#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

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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.

"Now You See It With Scott Wells" - East Coast Mind Jam 2014

During the last day of the East Coast Mind Jam, Marc Salem was running a little late on his trip from the U.K. So, in order to give the registrants some additional content and more for their money, Eric Citron, the organizer, slated "Now You See It With Scott Wells".

This TV Talk Show format has been seen at many other conventions around the U.S. and features informal chats with talent booked at the convention. Typically the show includes magic-related/themed television commercials; however, due to the last minute nature of the schedule, the commercials were not shown during this event.

John Sergott recorded the show on his video camera up until his battery died. So, the video here has been edited to include his video with commercials inserted in post-production. Also, Dave Rasmussen took nearly 150 photos during the show which were added at the end of this video to accompany the audio portion of the part that was lost on video.

Magic & Martinis' Thursday

150: Epilogue - East Coast Mind Jam 2014

Except for the inadequate hotel facilities, the East Coast Mind Jam was a real success. Patrick Redford recaps the weekend from his perspective as talent, a performer, lecturer, dealer and a registrant. Eric Citron, event organizer, has some advice for those who are thinking of organizing their own convention. Plus he reveals a surprise announcement in this podcast.

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.