958: John Midgley - Therapist with a Paintbrush

The National President of the S.A.M. is often referred to as “Most Illustrious.” This week’s guest, John Midgley, is a Past National President and also a “Most Wonderful Illustrator” creating magic posters and graphic novels. As a magician, he is one of the house magicians at Nashville’s “House of Cards” where he regularly entertains at the card table. Not content with just those vocations/hobbies, John can also play multiple musical instruments. Oh, and his “regular” job during the day is as a Licensed Therapist.

This week John talks about how, during the COVID lockdown, he learned to create art using his digital tablet. He likes to create magic posters for many who have not been as well recognized in the magic community with their own original artwork. He also tells us about how he came to perform magic later in life after first pursuing a career as a Licensed Therapist. He talks about balancing his two careers (therapy and magic) with the duties of a father, too.

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957: Jason Bird - Strolling Through Time

Once upon a time in a distant place near the Sands and Stardust of our memories was a kingdom below the desert called Caesar’s Magic Empire. Well known magicians performed there among many younger, magicians who became very well known after they honed their craft before thousands of diners and revelers.

Yes, this was a real place (but not below ground) that was a premier, immersive dinner-show attraction at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, operating from 1997 to 2002. Many fledgling magicians got their start there, one of whom is our guest in this episode: Jason Bird.

Today Jason is a successful magician who specializes in close-up strolling and has recently written the ultimate treatise on the craft called, “Strolling for Dollars.”

This week Jason tells us about how a young teenage boy left home in search of the bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip and found himself as regular, strolling magician at the new Caesar’s Magic Empire. For those who never visited the kingdom or even if you did visit, everyone should enjoy a fun trip back through time as we visit the Empire in our minds. Also, Jason and Scott give us some tips and advice for strolling magic (trick selection, marketing, handling audiences, etc.) many of which come from Jason’s new book “Strolling for Dollars.”

956: Johann Rucker - The Neon Museum

When in Las Vegas, most magicians plan to see shows by other magicians like Mike Hammer, Mac King, David Copperfield, and others. But there are other attractions not to be missed whilst visiting Sin City. One major attraction (in terms of both scope and physical size) is the Neon Museum. Just a few blocks from the downtown Fremont Street Experience lies one of the best kept secrets of the city. As casinos, hotels, motels, coffee shops, cafes, and restaurants turn out their lights for their last time, the glitz lives on at this outdoor museum. It is a feast for the eyes whether you go during the day or night. Both deliver extraordinary visual awe as you view the past to see some of these iconic signs that don’t just live in history but now reside in their own “boneyard.”

This week, Johann Rucker, one of the museum’s curators tells us about the history of the museum and, perhaps why it is of historical importance to magicians.

Among the many signs and lights in the museum lies the statue of Siegfried and Roy. When the Mirage was torn down along with the Secret Garden, that left the statue of the legendary duo standing alone on the Strip. To preserve it from seeing the wrecking ball or local dump (or going in someone’s private museum), the Neon Museum decided to preserve and display it in their outdoor exhibit. Though it has no neon lights adorning or shining on it, it stands now preserved among the rest of the historical landmarks as Siegfried and Roy take their spot in history for the world to see and remember how they changed the face of Las Vegas forever. The official unveiling of the statue is expected to take place on April 25, 2026.

958: John Midgley - Therapist with a Paintbrush

957: Jason Bird - Strolling Through Time

956: Johann Rucker - The Neon Museum

The Magic Word