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.

On the January 18th, 2010 episode of This Week in Magic, Scott Wells, Cameron Ramsay, Chase Goforth and I are joined by "one of the most feared intellectuals in magic" Jamy Ian Swiss. As it turns out, Scott was recording from the Houston area magicians annual holiday party and we're briefly joined by several other of the magicians in attendance. The result is one particularly interesting conversation between Jamy & Banachek. Is most of the magic on the market today crap? Is "Street Magic" a truly viable performance form or nothing more than a marketing gimmick to pass of mediocre material to the masses? These and may other are discussed on this episode of our weekly roundtable discussion.

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

What more is there to say other than it's Mr. Electric!  I am thrilled to welcome Marvyn Roy to the Magic Newswire's "Spirit of Magic" podcast! If for some strange reason, you don't already know,   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, Gorki 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. 

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."

In addition to starring on the CBS sitcom "How I met Your Mother," actor Neil Patrick Harris was elected to the board of the Magic Castle in 2008. As the first celebrity board member since Cary Grant, Neil has been spreading the magic word through appearances on various talk shows including The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and Ellen Degeneres. In this interview, Neil shares his love of magic both old and new, his passion for the Magic Castle and talks about what changes to expect at the 2009 AMA Awards banquet in March.

On the Halloween Special of the Magic Newswire we talk with one of magician's favorite "non-magicians," the Amazing Johnathan.  Johnathan discusses his non-career in magic, the haunted house / party that he hosts each year in Las Vegas, his opinions on magic on television and talks about the Amazing Underground.  Robin Leach previewed Johnathan's Halloween party inhis column in Las Vegas Weekly in which he told readers to, "Expect to see his fellow magicians David Copperfield, Criss Angel, and Penn & Teller, along with such other Strip famous faces as Carrot Top among the crowd."