#049 - How do you feel about your competition? How do you deal with your competition? What do you say when a potential client asks you about your competition? I have some rather unique views on how to handle these questions. In this day of social media where "everyone has a voice," I think you have to answer these questions very carefully. Check out this solo episode and see what my answers are! And in this week's Trick Talk, I review The Final Answer Reloaded by Bob Kohler & Scott Alexander...
Nov 19, 2022•42 min•Ep. 49
#048 - Have you heard of how powerful branding is but are not quite sure WHAT branding is? My guest Billy Diamond "de-mystifies" branding and reveals how and why you should consider branding for your entertainment business! This is one of those "next level" concepts that can help you reach even greater heights with your business to (say it with me) book more shows at higher fees! And in this week's Trick Talk, I review Misers Delight Deluxe! Branding for Entertainers: https://brandingentertainer...
Nov 12, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 48
#047 - Want to succeed as a family entertainer? Listen to this guy! In this week's episode, I interview Robert Baxt, World Traveler, Magic Creator, and Awesome Family Magician! Robert shares some of his philosophies for performing in this engaging episode. Robert has strong opinions on how to run a show business, with an emphasis on the word BUSINESS. He's been a massive success in this wild, wacky world of performing for decades, amassing incredible awards and milestones along the way. Robert t...
Nov 03, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 47
#046 - Are you getting the most you can out of the markets in your work? In this solo episode, I break down some of the ways you can work on different markets deeply. This simple philosophy is one of the reasons I was able to hit a six0figure income and maintain it for so many years (including 2022!) The basic idea is to give your clients more reasons to book you. If you can help them solve problems, then you increase your perceived value to them in their eyes. It's a fascinating topic, one that...
Oct 29, 2022•40 min•Ep. 46
#045 - How do you foster creativity? That's the heart of my interview with Steve Petra. Steve is an incredible performer who mixes magic with puppetry and true storytelling to create incredible journeys for his audiences. I've been wanting to interview Steve ever since I launched the podcast and he truly over delivered. Get ready to sit under Steve's learning tree. With his guidance, you can turn your magic performing into a truly theatrical experience! And in today's episode of Trick Talk, I re...
Oct 22, 2022•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 45
#044 - Should you turn gigs down? That's the heart of this week's episode. Many of us (myself included) go through phases when we feel like we have to take every gig that comes our way. But there are certain situations where I feel it's a good idea to turn away a show, both for your mental health as well as your reputation. You may not agree with me in some of my choices about when to turn away shows, but I guarantee my thoughts will encourage you to come up with your own personal 'line in the s...
Oct 15, 2022•41 min•Ep. 44
#043 - Do you enjoy performing illusions? Even if you aren't an "illusionist," many of you still use one or two large pieces in your shows. There is an art and elegance to performing illusions that other branches of magic don't have. Unlike sleight of hand, illusions often use the entire body. My guest for this week's episode is Peter Loughran. He's been building illusions for decades. Aside from his vast knowledge in this field, Peter is a great, down-to-earth guy. I've known him for years and ...
Oct 08, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 43
#042 - Are you offering your clients different packages? If you're not, you're missing out on a powerful way to increase your income. In this solo episode, I outline powerful secrets in package selling. It's a way to increase your income by having upsell options available. And it's a simple way to increase your closing ratio. Instead of your clients asking themselves, "Do I want this?" the question becomes "Which one of these show options do I want?" Package selling is an easy way to level up yo...
Oct 01, 2022•40 min•Ep. 42
#041 - Wouldn't it be nice to hop in your Delorean and go back in time? Are there things you wish you could tell your younger self? Running a magic business is just that - a business. Many of us (myself included) have made a ton of mistakes over the years running our business. If you're just starting out, this episode will help you aviud the mistakes many of us veterans have made. My special guest Obediah Thomas is another wonderful repeat guest. He knows the ins and outs of running a performing...
Sep 24, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 41
#040 - In this solo episode, I tackle Internet scams for entertainers. I reveal what scam recently tried to trap me along with my analysis of the big 4 warning signs a scammer is trying to take advantage of you. If you have never encountered this before, this episode could prevent you from losing a LOT of money! Also, in this week's Trick Talk, I review Brain Food by David Parr! 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...
Sep 17, 2022•34 min•Ep. 40
#039 - Are you using one of your most potent weapons in your magic show marketing arsenal? I'm talking about testimonials - the comments clients give you after you have 'wowed' them with your amazing magic. Most magicians don't do nearly enough with this potent weapon. In this episode, my good friend Jen Abrams stops by for a fascinating talk about testimonials! John and I discuss ways to use testimonials effectively, what NOT to do, and much more. This was less of an interview and more of a dis...
Aug 20, 2022•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 39
#038 - Ever consider doing trade show magic? The pay can be very good, but this niche is not for the faint of heart. Trade show magic can be very fun, but the days can be long. There are also unique audience challenges you need to know before going into this field. In this episode, I delve into important aspects of trade show magic you MUST know if you are going to succeed in this lucrative but challenging niche. Also, in this week's Trick Talk, I review Paul Romhany's wonderful book on the clas...
Aug 20, 2022•33 min•Ep. 38
#037 - In this episode, I am joined by my guest Joe Diamond! Joe and I talk about publicity and how to use it to increase your visibility and make more money. This is a topic where I am definitely the student! Joe has a wealth of knowledge in this area and I couldn't be more thrilled with how this episode turned out. Be prepared to talk a LOT of notes. Joe spills a lot of great secrets! And in this week's episode of Trick Talk, I review Socks Appeal by Bill Abbott! LINKS: By the way…whenever you...
Aug 20, 2022•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 37
#036 - Want to make BIG money in corporate performing? Offer motivational and educational programs! In this solo episode, I break down what I feel are critical components of success in corporate motivational performing for magicians. It was my primary source of income for several years so I have a lot to say on this subject! And in this week's Trick Talk, I review an amazing effect by Silly Billy that I paid for years ago, but he is now offering for FREE! This effect has been a monster success f...
Aug 20, 2022•35 min•Ep. 36
#035 - Will this be the LEAST listened-to episode of The Professional Magician Podcast? In this episode, my guest Jason Carney outlines reasons why getting insurance for your professional magic business is so important. Jason is a legal and financial expert and a fellow copywriter. We swim in a lot of the same copywriting waters. It's not the sexiest topic possible for this podcast, but if you are a pro (or want to become one) this episode is a must-listen! Also, in this week's episode of Trick ...
Aug 13, 2022•50 min•Ep. 35
#034 - In this week's episode, I take a closer look at a relatively unknown performing option for magicians. Teacher in-services are a great place to perform if you enjoy offering theme / educational programs for adults. The kind of show you offer would be similar to corporate motivational programs but without the alcohol! I have performed teacher in-services for years and find them to be very fulfilling. Even if you don't currently offer school shows for students, this is a great niche to consi...
Aug 06, 2022•35 min•Ep. 34
#033 - In this episode, Anthony Lindan reveals the secrets of diversifying your business. You'll discover why diversification matters, what it is, and more. Anthony Lindan is an accomplished magician in both the corporate and kids magic niches. He's super creative and balances his creativity with sound business advice. With everything that's happened to our industry the last couple of years, this topic has never been more important! And in this week's Trick Talk, I review Acrobatic Knot by Daryl...
Jul 30, 2022•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 33
#032 - In this episode of The Professional Magician podcast, I open up about how the pandemic affected me. I reveal how I felt knowing my business had completely cratered. Then I detail the steps I took to dig myself out of the hole. It's an episode my wife has been encouraging me to record for some time. I didn't record it to make anyone feel sad or depressed. Instead, this episode is filled with hope, and how we can all have every bit of success in this world of the 'new normal.' Also, in this...
Jul 23, 2022•44 min•Ep. 32
#031 - In this week's episode, I interview the one and only Nick Lewin! Nick's been performing magic for half a century! That's incredible, and Nick's got a lot of stories to share. There is a gold mine of amazing lessons in this fun interview. From working comedy clubs to scripting, to changing a routine to suit you, to professionalism, and crazy stories of how things were in the old days, this interview is a riot! And in this week's episode of Trick Talk, I review Nick's wonderful Gypsy Yarn, ...
Jul 16, 2022•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 31
#030 - Corporate holiday parties are a great way to make a lot of money in a short amount of time. In this solo episode, I break down 24 key points when performing in the corporate market. While I'm most known for my work in the school assembly market, my work in corporate magic is what initially got me to the six-figure income level. I've got a lot to share (the good, the bad, you know the rest) about working this lucrative but challenging niche of magic. And in this week's episode of Trick Tal...
Jul 09, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 30
#029 - This is the final installment of my three-part series with my dear friend Lauren Turner on the subject of fear. In this episode, Lauren reveals The Payoff - getting those incredible reactions detailed in Part 1. This is string stuff! And with it comes the possibility of disaster. Not only do we get into some of our greatest successes, but we also outline some of our failures, too. Things can and do go wrong. This kind of performance isn't for everyone. But to those who enjoy this kind of ...
Jul 02, 2022•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 29
#028 - In this week's episode, we dive into "the Set-Up," how to 'hack' into the human mind to create truly memorable experiences for your audiences! While most episodes of the podcast are devoted to family entertainers and corporate performing, this kind of performing, mixing haunted houses with magic, is how I got into professional performing. Learn more about my magician "origin story" and how willing and eager audiences respond to this unique style of performing in the second of my three-par...
Jun 24, 2022•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 28
#027 - Do you love Bizarre magic? Have you ever thought of performing a scary show, haunted house, or another creepy event? My guest this week is an expert in fear! He's the person who introduced me to the world of magic when I was a pre-teen. He's one of the best actors I've ever encountered in the world of magic. And he's produced some of the scariest magic/haunted events I've ever seen. In the first of a three-part series, Lauren Turner outlines the neuroscience behind tapping into fear to cr...
Jun 18, 2022•1 hr 3 min
#026 - In this sure-to-be controversial episode, I tackle one of the great 'truisms' in magic: BOOKS! There are magicians out there claiming there is only ONE way to learn magic and that's by reading. I LOVE books. I'm a writer. I read and write every day. Books give you a LOT of detail in learning about the psychology of magic. The theories. The thinking behind great performances. And you get more tricks, more "stuff" in a single book. Some of my friends have written some of the greatest books ...
Jun 11, 2022•36 min•Ep. 26
#025 - Do you want to be more creative in your magic but simply don't know how? You'll love my interview this week with Brian Richards! Brian has been a professional magician for decades and joins me to talk about creativity. Unlike other teachers, Brian's ways of tapping into creativity are practical and useful for anyone. It's a great interview, one I'm sure you'll enjoy! In this week's Trick Talk, I review Richard Osterlind's wonderful Whispering Die! LINKS: By the way…whenever you’re ready, ...
Jun 04, 2022•54 min•Ep. 25
#024 - Have you ever thought about performing in colleges? I'm about to drop a bombshell on you - movies and TV have lied to you. Colleges are not about chaos and non-stop parties like "Animal House" or (to use a more modern example) "Accepted." College shows are a lot of fun with the right material, but go in with the wrong attitude or ignore some of the advice I'm going to share and you could find yourself shown to the door! Learn from my decades of experience how to survive the misunderstood ...
May 28, 2022•38 min•Ep. 24
#023 - Tired of all the 'woke' talk? Rather avoid all the PC talk? You can breathe a sigh of relief. This episode isn't about either of those things. It's about human decency. It's an exploration of one of the most important topics We've ever tackled on The Professional Magician podcast. It's all about the words we say and how they may affect our audience members. It's about being careful to use gender-neutral terms. Why "Hey guys" doesn't work anymore. Why the dreadful "Oh that was my name when...
May 21, 2022•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 23
#022 - Post-Prom and Grad Parties are amazing and fun shows. And because they are held late at night, you can work these shows around your performing schedule. After performing post-p[prom shows since 2005, I've distilled these shows down to 18 important tips for success. This week's Trick Talk features my review of Perfect Personalty Readings by Paul Draper and Jaime Salinas! 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 h...
May 14, 2022•50 min•Ep. 22
#021 - One of the biggest secrets to a successful career in show business is just that - show BUSINESS! In this week's episode, my guest Mitch Zeltzer tackles one of my favorite topics: business automation! It may not sound sexy, but this one concept can shave hours off the business side of your magic career and raise your income by thousands of dollars each year. Listen closely as Mitch speaks truth to a successful business. And in this week's Trick Talk, I review Robert Baxt's amazing Bat Bett...
May 07, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 21
#020 - In this week's episode, I interview the one and only Barry Mitchell! Barry is one of the most creative and respected people in magic. Both his props and scripting help hundreds of magicians create new routines and shows each year. Barry offers tips, tricks, and techniques for tapping into your own creativity. It's such a fun episode and is sure to get your creative juices flowing. In this week's Trick Talk, I also review Silly Billy's awesome Peek-A-Boo Santa! Links: Barry Mitchell Produc...
Apr 30, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 20
