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The Magic Detective Podcast

The magic history podcast, especially stories about Houdini, and many lesser known magicians.
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Episodes

Ep 110 Velma Queen of Illusion

A wonderful podcast on Velma Queen of Illusion. She was a NY female magician who had a long career and made quite a splash during her day. You're going to love this episode with clips from Velma herself.

Jul 05, 202530 minSeason 7Ep. 110

Ep. 109 The Early Life of David Bamberg aka Fu-Manchu

The first part of the life of David Bamberg. This episode explores his early years to teens to just as he is becoming FuManchu. He has such a rich life with so many adventures, we're saving the next part for a later date. Anyone interested in voting for The Magic Detective Podcast as your favorite in the FISM Italy contest, here is the link: https://www.fismitaly2025.com/online-magic-special-awards/

May 31, 202530 minSeason 7Ep. 109

ep108 Paul Valadon The Greatest Sleight of Hand Expert

This episode we explore the life of magician Paul Valadon, his connections to Egyptian Hall, and Harry Kellar and more. GoFundMe page for John Pyka https://www.gofundme.com/f/stand-by-john-a-magicians-fight

Mar 23, 202534 minSeason 7Ep. 108

Ep 107 Remembering Holiday Magic Specials

For a short 5 year period many years ago, there was a burst of magic on TV every December. It began with Doug Henning Specials and brought us some incredible magic and inspired many kids to get into magic, many who listen to this podcast. Doug on Crystal Gayle Special https://youtu.be/11dIPX5ko_k?si=E0husdfwDgvFYIs L Doug Henning Balloon https://youtu.be/fnRtaUsjkxM?si=9rRLjOeqqw1PwOJ1&t=516...

Dec 13, 202428 minSeason 7Ep. 107

Ep 106 Review of the 2024 Yankee Gathering

Here is my review of the 2024 Yankee Gathering. In addition, I give a list of potential Christmas gifts you might want to stuff your stockings with this holiday season!

Dec 07, 202432 minSeason 7Ep. 106

Ep 105 The Dunninger Radio Show

Something special, a recording of one of Dunninger's 1944 Radio Shows. Plus a list of all the magic related programming being featured on Amazon Prime right now! And more...

Oct 05, 202434 minSeason 6Ep. 105

Ep 104 Author Interview: Judge Gary Brown

This episode is a conversation between Dean Carnegie and Judge Gary Brown concerning his latest book, The Inventive Magician's Handbook with Props. This book contains a lot of magic history, specifically the history of magic inventions, it also contains a great deal of theory on how to creative/invent and innovate magic . The book also comes with the a package of tricks, all the major tricks that are taught in the book. Listen and learn about about being an inventive magician! the book is availa...

Sep 22, 202456 minSeason 6Ep. 104

Ep 103 SEARS - The Real Vanishing Man?

Once a very popular international traveling illusionist, with a show that had 45 people, horses, an elephant, a camel and more. Then without notice he seemed to have vanished. But he actually went underground...so to speak...listen for more info.

Sep 06, 202432 minSeason 6Ep. 103

Ep 102 Newmann The Pioneer Mentalist

On this episode we explore the life of C.A. George Newmann, the Pioneer Mentalist. He was a performer, hypnotist, mentalist, and magic book collector.

Jun 30, 202425 minSeason 6Ep. 102

Ep 101 Rameses The Egyptian Mystic

Albert Marchinsky was professionally known as Rameses The Egyptian Mystic, a very popular illusionist/magician in his time. He had an amazing career. Another magic celebrity learns about magic from him! Enjoy this episode of The Magic Detective Podcast.

May 19, 202430 minSeason 6Ep. 101

Ep 100 The Enigmatic Dr. Edward Saint

Dr. Saint is one fascinating character. He gave his first performances at age 9 and continued right up till his death. He was Bess Houdini's Manager and much more. THIS episode is #100. As a bonus, after the closing remarks, the FULL Houdini Seance can be heard. Enjoy! #houdini #seance

May 06, 202450 minSeason 6Ep. 100

Ep 99 The Young Joe Dunninger

This episode explores the early days of Joseph Dunninger. These are his magic days, prior to him becoming the mentalist of renown. This episode is dedicated to Maxine Dunninger Hohneker.

Feb 14, 202425 minSeason 6Ep. 99

Ep 98 Magician and Magic Dealer Frank Ducrot

This episode is on the life of Frank Ducrot, the man who arguably owned more magic shops than anyone in history! Well it was one shop, but he consolidated 38 others. Listen and learn more about this amazing man. https://www.themagicdetective.com/2023/12/magicians-we-lost-in-2023.html

Dec 31, 202328 minSeason 6Ep. 98

Ep 97 The Houdini Broadcasts

Here we have something special once again. The episode today comes from a manuscript published by Micky Hades of Canada. I took the manuscript and turned it into an old style Radio Broadcast of sorts. Listen to the podcast to learn more about it! The recording takes place Nov 1st, 1926. Enjoy!!!

Nov 07, 202325 minSeason 6Ep. 97

Ep 96 The First Houdini Seance -Did Houdini Return?

This is about the very first Houdini Seance that took place at Bess Houdini's home. Arthur Ford was the medium. Did Bess received the real message? Did Arthur Ford cheat or was it legit? Welcome to Season 6 of The Magic Detective Podcast! Remember to visit MagicHistorian.com to get your official Magic Detective T-shirt!

Oct 29, 202333 minSeason 6Ep. 96

Ep 95 The Life of Eddie Joseph, Magic Writer and Magician

Today, I offer a hidden gem. A fantastic artist who I knew nothing about, but turns out to be an amazing magician, writer, and creator. He invented effects that are still done today, he wrote countless columns in magazines, and had 70+ of his own publications. He did card magic, coin magic, mentalism, escapes, pick pocketing, and even magic over the radio! In fact, I finish the podcast today with one of his effects, so for the first time on this podcast, I'll be presenting 'Podcast Magic!'. In a...

Oct 14, 202326 minEp. 95

Ep 94 The Amazing Maurice Fogel

This episode deals with the life and exploits of Maurice Fogel, the first man to do a solo mentalism show in Great Britain. He became hugely popular in his day and devised a number of diabolical publicity stunts! check out his Russian Roulette Routine https://www.themagicdetective.com/2023/09/the-amazing-fogel-worlds-greatest.html

Sep 26, 202332 minSeason 5Ep. 94

Ep 93 William Marion Fay - The Other Davenport Brother

William Marion Fay was a partner in the famous Davenport Brothers act. He traveled with them overseas, performed in their show, and had many adventures along the way. Some even say he is up to his old tricks today, listen to find out.

Sep 10, 202326 minSeason 5Ep. 93

Ep 92 The Other Houdini - Tony Curtis

Did you know Tony Curtis had another life as a magician? I didn't either, but if you judge him by his talk show appearances, it sure looks that way! See what playing HOUDINI in a movie can do to a person!

Jul 23, 202344 minSeason 5Ep. 92

Ep 91 The Wonderful Life of Tommy Wonder

The great Jos Bema, aka Tommy Wonder is profiled on this episode of the podcast. The transcript for this episode is available on my blog, along with videos for each of the tricks mentioned in this podcast. https://www.themagicdetective.com/2023/05/the-wonderful-life-of-tommy-wonder.html

May 23, 202329 minSeason 5Ep. 91

Ep 90 Hen Fetsch - The Epic Inventor of Magic

This episode is on the life of Henry 'Hen' Fetsch, author of The Milk Pitcher Book, creator of Mental Epic and many other mysteries. Listen to his fascinating story and if your new to Hen, you'll discover a resource for some incredible magic!

May 02, 202330 minSeason 5Ep. 90

Ep 89 Magic History News & Updates

The Magic Detective is back...well, sorta. Coming back shortly. This is just a quick heads up to let you know what's been going on and to announce a new contest with new prize! In addition, check out my magic history items for sale on ebay https://www.ebay.com/usr/carnegiemagic Send contest entry to : mailto:info@carnegiemagic.com

Apr 24, 20239 minSeason 5Ep. 89

Ep 88 Tales From The Dark Side of Magic

This one features Ralph Emerson Powell, an unusual character from the 1930s. Popular in the Cleveland area but with a questionable background....and he was tied to a frightening event in history. Magic History Items on Ebay https://www.ebay.com/usr/carnegiemagic

Jan 27, 202326 minSeason 5Ep. 88

Ep 87 Year In Review and More Radio

It's the final show of 2022. This time I did a quick review of the previous Season, and then I share with you a NEW Radio interview I did a short time ago. I will be doing a lot more radio and tv in the coming year 2023, and I will do my best to share that content with YOU! Also, don't forget the CONTEST from Ep 86. Go back and listen to the question if you need to. I'll be picking a winner sometime before the next podcast mid January. So you have time!!!!

Dec 26, 202250 minSeason 5Ep. 87

Ep 86 Charles Dickens The Unparalleled Necromancer

Did you know Charles Dickens of The Christmas Carol fame, of Nickolas Nickelby, David Copperfield, A Tale of Two Cities, and many more stories, was also an amateur magician? Indeed he was. Now hear all about it! OH, and when you finish hearing about his exploits, stay around for a Christmas story written by HOUDINI, and narrated by Dean Carnegie. UPDATE: After the episode went up, I was contacted by Ian Keeble, who I refer to as an authority on Dickens. He mentioned some errors I made in the pod...

Dec 24, 202238 minSeason 5Ep. 86

Ep 85 Milbourne Christopher Master Magician& Master Historian

The world of magic owes a lot to this man. He created the first TV specials devoted to magic. His efforts preserved on video some amazing acts. He was the first author to try and give an accurate accounting of Houdini's life. He...well, Milbourne Christopher was many things: magician, author, performer, producer, historian, investigator and much more. I think you're really going to enjoy learning about this remarkable man.

Dec 11, 202234 minSeason 5Ep. 85

Ep 84 A Magician Among the Spiritualists

Well my Houdini week episodes took longer than expected, lol. This is the last of that bunch. On this episode I discuss a myth surrounding Houdini and also the medium Eva C., and more! Check it out!

Dec 05, 202243 minSeason 5Ep. 84

Ep 83 The Strange Friendship of Houdini & Ira Davenport

Here are details on the friendship of Ira Davenport, half of the act who invented the Spirit Cabinet, and Harry Houdini the great escape artist. This is the transcript for this episode https://www.themagicdetective.com/2022/11/the-unusual-friendship-between-houdini.html

Nov 08, 202228 minSeason 5Ep. 83

Ep 82 Houdini and His Ghost House

A look at one of the 'secrets' to Houdini's escapes and then one of his most famous challenges where he uses this device.

Nov 02, 202233 minSeason 5Ep. 82

Ep 81 Ching Ling Foo The Original Chinese Conjurer

Here is the life story of Ching Ling Foo, the original Chinese magician who created a sensation at the turn of the century! It's an amazing story, filled with occasional tragedy. This is the last episode for Season 4. Season 5 will begin shortly. I mistakenly said it was the end of season 3 on the episode, lol.

Oct 31, 202239 minSeason 4Ep. 81
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