Tony Curtis is our guest on this episode of the Magic Newswire "Spirit of Magic" podcast. Tony studied with George L Boston before starring in the 1953 film Houdini. Tony's enthusiasm for magic continued far beyond his role in the film. He was a frequent  participant  at  the  AMA's annual award banquets. In fact, he presented Cardini with the Masters Fellowship, the Academy of Magical Arts highest honor.  In spite of the fact that the film portrayed  a highly fictionalized account of Houdini's career, many still consider it to be one of the best "Houdini Films" yet to be made

Was he Milton Franklin Andrews, Wilbur Edgerton Sanders, E.S. Andrews, L'Homme Masque, or S.W. Erdnase? The search for the author of one of the most seminal works on the card manipulation is among the most hotly debated topics in the world of conjuring research. On this episode of the "Spirit of Magic" podcast, I am joined by guest co-host Jason England and special guest Richard Hatch. Richard is widely recognized for his research on the topic of Erdnase and the book "Expert at the Card Table." If you regularly perform close-up magic with cards, then you are certain to have been influenced by this book whether or not you are aware of it. We may just scratch the surface of this fascinating topic in this episode, but it is a fascinating and educational conversation that you need to hear.

Magic Castle librarian Bill Goodwin joins me on this edition of this podcast to tell us a bit about what has been happening at the Magic Castle since the fire and to talk about his friend Larry Jennings. Larry is widely recognized as one of Dai Vernon's greatest students and is known for developing some of the most difficult, yet rewarding effects with a deck of cards. On January 28th, Potter & Potter Auctions will be curating the sale of Jennings collection which contains Erdnasia, Vernon Memorbilia, books and much, much more.

Well, it is finally here. The 2011 wrap-up show for the Spirit of Magic & The Magic Newswire. Because of various and sundry technical issues, I wasn't sure that this show would ever see the light of day. It may be 30 days late, but I am still happy to present this chat with Johnny Thompson, John Calvert, Marco Tempest Paul Gertner, David Kaye, Richard Hatch, Jim Steinmeyer, Chase Goforth, Scott Wells, Cameron Ramsay and many others all gathering to ring in the Year of the Dragon. From everyone involved in the Magic Newswire and these podcasts, I wish you a prosperous and happy new year! 

Magic Castle librarian Bill Goodwin joins me on this edition of this podcast to tell us a bit about what has been happening at the Magic Castle since the fire and to talk about his friend Larry Jennings.  Larry is widely recognized as one of Dai Vernon's greatest students and is known for developing some of the most difficult, yet rewarding effects with a deck of cards.  On January 28th, Potter & Potter Auctions will be curating the sale of Jennings collection which contains Erdnasia, Vernon Memorbilia, books and much, much more.

My guest on this episode of the Magic Newswire's Spirit of Magic podcast is Magic Castle regular Rob Zabrecky. Rob began not as a magician but as a musician as a part of the 90's indie band Possum Dixon. Discovering magic after an unexpected visit to a magic shop while on tour, Rob became addicted to magic and mentalism. Rob is now a frequent performer in the Parlor of Prestidigitation and was a long time host of the AMA's "Who's Hoo" interview series.

Rob Zabrecky has worked throughout the United States and Japan as a magician. He is best known for performances in which he combines irreverent dark humor and mentalism. Since 2002 he has been a regular performer at the Magic Castle. In 2003 he formed the off-beat magic trio, The Unholy Three in the basement of that establishment by presenting a provocative Dada-esque combination of wizardry, mentalism and off-beat humor. In 2008, 2009, and 2010 The Academy of Magical Arts at the Magic Castle named him among the top five magicians for his performances inside the club's Parlour of Prestidigitation.

What you are about to hear was intended to be the special Halloween episode of the Magic Newswire's "Spirit of Magic" Podcast.  Unfortunately, it was delayed by the fire that happened on Halloween at the Magic Castle and our interviews with those involved.  In spite of this, I am still thrilled to bring you this conversation with Dan Sperry about his new two year contract at the latest attraction to appear in New York City's Times Square, "Times Scare." Thanks again to Dan for joining us and please make time to support him by attending the show when you are in NYC!

On October 31, 2011 (Halloween), at approximately the time that Harry Houdini died, the magic community learned that our American clubhouse, the Magic Castle, was on fire.  In this podcast, we catch up with Irene Larsen, Erika Larsen, West McDonough and Milt Larsen and are provided with an intimate an first hand look at what happened, the extent of the damage and what the future holds for the Castle. All of this on the eve of a soft re-opening of the site to members and guests.