MNW72 :: CHRIS CAPEHART

Chris Capehart, featured on the cover of the December 2008 issue of Genii Magazine, talks with us about starting out as a street performer on Broadway in New York City. From his days competing with Jeff Sheridan to hanging out at the Governor Cafeteria with Slydini, Dia Vernon, Derek Dingle and David Roth, Chris's story is very unique among those shared with us as a part of our "Spirit of Magic" podcast. Chris is a regular headliner at the famous Monday Night Magic in New York City as well as at the Magic Castle. Many have dubbed Chris "The Ring Master" for his unique handling of the linking rings which was published in volume 13 of "Stars of Magic."

Direct download: MNW72-ChrisCapehart-12-02-2008.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:38am EDT

My guest on this episode of the "Spirit of Magic" Podcast is none other than Techno Magician Marco Tempest. Marco believes that the magician’s role is to be the one who makes dreams real first, before technology can get there…and so Tempest is always out there exploring new frontiers, one step ahead of the rest of us. It’s hard to tell if he’s on a fool’s journey…or that of a true visionary. Perhaps it’s a bit of both.  In this conversation, Marco and I explore the connections between magic and technology as well as what motivates him to explore new frontiers.

Direct download: MNW149-MarcoTempest-09-18-2009.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:37pm EDT

Paul Daniels, arguably the best known magician in the UK is our guest on this episode of the "Spirit of Magic" podcast. Paul has been performing magic since he was eleven years old. He starred in his own television series "Its Magic" for more than sixteen years and was awarded Golden Rose of Montreux Award at the International TV Festival in Switzerland in 1985. In 1983, paul became the first magician from outside the US to be named "Magician of the Year" by the Academy of Magical Arts. Paul still tours with his magic show, and recently presented a intimate show focused on  the ‘Magic of Max Malini’.

Direct download: MNW109-PaulDaniels-05-07-2009.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:32pm EDT

Several previous guests from the Magic Newswire's "Spirit of Magic" podcast re-join us to talk about their contributions to the Genii 75h Anniversary Special Edition of the Jinx. Our guests on this episode include Mac King, Max Maven, Mike Caveney, Jonathan Levit and Eugene Burger. We talk to each of these performers about their contributions to the Jinx special edition and about how Anneman and the Jinx impacted their growth as practitioners in the art of magic and mentalism.

Direct download: MNW152-Jinx-09-26-2009.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:56pm EDT

Magic Magazine's March coverboy is "a man of the streets, a busker bringing magic to the people. He’s a videographer, bringing DVDs to magicians. He’s Kozmo, a man of the moment." Kozmo joins me on this episode of the Spirit of Magic podcast to explore what it means to be a street magician in an environment when everyone markets their products as if they were designed specifically for his customers. How has "Street Magic" changed since the appearance of David Blaine? Who are really the top street magicians performing today and do we know their names? All these questions and more are answered when I talk to the one and only Kozmo!

Direct download: MNW186-Kozmo-02-11-2010.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:31pm EDT

Mike Caveney calls in from the world headquarters of Magic Words to join us for a chat on this episode of the Magic Newswire "Spirit of Magic" podcast. Mike began his career working at Owen's Magic Supreme, as a member of the Long Islan Mystics, turning coins for Johnson Products and performing at the Magic Castle. Not too shabby for a guy just turning 21 at the time. Mike talks with us about what made the Mystics different from most magic clubs, the importance of innovation and creativity in an act and shares the evolution of his signature effects. In addition, we learn a bit more about his role in the Left Handed League, the Bubonic Players and Wenii Magazine.

Direct download: MNW87-MikeCaveney2-01-30-2009.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:52am EDT

Mike Caveney calls in from the world headquarters of Magic Words to join us for a chat on this episode of the Magic Newswire "Spirit of Magic" podcast. Mike began his career working at Owen's Magic Supreme, as a member of the Long Islan Mystics, turning coins for Johnson Products and performing at the Magic Castle. Not too shabby for a guy just turning 21 at the time. Mike talks with us about what made the Mystics different from most magic clubs, the importance of innovation and creativity in an act and shares the evolution of his signature effects. In addition, we learn a bit more about his role in the Left Handed League, the Bubonic Players and Wenii Magazine.

Direct download: MNW85-MikeCaveney-01-27-2009.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:44am EDT

Award-winning magician and world-renowned sleight of hand artist, Eric DeCamps joins us on the Magic Newswire "Spirit of Magic" Podcast before appearing as a featured performer at the SAM's 100th anniversary Salute to Magic!  Eric has been performing for more than 30 years and was voted Magician of the Year by The Society of American Magicians. He is the second person in the 107 year history of the organization to receive the prestigious Gold Medal of Excellence for Close Up Magic. Join Eric and me to discuss his background in the craft and his upcoming appearance at the SAM's anniversary show.

Direct download: MNW111-EricDeCamps-05-15-2009.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:41am EDT

Harry Lorayne has appeared numerous times on every national television talk show in the United States as well as on innumerable programs throughout the world. He has had feature articles written about him and his work in most major publications and newspapers including, but not limited to, Fortune, US News & World Report,  Reader’s Digest, Cosmopolitan, Ladies Home Journal, Christian Science Monitor, Gentleman’s Quarterly, Nations Business. He has even been called "The Yoda of Memory Training" by Time magazine. As if that were not enough, Harry Lorayne was named as one of the 100 most influential magicians of the century in 1999 by Magic Magazine. Join us on this edition of the Magic Newswire for our conversation with magician Harry Lorayne. Lorayne wrote and published the magazine Apocalypse for twenty years (later republished in books). His latest book for magicians is Lorayne: The Classic Collection, an updated collection of his first four magic books of the 1960s, and recently he completed Mathematical Wizardry—magic with numbers.

Direct download: MNW39-HarryLorayne2-07-29-2008.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:45pm EDT

Harry Lorayne has appeared numerous times on every national television talk show in the United States as well as on innumerable programs throughout the world. He has had feature articles written about him and his work in most major publications and newspapers including, but not limited to, Fortune, US News & World Report,  Reader’s Digest, Cosmopolitan, Ladies Home Journal, Christian Science Monitor, Gentleman’s Quarterly, Nations Business. He has even been called "The Yoda of Memory Training" by Time magazine. As if that were not enough, Harry Lorayne was named as one of the 100 most influential magicians of the century in 1999 by Magic Magazine. Join us on this edition of the Magic Newswire for our conversation with magician Harry Lorayne. Lorayne wrote and published the magazine Apocalypse for twenty years (later republished in books). His latest book for magicians is Lorayne: The Classic Collection, an updated collection of his first four magic books of the 1960s, and recently he completed Mathematical Wizardry—magic with numbers.

Direct download: MNW38-HarryLoryne-07-27-2008.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:30pm EDT

If you don't know the name of Jon Racherbaumer, you should either walk away from magic or take  some time to explore his influence on our art form. Jon is one of those guys that managed to connect to some of the greatests names in the modern history of magic including Ed Marlo, Eddie Fields, Orson Welles, and Senator Crandall.  Given the controversies surrounding Blackpool & FISM 2010, it is also interesting to note that he was at one time blackballed by both the IBM & the SAM.  Please join us for Part One of our interview with Jon Racherbaumer and learn more about lesbian bowlers, the "Magic Mafia" and how a good magician becomes controversial.

Direct download: MNW140-Racherbaumer-08-30-2009.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:53pm EDT

In Part Two of my interview with the legendary Jon Racherbaumer, we explore the many influenences on Jon and his passion for magic. Marlo, Vernon, Cardini, Slydini, Chan Canasta, Channing Pollock, Tommy Wonder, John Scarne and more all enter into the conversation. In addition, we discuss 75th anniversary edition of the Jinx that he and Harry Anderson have put together for the October issue of Genii Magazine.

Direct download: MNW141-Racherbaumer2-09-01-2009.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:45pm EDT

The Amazing Randi joins us on this episode of the "Spirit of Magic" podcast before appearing as a featured performer at the upcoming 100th Anniversary Salute to Magic show in New York City. Randi began his career as a mentalist and magician before becoming known as a scientific sceptic challenging those who claim to have paranormal abilities. He gained fame in this field after an ongoing feud between himself and Uri Gellar in the mid to late 1970's.  Randi himself rejects the title of "debunker" preferring instead to be seen as an investigator in the field of pseudo-science and is the author of many books on the subjects of the paranormal, skepticism and the history of conjuring. Randi talks with me about his career in these varied fields and about his motivation as a paranormal skeptic.

Direct download: MNW110-JamesRandi-05-12-2009.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:36pm EDT

Widely credited as the man who was the first magician to mainstream magic on television, Mr. Mark Wilson is our guest on ths edition of the Magic Newswire's "Spirit of Magic" podcast. This is the first of a multi-part interview that we'll be producing with Mark's help exploring his career, thoughts, ideas an philosophies as they relate to magic, both on television and on stage.

Direct download: MNW90-MarkWilson-02-09-2009.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:26pm EDT

If you were to describe the worst audience for a comedy magic show, would it beat the one that Mac King found himself facing?  If you have a line that you put into your act only to get a laugh, what would you do if it came true? Mac King shares his adventures on the comedy magic stage with us on this episode of the Magic Newswire Spirit of Magic podcast and we discuss all of these scenarios and more. We even learn that Teller is a far better heckler than I will ever be.. no surprise there though.

Direct download: MNW94-MacKing-02-24-2009.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:02pm EDT

We celebrate our 100th episode of the MagicNewswire.com 's Spirit of Magic podcast with  Master Magician Lance Burton. Lance is one of the top performers in Las Vegas with a $27 Million doallr venue built just for him at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino. In July of 1980, barely three months after his 20th birthday, he became the first person to win magic's most coveted "Gold Medal Award for Excellence" from the International Brotherhood of Magicians and received magic's highest accolade two years later when he won the Grand Prix at the Federation International Society de Magic (F.I.S.M.) in Lausanne, Switzerland making him a "World Champion Magician." This made Lance both the first American to receive this honor as well as the first American performer to do so. Johnny Carson called Lance's performance on his show the "Best 12 minutes in magic." Who was Fletcher the Flamboyant? How did he inspire Lance? Lance joins us to discuss these and many other questions related to his career and the many influences that have helped to shape his magic.

Direct download: MNW100-LanceBurton-03-20-2009.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:58pm EDT

Johnny "The Great Tomsoni" Thompson is our guest on this episode of the Magic Newswire's Spirit of Magic Podcast. Johnny is much more than an extremely well respected performer and one of the funniest magicians performing today. He is also a much sought after magic consultant and has worked for such performers as Lance Burton, Penn & Teller and Criss Angel. In addition to talking about his career, Johnny talks about other performers including Herb Zarrow, Jay Marshall, Marshal Brodein, Francis Carlyle, Paul le Paul, Paul Rosini, Joe Bergen, Cardini, Channing Pollock, Carl Balentine, Al Koran, Dai Vernon and Charlie Miller.

Direct download: MNW91-JohnnyThompson-02-14-2009.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:45pm EDT

Beginning at 8:30 am EST on Monday Morning, David Blaine will be hoisted feet first above Central Park's Wollman Rink where he will hang upside down for sixty hours. The end of this endurance stunt, the subject of which has been hinted at but not revealed, will be the finale of his latest ABC special "Dive of Death" which will air at 9PM EST on ABC. I was invited to participate in a teleconference with David today during which he and his medical consultant discussed the challenges and dangers to David as he attempts this feat. David also discussed the experience of filming this special, his inspirations and the challenges that he will face over the course of the next week. Join us now on the Magic Newswire for our conversation with David Blaine!

Direct download: MNW50-DavidBlaine-09-18-2008.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:36pm EDT

"International Man of Mystery" David Berglas is my guest on this episode of the Magic Newswire's "Spirit of Magic" podcast.  In his 2009 Enigma show brochure, Derren Brown describes David Berglas as "One of our greatest living magical performers" and thanks him "-for his constant inspiration and generosity. Each show is indebted to his artistry and astonishing body of work. Thank you David".  Known  within the magic community for his many creations, Berglas is best known for the effect named for him which allows for the prediction of Any Card at Any Number."  David was the first elected President of London's Magic Circle and has had the opportunity to perform for England's Royal Family, Winston Churchill and Paul Getty.

Direct download: MNW159-DavidBerglas-10-13-2009.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:27pm EDT

Barrie Richardson may be one of magic's most soft spoken thinkers, but he has contributed a great deal to the art of magic an mentalism. With the 1990 release of "Theater of the Mind," Barrie became instantly synonymous with great mentalism. The release of his second book "Act II" continued his legacy. Barrie joins me on the Magic Newswire "Spirit of Magic" podcast to talk about his influences in magic including Ted Annemann whose JINX magazine will be celebrated in the October issue of Genii Magazine.

Direct download: MNW143-BarrieRichardson-09-10-2009.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:55pm EDT

MNW #82 :: BILL KALUSH

Bill "The Triggerman" Kalush joins us on this episode of the Magic Newswire podcast. Bill founded the Conjuring Arts Research Center in 2003 which has on its' board several significant figures as David Blaine, Steve Cuiffo, Mike Caveney, and Philip Varrichio. Kaulush has been a close friend and associate of David Blaine since they first met in the early 1990's and has consulted with David on almost every television special that he has produced. Bill appeared on "David Blaine : Dive of Death" when he pulled the trigger on the rifle used in Blaine's bullet catch. In addition, Bill was the co-author of the bestselling biography "The Secret Life of Houdini : America's First Super Hero."

Direct download: MNW82-BillKalush-01-21-2009.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:22pm EDT

Harry "The Hat" Anderson is back with us on the Magic Newswire's "Spirit of Magic" podcast to talk about the 75th Anniversary tribute to the Jinx which will accompany the October issue of Genii Magazine.  Ted Annemann was one of magic's most influential writers and editors. In 1934 he began publishing the Jinx Magazine with the last of  151 issues being released on December 15th, 1941, just before Annemann committed suicide.  Ted was best known for his work in the field of mentalism and many of his methods and routines are still used by performers today. Harry talks about Annemann and how he was influenced by this legendary figure as well as the reason that he feels that the Jinx is still such an important part of our history.

Direct download: MNW142-HarryAnderson-09-03-2009.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:48pm EDT

Harry "The Hat" Anderson joins us on this edition of the Magic Newswire prior to an upcoming appearance at the SEAM conventionin Atlanta. He is best known by many  for playing the role of Judge Harry Stone on the television series Night Court. In addition to eight appearances on Saturday Night Live between 1981 and 1985, Anderson had a recurring guest role as con man "Harry the Hat" on Cheers. Harry has toured extensively as a magician and continues to present his evening show "Wise Guy" which was originally developed for his theater in New Orleans. 

Direct download: MNW41-HarryAnderson2-08-12-2008.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:09pm EDT

Harry "The Hat" Anderson joins us on this edition of the Magic Newswire prior to an upcoming appearance at the SEAM conventionin Atlanta. He is best known by many  for playing the role of Judge Harry Stone on the television series Night Court. In addition to eight appearances on Saturday Night Live between 1981 and 1985, Anderson had a recurring guest role as con man "Harry the Hat" on Cheers. Harry has toured extensively as a magician and continues to present his evening show "Wise Guy" which was originally developed for his theater in New Orleans. 

Direct download: MNW40-HarryAnderson-08-11-2008.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00pm EDT

Eric Eswin first discovered magic at the knee of an uncle showing him a coin trick. Today he is the International President of Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques (International Federation of Magic Societies or FISM) which now consists of 82 clubs, both national and international, as well as national Federations which represent over 50,000 Magicians from 44 countries. Having just returned from the most recent World Championship of Magic in Beijing, Eric joins us on the "Spirit of Magic" podcast to talk about his vision for the future of the organization and some of the controversies related to the next convention in 2012.

Direct download: MNW139-EricEswin-08-25-2009.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:47pm EDT

Paul Diamond may not be a household name in the world of magic today, but everyone that I speak to from Johnny Thompson, to Mac King & Lance Burton, etc... all know Mr. Humble. I was lucky enough to get my first exposure to magic through Paul's shop when I was ten years old. As it turns out, Paul was also a favorite performer of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. Over the years, he's been a featured entertainer for celebrity events hosted by Celine Dion, Elton John, Milton Burle and others. In addition, Paul had such legends as Slydini and Charlie Miller live with him in his Florida home. Rediscover "Mr. Humble," Mr. Paul Diamond on this episode of the Magic Newswire's "Spirit of Magic Podcast."

Direct download: MNW105-PaulDiamond-04-13-2009.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:36pm EDT

I recently received an amazing email from Bill Smith offering to share a previously unheard interview with Harry Blackstone Jr. Obviously, I was flattered and thrilled that I could share this with our listeners. According to the information shared by Bill, this interview was recorded by a local radio station in Texas, but was never broadcast. Fortunately, Bill was able to obtain the master and we now have the digital copy that we are sharing here today. Thanks again to Bill who has said that he will welcome any emails inquiring about this chat.

Direct download: MNW333_____BLACKSTONE_JR.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:39am EDT

What you are about to hear is a previously unheard interview with Harry Blackstone Jr. and is brought to you through the efforts of Bill Smith.  Here is what Bill had to say about the recording when he sent it my way:

I had the fortune, in 1983, to see Harry Blackstone Jr. perform for a department store grand opening. I wanted to meet him afterwards, but someone told me he'd be doing a radio interview right after the show, but would be happy to meet me after that. So i waited {of course!}, & out he came, & we had a nice long chat. But i also noticed the call letters of the local radio station on the shoulder strap cassette recorder the radio person had, & later, i called the station to ask when the interview would be aired. The gentleman said they decided it wouldn't be aired after all, as it didn't fit into the current schedule or something, but then asked if i'd like a copy. Well, he didn't have to twist MY arm! LOL! I called later to thank him, after receiving it in the mail, & asked about the possibility of buying the original. He told me that the original had already been re-recorded over, so basically, now i had the "master"! Unfortunately, my tape machine ate my copy he sent, but not before i had put it onto cd {THANK GOD!!}

It is a WONDERFUL interview, with Harry doing 99% of the talking. It runs about 15 minutes if i remember right, & starts off with him talking about how his dad got started, became famous, & leads silk smooth into how his dad helped him get going, & him becoming famous. 

I know i could SELL copies of this, but i also know that as soon as i did, it would be all over the net for free anyway, so i'd rather use it to give back to this great art, & also to thank you for the great job you are doing preserving the knowledge of all those greats of magic through your podcasts.

Direct download: MNW_333____BLACKSTONE_JR_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:43pm EDT

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