The Magic Hat Podcast: Recent Episodes
Scott Edwards
A discussion by professional entertainers on the secrets and facts of performing Comedy Magic. From why and how someone gets started to some of the stories behind the scenes. Interesting and entertaining conversation to be enjoyed by those interested in this entertainment art form.
Short interview with Dan Chan, a talented comic/magician who turned Mentalist to provide entertainment for Weddings, Restaurants, Fundraisers, and Corporate Clients. Dan has perform from the Bay Area (Home Base) to Japan and from Germany to Hawaii. He is a regular performer for Corporate Events in Silicon valley and can bring a variety of talents...magic, juggling, mentalist, and even a little "pick-pocketing", Ha!
Visit his website: www.danchanmagic.com
to learn more!
Explaining how listeners can contact me!
Great interview with a guy who got a late start in show business; but is rocking the corporate stages in Nor Cal. Al Skinner has worked for me, works with Larry Wilson, and I have also been a guest to his stage show; he really brings the comedy to his magic to provide wonderful entertainment value. Listen to this interview to learn more!
His site: www.alskinner.net
On this second of two short interviews with comic-magician Greg Otto; where he shares how he was able to switch from close-up magic to comedy-magic, to standup comedy without any issues...amazing talent! He had success with the cruise lines, comedy clubs across the country, and as a long-time regular at Hollywood's Magic Castle. Bad audio quality due to disruptive phone connection; but good content just the same.
Hosted by: R. Scott Edwards
We had some audio difficulties with this recording; but the story of Mr. Otto's career as a Magician AND standup comic is very different than most. Greg Otto started, like most, as a straight magician; but his interest in standup comedy took him to performing just standup on cruises, comedy clubs and TV. YET, he always had his comedy magic as a back-up plan. In fact, for several years, he pulled back on comedy and performed regularly at the Magic Castle in Hollywood doing both straight close-up magic and stage comedy magic. Very versatile variety talent!
Hosted by: R. Scott Edwards
Back in the day, early 1908's, it was at my main club Laughs Unlimited that for years we had an actual clown. Jim Jayes, working at "Clancy The Clown" ,was the person entertaining and directing the crowds I had on the weekend nights. Plus, instead of staring at a brick wall; I had Clancy the Clown do a 10 minute warm up act on stage before every weekend show. He was in full clown make-up and costume and did balloons, magic and juggling to entertain all the adults...he was very good and it set the mood for fun! On this interview he shares good stories, more of his career as a true circus clown, and how he still does magic for kids today.
Hosted by: R. Scott Edwards
I have not had the pleasure of working with comic/magician Christopher Barnes; but he came highly recommended and everything I was told was true. Chris approaches his magic using a kind'a cartoonish delivery, bright colors, goofy antics, and funny props; which make for an always entertaining show for kids...and adults. But there is more...he is also a playwright who has had shows in New York and Los Angeles. As proof of his talents, visit his YouTube site at yaytaco.fun great stuff!
Hosted by: R. Scott Edwards
I have not had the pleasure of working with comic/magician Christopher Barnes; but he came highly recommended and everything I was told was true. Chris approaches his magic using a kind'a cartoonish delivery, bright colors, goofy antics, and funny props; which make for an always entertaining show for kids...and adults. But there is more...he is also a playwright who has had shows in New York and Los Angeles. As proof of his talents, visit his YouTube site at yaytaco.fun great stuff!
Hosted by: R. Scott Edwards
I have worked with a lot of nationally known magicians, as you have heard on earlier shows from this podcast; but most magicians around the world don't reach those levels of professional shows. However, they are just as dedicated, proficient, and hard working at their craft. They may be doing mostly kids parties, restaurants, and small corporate events; but they are all professionals. Scot Smith is a terrific example of a very successful comic-magician that never left his Home town. Scot is respected, works hard to entertain, and was a joy to have on my podcast, this is the second of his shows...enjoy!
I have worked with a lot of nationally known magicians, as you have heard on earlier shows from thsi podcast; but most magicians around the world don't reach those levels of professional shows. However, they are just as dedicated, proficient, and hard working at their craft. They may be doing mostly kids parties, restaurants, and small corporate events; but they are all professionals. Scot Smith is a terrific example of a very successful comic-magician that never left his Home town. Scot is respected, works hard to entertain, and was a joy to have on my podcast....enjoy!
Hosted by: R. Scott Edwards
On this episode of the series, comic-magician Michael Finney shares his thoughts on how comedy added to his shows and helped him when illusions went awry. Michael has done TV, worked the best comedy clubs, and distributed hism own comedy album "No Tricks" where he tested his ability tom do standup comedy alone. Interesting guy, with interesting stories...listen and enjoy as Michael Finney shares his magical life.
Hosted by: R. Scott Edwards
This is the 3rd and last of our conversation with comic-magician Ken Garr, who is currently the Ringmaster for "Cirque De Boheme" in Sanoma. He has been doing comedy-magic on stages for over 30 years...one of the funniest! On this episode we dig deeper into how his mentors and comedy idols are, and also on how he is giving back by mentoring and training a new string of magicians. Enjoy!
Hosted by: R. Scott Edwards
This is the second of Ken Garr's talks with us on the way he got into performing comedy-magic shows across the country. Ken is a Bay Area entertainer who has done some TV, is a co-host regular on the streaming "Creature Feature" series, and on this episode he shares how he adds comedy to the illusions he does. Very interesting!
Hosted by: R. Scott Edwards
Thanks for enjoying this series; and on this special mid -series edition, we have professional comic Bob Worley sharing his attempt to perform some magic...for the first (and hopefully last) time. This is just a short comedy break in the series, and we will have more great discussions with other professional comic-magicians again next time. Thanks for listening, and please share with other who enjoy the variety arts.
Hosted By: R. Scott Edwards
Another great discussion about Comedy-Magic with our star today, Andy Gross. Andy has been doing ventriloquism, magic, and comedy on stage for over 30 years. He is currently working a large tourist show in Florida; but has done hundreds of corporate shows, comedy clubs, and special events over the years. he is clean, funny, and very talented magician. On this, his second in the series, Andy explains how envisioning a trick helps him prepare, and how comedy supports magic, and can even help bail out a troubled illusion. Andy Gross is also an internet star with his "Split-Man" illusion...be sure to check out on You Tube all his amazing videos and shows.
Hosted By: R. Scott Edwards
On this, the last of the series with comic magician Larry Wilson, we dive into some of his Magic Heros, and the talents of Carl Ballantine, one of the first "Comic-Magicians" seen regularly on TV. In addition, the value and use of quality acting while performing. And last, information on Houdini, David Blaines illusion producer, and even Shin Lim who is a rising star in magic with his show in Las Vegas. Larry Wilson was the perfect comic magician for this series, and we want to Thank him for his valuable time and for sharing interesting aspects of how comedy and magic work together.
Hosted by: R. Scott Edwards
I this episode in the series, comic magician Larry Wilson (over 100 TV appearances) talks about some of the back stage prep, magic secrets, and the creation of illusions and comedy. We dig deeper on what makes a trick work and how comedy can both direct where the magic goes, and vice-versa. Very interesting and funny!
Hosted by: R. Scott Edwards
This episode stars Larry Wilson, a 30+ year veteran of the comedy magic world...from small stages and comedy clubs to TV and corporate shows...he has done it all. On this show we discuss what happens when a trick goes awry, and how comedy can make it easier and even hide mistakes. Larry shares a couple funny stories of illusions that go wrong and how he managed it. Very interesting!
Hosted by: R. Scott Edwards
On this episode Comic Magician Larry Wilson, of Magic Castle fame, shares how a magic trick, and the the comedy that comes with it, are created and fit into an act. The process is interesting, and getting a chance to work it out on stage is so crucial. Larry is able to walk us all through the process while using examples that validate the process.
Hosted By: R. Scott Edwards
On this show we dive a bit deeper into turning a magic illusion into a comedy bit. I put Larry on the spot with the traditional "Cups & Balls" trick, and while doing the recording he comes up with a very unique and funny & different way to do "Cups & Balls"...very interesting!
It is all in the discussion of how comedy and magic can work in tandem to generate a terrific audience response.
Hosted by: R. Scott Edwards
On this episode we really break down how useful comedy can be to presenting magic; but also show respect for those who do straight magic...very interesting! Hear why Comedy and magic work so well together. Larry shares some magic history as well...enjoy!
Hosted by: R. Scott Edwards
On this episode of the series, we are joined by comic-magician Michael Finney our of Phoenix Arizona. Michael was a finalist on TV's "Star Search", a regular at the Hollywood's Magic Castle, and actually won a "Silver Lion" Award from Siegfried & Roy. He has performed across the country in comedy clubs, corporate events, and even early on...amusement parks. A talented magician and very funny guy; you will enjoy all that he shares here.
Hosted by: R. Scott Edwards
One this episode of the series, comic-magician Andy Gross, with over 30 years stage experience, shares his story on how after being a straight magician for years, added comedy to get more work and ride the standup comedy wave of the 80's. His is a unique story because after 10 years of being a professional athlete, Andy Gross went back to his childhood love of ventriloquism and magic. It was only after wanting to work as many stages as he could, did he add standup comedy to his magic. Andy is also a Internet sensation with his trick "Split-Man"; be sure to join over 5 Million viewers and check it out!
Hosted by: R. Scott Edwards
In this episode of the series we talk with comic-magician Ken Garr. He has over 30 years experience on stage, some TV appearances, and is currently the Ringmaster for the bay Area circus "Cirque De Boheme". Ken Garr shares his story as a comic-magician, and how adding comedy to his magic at a young age helped him connect with an audience. Listen, learn, and enjoy as Ken talks about his years entertaining audiences.
Hosted by: R. Scott Edwards
In this episode, Larry Wilson (Magic Castle Regular, TV appearances, big Vegas shows) shares how with his growing success as a professional comic magician, he did the SF Comedy Competition, more TV like Don Kirshner's Rock Concert, and how using comedy with his magic really helped all along his career.
Hosted by: R. Scott Edwards
On this episode, Comic Magician Larry Wilson, shares his story of going from being a college student interested in movie production, to successful party magician and even his first (of dozens) TV appearances. Larry has a way of sharing important information while being very entertaining as well...listen and enjoy!
Hosted by: R. Scott Edwards
In the second part if the series, Larry Wilson, star of TV and stage, talks about his beginnings in magic, some of the psychology behind magic, and also his early appearances at renaissance fairs. It is all about presenting the illusions in a way that works for the performer...and if you can make a few dollars...all the better!
Hosted by: R. Scott Edwards
This is the first in a series of conversations about the entertainment art form Comedy/Magic. This show will shares secrets, stories, and knowledge about this fun style of stage entertainment. On this first show, Comic Magician Larry Wilson (2019 "Comic magician of the Year") shares when and why people start looking into magic. His story, like many others, takes us through those early days on experimenting with magic. Interesting and enjoyable...you'll have fun listening!
Hosted by: R. Scott Edwards