Magic Talk

Magic Talk is a series of conversations where we explore various aspects of life through the lens of magic. In each episode, Anson Chen interviews magicians from all walks of life about their unique perspectives on magic and how they use their magic to create change in the world. Dedicated to all those with a love of Magic.

Last refreshed: August 17th, 2025 at 10:28 AM ⓘ

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Episodes

Episode 10: Teller - On FOOL US, Taking Chances, Lessons from Johnny Thompson

Hello! So excited to be releasing this episode of Magic Talk with you guys. Today's conversation is with Teller from the legendary Penn & Teller. As most of you already know, Teller doesn't speak when he is on stage, but in this episode he dropped countless knowledge bombs and gems that I've found to be super valuable advices. Big thank you once again to Teller for being generous with his time and presence. Really loved every moment of this conversation. Hope you enjoy the episode! Be sure t...

Apr 01, 2023•50 min•Ep. 11

Episode 9: Ben Seidman - How to combine Comedy & Magic, Building New Shows, Vanity Fair

Today we are speaking with Ben Seidman, Ben is someone who I really admire in the industry, he has a unique ability to combine magic, stand up comedy, sleight of hand and pickpocketing all in one to create impactful experiences for his audience. In this episode we talked about how Ben approaches new shows and TV appearances, we spoke about his take on combining comedy and magic and the process he uses to continuously refine his material. Hope you enjoy the episode! Anson...

Mar 01, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 10

Episode 8: Harapan Ong - Story Structure, The No.1 Conversation Killer and Other Controversies

Today we are speaking with Harapan Ong. Harapan is a wonderful magician from Singapore, he is an incredibly creative inventor of magic as well as the author of Principia, Close Cull & Stylo. Harapan shared a his thoughts on how to apply story structures in magic to make your performance more impactful, why he thinks magic is the number one conversation killer and we discussed some of his more controversial opinions on magic. Hope you enjoy the episode! Get in touch with me @mransonchen on IG...

Jan 27, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 9

Episode 7: Doug McKenzie - On making miracles, Going virtual & Arrested in Hong Kong

Today I'm speaking with Doug McKenzie. Doug is one of my favourite magicians on the planet, he is highly innovative and the way he approaches magic is unlike anyone I've ever met. In this podcast we spoke about Doug's journey in magic, his experience of getting arrested in Hong Kong and how he got out of it with magic as well as how he thinks about transforming tricks into unforgettable miracles. Hope you enjoy the episode. As always, if you enjoyed the podcast, please share it with friends. If ...

Jul 19, 2022•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 8

Episode 6: Armando Lucero - Learning how to learn, Originality & The Long Beach Mystics

Today's guest is Armando Lucero. Armando is an absolute legend in magic who is known for his superb skills as a sleight of hand artist, a highly original performer and a great teacher in magic. Armando is one of my earliest mentors in magic, I met him nearly 13 years ago when he was in Hong Kong, we've became friends ever since and I have learnt a tremendous amount from him, his philosophy and teachings have deeply influenced my understanding in art and magic. In this episode, Armando shared his...

Mar 16, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 7

Episode 5: Calen Morelli - The Nothing Experiment, Perfectionism & Creating your own universe

In this episode, I'm speaking with Calen Morelli. Calen is one of the most creative minds in magic today, he has consulted for some of the most prominent projects and the biggest names in magic today. His ability to construct original illusions are in my opinion unparalleled and I really enjoyed his views on magic and creative process in this conversation. In this episode we spoke about the vision he had for Ellusionist and the magic scene in general, his thoughts on how to authentically share w...

Mar 03, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 6

Episode 4: John Wilson - Magic, Tarot, TaoDeChing and Creativity

It's been a long long time since I've updated this Podcast, thought it's time that I bring it back. Today's guest is John Wilson, John a brilliant magician/ wizard/ hypnotist/ tarologist/ conceptual artist, he is also the author of " YOU & ME & THE DEVIL MAKES THREE" and " POSTIDIGITATION". In this podcast we covered a wide range of topic from the performance of magic to tarot, to the Tao De Ching and Creativity. I am experimenting with a new format as you can see, if you have any feedba...

Jan 20, 2022•51 min•Ep. 5

Episode 3: Anthony Jacquin - Hypnosis, Trance State, Reality Is Plastic

Anthony Jacquin is one of the best Hypnotists in the world, we recorded this podcast episode when I was in the UK doing a hypnotherapy course with him. Anthony is the author of Reality Is Plastic, a performing hypnotist and also a highly experienced professional hypnotherapist, no doubt one of my biggest influences. In this episode we spoke about Anthony's crazy stories as a hypnotist, various applications of hypnosis and influence in life and how YOU can learn hypnosis and apply the techniques ...

Oct 21, 2019•38 min•Ep. 4

Episode 2: Jared Kopf - China Tour, Jodorowsky & Real Magic

Jared Kopf is a true inspiration to me and many others. He is no doubt one of the smartest men in magic and his thoughts and ideas are always insightful. We recorded this episode on the last day of Jared's tour in China, this podcast almost didn't happen because we just had so much fun talking and jamming throughout his stay here in Shanghai (Joe, Jared and I talked until 5 am the night before we recorded the podcast, hence the raspy voices and randomness in this podcast ). Anyhow, I am glad we ...

Sep 19, 2019•34 min•Ep. 3

Episode 1: Luke Jermay - The Modern Fortune Teller

Thanks for listening to the FIRST episode of Unconsciously Speaking. Luke Jermay is without a doubt one of the world's greatest mind reader who is currently performing his show Strange Power at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival. I had a chance to sit down and record this podcast with him after the show, we talked about his journey to become The Modern Fortune Teller, taking risks as artists, tarot cards and many other fascinating stories.. Enjoy the episode!

Aug 19, 2019•50 min•Ep. 2

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