729: David Goldrake - When His World Collapsed

On October 15, 2015 during a rehearsal overseas, David Goldrake’s double levitation illusion went horribly wrong. After his (now) ex-wife, Abbey, had levitated into the air, David then “floated” up behind her then suddenly he saw the floor rapidly moving toward his face.

In this episode and seven years after this accident, David feels a bit more comfortable talking about this life-changing moment, the things that led up to it, and suggestions to illusionists on how to be prepared and take necessary precautions.

We recorded this episode while in Atlanta, Georgia and attending the I.B.M. National convention this past summer. With so much other content that has been recorded and some that were broadcast due to their timely nature, our chat is a little late getting out, but the content and stories are timeless.

As we begin our chat, we talk about “video mapping.” David Goldrake was one of the first illusionists in Las Vegas to make use of “video mapping” which is in common use today. We chat about this before going into the story behind the tragic accident. David is quite frank and open about all the details including what happened, why it happened, the insurance for hospital bills, plus suggestions to others on why it is important to check your gear before a show and even rehearsals. David wanted to set the record straight because Joshua Jay reported Abbey’s point of view in his book, “How Magicians Think: Misdirection, Deception, and Why Magic Matters.” The story told in this podcast might be an alternate view of the accident and what followed.

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614: Rob Lake - A Pool of Knowledge

Great things come from the Midwest. Sometimes, great BIG things, like stage illusionist, Rob Lake. Following his inspiration of Doug Henning and his mentorship of Kirby VanBurch, Rob has taken his stage illusion show across the country and indeed, around the world having performing in casinos, arenas and theatres in London, Japan, the Bahamas and from coast to coast in the U.S. This week Rob talks about his incredible journey while paying tribute to those who got him to where he is today with a look at where he hopes to go in the future.

This week’s podcast episode on YouTube. Please subscribe to our channel while you are there.

This was the video screen production on America’s Got Talent [sic] that was discussed on the podcast.

In this week’s episode, Rob Lake talks about how he almost “blew off” performing on America’s Got Talent [sic] and a (now funny) anecdote about Joe Exotic (The Tiger King) who used his name and nearly ruined Rob’s reputation. He also discusses his performances abroad and what it takes to transport such a large illusion show across the country.

564: Michael Close - UP* (Unique Powers)

Michael Close has been around long enough to have seen, learned, and taught some great magic. He is best known for his close-up magic (i.e. see his incredible works “The Workers” series), but he is also an accomplished (and professional) musician. When not performing, teaching, or consulting on magic, he is performing music. He was one of the earlier performers at Illusions magic restaurant in Indiana then he was the Trick Editor for MAGIC Magazine for a decade, followed by being the editor of the M.U.M. magazine for the S.A.M. He is currently the magic consultant on “Penn & Teller Fool Us” television show.

Magician Michael Close has a trick up his sleeve! Through some neat sleight-of-hand, Michael shows how people can start blindly following others without even realizing it's happening. If you're ready to leave the pack and live your own life, visit OpenlySecular.org today to find out how.

Perhaps the greatest card trick ever performed on television (around 1997).

Michael talks this week about a variety of subjects from over the years and shares some fun stories and a behind the scenes peek of the “Penn & Teller Fool Us” production. If you are interested in purchasing a copy of his book “That Reminds Me, Finding the Funny in a Serious World” or other products, then please Click Here to visit his Products Page.

729: David Goldrake - When His World Collapsed

614: Rob Lake - A Pool of Knowledge

564: Michael Close - UP* (Unique Powers)

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