Beating a Dead Horse is  a story of fathers and sons. It is laugh-out-loud funny, honest, touching, and offers revelations along the way. Jay's son, Alexander “Sandy” Marshall, spent more than three years researching and writing about his maverick father. Beating a Dead Horse chronicles Jay's journey from his staid middle class upbringing in Abington, Massachusetts to his memorable performances on Broadway, television (14 appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show), New York's Palace Theatre, Radio City Music Hall, the London Palladium, opening for Frank Sinatra in Las Vegas, traveling the world, and becoming the Dean of the Society of American Magicians. On this episode of "The Spirit of Magic," Sandy joins us to talk about his dad and the research that went into this book.

It's a quiet evening at the Magic Newswire with Chase Goforth and myself hosting our special guest on this episode, Denny Haney. A graduate of the Chavez College of magic, Denny returned to Vietnam to entertain the troops after serving three tours and being discharged.  He toured the world with a stage show and was one of the highest paying  magic acts in the country. In 1990, Denny retired from the road and opened  the Denny & Lee Magic Studio in Baltimore.  Over the years, I have had had a chance to talk with Denny on many and varied topic and have always been impressed with his frankness and his opinions on magic. I hope that you enjoy what is sure to be one of many chats that we'll have with Denny on "This Week in Magic!"

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.