This week on Stranded with a Stranger, we bring you an extraordinary guest, Jason Christopher, a magician with over 40 years of experience. Known by many illustrious titles such as 'The Purveyor of Prestidigitation' and 'The Lithuanian Illusionist', Jason shares his secrets to mesmerising crowds with his unique blend of magic, mind reading, hypnosis, and comedy. From the classic "Card Under Glass" to timeless effects like "Cups and Balls," Jason unveils his top eight magic tricks, offering valua...
Sep 23, 2024•12 min•Season 1Ep. 8
This episode features the incredible Kyle Purnell, a master magician and creator with over 20 years of captivating audiences and pushing the boundaries of card magic. We explore his preferred Desert Island Deck, the Butterfly Deck, a revolutionary marked deck that enables peeks that many other deck's do not allow, including instantly locating any card named by a spectator from a shuffled deck. Kyle also shares his go-to routine using this deck, offering a glimpse into the deck's unmatched versat...
Sep 20, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 32
What hidden secrets lie in the toolkit of a magician who also pilots helicopters through the rugged terrain of the Pacific Northwest? This episode introduces AJ Debeck, a multifaceted magician and mentalist, who shares his top Desert Island tricks and the tools of his trade. From the sleek Black Roses marked cards to the indispensable magic wallets like the Stealth Assassin and Heirloom, AJ’s methodical selection process is a revelation. Paul Voudini’s marked cards effect and the brilliance of v...
Sep 16, 2024•29 min•Season 1Ep. 7
*A quick note to our younger listeners. There is a bit of bad language in this episode to listen with caution* One of the UK's premier performing magicians Tom Wright graces the Alakazam Island and share with us his ultimate collection of tricks! From selecting between his own meticulously crafted routines and renowned tricks by other magicians, Tom shares how his list transformed from a standard performance set to a collection of personal favourites. Hear about the one book and non-magic item h...
Sep 13, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 31
This mid-week edition of "Stranded with a Stranger" features the captivating Brian Lloyd from London. Influenced by icons like Penn and Teller and David Blaine, Brian shares his top eight magic tricks, including The Grail, Knock'em Dead, and Die-ceptive Do-plicity. We take a nostalgic trip to the vibrant magic scene in Covent Garden and savor iconic moments from David Blaine's Street Magic. Stick around for a mesmerising story from Scott Ratner about receiving praise from "The Professor." In ano...
Sep 09, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In this episode, we bring you the whimsical world of Sam Strange, one half of the captivating magic duo, Young and Strange. Sam takes center stage to share the journey of their 15-year partnership, recounting memorable moments and some of is much loved illusions. You'll get an insider look at their lighthearted approach to magic and the deep camaraderie that shapes their performances, along with a sneak peek into Sam's thoughtful guesses on Richard Young's episode. We chat about the legendary Da...
Sep 06, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Can a magician's essential tricks be just as practical as they are mesmerizing? Scott K. Ratner tells all in this weeks episode of "Stranded with a Stranger", a magician with nearly fifty years of experience. Scott opens his magic box to share his desert island must-haves, including the versatile Sidewalk Shuffle and his enhanced spin on the Professor's Nightmare, known as the Three Ropes and a Baby routine. His selections reflect a deep understanding of tricks that are easy to reset and perfect...
Sep 02, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 5
How did Richard Young and his partner manage to fool magic legends Penn & Teller using a rather unconventional trick? Richard Young, from the dynamic magician duo Young and Strange, shares his journey from their unique audition for "Penn & Teller: Fool Us" to performing on grand stages and intimate settings alike. The insight into their creative brainstorming sessions and the remarkable tricks they've pulled off will leave you amazed. Discover the secrets behind some of the most iconic s...
Aug 30, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Join us as we welcome Rob Sweet, also known as Sweet Deception Magic, a talented close-up magician from Coventry. Inspired by the Quick Trick Show and a cherished Paul Daniels magic set, Rob shares his journey into the magical arts, revealing a thoughtfully curated list of his favorite tricks. Featuring breathtaking routines like "Swindle" by Steve Cook and "Double Back" by John Allen, Rob’s selections are sure to amaze and inspire both veteran magicians and budding enthusiasts alike. But that’s...
Aug 26, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Get ready for an extraordinary journey into the world of mentalism with the legendary Kenton Knepper. Learn how Kenton's revolutionary concepts like 'Silent Influence' and 'Wonder Words' have shaped his illustrious career, and hear the fascinating story behind his essential desert island trick, Kolossal Killer. This episode promises to unravel the mysteries of mentalism, offering profound insights and practical techniques from one of the best in the business. We then explore the power of symbols...
Aug 22, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Can magic really be your escape hatch from the mundane? Discover how Scott McKay, a magic hobbyist from Kent, finds joy and solace in the world of illusions. In this mid-episode of "Stranded with a Stranger," Scott opens up about his love for magic, despite his self-admitted technical struggles, and shares a heartfelt list of eight tricks, one book, and a special non-magic item that have enriched his life. Listen as Scott recounts his first magical encounter with the timeless "Do as I Do" trick ...
Aug 19, 2024•15 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Can moments of failure and vulnerability actually enhance a magic performance? This is something we will explore in Part Two of Derren's episode! We'll delve into ethical boundaries and the emotional depths of magic, including a deeply moving story of a fan seeking a connection with a deceased loved one. Prepare to be captivated by the intricate dynamics of tricks like the Oracle Act and the ESP matchup, where theatrical flair meets audience impact. Magic isn't just about the tricks; it's about ...
Aug 15, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 27
Welcome back to our mid-main episode, episode... "Stranded with a Stranger." Our guest, a medical laboratory scientist and aspiring semi-professional magician, takes us on a magical journey inspired by the universe of Harry Potter. Sean unveils his top eight magic tricks, a must-read book, and a non-magic item that holds a special place in his heart. From the innovative Flight by Steve Thompson to the ever-engaging Chroma Colour Changing Knives by TCC, his honourable mentions set the tone for an...
Aug 12, 2024•18 min•Season 1Ep. 2
We've got an extraordinary episode featuring the wonderful Derren Brown, who takes us through his incredible career, from the early days of close up card magic to his rise as a world-renowned mentalist and hypnotist. Listen as Derren shares his ultimate list of effects from his career including effects from his stage, television, book's and DVD's. He also recounts touching moments, like an audience member's request to contact her deceased grandmother, and reflects on the ethical dilemmas his cra...
Aug 08, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Welcome to our brand new in-between mini episode, "Stranded with a Stranger," where YOU can send in your ultimate list of eight magic tricks, a single book, and one non-magic item you'd use for magic! Our inaugural guest, Phil Tilston, a veteran magician and resident performer at Houdini's Magic Bar, kicks things off by sharing his top picks. From the classic cups and balls to the signed bill to lemon, Phil provides insights into why these tricks are his go-to and how they captivate audiences, r...
Aug 05, 2024•17 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Ever wondered what it's like to witness magic that leaves even the best performers in awe? Join us for a mesmerising episode where we recount an extraordinary night orchestrated by Andy Frost from Derren Brown's team at the Oracle Bar. Our special guest, Adam Dadswell, takes us on his magical journey from a young performer to a mentalism maestro. Adam shares his transition from card magic to the art of mentalism, and his excitement to present his craft to the magic community. Prepare to be capti...
Aug 01, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Can the future really be foretold with just a phone and some cards? Join us for another excellent episode as we welcome the extraordinary David Jonathan, a magician renowned for his cutting-edge phone magic and mind-bending card tricks. Discover why he loves the lotto prediction plot, where numbers selected in the past miraculously match a ticket in a photo from a week ago. What's the ultimate magic trick you can carry as your EDC? This episode, we highlight some of the best everyday carry magic...
Jul 25, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Today we are joined by Chris Harding, Close-up Magician of the Year and Magic Circle Royalty! Chris takes us on a nostalgic journey, reminiscing about the early days of popular hypnosis DVDs and his unique style choices at conventions. He shares hilarious stories and memorable collaborations with legendary magicians like Mike Vincent and Anthony Jacquin, all while teasing his carefully curated list of top eight magic tricks. Ever wonder how a floating cane or the needles trick can transform a ma...
Jul 18, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Season 1Ep. 23
What if you could turn a banana into unforgettable magical experience? Join us for an exciting episode of Desert Island Tricks as we sit down with the ingenious magician Martin Peirce. Known for his captivating and practical magic tricks, Martin shares the fascinating story behind his book test, "Lucky Numbers," and gives us a sneak peek into an upcoming release. From frequent TV appearances to his love for quirky magic, Martin adds a unique twist to traditional illusions. We kick things off wit...
Jul 11, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Marc Spellman, the captivating magician best known for his performances on Britain's Got Talent and America's Got Talent, joins us for a truly wonderful episode. From his masked persona "X" to humorous fictitious crime watch appearances, Marc’s wit and charm make this a must-listen episode. Explore the timeless utility of the TT as Marc reminisces about his days at Davenport's magic shop in the early '90s. He shares his fascination with this versatile tool and how Silvano's masterful lectures in...
Jul 05, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Can a single magical influence change the course of another magician's career? Join us as we explore this captivating question with the ingenious Matthew Wright! This episode takes us on an emotional journey, recounting Matthew's memorable experiences with the legendary Eugene Berger in Amsterdam, where a shadow trick left an indelible mark on his career forever. Discover how these magical moments have shaped Matthew’s career, from the Tommy Wonder 'Nest of Boxes' to a multiple selection routine...
Jun 28, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 20
What if you had to rewrite and perform the second act of a show with almost no preparation? In this episode, we sit down with the extraordinarily talented Simon Lipkin, who opens up about his remarkable journey from starring in Avenue Q at just 20 years old to his current role in Oliver with Cameron McIntosh. Simon’s career has been anything but conventional, and he shares the highs and challenges of his life in theater, including his sudden need to improvise and perform under intense pressure. ...
Jun 20, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 19
What if magic could be more than just tricks and illusions, but rather a journey into the mystical and the personal? Terry shares his fascinating experiences with seances and narrative-driven magic, illustrating how deeply personal stories can create unforgettable moments for the audience. Discover how the power of psychometry and the return of personal items can forge emotional connections that far surpass the mere spectacle of the trick. From ancient ceremonies to modern-day performances, biza...
Jun 13, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Season 1Ep. 18
On this episode of Desert Island Tricks, we talk with amazing mentalist Luca Volpe. Listen as Luca shares why the Stealth Assassin wallet tops his list of must-have tricks and how it enhances his performances by prioritising the journey over the reveal. But that’s just the beginning. Luca takes us on a journey through his favorite magical tools, including a classic gimmick revamped for mentalism and the emotionally powerful Grismer lock from his FISM act. He emphasizes the significance of emotio...
Jun 06, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Prepare to be inspired as we spend an hour with the master of illusion, Bill Abbott! Bill's approach to captivating an audience within the first 30 seconds sets the stage for a performance that blurs the line between reality and the impossible. From the mysterious vanishing of a champagne bottle to the beloved trick "Smart Ass," Bill shares the secrets and the psychology behind his iconic illusions. Imagine the perfect magical setting – even if it's as unconventional as a desert island with a ti...
May 30, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Season 1Ep. 16
The likelihood is, you've already had Jack appearing on any number of your social feeds! With millions of views across all platforms, his reach is substantial and his video's are always incredibly clever and fun to watch! This year, he appeared on Britains Got Talent with a quirky act based on his viral video's. Jack is now transitioning to more live events and stage performances which his list reflects! This is an excellent mix of stage effects and close up effects which make for a truly divers...
May 23, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 15
James is a BAFTA Awarding winning performer, star is hit TV show 'Help! My Supply Teacher is Magic!' and consulting on shows on Netflix, the BBC, ITV and Discovery International as well as others! He is a huge reader of magic books but also indulges in commercially released items which makes his Desert Island List incredibly diverse! With a few hidden gems thrown in for good measure, this is an excellent episode you are not going to want to miss! James' Desert Island Tricks: Destination Box Pape...
May 16, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Chris Congreave is best known for his incredibly commercial magic. Effects like 'Roll', 'Omen', 'Safe' and 'Lie' amongst many others are used by hundreds of magicians daily! As you would imagine, Chris's list is full on incredibly commercial routines and since he create's for himself, many of his choices are his own. If you are a magician looking into crossing over to restaurants or weddings, this is the perfect list to get you on your way! Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www...
May 09, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Jake Allen is one of the most talented young magicians in the UK and an absolute card ninja! A regular at The Magic Circle, Jake is someone people wan't to sit down with and watch the amazing magic he performs. In Jake's episode, he show's his passion for card magic with a mixture of classic effects and routines as well as some quirkier choices that you perhaps haven't come across before. Heavily influenced by books, Jake's Desert Island list really is a fantastic collection of tricks! His book ...
May 02, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Peter Nardi really shouldn't need an introduction! Founder of Alakazam Magic, creator of countless mentalism effects, producer of some of the biggest tricks in the world and a business innovator, Peter's wealth of knowledge is a deep well to pull from! In Peter's episode, he has a tremendous mix of older and newer effects ranging from specially produced decks, packet tricks, mentalism pieces and coin tricks. His diverse selection of tricks really reflects how he is around such a diverse selectio...
Apr 25, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 11
