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279: The Cardini Connection with Randy Pitchford

Randy Pitchford is the nephew of Richard Valentine Pitchford, who was better known as Cardini. More than just a familial connection, Randy is also a performer, entrepreneur and successful businessman. Randy is the CEO and President of Gearbox Software located in Frisco, Texas (a northern suburb of Dallas).

Randy purchased much of the Cardini collection from the 2013 Potter & Potter auction and put the bulk of the exhibit in a museum at the Magic Castle. His most recent purchase may have the furthest reaching impact in our community: he is the new owner of Genii Magazine.

Randy is building a home designed to be like Brookledge, the home of Bill and Irene Larsen in Los Angeles. He even plans to present regular shows for the public in his home not unlike the Bookledge Follies.

Magician Cardini performing in 1957
Cardini (Richard Pitchford) performing coins and cards for some lucky people on a cruise. This rare footage was shot by Dr. Morris Young, and hasn't been seen for 50 years. Edited and restored by Magicbymax Steven Max Droge Productions.

Borderlands 2 creator Randy Pitchford (President and Co-founder, Gearbox Studios) gives his keynote speech at the 2013 D.I.C.E. SUMMIT. Titled "Video Games Are Magic". Brought to you by Variety and Machinima. The D.I.C.E.

View fullsize Cardini Classic Promo Photo
View fullsize Randy Pitchford
View fullsize Randy Pitchford
View fullsize Carnini Deck of Peau-Doux Manipulation Cards
View fullsize Randy Pitchford

Randy Pitchford was born in 1971 and Richard "Cardini" Pitchford died in 1973 so Randy has no recollection of his uncle. In this podcast, Randy talks about the acquisition of his Cardini artifacts plus some stories that were passed down to Randy from the family and friends. He also talks about his experience in his early years of performing at the Magic Castle and his personal relationship with the late Irene Larsen.

Also, he briefly talks about his recent acquisition of Genii magazine from Richard Kaufman; however, since the details have not been fleshed out, there are not many details to share. At this point, I understand that no change of any kind is envisioned for the immediate future of the magazine. Randy just wants to preserve this part of magic history and make sure of the longevity, viability and vitality of Genii far into the future so it can "live on forever."

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

Here is the photo taken by Michael Wilcoxen, the winner of the contest, with the framed Peau -Doux card he received as he has it displayed in his home.

Here is the photo taken by Michael Wilcoxen, the winner of the contest, with the framed Peau -Doux card he received as he has it displayed in his home.

This is the framed fan of Peau Doux manipulations cards (used by Cardini) that was presented by Randy Pitchford to David Copperfield. This is NOT the number of cards nor type of frame that will be sent to the winner of the contest (which is now ende…

This is the framed fan of Peau Doux manipulations cards (used by Cardini) that was presented by Randy Pitchford to David Copperfield. This is NOT the number of cards nor type of frame that will be sent to the winner of the contest (which is now ended). The contest here was for one framed card (probably without the brass plaque) and I'm uncertain of the type of framing that Randy will prepare.

Tagged with Randy Pitchford, Cardini, Irene Larsen, Erika Larsen, Swan Pitchford, Potter & Potter, Dai Vernon, Genii, Richard Kaufman, Brookledge, The Magic Castle, Gearbox Software, Wizards Universal Studios City Walk, Fred Wood, Scott Hollingsworth, Magic Island, Billy McComb, Paul David, Tony Clark.

March 3, 2016 by Scott Wells.
  • March 3, 2016
  • Scott Wells
  • Randy Pitchford
  • Cardini
  • Irene Larsen
  • Erika Larsen
  • Swan Pitchford
  • Potter & Potter
  • Dai Vernon
  • Genii
  • Richard Kaufman
  • Brookledge
  • The Magic Castle
  • Gearbox Software
  • Wizards Universal Studios City Walk
  • Fred Wood
  • Scott Hollingsworth
  • Magic Island
  • Billy McComb
  • Paul David
  • Tony Clark
  • 2 Comments
2 Comments

211: Nick Lewin - A Brit Under the Brim

British born Nick Lewin has been in America for over 40 years but only recently found his way to the great state of Texas where he and his wife, Susan, reside in the state's capital city of Austin. Most of you know Nick as a regular contributor to Alan Watson's "New Zealand eZine" and as the co-editor for the fantastic, FREE digital magazine for magicians, "Vanish". But you may not know that he was the first afternoon show in Las Vegas performing two shows for six days a week for five years at the Maxxim Hotel & Casino. When he left, Mac King took his spot as Nick moved on. Nick has been, and remains. a popular cruise ship entertainer. He even wrote a book on the subject entitled, "Cruise Magic 101".

Nick's mentor and friend was Billy McComb from whom he learned a lot. He was also influenced by Maurice Fogel and Ken Brooke. After moving to Los Angeles in the 1970's and settling near the Magic Castle, he continued to learn from and befriend many of the magical "luminati".

View fullsize Nick Lewin and Billy McComb
View fullsize Nick with bill.JPG
View fullsize Nick with card.JPG
View fullsize Scenes from Nick's lecture in Houston.
View fullsize with a chicken.jpg
View fullsize the-nick-lewin-lecture-copy.jpg

Nick recently traveled a short four hour drive to Houston where he lectured to our local magic group and spent some time behind the microphone to chat about his life. Nick shares tons of interesting stories right from the start of our conversation including funny memories with Maurice Fogel, Billy McComb and more. He also talks about his early years in Las Vegas, working cruise ships, hanging out at the Magic Castle with Dai Vernon, Charlie Miller, and more. If you enjoy stories about the "old guys" and the "old days", then you will enjoy this look back at some of our magic history. Plus he gives us some performing tips along the way that are well worth the price of 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). You can download or listen to the podcast through FeedPress by Clicking Here. Remember, you can download it through iTunes. See the preview page by Clicking Here.

Join us for another episode as a few magicians dine and chat. There is a little magic talked about in this episode, a little...okay, very little. Just another boring dinner with David Stone and Martin Cox and a few local Houston magicians.

Join us for another episode as a few magicians dine and chat. There is a little magic talked about in this episode, a little...okay, very little. Just another boring dinner with David Stone and Martin Cox and a few local Houston magicians.

Tagged with Nick Lewin, Billy McComb, Maurice Fogel, The Magic Castle, Las Vegas, Sandy Spill.

February 19, 2015 by Scott Wells.
  • February 19, 2015
  • Scott Wells
  • Nick Lewin
  • Billy McComb
  • Maurice Fogel
  • The Magic Castle
  • Las Vegas
  • Sandy Spill
  • Post a comment
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175: Ground Zero - Abbott's Get Together 2014

Lots of stuff to do on the day before the official opening of the 77th Get Together. Upon my afternoon arrival , we headed over to Shipshewana, Indiana for an "all you can eat" chicken dinner that as fantastic. Fifty people joined the group that was arranged by Michael Mode. After dinner we went to the farm home of Merle and Marlene Hostetler who invited many of their Amish neighbors and families to enjoy a magic show that was put on by about ten magicians. After the show they gave us buggy rides and had cake, ice cream and lots of food for us to enjoy. I was going to head over to David Seebach's party, but by the time I got back to Colon, Michigan, it was a little late in the evening plus I needed to get this podcast edited and uploaded. If it wasn't for the nice hospitality of Losander's son, Timothy Cripe, then I wouldn't have had access to wi-fi tonight. Thanks, Tim.

This podcast is a little shorter than the usual one I post. To help put you in the mood, I think you will enjoy a video I found that I recorded 30 years ago when I first attended the Get Together. I brought along my video camera and recorded some of the sights and sounds of the city. I really didn't know too many people back then so unfortunately I didn't record any interviews with the attendees; however, I did get a personal tour of Abbott's from a very young Greg Bordner.

Enjoy a trip to the past as I walk down the streets of Colon, Michigan and record all the sights and sounds on the street, at the cemetery, and the Magic Carpet restaurant plus a guided tour of Abbott's Magic Company by Greg Bordner. See some of the street vendors as well as the dealers in the gymnasium.

The end of the film is the tech rehearsal for Rick Walker, my very good friend who was an illusionist from Dallas, TX.

View fullsize Mike Miller & Jana Taylor
View fullsize Austin & Ken Dumm
View fullsize Danny Black and Scott Wells
View fullsize Amish and guests get their seats before the show.
View fullsize Michael Mode was the MC for our show for the Amish

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:02:36 - Mike Miller talks about his experience in China and working with the recent touring magicians over there. Jania Taylor, a long time attendee, tells why she never misses this week.

00:07:22 - Ken Dumm and his son Austin tell us what is most important about the Get Together...Family.

00:16:38 - Local Amish farmer, Merle Hostetler opened his home to us for a delightful evening of food and buggy rides as many of us performed magic for his family and neighbors.

00:20:50 - Michael Mode was the one who put together this Amish magic show. He talks about how it can to be.

00:23:09 - Enjoy the last few minutes of my buggy ride as you hear the "clip clop" of horses hooves along the trail.

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.

Posted in Convention Report and tagged with Abbott's Get Together, Colon, Ken Dumm, Austin Dumm, Mike Miller, Jania Taylor, Danny Black, Michael Mode, Amish.

August 6, 2014 by Scott Wells.
  • August 6, 2014
  • Scott Wells
  • Abbott's Get Together
  • Colon
  • Ken Dumm
  • Austin Dumm
  • Mike Miller
  • Jania Taylor
  • Danny Black
  • Michael Mode
  • Amish
  • Convention Report
  • Post a comment
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The Magic Word The Magic Word

A Podcast for Magicians, About Magicians, Hosted by a Full Time Professional Magician, Scott Wells

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In May 2024, Scott Wells had the distinguished honor of receiving a “Special Fellowship” from the Academy of Magical Arts (The Magic Castle) for the Magic Word Podcast which promotes “not only personal stories of fascinating individuals, but also fellowship amongst our extended family of artists and entertainers everywhere.”

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Tony Hassini - Merlin Maker - Creator of the Marvelous Magical Burger King, Tony Hassini is better known as the creator of the International Magicians Society (IMS) and the Merlin Award. #tonyhassini #merlinaward #ims #magicawards #merlin #burgerking
Wayne Alan - The Most Famous Magician You've Never Heard Of: Spanning a career as a FISM winner to a successful trade show magician and now in his 70's owning his own theatre, Wayne Alan has led an interesting life and is someone you should know. #hi
Magistrorum 2025 - Convention Report - The Magistrorum Magic & Mentalism Convention is a gathering of world-class performers, including the legendary Jeff McBride. Attendees will experience bizarre magick, and mind-blowing mentalism from internat
Magic At The Beach 2025 - Convention Report - Daily reports from the Magic At The Beach convention in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, featuring chats with registrants, talent, organizers, dealers, and more. #myrtlebeach #magicatthebeach2025 #matb2025 #
Fielding West - Every Breath He Takes - Over the past few years, magic comedian, Fielding West, has been finding it harder to breathe. After a diagnosis of Emphysema, his life and his act changed. #copd #emphysema #magiccomedy #fieldingwest #lasvegas
T.A.O.M. 2025 Convention Report - No episode today, but watch and listen late Saturday night for a combined report of a day and a half of events from the Texas Association of Magicians convention in Dallas, Texas, featuring chats with registrants, ta
Larry Kahlow - Preserving History - For the past several decades, Larry Kahlow has been the owner and proprietor of Eagle Magic Store in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which is the oldest brick-and-mortar magic shop in the U.S. This week he shares stories o
Mark Phillips - "Duel" Reality - Mark Phillips is more than just a long-time, successful trade show magician. He also co-hosts one of the most popular two-person comedy shows in Washington, D.C. #washingtondc #magiccomedy #comedy #tradeshow
Tony Hassini - Merlin Maker - Creator of the Marvelous Magical Burger King, Tony Hassini is better known as the creator of the International Magicians Society (IMS) and the Merlin Award. #tonyhassini #merlinaward #ims #magicawards #merlin #burgerking Wayne Alan - The Most Famous Magician You've Never Heard Of: Spanning a career as a FISM winner to a successful trade show magician and now in his 70's owning his own theatre, Wayne Alan has led an interesting life and is someone you should know. #hi Magistrorum 2025 - Convention Report - The Magistrorum Magic & Mentalism Convention is a gathering of world-class performers, including the legendary Jeff McBride. Attendees will experience bizarre magick, and mind-blowing mentalism from internat Magic At The Beach 2025 - Convention Report - Daily reports from the Magic At The Beach convention in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, featuring chats with registrants, talent, organizers, dealers, and more. #myrtlebeach #magicatthebeach2025 #matb2025 # Fielding West - Every Breath He Takes - Over the past few years, magic comedian, Fielding West, has been finding it harder to breathe. After a diagnosis of Emphysema, his life and his act changed. #copd #emphysema #magiccomedy #fieldingwest #lasvegas T.A.O.M. 2025 Convention Report - No episode today, but watch and listen late Saturday night for a combined report of a day and a half of events from the Texas Association of Magicians convention in Dallas, Texas, featuring chats with registrants, ta Larry Kahlow - Preserving History - For the past several decades, Larry Kahlow has been the owner and proprietor of Eagle Magic Store in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which is the oldest brick-and-mortar magic shop in the U.S. This week he shares stories o Mark Phillips - "Duel" Reality - Mark Phillips is more than just a long-time, successful trade show magician. He also co-hosts one of the most popular two-person comedy shows in Washington, D.C. #washingtondc #magiccomedy #comedy #tradeshow

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