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.

n Part 3 of Scott Wells reports and interviews from Blackpool 2010 we're treated to the final part of his interviews from day two with Magic Circle President Jack Delvin and Blackpool Magic Club president Alan Coventry.  We then move on to Day Three in which  Scott chats with Blackpool VIP show coordinator James Masson,  Tim Trono & Kathy Carini of Murphy's Magic Supplies, Banachek, Paul Nardini, the Blackpoole Kid's Show Champion Oscar Munoz, Keith Barry, Franz Harary, FISM International President Eric Eswin, my friend Brandon Burn from IrishMagicNews.com and previous Magic Newswire contributor, Hypnotist Andi Gladwin.

Scott Wells continues his reports from Blackpool 2010 by sending in interviews with Axel Hecklau, Paul Brooke, Mark Mason, Roy Zaltsman, Paul Stone, Magic Circle President Jack Delvin,Blackpool Magicians VP Andrew Green, club President Alan Coventry and everyone gathered at the Ruskin Hotel bar on Saturday Night.

Scott Wells continues his series of "Scott Signals"  as he and Banachek make their way to the UK for one of the biggest magic conventions in the world, Blackpool.  This is the first installment of his travel diary and interview series. In this episode Scott shares some of his experiences before the convention begins and then grabs some time for interviews from the dealer's room on day one with such people as Tim Trono, Hank Moorehouse, Levent,  Oscar Munoz, Ian Rowland,  Mathew Field &  James Clark.  Check back daily for new updates from Scott from Blackpool which takes place this year on February 19th, 20th & 21st.

Rick Roth produces some of the most unique and interesting effects and props for use in the performance of mentalism and bizarre magic. Beginning with his first release, "Homicide," Rick has made a name for himself and Outlaw Effects in the world of magic. In this episode of "The Spirit of Magic" podcast, Rick and I discuss his background, the history of Outlaw and the creative process with which he creates such amazing products. We also touch on some of the issues that can arise when trying to meet the demand for such unique products. Join Rick and I as we explore The Spirit of Outlaw Effects.

Paul Draper delivers his second edition of the Draper Diaries for the Magic Newswire. Paul shares his thoughts, interviews with performers, musings and more as he explores the world of magic and mentalism from his home in Las Vegas and on the road around the world.

Paul Draper delivers his first edition of the Draper Diaries for the Magic Newswire. Paul will share his thoughts, interviews, musings and more as he explores the world of magic and mentalism from his home in Las Vegas. In this edition, Paul reports from the World Gaming Expo where he chats with Jackson Rayne before and after his Guiness World Record attempt for the straight jacket escape, Magician Eric Buss, performer Audrey Anderson and the International Association of Amusement Parks convention.

As we approach Magic Week at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, California, Neil Patrick Harris joins me for a second interview on the Magic Newswire podcast to discuss the 100th Anniversary of the mansion and "It's Magic 2009."  Why would anyone think that Neil would play down his interest in and connection to magic? What does he have to say about the resignation of Max Maven from the Castle staff? What is the future of the Magic Castle and his own interest in magic? All this and more will be revealed in this episode of the Magic Newswire's "Spirit of Magic" Podcast

Fresh from China where he served as a judge at FISM, magician Tim Ellis is my guest on this episode of the "Spirit of Magic" podcast. Tim talks about his career and how Asperger's Syndrome has impacted his magic. We also explore the importance of originality and storytelling in a performance.  From the perspective of a judge and frequent FISM attendee, Tim evaluates the overall quality of the magic at the Beijing FISM and talks about his philosophy when judging acts competing in what has become known as "The Olympics of Magic."  And of course...we discuss the controversy that has followed Shawn Farquhar's win of the FISM Grand Prix.

Paul Draper is an anthropologist, magician and mentalist. He has appeared with David Copperfield, Lance Burton, and Teller and as an expert on Magic for the History Channel. Paul has performed for the HBO Comedy Fest at Caesar's Palace, on Criss Angel’s Mindfreak on A&E, and on documentaries accompanying Steven Spielberg's Poltergeist. As an anthropologist and member of the Society for the Anthropology of Consciousness, Paul Draper pursues studies with Native American Ghost Dancers, South American cannibals, and Spiritualists. To top it all off, Paul will be the guest of honor this week at MagicCafe.com. please join Paul and I on this episode of the Magic Newswire's "Spirit of Magic Podcast."