#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.

134: Getting Your Magic Ideas to Market

I recently received an unsolicited private message on Facebook from Mark Presley who wanted to talk about creativity in magic. I called to talk with him for a while and the more we talked, the more I thought that his experience might be of interest to our listeners. Many magicians regularly come up with ideas for new tricks but have no idea of how or where to get them to market.

This podcast features Mark Presley talking about the work it took him and the importance of research and development on the front end to make sure that your "new" idea hasn't already been invented. And beyond that, how to take it to market, how to design the packaging, and more.

If you are interested in hearing someone else's creative process and get a perspective on how he took his products from "the drawing board" to consumer, then you will enjoy this podcast. To learn more about the products that Mark sells, you can visit his website at http://imaginatormagic.com/ He would also like to hear from you and be glad to give you personal advice with your ideas. You can contact Mark at MarksMagic@comcast.net

Mark Presley Hawkins is "The Imaginator"

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). The built-in player above may not work on Apple Operating Systems due to their recent IOS update. Remember, you can download it through iTunes. See the preview page by Clicking Here.

Magic & Martinis' Thursday

I hope this won't be our last! Cheers!

108: MAGIC Live! 2013 - Day 3

Day three was another fun and exciting day that began with the Opening Session hosted by Justin Flom  A highlight of the show was Xavier Mortimer's incredibly innovative routines. He is currently featured in the Cirque du Soliel show here in Vegas, "Michael Jackson One".. But it was Wayne Dobson being interviewed by Jeff McBride which received a standing ovation.  

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00:00:07 – Tom Vorjahan, Daniel Herron and Eddie Wade give a recap of the Documentary Live 1 show from last night that featured the Long Beach Mystics hosted by Stan Allen and Mike Caveney. It featured David Deeble, Victor and Diamond, Michael Weber, Dana Daniels, Mark Kalin and Jinger, Armando Lucera, Kevin James, and James Hamilton (as Alexander Hamilton).

00:08:33 – I give a short review of the General Session that was hosted by Justin Flom and featured Master Payne, Bill Abbott, Xavier Mortimer, and Wayne Dobson being interviewed by Jeff McBride.

00:13:00 – I chatted with random people dining at the In ‘N Out and how much they enjoy this place. It is one of my regular, mandatory places to dine while in Las Vegas.

00:15:02 – Simon Coronel talks about creativity and how he developed his routine.

00:26:00 – Photo time with Criss Angel

00:26:50 – David Hira talks about this convention and conventions in general and their appeal to different age groups.

00:34:45 – Scott Hunstler was one of the winners on the Sunday night Welcome Party. He talks about what he won. Mark Weidhaas, S.A.M. Past President, and Errol Lipschitz, from Vancouver, talks about their experience of this convention.

00:39:56 – We viewed the documentary about Ricky Jay’s life, Deceptive Practices. Here I get to talk with a few people who know Ricky and have a perspective and opinion on the movie. It isn’t anything like Siskell & Ebert, but I think you will enjoy this discussion by Peter Samelson, Tim Felix and Jon Stetson.

Download this podcast in an MP3 file through FeedBurner or directly by Clicking Here then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here.