masks all the time, we are adding a live streaming virtual happy hour to complement the podcast. But first, this week's podcast features Aiden Sinclair who is the resident bi...
by Scott Wells
October 13th, 2020, 4:04 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Gabe Fajuri - Going, Going, Gone!
Replies: 0
Views: 1358

Gabe Fajuri - Going, Going, Gone!

All of us probably have more magic stuff than we know what to do with that will certainly be more overwhelming for our heirs. This week on The Magic Word Podcast, the co-owner of Potter & Potter Auctions, Gabe Fajuri, gives us some (non-legal) advice on how we might document what we have so it w...
by Scott Wells
October 3rd, 2020, 1:31 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Ben Jackson - Catch Him!
Replies: 0
Views: 734

Ben Jackson - Catch Him!

Ben Jackson is a charismatic young magician (and musician) making significant "undercover" waves in our community. Though not having been featured on the cover (yet) of any magic publication, Ben has won several magic competitions in his college-aged years and been featured on NBC's "...
by Scott Wells
July 9th, 2020, 3:03 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: David Kaye - The Method Behind His Silliness
Replies: 0
Views: 864

David Kaye - The Method Behind His Silliness

Perhaps one of the best known children's magic entertainers in the world, "Silly Billy" (aka David Kaye), is the guest on this week's podcast. In this episode David shares the basics from his lecture and his book, "Seriously Silly." David gives us a mini-lecture on what tricks wo...
by Scott Wells
July 6th, 2020, 3:17 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Harry Lorayne Remembers
Replies: 1
Views: 1159

Harry Lorayne Remembers

This past week on The Magic Word Podcast, Harry Lorayne talked about how he developed his super memory and subsequently his memory course. He talked about his appearances on "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson", working in his early years in "Billy Reed's Little Club" and perfor...
by Scott Wells
July 6th, 2020, 2:36 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Magicians' Relief Project
Replies: 7
Views: 1690

Re: Magicians' Relief Project

The Magicians' Relief Project has come to a close. This was a ten week project that grew as the weeks went on. Ultimately we selected the names of 13 magicians who had submitted their names for consideration. Thanks to the benevolent donation from Betty and Gene Protas, we began with giving $50.00 o...
by Scott Wells
June 18th, 2020, 1:56 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Michael Close - UP* (*Unique Powers)
Replies: 0
Views: 618

Michael Close - UP* (*Unique Powers)

There is so much to say about our guest this week and he has so much to say, too. Michael Close is an undisputed champ of close-up magic with several books and DVDs to his name (Workers series), plus he has been the house magician at Illusions restaurant in Indiana and in the Monte Carlo casino and ...
by Scott Wells
June 18th, 2020, 1:32 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Magicians' Relief Project
Replies: 7
Views: 1690

Re: Magicians' Relief Project

We are near the finish line with this ambitious project with only two more weeks to go. I am pleased to share a "thank you" reply received from a recent beneficiary: "With my stroke in November and the Covid virus, things have been kinda tight. I have come a long way with the stroke a...
by Scott Wells
June 9th, 2020, 2:33 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Marc DeSouza - A Winning Combination
Replies: 0
Views: 503

Marc DeSouza - A Winning Combination

Many of you know Marc as an award winning magician, author, historian, collector and musician. But no doubt there are some other sides to his personality that you haven't seen. On this week's episode of The Magic Word Podcast, Marc talks about all of that, but he also talks about his first Star Trek...
by Scott Wells
May 21st, 2020, 5:34 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Chris Randall - From Fremont Street to FISM
Replies: 1
Views: 581

Chris Randall - From Fremont Street to FISM

Chris Randall had a rough road to reach the stage of the World Championships of Magic (F.I.S.M.) in 2018 only to find disappointment and heartache that led to a near mental breakdown. This week we listen to the thrill of victory of winning multiple awards, performing in casino showrooms, on televisi...
by Scott Wells
May 19th, 2020, 3:02 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Magicians' Relief Project
Replies: 7
Views: 1690

Re: Magicians' Relief Project

I am so thrilled with the support and encouragement we have received for this Project. The donations of $73 per week was "rounded up" to $100 by this week's selected magic shop. So even in this time when they may be hurting, too, they are trying to help magicians who need some relief, some...
by Scott Wells
May 18th, 2020, 5:50 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Looking for Surviving Relatives of Alton Sharpe
Replies: 1
Views: 519

Looking for Surviving Relatives of Alton Sharpe

I received an unsolicited email from Alton Sharpe's daughter who is trying to locate her step-siblings. I know that he passed away in 2004. If you have any knowledge of where she can go or whom she can contact, then please drop her an email (with a cc to me at scott@themagicwordpodcast.com so I know...
by Scott Wells
May 9th, 2020, 5:35 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Magicians' Relief Project
Replies: 7
Views: 1690

Re: Magicians' Relief Project

We selected a different brick and mortar magic shop through which we presented $60.00 to our second magician under the Magicians' Relief Project. We never know what another person's situation is, but we are so glad when we can help someone who really needs it. I received a nice note from the recipie...
by Scott Wells
May 7th, 2020, 5:35 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Darryl Rose - All Done With Kindness
Replies: 0
Views: 690

Darryl Rose - All Done With Kindness

To steal a paraphrase from David Devant, Darryl Rose does magic with kindness. Darryl sits on the Council of The Magic Circle in London and is a "champion" of their weekly online lectures that post on their "member's only" Facebook page. This has been a real help for out of city ...
by Scott Wells
April 30th, 2020, 2:25 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Mark Mason - Master Dealer
Replies: 0
Views: 856

Mark Mason - Master Dealer

Whenever I attend magic conventions, like most o of us, one of the first places I go is to the magic dealer room. There you will not only find all your friends, but also all of the newest magic stuff. The room is nearly always filled, but despite how many dealers are in the room, the one that always...
by Scott Wells
April 30th, 2020, 1:43 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Magicians' Relief Project
Replies: 7
Views: 1690

Re: Magicians' Relief Project

We just randomly drew and presented the first of the anonymous beneficiaries of Magicians' Relief Project. I want to share the thank you note that I received: ------------------ Wow, unbelievable. Thank you for organizing and hosting this. I am not in a position to be spending money on magic during ...
by Scott Wells
April 27th, 2020, 2:13 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Magicians' Relief Project
Replies: 7
Views: 1690

Re: Magicians' Relief Project

I have had one person reply through a PM regarding this project asking for more details on how they can help. They anonymously gave $100 towards this project. If you would like to help, then please read the following on how this Project works: Each week, beginning on Thursday April 30 and continuing...
by Scott Wells
April 23rd, 2020, 5:28 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Magicians' Relief Project
Replies: 7
Views: 1690

Magicians' Relief Project

We are all going through a bad time to some degree or another, some better and some worse. There are some magicians who are having financially difficult times right now and their concern is for basics: food, clothing and shelter. We don't know how long this will last nor who is the most impacted in ...
by Scott Wells
April 23rd, 2020, 5:06 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Joe M. Turner Reflects on Past F.F.F.F. Conventions
Replies: 0
Views: 776

Joe M. Turner Reflects on Past F.F.F.F. Conventions

This week on The Magic Word Podcast, we kick off with some topical jokes from Norman Beck. Norm puts a smile on our face when we really need it during this difficult time. Typically, The Magic Word Podcast posts daily updates from conventions; however, with magic conventions canceled at least for th...
by Scott Wells
April 2nd, 2020, 2:45 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Jonathan Goodwin - What Could Go Wrong?
Replies: 0
Views: 822

Jonathan Goodwin - What Could Go Wrong?

Who would have envisioned just a few short weeks ago that when "The Illusionists" touring show passed through Houston, Texas, that it would be one of their last for a while. That is what makes this week's episode of The Magic Word Podcast even more special. I am so thankful that I could go...
by Scott Wells
April 1st, 2020, 5:34 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Daniel Summers - Zig Zag in a Suitcase
Replies: 0
Views: 825

Daniel Summers - Zig Zag in a Suitcase

In this week's podcast, meet my friend, Daniel Summers. Many of you already know and love him and perhaps even own an illusion built by him. We had a few martinis and Dan opened up to tell about his career that started as a builder in his basement in high school. From there he learned ventriloquism ...
by Scott Wells
March 19th, 2020, 12:56 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Coronavirus Impact on Magicians
Replies: 2
Views: 1461

Coronavirus Impact on Magicians

None of us are immune to the effects of the novel Coronavirus, regardless of age, nationality, sex, creed, or ethnicity. With 5.8MM employees in the U.S. alone depending upon "gig" income, the worldwide community is at risk. This week on The Magic Word Podcast, we talk about the impact the...
by Scott Wells
March 18th, 2020, 7:18 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Diamond Jim - The Bamboozler
Replies: 1
Views: 1119

Diamond Jim - The Bamboozler

Known around the world by magicians for his sleight-of-hand skills and five star Penguin lecture, Diamond Jim Tyler is known outside our community as the author of the three book series, "Bamboozlers", pocket-sized books containing bar bets and fun puzzles and cons. Diamond Jim is also a p...
by Scott Wells
March 6th, 2020, 1:22 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Mercer Helms - Trust Me
Replies: 0
Views: 2243

Mercer Helms - Trust Me

To paraphrase Mark Twain, "Reports of Mercer Helms' death are exaggerated." I am glad to report that he is alive, healthy, lucid and active, as evidenced by our conversation this week on The Magic Word Podcast. I have received the occasional text or email asking about the health of Mercer ...
by Scott Wells
February 29th, 2020, 4:07 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Jamie Allan - the iMagician
Replies: 0
Views: 1835

Jamie Allan - the iMagician

Due to some personal performing and family obligations, I was unable to attend the Blackpool convention this year. I hope to make it next year for my second time since 2010. But during the holiday "break" between Christmas and New Year's Day, U.K. iMagician, Jamie Allan, performed at one o...
by Scott Wells
February 29th, 2020, 3:58 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Hannibal - Making a Connection
Replies: 0
Views: 1914

Hannibal - Making a Connection

Richard Kaufman always hosts some of the best talent in the world of magic, and I truly mean the "world" because of all the international acts that we get to learn from and to see at the Genii conventions. In late January I posted an episode of a conversation I had at the Genii convention ...
by Scott Wells
February 29th, 2020, 3:47 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Christian Engblom - Welcome to My Table
Replies: 0
Views: 1929

Christian Engblom - Welcome to My Table

It is always a joy to sit with a professional magician who considers you a peer when you know, in fact, that your chops (though good) are pale in comparison to your guest. Such was the case when I spent a delightful night with Christian Engblom. Also at the table was Chip Romero and a couple other l...
by Scott Wells
February 10th, 2020, 12:54 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Orson Bean hit by 2 vehivles and passes away
Replies: 15
Views: 3801

Re: Orson Bean hit by 2 vehicles and passes away

Orson talks about his name change, magic, comedy and other stories on the podcast I recorded with him in 2017. You can listen to it here, plus get links to a couple of his videos and candid photos taken during our chat: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/sco ... orson-bean
by Scott Wells
February 10th, 2020, 12:50 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Stan Allen - From My Desk: Conventional Wisdom
Replies: 0
Views: 1709

Stan Allen - From My Desk: Conventional Wisdom

In case you have been away from being a regular listener to The Magic Word Podcast, this week's episode might be an inducement to dig in and catch up on listening, including the daily updates from the S.A.M. National Convention in Las Vegas. But this week we talk with Stan Allen, organizer (and impr...
by Scott Wells
November 16th, 2019, 4:50 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Dan Fleshman - Off the Menu
Replies: 0
Views: 770

Dan Fleshman - Off the Menu

If you've been away from the Magic Word Podcast for a few weeks, now would be a good time to return for a listen to this week's guest. Dan Fleshman offers some great tips, advice and stories about working in restaurants plus, as a former manager of comedy clubs, he has some great stories about those...
by Scott Wells
November 16th, 2019, 4:44 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: FISM 2021 Hotels Released
Replies: 27
Views: 5059

Re: FISM 2021 Hotels Released

Thanks for all the great info. I made my reservations and suggest that before your book yours, you ask to compare the FISM rate against their rack rate, particularly if you are a member of one of the hotel chains (i.e. Marriott Rewards, Hilton Honors, etc.) and you might be surprised to receive a be...
by Scott Wells
October 6th, 2019, 2:06 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Genii Convention Daily Updates on The Magic Word Podcast
Replies: 2
Views: 1826

Re: Genii Convention Daily Updates on The Magic Word Podcast

There was a numbering problem with a few of the podcasts. Here are the links that work: Day One: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/521-2019-genii-convention-day-one Day Two: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/522-2019-genii-convention-day-two Day Three: https://www...
by Scott Wells
October 5th, 2019, 1:48 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Genii Convention Daily Updates on The Magic Word Podcast
Replies: 2
Views: 1826

Genii Convention Daily Updates on The Magic Word Podcast

In case you have missed the first three days of updates on the podcast and you want to know what's been going on, you can find them on The Magic Word Podcast And of course, you can always download the episodes wherever you get your podcasts. Just subscribe to The Magic Word Podcast. But the first th...
by Scott Wells
September 30th, 2019, 6:15 pm
Forum: Convention Room Mate Finder
Topic: Looking for a room at Genii
Replies: 4
Views: 8076

Re: Looking for a room at Genii

Something just came up so it looks like I’ll be attending and posting daily podcasts. I have a registration and flight but need to share a room. I’ve sent a request to join the Facebook group, but time’s growing short. Anybody have an opening in the convention hotel room to share that might not mind...

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