#079 - How are your magic presentations? Are they up to date? Magic presentations tend to have incredible staying power. When magicians find something that works, it may be used for decades...or longer. But like any art form, what was once acceptable may not be now. Or it shouldn't be. In this episode I cover my thoughts on updating magic. plus I reveal an entire presentation I use to update a prop that involved you firing a GUN at another child! And in this week's Trick Talk, I review Louie Fox...
Jul 01, 2023•40 min•Ep. 79
#078 - Are you a 'magic for all occasions' performer? There's nothing wring with that. Many magicians enjoy performing in multiple markets. I do that myself. But from a marketing perspective, 'magic for all occasions' is a detriment to higher paying gigs. Join me for a fascinating discussion that's sure to upset some performers! And in this week's Trick Talk, I review AmazeCups! Get AmazeCups HERE By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you grow your magic business to book m...
Jun 10, 2023•32 min•Ep. 78
#077 - Have you ever considered working with agents? I have, both good and bad. But the right agent can be a goldmine if you handle yourself properly. My guest, Jay Mattioli, really knows how to work with agents. He shares a lot of great tactics to remember when working with agents. Plus Jay is an all-around great guy and he produces some of the best props and routines in magic! This week's Trick Talk features my review of Risk by Francesco Tesei and Inner Minds Risk available HERE Jay Mattioli ...
Jun 03, 2023•48 min•Ep. 77
#076 - What do you want out of your magic performing? If you said, "I want more shows," that's not enough. Planning and executing your magic performance goals requires specific actions and goals. This may not be the sexiest topic, but it is a fundamental one if you want to become a successful professional magician. In this week's Trick Talk, I review the Incognito Pet Carrier! Showtime Magic's Incognito Pet Carrier HERE By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you grow your m...
May 27, 2023•30 min•Ep. 76
#075: How are your promo pictures? Taking pics of yourself with your cell phone is not the way to publicize your magic. The right photos can make or break your career! My guests this week are experts at getting the perfect headshot or action shot that captures attention and represents you in the best light. Plus they work a ton with entertainers! Want to ramp up your magic business? Listen to these guys! (Also, I apologize for mispronouncing Tom's last name during the intro. Sorry Tom!) This wee...
May 20, 2023•1 hr 7 min
#074 - How do you know if you're making a good decision? Show feedback is one way. Another is finding yourself a mentor. I can't even begin to calculate the value of the good mentors I've had over the years. In magic, many of us make all of our own decisions. But sometimes, it's great to have someone to help you. And this week's episode of Trick Talk features an oldie but a goodie: 5 Minutes with a Pocket Handkerchief! 5 Minutes with a Pocket Handkerchief is available HERE By the way…whenever yo...
May 13, 2023•29 min•Ep. 74
#073 - Performing is about big stuff and little stuff. Many of us get wrapped up in the big stuff. What tricks to buy? How to market. But the little stuff matters, too. What to cut out from your script. A better place to put your prop so your show is smoother. Kidabra czar Mark Daniel joins me for this episode to talk about the small stuff that elevates good shows to great ones. And we talk Kidabra! Mark's a great guy and I enjoyed having him as a guest. You'll love this episode! Production note...
May 06, 2023•58 min•Ep. 73
#072 - How many tricks should you do in a show? Recently, a listener of the podcast asked me about this. It seems like a simple question. But if you're just starting out, it's a perfectly valid question. And the answer depends on several factors, including your market, your performing style, the length of the show, and more. It's a fascinating topic and I had a great time exploring it in this episode! In this week's Trick Talk, I review Super Lemon! Get Super Lemon HERE By the way…whenever you’r...
Apr 29, 2023•30 min•Ep. 72
#071 - Cody Fisher is a real-world worker in every sense. He's done it all: corporate, trade shows, children's birthdays, school shows, and now he's on cruise ships performing in multiple countries around the world. He's also released several wildly successful and critically acclaimed product releases to magicians. I've been friends with Cody for at least 15 years and am thrilled to have him on the podcast. Listen closely as Cody shares amazing practical tips for the working magician. In this we...
Apr 22, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 71
#070 - Have you ever been 'in the zone' during a gig? Or maybe the opposite, you just didn't 'feel it' for a gig? Athletes talk about accessing the perfect state of mind for maximum performance. Here's the good news: magicians can use the same mental tools as world class athletes! This simple, easy-to-use technique will allow you to access your personal perfect state to be your best self for your shows. You'll love this! And in this week's Trick Talk, I review The Beautiful Butterfly by John Rig...
Apr 12, 2023•37 min•Ep. 70
#069 - Whenever I have the opportunity to talk to Louie Foxx, I always feel depressed after. Weird intro, right? But Louie is a MACHINE! He's always creating, polishing, improving, and striving to be the best he can be. I'm not nearly as ambitious as Louie, but I want to be! This audio will inspire you to be better. You'll appreciate everything Louie has to say because he's living it. He puts in the work and it shows. Enjoy this amazing interview with Louie Foxx! And in this week's Trick Talk, L...
Apr 08, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 69
#068 - Ever lose your props on your way to a gig? This episode is for you! Many performers have released their set list of routines they can put together on the road if they lose their luggage. This is my rendition, super-sized! In this episode, I provide my set list for a 40-45 minute family magic show I could put together on the road. I also reveal my 'doomsday scenario' mentalism show I could easily put together if the unthinkable happened on the road. And in this week's episode, I review the...
Apr 01, 2023•46 min•Ep. 68
#067 - Dean Hankey has built his entire magic philosophy on the concept of giving. He approaches the world of performing with the attitude of "How can I help you?" It's a wonderful mindset that can help you by helping others. Dean shares what I feel are several million dollars ideas in this amazing interview! In this week's Trick Talk, I review an oldie but a greatie: Airhead Rudy by Steve Taylor By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 4 ways I can help you grow your magic business to book mo...
Mar 25, 2023•56 min•Ep. 67
#066 - Are you doing all the little things that matter? There are big global things our business needs to do for success. But there are hundreds of little things you need for long-term success too. That's what this episode is about. Think of this as a 'potpourri' episode where I cover several smaller topics. This is a fun episode! Great ready to take notes! And in this week's Trick Talk, I review Nick Wenger's wonderful "Bell From Hell!" Nick Wenger's site is HERE . By the way…whenever you’re re...
Mar 18, 2023•31 min
#065 - I am thrilled to bring you this amazing interview with mentalist Christopher Carter! If you've seen either of his Penguin Live lectures, you know he's a force to be reckoned with. Christopher shared incredible thinking, business strategies, and more. You will learn a LOT in this incredible, thought-provoking interview! In this week's Trick Talk, I review Chicken Sword by Wolf's Magic! Chicken Sword HERE Christopher Carter's first Penguin Live Lecture HERE By the way…whenever you’re ready,...
Mar 11, 2023•59 min•Ep. 65
#064 - The other day, my wife listened to me on the phone with a client. Afterward, she said, "You know, you really build rapport with people quickly.' That's no surprise with all the hypnosis and NLP training I've had. In this very special episode, I'm going to reveal several rapport-building strategies to help you better connect with clients and book more shows. Why? People like doing business with people they like. In this week's Trick Talk, I review the Clarity Box by David Regal! Clarity Bo...
Mar 04, 2023•36 min•Ep. 64
#063 - Wow, what a fun interview! I've been a big fan of Mark's work for years. Interviewing him was so much fun. He shares an entire philosophy of building a business. Unlike many magicians (myself included!) Mark took a very calculated approach to building his business. He reveals solid business strategies, performing tips, and much more. Along the way, I even torture Mark with several "What were they thinking?" type stories I've heard over the years. We had a blast and I can't wait to have Ma...
Feb 25, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 63
#062 - Have you ever considered creating theme shows? Regardless of the market, theme shows are a wonderful way to set yourself apart from the competition. Theme shows are also perceived as more valuable than standard shows, too. Theme shows give your magic structure, a 'hook,' and a reason for existing! After 20+ years as a professional magician, I consider myself an expert at creating theme shows clients want to book. In this episode, I reveal some of my best strategies for creating theme show...
Feb 18, 2023•43 min•Ep. 62
#061 - David Regal has released a massive collection of effects and props over the years that are each tailored for professional workers. His methods and routines are innovative, practical, and rock-solid. In this interview, David and I discussed his approach to magic, behind-the-scenes stories as a producer on "The Carbonaro Effect," and much more. You're going to enjoy David's interview! This week's Trick Talk is going to be out of date as soon as this episode drops. It includes my review of "...
Feb 11, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 61
#060 - How 'current' is your magic? Your marketing materials? Your script? Your jokes? In this episode of the podcast, I reveal how my lack of knowledge in theatre culture led me to making assumptions about how one magician was conducting himself backstage. From there we move into areas where you ca examine the entirety of your magic business to see what you can update and improve. And in this week's Trick Talk, I review Intonation by Arcane Relics! Arcane Relics: https://www.arcanerelics.com/ B...
Feb 04, 2023•51 min•Ep. 60
#059 - Are you asking your clients all the right questions? Unless you ask your clients the questions you need, you may be risking unneeded problems at your show. In this episode, I'll reveal key questions you need to ask your clients. Gather the right information ahead of time and your shows will run much smoother! And in this week's Trick Talk, I review Hathaway Cards by Martin Lewis! Hathaway Cards HERE By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 4 ways I can help you grow your magic business ...
Jan 28, 2023•40 min•Ep. 59
#058 - If you're a family or kid show magician, you've likely heard of Ken Scott! Ken's been performing for decades. He's performed at the White House multiple times, served as past President of the IBM, and still has time to perform hundreds of birthday, school, and library shows a year. And he even has his line of stellar magic props. Ken knows what he's doing! Listen, learn, and grow with Ken's fantastic advice. In this week's Trick Talk, I review PB&E by Chris Pilsworth! PB&E: https:...
Jan 21, 2023•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 58
#057: Want to find out about an underserved market? Middle schools are a GREAT opportunity too many magicians ignore. If you go into a middle school with the right material, they can be the most fun you'll ever perform. I've done my fair share of middle schools and even had an entire episode of the podcast devoted to it. But my guest for this episode is an expert and has performed thousands of middle school shows. And despite retiring and pushing back on performing, his clients simply WON'T let ...
Jan 14, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 57
#056 - For the first episode of the new year, I take you through the 'bare-bones version of a course I used to sell for $200 that detailed how I quit my job and became a full-time professional magician in six months. Yes, a lot of the techniques in this episode are outdated, but it;'s a great introduction to the concept of "massive action." Want to succeed in this business? You gotta do a LOT of things to get going. And in this week's Trick Talk, I review the Brian Brushwood Book Test! LINKS: Br...
Jan 07, 2023•44 min•Ep. 56
#055 – Do you know SEO? Short for Search Engine Optimization, it’s all about Google ranking your website in search results. Over the years, I’ve found it’s one of the most misunderstood aspects of modern marketing among magicians. Those who downplay it and say SEO “doesn’t work” or doesn’t matter anymore have no idea what they’re talking about. I’m certified in SEO and have used ethical current techniques to keep my site ranked on page one of Google search results for years. And I’m doing it for...
Dec 31, 2022•42 min•Ep. 55
#054 - In this fascinating interview with long-time performer Michael Ross, we cover an eclectic array of topics. Michael is someone who cares deeply about magic and thinks about it in many ways that most do not. This was a fascinating interview with an intelligent, deep thinker of magic. I learned a lot, laughed at some of Michael's incredible stories, and came away thinking about my craft on a different level. I know you'll enjoy this interview! And in this week's Trick Talk, I review Bill Abb...
Dec 24, 2022•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 54
#053 - In this solo episode, I reveal simple tips to make your demo videos shine! I'm not a special effects director, graphic designer, or Hollywood director. But after performing professionally full-time for 20 years, I've found what works well for effective demo videos. Even if you've been crafting your demo videos, you'll find worthy tidbits in this episode that will help you. And in this week's Trick Talk, I review The Lopsided Cyclops by Tommy James! Tommy James' Lopsided Cyclops trick: htt...
Dec 17, 2022•37 min•Ep. 53
#052 - I celebrate the ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY of The Professional Magician Podcast with an AMAZING interview with my friend David Moreland. David is an accomplished magician and actor. He's acted in TV's "Will & Grace," "Seinfeld," and many others. He also was in the movie Legally Blonde. David brings his acting talents to magic shows in ways I really admire. The techniques he shares in this interview about creating library shows is astounding to me. You'll learn a LOT in this episode, guarant...
Dec 10, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 52
#051 - I'm THRILLED to have Paul Romhany on the podcast! I've known Paul for years and brings an overabundance of knowledge to every subject in magic you can think of. Plus he's really funny! This episode focuses on BOR and theme shows. As the publisher of VANISH magazine, Paul gets to rub shoulders with the who's who in magic plus many world-famous celebrities. He's got a lot of great stories to share on top of the gold he shares. I'm thrilled with this interview and I'm sure you'll love it too...
Dec 03, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 51
#050 - I don't think I've ever met someone as passionate as my guest on this week's episode! Claude Haggerty has been making a ton of money in the fundraising market for decades and he's going to reveal some amazing secrets to this lucrative market in this week's episode. But for Claude, it's much MUCH more than just about the money. For Claude, it's about making a difference in communities. This is as powerful as it gets! Discover incredible fundraising magic secrets from Claude Haggerty! And i...
Nov 25, 2022•50 min•Ep. 50
