Shezam: Recent Episodes
Kayla Drescher
Join professional magician Kayla Drescher for this informative, understanding, and sometimes funny podcast about diversity and inclusion in the world of magic.
Not sure how we made it here, but we did it! Please enjoy episode 100 and this rare appearance by our audio producer, Chris Combs! Thank you so much for listening. We couldn’t have done the last 100 episodes without you. Please continue to share Shezam with your friends, suggest guests, give us feedback, and… Continue reading 100-WHAAAAAT!
Being the president of a magic club is tough stuff. Being the president of an international magic organization…woah! Oh, and also be the first woman to do it! What is that experience like? Join Megan Swann, the first woman to be president of the Magic Circle, for an amazing conversation about her rise in the… Continue reading 099-The Magic Circle’s Megan Swann!
Many adults are finding out they have ADHD. But what even is ADHD? How does it affect performers? How does the diagnosis change us both on and off stage? Cassandra (The Songstress of Magic) and Kayla sit down for a very honest and open discussion about their experience as adults, women, magicians, and ADHD friends.… Continue reading 098-Performing with ADHD with Cassandra
As entertainers, we use our voices all of the time. But what if your voice doesn’t fit who you are? Join us for this conversation with Tris all about how the voice is a much more powerful tool than most of us have thought about. And head to the Shezam socials (@shezampod) to see some… Continue reading 097-Speak Up with Your Voice, Literally, with Tris!
Happy Holidays! Our guest this week has written not only an amazing children’s book about magic, but one that features diversity like not seen before. The book focuses on key elements of becoming a good magician while inspiring the reader, regardless of who they are. In a world where representation is key, Hocus Pocus Practice… Continue reading 096-The Book We’ve Always Wanted with Amy Kimlat
Decks of cards have been the same since…well…forever. Rosemary Reid, a Canadian magician, has not only created a deck of cards centered around sisterhood, not only created a deck of cards that “handles like a dream”, but has also snuck in some important statistics about the experience of women in the magic industry. During the… Continue reading 095-SISTERHOOD! With Rosemary Reid
Welcome back one of the hardest working, kindest people in magic-Paige Thompson! Paige joins us to discuss her career, being easily dismissed, and her love (obsession) with all things sports. Show Links Paige’s Website A Paige in Time at the Chicago Magic Lounge Check This Out: HeySiddarth (Names) HeySiddarth (Namaste) Become a Patron Penguin… Continue reading 094-Paige Thompson is Back!
Ever post something important on Facebook that just shouldn’t be controversial but it instead sparks a giant discussion? Haven’t we all? Join Meadow in discussing her experience with just this and how she handled it. Head to our Instagram to see a photo of Meadow’s original post. Show Links Meadow Perry Bubble U GLOMM List… Continue reading 092-When Facebook Goes Wrong with Meadow Perry
Ever wonder why it’s hard to find accurate historical information about diverse magicians? How hard is it to write a book when information is difficult to find? Returning guest, Margaret Steele, walks us through much of this information and more! Show Links Margaret Steele’s Publications Acts of Violet An Interview with Margarita Montimore Become a… Continue reading 091-Historical Research Issues with Margaret Steele
Join Ben Barnes for an enlightening discussion on booking diverse performers and creating an inclusive environment. Show Notes Ben Barnes Chicago Magic Lounge IDM Con How to Pronounce Indian Names Become a Patron Penguin Magic Podcast Eli Marks Mystery Series Kevin Kareckas Jonah’s Twisters
Paul Draper discusses magic history, conventions, and how to make conventions more inclusive. Show Notes Paul Draper Website IDMCon Registration Native-land.co Gifted Hands Gifted Hands on TikTok Become a Patron Penguin Magic Podcast Eli Marks Mystery Series Kevin Kareckas Jonah’s Twisters
Samuel Porteous, the author of the biography on Ching Ling Foo, joins Shezam for a conversation on the importance of Ching Ling Foo in not only magic history but in the world and how the relationship with William Robinson has shaped modern conversations. Show Links Ching Ling Foo Biography Samuel Porteous Check This Out-@notjoshingwithyou Historical… Continue reading 088-Ching Ling Foo, Robinson, and History with Samuel Porteous
During the pandemic, Kayla was amongst a group of magicians who got to perform virtually for a visually impaired or blind audience. How did the magicians do this? With the help of professional audio describer, Cori Couture! Cori and Kayla chat about the difficulties and the rewards of doing this show and how magicians can… Continue reading 087-Performing for the Visually Impaired with Cori Couture
We chat with hilarious magician Paul Kilmer about his life as an Autism advocate, what that means when it comes to a magic show, and how your show can be more sensory friendly with just a few easy changes. Show Links Chicago Magic Lounge Check This Out-@recycldstardust Historical Human-Black Herman Become a Patron Penguin Magic… Continue reading 086-The Amazing Paul Kilmer
We’re getting back into convention, camp, and magic-gathering season. If you’re in charge of any gathering of entertainers, then this episode is especially for you! Returning guest Courtney Pong walks us through some simple and easy steps to creating a safe work environment for all. Show Links CSZBoston Check This Out-Tony Nabors Historical Human-Antonio Gallardo… Continue reading 085-Creating Safe Spaces with Courtney Pong
Cody Clark, magician and advocate, joins Shezam is discuss how to be an advocate, how to perform a sensory-friendly show, and how to make every show, gathering, club meeting, and convention more inclusive for Autistic folks and those that have additional sensory needs. Show Links Cody Clark Check This Out-White Woman Whisperer on TikTok Historical… Continue reading 084-Sensory-Friendly Inclusion with Cody Clark
Season 4 begins with this riveting conversation with Dyna Staats. A few years ago, Dyna came out as transgendered. She’s the only person to perform on Penn & Teller’s Fool Us pre and post transition. Dyna was kind enough to take on the emotional labor of this conversation, chatting about proper vocabulary, how to better… Continue reading 083: Coming Out Trans with Dyna Staats
We are coming to you, during our hiatus, with this special crossover episode with Discourse in Magic! Jonah Babins and Kayla discuss all sorts of things, from producing virtual conventions to stuff we hate about today’s magic world. Show Links Discourse in Magic Unconventional.fun the Online Wonder Gala Become a Patron Kevin Kareckas Jonah’s Twisters
What’s it like to be a woman in juggling? Our season 3 ends with our final panel discussion. Who are our panelists? Cate Flaherty has been performing in circuses, on stages, and streets around the world for almost 20 years. She’s been performing her own solo comedy street show, “The Cate Great Show” since 2009.… Continue reading 081-“That is something you would just never…say to a male juggler”
Welcome to part two! Who are our panelists? Ran’D Shine is a performer, producer, and educator of magic. He has entertained audiences in over 27 countries and hundreds of American cities. In 2009, Ran’D premiered his show, “Mysterious Ways”, at the South African Arts Festival with rave reviews. In that same year, he was selected to perform… Continue reading 080-“Don’t Apply the Black Tax” (Part 2)
Join this panel of amazing variety performers on their discussion of experiences with anti-Black racism. Who are our panelists? Ran’D Shine is a performer, producer, and educator of magic. He has entertained audiences in over 27 countries and hundreds of American cities. In 2009, Ran’D premiered his show, “Mysterious Ways”, at the South African Arts Festival with… Continue reading 079-“…at least we’ve said our piece”
Welcome to Shezam’s first panel discussion! We’re starting off with a discussion on the experience of performers of Asian descent. What are the effects of using, “an obviously fake piece of plastic with funny squiggles on it that say ‘Fish Market'” on the magicians around us? This episode is so vital to creating a better… Continue reading 078-“A piece of plastic…that says ‘Fish Market'”
I first met these two amazing humans when performing in their pandemic YouTube series. Our conversation was so fun (and Shezam relevant) that we had to make it an episode! Who are the Wine and Whiskey Ladies? Originally from Atlanta, Jennifer Wren packed up her bags and moved to New York City to pursue a… Continue reading 077-The Wine and Whiskey Ladies
Our guest this week is a magician and activist. You may know her from her trade show and corporate event fame, where she was nicknamed The Darling of Dot Com. Teller said, “She is not only beautiful and funny, she is clever.” She’s been on Entertainment Tonight, Good Morning America, featured in Entrepreneur Magazine, the Wall… Continue reading 076-Lisa Menna!!
Happy 75th episode, all! My, how the time has flown by. And what a wonderful episode this is for #75! Ever since she won the German Grand Prix 2011, and was thus the first woman to achieve the prestigious title German Champion of Magic, Alana is one of magic’s premier performersBut success didn’t come overnight.… Continue reading 075-Alana Talks Act Building and Fashionable Inspiration
Leah Orleans is a contortionist, entertainer and fitness instructor currently based out of St. Petersburg Florida after the Covid-19 pandemic grounded her tour. She is one half of the comedy acrobatic duo, Acrobatrix! that tours cruise ships, renaissance festivals, and universities. Growing up in the theater scene of Chicago, raised in a family of magicians,… Continue reading 074-Leah Orleans on How Circus and Magic Compare
WE GOT Josephine Lee! Josephines fresh, modern spin on magic took the magic world by storm after her appearance on BRITAIN’S GOT TALENT. This magic act hit millions of views overnight, making Josephine the most talked about woman in the magic industry. She has since made TV appearances all over the world, her UK Television… Continue reading 073-Josephine Lee!!
What does it take to be a solid illusion assistant? How can magicians still use a female assistant and not come across as sexist or just plain gross? What should we look for when hiring someone to go in the boxes? After dancing practically all her life in Kansas City, Marissa moved to Los Angeles… Continue reading 072-Marissa Maiorana on Being in the Box (and in the air)
Makeup-it’s a mystery to many of us (especially Kayla). And makeup for your promo photos and videos require a professional touch. Enter: Cassandra Paige. Her Instagram says it all: she’s a skilled and artful makeup artist. On top of her vast skill and packed resume, she’s also an absolutely hilarious and bubbly human being. Enjoy… Continue reading 071-Cassandra Paige on Looking Good for Promo Photos/Videos
Laura Okmin is a special kind of magician. Not the kind that we’re used to hearing-card and coin tricks and such. Laura, instead, is the third longest tenured sideline reporter in NFL history. And even though she often heard that her career will go downhill after turning 40, Laura loves to say (or shout!) that… Continue reading 070-NFL Reporter Laura Okmin
Ever wanted to try street performing? Although Kayla is clearly an expert after her one street show (sarcasm), Felice Ling and Cate Flaherty are regular performers at Boston’s Faneuil Hall. You may know Quincy Market for the shopping and food. It’s also a hot spot for the best of the best street performers; it’s no… Continue reading 069-Street Performing Experts Felice Ling and Cate Flaherty
This one’s a big one! Legendary comedian, actor, and teacher Karen Maruyama joins Kayla to talk about playing characters, being funny, and why watching magicians often is…gross. Karen, a teacher at The Groundlings and AFI, has taught specialty workshops for Disney Orlando, Disney Animation, Paramount Parks, and Universal (to name a few). She’s the director… Continue reading 068-Karen Maruyama on Character, Comedy, and Disingenuous Magicians
Suzanne and Kayla talk restaurant magic during COVID and post-COVID times, training horses, audience management, creating unique magic, and fooling Penn & Teller (which only Suzanne did…Kayla did not fool them…DUH!). Audiences all over the country have been falling in love with Suzanne since 1985. She resides in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota and can be see… Continue reading 067-Suzanne the Magician
Okay, maybe it’s not as big as we think. But, this episode is too fun to miss! The Setup (John Accardo and Chris Grace) is a podcast discussing magic and comedy and why each other’s industries are way cooler than their own. Kayla, John, and Chris chat about being funny, why certain props/mindsets in magic… Continue reading 066-The Crossover Event of the Century
From the early days of dance and circus to her debut and magic shows in Las Vegas, from touring internationally with award winning magic to producing magic production shows, from mentoring to providing contracts for emerging talent, nothing has been impossible on Connie’s journey. Very early on in Connie’s magic career she began working with… Continue reading 065-Connie Boyd on her Career and Magical Women
First up-a quick update on the Jibrizy special episode. Then, listen to how Ryan Kane rewrote all the stock material in his show to end with something unique and specific to him. Ryan Kane is a magician, comedian, and author thriving in the San Francisco Bay Area. His clients include Fortune 500 companies and savvy event… Continue reading 064-Ryan Kane on Rewriting Stock Material
Trigger Warning: sexual assault, anti-LGBTQ+ slurs With the purpose of having a face-to-face conversation, Kayla chats with Jibrizy about the effect, “Cake”, comments made online, and more. An important note: with the exception of taking out some talk at the start and a few “um”s, “uh”s, and pauses in the first half of the episode,… Continue reading Special Episode: Jibrizy
In this episode, Lyn Dillies discusses her career, her new project “Your Vote is Magic”, and being a woman in the illusions world. Kayla also shares some thoughts on the new effect “Cake” by Jibrizy, released by Abstract Effects. Lyn Dillies has earned a place in magic history for her unique illusions with elephants. She… Continue reading 063-Lyn Dillies on Your Vote is Magic
Season 3 has begun! There’s no better way to kick things off than with Sherard Robbins! In this episode, Sherard Robbins, creator of Visceral Change, talks with Kayla about the core components to social justice and what we can all do to help our communities and our society to be a more diverse and accepting… Continue reading 062-Sherard Robbins on the Core Components to Social Justice
So much has changed since Season 2 that we’re telling you about them in this mini-episode announcement. Season 3 begins OCTOBER 5th!! Show Links Become a Patron Shezam Swag Shezam Pins Kevin Kareckas New Song, “Good Times Go” Jonah’s Twisters State of the podcast 0:00:00 Changes in Season 3 0:01:56 Ads, sponsored segments, SAM and… Continue reading Season 3 ANNOUNCEMENT!
As a PS to closing out Season 2, here’s the audio from the Shezam Pod Live Lecture with the IBM back in March. Carisa and Kayla have a fun chat, play some games, and take some questions. Warning: information may be out of date, but this was too fun not to share. See you in… Continue reading 061-You Thought We Were Done!
Jen Adams is BACK (because she never left!) to close out her conversation with Kayla about why she quit magic and the amazing things she’s doing now in Boise. Jen Adams's Website Lounge at the End of the Universe Intro / Shezam theme 0:00:00 Leaving magic 0:00:16 Moving to Boise 0:04:40 Country music DJ 0:11:07… Continue reading 060-Jen Adams, Part 2: Quitting Magic and the Lounge at the End of the Universe
Trigger Warning-sexual assault, rape, body image. Jen Adams joins Kayla for a discussion about her vast career, from being the child of a magician, to working with the beginning of The Mystery School, to working on (and being let go from) Celebracadabra. Jen Adams's Website Lounge at the End of the Universe Intro / Shezam… Continue reading 059-Jen Adams on Celebracadabra
Born in Spain, based in London, Sonia talks with Kayla about her background as a dancer and how incorporating it has affected her magic and attracted the interest of advertisers. Sonia’s Instagram: @soniabenitoSonia recommends: www.nowness.com Here are a few links of Sonia’s work, her video for Nike, and an amazing video dedicated to women in… Continue reading 058 – Sonia Benito on movement in magic
We are taking this week off from Shezam to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter protests. Donate NAACP Legal Defense Fund Home A multi-recipient donation page: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ab_mn Books Consider buying from one of these black owned bookstores https://aalbc.com/bookstores/list.php Black Feminst Thought-Patricia Hill Collins Me and White Supremacy- Layla F Saad A Diamond is a… Continue reading Black Lives Matter
Carisa & Kayla talk about what they are doing with their quarantine and recommend some great things for you. Intro / Shezam theme 0:00:00 Catching up 0:00:36 Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs 0:04:51 Physiological needs: food 0:07:15 Physiological needs: water 0:15:21 Physiological needs: rest 0:22:39 Safety needs 0:28:34 Exercise 0:34:36 Belongness and love needs 0:37:17 Games… Continue reading 057 – Hierarchy of Needs
The unbelievable Juliana Chen tells Kayla and Carisa what’s what about basically everything. Intro / Shezam theme 0:00:00 Catching Up 0:00:27 Goal: recover lost Las Vegas history of women 0:02:32 Juliana’s history 0:02:59 Career highlights 0:06:06 Always looking to help younger generations 0:09:45 Do you feel that it made a difference? 0:14:13 How Kayla met… Continue reading 056 – Juliana Chen!!
Intro / Shezam theme 0:00:00 Following Adelaide Hermann’s tracks 0:00:58 Tour of Adelaide artifacts 0:02:24 Herrmann scrapbook 0:09:43 Adelaide’s family 0:20:37 Meet Margaret Steele 0:28:05 How Margaret found Adelaide 0:38:56 SAM 100th Salute to Magic 0:49:16 TAOM Convention 0:51:15 Adelaide’s memoirs 1:16:13 Online research 1:21:35 Shezam theme / SAM Funding 1:23:41
Carisa sits down with Catie Osborn, a talented magician with two masters degrees in Shakespeare to discus what good old Billy can teach us about the world of magic. As an entertainment directer Catie also has some great insight on making yourself appealing to bookers. Intro / Shezam theme 0:00:00 Meet Catie Osborn 0:00:19 Accessibility… Continue reading 054 – Catie Osborn on Shakespeare and tips from an entertainment director
If you are doing livestreams because you are stuck at home, you need this. We also want to take a moment to thank amazing photographer Dana Pleasant for the incredible images we continue to use. Intro / Shezam theme 0:00:00 Catching up 0:00:30 Quarantine self-care 0:02:10 10 best practices for mental health 0:08:25 1) Social… Continue reading 053 – Livestreams: You’re doing it wrong!
Kayla sits down with Marc to get some great insight on conventions and lecturing. Shezam theme / Meeting Marc 0:00:00 MAES Convention 0:09:39 Marc’s memory 0:16:06 Representing women in talent booking 0:18:35 How to create a lecture 0:29:29 What makes a good lecture 0:31:53 Mentorship 0:37:33 Lightning Round 0:42:30 Shezam theme / SAM funding 0:51:48
This was recorded before we knew how bad it was. Bizzaro and Carisa talk about staying creative. Biz’s creativity notes here. Shezam theme / Getting Bizzaro on the podcast 0:00:00 Creativity roadblocks 0:03:46 Prop building 0:12:56 Approaching creativity 0:20:13 WE GOTTA CATCH THAT BLUE DOT 0:24:35 Collaboration / outside influences 0:26:48 Review current material 0:32:09… Continue reading 051 – Creative Quarantine with Bizzaro
Kayla and Carisa discuss the current global situation, and how to stay motivated durring all this chaos. Intro / Shezam theme 0:00:00 Catching up 0:00:33 Coronavirus effects on entertainment industry 0:07:28 The bigger picture 0:13:32 Goal setting 0:18:33 How to spend your quarantine 0:25:11 Password: Quarantine Edition 0:28:18 Non-magic projects 0:32:58 Encouraging those who are… Continue reading 050 – Corona’s 13 Steps to Isolation
Kayla sits down with Cat Galesky to share her experiences as a woman who works in support of the magic community. Cat Galesky Shezam theme / Meeting Cat 0:00:00 Cat Galesky Being a knowledgable volunteer 0:09:41 Cat Galesky A magic lecture for everybody 0:22:07 Cat Galesky Abraca-BLAB-ra 0:28:03 Cat Galesky Enjoyable activities at conventions 0:37:08… Continue reading 049 – Cat Galesky about the women behind magic
Kayla tells Carisa all about the SAM convention and they discuss the representation of women and overall diversity. Intro / Shezam theme 0:00:00 Catching Up 0:00:34 SAM Convention 0:04:42 Stars of Tomorrow 0:08:12 Dealers room 0:11:17 Converations about diversity 0:12:40 Mac King Roast 0:16:49 Ding Yang’s performance 0:22:34 Problematic commentary 0:26:20 Credit where credit’s due… Continue reading 048 – SAM Convention Recap
It’s a little over a month into the new year, how are your resolutions going? We’re here to give you a well timed push back onto your path. Shezam theme / Intro 0:00:00 Lindsay Benner 0:01:20 John Lovick 0:06:06 Stephen Bargatze 0:07:59 Lili VonSchtupp 0:12:43 Max Maven 0:17:37 Shezam’s Motivation 0:20:36 Shezam theme / SAM… Continue reading 047 – Get Motivated – Special Episode
It’s women’s week again at the Chicago Magic Lounge! This time Carisa Hendrix is joined by Alexandra Duvivier & Rachel Wax to chat about character, culture and tell some fun stories. Intro / Shezam Theme 0:00:00 Women in Magic Week 0:01:11 Shezam cocktail 0:05:43 Inspirations for female magicians 0:08:20 Establishing character in 8 seconds 0:11:55… Continue reading 046 – Alexandra Duvivier & Rachel Wax LIVE from the Chicago Magic Lounge
Paige Thompson and Jan Rose join Carisa Hendrix to discuss their journey in magic and how the Chicago Magic Lounge pushed them both to developing new identities on-stage.
After a few one on one interviews, Kayla and Carisa get together to catch up with each other and you. Intro / Shezam theme 0:00:00 Catching up 0:00:39 Performing at San Quentin 0:02:56 Shezam interviews Shezam 0:14:12 Show developments in Chicago 0:16:30 Strongest and most improved aspects of your act 0:21:46 Preventing burnout 0:25:44 Homebase… Continue reading 044 – Kayla and Carisa catch up
Jade is our first repeat guest! She was part of our live podcast at the Chicago Magic lounge in 2018 and now we have her back to get into a things a bit more deeply. Intro / Shezam Theme 0:00:00 Jade’s magic origin 0:02:31 Faux Chinese aesthetic in magic 0:12:14 Mistaken identity 0:18:14 Thumb tie… Continue reading 043 – Jade on both the Lovely and the Hard things
Stephen Bargatze really generously opens up about his life in showbiz and the journey to where he is now. It’s a wonderful episode and we hope you enjoy. Intro / Theme 0:00:00 Relative obscurity 0:01:55 Presenting your character 0:03:40 Starting as a clown 0:05:55 From clown to magician 0:08:34 Performers’ generation gap 0:10:49 Getting the… Continue reading 042 – Stephen Bargatze on Character and Family Career Balance
Carisa sits down with Chris Capehart a master magician with over years performing experience on big stages. He is a famous and accomplished street performer, killer kids show magician, comedian, writer and a wonderful man. Intro / Theme 0:00:00 Catching up 0:00:24 Introducing Chris Capehart 0:01:15 Performing at the Chicago Magic Lounge 0:02:40 Visual aspect… Continue reading 041 – Chris Capehart on Audience Management & Identity
Kayla and Carisa sit down with the wonderful Erik Tait to chat about his experience creating magic products and what you should know if you are thinking of publishing a magic effect of your own. Intro / Theme 0:00:00 Catching up 0:00:39 Introducing Erik Tait 0:02:39 Working on podcasts 0:04:16 A very important question 0:07:53… Continue reading 040 -Erik Tait on Publishing Magic
Kayla and Carisa have the pleasure of being told how many thing they are doing wrong when it comes to make up, skin care, hair, and really everything. Renee Castiglione is a professional stylist and she is here to set us straight. Come join us and learn from our mistakes, also wash your makeup brushes!!Check… Continue reading 039 -Renee Castiglione on Looking Good on Stage (Part 2)
Kayla and Carisa have the pleasure of being told how many thing they are doing wrong when it comes to make up, skin care, hair, and really everything. Renee Castiglione is a professional stylist and she is here to set us straight. Come join us and learn from our mistakes, also wash your makeup brushes!!… Continue reading 038 -Renee Castiglione on Looking Good on Stage
Interviewing Stewart MacDonald about using sophisticated manufacturing concepts to substantially improve your act. So here is TIM WOOD! T – Transport I – Inventory M – Movement W – Waiting and delays O – Over production O – Over Processing D – Defects Theme 0:00:00 Lean manufacturing 0:00:43 Removing the distinction between creative and pragmatic processes 0:02:25 Direct observation 0:04:37 Waste: transportation… Continue reading 037 – Stuart MacDonald MAES Interview
Kayla and Carisa come back from the break to announce the much anticipated season two. They welcome amazing new editor Chris Comb and chat a little about the Peller Show they had just wrapped at the Magic Castle. What’s in this episode: What Kayla’s been doing 00:23.909Peller Theater Show … Continue reading 036 – Season Two Announcement
Most magicians perform routines that involve the use of audience volunteers. Considering how common this is you’d think we’d all be a little better at it, but alas, often we make mistakes. Here are five Kayla and Carisa have seen a lot lately and how to avoid them. You’re welcome! Thank you to special guest… Continue reading 035 – You’re Doing It Wrong: 5 Common Mistakes with Audience Volunteers
Inspired by the new Taylor Swift music video, “You Need to Calm Down“, Carisa and Kayla are extra bitchy today and can’t remember who Taylor Swift and Katy Perry are. They discuss how to be a good ally and much more. Special guest-Bowie the Dog. Guide to Allyship Link Here.
Kayla and Carisa have seen a lot of magic in the last few months and the same scripting problems keep coming up again and again. We’re sharing them here on this episode to help make your show better.
In this episode we chat with the Naked Magicians, Mike Tyler and Christopher Wayne, about how they wrote and created their very edgy show without crossing the line. Check out the Naked Magicians in Las Vegas
After Kayla’s amazing lecture at IBM Ring 216 in San Jose, Carisa joins for our 3rd ever live recording of the podcast. Thank you so much to to everyone who joined us, we had an absolute blast 🙂
We’re back! This week Carisa and Kayla discuss a routine that’s been exploding in popularity… French Kiss Examples of the routine: Houchin Wes Barker Ekaterina
This week we discuss constructed personas, and things get juicy when we start calling out our magicians by name who are #partoftheproblem
Carisa and Kayla saw the new Captain Marvel movie, and they have some thoughts about it!
This week Carisa and Kayla dive in to some constructive criticism on audience participation techniques, and Kayla gets angry!
This Week’s Episode contains some language, viewer discretion advised! This week we have a very special guest… Holly Mandel! You can check out some of the really cool things she does at her Website
This week Carisa and Kayla address some recent controversy surrounding Episode 20… Lance Burton Teen Magic Seminar
Recorded live at the Chicago Magic Lounge during their Women in Magic Spotlight, Carisa interviews the amazing Jade, and the phenomenal Alba! Jade’s Website Alba’s Website Chicago Magic Lounge This podcast is supported in part through support from the endowment and development fund of the International Brotherhood of Magicians
The long awaited… The long anticipated… Mailbag Episode!Carisa and Kayla tackle the tough questions, the ones submitted by you!
This week Carisa and Kayla interview… Lindsay Benner! A beloved staple in the variety arts scene of Los Angeles, this force of entertainment can do it all! Physical comedy, juggling, hosting, acting, strait jacket escape, ventriloquism, magic and more! Lindsay’s Website Episode photo by Pixie Vision Photography
This week Kayla sits down with a very special guest, the one and only Jinger! Jinger’s Instagram
Warning: This episode veers into some difficult topics, viewer discretion is advised. This week Carisa and Kayla tackle the difficult topic of Sexual Assault in the magic community, and discuss things we can all do to help put an end to it. Dana Lynn Photography A Man’s Guide to Not Sexually Harassing Women
It’s 2019! Kayla and Carisa do an episode of Shezam… Live on Facebook! You can watch the full video on Facebook complete with some mild language and hysterics, or listen to the cleaned up audio version! Facebook Video
Happy Holidays from Shezam! This week Carisa and Kayla talk about what it’s like to be a performer around the Holidays, and recount some of their Holiday performance memories!
Warning: This episode touches on some difficult topics. Forget the drunkasode, it’s the exhaustasode! Carisa and Kayla catch up, give updates on past episodes, and try to make flights on time with the help of amazing new luggage. Away Luggage
Warning: This episode veers into some difficult topics. This week Carisa and Kayla interview “The foul-mouth buxom godmother of LA burlesque,” Lili VonSchtupp! Lili’s Twitter Boobdini’s Twitter Lili’s Facebook Boobdini Website Vote Lili (NSFW)
Carisa and Kayla sit down with Magician Handsome Jack and chat about something most people take for granted, scripting! – Handsome Jack – Ask Alexander – Screenplay Formatter for Google Docs
This week Kayla and Carisa tackle the difficult question of… Why are women in magic terrible? https://www.wired.com/2015/02/arent-many-women-magic-kick-guys-asses/ http://www.magicalba.com/
This week we have a VERY special interview, Virginia Hankins! WARRIOR. SIREN. ARCHER. WOMAN. KNIGHT. The redheaded living legend famous for her extraordinary life and adventures as a modern day lady knight inspiring the spirit of imagination and adventure in all that she meets. http://www.virginiahankins.com/
This episode talks about some potentially triggering subject matter.
We are constantly asked why there are so few women in magic. The answer is complex and nuanced because it is made up of many different reasons. These are many little things that are keeping women away from magic and many people are likely unaware. In an effort to draw attention to these little things we have posted the hashtag “part of the problem”. One example that has received some attention is the ongoing popularity of sexual explicit images of women used in a recent sting of “porn memes” that has popped up on a comedy forum for magicians. We are proud to be a part of magic right now, when so many are so interested in the support of women in magic and a move towards greater gender equality. If you see something you believe is contributing to the lack of women in the art of magic please use the #partoftheproblem to draw attention to the issue without judgment or disrespect. Most people don’t realize how these little things taken together make a big impact.
The first installment of Magic in the Media, this week Carisa and Kayla explore one of their favorite shows, Doctor Who! The Doctor is a woman now, and you better believe they are here to give their thoughts! Book Recommendation: Ronnie Turns Fear into Fun Doctor Who Infographic
Exploring how the internet treats women, Mistie Knight shares her experience with being turned into an objectifying meme, her reaction, and what we can do moving forward. This episode will be apart of a long list of episodes on how the internet and the magic community treat women. Enjoy! Mistie’s Website
A continuation from episode 6 , Carisa and Kayla go over some more information on business basics. This episode will answers questions like: -How do I make the jump to becoming a pro? -How do I get the gigs rolling? -What is the lifestyle of a professional entertainer? -Where can I find more on business… Continue reading 006.5: Biz-Nuss Bay-Sicks
Can you make a living at magic? Carisa and Kayla definitely think so. This episode dives into the styles and branches of magic that you can chose from. We also introduce a new segment called, “Girl Code”, which goes over some general ideas of how women can help other women…ya know, GIRL CODE! Important notes:… Continue reading 006: Magic 101
DISCLAIMER: Not for children, trigger warning on sexual assault. Please listen with caution. We’ve been asked a lot in the last week on our thoughts about Andy Gross’s performance at Purdue University. Here’s a BONUS pod for the week, where we discuss the Purdue performance, how we can react, and how to avoid becoming an… Continue reading 005: BONUS! Us on Andy Gross (Disclaimer)
Shezam talks with their first guest, Max Maven, who knows a thing or two about diversity within the magic community. Max tells stories, drops knowledge, and gives a good burn to Kayla towards the end. Enjoy this thoughtful and information-packed episode with Max Maven. Links from the Episode: Fetaque Sanders Richiardi Celeste Evans Suzy… Continue reading 004: Max Maven (Our First Guest!)
We did a live podcast after the all-women show at PCAM 🙂 It was a total blast and we could not be more grateful for all the thoughtful and fun questions.
The first wizardcast is for everyone! Go to shezampod.com to get the upcoming wizard episodes. In this wizard episode, Carisa and Kayla discuss more in-depth ideas about props and costuming. They discuss strolling magic approaches and choice of material, stage set up and prop choice, and much more. Carisa and Kayla then play a game of… Continue reading 002.5-Wizards on Props
Episode 2: Poop About Props Shezam: Episode 2, featuring the first appearance of the Feminist Cookie! Carisa and Kayla talk about packing for the road, their preference for not being offensively referred to as food, and the very real divide between men and women in magic when it comes to props, including figuring out which… Continue reading 002: Poop About Props
Welcome to the pod! IT'S HERE! First episode! Get ready for a podcast that one day will (hopefully) make itself obsolete. Join Carisa and Kayla as they discuss the pod, the goals, do some magic and play some games. It's going to be a HOOT!