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