My guest on this episode of the Magic Newswire's "Spirit of Magic" podcast is more than just an amazing performer, he's a respected thinker and creator in the art of magic and mentalism. Banachek was also a part of the now famous Project Alpha hoax in which he convinced scientists from Washington University that he was actually demonstrating paranormal abilities. Banachek is now a sought after consultant and performer who has worked with such performers as Criss Angel and Penn & Teller to develop material for their acts. Join us in this episode as we talk about his notorious history in the art and the 75th Anniversary of the Jinx released by Genii Magazine in October.

Today we lost yet another true luminary in the world of magic, Marvyn Roy, better known to many as Mr. Electric."  Marvyn and Carol Roy performed the "Mr. Electric" Act for over fifty years. Mr. Electric toured the world during the fifties, sixties, seventies and eighties. Marvyn & Carol were featured at  Radio City Music Hall, the London Palladium, the Latin Quarter, Gorky Park in Moscow, the Ed Sullivan Show and the Hollywood Palace. Whether working hotels, ice shows, floor shows, night clubs, theaters, arenas or amusement parks, Mr. & Mrs. Electric led a life that most magicians only dream of experiencing. Marvyn 95. I interviewed Marvyn in 2009 and hope that you will enjoy remembering him along with me by revisiting this interview.   In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dai Vernon Foundation. 

A long time promise is now fulfilled for MagicNewswire Podcast listeners.  Some time ago, I recorded a fantastic interview with "Magician's Magician" Armando Lucero.  Unfortunately, due to a perfect storm of technical issues, I thought that it had been lost.  In addition, time constrains placed upon me by my nob and family have prevented me from dedicating the time needed to try and recover this gem.  Fortunately, I st aside some time and have managed to resurrect this conversation.  Armando needs little introduction to magicians around the globe.  He is an amazing performer and teacher who is much in demand for his lectures on magic an an art form.  It was a pleasure having him with me on this episode of the "Spirit of Magic" podcast.  I hope that you enjoy it!

Paul Wilson is much more than an award winning conjuror. He's a scam artist, movie consultant and television presenter. He has studied sleight of hand, cheating and conjuring since the age of eight. He consulted on the 2004 Sylvester Stallone film "Shade"  in which he directed and starred in the highly acclaimed opening titles  which featured his expert sleight of hand with cards. In the filme, he appeared as Mr. Andrews. He also served as a magic consultant on the Joe Carnahan film "Smokin' Aces," has consulted for Criss Angel, produced A&E's television show Mondo Magic, appeared on Modern Marvels casino technology episodes, co-created, produced and starred in Court TV's The Takedown  and is the resident cheating expert on Italian television's Arcana show. Wilson is currently a writer and presenter on the BBC's The Real Hustle. The show is now a hit in the United Kingdom and is in its' eighth season.  His credits within the magic community include  The Royal Road To Card Magic, Hit the Road with Paul Wilson and Lee Asher, Knock 'Em Dead, Twists Of Fate, The Restaurant Act, and The Unreal Work with Paul Wilson and Jason England. Join us for a very thoughtful interview with magician Paul Wilson on this episode of the Magic Newswire's "Spirit of Magic" podcast!

Among the top stories of 2015 in the world of magic was Mat Franco's winning the ninth season of "America's Got Talent."  

Keep on mind that 73 magicians or magic acts have appeared on the whow over the years including the Pendragons, Kevin James, Murray Sawchuck, Michael Grasso, Nathan Burton, Brett Daniels, Rudy Coby, Bizarro and many more.  

Mat became interested in magic after seeing a special featuring several magicians when he was only a few years old and immediately began performing for his class at show and tell.  The rest as they say is history.

In this episode of the MagicNewswire's "Spirit of Magic" podcast, we take a look back at 2014 and a peek ahead at 2015.  Genii Magazine Associate Editor Dustin Stinnett leads the way with his always amazing recaps of the yprevious year of magic news in review, but we are also joined by many special guests along the way. My cohosts are Chase Goforth, Cameron Ramsay, and David Kaye. Special Guests inculde Dan Sperry, Jonathan Pendragon, Mike Caveney, Tina Lennart and more.  Happy new year eyeryone!

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.

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!