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