Discourse in Magic: Recent Episodes

View Details

Welcome to the brand new series on Discourse in Magic: Magicians and Margaritas! In this inaugural episode, host Jonah Babins sits down over a margarita with Mastermind member and stellar Australian magician, Cameron Leo. Together, they pull back the curtain on Cameron’s massive business transformation. We unpack the exact trajectory that took Cameron from zero to $20K a year, and then explosive growth from $20K to over $150,000 a year doing magic full-time. If you want deep business insights, actionable scaling models, and real strategies you can steal for your own career, this episode is packed with invaluable nuggets. Jonah also drops a major announcement regarding the future of the podcast and the community: Discourse in Magic is officially launching video content on YouTube! You can now watch full episodes (including this one) to see the action live, alongside exclusive strategy breakdowns to help you optimize your business systems.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:* The $0 to $150k Blueprint: The foundational shifts and milestone strategies Cameron used to scale an international magic business. * From Solo Effort to Systems: Why building a six-figure business relies less on raw working hours and more on creative system design. * The Mastermind Effect: How collaborative, high-level accountability helps magicians break past the $20k plateau. * Stealable Business Nuggets: Real-world advice on booking mechanics, pricing, and positioning your value.

Key Pillars of the Discussion:* Magicians and Margaritas: The concept behind this new series—casual, transparent, and unfiltered business breakdowns with magicians who are actively crushing their financial goals. * Stepping Up Your Marketing Asset Management: Shifting your perspective from being just a performer to running an automated, high-converting booking machine. * The 100K Plan & Beyond: A look into how modern tools and structured mastermind planning can help scale a magic business to six figures without requiring you to buy more tricks.

Mentions & Links:* The 100K Plan YouTube Video: Watch the full, detailed breakdown of how we help scale magicians to six figures and beyond.h * The Discourse in Magic Mastermind: The premier community helping magicians scale their businesses through modern tech, collaborative strategy, and high-level innovation.

View Details

In this solo episode, Jonah Babins reports back from the annual Mastermind Summit. Every year, Jonah takes the mastermind group to an epic, tropical destination to map out business growth, and this year they returned to a beautiful resort in Mexico. While the room tackled classic pillars like contracts, public shows, SEO, and cold email, one massive topic dominated the entire trip: Artificial Intelligence.

Jonah issues a direct warning to performers: it is 2026, and running a business without looking at AI is simply irresponsible. This isn’t about shoving technology down anyone’s throat; it’s about recognizing a unique window of opportunity to out-innovate your competition before your booking systems feel completely ancient.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode The Rising Floor: Why “okay” websites and generic marketing won’t cut it anymore as new competitors launch with highly optimized, AI-driven setups. * Lead Generation in Flux: How the foundational engines of magic bookings—including SEO, Google Ads, and cold email—are shifting under our feet. * Automating the Stuff You Hate: Turning over tedious tasks like inbox management, contract writing, web scraping, and chasing payments to AI so you can focus on performing. * The Speed of Creativity: Why business no longer moves at the speed of pure effort and hours, but rather at the speed of creative system design. * The Mastermind Evolution:* Why the Discourse in Magic Mastermind has officially transition into an AI-driven innovation company.

Key Pillars of the DiscussionShifting From Effort to CreativityOnce upon a time, the magic business favored whoever could put in the most raw hours—sending the most emails or writing the most blog posts. Today, the tools are equalized, meaning the most creative system wins. Jonah contrasts a basic user who merely transcribes a sales call with a creative producer who uses AI to instantly sync with a CRM, generate automated follow-up sequences, pull dynamic client testimonials, and build custom pitch decks instantly. Just like a deck of cards, the tool remains the same, but the output depends entirely on the creativity of the performer.

Erasing the Admin WorkThe most easily replaced tasks are the repetitive admin jobs that most magicians procrastinate on anyway. AI excels at calendar management, draft sorting, data scraping, and contract refinement. By automating these friction points, you preserve your energy for the parts of the business that require true human relationship-building: the magic, the client interactions, and the live performances.

Mentions & Links The Discourse in Magic Mastermind: The premier community helping magicians scale their businesses through modern tech and strategic innovation. * Jonah’s Daily Companion:* Claude—the specific AI platform Jonah and lead coach Kelvin use for 3 to 5 hours every single day to test new workflows.

Don’t wait until it gets easier. Jonah’s ultimate challenge to the community is to spend at least one hour a week (ideally an hour a day) playing with these tools. The magicians who jump in now are the ones who will capture the market while everyone else waits on the sidelines.

View Details

In this special episode, Jonah Babins shares a “meaty” excerpt from his recent business lecture delivered to the Chicago Magic Round Table. Recorded while Jonah was in the midst of a residency at the Chicago Magic Lounge (654 Club), this session skips the tricks and goes straight to the systems that allow a performer to scale from a hobbyist to a high-earning professional.

Jonah breaks down the exact philosophy they use at the Toronto Magic Company. While the full lecture covers everything from t-shirts to thumb tips, this episode focuses on the “engine” of your business: how you handle leads, how you optimize your time, and when it’s finally time to ditch the spreadsheet for something more powerful.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode The Chicago Residency: Jonah’s experience performing close-up in the legendary 654 Club and the unique energy of the Chicago magic scene. * Systems vs. Software: Why you shouldn’t buy a CRM until your current system is “breaking” from too much success. * The “Fast Talker” Philosophy: Why Jonah pushes the pace during business lectures and how to absorb high-level strategy without getting overwhelmed. * Lead Management: The transition from manual copy-pasting to automated forms and why efficiency is the ultimate competitive advantage. * AI in Magic: Why Claude* has become an indispensable “coworker” for drafting copy, organizing ideas, and managing the backend of a magic brand.

Key Pillars of the LectureIdentifying the “Break” PointJonah discusses a common trap: magicians buying expensive software to solve problems they don’t have yet. He argues that you only need a system when you are getting so many leads that a simple spreadsheet is no longer manageable. Systems should be the solution to your growth, not a distraction from it.

Continuous OptimizationThe secret to the Toronto Magic Company’s success isn’t one big secret—it’s a thousand small optimizations. Jonah explains the importance of looking at every step of your booking process and asking, “How can this be 1% better?”

Leveraging Modern ToolsFrom using AI like Claude for business heavy-lifting to utilizing automation for client inquiries, Jonah highlights how modern tech allows a solo performer to operate with the professionalism of a much larger agency.

Mentions & Links The Chicago Magic Lounge: A world-class venue and home to the Chicago Magic Round Table. * Claude: Jonah’s recommended AI tool for business efficiency. * Lecture Inquiries: If you want Jonah and Ben to bring this lecture (including the tricks!) to your club or convention, email magic@torontomagiccompany.com. * Follow Jonah:* Find tips and business advice on Instagram @discourseinmagic.

Ready to bring Jonah to your city? If you’re part of a magic club or convention and want to learn the full business and performance system, reach out via email. Whether it’s a digital deep dive or an in-person workshop, let’s get your magic business scaling.

View Details

This week, Discourse in Magic looks a little different. Instead of Jonah interviewing a guest, we’re sharing an episode where the tables were turned. Jonah recently sat down with Josh Norbido and Nick Kay—better known as The Magic Guys—on their popular Australian-based livestream and podcast.

The Magic Guys actually “robbed” Jonah of the FSM Award for top Magic Podcast this year, but there are no hard feelings here. Their show is famous for its high energy, active YouTube community, and hilarious banter, making this one of the most engaging “crossover” episodes yet. In this session, Josh and Nick grill Jonah on the inner workings of his business, his performance schedule, and his philosophy on growth.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode The Toronto Magic Company Story: How Jonah built a brand that doesn’t just book him, but manages a roster of talent across the city. * The FSM Rivalry: A behind-the-scenes look at the friendly competition between the top magic podcasts in the industry. * The “Anti-Budget” Strategy: Why Jonah believes asking a client “What is your budget?” is one of the biggest mistakes you can make on a sales call. * Managing a Roster: The logistics and ethics of taking a cut from other magicians’ gigs and how to provide enough value to make it a win-win. * The Power of Community:* How The Magic Guys built a “fitspo” for magicians through livestreaming and Discord interactions.

Key Pillars of the DiscussionThe Business of ManagementJonah dives deep into how the Toronto Magic Company operates. He explains the transition from being a solo performer to building a brand that clients trust, allowing him to book other magicians and take a management fee while ensuring the quality of the show remains high.

The Perfect Sales ApproachDuring the “grilling” session, Jonah shares one of his most important pieces of business advice: stop leading with budget. He argues that by focusing on the value and the specific needs of the event first, you position yourself as an expert rather than a commodity.

Content and CoachingJonah discusses his recent shift toward heavy Instagram content and his Magic Business Mastermind, where he helps performers scale from five figures to six figures and beyond.

Mentions & Links Follow The Magic Guys: Check out Josh Norbido and Nick Kay on YouTube and their podcast. * Toronto Magic Company: Learn more about Jonah’s local management brand. * FSM Awards: The annual awards recognizing excellence in magic media. * The Mastermind: Message Jonah the word “SALES”* on Instagram @discourseinmagic to get details on his upcoming workshop.

Ready to stop asking about budgets and start closing bigger gigs? If you enjoyed this deep dive into the business side of magic, make sure to follow the newsletter for tips sent out three times a week.

View Details

In this episode, Jonah Babins breaks down a critical mistake magicians make when a lead finally lands in their inbox: treating the sales call like a logistics checklist. While knowing the venue and guest count is important, a truly professional sales call does something much deeper. Jonah explores how the right questions don’t just give you information—they prove your expertise and give you the exact language you need to close the gig.

Whether you’re performing at high-end weddings or corporate holiday parties, the strategy remains the same: stop asking about logistics and start asking about the experience. Jonah shares two specific “power questions” that shift the dynamic from being a vendor to being a consultant.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode The 10,000-Foot View: The ideal structure of a sales call, from discovery questions to the final close. * The Language Mirror: Why asking the right questions gives you the “tools” to explain your magic using the client’s own goals (like “breaking the ice”). * The “Pro” Signal: How specific, market-driven questions (like asking a camp director about “evening programs”) prove you have experience without you ever having to brag. * The Wedding Hack: The one question about family photos that creates a “private magic moment” for the couple and solves a major wedding planning oversight. * The Corporate “Plus-One” Strategy:* How to use the presence of spouses to position your magic as a relationship-building tool rather than just “entertainment”.

Two Examples of “Pro” QuestionsJonah illustrates the power of high-level questioning through two common scenarios:

• The Wedding Question: Ask if the couple will be away taking photos during the cocktail hour. This identifies a problem: they are paying for magic they won’t see. By offering a private, five-minute routine for just the two of them and their content team, you provide massive value and a lifetime of memories.
• The Corporate Question: Ask if plus-ones are invited to the holiday party. This allows you to explain the “babysitting” problem—where employees spend the whole night making sure their partner isn’t lonely instead of mingling. You can then position your mingling magic as the solution that builds those early relationships and keeps guests from leaving the moment dessert is done.

Mentions & Links Register for the Workshop: Jonah is hosting a deep-dive workshop on Thursday the 19th all about the Perfect Sales Call. * Sign Up Here:https://discourseinmagic.com/salescall/ * Follow Jonah on Instagram:* @discourseinmagic.

Ready to get more “Yes” answers and higher fees? If you want to stop winging your sales calls and start closing with confidence, join Jonah for the upcoming workshop. No cold calling, no strangers—just a system for when people inquire to work with you.

View Details

In this solo episode, Jonah Babins pulls back the curtain on the eight-month hiatus of Discourse in Magic. Since August 2025, the podcast feed has been quiet, leading many listeners to reach out and check-in. Today, Jonah is back to explain his disappearance, share a major business epiphany from his recent travels, and lay out the future of the show.

The truth is, Jonah hasn’t been resting; he’s been on a whirlwind journey across the globe. From Auckland to Melbourne, and Pennsylvania to Denver, Jonah has been physically traveling to visit members of his Magic Business Mastermind. He shares the “insane” rule he follows: when a magician has worked with him for 18 months, he flies out to see them on his own dime. This commitment, combined with a heavy November/December gigging season, made recording high-quality episodes nearly impossible—until now.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode* The Travel Log: Why Jonah spent 30 of the first 45 days of 2026 on the road and what it’s like managing a 60-person mastermind while remaining a full-time performer. * The Australia Epiphany: How being in a completely different time zone forced Jonah to embrace asynchronous work and delegation. * Content vs. Systems: Why Jonah is moving away from the “hamster wheel” of social media content and toward lead generation that doesn’t require daily manual output. * The “Easy” Question: Inspired by Tim Ferriss, Jonah asks: “What would this look like if it were easy?” and applies it to your magic bookings. * The Viral Trap: The reality of getting 3.4 million views on a Reel and why it resulted in zero inquiries and one death threat.

Lead Gen: Stop Dancing, Start ScalingJonah breaks down the major difference between Daily Output lead gen and Systematic lead gen:

• The Content Trap: Posting 3+ times a day is a full-time job. Unless you love shooting and editing, it might not be the best use of your time as a magician.
• The Evergreen Power of SEO: A single well-written blog post can rank for years, providing value long after an Instagram post has disappeared from the feed.
• Automation: How tools like ads and cold email software allow you to “press play” and generate leads while you focus on your craft.

Mentions & LinksFollow Jonah on Instagram: @discourseinmagic for daily tips and reels.

The Newsletter: Join the community to get deep-dive emails several times a week.

Recommended Reading: The 4-Hour Workweek (or any works) by Tim Ferriss.

See Jonah Live: performing at the Chicago Magic Lounge (654 Club) this March.

Ready to grow your magic business the “Easy Way”? If you want to scale your business from five to six figures without dancing on TikTok, DM Jonah the word “SCALE” on Instagram.

View Details

In this episode of Discourse in Magic, Jonah Babins dives into a powerful concept from his mastermind sessions: Weaponizing Your Show. The idea is simple—make your show book you more shows. Beyond just delivering a strong performance, Jonah shares five practical tactics to turn every gig into a referral engine, rebooking machine, and review generator. If you want your performances to create momentum in your business, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can implement right away.

Mention What You Do OnstageAudiences rarely know whether magic is your hobby or your full-time career. Jonah explains how to weave subtle references into your script that signal where and who you perform for—whether it’s weddings, corporate events, or private parties. This small tweak sparks ideas in your audience about where else they could hire you.

Use Humor to Get ReviewsGetting reviews can feel awkward—unless you make it part of your act. Jonah shares the exact joke he uses at every show that gets laughs while nudging audience members to leave five-star reviews. It’s a simple, repeatable way to boost your credibility without being pushy.

Don’t Run Out After the ShowYour performance isn’t over when you step off stage. Jonah stresses the importance of staying behind to thank volunteers, mingle, and even do a bonus trick or two. Building connections in those moments can turn casual spectators into future bookers.

Master the Business Card SwapWhen someone asks for your card, don’t just hand it over—swap. Jonah breaks down how to use these interactions to capture leads, follow up, and move people into your sales funnel. It’s a small shift that ensures opportunities don’t slip away.

Be Easy to RememberEven great magicians get forgotten if their brand isn’t sticky. Jonah explores the importance of simple names, clear visuals, and consistent branding to make sure you’re memorable long after the show is done. Because if they can’t remember your name, they can’t rebook you.

Mentions Toronto Magic Company * Weaponize Your Show Mastermind Session * Bill Herz (corporate magic insights) * David Gerard * Bill Malone*

The post Weaponize Your Show appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In this episode of Discourse in Magic, Jonah Babins dives into a powerful concept from his mastermind sessions: Weaponizing Your Show. The idea is simple—make your show book you more shows. Beyond just delivering a strong performance, Jonah shares five practical tactics to turn every gig into a referral engine, rebooking machine, and review generator. If you want your performances to create momentum in your business, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can implement right away.

Mention What You Do Onstage Audiences rarely know whether magic is your hobby or your full-time career. Jonah explains how to weave subtle references into your script that signal where and who you perform for—whether it’s weddings, corporate events, or private parties. This small tweak sparks ideas in your audience about where else they could hire you.

Use Humor to Get Reviews Getting reviews can feel awkward—unless you make it part of your act. Jonah shares the exact joke he uses at every show that gets laughs while nudging audience members to leave five-star reviews. It’s a simple, repeatable way to boost your credibility without being pushy.

Don’t Run Out After the Show Your performance isn’t over when you step off stage. Jonah stresses the importance of staying behind to thank volunteers, mingle, and even do a bonus trick or two. Building connections in those moments can turn casual spectators into future bookers.

Master the Business Card Swap When someone asks for your card, don’t just hand it over—swap. Jonah breaks down how to use these interactions to capture leads, follow up, and move people into your sales funnel. It’s a small shift that ensures opportunities don’t slip away.

Be Easy to Remember Even great magicians get forgotten if their brand isn’t sticky. Jonah explores the importance of simple names, clear visuals, and consistent branding to make sure you’re memorable long after the show is done. Because if they can’t remember your name, they can’t rebook you.

Mentions * Toronto Magic Company * Weaponize Your Show Mastermind Session * Bill Herz (corporate magic insights) * David Gerard * Bill Malone

View Details

Thoughts on FISM: The Good, The Bad, and The Overwhelming

In this solo episode of Discourse in Magic, Jonah Babins shares his raw and honest reflections on FISM 2025. From mind-blowing performances to marathon-length competitions, Jonah walks through the highs and lows of the world’s biggest and most prestigious magic convention and competition. Whether you attended or are just curious about how FISM functions, this episode offers a candid inside look.

Highlights from the World Stage

Jonah opens with praise for the best of the best—performers whose acts left audiences stunned. Standout mentions include Michael Bloke’s clever creativity, the astonishing coding mentalism of Mind to Mind, Billy's inventive routine, Morton Christensen’s consistent excellence, and the shockingly fresh linking ring act by Juan Klos. But it was quick-change artist Leah Kyle who stole the show with a jaw-dropping act that received standing ovations and, in Jonah’s view, deserved the Grand Prix.

The Long Haul of Competition

Despite the brilliance at the top, Jonah critiques the structure of FISM’s competition. With hours upon hours of performances—many of which don’t meet the bar—he argues for stricter qualification rounds to cut down the sheer volume. Watching 150+ acts over several days becomes grueling, and Jonah suggests FISM should focus on quality over quantity to make the experience more enjoyable and less exhausting.

What FISM Got Right (and Wrong)

From disappointing gala shows to overlooked online categories, Jonah points out organizational missteps. The new Online Magic Awards, though a great idea, felt like an afterthought—barely acknowledged during the ceremony and judged with outdated criteria. He also calls for a more thoughtful schedule, noting the chaos of overlapping events, midnight galas, and 9 a.m. lectures. And as for the judging? Let the crowd reactions count—because Leah Kyle not winning still feels like a snub.

Mentions * FISM (Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques)

View Details

In this episode of Discourse in Magic, Jonah sits down with Jamie Allan, a pioneering illusionist and producer known for blending large-scale magic with theatrical storytelling. From growing up in a showbiz family in the UK to launching Broadway-scale productions in New York, Jamie shares the ups and downs of his journey—offering invaluable lessons about reinvention, creative resilience, and staying authentic in a world of illusions.

From Red Coats to Broadway

Jamie traces his early days performing in holiday parks and on cruise ships, where he learned to love the stage and reject the grind of close-up gigs. His breakout moment came with I Magician, a tech-themed stage show that earned critical and commercial success in the UK and US. Jamie shares how learning from the financial and marketing failures of Houdini: The Musical helped him pivot to a more sustainable, scalable model for touring magic.

Innovation, Failure, and the COVID Pivot

When the pandemic hit, Jamie didn’t wait. He transformed canceled plans into a new immersive magic experience called Illusionarium in Toronto—an ambitious, multi-room journey through the history of magic. Jamie reflects on the logistical chaos, creative breakthroughs, and the emotional impact of creating live work at a time when theaters were dark. Later, he reimagined the project as Magic Immersive in Chicago, which found its stride as a tightly run, high-energy spectacle.

Amaze, Broadway, and the Future of Illusions

Jamie talks about his current off-Broadway show Amaze, a deeply personal and theatrical production blending storytelling with illusion. Unlike the days of dance tracks and unexplained boxes, Amaze uses magic to serve the story and aims to leave audiences feeling something more than just fooled. He shares why illusions might be making a comeback and why today’s magicians need to lead with honesty, passion, and presence on stage.

The Endless Chain Jamie Allan recommends Tom Crosby as the next guest for Discourse in Magic. Mentions * Jamie Allan’s Amaze in NYC * Illusionarium (Toronto immersive experience) * Magic Immersive (Chicago)

View Details

Jonah sits down with viral magician Xavier Mortimer to trace an unlikely journey—from learning back‑and‑front palming out of a gas‑station booklet to topping “Best Family‑Friendly Show” lists on the Las Vegas Strip and amassing billions of social‑video views. Along the way they dig into creative misfires, the treadmill of nightly shows, and why rehearsing a TikTok illusion can cost $20 K.

From Gas‑Station Book to Barn‑Built Show

Xavier’s origin story starts with a coincidence: his father picked up a sleight‑of‑hand booklet as a fuel‑pump freebie. Two weeks of rural vacation later, 15‑year‑old Xavier had mastered back‑ and front‑palming and was staging dorm‑room shows. Community magic clubs, antique‑store books and mail‑order tricks (that took days to arrive) filled the gap left by pre‑YouTube France. When a Paris producer spotted a 25‑minute mime‑magic set he’d built in a friend’s barn, she booked him into a Paris theatre—forcing him to create a full, story‑driven “Shadow Orchestra” show in just three months.

Vegas Lessons—Freedom Comes at a Cost

After three years and 10 shows a week in Michael Jackson ONE with Cirque du Soleil, Xavier traded security for his own 200‑seat Vegas residency. He quickly learned the hidden grind: schmoozing ticket brokers, delivering doughnuts to kiosk staff and covering ad, room‑rental and tax bills that swallowed profits. Creative course‑correction was constant—he tried to “Americanize” the material, then pivoted back toward the whimsical, word‑light style that first set him apart.

Engineering Viral Wonder

Today Xavier treats each short‑form video like a mini‑blockbuster: weeks of ideation with consultants, rehearsing gimmicks ten times on set, hiring multiple groups of spectators and shooting with three cameras to capture a genuine first‑take reaction—or scrapping it entirely if the magic falls flat. Budgets range from $1 K Instagram clips to $30 K YouTube epics, yet he still refuses reveals or CGI. The goal: craft visuals that will “age well,” just as TV magicians once did for a previous generation.

Endless Chain Cyril Takayama – the street‑magic pioneer whose blend of cinematic visuals and live reactions inspired Xavier. Jonah, Xavier can connect you.

Mentions * Xavier Mortimer – https://www.xaviermortimer.com * Michael Jackson ONE, Cirque du Soleil – https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/michael-jackson-one * Cyril Takayama – https://www.cyriltakayama.com * David Williamson – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Williamson_(magician) * MrBeast – https://www.youtube.com/@MrBeast * Airrack – https://www.youtube.com/@Airrack

View Details

In this episode, Jonah Babins is joined by rising UK magic star Luke Oseland to explore a journey that spans from toy magic sets and teenage tinkering to Fringe Festival sellouts and cruise ship stints. From co-creating Insane Magic to redefining how young magicians build their brands, Luke shares the behind-the-scenes of developing shows, finding your performance voice, and building a magic career from scratch. You’ll learn how to structure a magic show, when to take creative risks, and why sometimes the best marketing strategy is just putting on a killer show.

How Luke Got Started in Magic Luke’s magic journey began like many—with a gift from his grandparents. But instead of fading interest, his obsession grew. He found early inspiration in televised magic like Penn & Teller: Fool Us and Dynamo, and later deepened his craft through the Young Magicians Club in London, a standout space for aspiring performers under 18. After aging out, he transitioned directly into the Magic Circle and began exploring his path as a creator, consultant, and eventually a performer.

From Creator to Performer Luke initially leaned into the behind-the-scenes world of magic—creating, consulting, and selling effects—before realizing, at around age 19, that performing could be just as fulfilling. His move to Edinburgh was pivotal: by immersing himself in the city’s vibrant arts scene, he began gigging in clubs and bars, testing material at stand-up nights, and ultimately launching full productions at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Building Magic Shows that Work Luke breaks down the process of creating shows like Drunk Magic, The Magic Hangover, and the crowd-favorite Insane Magic (with Cameron Gibson and Elliot Bibby). His philosophy is simple: start with great magic and let the narrative emerge naturally. While some magicians obsess over crafting a poetic through-line, Luke suggests focusing on structure, pacing, and audience experience—advice rooted in trial, error, and over 80 shows per month during the Fringe.

Writing with a Team and Making It Work Collaborating on a show with two other magicians might sound like a nightmare, but Luke offers insights on how Insane Magic became a creative success. With clear roles, shared strengths (and occasional arguments), the team managed to build one of the most entertaining magic experiences on the Fringe circuit. From using Google Docs to obsessively fine-tuning one joke for 40 minutes, the process is messy—but worth it.

Magic Clubs Done Right Unlike many North American magic clubs (which Luke and Jonah agree are often outdated), Luke shares how the Edinburgh Magic Circle is building a model for what community magic clubs should look like: young, vibrant, collaborative, and egoless. With guest lecturers like Michael Ammar and a casual pub-based meetup format, the club plays a crucial role in fostering a healthier, more progressive magic community.

Fringe Economics and the Business of Performing Luke pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to succeed at the Edinburgh Fringe—from how much money you can make (or lose) to what types of performers benefit most. Whether you’re refining material, building a brand, or chasing cruise contracts, Luke makes a compelling case for why Fringe festivals—when approached strategically—are still one of the best opportunities in magic.

Why Magicians Need to Be More Original Luke shares strong views on creativity in magic, including his frustration with magicians lifting material from Instagram clips or assuming every trick should be for sale. While he’s realistic about commercial magic’s role, he calls for more originality, especially among pros, and offers a passionate defense of creating magic that truly belongs to you.

Endless Chain At the end of the episode, Luke recommends magician and consultant Harry De Cruz as a future guest. Known for his work with Dynamo and his role in revitalizing the Young Magicians Club, Harry brings a modern voice to the evolving magic landscape.

Mentions * Luke Oselan’s Instagram (@lukeosey) * Insane Magic with Elliot Bibby and Cameron Gibson * The Edinburgh Magic Circle * The Magic Hangover (new 2025 Fringe show)

View Details

In this week’s episode of Discourse in Magic, Jonah Babins returns with a behind-the-scenes look at the Mexico Mastermind Summit, his latest adventures in AI, and what’s next for the magic community. After a brief hiatus, Jonah shares the lessons, breakthroughs, and future plans that are shaping his approach to magic and business in 2024.

The Summit Experience: Magic, Community, and Growth Jonah kicks things off by recapping the recent Mastermind Summit in Cancun, where 40 magicians gathered for a week of learning, jamming, and business breakthroughs. Unlike traditional conventions, this summit focused on real-world magic—sharing “bangers” (the best tricks magicians actually perform), everyday carry routines, and even a spontaneous show where names were drawn from a sombrero.

But the real value, Jonah explains, came from the community: magicians supporting each other, sharing feedback, and pushing each other to new heights. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, Jonah emphasizes that surrounding yourself with a group of like-minded performers is the fastest way to grow.

Three Big Lessons from the Summit Jonah distills his experience into three key takeaways:

1. AI is Essential for Magicians The most popular session at the summit was all about using AI to supercharge your magic business. Jonah created custom GPTs to help magicians write viral posts and craft messages for clients—tools that attendees could use and implement on the spot. His message: AI isn’t just a trend, it’s a must-have skill for magicians who want to stay ahead.
2. Magic Itself Needs More Focus While business skills are crucial, Jonah realized that magic—the craft itself—can’t be neglected. The Mastermind is now doubling down on helping members improve their performances, not just their marketing. From joke writing to effect selection and stage presence, the goal is to help every magician become legendary, not just successful.
3. Community is Everything The biggest breakthrough? The power of working together. Whether it’s the Mastermind or your own circle of trusted friends, having a support system accelerates growth and makes the journey more fun. Jonah encourages listeners to find their own “band of magicians” if the Mastermind isn’t the right fit.

Actionable AI Tips for Magicians Jonah shares his top strategies for making AI work for you:

• Use AI Every Day: Set your browser to open ChatGPT or your favorite AI tool by default.
• Better Prompts, Better Results: Use the “Role, Request, Context, Format” method to get more useful responses from AI.
• Teach AI About You: Take advantage of memory, custom instructions, and custom GPTs to personalize your AI’s output.
• Stay Ahead of the Curve: As AI changes how people find and book magicians, building a strong brand and community is more important than ever.

Where to Find Jonah This Summer Jonah is hitting the road! If you’re in LA (May 27–30), Chicago (June 8–11), Philly (June 23–26),

Mentions

• Follow Jonah on Instagram: @discourseinmagic
• Email Jonah: magic@torontomagiccompany.com
• Previous episode with David Gerard on the power of a creative circle.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! What’s your biggest takeaway from the summit, or your favorite AI tip? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media, and let’s keep growing together.

Be sure to subscribe to Discourse in Magic for more insights, tips, and strategies to elevate your magic business.

View Details

In this episode, Jonah Babins is joined by corporate magic legend Bill Herz to unpack a career that spans summer camps, corporate boardrooms, and headline features in The Wall Street Journal. From his early days performing with Paul Cummins to founding Magicorp and representing world-class talent, Bill shares the highs, the hustle, and the hilarious behind-the-scenes of building a career in corporate magic. You’ll learn what makes a magician bookable, how to navigate pricing, and why a magician’s greatest asset might be understanding the client better than they understand themselves. How Bill Got Started in Magic

Like many magicians, Bill’s journey began with a magic set at eight years old. But what set him apart was a unique blend of showmanship, business sense, and a willingness to perform for anyone, anywhere—from birthday parties to summer camps and community centers.

The Creation of Magicorp What started with teaching a CEO one simple trick became a revolutionary corporate entertainment concept. Bill realized the power of using magic as a tool in business communication, eventually founding Magicorp to help executives shine and manage bookings for the best in the industry.

What Makes a Magician Corporate-Ready Bill breaks down what he looks for in the performers he books—hint: it’s more than a good show. From being able to describe what makes you different in one sentence, to being professional, personable, and ego-free, he outlines the traits that help magicians thrive in the corporate world.

Understanding Your Value and Pricing Pricing is more than picking a number—it’s about asking the right questions and understanding what the client needs. Bill shares how he approaches pricing based on value, logistics, and market perception, and why being flexible (but smart) is essential to getting booked and respected.

Social Media, Managers, and Magician Mistakes Bill doesn’t hold back when talking about magicians on social media and their obsession with "busy bragging." He also dives into why having a manager or being repped by a big agency can sometimes hurt more than help—and how magicians can avoid sabotaging their own careers.

Endless Chain At the end of the episode, Bill recommends magician Derek Hughes as a future guest. A brilliant performer and a friend of Bill’s, Derek brings a unique blend of comedy and magic that works exceptionally well in the corporate space.

Mentions * Bill Herz’s Website * Magicorp – Corporate Magic Booking Agency * David Copperfield * Mac King * Ben Seidman * Colin Cloud * Derek Hughes

View Details

In this episode of Discourse in Magic, Jonah Babins sits down with magician, circus performer, and entertainer Leah Orleans to discuss her unique journey in magic, her experiences blending circus arts with illusion, and how she pushes the boundaries of traditional performance. Leah shares insights into how she found her place in the magic world, her approach to creating engaging and original performances, and the lessons she's learned along the way.

Finding Magic in the Circus Leah’s entry into the world of magic was anything but conventional. She started as a circus performer, mastering aerial arts, juggling, and acrobatics before discovering how magic could enhance her performances. Her background in physical theater and movement helped her develop a distinctive performance style that captivates audiences in a way few traditional magicians can.

Standing Out in a Male-Dominated Industry As a female performer in both circus and magic, Leah has navigated challenges and misconceptions while forging her own path. She discusses the importance of representation, the struggles of being underestimated, and how she has turned those obstacles into strengths. By bringing a fresh perspective and a multidisciplinary approach to her craft, she continues to inspire others to think outside the box.

Creating Unique and Immersive Experiences Leah shares her process for designing routines that seamlessly blend magic with circus arts. From crafting new illusions to reimagining classic tricks, she explains how movement and storytelling play a crucial role in her work. She also dives into the creative risks she takes to ensure each performance is not only visually stunning but also deeply engaging for her audiences.

Advice for Performers and Magicians For those looking to break into the world of performance, Leah offers practical advice on developing a distinct style, building confidence on stage, and continuously refining one’s craft. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, experimentation, and finding one’s unique voice in an industry that often leans toward tradition.

Endless Chain April Jennifer Choi

Where to Find Leah Orleans To learn more about Leah Orleans, her performances, and upcoming projects, follow her on social media and check out her website:

• Website: Leah Orleans’ Website
• Instagram: @LeahOrleans
• Facebook: Leah Orleans Magic & Circus

View Details

This week on Discourse in Magic, we're bringing you a special repost of Jonah Babins' appearance on the Penguin Magic Podcast, hosted by Erik Tait. Jonah, the long-time host of Discourse in Magic, takes the guest seat and shares insights on the world of magic, business, and podcasting.

How Jonah Built Discourse in Magic

Jonah shares the journey of how Discourse in Magic has grown over the years. He discusses the evolution of the show, the challenges of maintaining a podcast in the magic space, and what has kept him going for nearly a decade. Jonah explains his strategy for selecting guests, emphasizing the importance of personal interest. He shares how being genuinely curious about a guest’s work leads to more engaging and meaningful conversations.

The Evolution of His Magic Career

Jonah reflects on how his interests have changed over time. While Discourse in Magic initially focused on deep philosophical discussions, his passion has shifted toward the practical aspects of magic, especially business growth and performance. Jonah shares insights into his Mastermind program, where he helps magicians grow their businesses. He talks about the structure of the program, its benefits, and the transformative results that many of his students have experienced.

The Three Key Pillars of a Successful Magic Business

Jonah breaks down the fundamental elements necessary to build a thriving magic business. He details how generating leads, improving sales techniques, and optimizing business systems can help magicians increase their income and efficiency. Jonah emphasizes the power of having a supportive network. He explains how magicians in his Mastermind program benefit from shared knowledge, accountability, and expert guidance to help them achieve their business goals.

Mentions

• Jonah’s Magic Business Coaching
• Discourse in Magic Instagram
• Vote for Jonah in the FM Magic Podcast Awards

Enjoy the episode and don’t forget to subscribe for more deep dives into the art and business of magic!

View Details

In this solo episode of Discourse in Magic, Jonah Babins dives into the world of public shows, sharing his insights on why every magician should consider doing them. He also provides a sneak peek into his upcoming shows across North America and highlights a special event happening at the end of April.

Why Do Public Shows?

1. Promo Material: Public shows are an excellent opportunity to get high-quality promotional material. By hiring a photographer or videographer, you can capture footage of your performance that can be used to market yourself and book more gigs in the future.

2. Friends and Family: Public shows provide a chance for your friends and family to see you perform. They are your biggest supporters, and this is a great way for them to experience your magic without the high cost of private or corporate events.

3. Client Engagement: Offering free tickets to past and potential clients is a fantastic way to maintain relationships and generate new business. It gives you a reason to reach out and offer something valuable, which can lead to future bookings.

Upcoming Shows

Jonah shares his tour dates and locations for the next two months:

• March 6th: Boston, performing at the Boston Magic Lab.

• March 7th-9th: Connecticut, performing and lecturing at Mcon.

• March 18th-20th: Austin, Texas, performing a show with Michael Rogerson.

• March 25th-28th: Montreal, performing a show with John Elli.

• April 8th-11th: St. Louis, performing a show with Josh Weidener.

• April 28th-May 2nd: L Summit in Mexico, a special event for Mastermind members.

Mentions

Boston Magic Lab

Michael Rogerson

John Elli

Josh Weidener

Toronto Magic Company

View Details

In this episode of Discourse in Magic, Jonah Babins sits down with Jonathan Levit to discuss his multifaceted career in the entertainment industry, from acting and hosting to creating innovative magic tricks and apps. Jonathan shares his journey, insights, and the magic behind his successful projects, including his Vegas show and The Stranger app.

Early Magic Journey

Jonathan discusses how he discovered magic through his father's props and the magical community in St. Louis that shaped his early years. He reflects on the importance of mentorship and friendships in his development as a magician.

Acting and Hosting Career

Jonathan talks about his transition to acting and hosting in Los Angeles, sharing the challenges and rewards of working in front of the camera. He emphasizes the skills he gained from acting and hosting that have enhanced his magic performances.

Consulting on Films

Jonathan recounts his experience consulting on films like "The Incredible Burt Wonderstone," working with actors like Steve Carell and Jim Carrey. He shares memorable moments from the set and the unique challenges of bringing magic to the big screen.

Vegas Show

Jonathan provides insights into his current show at the Venetian in Las Vegas, describing its intimate and theatrical format. He discusses the journey of getting the show to Vegas and the dynamics of running a successful production in a competitive environment.

The Stranger App

Jonathan explains the creation and functionality of The Stranger app, a powerful magic trick that combines technology and community. He highlights the app's impact on his performances and the global community of magicians it has fostered.

Nexus Project

Jonathan introduces his latest project, Nexus, which serves as a digital hub for creating innovative magic routines. He details the features of Nexus and how it allows magicians to integrate various inputs and outputs seamlessly into their performances.

Endless Chain

Jonathan recommends Christopher Hart as a future guest for the podcast, noting his expertise and contributions to the world of magic.

Mentions

• Jonathan Levit's Website
• Jonathan Levit Instagram
• Twisting the Aces
• The Stranger App

View Details

Welcome to another insightful episode of Discourse in Magic with your host, Jonah Babins! This week, Jonah shares his journey and lessons learned from running Google ads in his magic business. Unlike tactical episodes, this one dives deep into the mental game and personal experiences that paved the way for success.

Perseverance and Mindset Jonah's initial attempts with Google ads led to small gigs and disappointment, making him nearly give up on the idea. However, he emphasizes the importance of persistence and learning from failures. Understanding that hard things may not work the first time is crucial for growth.

Learning and Commitment After a five-year hiatus, Jonah revisited ad campaigns with a dedicated effort to learn and improve. He spent significant time understanding the basics of running ads, leading to better results. The significance of investing time in learning cannot be understated.

Hiring Experts Jonah's decision to hire professionals transformed his ad campaigns and led to significant business growth. He highlights the value of expert knowledge and continuous improvement. Collaborating with experts allowed Jonah to scale and optimize his ad campaigns effectively.

Scaling and Growth Taking successful ad campaigns to the next level involved hiring the right people. Jonah discusses the impact of mentorship and expert guidance in achieving business growth. He emphasizes the importance of investing in education and professional support to unlock new levels of success.

Stay Connected:

• Website: Discourse in Magic
• Instagram: @discourseinmagic
• Facebook: Discourse in Magic

View Details

In this episode, Jonah sits down with Rachel Wax to discuss her journey from fashion to full-time magic, performing at Speakeasy Magick, and her creative process for developing new routines.

Getting Into MagicRachel’s introduction to magic came from her father, a surgeon with a passion for tricks. At 15, she learned a self-working card trick, sparking a lifelong fascination. Despite initially pursuing fashion design at FIT in New York, Rachel found herself drawn into the city’s magic scene, demoing magic kits at FAO Schwarz and Toys ‘R’ Us. This led her to The Magnets, a group of magicians who jammed and performed together, helping her refine her craft.

The New York Magic SceneRachel shares insights into what makes the New York magic scene unique, from its competitive nature to the high expectations of its audiences. She highlights how performing in such a dynamic city pushes magicians to be better and why close-up magic is having a moment right now.

Speakeasy Magic and Performing in Immersive EnvironmentsAs a regular performer at Speakeasy Magick Rachel describes the challenges and rewards of working in an immersive, up-close environment. She explains how the show is structured, what makes it special, and how it has shaped her as a performer.

Creative Process and Mind MappingRachel breaks down her approach to creating new magic, including how she uses mind mapping to develop tricks that align with her character. She also walks through her process for refining routines, incorporating audience feedback, and continuously evolving her material.

Being a Woman in MagicRachel candidly discusses her experiences as a woman in the magic industry, from dealing with audience perceptions to navigating sexism at conventions. She shares how she turns low expectations into an advantage and the importance of fostering an inclusive and supportive magic community.

The Business of Magic in New YorkJonah and Rachel discuss the business side of magic, including how private gigs and ticketed shows shape a magician’s career in New York. Rachel also touches on why having multiple great magic shows in a city helps grow the industry rather than creating competition.

Mentions Speakeasy Magic * Vanishing Inc. (Mind Mapping* project) * Rachel Wax’s Website * Instagram

Endless ChainRachel recommends checking out:

• Eli Bosnick

The post Magic and Mystery in New York with Rachel Wax appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In this episode of Discourse in Magic, Jonah Babins sits down with magician, science communicator, and viral illusion creator Matt Pritchard. Matt’s unique approach blends his background in physics with a passion for magic, leading to mesmerizing optical illusions and science-based performances that captivate audiences worldwide.

How Matt Got Into MagicMatt shares his journey into magic, starting with escapology as a teenager before evolving into a love for illusions. He discusses how his studies in physics and early performances in bars and student events led to a deeper appreciation for the overlap between magic and science.

The Intersection of Magic and ScienceJonah and Matt explore the shared sense of wonder in both disciplines. Matt explains how science and magic both challenge our understanding of reality—one by uncovering truths and the other by deliberately concealing them. He also touches on his work in science communication, where he teaches students using illusions to explain scientific concepts.

The Rise of Matt’s Viral IllusionsDuring the pandemic, Matt started sharing his optical illusions online, quickly gaining traction. He details how his illusions evolved through audience feedback and meticulous experimentation. One of his standout viral creations—an elephant disappearing from a moving train track—attracted major attention from magicians and illusionists worldwide.

Creativity and Problem-Solving in IllusionsMatt offers insight into his creative process, from finding inspiration in old magic books and science experiments to refining illusions through trial and error. He discusses the fusion of stage and close-up magic techniques in his work, making them especially deceptive—even to seasoned magicians.

The Business of Science MagicMatt talks about transitioning from working in a science museum to performing independently in schools and festivals. He shares how word-of-mouth, smart branding (switching from “Lab Monkey Productions” to “Science Magic Shows”), and strategic partnerships helped grow his business.

The Ethics of Magic and Social MediaJonah and Matt debate the challenges of posting illusions online, particularly dealing with exposure and explanations in comment sections. Matt embraces engagement, often encouraging audiences to theorize about his illusions while maintaining a sense of mystery.

Final Thoughts and RecommendationsMatt reflects on his favorite aspects of modern magic, emphasizing performances that focus on human connection and wonder. He also shares his least favorite trend: exposure videos that diminish the mystery and artistry of magic.

Endless ChainMatt suggests two fascinating guests for future episodes:

• Ian Kendall – A highly skilled street performer from Edinburgh.
• Gaia Rossi – A talented stage magician and psychologist, offering insights into the psychology behind magic.

Mentions Instagram & Twitter: @sciencemagician * Website: Science Magic Shows * Derren Brown’s Show – Derren Brown * Twist Museum, London – Twist Museum * Robert Harbin’s Work – Robert Harbin on Magicpedia * Lawrence Hass’ Paper Ball Act* – Lawrence Hass

The post The Art and Science of Illusions with Matt Pritchard appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In this week’s episode of Discourse in Magic, Jonah Babins kicks off the new year with an insightful discussion about the January slump—a reality for many magicians—and how to turn it into an opportunity for growth. With the rush of holiday gigs behind us, Jonah explains how January offers a unique chance to focus on improving your magic business.

The January Slump: A Common ChallengeAs Jonah points out, January can feel like a shock after the busiest month of the year. December brings a whirlwind of gigs, inquiries, and emails, but when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, everything seems to come to a halt. Jonah reassures listeners that this is entirely normal—not just for you, but for magicians everywhere. In fact, it’s the slowest month of the year for most performers, as evidenced by the revenue data he tracks for his mastermind group of magicians.

Rather than feeling discouraged, Jonah invites you to see this slow season as a gift. Instead of scrambling to keep up with gigs and inquiries, you now have the time to work on your business rather than in your business.

Three Big Projects to Tackle in JanuaryJonah highlights three key areas to focus on during this quieter season to set yourself up for long-term success:

1. Revamp Your Website January is the perfect time to improve your website. Whether it’s upgrading the design, adding a booking form, or updating images, this is the time to make changes. With less traffic coming in, you don’t have to worry about downtime, giving you the freedom to experiment and improve.
2. Create a New Promo Video If you captured video footage from your holiday gigs, now is the time to turn it into a standout promo video. Jonah emphasizes the importance of crafting a video that showcases your best moments—whether it’s a trick with fire, a big audience reaction, or a beautifully staged performance. With January’s slower pace, you can give this project the time and attention it deserves.
3. Set Up or Upgrade Your CRM If you’ve started booking gigs regularly, it might be time to implement a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system to organize your client data. Jonah shares his thoughts on different CRM options and explains why this is a task best tackled during a slower season, rather than in the chaos of the holiday rush.

The One Thing You Must Do in JanuaryPlanning your entire year is Jonah’s top recommendation for January. He explains how having a roadmap for your goals, projects, and marketing efforts can keep you on track throughout the year. Without a plan, it’s easy for big projects—like setting up Google ads or improving your SEO—to fall by the wayside.

Jonah also encourages listeners to reflect on the previous year. What types of gigs did you enjoy most? What areas of your business could be improved? This self-assessment will help you prioritize your efforts and make 2025 your best year yet.

Join the “Preloaded Year” WorkshopTo help magicians plan their year, Jonah is hosting a free workshop called The Preloaded Year on January 15th. In just 75 minutes, he’ll guide participants through creating a comprehensive plan for their magic business. Whether it’s marketing, business development, or personal goals, you’ll walk away with a clear strategy for the year ahead.

Can’t make the live session? No problem! Jonah is offering a recording of the workshop for a limited time to those who sign up. Click the link in the episode description to secure your spot.

Final ThoughtsThis episode is packed with actionable advice for magicians looking to make the most of January. By embracing the slower season and focusing on big-picture projects, you can set yourself up for success in 2025.

Links and Resources

• Sign up for the Preloaded Year workshop here.
• Follow Jonah on Instagram: @JonahBabinsmagic

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode. What projects are you tackling this January? Share your plans in the comments or on social media, and let’s make 2025 a year to remember!

Be sure to subscribe to Discourse in Magic for more insights, tips, and strategies to elevate your magic business.

The post The Preloaded Year appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Join us for a unique twist as Eric Leclerc takes over as host to interview the usual host, Jonah Babins, on his own podcast, Discourse in Magic. This engaging conversation uncovers Jonah’s journey into the world of magic and podcasting, revealing how his love for both has enriched his life. Jonah shares his early experiences with magic, sparked by his uncle’s D lights, and reflects on how podcasts have become a source of daily inspiration and learning. Meanwhile, Eric, who is new to podcasting, talks about how this medium has transformed everyday activities like driving and working out into enjoyable experiences. Together, they explore the irresistible allure of magic and the power of podcasts.

As we travel back in time, Jonah takes us through his formative years at the Sorcerer’s Safari Magic Camp in Canada, where he forged lasting friendships and found mentorship under Ben Train. These experiences, from summer camps to visits to magic shops, marked a transition from youthful fascination to a deeper appreciation of the craft. The episode also explores Jonah’s entrepreneurial journey, where he transformed his passion for magic into a successful career. He recounts the pivotal moment that led him to pursue magic professionally and shares the role his family played in supporting his dreams, even when they had their reservations.

Finally, listen in as Jonah shares insights into building a successful business in the magic industry. From mastering marketing strategies and building an online presence to embracing the power of mastermind groups, Jonah emphasizes the importance of community and support. The episode also touches on overcoming ego and the significance of work ethic and motivation in achieving success. Throughout, Jonah reflects on the evolving nature of modern magic, the impact of social media, and the joy of mentoring emerging magicians. With heartwarming stories and practical advice, this episode is a testament to the enduring passion for magic and the transformative power of community and creativity.

Entrepreneurial Journey in Magic IndustryWe take a journey through the early career of a magician who transitioned from working at a day camp to performing magic full-time. It all began with a pivotal moment in 2011 when, despite an initial lack of interest in marketing and business, he realized the potential of pursuing magic as a profession after seeing a poorly received magic show at a camp. With the encouragement and help of his entrepreneurial mother, he contacted 150 camp directors and started booking magic workshops, initially underpricing his services due to inexperience. Over the years, he expanded his network, refined his approach, and grew his summer business to earn significant income. By the time he graduated with a math degree in 2016, he had already established a successful career in magic, choosing to follow his passion rather than a traditional path in mathematics.

Marketing Strategies and Business SuccessWe explore the journey of building an online presence and leveraging it for success in marketing and business. Starting with inspiration from various marketing podcasts, I highlight the power of having a large audience to sell products or services, even without a clear initial idea of what those might be. Through experimenting with affiliate links and merchandise, I learned the value of sharing knowledge and creating content. During the COVID pandemic, I recognized an opportunity to expand into virtual shows and workshops, which led to the development of the Magicians Accountability Group in Quarantine (MAGIQ). This chapter illustrates how perseverance and seizing opportunities can lead to unexpected growth, eventually establishing a coaching and mastermind format that has continued to evolve since its inception during the pandemic.

The Importance of Work Ethic We discuss the intricacies of work ethic and motivation, particularly in the context of pursuing a career in magic. I share personal anecdotes about the expectations set by my parents and the necessity of having a strong work ethic to succeed. We examine the idea that understanding how to work hard is a learned skill, emphasizing the importance of having a compelling ‘why’ behind one’s efforts. The conversation touches on the concept of motivation being driven by either the pursuit of rewards or the avoidance of negative outcomes. We discuss setting goals that are both selfish and selfless, to find a balance that drives success. Additionally, I express confusion over people who desire growth in their careers but do not take actionable steps, highlighting the necessity of effort, such as consistently creating content or trying new strategies.

Mentionshttps://ericleclerc.com/
https://www.instagram.com/magic4yourbrain/

The post UNO REVERSE: Jonah Babins gets interviewed by Eric Leclerc appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Renowned magician and captivating storyteller Taylor Hughes joins us for an insightful exploration of his magical journey. We unravel Taylor’s innovative blend of storytelling and illusion, a unique approach shaped by early influences like the Magic Castle Junior Society. Taylor opens up about crafting acts that not only mesmerize but also resonate deeply with audiences, highlighting the impact of social media and digital platforms like Amazon on broadening his reach and redefining success in modern magic.

We discuss the art of evolution in performance, drawing parallels between the worlds of magic and comedy. Taylor shares how his career took a transformative turn, fueled by a pivotal conversation with his wife that encouraged the integration of personal stories into his acts. This shift not only revitalized his performances but also deepened audience connections, demonstrating the power of authenticity and personal expression in creating memorable experiences. The conversation also touches on the practicalities of rebuilding a career and the necessity of embracing change to avoid creative stagnation.

Taylor also offers valuable insights into the business side of magic, from mastering the art of emceeing to crafting a comedy magic special. He discusses the strategic use of social media and touring techniques to maximize exposure and reach new audiences. With anecdotes about pivotal career moments and the importance of a digital footprint, this episode is a treasure trove of advice for magicians and performers aspiring to expand their horizons in today’s ever-evolving entertainment landscape. Join us for this inspiring dialogue that illuminates the path to success in the art of magic and beyond.

Rebuilding Magic Career Through HustleWe explore the journey of a magician who started his career in the Junior Society, inspired by Diana Zimmerman’s advice to embrace their unique desire to perform and to always accept opportunities. Despite a successful start, a shift to working as a youth pastor led to a temporary pause in performing magic. Returning to magic full-time required starting from scratch, borrowing props, and reaching out to old contacts, driven by the need to support his family.

Evolution of Magic Performance Styles We discuss the philosophy of magic, particularly the tendency of magicians to polish their acts to the point where they lose their original charm. Drawing comparisons to comedians who create, refine, and then release new material, the conversation highlights the importance of evolving one’s act to prevent stagnation and maintain engagement. We discuss how magicians often perform the same routine for decades, which can become stale both for the performer and the audience

Crafting Relatable Stories in Magic We talk about how the key to resonating with people lies in sharing universal themes and experiences, even if they stem from personal and unique stories. Drawing inspiration from the success of shows like “Everybody Loves Raymond,” where personal anecdotes became universally relatable, we highlight the challenge in magic where the focus on skill can create a disconnect.

Touring Strategies for MagiciansTaylor shares insights borrowed from fellow comedians, like Dave Nihill, on how to effectively use Facebook and Instagram ads to target specific areas and the importance of having compelling content, such as videos, to engage potential audiences. The concept of “four walling” is explained, where comedians rent venues independently, similar to how promoters operate. I discuss leveraging corporate gigs to cover travel expenses, allowing for the testing of new markets with additional performances. Key tactics include collaborating with venues that have established mailing lists, growing a personal mailing list tagged by city, and using creative content to entice and inform audiences. The emphasis is on using multiple tools, such as ads, mailing lists, and local connections, to build a fan base and ensure successful shows.

Endless ChainMark James

Mentionshttps://www.learnwithtaylor.com/Code: Jonahhttps://www.magiccastle.com/junior-academy/

https://www.taylorhughes.com/

https://www.instagram.com/magicstoryteller/

https://www.facebook.com/themagicstoryteller/

The post Reimagining Magic Performance with Taylor Hughes appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In this episode of Discourse in Magic, I explore the art of crafting the perfect artist rider for your magic performances. I break down the essentials of what a rider is and why it is crucial for your event’s success. We’ll go over the key elements you should include, from sound and lighting to stage setup and seating arrangements, ensuring that every detail is covered. I’ll share insights on specifying microphone and lighting requirements, as well as how seating arrangements can make or break a show. Additionally, we’ll discuss recording policies to clarify media usage and explore how hospitality needs can vary depending on the event type. To make sure nothing is forgotten, I’ll offer tips on using a notes app to keep track of these requirements, making your rider comprehensive and effective.

Listen in as we explore how a well-crafted rider can enhance event execution, emphasizing that while it’s an essential tool, it shouldn’t replace thorough planning. I’ll provide advice on engaging directly with the booker to confirm all details and ensure seamless event execution. Plus, you’ll hear a handy tip about maintaining a dynamic document called “Rider or Die” on your phone to update your requirements based on past events. If you’re interested in booking larger gigs and understanding pricing strategies, I’ll also offer my services for further guidance. Tune in to uncover the nuances of creating a standout event experience that leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

Advice on Riders1. What goes in it?
Sound, light, stage, seating, recording, and hospitality. 2. How to make it epic!
Create a doc on your phone called Rider or Die that you keep always adding things to based on the events that you go to. 3. Riders are important but…
It is not a replacement for proper planning to make sure that you knock the event out of the park.

MentionsSend an email to magic(at)TorontoMagicCompany(dot)com. We can talk about what the mastermind is like and see if I can help you!

The post Rider or Die appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In this episode of Discourse in Magic, I explore the art of crafting the perfect artist rider for your magic performances. I break down the essentials of what a rider is and why it is crucial for your event's success. We'll go over the key elements you should include, from sound and lighting to stage setup and seating arrangements, ensuring that every detail is covered. I'll share insights on specifying microphone and lighting requirements, as well as how seating arrangements can make or break a show. Additionally, we'll discuss recording policies to clarify media usage and explore how hospitality needs can vary depending on the event type. To make sure nothing is forgotten, I'll offer tips on using a notes app to keep track of these requirements, making your rider comprehensive and effective.

Listen in as we explore how a well-crafted rider can enhance event execution, emphasizing that while it's an essential tool, it shouldn't replace thorough planning. I'll provide advice on engaging directly with the booker to confirm all details and ensure seamless event execution. Plus, you'll hear a handy tip about maintaining a dynamic document called "Rider or Die" on your phone to update your requirements based on past events. If you're interested in booking larger gigs and understanding pricing strategies, I'll also offer my services for further guidance. Tune in to uncover the nuances of creating a standout event experience that leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

Advice on Riders

1. What goes in it? Sound, light, stage, seating, recording, and hospitality.
2. How to make it epic! Create a doc on your phone called Rider or Die that you keep always adding things to based on the events that you go to.
3. Riders are important but… It is not a replacement for proper planning to make sure that you knock the event out of the park.

Mentions Send an email to magic(at)TorontoMagicCompany(dot)com. We can talk about what the mastermind is like and see if I can help you!

View Details

Join us as we sit down with the incredibly talented Dustin Tavella, winner of the 2021 season of America's Got Talent, who shares his inspiring journey from a young magician dressed as a clown to a celebrated performer captivating audiences worldwide. Dustin recounts how his passion for magic began with a simple magic kit and a special trick gifted by his uncle, setting him on a path of discovery and performance. His story takes a fascinating turn as he explores the music industry, producing and writing for significant projects before rediscovering his love for magic through a serendipitous encounter. Dustin’s experiences highlight the importance of storytelling and connection in making magic meaningful, and he generously shares how his creative process is influenced by his wife's intuition and his involvement in a homeless ministry.

Explore the intersection of music and magic as Dustin reflects on his artistic journey and the challenges of finding a singular style. Despite his success in the music industry, he grappled with the desire for deeper fulfillment, leading him back to the enchanting world of magic. Drawing parallels between these two art forms, Dustin emphasizes the importance of audience engagement over technical perfection, both in music and magic. Through personal anecdotes, he offers valuable insights into balancing skill with the ability to connect and resonate with audiences, a theme that resonates throughout his performances.

Listen in as we explore the power of authenticity and originality in magic, particularly in the high-stakes environment of America's Got Talent. Dustin discusses the challenges of crafting unique acts and how personal storytelling sets performers apart. We touch on the influence of mentorship and collaboration, highlighting how diverse perspectives from friends and mentors enriched Dustin’s magic. Finally, Dustin shares his experiences performing in Branson, Missouri, a vibrant backdrop for his evolving magic show. Whether discussing the creative freedom found in Branson or the importance of genuine connection, this episode offers an inspiring look at how personal experiences and feedback shape a truly authentic magic performance.

Music, Magic, and Finding Style

Dustin takes us through a fascinating journey of transitioning between two artistic realms: music and magic. He reflects on his experiences in the music industry, where he had the chance to work with producers and contribute to significant projects like ESPN and the 100th anniversary of the Rose Bowl. Despite his success, Dustin grappled with the challenge of not finding a singular style due to his diverse interests in various music genres, which, while a hindrance as an artist, proved beneficial from a production perspective. This reflection led him to a crossroads, where he realized that neither end of the music industry's spectrum were fulfilling. Transitioning into magic, Dustin drew parallels between the two art forms, emphasizing the importance of connecting with audiences.

Authenticity and Originality in Magic

We unpack the unique challenges and opportunities of performing magic on a platform like America's Got Talent (AGT). We discuss the difficulty of creating new and unique acts in a space where many iconic magicians have already set high standards. The conversation highlights the importance of authenticity and personal storytelling as key differentiators in magic, emphasizing that while many can purchase tricks, the real magic lies in who the magician is as a person. We touch on the notion that people can sense authenticity, which becomes crucial for magicians who inherently deal in illusion. By embracing individuality and honesty, performers can resonate more deeply with their audience. This discussion offers valuable insights for current performers, underscoring the significance of being genuine and how that authenticity can become the defining element of a magician's act.

Authenticity in Gospel Magic

We discuss the intricate balance of performing authentic magic that conveys meaningful messages, particularly within the realm of gospel and inspirational magic. We discuss the challenges that arise when magic feels forced or inauthentic, drawing parallels to scripted and impersonal experiences often felt in churches. Emphasizing the importance of starting with a genuine story, I highlight the need for the message to stand alone, even without the magic trick. The conversation underscores the significance of sharing personal struggles and emotions to connect with audiences, rather than projecting an image of perfection. By revealing our own vulnerabilities and journeys, we aim to resonate more deeply with people, making the magic a supportive element rather than the sole focus.

Endless Chain

Brent Braun

Mentions

https://www.dustintavella.com/

https://www.facebook.com/DustinTavella/

https://www.instagram.com/dustintavella/

View Details

Today we're unpacking the secrets of creating a successful lead machine for your magic business. Many magicians believe generating leads is the key to success, but there's so much more to it. In this episode, we explore three essential systems that will ensure your business not only flourishes but also thrives year after year. We'll discuss how to effectively generate new leads through various methods like SEO, Google ads, and social media, tailoring these strategies to find the perfect fit for your unique market.

But that's not all! Listen in as we discuss the importance of nurturing relationships with past clients, ensuring they remember your outstanding performances and come back for more. We share proven techniques, including quarterly emails, to keep you on their radar. Plus, we cover the often-overlooked potential of almost-clients—the ones who expressed interest but didn't book. By maintaining contact with these prospects, you'll keep your pipeline flowing and seize future opportunities. Join us as we share insights and practical tips to build a robust lead machine, keeping your calendar full and your magic business thriving.

Three lead machines you need

1. You need a way to get new leads.
2. You need a way to keep in touch with past clients.
3. You need a way to keep in touch with your almost clients.

View Details

Get ready to be amazed by the world of grand illusions with our extraordinary guest, Reza Borchardt, as we explore his magical journey from a passionate young enthusiast to a leading illusionist in Branson, Missouri. Reza takes us behind the curtain, sharing how his early exposure to magic through TV shows and the generous mentorship of magicians like Dave Hamner and Kirby Van Birch fueled his love for the craft. Discover the secrets behind his mind-blowing performances, where large illusions transform into spellbinding stories that captivate audiences, each show bringing something new and exciting through the power of storytelling and audience interaction.

Embark on a fascinating journey through Reza's rise to success, revealing the innovative ways he turned his dream into a thriving career. From transforming old buses into tour vehicles to navigating the vibrant entertainment scene of Branson, Reza opens up about the challenges and triumphs of establishing a dedicated theater and performing hundreds of shows a year. Learn how the blend of music and magic, inspired by live concerts and collaborations with bands like Switchfoot, enhances his performances, creating a unique and exhilarating experience that continues to draw audiences in.

In the age of technology, Reza offers insights into the evolving landscape of magic, sharing how the digital era poses both challenges and opportunities for magicians. As he reflects on the intricate process of crafting new illusions and managing a talented team, Reza emphasizes the importance of innovation and feedback in keeping his shows fresh and engaging. Whether you're a budding magician or a seasoned fan, this episode provides a captivating look at the synergy between tradition and modernity in magic, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead for those daring enough to explore them.

Growing Success in Magic Show Tours

The fascinating journey of a magician who turned his passion into a professional career, highlighting the pivotal moments and strategies that paved his way to success. Starting with a personal story about learning tricks from a master illusionist in a parking lot, we explore the initial struggles and innovative methods employed to fund his dream of touring with a magic show. From transforming an old school bus into a tour vehicle to engaging in unique side hustles like selling candles door-to-door, the determination to achieve his vision is palpable. We also examine the challenges of marketing shows without established notoriety and the gradual growth in audience numbers through word-of-mouth. The chapter concludes with a reflection on the financial and logistical hurdles of running a grand illusion show, revealing the complexities of managing a crew and renting theaters while navigating the risks of potential financial losses.

How to Conquer Branson

Expolore the heart of Branson, Missouri, where the unique dynamics of establishing a theater are explored. Known for its diverse entertainment offerings, Branson attracts millions of visitors annually, providing a stage for both rising stars and top-tier performers. We uncover the challenges of setting up a successful show in this bustling yet intimate city, highlighting the importance of patience and perseverance. The journey from leasing theater spaces to owning a dedicated 1,000-seat venue is shared, alongside insights into the seasonal ebb and flow of show schedules. The balance between performing hundreds of shows a year and maintaining passion for the craft is examined, with strategies like audience participation playing a key role in keeping performances fresh. We also get a glimpse into the lifestyle of living near the theater, offering a blend of high-paced work with tranquil home life by the lake.

Continuous Improvement in Magic Performance

We discuss the collaborative and creative process behind crafting a successful magic show. We discuss how a blend of personal innovation, industry collaboration, and feedback from laypeople contributes to the development of compelling magic tricks. I highlight the importance of external perspectives, explaining how industry friends and regular audience members provide invaluable insights that help shape the performance to better connect with viewers. I share anecdotes about specific tricks, like the Oreo and card tricks, emphasizing how initial concepts are transformed into original pieces through experimentation and refinement. By testing these tricks on fellow magicians and gauging their reactions, I gauge the effectiveness and potential of new ideas. This chapter underscores the dynamic and iterative nature of creating magic that captivates and entertains audiences.

Endless Chain

Dustin Tavella Mentions https://www.instagram.com/rezaillusionist/ https://www.facebook.com/people/Reza-Borchardt/

View Details

Transform your magic career by distinguishing between the flashy allure of marketing and the powerhouse of sales. Join me as I unravel the myth that appearing on big shows like Fool Us or America's Got Talent is the golden ticket to success. Instead, discover how the real breakthroughs lie in mastering sales tactics such as SEO, ads, and strategic cold emailing. This episode promises to equip you with actionable insights to effectively convert interest into bookings and sustain a thriving magic business in the digital age.

Through engaging stories and real-world examples, I share how even magicians with impressive media exposure rely on fundamental sales strategies to keep their calendars full. Reflecting on the evolution of media influence, from the heyday of late-night TV to today's digital platforms, the discussion reveals why honing your sales skills is crucial for long-term success. Whether you're an up-and-coming magician or a seasoned performer, this episode offers a fresh perspective on prioritizing the right strategies to ensure consistent growth and recognition in the magic industry.

View Details

Magician and comedian Mike Hammer takes center stage, unveiling the secrets behind his 13-year run on the Las Vegas strip. From his humble beginnings with a simple magic kit in Chicago to captivating audiences in the entertainment capital of the world, Mike's story is as magical as his performances. With humor and heart, he opens up about the challenges of transitioning from small gigs in restaurants and strip clubs to the bright lights of Vegas, revealing the persistence, networking, and a sprinkle of serendipity that got him there.

Mike's candid reflections on the art of blending comedy with magic can’t be missed! Crafting a standout act in Vegas requires more than just tricks; it demands a deep understanding of humor, audience engagement, and a strong stage persona. Mike shares his evolution from collaborating with a partner to performing solo, emphasizing the importance of scripting and developing material that resonates with diverse audiences. His advice for aspiring magicians is as enlightening as his performances: stay true to your style, but never stop refining your craft.

Mike provides insights into the unique life of a Vegas performer. He contrasts the stability of a residency with the excitement of touring, highlighting the creative freedoms and logistical headaches that come with each. He offers a glimpse into the magic of performing in one location, where night after night, the show becomes a familiar yet ever-evolving spectacle. Whether you're an aspiring magician, a fan of comedy, or simply curious about the life of a Las Vegas entertainer, Mike Hammer's journey is sure to captivate and inspire! Building a Comedy Show in Vegas

We discuss Mike’s early career challenges and successes of a magician breaking into the Las Vegas entertainment sceneMike landed a gig at the Four Queens Hotel and Casino, performing at an unusual time of 3 PM. The challenge of attracting audiences at this time led me to try street magic, a tough endeavor that demanded engaging the public one-on-one. Despite a slow start with small audiences, Mike sustained myself through corporate work and gradually built a larger audience over two years.

Crafting Stand-Up Comedy Material

We explore Mike’s unique approach to blending comedy and magic by focusing on writing humor that stands independently of the tricks themselves. Mike shares his journey from relying on the humor inherent in magic tricks to crafting jokes that enhance the magic without depending on it. We discuss the importance of writing and how it transforms a performance, moving away from stock jokes to personalized material that aligns with my comedic character. Mike emphasizes the value of recording live shows to capture spontaneous humor, allowing me to refine and build upon these moments. Through anecdotes, I highlight the necessity of balancing improvisation with prepared material to ensure consistent audience engagement, regardless of their reactions. The Realities of Performing in Vegas

This chapter explores the contrasting experiences of performing in a fixed location versus touring as a magician. I share my reflections on the idea of owning a magic lounge in Toronto and the allure of corporate gigs that offer a good balance between enjoyment and financial reward. The conversation shifts to the joys and challenges of having a residency in Las Vegas, including the benefits of stability and the opportunity to continually refine material. However, it also touches on the logistical headaches like technical issues, ticketing problems, and traffic delays affecting show timings. Despite these challenges, performing in one place allows for creative improvisation and a stable life. There's also a nostalgic appreciation for touring, where audiences in different cities often provide unique, memorable experiences, highlighting the contrasting excitement of being a special event in a town compared to being one of many entertainment options in Vegas. Endless Chain

Bernardo Sedlacek Mentions

Instagram :officialhammer

TikTok: @officialmikehammer

Facebook: mikehammershow

X: officialhammer

Website: https://mikehammershow.com/

View Details

Magician and comedian Mike Hammer takes center stage, unveiling the secrets behind his 13-year run on the Las Vegas strip. From his humble beginnings with a simple magic kit in Chicago to captivating audiences in the entertainment capital of the world, Mike’s story is as magical as his performances. With humor and heart, he opens up about the challenges of transitioning from small gigs in restaurants and strip clubs to the bright lights of Vegas, revealing the persistence, networking, and a sprinkle of serendipity that got him there.

Mike’s candid reflections on the art of blending comedy with magic can’t be missed! Crafting a standout act in Vegas requires more than just tricks; it demands a deep understanding of humor, audience engagement, and a strong stage persona. Mike shares his evolution from collaborating with a partner to performing solo, emphasizing the importance of scripting and developing material that resonates with diverse audiences. His advice for aspiring magicians is as enlightening as his performances: stay true to your style, but never stop refining your craft.

Mike provides insights into the unique life of a Vegas performer. He contrasts the stability of a residency with the excitement of touring, highlighting the creative freedoms and logistical headaches that come with each. He offers a glimpse into the magic of performing in one location, where night after night, the show becomes a familiar yet ever-evolving spectacle. Whether you’re an aspiring magician, a fan of comedy, or simply curious about the life of a Las Vegas entertainer, Mike Hammer’s journey is sure to captivate and inspire!

Building a Comedy Show in VegasWe discuss Mike’s early career challenges and successes of a magician breaking into the Las Vegas entertainment sceneMike landed a gig at the Four Queens Hotel and Casino, performing at an unusual time of 3 PM. The challenge of attracting audiences at this time led me to try street magic, a tough endeavor that demanded engaging the public one-on-one. Despite a slow start with small audiences, Mike sustained myself through corporate work and gradually built a larger audience over two years.

Crafting Stand-Up Comedy Material We explore Mike’s unique approach to blending comedy and magic by focusing on writing humor that stands independently of the tricks themselves. Mike shares his journey from relying on the humor inherent in magic tricks to crafting jokes that enhance the magic without depending on it. We discuss the importance of writing and how it transforms a performance, moving away from stock jokes to personalized material that aligns with my comedic character. Mike emphasizes the value of recording live shows to capture spontaneous humor, allowing me to refine and build upon these moments. Through anecdotes, I highlight the necessity of balancing improvisation with prepared material to ensure consistent audience engagement, regardless of their reactions.

The Realities of Performing in VegasThis chapter explores the contrasting experiences of performing in a fixed location versus touring as a magician. I share my reflections on the idea of owning a magic lounge in Toronto and the allure of corporate gigs that offer a good balance between enjoyment and financial reward. The conversation shifts to the joys and challenges of having a residency in Las Vegas, including the benefits of stability and the opportunity to continually refine material. However, it also touches on the logistical headaches like technical issues, ticketing problems, and traffic delays affecting show timings. Despite these challenges, performing in one place allows for creative improvisation and a stable life. There’s also a nostalgic appreciation for touring, where audiences in different cities often provide unique, memorable experiences, highlighting the contrasting excitement of being a special event in a town compared to being one of many entertainment options in Vegas.

Endless ChainBernardo Sedlacek

MentionsInstagram :officialhammer

TikTok: @officialmikehammer

Facebook: mikehammershow

X: officialhammer

Website: https://mikehammershow.com/

The post Mike Hammer’s Vegas Adventure appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Join me in this holiday-themed episode of Discourse in Magic, where I guide you through maximizing your sales as a magician during this bustling season. I break down the three essential pillars that contribute to successful sales: pricing, promotional material, and the sales process. Learn how to strike the perfect balance in your pricing strategy, craft compelling promotional materials with testimonials and visuals, and streamline your sales process from initial inquiry to post-gig follow-ups. By focusing on these key areas, you'll be set up for a prosperous holiday season and beyond.

In the latter part of the episode, I discuss the importance of continuously updating your sales processes and promotional strategies to stay ahead in the game. I also offer my assistance for those needing further help and share a light-hearted personal anecdote about my adventures on Tinder, while also mentioning my lovely girlfriend. The episode wraps up with a heartfelt thank you for tuning in and a teaser for an exciting interview coming next Thursday. Don't miss out on these valuable insights that can elevate your magic business!

Maximizing Magic Sales

I discuss how to capitalizie on sales during the holiday season as a magician. I discuss the three key P’s that contribute to successful sales:

1. Pricing Find the right balance that fits your market and ensures profitability.
2. Promotional material Show potential clients testimonials and visuals of people similar to them enjoying your performances.

Sales process I outline the significance of a smooth sales process from initial inquiry to post-gig follow-ups. By tweaking these three areas, you can significantly boost your sales and set yourself up for success in the coming years! Mentions magic@torontomagiccompany.com https://www.instagram.com/jonahbabinsmagic/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonah-babins-613568113/

View Details

Unlock the secrets to skyrocketing your holiday bookings this year! Prepare to transform your magic business with our latest episode of Discourse in Magic, where Jonah Babins, guides you through the essential tactics to capitalize on the peak holiday season. Discover why October and early November are the golden months for gig inquiries, and learn how doubling your marketing efforts can yield incredible results. This isn’t just about working harder; it’s about working smarter to ensure a phenomenal end to 2024.

In this episode, we break down actionable strategies to boost your visibility and secure more gigs during the holiday rush. From ramping up your ad spend to proactive client outreach, you'll gain insights into maximizing your opportunities when demand is at its highest. Don’t miss out on this crucial window—prepare now and let’s crush those business goals together. For personalized tips, feel free to reach out to me directly through email or social media. Tune in and make the most of this lucrative season!

Maximize your client contacts

1. Double your ad spend: Whatever it is that you were spending on ads, double it throughout September, October and November.
2. Contact all of your past clients: Everybody who has ever booked you in the past, send them a message!
3. Double your marketing efforts: If you're running some sort of ads, double it. If you're doing some sort of cold email, double it. If you're DMing people on Instagram, double it. If you're posting on LinkedIn, double it.

View Details

Join us for an exciting episode of Discourse in Magic as we welcome back Ben Train to discuss the launch of our latest project, the Campers Playing Cards. We explore our motivations behind creating this unique deck, our shared love for playing cards, and our desire to contribute something special to the magic community. We also touch on the practical enhancements designed to make these cards versatile for magicians, and the joy of seeing others use and appreciate our creations.

In this episode, we take you through the creative journey behind the card deck’s design. From initial brainstorming sessions to the final camping-themed concept, we share the inspiration and artistic evolution that led to the deck's unique aesthetic. Listen in as we recount personal stories and inspirations, and walk you through the practical steps of bringing our ideas to life with the help of industry giants like Bicycle.

Finally, we discuss the innovative marking system we've developed for these cards, designed to enhance magic performances. We also introduce our free PDF guide and an interactive Zoom session, tailored for both beginners and seasoned magicians. With our Kickstarter campaign well underway, we emphasize the importance of community support to make this project a reality and share our excitement for the upcoming launch. Don't miss out on this behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Campers Playing Cards!

Card Deck Launch Behind the Scenes

We welcome back Ben Train to Discourse in Magic, where we shift our focus from magic performances to the exciting launch of our new project, the Campers Playing Cards. We explore our personal motivations behind creating a deck of cards, touching on our shared love for playing cards and our desire to contribute something tangible to the magic community. We discuss the functional enhancements we've included to make these cards more versatile for magicians, as well as the benefits of having custom decks for events, gifts, and personal use. Additionally, we reflect on the joy of seeing others use our creations and the practical aspects of distributing something that truly represents our brand.

Design Inspiration for Card Deck

We take us on a journey through the creative process behind designing a unique deck of playing cards. We explore the initial motivation for creating the cards, emphasizing the importance of having a clear purpose and concept. The discussion reveals the inspiration and brainstorming sessions that led to the final camping-themed design. Along the way, we recount how initial ideas, such as using a spray paint can or a dog shaking off water, evolved into the concept of using reflections in water for a naturally symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing back design. The narrative also touches on personal inspirations, like a commissioned artwork of a woman blowing dandelions, before settling on the final concept. Finally, we highlight the practical steps involved in bringing these ideas to life with the help of companies like Bicycle.

Deck of Cards Aesthetic Design Discussion

We explore the essential qualities of a perfect deck of cards for magic and cardistry. We discuss the importance of reflective back designs that maintain consistency across the deck, while avoiding symmetrical patterns that reveal reversed cards. Borders, particularly white ones, are a dealbreaker due to their potential to reveal card orientation and fraying issues. The color scheme for card faces should stick closely to traditional black and red for clarity, avoiding confusing variations. We emphasize the need for recognizable and distinguishable royal cards to facilitate easy performance and gameplay. Additionally, the aesthetics of a deck play a crucial role, as the design should resonate personally and fit various contexts, whether matching an outfit or evoking nostalgia. Lastly, we touch on our own approach to creating a deck that meets these criteria, encouraging listeners to check out our Kickstarter for visual details.

Magician's Guide and Camping Tricks

We reveal our offer for a free PDF, "The Magician's Guide to Camping and Card Tricks," which is tailored for beginners and laypeople, providing instructions on card tricks, marking systems, and camping games. We discuss the interactive Zoom video session where we will perform, teach, and engage in a Q&A, ensuring a tailored experience based on the attendees. Additionally, we introduce our premium $1,000 package, which includes two bricks of cards, the PDF, Zoom call, uncut sheet, recording of the session, and an exclusive all-expenses-covered cottage trip (excluding flight) with us and special guests, designed for an immersive magic experience with great amenities and magic jams.

View Details

Magician, comedian, and consultant Bruce Gold joins us for an enthralling chat about his dynamic journey from a childhood fascination with magic to an influential career in Hollywood. Starting with a magic set he received as a kid, Bruce shares his path through the comedy club scene, where he learned invaluable lessons by observing both triumphs and failures. He talks about the gritty reality of being overworked and underpaid in the early stages of a performer’s career, emphasizing how these experiences helped shape his unique style that blends magic and comedy.

Transitioning from the comedy club circuit to the Hollywood entertainment industry posed numerous challenges for Bruce, which he navigated through relentless networking and adaptability. He shares personal anecdotes about the balancing act of performing magic and stand-up, finding an agent, and eventually carving out a niche in the cruise ship entertainment circuit. This part of the conversation sheds light on the perseverance required to make a sustainable living as a performer, and the strategic choices necessary to avoid being typecast in an industry that often discourages showcasing a diverse skill set.

As the discussion progresses, Bruce delves into the evolution of magic performance, the significance of originality, and the art of developing a compelling stage persona. From the choreographed elegance of Doug Henning to the gritty street magic of David Blaine, Bruce offers a fascinating perspective on how magic has transformed over the years. He shares insights from his role as a talent booker for Franz Harary‘s House of Magic in Macau and provides practical advice on maintaining audience engagement and refining acts. Wrapping up, Bruce highlights the success of his coaching clients and encourages aspiring magicians and comedians to reach out for consulting sessions, underscoring the value of continuous improvement and mentorship in the entertainment world.

Transitioning From Comedy Clubs to Hollywood Explore the intricate journey of transitioning from being seen as a magician to establishing a financially sustainable career as an actor and comedian. We discuss the challenges faced when first moving to California, where advice often discourages showcasing magic skills to avoid being typecast. By sharing personal experiences, including keeping magic on the down low, performing at comedy clubs, and gradually securing gigs through diligent networking, we uncover the hurdles and strategies for making a living in the entertainment industry. The narrative covers the balance of performing both magic and standup, landing an agent, hosting pilots and game shows, and ultimately finding a niche in the cruise ship entertainment circuit. This chapter provides insights into the perseverance and adaptability required to thrive as a performer in Hollywood.

Developing Originality and Persona in Magic We discuss the evolution of magic performance, highlighting the shift from the clean, choreographed styles of Doug Henning and David Copperfield to David Blaine’s gritty, urban street magic. We examine the importance of originality in magic, emphasizing how a unique persona like Lucy Darling‘s can make familiar tricks feel fresh. The discussion underscores the role of character in both magic and acting, noting that developing a stage persona is a journey of self-discovery influenced by admired figures. Additionally, I share insights on coaching magicians, identifying common gaps such as reliance on rote performance and encouraging choices that maximize engagement and entertainment. We also touch on exercises to help magicians find their unique style by comparing themselves to other performers.

Maximizing Audience Engagement Through Performance This chapter focuses on the unique perspective of a performance coach, highlighting the crucial role of external observation in enhancing a performer’s act. We explore how creators, deeply immersed in their work, often miss elements visible to an audience, and how having a trusted outsider can reveal these hidden aspects. Techniques for maintaining audience engagement are discussed, including the “IU” storytelling method, which encourages audience participation and connection. Additionally, we address the importance of viewing the audience as individuals rather than a collective group, and the significance of direct eye contact in fostering a stronger connection. Practical advice for performers, especially those transitioning from close-up magic to stage performance, is also provided to help them understand and master stagecraft.

Endless ChainChristopher Hart

Jonathan Levit

Mentionshttps://www.facebook.com/BGoldTV/

https://www.instagram.com/brucegold/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-gold-92653a59/

The post The Art of Blending Comedy and Magic with Bruce Gold appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Learn how to diversify your magic career and discover why corporate gigs might not be the golden ticket they're often made out to be. Join host Jonah Babins as he guides you through the captivating world of alternative markets for magicians in this episode of Discourse in Magic. We'll dissect the allure of corporate events and uncover the real challenges that come with them, from their seasonal nature to the complexities of rebooking. This is an eye-opener for anyone who believes that corporate shows are the pinnacle of a magician's career.

But that's not all—we'll broaden your horizons by exploring other lucrative avenues. Imagine securing a restaurant residency with nightly performances, or entertaining at weddings where magic makes the evening unforgettable. Theaters offer the chance to perform for large audiences, often with impressive earnings, while colleges provide vibrant and enthusiastic crowds. House parties can lead to multiple bookings, and performing at religious establishments like churches and synagogues opens up yet another realm of possibilities. Whether you're a seasoned performer or just starting out, this episode will inspire you to think outside the corporate box and find success in diverse markets.

Reasons for Performing at Corporate Events

1. Bigger dollars for corporate events
2. They are classy and awesome looking events
3. They feel great

Reasons for Not Performing at Corporate Events

1. The gigs are inconsistent
2. They want a new show every time
3. Endless logistics to manage

View Details

Unlock the secrets of trade show magic with Danny Orleans, a master magician whose career spans from children's theater to corporate stages. You'll gain actionable insights into how Danny transitioned from performing at kids' birthday parties to captivating professional audiences at trade shows. Listen as he shares his journey, highlighting key strategies and influential mentors like Eugene Berger and Paul Gertner who helped shape his career.

Discover the often-overlooked opportunities in trade show magic, and learn how Danny navigated this niche market to secure and maintain high-profile bookings. From his initial break with a Canadian printer company to his successful techniques for integrating marketing messages with magic routines, Danny offers invaluable advice for magicians aspiring to thrive in the trade show arena. This episode is packed with tips on using technology for lead capture and the importance of blending seamlessly into the business environment.

Finally, we discuss the evolving landscape of modern magic, including the impact of social media and televised magic shows on the industry. Danny shares his thoughts on the challenges of performing in high-stakes environments like trade shows, where rejection is common and resilience is key. Additionally, you'll hear about quality resources and communities, like a dedicated Facebook group, that can support your growth in trade show magic. Whether you're a budding magician or a seasoned performer, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom and practical advice.

Trade Show Magic

Danny Orleans is a versatile magician renowned for his expertise in trade show magic.. Danny discusses the challenges and strategies for making a career in magic, highlighting his early successes and the affordability of education and living costs in the past. We explore his journey from birthday parties to becoming a professional magician, emphasizing the opportunities in trade show magic and providing insights into marketing and pricing for aspiring magicians.

Successful Trade Show Magic Strategies

We focus on the unique attributes and strategies of successful trade show magicians. We discuss how integrating seamlessly into the business environment, both in appearance and demeanor, is crucial for attracting corporate clients. The conversation highlights the importance of blending a marketing message with magic routines to captivate and qualify leads without overwhelming the audience.

Secrets of Trade Show Magic

We examine the evolution of magic tricks and the practicality of incorporating them into a magician's repertoire. We explore the criteria for evaluating a magic trick's effectiveness, such as its ease of use, portability, and suitability for various performance settings like Instagram or live gigs. Additionally, we discuss the importance of understanding the intended audience and context when purchasing magic tricks.

Endless ChainJan Rose Leah Orleans

Mentions

https://www.facebook.com/groups/tradeshowperformers http://dannyorleansmagic.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dannyorleans/

View Details

What if you could transform your passion for magic into a steady stream of gigs without quitting your day job? On this episode of Discourse in Magic, join me, Jonah Babins, as I reveal the secrets to getting your first paid magic performances. We’ll dissect the three pillars of a successful magician's business: establishing authority, mastering basic sales techniques, and generating leads. Learn how to create proof of your magical prowess with just a simple webpage or PDF, and understand the critical role of photos, testimonials, and logos in building your credibility.

Tune in to discover creative, actionable strategies to gather the all-important proof of your skills, even if you've never performed professionally before. From calling in favors to performing free shows, I'll guide you through leveraging your network effectively. This episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to book their first gigs and lay down the foundation for a successful career in magic. Whether you're an aspiring magician or looking to refine your booking approach, this episode offers invaluable tips and confidence to help you shine.

Three critical components:

1. Authority: Establish credibility with photos, testimonials, and logos from past performances.
2. Sales: Convert inquiries into bookings with basic sales techniques and reasonable pricing to build momentum.
3. Leads: Generate opportunities through cold emailing potential venues and using gig sites.

Jonah encourages new magicians to take proactive steps, build a portfolio, and reach out for help if needed, aiming to inspire and assist them in launching their magic careers.

View Details

Prepare to be amazed as we sit down with the extraordinary magician, Chris Michael! From his early days inspired by a local librarian magician to captivating audiences at high-profile corporate events, Chris's journey is nothing short of magical. He shares heartfelt stories about the emotional bonds formed through magic, particularly with his mother, and offers aspiring magicians invaluable advice on securing gigs and captivating audiences with charisma and close-up magic.

Chris reveals the power of storytelling in his craft, emphasizing how compelling, truthful narratives from one's life can create memorable connections with the audience. By sharing vivid childhood memories and encounters with famous magicians, Chris illustrates how these stories enhance a magician's persona and engagement. The episode also dives into the business side of magic, exploring strategies for recognizing and capitalizing on the true value of a magician's craft, building genuine relationships, and growing a strong support team.

Magician's Journey and Impact on Audience

Exploree the journey of Chris Michael, an extraordinary magician whose career has skyrocketed over the past decade. We discuss his humble beginnings, from being inspired by a local librarian magician named Jester Jim to learning tricks from his grandfather and uncle. Chris shares a touching story about how magic helped him bond with his mother, revealing the deeper emotional connections that magic can foster. Additionally, we cover the evolution of his career from local and library shows to high-profile corporate events, offering invaluable insights for aspiring magicians on how to secure gigs and captivate audiences with charisma and close-up magic.

Enhancing Stage Presence and Connection

Chris offers practical advice for magicians looking to enhance their stage presence and charisma. We explore the importance of delivery in magic performances, emphasizing the need for clarity and self-awareness. Drawing from personal experience and insights from working with directors like Scott Neary, we highlight the significance of appearing seasoned and composed on stage. Through relatable anecdotes, such as an unexpected Carly Rae Jepsen performance and a challenging live auction at the Embassy of Argentina, we illustrate the value of addressing audience concerns directly and maintaining honesty during unexpected situations. By setting clear expectations and acknowledging any mishaps, magicians can create a more engaging and authentic experience for their audience.

Building Relationships and Growing Teams

The importance of building genuine relationships in business, particularly through casual, friendly interactions rather than immediately focusing on transactions. Chris share strategies on how to remember personal details about people, maintain connections, and make others feel valued. We discuss the role of teamwork, emphasizing the need to hire help, even when it seems financially challenging, to grow the business. By creating a seamless blend between professional and personal interactions, I highlight how clients can become friends and how this approach fosters long-term success. Additionally, we touch on the logistical aspects of managing contacts and leveraging a CRM system, facilitated by gis team to ensure efficient follow-up and relationship management.

Creative Fulfillment in Modern Magic

Chris's creative journey as a magician who transitions from feeling cathartic fulfillment in performing a repeated story to seeking new projects. We discuss the distinct experiences between theater and corporate shows and the evolving role of technology in modern magic. There's a love-hate relationship with technology's impact on magic tricks, particularly with updates from companies like Apple.

Endless Chain

Eric Jones

Mentions

https://chrismikemagic.com/

https://www.instagram.com/chrismikemagic/

View Details

Unlock the secrets to booking your own magic shows and lectures as you follow my whirlwind journey through August! In this episode of Discourse in Magic I'll take you on a thrilling tour that begins at the Magic Live convention in Las Vegas, sweeps through a performance in LA, includes a business convention in Fiji, and features lectures in both Sydney and Melbourne. Whether you're just curious about life on the road as a magician or looking to share tricks and drinks with me along the way, there's something magical here for everyone.

But that's not all! I'll also reveal my tried-and-true strategies for booking gigs through the power of cold emails. Learn step-by-step how to connect with lecture clubs and venue owners, showcasing your past experiences and marketing materials to secure successful bookings. If you're an aspiring magician eager to expand your reach or simply interested in the behind-the-scenes workings of a magic tour, this episode is packed with practical advice and insider tips that are sure to enchant.

Come hang out with me!

• I am going to be at the Magic Live convention in Las Vegas In LA, August 4-7, 2024.
• Then I'm headed to LA to meet with a mastermind client and to do a show together August 9-11, 2024
• Then I'm going to Fiji for a business conenvention. If you're Fijian we should hang out!
• After Fiji I will be in Hawwaii for a business convention
• FInally I will by in Sydney and Melbourne for a lecture in each of those cities.

Three things that you need to start sending some cold emails.

• You need proof, something to actually send them.
• Send is context of other examples that you've done that.
• You need who to send the stuff to.

Links

Email me at Magic(at)TorontoMagicCompany(dot)com if you want to connect!

View Details

Renowned magic consultant Rory Adams joins us to share his incredible journey from a childhood fascination with magic, sparked by his grandfather’s box of tricks, to a decade-long career in magic TV show writing. Discover how his innovative approach of posting daily magic tricks on Instagram led to a consulting gig with Dynamo and paved the way for his remarkable career. Rory offers an insider’s look at the role of a magic consultant, emphasizing his unique focus on writing and the importance of hiring experts for magic-related projects.

In our chat, Rory reveals the creative processes behind some of your favorite TV segments, like James Corden’s “Carpool Karaoke,” and discusses the critical metrics for a consultant’s success. We delve into the nuances of magic consulting, comparing hands-on approaches to more conceptual ones, and the importance of restrictions in fostering creativity—especially within talent shows like America’s Got Talent. Rory also shares valuable insights into the collaborative nature of idea generation in magic and how expectations for viral success shape the creative process.

We explore the impact of social media on the magic world, particularly during the pandemic, with Rory recounting his experiences scripting videos for TikTok influencers. Learn about the strategies magicians can employ to succeed on platforms like TikTok and the ethical considerations in magic, from camera tricks to balancing the art’s mystery with new platforms. Wrapping up, we reflect on the evolution of the One Ahead blog, its focus on delivering high-value content, and Rory’s advice for growing a magic business. Don’t miss this episode filled with practical tips and behind-the-scenes stories from the fascinating world of magic consulting.

Networking and Hard Work in Magic We explore the journey of becoming a TV magic consultant through the lens of personal experience. I reflect on my early use of Instagram to showcase daily magic tricks and how this unique approach, coupled with the right timing, led to unexpected opportunities. We discuss the evolution of social media and its current landscape, noting that today’s aspiring magicians might need different strategies. Key advice includes the importance of hard work and building connections, illustrated by my experiences with networking and leveraging friendships. Notably, the strategic decision to stop posting videos at a critical moment played a pivotal role in securing a job with Dynamo, emphasizing the nuanced tactics that can lead to success in this competitive field.

Building Creative Magic for TVWe discuss the importance of restrictions in fostering creativity, particularly within the context of magic performances on shows like America’s Got Talent. We discuss how having a clear direction or goal can be more beneficial than focusing solely on restrictions. The conversation also touches on the distinction between invention and creativity, emphasizing that most magical acts are adaptations rather than completely original inventions. The challenges faced by magicians on talent shows are highlighted, particularly the influence of producers’ demands. Additionally, we share insights from working in a writer’s room, the significance of themes, and the importance of understanding performers’ goals, such as whether they aim to fool judges or achieve other objectives. The chapter concludes with an example of how expectations for viral success can shape the creative process in subsequent projects.

Debating Magicians and Camera Tricks What is the dichotomy between live and televised magic? We examine the frustrations magicians face when comparing the two mediums. We discuss the perception that big-budget TV tricks are less impressive than close-up magic performed live, emphasizing the value of personal interaction in magic. The conversation also touches on the contentious issue of camera tricks and other exclusive TV methods like staged mic checks, questioning whether such techniques should be deemed unfair. We acknowledge the unique constraints and benefits each medium offers, arguing that different settings allow for different methods, and ultimately, it’s about the overall experience and impact on the audience.

Magic Consulting and Coaching Trends This chapter explores the journey and evolution of the One Ahead website over the past three years, culminating in the recent launch of its latest version. We discuss the focus on delivering high-value content through a streamlined newsletter format, emphasizing quality over quantity. I express my excitement about the website’s newfound identity and stability, while highlighting the increasing popularity of newsletters and podcasting. We touch on modern magic’s diverse landscape, the annoyance of magicians asking pointless questions, and the issue of exposure in the magic community. Finally, we cover ways to stay updated with One Ahead and mention an upcoming magic book available to subscribers.

Endless Chainhttps://www.tomelderfield.com/

Linkshttps://www.oneahead.com/
https://discourseinmagic.com/virtual-offering-strategy/

The post The Secrets of Modern Magic with Rory Adams appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Unlock the secrets to producing successful public ticketed magic shows with me, Jonah Babins. This episode pulls back the curtain on the often unseen challenges and rewards of organizing these captivating events. From the intensive workload involved in venue selection, marketing, and ticket sales to the financial realities that can make or break your efforts, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of what it truly takes to bring your magic to the public eye.

We share the three primary hurdles that can make producing magic shows a daunting task, alongside three compelling reasons why the challenge might be worth your while. This isn’t about persuading you to take one path or the other—it’s about giving you the honest, unvarnished truth so you can make an informed decision. Whether you’re an aspiring magician or a seasoned pro, don’t miss this candid exploration of the highs and lows of producing public magic shows.

Reasons for not doing public magic shows1. They are a lot of work! 2. They are not the profitable. 3. It is rarely a booking audience

Reasons for doing public magic shows1. They are really fun! 2. They are a great environment to try new material 3. They are something to offer for free to past clients and your peers

Linkshttps://www.torontomagiccompany.com/ben-and-jonahs-magic-road-trip
https://www.facebook.com/events/d41d8cd9/tricks-in-the-six-with-matt-disero-jonah-babins-and-ben-train

The post Public Magic Shows appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Unlock the secrets to producing successful public ticketed magic shows with me, Jonah Babins. This episode pulls back the curtain on the often unseen challenges and rewards of organizing these captivating events. From the intensive workload involved in venue selection, marketing, and ticket sales to the financial realities that can make or break your efforts, you'll gain a thorough understanding of what it truly takes to bring your magic to the public eye.

We share the three primary hurdles that can make producing magic shows a daunting task, alongside three compelling reasons why the challenge might be worth your while. This isn't about persuading you to take one path or the other—it's about giving you the honest, unvarnished truth so you can make an informed decision. Whether you're an aspiring magician or a seasoned pro, don’t miss this candid exploration of the highs and lows of producing public magic shows.

Reasons for not doing public magic shows

1. They are a lot of work!

2. They are not the profitable.

3. It is rarely a booking audience

Reasons for doing public magic shows

1. They are really fun!

2. They are a great environment to try new material

3. They are something to offer for free to past clients and your peers

Links

https://www.torontomagiccompany.com/ben-and-jonahs-magic-road-trip https://www.facebook.com/events/d41d8cd9/tricks-in-the-six-with-matt-disero-jonah-babins-and-ben-train

View Details

Discover the remarkable journey of Spanish magician Jandro in this captivating episode of Discourse in Magic. Inspired by the legendary Juan Tamariz, Jandro recounts his serendipitous discovery of a local magician's academy in Valencia and his evolution into a renowned magician and TV personality. With anecdotes from his 15-year tenure on a Spanish late-night show, where he performed magic and wrote comedy for celebrities like Will Smith and Taylor Swift, this episode offers an enthralling peek behind the curtain into the world of magic and entertainment.

Creativity and Technique in MagicWe explore the importance of joke writing and daily practice in honing one's craft, whether it's magic or comedy. Jandro shares experiences from working on a magic TV show, emphasising the need for creativity when resources are limited. He recounts how rigorous practice with card techniques gave way to innovative, intuitive performance styles when working on live TV. We also discuss the concept of using jokes and situational techniques as alternatives to traditional magic methods, highlighting the blend of technical skill and creative thinking in successful magic performances. Fooling Penn and TellerJandro shares an amusing anecdote about wanting to perform a "car trick" on Penn and Teller's Fool Us, playing on language misunderstandings and breaking assumptions. We explore how the use of unexpected elements, such as shooting in a remote landscape with a printed background and utilising a drone instead of a webcam, enhances the performance. Additionally, the concept of integrating deeper messages into tricks is discussed, exemplified by a routine involving the consequences of lying, where each falsehood results in a cat's "explosion." The chapter concludes with insights into the strategies used to consistently fool seasoned magicians like Penn and Teller by always thinking ahead and presenting tricks designed specifically for one-time performances on the show.

Magical Masters and Creative InfluencesWe discuss the joy and growth that comes from collaborating with iconic figures like Penn and Teller, and how their innovative ideas elevate each other's work. The conversation highlights the profound impact of Spanish magicians like Juan Tamariz and his mentors, including Ascanio and Gabi Pareres, on the art of magic. We emphasise the importance of understanding the deep psychological and philosophical aspects behind magical performances, as well as the legacy left by these masters. The discussion also touches on the evolution of magic through the contributions of newer magicians who continue to build on the foundations laid by their predecessors, stressing the necessity of studying the masters to truly appreciate and advance the craft.

Endless ChainRuben Vilagrand

Linkshttps://x.com/Jandrohttps://www.penguinmagic.com/magician/juan-tamariz https://www.cwtv.com/shows/penn-teller-fool-us/

View Details

Unlock the secrets to making your magic performances more natural and convincing. Join Jonah Babins as he reveals his three favorite magic projects that have profoundly influenced his approach to magic and performance. From magic theory to practical techniques, these projects have reshaped his understanding and execution of the craft. Whether you're a seasoned magician or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical tips and theoretical gems that will inspire you to rethink and refine your magical chops!

Dani DaOrtiz’s Utopia

We start with Dani DaOrtiz’s groundbreaking "Utopia" series. Learn the transformative lessons contained in this four-DVD collection, produced by Luís de Matos. Dani’s emphasis on clarity and naturalness has reshaped his approach to close-up card magic, and why replacing suspicious maneuvers with straightforward actions can make your tricks more believable.

Discover how these priceless insights have not only enhanced Jonah's performances but can also revolutionize your own magic acts. Whether you're a seasoned magician or just starting out, these DVD’s are packed with practical tips and theoretical gems that will inspire you to rethink and refine your magical craft.

Asi Win’s Repertoire This volume presents an extensive collection of Asi Wind’s repertoire that stretches over the last two decades. Asi's style of performance has led him to devise magic that seems as fair as it gets and magic almost happens by itself. These routines that have been kept under wraps for many years are laid out here for the first time in great detail.

​Asi also revisits several routines he published in the past and brings them up to date with added details and features that he developed over the years while performing them. Magic Rainbow by Juan Tamariz The Magic Rainbow is the fruit of more than forty years of thought, study and analysis by Juan Tamariz, considered a genius of magic the world over. In 1988, Tamariz published The Magic Way, which became an immediate classic. In it he revealed a brilliant system for making the secret methods of magic effects impossible to detect. In The Magic Rainbow, Tamariz takes his readers and their audiences farther up The Magic Way until they are delivered to the ultimate destination, where logical analysis is abandoned to emotions of amazement, fascination and wonder; where the feeling of magic becomes, for a while, an impossibility firmly rooted in reality. MentionsDani DaOrtiz’s "Utopia" series Asi Win’s Repertoire Magic Rainbow by Juan Tamariz

View Details

Legendary magician Gaetan Bloom joins us to share his journey from a curious child to becoming an iconic figure in the world of magic. Throughout our conversation, Gaetan opens up about the pivotal mentors who shaped his path and how these relationships inspired his most famous tricks. He discusses his innovative approach to magic, which involves transforming everyday objects through curiosity and problem-solving. Whether you’re an aspiring magician or simply enchanted by the art of illusion, Gaetan’s insights are sure to captivate and inspire.Magical Beginnings and Creative InsightsExplore the fascinating journey of Gaetan Bloom, an incredible magician and creator. We discuss how he got started in magic, inspired by a magician he saw at a hotel show as a child. Gaetan shares his early experiences, including his first magic kit and his discovery of the legendary Mayette magic shop in Paris. He recounts his unwavering passion for magic despite his parents’ conventional careers and the influence of a well-known lawyer whose passion for magic helped Gaetan’s parents support his magical aspirations.

Influential Mentors and Creative InsightWe discuss how Gaetan proactively became known in magic clubs as a teenager and formed significant relationships with influential figures like Ken Brooke and Dai Vernon. These mentors played crucial roles in advancing his career. Notable highlights include his interactions with prominent magicians and the development of his famous standing card trick. We also touch on the impactful guidance from mentors such as Jean Merlin, James Hodges, and Finn Jon, each contributing uniquely to his growth and success in the world of magic.

The Magic of Object PresentationWe learn about the fascinating interplay between magic and objects, with a focus on the creativity involved in incorporating unusual props like boxing gloves. We discuss the inspiration behind using such unconventional items, tracing back to a comedic performance by the French entertainer Coluche, who played the violin with boxing gloves. We consider the approach to scripting and rehearsing, emphasizing the organic development of dialogue and presentation in magic routines.

Simplicity in Magical Inventions We explore the balance between originality and tradition in magic. I share my passion for fooling magicians by reinventing standard effects with new methods, emphasizing the importance of personal creativity over instant solutions available online. We touch upon the early inspiration from the Tarbell Course in Magic, where Gaetan challenged himself to develop unique methods for existing tricks.

Endless ChainCharlie Frye

Linkshttps://www.penguinmagic.com/magician/gaetan-bloom
https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/magician/Gaetan-Bloom/
https://www.mymagic.com/creator/gaetan-bloom

The post Reimagining Magic with Gaetan Bloom appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Legendary magician Gaetan Bloom joins us to share his journey from a curious child to becoming an iconic figure in the world of magic. Throughout our conversation, Gaetan opens up about the pivotal mentors who shaped his path and how these relationships inspired his most famous tricks. He discusses his innovative approach to magic, which involves transforming everyday objects through curiosity and problem-solving. Whether you're an aspiring magician or simply enchanted by the art of illusion, Gaetan's insights are sure to captivate and inspire.

Magical Beginnings and Creative Insights

Explore the fascinating journey of Gaetan Bloom, an incredible magician and creator. We discuss how he got started in magic, inspired by a magician he saw at a hotel show as a child. Gaetan shares his early experiences, including his first magic kit and his discovery of the legendary Mayette magic shop in Paris. He recounts his unwavering passion for magic despite his parents' conventional careers and the influence of a well-known lawyer whose passion for magic helped Gaetan's parents support his magical aspirations.

Influential Mentors and Creative Insight

We discuss how Gaetan proactively became known in magic clubs as a teenager and formed significant relationships with influential figures like Ken Brooke and Dai Vernon. These mentors played crucial roles in advancing his career. Notable highlights include his interactions with prominent magicians and the development of his famous standing card trick. We also touch on the impactful guidance from mentors such as Jean Merlin, James Hodges, and Finn Jon, each contributing uniquely to his growth and success in the world of magic.

The Magic of Object Presentation

We learn about the fascinating interplay between magic and objects, with a focus on the creativity involved in incorporating unusual props like boxing gloves. We discuss the inspiration behind using such unconventional items, tracing back to a comedic performance by the French entertainer Coluche, who played the violin with boxing gloves. We consider the approach to scripting and rehearsing, emphasizing the organic development of dialogue and presentation in magic routines.

Simplicity in Magical Inventions

We explore the balance between originality and tradition in magic. I share my passion for fooling magicians by reinventing standard effects with new methods, emphasizing the importance of personal creativity over instant solutions available online. We touch upon the early inspiration from the Tarbell Course in Magic, where Gaetan challenged himself to develop unique methods for existing tricks.

Endless Chain

Charlie Frye

Mentions Tarbell Course in Magic

Links

https://www.penguinmagic.com/magician/gaetan-bloom https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/magician/Gaetan-Bloom/ https://www.mymagic.com/creator/gaetan-bloom

View Details

What if charging $250 per show is the very thing holding you back from building a $100,000 magic business? This episode of Discourse in Magic, hosted by Jonah Babins, dives into the powerful strategy of reverse engineering your way to a six-figure income in the magic industry.

Do the math!Drawing from his unique background in pure math and his experience running a successful magic mastermind, Jonah breaks down the essential numbers and strategies you need to elevate your magic career. Whether you’re curious about the ideal number of bookings or questioning the feasibility of your current rates, this episode is packed with actionable insights that will transform your business approach.

Learn from the bestJoin Jonah as he shares enlightening conversations with fellow magicians during strategy sessions and mastermind meetings. Discover why sticking to rates like $250 or $400 per show could be the very obstacle in your path to financial success. From understanding your market positioning to identifying the right niche, Jonah provides practical math and strategic advice to help you hit — and surpass — the $100k mark. If you’re serious about refining your business strategy and making your magic career flourish, this episode is a must-listen!

Mentionshttps://discourseinmagic.com/mastermind-invitation/

The post The Math Of $100k appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

What if charging $250 per show is the very thing holding you back from building a $100,000 magic business? This episode of Discourse in Magic, hosted by Jonah Babins, dives into the powerful strategy of reverse engineering your way to a six-figure income in the magic industry.

Do the math!

Drawing from his unique background in pure math and his experience running a successful magic mastermind, Jonah breaks down the essential numbers and strategies you need to elevate your magic career. Whether you're curious about the ideal number of bookings or questioning the feasibility of your current rates, this episode is packed with actionable insights that will transform your business approach.

Learn from the best

Join Jonah as he shares enlightening conversations with fellow magicians during strategy sessions and mastermind meetings. Discover why sticking to rates like $250 or $400 per show could be the very obstacle in your path to financial success. From understanding your market positioning to identifying the right niche, Jonah provides practical math and strategic advice to help you hit — and surpass — the $100k mark. If you're serious about refining your business strategy and making your magic career flourish, this episode is a must-listen!

Mentions

https://discourseinmagic.com/mastermind-invitation/

View Details

Jeki Yoo joins host Jonah Babins to discuss his magic journey, experiences in competitions, and his unique approach to crafting magic for television and social media. They explore the magic scene in South Korea and delve into Jeki’s process of creating engaging pop-up magic videos, which can take weeks to perfect. Jeki shares his organizational methods, his passion for magic, and how he monetizes his craft through events and product sales. The conversation also touches on the broader magic community, the effects of accessibility,

Behind the Scenes of CreativityJeki’s dedication to his craft is truly admirable. We talked about his process for brainstorming and tracking ideas, and how he uses tools like Notion to keep his magical concepts organized. It’s a peek into the mind of a magician who’s always pushing the boundaries.

The Business of MagicLet’s not forget, magic is not just about the applause; it’s also a livelihood. Jeki opened up about how he balances his passion with the practical aspects of running a magic business, from performing at events to selling his own magic products.

“Oh My” – More Than Just a CatchphraseWe even touched on the origin of Jackie’s iconic catchphrase “oh my” and his thoughts on the current state of the magic world. It’s a mix of excitement for the accessibility of magic today and a call for preserving the discipline and mystery that makes magic so special.

Endless ChainXavier Mortimer
Calen Morelli
Matt Pitchford

MentionsThe International Brotherhood of Magicians
Jeff McBride’s Card Manipulation Course

Linkshttps://www.instagram.com/jekiyoo
https://www.jekiyoo.com/

The post Jeki Yoo: The Art of Pop-Up Magic appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jecki Yoo joins host Jonah Babins to discuss his magic journey, experiences in competitions, and his unique approach to crafting magic for television and social media. They explore the magic scene in South Korea and delve into Jecki's process of creating engaging pop-up magic videos, which can take weeks to perfect. Jecki shares his organizational methods, his passion for magic, and how he monetizes his craft through events and product sales. The conversation also touches on the broader magic community, the effects of accessibility,

Behind the Scenes of Creativity Jecki's dedication to his craft is truly admirable. We talked about his process for brainstorming and tracking ideas, and how he uses tools like Notion to keep his magical concepts organized. It's a peek into the mind of a magician who's always pushing the boundaries.

The Business of Magic Let's not forget, magic is not just about the applause; it's also a livelihood. Jecki opened up about how he balances his passion with the practical aspects of running a magic business, from performing at events to selling his own magic products.

"Oh My" - More Than Just a Catchphrase We even touched on the origin of Jackie's iconic catchphrase "oh my" and his thoughts on the current state of the magic world. It's a mix of excitement for the accessibility of magic today and a call for preserving the discipline and mystery that makes magic so special.

Endless Chain Xavier Mortimer Calen Morelli Matt Pitchford

Mentions The International Brotherhood of Magicians Jeff McBride's Card Manipulation Course

Links https://www.instagram.com/jekiyoo https://www.jekiyoo.com/

View Details

In this episode of the “Discourse in Magic” podcast, host Jonah Babins discusses the ten-hour rule for running a magic business. He advises magicians to limit administrative work to ten hours a week to focus on performance and creativity.

Three ways to stop wasting time:

1. Ineffective tasks should be stopped
2. Effective tasks should be optimized or scaled with technology.
3. Successful tasks may require hiring help. Assess your business activities and optimize or delegate tasks.

Discourse in Magic Mastermind

Send a message to magic@torontomagiccompany.com with the word SCALE and Jonah will send you the deets and see if it’s a fit to work together!

The post The Ten Hour Rule appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In this episode of the "Discourse in Magic" podcast, host Jonah Babins discusses the ten-hour rule for running a magic business. He advises magicians to limit administrative work to ten hours a week to focus on performance and creativity.

Three ways to stop wasting time:

1. Ineffective tasks should be stopped
2. Effective tasks should be optimized or scaled with technology.
3. Successful tasks may require hiring help. Assess your business activities and optimize or delegate tasks.

Discourse in Magic Mastermind

Send a message to magic@torontomagiccompany.com with the word SCALE and Jonah will send you the deets and see if it’s a fit to work together!

View Details

In this episode of "Discourse in Magic," host Jonah Babins interviews Franz Harary, a renowned magician and illusion designer. Franz shares his magical journey, starting with a childhood magic set that sparked his interest in fooling adults and led to his passion for creating original illusions.

Lesson 1: A journey into magic and illusion design Franz recounts his early experiments with cardboard and duct tape, his inspiration from Doug Henning, and his innovative approach to making a car appear, which he later sold to famous magicians. He recalls a pivotal moment when, at 16, he ingeniously used perspective to make a car appear out of thin air—a method he later sold to renowned magicians like David Copperfield and Criss Angel.

Lesson 2: Working with Michael Jackson and other artists Franz also discusses his time working with Michael Jackson on the Victory Tour and his subsequent career as an illusion designer for various pop stars and Broadway shows. This leap of faith catapulted him into the limelight, and he quickly became known as the young kid who designs illusions for the stars.

Lesson 3: Understanding one's identity as an artist Franz emphasizes the importance of understanding who you are as a magician, the message you convey, and the need to push the boundaries of magic alongside technological advancements. For Franz, his message has been about equality and empowerment, showing audiences that they too can achieve the seemingly impossible.

Lesson 4: Pushing the art form forward Franz encourages magicians to take risks, be unique, and continually innovate. He shares a piece of advice from Michael Jackson that has become his mantra: "Whatever you do, do it differently and better than anybody else." This is what transforms a craftsman into an artist.

Links & Mentions https://ronsaylor.com/ https://www.facebook.com/saylormagic/

View Details

In this episode of "Discourse in Magic," host Jonah Babins shares the exciting news about the podcast's return. Listeners can look forward to fresh interviews and episodes covering a wide range of topics within the magic community.

Jonah's "Fool Us" Jonah discusses his recent experiences, including his appearances on the television show "Fool Us." He also encourages fellow magicians to seize the opportunity and apply to be on the show.

Free Training Resource for Magicians A new free training resource is introduced by Jonah, designed to help magicians increase their business success. This tool is aimed at magicians looking to elevate their professional endeavors.

How to get more Reviews, Referrals, and Rebookings: https://discourseinmagic.com/double-your-referrals-reviews-and-rebookings/

Growth of a Secret Magic Convention Jonah recounts the expansion of a secret magic convention, sharing insights into its development and what it offers to the magic community.

Consulting Work with Asi Wind The episode delves into Jonah's consulting work with Asi Wind, providing a glimpse into his role and contributions to the magic scene.

Lectures and Performances Jonah talks about his extensive travels for lectures and performances. He shares his experiences and the knowledge he has gained from engaging with magicians around the world.

Mastermind Group Invitation If you're already at 25k per month or more in your magic business and want to scale to 6 figures and far beyond I might be able to help. Send me a message to magic@torontomagiccompany.com with the word MASTERMIND and I can walk you through what it looks like to work together and see if I can help!

THANKS for returning back, it's been a pleasure to be back in your earlobes. Looking forward to more fun together.

View Details

Jonah returns from the wild to let you know that tomorrow, November 9 2023, he and Ben Train will be appearing for the second time on Penn & Teller’s Fool Us!

In this special magic appetizer, Jonah offers up the three biggest lessons he learned on his second appearance of Fool Us and why you should apply to appear on this show or any other.

Lesson 1: Getting Back On The ShowJonah and Ben’s second appearance on Fool Us is a very different story than the first time last year. This time they had much less time to prepare and the trick they were rehearsing was originally designed for a different show altogether. Jonah shares what he and Ben had to do to apply to Fool Us, listen to the feedback from the producers, and modify what they were pitching so they’d be accepted back.

Lesson 2: The Week OfJonah and Ben made a huge mistake the week of their second appearance on Fool Us. That huge mistake was attending the Magic Live convention. It’s an amazing convention but with Fool Us on their minds neither Jonah or Ben could really enjoy the convention and with the distraction of Magic Live they weren’t able to properly prepare for their appearance on Fool Us. If he had to do it again Jonah would have made sure to keep his head clear in the week leading up to Fool Us and he offers his insight on what you should do in the final days before appearing on any show

Lesson 3: The Day OfYou might recall that last year when Jonah and Ben first appeared on Fool Us they had a stressful rehearsal where the ribbon they used around the watermelon broke. Back then the producers were calm and collected, offered some advice, and the two of them were able to successfully perform in front of Penn & Teller.

This year they thought their rehearsal went really well but this time the producers approached them with a concern that the photographs they were using, which were integral to the entire trick, were using a colour that the cameras weren’t able to capture.

With only three hours until taping, Jonah and Ben had to scramble to create new pictures, get them printed, and all the other secret arts and crafts that had to be done to make the trick work.

So what should you do when everything starts to go wrong just before the cameras are rolling? Jonah shares his insight on those final moments on the day of their shoot.

This Friday!If you want to find out if Jonah and Ben successfully fooled Penn & Teller you can watch their appearance on tomorrow’s broadcast on The CW!

Jonah will be back to recording more interviews and lessons for you in the coming months but until then if you’re thinking of applying to appear on a show like Fool Us, you should!

The post Three Things I Learned During My Second Appearance On Fool Us appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah returns from the wild to let you know that tomorrow, November 9 2023, he and Ben Train will be appearing for the second time on Penn & Teller’s Fool Us!

In this special magic appetizer, Jonah offers up the three biggest lessons he learned on his second appearance of Fool Us and why you should apply to appear on this show or any other.

For more content visit www.discourseinmagic.com John the discourse and be a part of our Facebook group!

View Details

Jonah is joined by Juan Esteban Varela, a master at performing without props. Juan is the mind behind Magic in the Dark and in this conversation he talks all about it, about magic without props, and shares his personal story through magic and how wonderful it is. 

The post Magic Without Props with Juan Esteban Varela appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined by Juan Esteban Varela, a master at performing without props. Juan is the mind behind Magic in the Dark and in this conversation he talks all about it, about magic without props, and shares his personal story through magic and how wonderful it is.

For more content visit www.discourseinmagic.com John the discourse and be a part of our Facebook group!

View Details

In this magical appetizer, Jonah makes a case for counting tricks. Love them or hate them Jonah is convinced that they should be a staple trick in your roster and lays out his reasons why.

For more content visit www.discourseinmagic.com John the discourse and be a part of our Facebook group!

View Details

Jonah is joined by Dustin Dean, an incredible mentalist who you may have seen on your TikTok feed debunking psychics

The post Social Media Magic with Dustin Dean appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined by Dustin Dean, an incredible mentalist who you may have seen on your TikTok feed. He has over half a million followers and countless videos with millions of views. In this conversation we’ll learn all about his success, how you can get into growing your social media presence, and how to thread the line between fooling your audience and being honest with them.

For more content visit www.discourseinmagic.com John the discourse and be a part of our Facebook group!

View Details

Three ways that you can grow your business to making more than 3k a month in the next six months

The post Magic Appetizer: 3 Ways to Make 3k appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In this magic appetizer Jonah offers up three ways that you can grow your business to making more than 3k a month in the next six months.

For more content visit www.discourseinmagic.com John the discourse and be a part of our Facebook group!

View Details

Three things that you may want to think about when you are creating magic, making routines, and putting stuff out in the world. 

The post Magic Appetizer: Three Notes on Creativity appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In this magic appetizer Jonah offers up three tips for creativity, things to consider when you're creating magic, creating routines, and putting stuff out into the world.

For more content visit www.discourseinmagic.com John the discourse and be a part of our Facebook group!

View Details

David Gerard on how to face the harsh reality of criticism, examining what it feels like to be fooled, and how to grow your magic business

The post Magic, Mindfulness, and Marketing with David Gerard appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined by David Gerard, a magician who started later in life after a career working in silicon valley marketing for startups. David’s unique background and experiences blends perfectly with Jonah’s interests and curiosity in this conversation that covers everything from how to face the harsh reality of criticism and examining what it feels like to be fooled, to discussions on marketing yourself for corporate events, retaining your clients, and how to grow your magic business.

For more content visit www.discourseinmagic.com John the discourse and be a part of our Facebook group!

View Details

Today Jonah talks about how to sell tickets to your public magic show

The post Magic Appetizer: How To Sell Out Your Show appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined by FISM winner Markobi where they talk all about what it takes to win a competition, what it’s like to work with a team, and what it’s like to work alone.

Free Videos and Social MediaMarkobi learned his first magic tricks from those very same free youtube channels that magicians in the industry today can’t stand. From those videos he started following the names that kept showing up in the comments and began connecting with more and more people doing anything he could to speak to magicians on social media. From there it was up to him to take the train to Paris and start meeting these magicians in person. Markobi speaks candidly with Jonah about how important those early days of networking and connection were to figuring out what kind of magician he wanted to become.

The Road To FISMIn this conversation Markobi shares with Jonah who his inspirations were for his grand champion win at FISM 2022. He talks about what it’s like to work on a team, and some of the misconceptions you may have about what it means to be on a competition magic team, it’s a lot more alone time than you may think.

Most magicians are quick to point out that Markobi’s FISM performance is very funny for magicians and seems particularly tailored to that particular audience and environment. With Jonah, Markobi gets into the considerations he made when scripting his world champion performance and how he tailors his jokes for the audience he has. He also offers up advice on how you should handle your time at a competition you’re competing in.

Finally, Markobi catches us up on how his life has changed post FISM. The work he’s doing now and how winning the grand prize at FISM isn’t the end of the road but just the very beginning for him.

Wrap-UpEndless ChainAlain Simonov

What do you like about modern magic? What do you not like?A lot of magicians are keeping to the basics and old techniques despite the rise and lure of modern technology. Even new discoveries are being found by studying old books and continuing old traditions of magic. Even young magicians are not forgetting about the past but looking to it for inspiration, which is very surprising.

The importance of mentalism is very boring. It’s not always bad but everyone wants to do it and there’s a lot more bad mentalism than good mentalism. Too many mentalists are just following trends.

PlugsSince FISM, Markobi’s youtube channel has been reopened at youtube.com/@Markobi1

On Instagram, take note that you add the extra “m” at the end of his name at instagram.com/markobim

If you’re following those two channels you’ll be the first to know when Markobi’s book is ready!

The post The World Champion of Magic with Markobi appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined by FISM winner Markobi where they talk all about what it takes to win a competition, what it’s like to work with a team, and what it’s like to work alone.

For more content visit www.discourseinmagic.com John the discourse and be a part of our Facebook group!

View Details

Jonah invites you to join in on his mastermind course where you can scale up your magic business.

For more content visit www.discourseinmagic.com John the discourse and be a part of our Facebook group!

View Details

Jonah is joined by Jason Suran who shares his advice on how to build lasting relationships to support your magic business. Jason is a mentalist based in New York and has done a ton of work on TV and company gigs and has even performed for four NBA teams. He gives us tips on how to grow a loyal group of clients and shares stories on what has gone great and what has gone wrong and takes us behind the scenes on what it’s like to perform for Speakeasy Magic.

For more content visit www.discourseinmagic.com John the discourse and be a part of our Facebook group!

View Details

Jonah offers up the world’s shortest but most effective business tip towards booking a client.

There is a very famous email in the world of marketing, called Dean Jackson’s 9 Word Email, and Jonah breaks down why it works so well and how you can adapt it to the world of magic. 

For more help like this be sure to sign up for Jonah’s e-mail at discourseinmagic.com/updates

The post Magic Appetizer: Dean Jackson’s 9 Word Email appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah offers up the world's shortest but most effective business tip towards booking a client.

For more content visit www.discourseinmagic.com John the discourse and be a part of our Facebook group!

View Details

Laura London is a legend in the magic community. She’s been on Penn & Teller’s Fool Us and The Next Great Magician. She’s had her own show, Cheat, in the Edinburgh Fringe. She’s an Inner Magic Circle member of the Magic Circle and she shares her incredible story and upbringing into the way of magic and how you can build a show too.

For more content visit www.discourseinmagic.com John the discourse and be a part of our Facebook group!

View Details

Jonah dives into artificial intelligence and how it can potentially help you out with your magic business. In this magician’s appetizer he’ll touch on three ways to use AI in your magic business including how to fix your replies to clients, help drive more traffic to your website, and how maximize the effectiveness of your cold emails.

For more content visit www.discourseinmagic.com John the discourse and be a part of our Facebook group!

View Details

This week Jonah is joined by sideshow and magic legend Todd Robbins. Todd has had an action packed career that has sent him around the the last of the sideshows to creating theatre productions alongside Teller to running what may be the greatest magic show that has ever existed, Speakeasy Magic at the McKittrick Hotel.

In this conversation Todd shares with Jonah how he ended up learning sideshow as a kid to eventually befriending Penn & Teller. He offers up the lessons he’s learned when creating shows for theatre and helps explain the difference between entertainment and art.

Wrap-UpEndless ChainErika Larsen, Blaise Serra, Matt Holtzclaw, & Prakash Puru

What do you like about modern magic? What do you not like?The greatest level of technique in the history of magic is going on right now thanks to the internet and the sharing of ideas.

There’s more magic now than there has ever been and yet it’s not making an impact that an old television special would do.

Take home pointCreate something that has content. Create something that the audience hasn’t seen before.

PlugsFind out more about Speakeasy Magic at mckittrickhotel.com

The post Creating Magic With Content with Todd Robbins appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah is joined by sideshow and magic legend Todd Robbins. Todd has had an action packed career that has sent him around the the last of the sideshows to creating theatre productions alongside Teller to running what may be the greatest magic show that has ever existed, Speakeasy Magic at the McKittrick Hotel.

In this conversation Todd shares with Jonah how he ended up learning sideshow as a kid to eventually befriending Penn & Teller. He offers up the lessons he’s learned when creating shows for theatre and helps explain the difference between entertainment and art.

For more content visit www.discourseinmagic.com John the discourse and be a part of our Facebook group!

View Details

Jonah connects with Kim Andersen, a comedy magician from Denmark who has created some unforgettable magic products. In this conversation he'll share with Jonah how he found himself immersed in the Danish magic scene, how he found himself creating content for his own television show, how he goes about challenging himself to keep creating, and why he always carries coins into the shower.

For more content visit www.discourseinmagic.com John the discourse and be a part of our Facebook group!

View Details

This week Jonah connects with magic inventor and creative genius Tobias Dostal. Tobias is creating stuff that is not unlike anything you have ever seen before with tricks like Silhouette, Ping, and Stay Cool. In this conversation Tobias shares with Jonah his background in visual arts, his love of photography, and how he was able to use his unique background and interests to carve a new path for magic for everyone. You’ll learn about how to create, how to get inspiration, and what to do with a studio, with deadlines, and limitations.

Wrap-UpEndless ChainJohn Steiner. An amazing magician who currently lives in Spain. An elegant magician with sleight of hand that is really well thought through. He’s never satisfied with routines and is always searching for the perfect thing.

What do you like about modern magic? What do you not like?While attending conventions Tobias is amazed at how many more women are involved in the magic scene.

Tobias thinks people should find their thing and take their thing rather than using styles and creations by other magicians.

Take home pointIt’s great if you look for new magic tricks that aren’t classics. Leave your house without the deck of cards.

PlugsTobias has a gallery at KWADRAT Berlin: http://www.kwadrat-berlin.com/artists/tobias-dostal

You can also learn more about Tobias at https://www.tobiasdostal.com/

And follow Tobias on instagram at @tobias_dostal

And check out his gumroad listing at https://dostalgy.gumroad.com/

The post Never Before Seen Magic with Tobias Dostal appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah connects with magic inventor and creative genius Tobias Dostal. Tobias is creating stuff that is not unlike anything you have ever seen before with tricks like Silhouette, Ping, and Stay Cool. In this conversation Tobias shares with Jonah his background in visual arts, his love of photography, and how he was able to use his unique background and interests to carve a new path for magic for everyone. You’ll learn about how to create, how to get inspiration, and what to do with a studio, with deadlines, and limitations.

For more content visit www.discourseinmagic.com John the discourse and be a part of our Facebook group!

View Details

Jonah is back with all new episodes of Discourse in Magic. After taking time off after the busy holiday season, Jonah has been busy touring and attending events around the country and beyond. In this episode he'll catch you up on his lecture and performance tours as well as filling you in on his experiences attending Magifest and Blackpool. Jonah will also offer up tips on how to launch your own performance tour and what you can do to help grow your magic business during the slowest time of the year.

For more content visit www.discourseinmagic.com John the discourse and be a part of our Facebook group!

View Details

Jonah is back with all new episodes of Discourse in Magic!

After taking time off after the busy holiday season, Jonah has been busy touring and attending events around the country and beyond. In this episode he’ll catch you up on his lecture and performance tours as well as filling you in on his experiences attending Magifest and Blackpool. Jonah will also offer up tips on how to launch your own performance tour and what you can do to help grow your magic business during the slowest time of the year.

If you’d like to learn more about booking the “Ben & Jonah Mean Business” lecture or would like to join up for one of the remaining seats available in Jonah’s six-figure mastermind course then e-mail Jonah at magic@torontomagiccompany.com, and be sure to include the word “intensive” in the subject if you’re interested in that mastermind course!

The post Magic Appetizer: Touring, Conventions, and Growing Your Business appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This duo from Germany has been taking the world by storm with their silly and engaging TikTok videos, an hilarious performance on America’s Got Talent, and sold out shows wherever they go

The post Magic for the Crowd with Siegfried & Joy appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined by Siegfried & Joy. This duo from Germany has been taking the world by storm with their silly and engaging TikTok videos, an hilarious performance on America’s Got Talent, and sold out shows wherever they go. They'll reveal to Jonah all of their secrets, except where they get their fabulous outfits!

For more content visit www.discourseinmagic.com John the discourse and be a part of our Facebook group!

View Details

Jonah and Ben answer all your questions about how they got their appearance on Penn and Teller’s Fool Us, and how you can get yours too.

For more content visit www.discourseinmagic.com John the discourse and be a part of our Facebook group!

View Details

Jonah & Ben will perform on Pen & Teller's Fool Us this Friday, November 4th 2022!

The post Fool Us, Starring Jonah Babins and Ben Train! appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Mortenn Christiansen is a Danish magician who recently won first place at FISM 2022 for comedy

The post Aiming Higher with Mortenn Christiansen appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah shares with you his secrets on how to get an extra 50 to 250 leads during the busiest time of the year for a magician

The post Magic Appetizer: How To Get Extra Leads appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah connects with cardistry legend Franco Pascali

The post Creating to Problem Solve with Franco Pascali appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Tips for you as magicians enter their busiest time of the year

The post Magic Appetizer: Past, Present, and Your Future appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah connects with magic consultant Blake Vogt. Together they walk through how to be creative, how to work with a team, and Blake shares some incredible stories from his time as a magic consultant.

The post Becoming a Magic Consultant with Blake Vogt appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah connects with Kevin Li where he offers up tips on how to build your brand, your identity, and your magic from influences outside of the magical realm

The post Seeking Magic Inspiration with Kevin Li appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Mark Desouza might be one of the most well connected magicians around with a deep curiosity of the art of magic and an even deeper collection of magic props.

The post Curiosity, Collections, & Community with Mark Desouza appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

The three biggest mistakes that magicians make when they're testing our new material for their shows.

The post Magic Appetizer: How to Test New Material appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah connects with movie writer & director Kate Tsang to talk about her latest movie, Marvelous and the Black Hole

The post Making Movie Magic with Kate Tsang appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Benjamin Barnes on the unique Chicago magic scene and what to look for when you want to build your own magic community

The post Building A Magic Community with Benjamin Barnes appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah speaks with Benjamin Barnes about the unique Chicago magic scene and what to look for when you want to build your own magic community.

For more content visit www.discourseinmagic.com John the discourse and be a part of our Facebook group!

View Details

This week Jonah offers up three tips to consider when making your promo video.

The post Your Promo Video appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah offers up three tips to consider when making your promo video.

For more content visit www.discourseinmagic.com John the discourse and be a part of our Facebook group!

View Details

This week Jonah is joined by Jonathan Bayme, CEO of theory11, to talk about his work applying magic minded thinking to his business and the products he creates.

The post Magic Minded Thinking with Jonathan Bayme appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah is joined by Jonathan Bayme, CEO of theory11, to talk about his work applying magic minded thinking to his business and the products he creates.

For more content visit www.discourseinmagic.com John the discourse and be a part of our Facebook group!

View Details

Jonah returns with all new interviews and discussions coming your way.

The post I’m Back! appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah is joined by prolific magician and prop maker, Bizzaro

The post Building Stronger Magic with Bizzaro appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This with Jonah connects with Bao Hoang to discuss how he’s grown as an online magician and his success in creating and selling unique collectible card sets.

The post Giving Value to your Online Magic with Bao Hoang appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah offers up his suggestions for the best software you can use to maximize your team's potential. 

The post Magic Appetizer: Software For Your Team appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Ben Train pops in to offer some important tips to help you overcome any fear you may have surrounding performing the magic tricks that you've been practicing on.

The post How to Get Over Your Fear of Performing with Ben Train appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah shares with you a sample of his workshop where he helps magicians grow their business and double their earnings

The post [LIVE Workshop] Double Your Magic Business appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah connects with David Regal to discuss writing magic for television and the innovative ways that David approaches magic.

The post Approaching Magic With Innovation With David Regal appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah welcomes you to the new year and new plans for Discourse in Magic in 2022

The post New Year, New Podcast appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah has a very short message for you going into the final week of the holiday season.

The post Happy Holidays from Discourse in Magic appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah connects with John Graham who has just released his new book, "Stage by Stage", which is all about transitioning to stage magic.

The post Transitioning To Stage Magic with John Graham appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah reveals to you what the best tool you can use to help grow your magic business. And it's something you already own...  

The post Magic Appetizer: The Best Magic Business Tool You Already Own appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah shares with you his top three picks for magic theory books that will make the biggest impact on your magic.

The post Magic Appetizer: Top 3 Magic Theory Books appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Three tips on how to transform your five figure magic hustle into a six figure magic career

The post Magic Appetizer: Grow Your Magic Business From Five To Six Figures appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Ben Train fills in for Jonah and offers up some tips on what he is doing to overcome his fear of returning to the stage after so much time away

The post Preparing For Your Magic Comeback with Ben Train appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah and Ben are back for one more time to talk about the fifth, and final, UnCoventional.fun virtual 8-bit magic convention.

The post Magic Appetizer: Unconventional.fun 5 appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah connects with professor Richard Wiseman to discuss co-authoring his book with David Copperfield, debunking supernatural claims, and the ethical responsibilities that magicians have with their audiences.

The post The History of Magic with Professor Richard Wiseman appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah shares with you three tips to help you get better at booking gigs

The post Magic Appetizer: Getting Gigs appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah connects with Jeff McBride to talk all about the theatre of magic, the phases that every magician might go through, and his thoughts on the growth of virtual magic shows

The post Teaching Magic Theatre with Jeff McBride appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah connects with Giancarlo Bernini to talk all about his journey navigating the pandemic so soon after his major breakout in magic on Fool Us

The post Reinventing Your Magic with Giancarlo Bernini appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah connects with Tyler Rabbit to talk all about his amazing work with coin magic and his thoughts on the suspension of disbelief and the rise of exposure culture.

The post Coin Magic & The Suspension of Disbelief with Tyler Rabbit appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah connects with Colin McLeod to talk about his return to his live show at the Mirage in Vegas.

The post Truth & Deception with Colin McLeod appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

September, October, November, and December are ridiculously important months for your magic business.

The post Magic Appetizer: Yeses, Nos, and Maybes appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah is thrilled to connect with the legendary Bill Malone.

The post The Best Magic Show Of Your Life with Bill Malone appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week we share with you an episode from the Between Dreams podcast with Chris Ruggiero, who recently featured Jonah as a guest. 

The post Between Dreams Podcast with Chris Ruggiero appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah offers up three tips to help you boost your magic creative output

The post Magic Appetizer: 3 Tips For Being Creative appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week we share a segment from the Three Questions with Jake Strong Podcast, in which Jonah was recently a guest on. 

The post Three Questions With Jake Strong Podcast appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah sits down with Joe Rindfleisch to talk all about rubber band magic and hoe Joe is at the forefront of developing the language used to teach this style of magic and the classic magic he taps into to influence the new tricks he's developing.

The post The Secrets of Rubber Band Magic with Joe Rindfleisch appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Ben and Jonah are back to get you excited about taking UnConventional.fun beyond the final frontier... space! 

The post UnConventional.fun … In Space! appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah connects with legendary "underground" magician Howard Hamburg.

The post Magical Stories of Magic Legends with Howard Hamburg appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah connects with Helder Guimarães, a prolific magician known for bending the expectations of what a magic show is capable of.

The post Creating Impossible Magic Experiences with Helder Guimarães appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Ben and Jonah discuss the winding down of virtual shows, what their first live show post-pandemic was like, and how they're planning for the future of in-person shows.

The post The Toronto Magic Company Bought A Teleprompter! appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah shares with you six tools that will make working with your team easier as you expand your magic business.  

The post Magic Appetizer: Tools For Your Team appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah connects with Ekat, to talk about creating content online, the difficulty in marketing magic, and the challenges that come up when trying to ethically review magic products.

The post Reviewing & Marketing The Secrets of Magic with Ekat appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah connects with Cody Clark to talk about his sensory sensitivity shows for autistic audiences, performing with autism, and the obstacles that still remain in the magic community for minority and disabled performers

The post Overcoming Obstacles In Magic With Cody Clark appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah connects with John Gaspard and Jim Cunningham, the minds behind Sunday Night Magic and the Eli Marks series of mystery novels

The post Creating Magic Adjacent Content with John Gaspard and Jim Cunningham appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

How the Toronto Magic Company is handling the virtual slowdown, the future of Unconventional.fun, and recommended tools to help run your business

The post Tips, Tools, and Tricks of the Trade with The Toronto Magic Company appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah connects with Peter Samelson where he offers up three questions we can ask ourselves to make our magic scripts better.

The post Three Questions To Ask Yourself with Peter Samelson appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah connects with Doc Dixon to talk about comedy in magic and the work that goes into getting those laughs

The post Making Magic Funny with Doc Dixon appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Three success stories from the Upgrade Academy

The post Upgrade Your Magic Business with Upgrade Academy appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah connects with Chris Cox to discuss his unique brand of mentalism, what it's been like to go from touring every day to virtual shows at home, and why he loves magic but doesn't find magic very interesting

The post Not Taking Magic Seriously with Chris Cox appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Ben and Jonah are back with the latest from the Toronto Magic Company. This week they're returning to MagicLand and they want you to return with them. 

The post Toronto Magic Company Returns To MagicLand appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah connects with Trigg Watson where they break down how he quit his corporate job to perform in magic full time, how he developed his reputation as the "tech magician", and his advice for you when developing magic for a video camera lens.

The post Developing Magic Through Technology with Trigg Watson appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Ben Train returns to join Jonah in another check in with the Toronto Magic Company where they discuss the changing dynamics of the magic industry during the pandemic, the launch of their YouTube programming, and their fears about the future of virtual magic.

The post Toronto Magic Company: Is Virtual Magic Ending? appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

A crossover episode with the Shezam podcast where Jonah and Kayla talk about producing magic podcasts, hosting virtual conventions, and the challenges facing the magic community today.

The post Virtual Shows, Virtual Conventions, and Magic Podcasts with Kayla Dreshcer from Shezam! appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Is virtual magic ending? This week Jonah offers up three tips to help you plan for the future when the world pivots back to live in-person events

The post Magic Appetizer: The Pivot Back appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined by virtual magician extraordinaire, Harrison Kramer, to discuss all things virtual magic and why it's here to stay forever.

The post The Future of Virtual Magic with Harrison Kramer appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Ben joins Jonah to talk about their biggest business failures of 2020, how they happened, and what they learned from those experiences.

The post Our Greatest Failures of 2020 with Ben and Jonah appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined by legendary magician and comedian Mac King to talk about his life growing up with magic, blending stand up comedy with magic performance, and moving to Vegas to perform at Harrah’s Hotel.

The post Stand-Up Comedy Magic with Mac King appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah was invited onto the Of Sleights and Men podcast to talk about running his various businesses and the balance between his love of magic and his love of entrepreneurship.

The post Of Sleights And Men Podcast appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined by Scot Nery, a juggler, magician, and entertainer who now helps entertainers with their branding, marketing, and more helping to identify their value and the value they bring to their clients. 

The post Discovering Your Value with Scot Nery appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah gives you three reasons why you absolutely should put on your first ever virtual ticketed magic show.

The post Magic Appetizer: Three Reasons For Ticketed Virtual Shows appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined by Ryan Kane, author of “Out of Stock: A Magician's Guide to Writing Your Own Lines”, where they talk about the importance of writing your own lines when performing your magic

The post Throwing Away Your Stock Lines with Ryan Kane appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Today Jonah tells you about Unconventional.fun 2: Magicland. He’ll explain to you what this is, how it came to be, and then give you six reasons why this may be something that you want to be a part of. 

The post Magic Appetizer: Unconventional 2: Magicland appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined by Ben Seidman to talk about working as a consultant on Mindfreak, appearing on Fool Us, and learning how to throw out everything you’ve heard when designing your own show.

The post Finding The Magic Formula with Ben Seidman appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined by Ben Train, his Toronto Magic Company business partner, to offer up a glimpse of what life is like at the Toronto Magic Company, how it’s adapted to the world of virtual magic, upcoming events they’re hosting, and the lessons that he and Ben have learned after almost a full year of pivoting to the virtual.  

The post A New Mission For The Toronto Magic Company appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined by Mat Franco where they get to discuss his dominating performance on America's Got Talent, opening up a For-Real-Life show in Vegas, and knowing from an early age that Mat was destined to live his dream as a magician.

The post Living the Magic Dream with Mat Franco appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

The are the three systems that every virtual magician needs in their business.

The post Appetizer #23: The Three Systems You Need For Your Virtual Magic Business appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined by Moritz Mueller where they discuss how to reach out to some of the biggest names in the magic world, different theories of magic and how it can practically apply your work, and how Moritz prepares and learns his own tricks.

The post Finding Your Path To Magic with Moritz Mueller appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

2020 was a really, really strange year for everybody. It was a strange year for me, and I assume it was a strange year for you too.

The post Thank You appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is going to give you five reasons why you may want to do your very first ticketed virtual magic show

The post Appetizer #22: Ticketed Virtual Magic Shows appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined by none other than Teller himself to discuss his history in magic, the challenges of producing Fool Us during a global pandemic, and how he views a world where every magic secret can easily be researched online.

The post A Life of Magic with Teller appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This episode is ridiculously short because it's not really an episode... it's a teaser

The post Teaser appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined by Eric Dittelman where they talk about performing on TV, the usefulness of having an agent, the challenges of the past year going virtual, and the importance of creating a space where you can be bad.

The post Creating Your Own Space with Eric Dittelman appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah is joined by the dynamic duo of Kyle and Mistie Knight

The post Reinventing Magic with Kyle and Mistie appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Today's advice from Jonah is directed towards stage magicians who are transitioning from big stage or parlor shows to performing for the camera in virtual shows and he's looking to the world of acting for the answers.

The post Appetizer #21: Play Small appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah is joined by Adrian Lacroix who has really popped onto the scene during the era of virtual shows with his videos and creations helping people to get into the business of virtual magic.

The post Creating Magic For Virtual with Adrian Lacroix appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah offers up essential tips to help you break out your virtual magic business from just a fun idea to a viable choice.

The post Appetizer #20: How To Get Virtual Bookings appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah brings you three secret tips for growing your virtual magic business.

The post Appetizer #19: Virtual Magic Sales Secrets appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined by Alex Boyce, a millennial magician who, rather than something new like other magicians his age, focuses on the old school and classic eras of magic.

The post Classic Magic with Alex Boyce appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined by Jon Armstrong where they share an honest discussion on the difficulty of being a performer in 2020, learning how to embrace virtual shows, and how to plan for the eventual return to in-person performances.

The post Adapting for Virtual With Jon Armstrong appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined by Erik Tait to discuss his brand of magic, producing magic for Penguin, and venturing into the world of live stream events.

The post Defining Magic for Yourself with Erik Tait appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah breaks down all the basics you need to know about running ads on Facebook. These are the first things Jonah works with when consulting with other magicians to help them set up their Facebook ads. 

The post Magical Appetizer #18: Facebook Ads appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Recorded live during UnConventional.fun, Jonah hosts a virtual panel on hosting virtual shows. Joining the panel is David Parr, Ben Seidman, Haim Goldenberg, and Adrian Lacroix.

The post UnConventional.fun’s Virtual Show Panel appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah was invited to the Better Business with Magic podcast, to join host Nolan Webster to discuss the intersections of math and magic and how they can work for anyone who wants to improve their business skills.

The post Better Business with Magic Podcast appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah talks about how to break into the virtual magic business.

The post Magical Appetizer #17: Getting Into The Virtual Biz appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined by business partner and co-founder of the Toronto Magic Company, Ben Train, to discuss the details surrounding their upcoming virtual magic convention, UnConventional.fun!

The post UnConventional.fun appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah was invited to the Preconceived Podcast to talk about magic and understanding the craft and business of magic. This episode is a selection of that conversation that Jonah had with Preconceived host Zale Mednick.

The post Preconceived Podcast appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined by Ken Weber to discuss his revised and expanded Maximum Entertainment 2.0.

The post Maximum Entertainment 2.0 with Ken Weber appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah talks about one of his favourite obsessions, virtual magic shows. Jonah goes over his key strategies and breaks down the specific things he does when booking a virtual magic show.

The post Magical Appetizer #16: How To Sell a Virtual Show appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Rafael Benatar discusses his translations of magic masters into other languages and the secrets to memorization

The post Translating Magic with Rafael Benatar appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined by Steve Valentine this week to discuss acting while being a magician - and the dangers of not being taken seriously, uncovering the lost history of magic, and the importance of a presentation that transcends the trick being performed.

The post Acting, Magic, and the Importance of Performance with Steve Valentine appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week, Jonah joins Graeme “Graemazing” Reed on an episode of his podcast, Magicians Talking Magic. The two discuss pivoting to performing virtually, and how to build relationships during these uncertain times. Graeme is an Ontario based magician with a background in media and broadcasting.

The post Virtual Restaurant Magic with Graeme Reed appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined by Dani DaOrtiz this week to discuss the power of muscle memory, the right way to utilize chaos, and communicating through magic. Dani is a Spanish magician known for his chaotic magic style, psychological card work, and is 1/3 of the Fat Brothers.

The post Improvisation without Improvisation with Dani DaOrtiz appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

To get us back into the swings of things, Alex Boyer joins Jonah to discuss visual magic, following your interests and becoming a successful content creator. Alex Boyer is an Ottawa based magician with 26.6k subscribers and 635k+ views on YouTube.

The post Becoming a Content Creator with Alex Boyer appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Feeling lucky? This week Jonah sits down to talk about the four types of luck, and how you can leverage luck to work in your favour. We'll be back to the regular interview episodes in two weeks! The Discourse in Magic Team has been working on some exciting projects during this break that we can't wait to share with you. 

The post Magician Appetizer #15: Four Types of Luck appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Just started performing virtual shows? Have a few under your belt? Looking to improve your setup? This week, Jonah sits down to give you some simple tips on how to improve your virtual and physical performing setup. 

Looking to learn more about what Jonah touched on this episode? 

Sign up for Jonah's free webinar on July 8th, 2020 at 8pm EST where he'll lead you through using ECamm Live. Note: ECamm Live is only available for Macs, but Jonah will touch on alternative software. 

The post Magician Appetizer #14: Improving Virtual Production Value appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week, Jonah sits down to give you a tip on how to practice your material for virtual audiences.

The post Magician Appetizer #13: Testing Virtual Material appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined this week by Chris Pilsworth to talk about collaboration, appreciating your audience, and creative processes. Chris is a magician based out of Ottawa, Ontario, and is known for his creative ability and engaging performance style. 

The post Exploring Creativity with Chris Pilsworth appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Discourse in Magic is pausing this week to give way for the voices that need to be heard. Jonah would like to help amplify these voices by handing over the mic to black magicians who have a message for magicians. We want to help educate. To help grow. To help make magic a more inclusive environment.

The post A Message From the Team: Black Voices Matter appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Greg Rostami joins Jonah to talk about creating, performing, and utilizing app magic.  Greg is a prominent app magic creator, known for creating apps like ReaList and Inject.

The post The Versatility of Magic Apps with Greg Rostami appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Tim Hannig sits down with Jonah this week to talk about performing for kids, upping your production value, and the power of knowing every step of your show. Tim is a magician, author, and motivational speaker who tours schools in the States with his children and family shows. 

The post Knowing Your Show with Tim Hannig appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

While it might be a short one this week, Jonah has packed this episode full of advice on how to continue growing your business during these times. 

The post Magician Appetizer #12: The Best Investment During a Recession appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined by Francis Menotti this week to discuss virtual performances, working as a duo, and methods to improve your creativity. Francis is a performer, consultant, and half of the magic duo: Couple of Magicians.  

The post Unique Creativity with Francis Menotti appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Derren Brown joins Jonah this week to discuss developing ideas, finding your own voice, and what magic means in our current society. Between his award-winning stage shows, TV specials, and books, you’re probably familiar with the UK based mentalist.

The post Be Human with Derren Brown appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined by Nathan Coe Marsh this week to talk about finding inspiration, guiding your audience, and balancing your approach to business. Nathan is a magician from Orlando who splits his time between magic venues and the corporate performing world.

The post Discovering, Scripting & Rehearsing Material with Nathan Coe Marsh appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week, Jonah serves up a bite-sized episode on virtual magic shows.

The post Magician Appetizer #11: Virtual Magic appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined by Nick Diffatte this week to discuss comedy, finding a style, and embracing your ideas no matter how stupid they might be. Nick Diffatte might be young, but his strong magic and comedy chops have allowed him to not only perform internationally but headline residences on the Las Vegas strip and on the Disney Cruise Line.

The post Writing Comedy Magic with Nick Diffatte appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined by both Morgan & West this week to talk about scripting, creating an atmosphere, and understanding how character should influence your choices. Morgan & West are magicians, time-travellers & all round spiffing chaps who spend their time touring their shows around the U.K.

The post Defining a Character with Morgan & West appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

David Ben joins Jonah this episode to discuss if magic is an art form, producing shows, and developing a curatorial eye to improve your magic. From being a performer to a producer to the founder of Magicana, David has spent the last 40 years shaping magic as an art in the public eye. 

The post Aesthetics in Magic with David Ben appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Michael Ammar joins Jonah this week to talk about signature tricks, mentors, and leaving room for your audience's imagination. From teaching to creating to performing, Michael Ammar has done it all, building his name in the magic community.

Want to join in on the discourse? Join the Discourse in Magic Facebook page

The post Refining Your Magic with Michael Ammar appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Right now, we're living through some scary, uncertain times. But, with everyone self-isolating, we're flattening the curve and giving our healthcare system a fighting chance to get us back to some semblance of normal as quickly as possible. With all this time now, we should be focused on improving ourselves so that when we can come back, we can come back stronger than ever. The Discourse Team promises that in the coming weeks, we'll have some fantastic guests to keep you occupied and thinking about your magic. 

The post We’re In This Together. appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah joins Luke Dancy this week to discuss exposure online, consulting for Criss Angel, and the magic marketplace. Alongside being a magic consultant, Luke works with Murphy’s Magic Supplies and hosts a weekly livestream where he talks with magic creators about their recent product releases.

The post Releasing Magic with Luke Dancy appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Mike Pisciotta joins Jonah this week to discuss transitioning from close-up to stage, originality, and expressing your you through magic. Mike is an established bar magician at the Magic Castle, having won Close-Up Magician of the Year twice and Parlour Magician of the Year.

The post Follow Your Bliss with Mike Pisciotta appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Tyler Erickson joins Jonah this week to talk about working with a mentor, finding the positive, and what to consider when scripting. Alongside being an extremely skilled sleight of hand artist, Tyler is a magic coach who works to improve the approach magician's take to assessing their own magic.

The post Stronger Magic with Tyler Erickson appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Discourse is back from our break and, to kick things off, Kostya Kimlat joins Jonah to discuss balancing your business and art, considering various audiences, and the importance of building a community.  Alongside being a skilled sleight-of-hand magician, Kostya is also a business consultant and motivational speaker based in Orlando, Florida. 

The post Balancing Business and Art with Kostya Kimlat appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

One last bite-sized episode before we return to the interviews! This week, Jonah talks about the magic of scripting and why you should seriously consider it before going on stage.

The post Magician Appetizer #10: The Magic of Memorizing appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Keep your magic taste buds ready with these quick tactics from Jonah on how to book more gigs in 2020. The interviews will be back soon with some amazing guests

The post Magician Appetizer #9: Gig Booking Strategies for 2020 appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

As Jonah mentioned in the previous episode, he's taking a four-week break from the regular interviews. So this week, while he works away behind the scenes, Jonah wants to hear about what magic is like in your city! 

The post Magician Appetizer #8: Magic in Your City appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Is this the end of Discourse in Magic?

Of course not! But, Jonah is taking a break from interviews for the next few weeks to work on some projects for you, the listeners. However, he'll keep serving up some bite-sized episodes to keep your appetites wet.

The post Magician Appetizer #7: A Short Break appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Episode 200! To celebrate this milestone, Jonah travelled all the way to Spain to sit down with the maestro himself: Juan Tamariz.

The post LOVE with Juan Tamariz appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined by Nathan Kranzo this week to talk about creating unique effects, entertaining an audience, and taking risks. Nathan is known for his out of the box thinking when it comes to magic and performing.

The post No Wrong Answers with Nathan Kranzo appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Ben Train, Chris Mayhew and Jacque Swan join Jonah once again this year to reflect on 2019 and look ahead to 2020. From winning awards, to getting into performing, to disillusionment, a lot has happened since last year's episode. The four also discuss coin magic, soup, and Ben creates a drinking game involving Jonah’s hats. 

The post 2020 Visions with Ben Train, Chris Mayhew, and Jacque Swan appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

To kick off the new magic year, Jonah sits down with Woody Aragon to discuss developing taste, resonating with an audience, and expressing a message through your magic. Woody is viewed as one of the most important modern card magicians, known for his contribution to stack work. 

The post Composing Magic with Woody Aragon appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Surprise! It's a bonus episode to end your year with a little more magic.

Jonah sits down with Paul Gertner to talk about performing on TV, putting a spin on your magic, and developing a kicker. Paul is a closeup magician with an on running show in Boston; he’s also the only magician who has appeared on Fool Us three times.

The post Finding the Right Approach with Paul Gertner appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Happy Holidays! 

As the decade draws to a close, Jonah sits down to reflect on the trends we've seen in magic and makes his prediction on where magic is headed. 

The post Happy Holidays: Magic Trends & Predictions appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Ben Earl joins Jonah to discuss practice, sleight of hand, and approaching magic as an art. Alongside being a skilled sleight of hand artist, Ben is also an author and founder of Studio52.

The post Magic is Hard with Benjamin Earl appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah is joined by R. Paul Wilson to discuss scams, the ties between magic and film, and the exposure of magic. Alongside being a magician with a vast knowledge of cons and scams, Wilson is also an author and filmmaker. 

The post Cons, Scams & Hustles with R. Paul Wilson appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Javi Benetiz joins Jonah this week to discuss movement, meaning and the importance of experiencing life. Javi is an award winning sleight of hand magician from Spain, who brings his passion for life into his magic.

The post Movement and Meaning with Javi Benitez appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

While in Spain, Jonah sat down with Fernando Figueras to discuss presentation, honesty in magic, and being a magic coach. Alongside being known for his rich and emotional presentation style, Fernando is also a magic coach who focuses on developing magicians’ practical performance skills.

The post The Magic Coach with Fernando Figueras appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah has returned from Spain and, as souvenirs for his listeners, has brought back a number of episodes with some amazing Spanish magicians. First up is Juan Rubiales, who sat down to discuss mentors, bringing emotion into your magic, and loving yourself. Alongside being a skilled magician, Juan is also a talented caricature artist. 

The post Loving Magic with Juan Rubiales appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

While Jonah’s away in Spain, Ben Train has infiltrated Jonah’s computer (he really needs a less obvious password). Instead of his original list “10 Weird Facts About Jonah,” Ben has decided to give you some tips on how to start your own show.

The post Stolen Episode: How to Start a Show Hosted by Ben Train appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

It's a minisode this week! Jonah recently sat down with math tutor Vanessa Vakharia on her podcast, Math Therapy, to work through his math-related traumas. If you hate math, this is the perfect podcast for you!

The following clip was pulled from Episode 3: A Mathemagical Crisis.

The post Vanessa Vakharia on The Math Guru appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Boo! 

To celebrate Halloween, Jonah dug through the annals of magic history to find you a frightening magic story. His research led to the following clip of Eugene Burger recounting the tale of one woman and her haunted dollhouse. So lock your doors, shut off your lights, and prepare to be spooked by The Dollhouse of Millie Riggs.

The post Halloween Episode appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah sits down with Ryan Hayashi this week to talk about finding a personality, magic competitions, and the ins & outs of television magic. Ryan is a hobbyist sleight-of-hand magician with a number of competition wins and television performances under his belt.

The post Personality, Television, and Magic Competitions with Ryan Hayashi appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah sits down with Michael O'Brien to talk collaboration, developing material, and making effects relatable for your audience.  Michael is a sleight of hand magician known for his work with the linking rings.

The post Making your Magic Unique with Michael O’Brien appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Brian Brushwood joins Jonah this week to talk creating content, finding a niche, and failing until you succeed. If you've searched for magic on YouTube, there's a good chance you've come across Brian's channel Scam Nation. Alongside being a YouTuber, Brian is a magician, a podcaster, a comedian, and an author - really, he just loves to share stories. 

The post The Magic of Collaboration with Brian Brushwood appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Hi, Jonah here!

This week I read an excerpt from an upcoming project that is available for pre-order about the most important things to do when going pro.

The post Magician Appetizer #6: All-Purpose Magician appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Curtis Kam joins Jonah this week to discuss coin magic, thinking about your audience, and finding interesting plots. Although known for his coin work, Curtis is a well-rounded magician and writer who takes a unique approach to his presentations. He also once opened for a volcano. 

The post Finding a Moment with Curtis Kam appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined by Anastasia Synn this week to discuss biohacking, the future, and the shocking side of magic. Anastasia is a biohacker, magician and stunt performer with 26 implants in her body that she uses in her performances and day to day life. 

The post Biohacking Magic with Anastasia Synn appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined by Pit Hartling this week to explore creating magic,  counting tricks, and making presentation decisions. Pit is a German magician who brings his own take to sleight of hand card magic. 

The post Striking a Balance with Pit Hartling appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week the Amazing Johnathan joins Jonah to talk about comedy, magic and earning your chops. Johnathan is a worldrenowed comedy magician known for his shocking humour and twisted magic tricks.

The post Comedy Magic Secrets with Amazing Johnathan appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah sits down with Jimmy Ichihana this week to discuss community, embracing your interests, and bringing card magic to the stage. Jimmy is a sleight of hand performer from Florida who has performed at the Magic Castle and has appeared twice on Fool Us.

The post Bringing Closeup Card Magic to the Stage with Jimmy Ichihana appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week, Jonah sits down with Ray Anderson to discuss putting on a show, developing a character, and keeping your material fresh. Ray has been a featured performer with the long-running variety show, Esther's Follies, for 20+ years. By mixing parody with grand stage illusions in an intimate setting, Ray brings a unique approach to magic.

The post Esther’s Follies’ Inner Secrets with Ray Anderson appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

You had questions, Jonah has answers!

Recently, Jonah asked listeners via social media and the mailing list to send in any questions they have regarding magic to be answered on this week's episode.

The post Magician Appetizer #5: Listener Q&A appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined by Mario the Maker Magician this week to discuss bringing value to your show, learning to be a flexible performer, and instilling passion into your magic. Mario is a children's show performer who uses D.I.Y robots, handmade props and a slapstick performance style to show that magic can be found in anything.

The post Never Stop Exploring with Mario the Maker Magician appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week, Jonah sits down with Stuart MacDonald to discuss storytelling, effective methods for practicing, and what to consider when changing your act. In 2017, Stuart made history at the IBM-SAM Combined Convention where he claimed all 5 top awards with his unique performance. 

The post Reinventing Your Magic with Stuart MacDonald appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined by Jamy Ian Swiss this week to discuss persona, creativity and the importance of learning the classics. Alongside being a dedicated, lifelong student of magic, Jamy is a prolific writer, sleight of hand artist, and magic historian. 

The post Finding Your Voice with Jamy Ian Swiss appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah serves up another bite-sized episode this week, giving you the motivation you might just need to hear.

The post Magician Appetizer #4: Reaching Out appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Does the blank page scare you? Do you constantly find yourself deleting and retyping the same thing, only to repeat the process? Do you wish the computer could just read your mind and write the script you want for you? 

In this bite-sized episode, Jonah addresses writer's block and offers an easy strategy to start writing your magic script. 

The post Magician Appetizer #3: Sitting Down to Write appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah sits down with Adam Rubin this week to discuss creativity, writing, and applying magic to other aspects of your life. Alongside being a magician, Adam is the Director of Puzzles for Art of Play, a #1 New York Times best selling picture book author, and an ex-creative director in advertising. 

The post F**k Fear with Adam Rubin appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This episode Jonah sits down with Julie Eng to discuss Magicana, the community within magic, and elevating the perception of magic. Julie is an award-winning performer and the executive director of Magicana.

The post Perceiving Magic with Julie Eng appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah is the one being interviewed as he joins Sammy Younan on his podcast, My Summer Lair, to discuss the perception of magic and developing in your craft. 

The post Sammy Younan on My Summer Lair appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Kiko Pastur joins Jonah this week to discuss aesthetic magic, challenging your creativity, and finding symbolism in an effect. Kiko is a magician from A Coruña, Spain, whose style draws on the beauty and wonder of our world. 

The post Finding Beauty and Poetry in your Magic with Kiko Pastur appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah sits down with Nate Staniforth to discuss disillusionment, determining your intent, and creating visceral effects. Alongside touring the college circuit, Nate is the author of Here is Real Magic and Clouds and Kingdoms. 

The post Disillusionment and Exploring Intent with Nate Staniforth appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This episode Jonah sits down with Ran'D Shine to discuss performing on the college circuit, creating inclusive environments and the rich history of African Americans in magic. Alongside being a highly sought after, award winning magician on the college circuit, Ran'D is also a magic historian and educator.

The post The Heart and Soul of Magic with Ran’D Shine appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week, Jonah sits down with Ryan Joyce to discuss the realities of touring, marketing a show, and working towards a solid show. Ryan is a Canadian magician who spent thirteen years touring the country with a stage illusion show. Ryan has also been seen on Penn & Teller's Fool Us, Canada's Got Talent, and his YouTube channel with over 8 million views. 

The post Tips for Touring Tricks with Ryan Joyce appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

It's another bite sized episode this week! This time, Jonah suggests an interesting way to discover your character.

The post Magician Appetizer #2: Discovering Your Character appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week, Jonah is trying out a different kind of solo episode. Short but packed with information, the Magician Appetizer episodes are meant to whet your appetite for the larger topics often discussed on the podcast. To start the new format off, Jonah explores the idea of putting on the shoes of your audience member.

The post Magician Appetizer #1: The Audience’s Perspective appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

On episode 161, Jonah sits down with Gordon Precious to discuss exploring life and searching for real magic. Besides being an incredible magician, Gordon has travelled to over 100 countries, owns an extensive magical apparatus collection, and holds the world record for being the oldest heli skier at the age of 94.

The post Searching for Real Magic with Gordon Precious appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

On episode 160, Jonah sits down with Michel Clavello to discuss finding the magic that’s right for you, how to share joy through your magic and producing magic products. Co-owner of Vernet Magic, Michel is a magician and mentalist from Argentina who has won several awards at major conferences for his innovative illusions.

The post Finding Joy in Magic with Michel Clavello appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Gambling expert, Norman Beck, sits down with Jonah for episode 159 to discuss taking a logical approach, public speaking and when to take a bet. Alongside being a magician and public speaker, Norman has been the VP of Claims and Secuirty for SCA for the past 24 years, spending his time working out how individuals may cheat the system.

The post Wagers, Bets, and Gambles with Norman Beck appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

On episode 158, Matt Johnson joins Jonah to discuss escapology, adding human elements to your magic, and recreating your brand. You may know Matt for his water tank escape on Penn & Teller: Fool Us or for his semi-place finish on Britain's Got Talent.

The post Never Give Up with Matt Johnson appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

With Toronto's annual magic convention right around the corner, Jonah sits down for episode 157 to give you ten tips on maximizing your magic convention experience.

The post 10 Tips to Succeed at Magic Conventions appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

For episode 156, Brent Braun sits down with Jonah to discuss what you need to do to improve your magic. Co-founder of the Magic Firm, Brent is regarded as one of the top behind-the-scenes magic consultants, helping magicians move beyond simply thinking about tricks and methods.

The post Making Better Magic with Brent Braun appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

On episode 155, Kainoa Harbottle sits down with Jonah to discuss coin magic, educating your audience on magic, and magic in the 19th century. Kainoa is known for his extensive work on coins and his ability to bring theatrical techniques into his performances to elevate magic for his audience. 

The post Palm the Damn Coins with Kainoa Harbottle appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Alan Alfredo Marchese joins Jonah for episode 154 to discuss choosing effects, creating emotion, and the Spanish School of Magic. Attributed to his deep understanding of magic, Alan is known for performing memorable and impactful effects.

The post Bringing Card Magic to the Stage with Alan Marchese appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This episode the interviewer becomes the interviewee. Jonah sits down with Brian Miller on his podcast, One New Person, to discuss his identity as a magician, copywriting and a chance encounter with one person that had a ripple effect on his life. Brian is a magician turned speaker with the goal of helping people feel heard and valued in our disconnected world.

The post Brian Miller on One New Person appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

For episode 162, Jonah sits down with Dan White to discuss working with a team, creating a show, and performing on television. Dan has appeared on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon ten times, has an on running show at the Nomad, and has consulted for people like David Blaine, David Copperfield and Kanye West.

The post Teamwork, Fallon, and the Audience with Dan White appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah is joined by Manuel Llaser for episode 151 to discuss emotion in magic, learning from teachers, and analyzing your approach to magic. Manuel is an Argentinian magician who developed his deep appreciation for magic under the guidance of Juan Tamariz.

The post Being Conscious About Your Magic with Manuel Llaser appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

For episode 150, Jonah would like to thank the listeners for accompanying him on this journey. To do so, he has sat down to reflect on a trick he has been performing for a while now to see how it has changed with him. Alongside the audio, there is a video component to accompany Jonah’s reflection.

The post Growth in Magic appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

For episode 149, Jonah sits down with his roommate and business partner, Ben Train, to take a critical look at their own approach to magic and their performances.

The post Honest Conversations for Performers with Ben Train appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

The "Millionaire's Magician" Steve Cohen joins Jonah on Episode 138 to discuss branding, developing a show, and how to shape a career. Steve is best known for his long-running weekly show, Chamber Magic, but has also appeared on numerous television shows, produced a sold-out show at Carnegie Hall, and has performed all over the world for esteemed audiences.

The post Make No Small Plans with Steve Cohen appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jay Sankey sits down with Jonah for episode 147 to discuss magic online, creating and persuasive communication. Not only does Jay hold the world record for creating the most original illusions, but he runs a successful YouTube channel, is an international public speaker, comedian, performer, and consultant.

The post YouTube, Exposure and Making Magic with Jay Sankey appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah sits down with Haim Goldenberg to discuss the business of magic, taking risks and finding your character for episode 146. Haim is an Israeli-Canadian mentalist who is behind Cryptext and the show Goldmine.

The post Scaling Up your Performance with Haim Goldenberg appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

To start off 2019, Jonah sits down with Steve Shaw, better known as Banachek, to discuss mentalism, the ethics behind deception, and parapsychology. Banachek is one of the world’s leading mindreaders who has helped debunk psychic claims, created effects for leading performers and is sought after by venues around the world for his performances.

The post The Truth About Mentalism with Banachek appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

It’s a bonus episode this Monday. With the rise in new listeners, Jonah thought he would sit down to talk about the ethos behind Discourse in Magic.

For more content visit www.discourseinmagic.com. 

View Details

New year, new magic! To ring in the new year, Jonah sits down with Ben Train, Chris Mayhew, and Jacque Swan to discuss their magic highlights and lowlights from 2018, and what they plan to change for the upcoming year. 

The post Magic 2018 vs. 2019 with Ben Train, Chris Mayhew, and Jacque Swan appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Pipo Villanueva joins Jonah for episode 143 to discuss adding impact to your magic. Pipo is a magician from Spain who has performed at the Magic Castle and is known for performing impactful effects.

The post Impact, Emotion, and Frustration in Magic with Pipo Vilanueva appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Episode 142 is a new take on the catch-up episodes. In the first half, Jonah is addressing a topic in the magic community which has been a part of many recent discussions: Magic exposure online. In the second half, he sits down with his writer and editor, Jacque Swan, to discuss magic in Toronto and behind the scenes of the podcast.

The post Exposure and Behind the Scenes appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

After several recommendations, Joe Diamond finally sits down with Jonah for episode 141 to discuss ritualistic magic, believability, and engaging your audiences. Joe is a mentalist based in Illinois who delves into the weird side of life through his magic. He has headlined at the Chicago Magic Lounge, performed alongside David Parr, and hosts a weekly show called The 13th Hour.

The post Rituals, Experiences and Engaging Mentalism with Joe Diamond appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah sits down with Zivi Kivi for episode 140 to talk the business of performing. Zivi is not only a children’s entertainer, but he operates several podcasts like the Balloon Artist Podcast, Generous Podcast, and the Magician Business Podcast while also instructing with the Kids Entertainer Academy.  

The post Marketing Secrets for Entrepreneurial Magicians with Zivi Kivi appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week, Jonah sits down with Ondřej Pšenička to discuss creating magic, Fool Us, and the importance of community. Ondřej is an award-winning magician who has performed at the Magic Castle, on Penn & Teller, and is the creator of the Butterfly Deck.

The post Creating Magic and Fooling Magicians with Ondřej Pšenička appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

It’s a solo episode for 138 as Jonah sits down to catch you up on his trip to Austin, where he’s at with his magic and new ideas for the podcast.

The post Monthly Catch up: Len Cooper and Esther Follies appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Magic podcast hosts collide this episode as Carisa Hendrix, co-host of Shezam, sits down with Jonah to discuss performance, women in magic, cultural theory, and It Factor. Carisa is known for creating characters that draw on her visual arts and sideshow background.

The post Secrets to Developing Your Act with Carisa Hendrix appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Musician-turned-magician Jonathan Friedman joins Jonah this week to discuss combining outside passions with your magic and how magic has changed over the years. Jonathan is the best selling author of The 80’s Called...They Want Their Magic Book Back Vol. One and The Magic of Jonathan Friedman: The Musical.

The post Music, Magic and Using Your Other Passions with Jonathan Friedman appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week, Jonah finally sits down with Andi Gladwin—co-founder of Vanishing Inc.—to discuss the business of magic, creating magic, and how to manage your time. Andi has also appeared on Fool Us and The Next Great Magician where he performed his Man in a Balloon act. 

The post Vanishing Inc, Going Pro and Publishing your Magic with Andi Gladwin appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

It’s a short episode this week with Jonah talking about the state of the podcast, the Banksy painting fiasco, and the Toronto Magic Company.

The post Co-hosts, Banksy, and Getting Caught Up appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

With his passion shifting away from magic, Tyler says goodbye to the magic community and to Discourse in Magic in episode 133. Over the course of two hours, Tyler and Jonah discuss why he has decided to leave while reminiscing about their time working on the podcast. 

The post Why Tyler is Leaving the Podcast appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Known for his appearance on Fool Us, David Parr joins Tyler and Jonah. Bringing his theatrical background to magic this episode, David discusses the value of live theatre, the power of storytelling and Fool Us.

The post Performance That Engages on Multiple Levels with David Parr appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Harapan Ong joins Tyler and Jonah this week to discuss Instagram magic, developing your art, and the public’s exposure to magic. While Harapan is not a full-time magician, you can find him performing from and reviewing magic books on his Instagram show, Fully Booked.

The post Bridging the Old and the New with Harapan Ong appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week, Tyler and Jonah sit down to discuss their past month’s projects, advertising, their views on ethics in magic and Shin Lim. 

The post Ads, Ethics, AGT appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

We are very excited to have Axel Hecklau join us. He is an award-winning magician, taking second place for parlour magic at the 2018 FISM World Championship, who brings his unique insight to improving existing methods this episode.

The post Innovation and Being Unsatisfied with Existing Methods with Axel Hecklau appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

We start episode 127 by catching up with Tyler and Jonah. While Tyler hasn’t been performing much practical magic, he has been developing his video and editing skills. Meanwhile, Jonah’s month was steeped with magic.

The post Summer Catch-Up and Remaining Q & A appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Episode 126 is with Slight of Hand magician Karl Hein who is known for WOWing audiences with amazing and original magic and routines. Jonah has seen him perform both at the Magic Castle, and at a Toronto Magic Company show he produced in Toronto. 

The post Magic Goals and Winning the Crowd with Karl Hein appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Today’s monthly episode is a 1 am Q&A Episode, with Discourse in Magic: Nights. There was a lot of questions this time, mostly from the mailing list, sorry if they didn't get to your question. Get on the Newsletter to be in contact with Jonah and get your questions answered next time.

The post Quarterly Q & A appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

David Peck is a Toronto magician who specialized in manipulation. He is now a speaker, a writer, and a mover and a shaker in the world of social change. You may recognize him from his Face 2 Face podcast.

The post Using Magic to Make an Impact with David Peck appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Kayla Drescher is a fantastic magician, who really cares about character, comedy and the importance of theatre. She recently performed on  Pen & Teller's “Fool Us” and has a new podcast, called Shezam chatting all about women in magic.

The post Becoming an Amazing Performer with Kayla Drescher appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

It’s time for the Discourse in Magic boys to have their monthly get together episode, but this time they’re separated as Jonah has been touring Ontario and Quebec. Tyler, meanwhile, has been shooting more videos for his work and Instagram, while also watching other magician’s live performances. Some magicians that they’re both excited about is […]

The post Internet Exposure, AGT, and Other Magic Updates appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Dave Curran is a Ontario based Hypnotist known for his Las Vegas-like shows. He’s a friend of Jonah’s (who’s seen his shows over 200 times). Dave was horrible with magic at first, but after buying and practising magic-shop tricks at the age of 11, he begun doing close-up and walk-around shows. He then took improv lessons and, after seeing Terry Stokes live, decided to pursue Hypnosis.

The post Hypnosis, and the Business of Show Business with Dave Curran appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jason Ladanye is a world-class sleight of hand magician and card cheating expert, known for his latest book “Confident Deceptions”, his studies with Darwin Ortiz and knowledge in the major topics of theory, practise, scripting and tension made him a great addition to the podcast.

The post How to Perform Card Magic with Jason Ladanye appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In this minisode (mini-episode) Jonah records a short episode with his advice to the responses he received to his regular email asking the Discourse in Magic audience one special question. He asked our 1000 person email newsletter: "What do you want to learn", and he received dozens of answers that landed in two categories. 

The post Make Your Own Magic and Start to Get Bookings appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

It’s time for your regular catch-up episode with Jonah and Tyler. The episode starts with a quick recap of the last month, where Jonah talks about the Art of Magic, his trip to Chicago and Minneapolis, and much more, and Tyler tells us about a corporate gala gig he got to do!

The post Is There a ‘Correct’ Type of Magic? appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

For Episode 117, the Discourse in Magic boys got a chance to sit down with Jason England. If you didn't know, Jason England is the leading expert on Erdnase, Casino gambling and cheating. His interest in cards

started after learning how to play blackjack with his Grandma, and watching the Carson show with

his Dad, which lead him to the beginnings of buying card books.

The post Gambling, Cheating, and The Expert at the Card Table with Jason England appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In this episode, Jonah slides over to the other side of the couch so that he can pair with Ben Train and talk about the birth and the growth of the Toronto Magic Company. It start with the story of how TMC began.

The post The Toronto Magic Company appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This week Jonah and Tyler talk with magician Kyle Marlett about his new show Mutant Powers. Kyle explains the ins and outs of working in the world of magic and how he has become a fantastic magic consultant and creator.

The post The Internet, Creation, and Mutant Powers with Kyle Marlett appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

It’s time for episode 114 and our monthly catch-up for Jonah and Tyler. The pair like to get together every four weeks or so to talk about their magic careers and to answer you questions. Tyler has been slow on the performing side but has been creating at steady clip. He’s had to prioritize his downtime because of his new job. That has forced him to set aside some quality magic time. Tyler also recently booked one of his first corporate gigs ever, so he’s been pretty excited about that. Tyler feels like he’s back in high school when his passion about magic was at its height.

The post Surrealist Performance Art appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Rob Zabresky is an actor, a songwriter and, most importantly for our purposes, a magician. Rob was a musician in the band Possum Dixon in the mid 1990's when he strolled into a magic shop in Baltimore to escape the summer heat. The owner of the store showed him a simple handkerchief disappearing trick and was immediately drawn to it. He performed a version of that trick on stage in front of his bands audience and that was the start of his magic career.

The post Character, Acting, and Honing Your Act with Rob Zabrecky appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Ryan Plunkett is well known as the author of A New Angle and from his work at The Chicago Magic Lounge.  We’ve been eager to get him on the podcast for some time now.  Ryan worked for a while at a magic store. It ended up teaching him about the things that he hated about magic.  So much of the industry is based on pushing cheap tricks with little actual value.

The post A New Angle on The Chicago Magic Lounge with Ryan Plunkett appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

We’ve been trying to get The Evasons on the show for a long time now.  Then out of the blue they phoned us up and said that they were in town.  We invited them over the house to record this week’s episode and the results were pretty spectacula

The post Succeeding as a Touring Duo Act with The Evasons appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

We're really excited to have the co-founder of Vanishing Ink Magic Joshua Jay on the podcast. Josh and Andi Gladwin founded the company on the belief that there was a real dearth of high-quality magic on the market. 

Josh was criticized when he first began selling difficult, high-quality tricks. The critics suggested Vanishing was giving away too much. But Josh says that giving a newbie a really impressive trick right away will ensure that they are hooked for life. But the company is not based on profit at any cost. Josh says they have pulled innumerable products either because there was a missing credit or because the products were not up to snuff.

The post Teaching, Lecturing, and Making a Show with Joshua Jay appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

It's time for another catch-up interview with Jonah and Tyler. The episode starts with a quick recap of the last month. Tyler has made a terrible mistake and gotten a Muggle job. He works at at vape store, which is apropos since he uses an e-cig himself. He got the job by doing some magic for the company and they were so impressed they gave him a job. Jonah thinks that's a good lesson for everyone proficient in magic. It's always a good way to impress the normals.

The post What do you love about Discourse in Magic? appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

We've invited magic legend Johnny Thompson otherwise known as The Great Tomsoni onto the show today. Together with his wife Pamela Hayes Johnny has been performing for packed houses in Las Vegas for decades.

Johnny saw a movie about a Mississippi river boat gambler when he was a kid and he decided he wanted to become a card sharp. He bought The Expert at the Card Table at a Chicago bookstore for 35 cents. He spent the next four years trying to learn everything between those covers. Johnny eventually realized that there wasn't a lot of places for a 12 year old card cheat to work so he decided to switch to magic.

The post Show Business and Magic Consulting with Johnny Thompson appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

We're excited to have Denis Behr on the show this week.  Denis has consistently released some of the most innovative magic in the world.  His dedication to the craft shines through in everything he does, especially in his new DVD titled Magic on Tap. Denis first started with magic as a kid after being given a kit as a kid. Card magic has become his obsession. He never worked as a professional magician having trained in mathematics at university. He now works as a web developer and programmer at company based on Munich, Germany.

The post How to Love Magic with Denis Behr appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

You know him from his incredible Instagram presence – we're super excited to have @JustJoshInMagic on the show this week. Josh became obsessed with magic as a teenager. It was an interest that started as a diversion from his rigorous training as a musician. But soon enough he had traded the saxophone for a deck of cards. As he entered college he could no longer afford buying magic and so began to create his own tricks – all of which were horrible. He would perform for kids at various daycares and preschools but realized he preferred the magic he did for his friends. He went to school at UCF which is the largest university in the United States. That enormous student body provided a great audience for his early effort

The post Money Magic with Josh Janousky appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

It's episode 105 and time for another solo chat between Jonah and Tyler. It's been a month since our heroes sat down for one of these. Jonah had a ton of show throughout March with the Toronto Magic Company. Newest Trick in the Book is now a weekly show every Tuesday which is something that Jonah is really happy about. He continues to work on his time machine phone bit and has an idea of incorporating a “magical” amulet in one of his routines.

The post T-shirts and Talismans appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

It's taken more than two years and over 100 episodes but we've finally done it.  We managed to convince one the biggest names in magic to join us for a feature length interview. Teller tells us about his early years performing magic with Penn Jillette and how, together, the built one of the most durable brands in live performance.  He also reveals the secret to succeeding on his TV show Fool Us and why he believes Discourse in Magic is the best podcast he's ever listened to.  We can't think of a better way to usher in spring 2018 then with this interview!

The post Fool Us and Beyond with Teller appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

He's an incredible magician, a close friend but most importantly he's a listener to the podcast. Caleb Wiles is well known for his amazing stage performances and his appearance on Penn and Teller's Fool Us. As he started diving deeper into card magic he became totally obsessed. As his journey progressed he became known as the magic guy in his class and in his family. Soon enough he was performing on-stage.

The post Magic, Math and Pro Wrestling with Caleb Wiles appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Paul Vigil has burst out of his native Salt Lake City taking his magic to TV and the Las Vegas Stage. He has appeared on Penn and Teller's Fool Us twice. He trained with Johnny Thompson and worked as a street performer for years – slowly honing his skills. In his early 20's he was only interested in performing magic for himself. He grew to understand the importance of developing an act that appealed to audiences.

The post Religion, Psychedelics, and Other Types of Magic with Paul Vigil appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

We're have a really special guest this week. He runs Ellusionist and made waves with his viral performance on Fool Us. Adam Wilber also produced the best selling trick pyro and we're really excited to have him in the show. Wilber was six years old when he stole a prop from a friend for a trick. He mastered that trick, fooled his dad and never looked back.  Adam studied education in college and thought he was going to become a PE teacher.  He started supplementing his income as a walk-around magician but it took another decade before he managed to make a living at it.

The post Behind the Scenes at Ellusionist with Adam Wilber appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Our guest this week is a brilliant mind in the community. He's a magician, a priest and a raconteur – we're really excited to have Jared Kopf. Every child is born with a sense of wonder that gradually dwindles. For Jared it never dwindled. He doesn't remember a specific moment when he fell in love with the art form. But by the time he was a young kid he had become totally obsessed. By 14 he was making pretty good money doing walk-around magic in restaurants. By the time he returned to magic after university he was much more interested in the art of magic rather than just fooling people.

The post Real Magic with Jared Kopf appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

We made it! 100 episodes is a milestone we never expected to reach. Well, Jonah did. It's why he started the numbering with 001. Even still, we're super excited to have gotten this far. In this episode we reflect on how important the podcast has been on their own magic careers.

The post Is Discourse in Magic Ending? appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

You know him from his Workers project, his book Paradigm Shift and his work as a consulting producer on Fool Us. In this episode you're going to learn all about how to have a good presentation, how to have an act worthy of television, and how to make your magic better!

The post Get on Penn and Teller Fool Us with Michael Close appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Mario Lopez was just a kid when a friend put a lit cigarette into his fist and made it disappear. He learned how it was done and from that moment on he was in love with magic. He moved to Granada in his native Spain when he was 18 where he trained with one of the countries top magicians. He was taught the art of performance and how to create the magical moment. He didn't teach young Luis any tricks specifically. It was all about how to perform on stage. Mario is incredibly dramatic on-stage which he says is a product of his environment. Clowns, actors and musicians are everywhere in Granada and they have all had an impact on his magic.

The post Using Your Face with Mario Lopez appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Lloyd Barnes grandfather became a travelling magician shortly after the war. He developed many tricks over the years and passed those onto Lloyd. His focus was much more on sport as a teenager – especially boxing and gymnastics. His university career was less than successful – he was thrown out in his final year. But that ignited his interest in magic and soon he was selling tricks and illusions that he developed himself. He was broke and homeless for a time and slept on many friends and families couches over the next few years.

Lloyd now works with Ellusionist. He scouts tricks from other performers and from submissions to the company. He helps to make them more practical and performable. When you send a trick to the company, he's the guy that reads the email. The other part of his job is to shoot and edit the trailers for the new effects. Along with his own performing career that keeps him incredibly busy.

The post Visual Magic and Ellusionist Secrets with Lloyd Barnes appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

It's episode 96 and time for another solo episode with Jonah and Tyler. We start the episode talking about what we should do to celebrate our upcoming 100th episode. We have had some pretty dumb ideas in the past like listening to all 100 episodes in a row. We need your ideas on this one. Hit us up on Instagram!

The post Look How Far We’ve Come appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

He is Blue Crown Magic, he is Alex Pandrea. He first got into magic when he was five years old.  A clown came to his birthday party and did tricks like disappearing silk or sponge balls.  But his interest continued into young adulthood.  He grew up in New York City and it was through the local magic shops in Queens like Tannens that he discovered more magic.  He created some new effects as a teenager. 

The post Making Magic and the Playing Card Revolution with Alex Pandrea appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

David Williamson is an incredible comedy magician and sleight-of-hand master. He feels that he was bitten by the bug early and he had no other choice but to follow his passion.  He was totally obsessed with it from a very early age. David was painfully shy.  But he forced himself to get up on open stages at bars at the age of 15, and look at him now!

The post Becoming an Entertainer with David Williamson appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Our guest this week came across our Instagram feed a few months ago and we knew we had to have him on the podcast.  His work as a cardist is truly awe-inspiring.  John first got into magic after his family got him a magic kit when he was 8 years old.  He learned the boomerang card throw at age eleven and from that point on cardistry became his obsession.  Finding tricks was difficult as he fell into the generation where magic stores started to close but online stores were not yet common.  That forced him to develop his own magic and his own style.

The post Cardistry, Magic, and Getting Noticed with John Stessel appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Welcome everyone to Episode 92 – our first episode of 2018! We both had a good New Year's Eve. We relaxed with friends, some hors d'oeuvres and champagne. Last New Year's we challenged ourselves to come up with some magical resolutions. Jonah resolved to work more on scripting his magic performances in 2017 – something he managed to achieve. Tyler, meanwhile, can't remember what his resolution was. Though, he may have promised himself that he was going to perform more.

The post New Year, New Magic appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Felix Bodden has appeared on Fool Us and has created a really popular Instagram feed.  He first became interested when he was eight years old in 2001 – the same year that the first Harry Potter movie came out.  But Felix became frustrated when he realized there was no such thing as real magic.  His Mom took pity on him and bought Felix his first magic kit.  When you’re a kid everything is magical. 

The post Inner Secrets of Instagram Magic with Felix Bodden appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

We’ve been trying to get Tony Chang on the podcast for a long time and it’s finally happened!  Jonah and Tony spent some time together and NYC recently.  But this is the first time we have had the chance to talk to him about his history.  Tony first fell in love with magic when he saw a clown magician as a kid.  He got curious and he went to the public library in Idaho, where he grew up and found some books.  They were incredibly discouraging.  So he turned to some magic rooms on IRC in the early days of the internet.  He ordered a Hank Lee book and read it repeatedly.  His goal with magic is to create something incredible with imperfect means.  You can create an illusion using blunt mechanics to achieve something impossible. 

The post Making Good Magic Great with Tony Chang appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Geraint’s advice for a magician who wants to begin to sell illusions depends on what you want to accomplish.  Some people just want to make as much as possible.  But others want to be known and respected for creating quality magic.  Networking with the magic community to create something of value is hugely important.  But, he advises that once you conceive of a trick you should sit on it for a while.  Geraint has created tricks that he perfected over years before bringing to market.

The post What Makes a Great Magic Product with Geraint Clarke appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

This episode is packed full of questions that we want YOU to answer! Join in the fun, leave a comment and let us know what you feel about these deep philosophical magic questions!

The post Questions for Your Magic Mind appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Sean O is a master of cardistry and has achieved a lot at a very young age.  Sean is only twenty years old but has been honing his skill since he was in grade school. He did his first paying gig was when he was nine.  He performed at a five year olds birthday party.  He first saw card magic when he was given The Trilogy by Dan and Dave.   He would also watch XCM battles and was obsessed with it.  Both of Sean’s parents worked in IT and he had many computers in his house growing up.  He has combined his interest in the web and magic from the very beginning.

The post Instagram and the Cardistry Subculture with Sean O appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Xavior Spade is making waves as one of the highest profile YouTube magicians.  He is using live streaming to connect with an every-growing audience.  Xavior found magic as a young person while growing up in Jamaica, Queens in New York City.  But it was magic that helped him to escape the ghetto.  It was incredible eye-opening experience to be treated as an equal in the magic community.  Eventually, Xavior gravitated to new platforms like Twitch and Discord as a gamer.  Some magic discussions took place on those video streaming services and eventually ended up on YouTube. 

The post Modern Magic and Why it Lives Online with Xavior Spade appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Garrett Thomas is an incredible magician, an opinion that was confirmed recently when Jonah saw him perform at the Buffalo 52 magic convention.  Garrett first fell in love with magic because of his father.  His dad was a huge fan of magic and was friends with the bar magician Eddie Fechter. Who had a brilliant way of teaching people.  Fechter taught Garret’s dad a few tricks which were then passed on to young Garrett.  That instilled an obsession in him at a very young age.  His family has a history of addiction and Garrett feels that he funneled that addictive personality into magic.  

The post Understanding Magic with Garrett Thomas appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Allan thinks that young magicians should start out by learning from the masters.  It would be foolish to ignore the classics.  Work your way through Card College.  There is enough knowledge there to last a lifetime.  Eventually you will discover two or three pieces that resonate with you.  That will then help you discover what your strengths are.

The post Presentation, Effect Selection, and How to Practice with Allan Hagen appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Demian Aditya has become world famous because of his insane escape acts.  Demian first became interested in magic because of David Copperfield who was on TV regularly in his native Indonesia. 

The post Becoming a Death Defying Escape Artist with Demian Aditya appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Billy has taken her background as a busker worldwide, regularly performing in Europe and on television. She trained as an actor in Edmonton and was almost totally disinterested in street performing and magic. That is until she saw Nick Nickolas performing at the Edmonton Street Performers Festival nine years ago.

The post Busking for Magicians & Earning Your Chops with Billy Kidd appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

On today's episode, Mahdi Gilbert joins us to talk about the state of magic.  He first got into magic as a little kid despite not having much exposure to it.  He didn’t have a TV or internet but he had heard about magicians from other kids at school.  His childhood logic was that if he could learn magic he would be able to do anything.  Everyone told him that he couldn’t do it because he was so small, had a speech impediment and because he was born without hands.

The post No Hands, No Feet, No Excuses and No Limits with Mahdi Gilbert appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Lawrence Hass is the Associate Dean of the Magic and Mystery School in Las Vegas.  We wanted to invite him on to talk about the theory of magic at its deepest level.  Lawrence has a Ph.D. in philosophy and taught the subject for many years.  As he was finishing his Ph.D. he happened upon a David Copperfield performance on TV.  He immediately started thinking about what Copperfield was doing in a philosophical framework.

The post How to Create Magic Out of Tricks with Lawrence Hass appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

You know him from his incredibly popular videos The BC Shuffle and The Instagram Sessions.  Jeremy Griffith has popularized social media magic in a way no one else has. He's developed a new way of performing magic online.

The post How to Grow Your Instagram Following for Magicians with Jeremy Griffith appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jeremy Hanrahan is renowned in the magic community for his secret identity as @GaffGuy52.  He started early and became completely obsessed.  At first, he was a sleight of hand expert before he moved into gaffing.  He started his career selling his gaff decks to Morrisey Magic in Toronto.

The post Everything You Need to Know about Gaffing Cards with @Gaffguy52 appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Steve Reynolds is a renowned New Orlean’s card magician who is obsessed with keeping the history of magic alive. But Steve doesn’t have a step-by-step advice about how to become a magician.  He just did it.  He was full of passion and obsessed with learning.  Steve remembers how difficult it was to find information when he was younger.  Steve finds that there are a lot of young magicians that have the right attitude about magic.  But many people are stuck in a bubble of performing only for their friends.  In fact, Steve thinks that if they step out of that bubble and perform for a real audience they are going to be in for a rude awakening.

The post Standing on the Shoulders of Giants with Steve Reynolds appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Zack Mirza has created a remarkable career both as a professional animator and a magician.  He has animated a variety of children’s programs and his magic career was featured in the OLN series Illusion of Grandeur. 

The post he Artist’s Journey with Zack Mirza appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Harrison Greenbaum is the hardest working man in comedy and magic.  His unique act has landed him slots on Last Comic Standing and America’s Got Talent.  His career started early first as a stand-up comic who occasionally used magic in his sets when the jokes weren’t landing

The post A Masterclass in Comedy Magic with Harrison Greenbaum appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Our guest this week is Glenn West.  Glenn is a fantastic magician who started his love affair with magic after being introduced to the craft by his father.  Magic is constant presence in his life though he is not a working magician. Instead, he works as an animator in film and television.

The post Crafting Incredible Visuals with Glenn West appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In episode 69 we sit down with cardist Anna DeGuzman to talk magic, cardistry, content creation and much much more!

The post Cardistry, Community, and Content Creation with Anna DeGuzman appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jason is a rockstar magician. He is a rockstar - The drummer for Sidewise; a crazy metal band, as well as an accomplished and creative magician. Jason dives in with us to ways that you can benefit as a magician even if it isn't your career.

The post How to Benefit From Magic When it’s Not Your Career with Jason Dean appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In episode 67 we sat down with the very brilliant Michael Feldman. Michael is a full time Lawyer as well as a recognized magician. He performs and creates fantastic magic that’s as knuckle-busting as it is baffling.

The post The Laws of Magic and How to Give and Take Criticism with Michael Feldman appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Ryan does it all! He's written and performed two of his own magic shows. He's advised and built props for top magicians around the world, and he most importantly  he handcrafts tools (wallets, card clips, close up pads) for magicians looking to up their magic style at REhandcraftered.com 

The post How to be Meticulous in Your Craft with Ryan Edwards appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Not all hero's wear capes, and not all magicians live on the stage. Some can be found sitting at the table at the magic shop, shuffling cards, or creating some new magic.

The post Falling in Love with Magic Again with Jeff Hinchliffe appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In episode 63 of the podcast we sit down wit Mark Calabrese to talk about what it takes to make it in magic. Mark is an incredible accomplished performer. With multiple effects released on the magic market, as well as appearances on Wizard Wars and Penn and Teller Fool us.

The post Success by Word of Mouth, and Behind the Scenes TV Magic with Mark Calabrese appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In this episode we sit down with Canadian Comedy Magic Icon Matt Disero. Matt is a hilarious Canadian comedy magician, who has made his way up through the comedy circuit.

The post Magic in the Stand-up Comedy Circuit with Matt Disero appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

We brought on expert mentalist, hypnotist and rockstar entertainer Spidey. If you haven't seen Spidey on Youtube, Facebook, or on TV you might have seen him at your local theatre.

The post From the Cinema to Centre Stage with Spidey appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In this episode we sit down with Marc Kerstein. If you haven't used, or been fooled by one of Marcs magic apps, you've missed out.

Marc is THE iphone magic app guy, and has been brought on to consult on multiple TV series including David Blaine's most recent special.

The post The Magic of Apps with Marc Kerstein appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In this episode we had the pleasure of interviewing our friend Suzanne. We met Suzanne at Sorcerers Safari (RIP) last summer! Suzanne is an expert restaurant magician. To be a great restaurant magician you have to be good at more than just magic.

The post Helping Your Clients and Hearing Your Audience with Suzanne appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

It’s been a long time coming to get my good friend Morgan Pierce to join us on the podcast. Morgan is a wildly talented magician turned financial advisor from Kingston, Ontario who joined us to chat about finances and limiting beliefs.

The post Pricing and Limiting Beliefs with Morgan Pierce appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In episode 52 we chat with our first guest of "motivation month". The point of the month is to give you the motivation you need to get off of your ass and start fighting gigs.

The post Networking for Magicians with Brian Miller appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Boo Ya everybody we made it to Episode 52! To celebrate we invited over four of our closest Toronto magic friends to talk about Toronto magic in the past, present, and future.

The post Magic in Toronto with Ben Train, Rosemary Reid, Chris Mayhew, and Mark Correia appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

If you're talking about comedy magic, there are just a few names that automatically come to mind. John Archer is one of them. Not only is his magic baffling, but he's also absolutely hilarious. He’s known for whipping up his audience, and getting incredible moments out of the magic and the punchlines!

The post Tools and Tips to Make Your Comedy Magic FIRE with John Archer appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

There is absolutely no question in my mind that you've heard of Gazzo. Maybe you've seen his Fool Us performance. It's possible you've seen another clip from Youtube. Or equally likely, you could have seen him busking in your city!

The post How to Become an Unstoppable Old School Entertainer with Gazzo appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

If you saw them walking down the block you would stop dead in your tracks. A haunted couple just walked out of a catalogue from the 1930s. Mysterion, a fast talking Dracula looking gentleman with a white streak...

The post How to Get Noticed as a Performer with The Sentimentalists (Mysterion & Steffi Kay) appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In episode 47 we sit down with David Malek...THE KING. He's not just the King at entertainment, but he's also one of the most skilled card man alive today.

The post Entertainment Value and Finding Your Shtick with David Malek appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In this episode we sit down with John Guastaferro and we chat all about making your own effect awesome. John is an expert at working on different important elements and put them together to make a beautiful trick.

The post The Napkin Approach and Enjoying the Process with John Guastaferro appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Nick Wallace spills the beans on exactly how scripting a show creates an incredibly powerful experience for your audience! In this episode he breaks down exactly how he works with a director and why he would never create a show without it.

The post Episode 45 – Scripting and Working with a Director with Nick Wallace appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

James was a special guest on the podcast because he won January's contest. But we've known James for a long time. He's been a friend of ours from Toronto* for years!

The post The Effect Month: Props, Identity, and Paying Your Dues with James Harrison appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In episode 43 we sit with Chad Juros to tell us his story of magic. I'll save most of the details for the episode itself, but I can provide you with a short version of Chads incredible story.

Chad was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia as a child. During many of his years and months at the hospital Chads father brought magic to help take his mind off of things.

The post Using Magic to Spread an Important Message with Chad Juros appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Welcome to our first ever live show!

We invited Wes Barker, Eric Leclerc and Chris Ramsay to Toronto to record an episode but we said HEY, why don't we invite the local magicians too. SO WE DID!

And it was a blast!

The post Live in Toronto – Views, Comments, and Awesome Magic Content with Chris Ramsay, Eric Leclerc, and Wes Barker appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In this episode Tyler and I sit down with Caroline to chat about everything it takes to build a community and following. Caroline Ravn is the queens of outreach. In the episode she gives us tips about how to get published in an article.

The post Secrets to Outreach and Building Relationships with Caroline Ravn appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

If you don't know who Asi Wind is, I recommend stopping the podcast episode and checking him out. Not only has he released incredible effects that have ROCKED the magic community (links below), but he is also a leading magical thinker.

The post Why Being Sincere Means Connecting with Your Audience with Asi Wind appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

If you've ever wondered how to get into a Fringe Festival, what it is, how to use it to make money and why you would want to do it, you're in the right place.

In episode 38 Keith Brown lays it all out for us.

The post How to Master Fringe Festivals with Keith Brown appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

If you've ever seen anything that Chris Funk has ever done (which you probably have) you know how special what he does is.

The post How to Make Your Show About You with Chris Funk appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

We sit down with Toronto's own James Alan to discuss some of the finer details of crafting a show. This episode was particularly exciting because James has been a fan of the show. Not only did he come prepared, but he was also able to blast misconceptions that we had spoken about in previous episodes.

The post The Value of a Great Introduction and How to Tweak Your Show with James Alan appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

You know him from Comedy Network! You've watched his Viral Videos! You know him Cupcake Wars (okay maybe not) the one and only Justin Willman joins us on the podcast!

The post Tools, Tips, and Tricks to Having TV Quality Magic with Justin Willman appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In this perfectly timed episodes days after David Blaine's special we have the very bright Daniel Garcia telling us about the ups and downs for consulting. Garcia consults for many of the major TV magicians including Cyril, Dynamo and of course David Blaine.

The post Magic Consulting and Making Your Own Inspiration with Daniel Garcia appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

If you're reading this it means you care about modern media and social media. For that you are already a winner.

The post Magicians Guide to Mastering Every Social Media Platform with Justin Flom appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Julian has basically done everything under the sun in terms of magic. He's performed, taught, created 2 podcasts, and created tons of products that are meant to help magicians with the commercial side of magic (often the most difficult part).

The post Expert Online Marketing Tools and Tips for Magicians with Julian Mather appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

The one and only Wes Barker brings the heat on episode 29 by chatting all about how to get booked. Since he's made big waves in a short time, he's tells us exactly what to look for in branding and why cold calling colleges is so fun and easy!

The post Getting Booked with Branding, Taglines and Straight Up Tenacity with Wes Barker appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In episode 28 we had the wonderful Lou Serrano chat with us about exactly how to book gigs. As he says, there isn't one way to get gigs, but there are 50 ways. Lou basically walks us through 5 or 6 of them in this episode.

The post Exactly What it Takes to Get Endless Bookings with Lou Serrano appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

If you are into creative methods for magic, than I recommend listening to this episode. Mathieu Bich turns the standard notions of creativity on their head by chatting about the process h goes through to create magic, More importantly he chat's about the purpose of his magic creation: himself.

The post Creativity Through Self Expression Instead of Endless Resources with Mathieu Bich appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In this episode we sit down with the amazing Youtube star Daniel Fernandez. When I say amazing youtube star, I'm both referring to his 720,000+ subscribers, and his amazing videos that have me smiling, and watching to the end.

The post Why Magic is Flirtatious, and How to Treat it That Way with Daniel Fernandez appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In this episode we sit down with the one and only Chris Wiehl to chat about being original and creative with magic effects. If you aren't familiar with Chris' magic, check out any of the following tricks he's created.

The post How to be Creative and Original with Methods with Chris Wiehl appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In this Episode we got to sit down with the one and only Shawn Farquhar to talk about how to fool Penn and Teller, or win a contest like FISM, twice!

The post How to Fool Penn & Teller and Win FISM… Twice with Shawn Farquhar appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In this episode we packed up our bags and travelled to Toronto (hehe) to our good friend Bobby Motta's house. If you know anything about Bobby, you know that he is one of Toronto's Top Mentalist and is a very very bright guy.

The post Why Mentalism is More Relatable for Audiences Than Magic with Bobby Motta appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In this Episode we sit down with our good friend Scott Hammel to talk about stunts. Scotty is a motivational speaker who uses magic and stunts as a tool to help deliver his message. We wanted to chat with him about a lot of the "Why and How's" of stunt work, to better understand the niche that he's found himself in.

The post Why Risk Your Life on a Stunt and How To Try It At Home with Scott Hammell appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

It was a very insightful conversation about art, and how it applies to the world of cardisrty and the world of magic, and how they are evolving right now and in the future.

The post Art of Magic, Art of Play and The Importance of Style and Design with Dave Buck and Elliott Terral appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In this Episode Mark talks about his approach to magic, and comedy from the perspective from an actor, and an expert in theatre.

The post How to Add Comedy to Your Magic Without Hack Lines with Mark Corriea appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In this episode of Discourse in Magic we got to sit down with our good friend Rosemary Reid to chat about women in magic. Rosemary has a very reasonable approach to why there aren't that many women in magic.

The post Women in Magic with Rosemary Reid appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In this episode we sit down with Oscar Munoz to chat about the International Brotherhood of Magicians, theatre in magic, and how to accept criticism when working together.

The post The Future of IBM and the Importance of Theatre in Magic with Oscar Munoz appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

After meeting Simon Black at a Motor City magic convention in Michigan and watching and learning his mechanics I was knocked off my socks. But since then, he has really dove into the world of magic theory and specifically Spanish theory in his magic.

The post A Journey From Technique to Theory Through Friends and Mentors with Simon Black appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In this Episode we sat down with Aaron Fisher and Adam Grace from Conjurer Community to talk all about the student teacher relationship in magic and the blurry lines between them.

The post How to be a Great Teacher, Mentor and Student of Magic with Aaron Fisher and Adam Grace appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

We hung out with our great friend Lee Asher got a chance to see his collection, and speak about the innovation in playing cards happening right now. Innovation in design, feel, build, look, weight, and other specifics that are getting heard by the factories.

The post Playing Card Innovation and Economy in the Era of Crowdfunding with Lee Asher appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

We thought it would be great to interview some key players in our magic communities in Toronto and Canada that helped to bring Discourse in Magic together.

The post Magic Shops, Camps and Friends appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In this episode we got to speak with a local Toronto magician and friend about his story through magic. He moved from the restaurant world to the birthday party world, followed by comedy magic and now an illusion show.

The post Performing Tips for the Working Magician, From Restaurants to Big Illusions with Chris Westfall appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In episode 7, we finally get an opportunity to sit down with Ben to chat about the finer details of ethics in magic. This is a topic that we know is not usually spoken about, but as we touched on it in the last episode, we think it's important.

The post Ethics and Morals for the Modern Magician with Ben Train appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In this episode we had a blast chatting with Patrick Kun about his experiences with David Copperfield and Calen Morelli and his stance on magic online. We spoke in great detail about something that he has put his heart into (pun intended) his valentines day series! They're awesome videos, that I recommend you checking out.

The post Designing magic for the screen and the stage with Patrick Kun appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In this episode Chris Mayhew explains how he uses improv in his magic and comedy to make it awesome!

The post Improv and being open to change with Chris Mayhew appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Welcome to our Introduction Episode

Jonah Babins and Tyler Williams explain what discourse in magic is all about

check out the website at www.discourseinmagic.com

View Details

In this spisode Eric Leclerc gives us a an inside scoop on how he builds his character

The post Personality, character and connecting with your audience with Eric Leclerc appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

In our second episode and first interview Steven Brundage tells us all about how he got where he is through busking and then ultimately going viral

The post Going viral, the Reddit secret, and Rubik’s cubes with Steven Brundage appeared first on Discourse in Magic.

View Details

Jonah and Tyler explain who they are and what discourse in magic is all about.

The post Introduction Episode appeared first on Discourse in Magic.