277: Gregory Wilson Returns & Responds - Part One with Brad Stine

This week we have a surprise for those naysayers who thought that he wouldn't return. Gregory Wilson is this week's guest for the first of two podcasts to respond to the accusers who have presented their "proof" in episodes #270, #272 and #273.

Greg was preparing for a trip to the 2016 Blackpool convention where he will perform and lecture and he wanted to present his rebuttals before he departed. Due to his busy schedule, Greg said that he had only recently gotten around to listening to a few of the podcasts. After he returns from England, he intends to listen to episode #274 with John Lovick then respond point by point to each issue brought up by John; however, some of the issues are addressed in this podcast.

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Also on this podcast is an edited bit of a conversation I had with stand-up comic, Brad Stine, who is a long time friend of Greg's. Brad was a comedy magician and regular performer at the (now defunct) Magic Island in Newport Beach, California and has had crediting incidents with Greg. Brad wanted to present his stories in a public forum to show that Greg can, has and will give credit when shown the proof of creation.

2/9/12 - Conservative Comedian Brad Stine went after political correctness in its many forms at CPAC 2012.

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Congratulations to Nathan Reed and Fred King who won a digital download of he Audible.com book "The Ambitious Card - An Eli Marks Mystery" by John Gaspard. And thank you again, John Gaspard for offering these prizes.

259: Discovering Ammar

One of magic's greatest teachers, Michael Ammar, is reinventing the way we learn magic. Along with Brian Daniel South (proprietor of the former "Creative Magic" company) and Michael Rosander. Michael is working with a new project, "Discover Magic" which is a program to teach magic to 8-12 year old youngsters More than a "magic camp", the instructors are provided with the necessary tools to find a teaching venue in their home towns, receive instructional manuals, specially packaged tricks/props, and online support plus a "vault" for the students to "unlock" each week to learn even more magic. Each of the eight classes will be 90 minutes and teach the fundamentals of magic aided by learning material provided by Discover Magic.

They currently have 52 instructors across the U.S. and they have room for a couple more. From October 14-28, 2015, they are looking for two more instructors to join their ranks and get trained to teach.

Learn a little more about Discover Magic in this 45 second video.

A new levitation of a borrowed wine glass, full or empty. Originally called (by me) "Crystal-Air" but now offically called "Exquisite"

Click on the image above for information on ordering "The Exquisite" from Michael Ammar's website.

At the beginning of this podcast, Michael speaks in detail about, "Exquisite" his newest trick being developed and sold by Losander. It is a wonderful "levitating wine glass" effect that can be performed close-up. We also talk about when he used to perform on cruise ships and how they have changed over the years. Michael also talks about when he performed close-up magic on television talk shows, and learning magic from "The Professor" Dai Vernon. Plus he talks about how magic lectures have changed and he also gives some great advice for those who want to put together their own lecture and go on tour teaching their magic.

Click on the logo above to be directed to Discover Magic project and learn more.

Final few days remaining to get a good deal on a new product. This is happening, folks.

Scott-free between two Daves. David "Silly Billy" Kaye, Scott Wells & David Oliver at MAGIC Live! 2003

119: David Oliver Breathes Easier

During one of my podcasts from 2011, I asked David Oliver (DO) for his "Magic Word". He said, "Believe". This has never been a more prescient and important word for living his life. And it is a good word and good advice for us, too. He lives what he "believes".

DO has been a champion for teaching magic to our next generation of magicians. He is an excellent performer who is highly respected in his field and traveled the globe performing and helping youth learn magic. Three years ago when he was diagnosed with a rare lung infection known as Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis, or Bird Fancier Lung, which was caused by his doves, his health outlook was grave. The only treatment was a double lung replacement. On June 28th, a stranger's life ended but it gave David two new lungs and another chance at life so he can continue to DO magic.

His surgery is over but now is the time for him to rebuild his body and his life. After being hospitalized for so long, his muscle mass has atrophied and he has not performed before a live audience for well over a year. He is anxious to move forward and get back on stage as he continues to counsel youth on our art.

David Oliver is a Boston-area magician. More than just a talented magician, for more than twenty-five years, David Oliver has mentored, directed, and taught many of today's finest young magicians from around the globe. In an effort to assist their friend in dealing with mounting medical bills, many stars of magic have joined together to DO magic...

For the first time in 11 months, David hopes to attend his first magic convention this weekend, October 4-5, the Magicians' Alliance of Eastern States (M.A.E.S.). He had a little time to chat with me about his health, how things are going, and his future plans. We also talked about advice for those new to magic whether they are young or old. We chatted about magic conventions, too, but the one thing that David wanted to emphasize was his deep and sincere appreciation to the thousands of people who have supported him with their thoughts, prayers and finances during this most difficult time.

David is far from being "out of the woods" as he tries to rebuild his life and finances. He has not performed for well over a year but still tries to give instructions via Skype to students around the world. If you are interested in talking with David or becoming a student, then you can contact him at DOmagic@DavidOliverMagic.com or you can find him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/domagic?fre f=ts

There are various ways you can financially contribute to David Oliver's medical fund. You can visit the "DO Magic for David Oliver" Benefit Fundraising Page at http://domagic4davidoliver.blogspot.com/ which has a link for donating with your credit card through PayPal (you do not have to have a PayPal account to donate). Another page is DO Breathe Easy at http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/do-breathe-easy/35262 which is an online fundraising site. One hundred percent of your donations go directly to David. Please help if you can.

If you would like to send him a Get Well card or other well wishes, then you can reach him by regular mail at: David Oliver, 141 Audubon Road, Weymouth, MA 02188

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Magic & Martinis Thursday

Since David can no longer consume alcohol, we will toast to his good health with something less...well, alcoholic. A Coca Cola, not diet or sugar-free. Cheers! Here's to your good health, David. Let's DO Magic!