#139 - This is it, the final episode! I'm joined by my friend Rodney as we discuss how much magic (and marketing for shows) has changed in 20 years. By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you grow your magic business to book more shows at higher fees: · Grab my FREE business-building tools for professional working magicians. I’m offering SIX free resources to help you improve your online presence. From SEO strategies that almost NO magicians are using, to a social media str...
Nov 23, 2024•1 hr 35 min
Erik Dobell is doing what many performers dream of doing - running his own theater show. Join me as I dig in with Erik to find out the ups and downs of a theater show. This week's Trick Talk is on Auto Chair by Alakazam. By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you grow your magic business to book more shows at higher fees: · Grab my FREE business-building tools for professional working magicians. I’m offering SIX free resources to help you improve your online presence. From ...
Nov 16, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 138
#137 - Jon Stetson is a true legend in the field of mentalism! Join me as Jon and I talk about connecting with audiences. Also, this episodes contains a very special announcement I've been teasing for a while. This week's Trick Talk is on Lumen by Ellusionist magic. Get Jon's Core Telepathy HERE By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you grow your magic business to book more shows at higher fees: · Grab my FREE business-building tools for professional working magicians. I’m...
Nov 02, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 137
#136 - Brian "Cosmo" Cassady returns! Response to his first appearance was amazing. Brian is deeply philosophical about his magic and what he wants to accomplish. He's also insanely successful. And the best part? He's only been a full time pro for a few years. Get ready to think deeply about your magic. Brian Cassady is back. This week's episode of Trick Talk features The Missing Piece by Paul Romhany! Get The Missing Piece HERE By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you gr...
Oct 05, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 136
#135 - Tired of performing the same show or tricks over and over? Tired of the grind of life on the road? These simple seven tips may hep you avoid boredom and prevent burnout. This week's Trick Talk features Toon Balloon ! By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you grow your magic business to book more shows at higher fees: 1. Grab my FREE business-building tools for professional working magicians. I’m offering SIX free resources to help you improve your online presence. F...
Sep 28, 2024•43 min•Ep. 135
#134 - Want to get into school assemblies? This interview with John Abrams is packed with amazing information about marketing, constructing your show, and living the life of a school assembly performer. You'll learn a LOT in this episode! This week's Trick Talk features Rubik's Wall! Get John's school assembly book HERE Get Rubik's Wall HERE Get Sven Cards HERE (Listen to Trick talk - it makes sense) By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 4 ways I can help you grow your magic business to boo...
Sep 21, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 134
#133 - It's often said an actor playing a magician would make a better magician. That's so true with my guest this week, Joseph Daniels. With acting experience and decades of performing under his belt, he's sensational at bringing the MAGIC into magic. You'll learn a ton of great insights. This week's Trick Talk features BEKOS Ghost Edition by Phil Ackerly! Get Ghost Silk HERE Joseph's page HERE By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you grow your magic business to book mor...
Sep 14, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 133
#132 - Want to create a new show? Crafting a new show the right way is more than just tossing a bunch of your favorite effects into a case and running off to the show. There are several things to remember to make your new show the best it can be. This week's Trick Talk looks at Mind Controller by Cobra Magic Mind Controller HERE By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you grow your magic business to book more shows at higher fees: 1. Grab my FREE business-building tools for ...
Aug 31, 2024•37 min
#131 - Want to know how to become so great at magic that your performances appear effortless? That's the topic in this week's episode of the Professional Magician podcast. This week's Trick Talk looks at Michael Ross' Hydrostatic Glass download! By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you grow your magic business to book more shows at higher fees: Michael Ross Hydrostatic Glass Trailer HERE . 1. Grab my FREE business-building tools for professional working magicians. I’m off...
Aug 23, 2024•36 min
#130 - John Reid is one busy guy! John performs shows, runs several businesses, and sets world records (seriously!). Find out some of John's keys to success in this fun and insightful look into a busy professional's life. Visit cresey.com HERE By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you grow your magic business to book more shows at higher fees: 1. Grab my FREE business-building tools for professional working magicians. I’m offering SIX free resources to help you improve you...
Aug 10, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 130
#129 - Ever wanted to create your own public parlor show? My guest this week, Scott Humston, offers an entire training devoted to this very topic. If you've ever wanted to host an ongoing show in one location, now is your opportunity to learn about it. Want more info? Check it out HERE Today's Trick Talk covers The Shakespeare Experiment! Get it HERE Going to Kidabra? Email your 5-7 minute show clip to Jim Vagias at: educatonalproductions@comcast.net By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ...
Aug 03, 2024•1 hr 5 min
#128 - What if magic could save lives? It CAN and it's happening now. Join me as I interview Fool Us Winner Chris Rose and other members of the Magicians on Mission cause to help our United States overseas troops. It's amazing and inspiring. Magicians on Mission special promotion with Bicycle Cards: HERE Link not working? Copy the URL below: https://magiciansonmission.org/bicyclecards/ By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you grow your magic business to book more shows at...
Jul 27, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 128
#127 - WOW. That's the reaction I had after my interview Phil Ackerly. He's funny, creative, and a deep thinker about his magic. He's also big on personalization. You'll be amazed and delighted with everything Phil shares in this 60-minute+ interview! Today's Trick Talk features Bill Abbott's Postcards From Paradise ! Below are notes, video links, and more from Phil's interview: WEBSITE www.MakePhilAppear.com SHOP PAGE www.Ackerly-Entertainment.com/shop PERFORMANCE VIDEOS OLD GLORY – My version ...
Jul 13, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 127
#126 - After a three-week absence, the Professional Podcast is back! In this episode, I examine the keys to fostering 'Show Health,' that wonderful "in case of emergency break glass" ability most professional performers need to use at one point. And this week's Trick Talk looks at Losander's Floating Table! Losander's products HERE By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you grow your magic business to book more shows at higher fees: 1. Grab my FREE business-building tools f...
Jul 06, 2024•42 min•Ep. 126
#125 - In this second part of my interview with Bill Abbott, we touch on a number of topics, including scripting and editing your act. Bill is highly effective at tweaking and adjusting his act based on how his audiences respond. We also talk about some of his other new releases, and much more. You don't want to miss this! In this week's Trick Talk, I review Tommy James' New Bunny in the Hat Puppet! Bill Abbott Products HERE To9mmy James Bunny Puppet HERE P.S. By the way…whenever you’re ready, h...
Jun 08, 2024•51 min•Ep. 125
#124 - Do you know about Bill Abbott? If not, you should! Bill's routines and effects are real-world tested, easy to do, and very entertaining. In part one of my interview with Bill, we delve mostly into his experience starting his own theater show, The Magic Hideaway, in Florida. It's a fascinating look at the logistics you need to be aware of when starting your own theater show. Near the end of the episode, we talk about some of his new releases. Bill Abbott Magic HERE This week's Trick Talk l...
Jun 01, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 124
#123 - What kind of volunteers can you expect for your shows? Depending on the market you work, the personalities and behaviors of volunteers can vary greatly. Understanding what you are in for each time you invite someone onstage with you is key to successful performing. In this episode, I delve into several of the personality types you can expect in multiple markets. This week's episode of Trick Talk features Can O Chips by Viking Magic! By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can ...
May 25, 2024•45 min
#122 - Do you enjoy comedy magic? If so, John Ferentino is definitely someone to listen to. Often called the 'Godfather of Comedy Magic,' John's career spans decades and took him across the world. This interview is filled with wild stories, funny anecdotes, and more. This week's Trick Talk features John's downloadable product, " Do Spirits Return? " By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you grow your magic business to book more shows at higher fees: 1. Grab my FREE busines...
May 18, 2024•1 hr 17 min
#121 - When you book your shows, you'll likely run into a variety of personalities. Understanding who these folks are and how they may act is key to having a successful show. In this episode, I cover some of the titles of people who may book you, their most common personalities, and other people you may encounter at these shows. This week's Trick Talk features Akronym by Conjuring Labs! By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you grow your magic business to book more shows a...
May 11, 2024•43 min
#120 - If you are a kids performer, do you get nervous when the show organizer tells you they are going to let the kids run around to burn off energy? If so, this episode will reveal why. Jim Kleefeld also discusses why performers who just focus on getting the kids to yell and scream are not doing the show or their audiences any favors. This week's Trick Talk looks at the Cesaral Spirit Bell ! Get Jim Kleefeld's products HERE By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you grow ...
May 04, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 120
#119 - And now for something different! I'm getting back into close-up magic soon. I thought it might be fun to talk about my close-up sets, why I structure them the way I do, why I dropped certain effects, and more. Plus along the way you'll hear several 'mini-reviews'; of the gaffs and routines I use. Just getting into close-up magic? I reveal a lot of good 'best practices' for strolling gigs too. Want to know more about the routines I mention in this episode? Check out my books below: Cause &...
Apr 27, 2024•43 min
#118 - How do you describe your magic to prospects on the phone? How do you describe your show on your website? After viewing over 200 magicians' websites, I've found the vast majority to be missing out on a great opportunity. Join me as I reveal ways to create 'magic' with your words to better sell your show! This week's Trick Talk reviews Smoke Cube by João Miranda By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you grow your magic business to book more shows at higher fees: 1. Gr...
Apr 20, 2024•38 min•Ep. 118
#117 - This week's episode features my interview with the legend JEFF MCBRIDE. (What more do I need to say?) Check out MYSTERY SCHOOL This week's Trick Talk is INCEPTION by Pro Mystic By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you grow your magic business to book more shows at higher fees: 1. Grab my FREE business-building tools for professional working magicians. I’m offering SIX free resources to help you improve your online presence. From SEO strategies that almost NO magici...
Apr 13, 2024•41 min
#116 - Are you stressed? Chances are if you have a pulse you experience some stress each day. It's not your fault - it's how we are built. And running a business of any kind involves stress! In this episode, I use my experience in the field of hypnosis to give you five simple stress-busting tips. These can be done virtually anytime or anywhere as long as you are not driving or operating heavy machinery. This week's Trick Talk features Clarity by Chris Rawlins. By the way…whenever you’re ready, h...
Apr 06, 2024•34 min
#115 - Have you ever been curious about street performing? My guest Scot Nery is a pro at it! And he's also worked with some of the biggest names in show business. He's more than a consultant or a coach...so much more. You'll learn a lot in this episode! This week's Trick Talk features Pyro Wallet! Contact Scot Nery HERE Get Pyro Wallet HERE By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you grow your magic business to book more shows at higher fees: 1. Grab my FREE business-buildi...
Apr 02, 2024•1 hr 3 min
#114 - Do you attend magic conventions? They are a great way to learn and connect with other magicians. But there are a few things you can do that will easily enhance your enjoyment of the next convention you attend. This week's Trick Talk features Michael Ross's Long Salt Pour! Get Michael's Salt Pour HERE By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you grow your magic business to book more shows at higher fees: 1. Grab my FREE business-building tools for professional working m...
Mar 23, 2024•36 min•Ep. 114
#113 - Looking for a new income stream? How about one that covertly teaches kids important character-building skills? This episode is all about Discover Magic, an amazing program that teaches kids magic. My guest joining me is Brian Scott Ambrosch, an ardent user of Discover Magic and one of the nicest guys in our business. After listening to this, you might want to expand your offerings to include these amazing classes! This week's episode of Trick Talk features the Chest of Nostradamus! By the...
Mar 02, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 113
#112 - Are you making enough money in your magic career? Many who aren't think the answer is simply more shows. While that is one option, let me introduce you to a few other ways of increasing your income... This week's Trick Talk features Trevor Duffy's Pro Diminishing Cards! By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you grow your magic business to book more shows at higher fees: 1. Grab my FREE business-building tools for professional working magicians. I’m offering SIX free...
Mar 02, 2024•37 min•Ep. 112
#111: If you want to succeed in this business long-term, You've got to listen to my guest, Christopher Weed. Chris amazes me. He runs multiple businesses successfully to the tune of severa millions of dollars in revenue. And he's always looking for and developing new ideas. I always feel like I'm sitting under a learning tree when Chris speaks. Enjoy this episode - I know I did! This week's episode of Trick Talk is dedicated to CTRL-C by Chris Rawlings. By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are...
Feb 24, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 111
#110 - Has a client ever asked you to create a special show just for them? While it might be fun to buy a bunch of new props for that show. it's not ideal if you want to turn a profit for that show. I've been creating themed shows for decades. So when a client asked me for a theme show, I knew I was not likely to ever perform the show again. Listen in on how I created a theme show my client (and the audience) raved about using props I already own. This week's Trick Talk is Intonation by Arcane R...
Feb 17, 2024•38 min•Ep. 110
