231: FISM Italy - Prelude

The 26th World Championships of Magic is about to get underway...tomorrow. But first, let's learn a little about FISM and how it's judged and more about the point system and more, plus hear from a few friends I met while waiting to check in at the registration desk.

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:00:59 - Craig Mitchell is joined late in our chat by Shawn Farquhar.

00:09:19 - Peter Rogers and Raymond Crow

00:20:40 - Aaron Crow

00:23:27 - Paul Daniels

00:31:14 - Boris Wild

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. You can download or listen to the podcast through Stitcher by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.

#207: Paul Daniels, Part 2 - There's More to Say

In this final installment of our two part podcast, Paul moves on from his reminiscences about his days in television to talk about a variety of other subjects. Along the way we not only hear some great stories but also get several gems of knowledge and a couple ideas for tricks, too. This conversation could have gone on for quite some time longer so I sincerely thank Paul for being so gracious with his time. And I should thank his wife, Debbie, too, for I'm sure that she was busy putting away Christmas decorations all by herself as Paul talked with me all the while never complaining or shouting for him to get off the phone and help.

Paul recently completed a four DVD set called "Bravura" covering his full act including his chop cup routine, electric chairs, egg, lemon & walnut and more. This is a complete and thorough explanation of everything and is a great legacy for many generations of future generations of magicians to study.

The full version of one of my favourite magic tricks by one of my favourite magicians :)

In this second part of our discussion, Paul talks about the disposition of his magic collection and give us several stories of working for the Royal family, his recreation of Max Malini at the Edinburgh "Fringe Festival", his fingertip accident with a table saw, magic club politics, and more. At 76 years of age, Paul continues to present a live touring show each year in small theaters around the U.K. Along the way throughout our chat, Paul offers some great tips on performing.

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.

Paul Daniels will be one of the featured performers at this year's Magi-Fest in Columbus, Ohio. It is getting down to the wire for last minute registration for Magi-Fest. Be sure to click on the banner above for more information and to register toda… — Paul Daniels will be one of the featured performers at this year's Magi-Fest in Columbus, Ohio. It is getting down to the wire for last minute registration for Magi-Fest. Be sure to click on the banner above for more information and to register today.

The complete legacy from Paul Daniels, complete with performance of his act, explanations and interviews with his wife, Debbie McGee and many other magicians.

#206: Paul Daniels, Part 1 - "Live and Life on the Telly"

There is no denying that Paul Daniels is one of the true luminaries in our magic community. But not just a celebrity among magicians, according to one local English newspaper, Paul was once the most recognizable person in the U.K. second only to Prince Charles.

I caught up with Paul on the "Twelfth Night" while he was taking down his Christmas decorations for the season. He had contacted me shortly after I published the 200th podcast, "How The Grinch Stole Christmas". He wrote to say how much he and Debbie enjoyed the telling of that story and particularly that I had used our mutual friend, Eugene Burger, as the voice of the Grinch. That started a correspondence that led to this Skype chat. The time differential between Houston and England is six hours so we had to coordinate our schedules in order to have plenty of time to chat without having to hurry. Paul was most gracious and open to working with me to record this podcast.

Paul will be one of the featured Guests of Honor at this year's Magi-Fest in Columbus, Ohio. Be sure to click on the banner link at the bottom of this blog for more information. If you have not viewed one of Paul's TV shows, then you can enjoy this full length video below of one of his shows, originally broadcast in 1990.

Featuring Jackie Stewart, Arthur Benjamin, Mike Smith and The Two Lerys. This is the classic episode with the big stunt on the racing track where Paul visibly shocked Mike Smith when the tricks appears to go horribly wrong!

In this first of a two part podcast, International Magic Star, Paul Daniels, shares some stories about his long career in television, those who consulted for him in his "think tank", his Christmas Specials, and more.

231: FISM Italy - Prelude

#207: Paul Daniels, Part 2 - There's More to Say

#206: Paul Daniels, Part 1 - "Live and Life on the Telly"

The Magic Word