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The Magic Book Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by The Magic Book Podcast
Uncovering the rich history, innovative techniques, and extraordinary performers who have shaped the art of illusion through the written word. Episodes cover a wide range of topics, from the historical and cultural significance of magic books to practical advice on building a library. Hear insights into the creative process of writing and publishing magic books through firsthand accounts of their impact on our guests' lives and careers and the collaborative efforts that bring these texts to life. The Magic Book Podcast is your guide to the world of magic books, one episode at a time.
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- 1 weeks ago49 min
Frank Zazanis: Authentic Fabrications
Frank Zazanis performs and writes as Franklin Williams, one of three personas he has built, each with a book of its own on the way. His first book, “Authentic Fabrications,” pairs 17 pieces of magical theater with 14 essays and carries a foreword by Jeff McBride. In this episode of The Magic Book Podcast, Frank explains why he scripts the closing line first, describes the third kind of audience he calls the seeking audience, and recalls how a thread routine pulled from his glove box for a Zoom show led to membership of The Magic Circle.
- 3 weeks ago1h 2m
Michael Breggar: Know Brainer
Michael Breggar has spent nearly twelve years writing the "Auto-Magic" column in The Linking Ring. His book, "Know Brainer," published by H&R Magic Books, collects more than 35 routines of comedy mentalism. Mike recalls the sitcom Martian who sparked his interest in mind reading, explains how Groucho Marx inspired his comedy Q&A act, and makes the case for building every routine in three acts. He also shares how he is reviving The Phoenix, the classic magic magazine, inside VANISH.
- Sep 15, 202659 min
Dr. Eric Colleary: Houdini's Library
Harry Houdini was one of the greatest collectors of his era. Every corner of his Harlem townhouse held books, playbills, prints, and ephemera. Within months of his death in 1926, the collection was split, sold, and scattered. Dr. Eric Colleary, Cline Curator of Theatre and Performing Arts at the Harry Ransom Center, spent a decade piecing the story back together. He discusses his new book, the librarian Houdini kept in his attic, a bargain bought in wartime, and how Texas ended up with the rest.
- Aug 30, 20261h 15m
Just Alan: Not Just Magic
For more than six decades, Woodstock's resident magician Alan Eisenson, known professionally as Just Alan, has made magic from his own life. In this episode, we discuss "Just Alan - Not Just Magic," a limited edition book about Alan, written and illustrated by Jay Fortune. Alan explains what it means to transcend technique, describes how he decides where a true story ends and invention begins, recounts the making of The Sands of India, and reflects on a one-man show that never reached the stage.
- Aug 2, 20261h 0m
Christopher Carter: In The Spotlight
Chicago-based mentalist Christopher Carter discusses "In the Spotlight," named Penguin Magic's Book of the Year, which collects 28 routines and essays from a 35-year career across college campuses, corporate stages, and cruise ship theaters. Christopher explains why the Q&A act is so effective in mentalism, describes the Mental Interview at the heart of his approach, and explores the handling of stage danger in Staple Gun Roulette, choosing a risk that is real without being mortal.
- Jul 1, 20261h 2m
Scott Martell on Mr Fingers: The Magic of Irv Weiner
Massachusetts magician and historian Scott Martell discusses "Mr. Fingers: The Magic of Irv Weiner," his 338-page biography of the performing legend of the college circuit, 25 years in the making. Scott traces Irv's journey from a Boston boyhood as the son of deaf parents to the Chavez Studio of Magic and the invention of the Red Tape Thumb Tie. He also reveals the losses that made the project feel cursed, and the unwritten book on love that survives only on a single 2 AM voice recording.
- Jun 19, 202651 min
Jason Bird: Strolling for Dollars
Las Vegas magician Jason Bird discusses "Strolling for Dollars," his 580-page field guide to making a living doing walkaround magic, with a foreword by Jeff McBride. From a childhood library book to the Vegas Strip, Jason traces his path through Caesar's Magical Empire, the influence of Eugene Burger, and why he chose print over a video course. He talks candidly about pricing, the twelve working magicians he interviewed, and the philosophy at the book's heart: good magic leads to more magic.
- May 29, 202652 min
Charles Greene III: Exposing Houdini
Charles Greene III returns to The Magic Book Podcast to discuss his new book, "Exposing Houdini: 52 Lost Glass Plate Images." The book features a previously unknown cache of Houdini negatives Charles traced from an abandoned safe deposit box in Ohio to the mentalist Joseph Dunninger. Hear stories about the first photographs ever taken of the Milk Can Escape, why a single tugboat moved one image from Australia to Philadelphia, the rest moment hidden inside the Water Torture Cell, and the one photograph no expert has been able to identify.
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About The Magic Book Podcast
Uncovering the rich history, innovative techniques, and extraordinary performers who have shaped the art of illusion through the written word. Episodes cover a wide range of topics, from the historical and cultural significance of magic books to practical advice on building a library. Hear insights into the creative process of writing and publishing magic books through firsthand accounts of their impact on our guests' lives and careers and the collaborative efforts that bring these texts to life. The Magic Book Podcast is your guide to the world of magic books, one episode at a time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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The Magic Book Podcast publishes monthly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does The Magic Book Podcast cover?
The Magic Book Podcast covers topics including Leisure, Arts, Books, Hobbies, Performing Arts. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
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