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.

Direct download: themagicnewswire-307560-12-31-2011_pshow_472901.mp3
Category: Podcast -- posted at: 11:43am EDT

Who was S.W. Erdnase? Most likely, anyone reading this knows this name as the pseudonym used by the author of "The Expert at the Card Table" which is arguably one of the most important books ever written on sleight of hand with cards. On this episode of the "Spirit of Magic" podcast, I am joined by David Ben & Julie Eng of Magicana and the publishers of Magicol. Yes, we do discuss who David, Richard Hatch and others believe to be the man behind Erdnase, but we also discuss the most recent online exhibition from Magicana, "EverythingErdnase.com" which was developed with the help of Jason England and which examines the many ways in which Erdnase has been presented in print since it first appeared in 1902. 
Direct download: themagicnewswire-304842-12-05-2011_pshow_470966.mp3
Category: Podcast -- posted at: 4:56pm EDT

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!

Direct download: themagicnewswire-302540-11-16-2011_pshow_469418.mp3
Category: Podcast -- posted at: 5:03pm EDT

On October 31, 2011 (Halloween), at approximately the time that Harry Houdini died, the magic community learned that our American clubhouse, the Magic Castle, was on fire.  In this podcast, we catch up with Irene Larsen, Erika Larsen, West McDonough and Milt Larsen and are provided with an intimate an first hand look at what happened, the extent of the damage and what the future holds for the Castle. All of this on the eve of a soft re-opening of the site to members and guests.

Direct download: themagicnewswire-301244-11-04-2011_pshow_468119.mp3
Category: Podcast -- posted at: 6:27pm EDT

Just outside of Cincinnati, Ohio on a 250 acre horse farm, eight feet below ground in an abandoned mine shaft, there exists a legendary collection of magic props and artifacts. It is of course, Ken Klosterman's "Salon de Magie." On this episode of the Magic Newswire's Spirit of Magic podcast, we talk with Ken about his love of magic, how he bagan collecting and why he has decided to part with some of his treasures in an upcoming auction.  He also shares a few antic-dotes about magicians visiting the Salon such as Teller and David Copperfield.

Direct download: themagicnewswire-300572-10-28-2011_pshow_467408.mp3
Category: Podcast -- posted at: 11:25am EDT

I feel certain that anyone that is a regular listener of the Magic Newswire's "Spirit of Magic" podcast will assume that I have a "To Do" or Bucket List of interviews that are of the highest priority to me. If you understand that, then you'll certainly understand why the guest on this podcast is near the top of that list. John Gaughan is one of the most highly respected illusion designers, creators and builders today. He's also a remarkable historian and collector. If you aren't familiar with John, then please climb out from under your rock and join me for an outstanding interview! 

Direct download: themagicnewswire-297686-10-02-2011_pshow_465022.mp3
Category: Podcast -- posted at: 10:58pm EDT

Morgan Strebler joined me on the Magic Newswire just over a year ago to promote the upcoming opening of his new show at the Pat Boone Theater in Myrtle Beach where he was signed to a five year contract. More recently, there have been reports in the press on the delays surrounding the opening of the venue and Morgan's departure from the project with many reasons given, including possible issues with his health. Morgan joins me for an exclusive chat to clear the air and to let people know what is really happening with him and what is in store for the future.

Direct download: themagicnewswire-297276-09-27-2011_pshow_464703.mp3
Category: Podcast -- posted at: 11:19pm EDT

A recap of EMC 2011 by three of the presenters, David Kaye, Jonathan Bayme & Rudy Coby, and two attendees, myself and Chris Martin.
Direct download: themagicnewswire-294955-09-12-2011_pshow_463171.mp3
Category: Podcast -- posted at: 10:41am EDT

In 2008, Neil Patrick Harris & Guy Hollingworth began a colaboration.  Following a sold out run at the Edinburgh Festival and a series of international shows culminating in a  sell-out success at the infamous Magic Castle in LA and an amazingly well received presentation at Stan Allen's "Magic LIVE," Guy Hollingworth begins a new presentation of  his acclaimed one man show, The Expert at the Card Table " in Los Angeles today.  In his one man show, Guy presents amazing exhibitions of card chicanerywhile telling a fascinating tale of trickery, deceit and death. Based on the book of the same name, The Expert at the Card Table tells the story of two boys whose innocent love of card tricks develops in adulthood into a dangerous game of hustles, street cons and murder. Published anonymously in Chicago in 1902, the book describes in great detail, original and brilliant methods for conjuring effects, whilst at the same time revealing the author's true intent, a full exposé of the underground techniques used by hustlers, card cheats and con artists.   This performance begins today, July 13th at the Edye at the Broad Stage and runs through August 7th. Buy your tickets NOW!

Direct download: themagicnewswire-288337-07-13-2011_pshow_440892.mp3
Category: Podcast -- posted at: 10:14pm EDT

In this episode of the Magic Newswire's "Spirit of Magic" podcast, my guest is best selling author and psychologist Ruchard Wiseman. My friend Brian Brushwood joined us to cohost.  Richard's most recent book release "In his latest book, Paranormality," Richard discusses how a disbelief into paranormal concepts like elepathy, fortune-telling and out-of-body experiences can produce insights into our brains, human behavior and belief systems.

Direct download: themagicnewswire-287141-07-04-2011_pshow_439980.mp3
Category: Podcast -- posted at: 6:23pm EDT