#191 - Buy Magic Online?

With the proliferation of online magic shops, we are seeing the slow demise of the mom and pop, brick and mortar magic shops. I posted a podcast featuring three dealers (which you can hear by Clicking Here) This podcast shows the other side of the two-headed coin by getting a perspective from some people in key positions with two of the largest online dealers: Penguin Magic and

00:02:29 - Tim Trono was with Murphy's Magic for a dozen years but is now working with Penguin Magic. He talks about how they work together to help brick and mortar shops. In particular, Penguin recognizes that they can't be the sole seller of magic to the world, so they He also talks about their business model and how it differs from some others like Ellusionist and Theory 11. In particular, they try to offer unique products and have a singular look and brand. He also discusses the Penguin lecture series and why it has become so successful. He talks about their growth, bumps along the road, and more.

00:27:33 - Jason Brumbalow, Director – New Product Development with Murphy's Magic Supplies talks about Murphy's role as a jobber which wholesales to retail owners, both online as well as brick and mortar shops. He talks about their model for success and how they have moved with the times. He also discusses market trends, online videos, the proliferation of playing cards, and the pros and cons of online shops versus brick and mortar shops and the future of buying magic.

Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. (please note: this RSS Feed subscription system may not work with Android systems). Remember, you can download it through iTunes. See the preview page by Clicking Here.

#190 - Creating the Paranormal Experience

October is the month when things go bump in the night. It's also a good time to capitalize on those "bumps". You can create these paranormal experiences at Halloween parties in private homes or public houses like pubs, hotels, and other places that have a "haunted history". In this podcast, Jamie Salinas and Scott Wells share a few ideas on how to create this experience.

Jamie Salinas and I have been performing seances in Houston for the past seven years. We are working on a book but gave a preview at a recent I.B.M. Ring meeting. I turned on the microphone to record the mini-lecture and the Q&A that ensued. Seances are not for everyone, but there is a market for them. To view a calendar of our performances, visit the HoustonSeance website at: http://HoustonSeance.com

ATTENTION LECTURE/CONVENTION ORGANIZERS: Jamie and I can deliver a "double act" lecture with all the information you need to develop, produce, market and perform a seance in your community. The complete lecture includes the all-important information of how to put people in seats. Like any magic show, if you don't have an audience, then "you're just fooling yourself!" You can contact Jamie and Scott by email at: info@HoustonSeance.com

Join us for a night of a interactive haunted experience. Seating is very limited as well as dates. Go to www.HoustonSeance.com for more information.

In this podcast, Jamie and I agreed to release "inside" information on how to put together your own seance. We recognize that this is not for every performer. In fact, it is probably only for a very few. But for those who are interested in a "alternate stream of revenue" and the chance to present something different to your clients, especially during the Halloween season, then this mini-lecture includes information you need.

There are no "tricks" taught during this particular lecture but more of the marketing fundamentals of how to produce a seance, how to find a location, what to charge, determining your character (i.e. psychic, medium, magician, ghost hunter, etc.), high tech vs. low tech, plus some suggestions on where to find some effects to present (i.e. Outlaw Effects and Lebanon Circle Magick Co.)

If you are interested in receiving a copy of our lecture notes (upon which our book will be based) then please visit The Magic Word Shop to order your copy via instant download.

Order Banachek's "Psychokinetic Touches" (and more) through the Magic Inspirations store by clicking the banner above.

Purveyors of Jack the Ripper "From Hell" and Titanic's "White Star" among so many other creepy effects.

Outlaw Effects, makers of the "Luna" book test and other bizarre effects.

A great effect for parlor or stage by Jamie Salinas. An unbelievable miracle at a bargain price of $19.95!

I always love this time of year when Steve Bryant posts his Halloween issue. If you're not a regular reader, then this is the month to surf over and see what's on Steve's mind.

#189 Noel Britten - Magician/Humanitarian

Noel Britten is from, well Great Britain, so it should be an easy name to remember! Noe is the co-founder and host of "Bizarre Bath" which is a walking tour in the tourist community of Bath, England. He has also been a staple of the comedy club circuit in the U.K. as well as a noted street performer. He is currently the talent booker for the MacMillan's International Magic Convention and long time compere of this convention.

I have known Noel for quite some time, but I was unaware of his humanitarian efforts until I recorded this podcast. He was always interested in natural history and orangutangs and during a performance in Hong Kong, he and his wife dropped down to Indonesia to see the animals in their natural habitat and, well, one thing led to another.

We recorded this podcast in September during which time Noel and his wife were in Ketapang, Indonesia where they spend six months each year working with orphaned orangutans as part of the Animal Rescue Projects sponsored by the International Animal Rescue Foundation.

In this podcast, Noel begins with a discussion of his passion, International Animal Rescue and what he is doing at the orphaned orangutang sanctuary helping other volunteers. As a result seeing the plight of these animals, Noel has been finding less and less humor in the world which has dramatically affected his outlook on the world such that he no longer performs as a comedy magician.

At time stamp 00:13:00 Noel discusses the walking tour he conducts in Bath, England, called "Bizarre Bath" and how it was started and how others might replicate his efforts. He also talks about the rise and fall of comedy clubs in the U.K. like in the U.S. plus performing street magic. He gives us some good suggestions on how to get a crowd and getting people to put money in the hat. Noel has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and talks about the difficulty of working those shows and drawing crowds.

Click the banner above to visit the International Animal Rescue website for more information and how you can donate to the cause. Please consider a donation to this organization if you can.