#019 - Want to break into a fun performing niche most magicians avoid? Consider the high school assembly market! In this solo episode, I break down the keys to success for this overlooked market. You'll discover who your main competitors are (hint: it's NOT magicians), the kinds of tricks you should perform, what the audiences are like, and much more. Also, in this episode I review the wonderful Better Baxt Newspaper Tear! LINKS: Baxt Better Newspaper Tear: https://www.robertbaxt.com/baxt-a-boy-...
Apr 23, 2022•33 min•Ep. 19
#018 - Want an entirely new income stream? In this very special episode, I interview Richard Nongard. Richard is a hypnotist, book author, entrepreneur, and much more. In this interview, he talks about his distinction of being Eugene Burger's first magic student (and a hilarious revelation) and much more in his colorful journey in magic. But the real meat of the interview is Richard's revelation of a second income stream! Richard's sage advice has literally changed my life. Yours can change too ...
Apr 16, 2022•52 min•Ep. 18
#017 - In this solo episode, I outline 5 lessons in magic from the old 80's TV show "Knight Rider." In case you're not familiar with it, the show featured a pre-Baywatch David Hasselhoff as a crime fighter partnered with a high-tech talking car. The show WON'T go down as a well-respected classic! I analyzed the show and found several instances of bad acting and bad scripting to serve as examples of what NOT to do as a magician! This was a really fun show to record and if you want to improve yor ...
Apr 09, 2022•47 min•Ep. 17
#016 - If you're looking to book more shows, you need to learn 21st century marketing techniques. My guest this week is Ziv Raviv and he understands modern digital marketing more than just about any other magician I've met! The two of us have a great conversation about SEO, blogs, and more. It's a must-listen! In this week's Trick Talk, I review Sean Bogunia's incredible Extreme Hanky! LINKS: The Daily Cookie: https://dailycookie.co/ Kids Entertainer Hub: https://kidsentertainerhub.com/ Extreme ...
Apr 02, 2022•53 min•Ep. 16
#015 - Want to tap into a market most magicians avoid? Middle schools are a great opportunity to make good money without nearly as much competition as elementary school assemblies. In this episode I outline what I feel are 31 keys to success in this demanding but potentially lucrative market. Also, in this week's Trick Talk, I review In-Flight by Nick Einhorn! LINKS: 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: · Gra...
Mar 26, 2022•43 min•Ep. 15
#014 - Magicians are known for using live animals in their shows - from rabbits to doves, animals can help enhance an act. But how do you add animals to your show? How do you care for them? And what can go wrong? My guests this week is John Abrams former host of the amazing Variety Artist podcast. I've known John for years and was thrilled when he agreed to be on the show. John shares his insights to working with live animals, some horror stories, and more. If you've never worked with animals be...
Mar 19, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 14
#013 - "Lucky" episode 13 is devoted to my most lucrative market, elementary daytime assembly programs! I outline 29 imperative ":must knows" about this incredible market. You'll discover what your shows MUST have for success, what NOT to do, and much more. This episode is very near and dear to my heart as this has been most of my life's focus for the last 20 years. Trick Talk: This week I review what I think is the BEST cards across effect for kids! LINKS: Tommy James Cards Across: https://www....
Mar 12, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 13
#012 - in the final part of my exclusive Jim Kleefeld series, Jim and I continue our overview of several markets in magic, how to run a successful magic business, and much more. If you are new to the idea of performing magic professionally, Jim's advice will serve as the perfect introduction. After Jim and I conclude the interview, I review the wonderful Christmas trick Forgetful Frosty by Fairchild Magic! LINKS: Jim Kleefeld Stuff: http://www.jimkleefeld.com/ Fairchild Magic's Forgetful Frosty ...
Mar 05, 2022•48 min•Ep. 12
#011 - 50 years of experience. Wow! I've been a professional magician since 1999 but that's not even half the amount of time Jim Kleefeld has been performing. It truly is an honor to have someone with that depth of knowledge on my very young podcast. In this episode, Jim shares incredible business advice in multiple markets. By listening to this 3-part Jim Kleefeld series, you have an outline of how to be successful performing in many of the most popular niches. Enjoy and learn from a half centu...
Feb 26, 2022•39 min•Ep. 11
#010 – Jim Kleefeld has been a successful professional magician for 50 years for two reasons. First, he’s incredibly creative. His books, DVDs, and props demonstrate just how much originality he brings to the table. Second, he's a professional. Like every successful business owner, Jim approaches his craft with the goal of serving the client. If you want to become a professional magician, this is one of the most important episodes you'll ever listen to. And it's just the first part of my 3 part ...
Feb 19, 2022•34 min•Ep. 10
#009 - The library market is a wonderful market for full-time magicians. If you treat your clients with professionalism, they can be some of the most loyal clients you'll ever have. I have had the same clients for years and some of my fellow performers visit the same libraries for decades! In this episode of the Professional Magician podcast, I outline 31 keys to success in the library market. Follow these keys and you can enjoy a great career in library magic shows! I also review the classic ef...
Feb 12, 2022•48 min•Ep. 9
#008 -0 Your volunteers are not tables! In this fun intefview with Annie Banannie, we dive into working with volunteers. While Annie is (like me) a devoted kids show specialist, her advice can be applied to any age show. We also delve into her journey to becoming more healthy and how she did it. It's inspiring stuff! I also review Jay Mattioli's wonderful "Sandz" - his take on the classic "Sands of Egypt" effect.! LINKS: SANDZ - https://www.jaymattioli.com/sandz ANNIE'S HEALTH COACHING: https://...
Feb 04, 2022•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 8
#007 - Daycares are one of the easiest markets to enter when you are are starting out doing professional magic shows. That's not to say these shows are easy! There are a lot of important details that make this market a challenge for the new magician. These shows are fun to perform and feature simple magic. The audiences are not challenging - young children are eager to have a good time and want you to succeed. Daycare directors and teachers are looking for great entertainment. Listen to this epi...
Jan 28, 2022•37 min•Ep. 7
#006 - Email marketing is the most effective online marketing tool, period! Even with the reach of social media, email STILL delivers the highest ROI. Master it and grow your business. In the second part of my interview with Obediah Thomas, we discuss emails and Obediah shares GREAT advice! You'll benefit from his decades of experience. Want to learn the details of performing in schools? Obediah and Mark Beckwith have produced a great course on performing in schools! Here's the link: https://raz...
Jan 09, 2022•42 min•Ep. 6
#005 - Want THE most effective way to charge more money for your shows? Creating themed shows is a proven way to boost the perceived value of your shows. And in many markets you HAVE to have theme shows if you want consistent, long-term success! My guest is Obediah Thomas, one of the most accomplished school assembly show performers. Obediah has been performing for decades and he drops by to share his experience creating over a dozen school shows with his performing partner Mark Beckwith in Cali...
Jan 09, 2022•40 min•Ep. 5
#004 - Children's birthday parties are one of the fastest ways to make a LOT of money performing magic. Many magicians look down upon birthdays and see them as a stepping stone to better gigs. In this episode, I break down why children's birthday party magic shows are the most challenging kids show market, what you need to know to succeed in this demanding yet lucrative market, and more. Plus, this week's Trick Talk features the borrowed cell phone to impossible location trick, What's In The Box...
Dec 28, 2021•46 min•Ep. 4
#003 - Want to perform magic professionally? Or are you looking to increase the number of shows you do? The concept in this episode is without a doubt the most important thing you'll need to understand to perform magic professionally. This will set you up for long term success and influence EVERYTHING you do from trick selection to all aspects of your marketing. This is the foundation to your performing career! Also, I review Bill Abbott's amazing VOODOO! By the way…whenever you’re ready, here a...
Dec 28, 2021•35 min•Ep. 3
#002 - Virtual magic shows are a GREAT way to reach a larger audience! Plus, in the final days of 2021, COVID-19 is still very much a "thing." Whether you're brand new to the idea of virtual magic shows or a "veteran" of online performing, there's sure to be something in this episode for you. Plus, this week's trick review is of the Up Up and Away Levitation by John Pizzi! 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:...
Dec 28, 2021•46 min•Ep. 2
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 strategy that can save you time and heartache, to valuable Google Ads strategies, these resources will help you book more shows at higher fees. Get your...
Dec 26, 2021•25 min•Ep. 1
