• The Magic Word
  • Become a Friend of The Magic Word
  • Subscribe to The Magic Word
  • At The Table Lectures
  • Scott Wells Lecture Items
  • The Magic Word Podcast T-Shirt
  • Amazon.com Store to Support The Magic Word
  • The Magic Word Merchandise
  • Magic Convention Guide
  • Magic Theaters
  • Archives
  • About
  • Contact

The Magic Word The Magic Word

  • The Magic Word
  • Become a Friend of The Magic Word
  • Subscribe to The Magic Word
  • At The Table Lectures
  • Scott Wells Lecture Items
  • The Magic Word Podcast T-Shirt
  • Amazon.com Store to Support The Magic Word
  • The Magic Word Merchandise
  • Magic Convention Guide
  • Magic Theaters
  • Archives
  • About
  • Contact
443 banner.jpg

443: Don Wiberg - Part One: Magic Shops Around Old Chicago

443 banner.jpg

Don Wiberg is a Past International President of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. and a great historian of Chicago's rich magic history. In this first of two parts, the early part of this podcast includes a nostalgic walk through some of Chicago's magic shops that were tightly distributed within a few blocks of downtown Chicago. The latter half of this podcast is filled with stories of some of the early members of the Chicago Round Table.

View fullsize 14725634_1456855157663600_7697815842425422334_n.jpg
View fullsize 175163_1768348722155_4299980_o.jpg
View fullsize 19336719713_db66fda9d7_b.jpg
View fullsize 10171093_10152131220606864_8880042145509730977_n.jpg
View fullsize rs=w 360,h 180,cg true.jpg

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 or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here.. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here

Tagged with Don Wiberg, Chicago, Chicago magic history.

August 16, 2018 by Scott Wells.
  • August 16, 2018
  • Scott Wells
  • Don Wiberg
  • Chicago
  • Chicago magic history
  • Post a comment
Comment

330: Bob Schulien on "Schulien's" Bar Magic

Schulien's was one of the legendary magic bars in Chicago that thrived throughout most of the 20th century. At the soul of the restaurant was its owner, Matt Schulien. Chicago-style magic was born here where the magic came fast and furious as drinks were served and the motto was "GTFM" (Get The F'ing Money).

In this podcast, Robert "Bob" Schulien, the grandson of Matt Schulien worked at Schulien's under his father who was heir to the bar and who encouraged Bob to perform magic for the patrons. He was told that people came to the bar not only for food and drink but also for the magic. They expected magic and so Bob became the "designated magician by default". Other magicians later came to work and perform at Schulien's (like Al James and Chuck Morris) until it closed on January 27, 1999. There is an excellent article online that tells its history at The Chicago Bar Project.

Bob carries on the tradition of bar magic each week at The Chicago Magic Lounge along with a bevy of prestidigitators who entertain every Thursday and Saturday night. You can listen to a previous episode with the owners/managers that was broadcast #213: Chicago Magic Bars and Lounges

Chicago Magic Lounge quickly became 2015's speakeasy for many professional traveling magicians. Not only to perfom but also relax by enjoying the camaraderie of fellow Chicago magicians, as well as honing their craft. I've been collecting fun behind the scenes video and photos taken over the first year of shenanigans at the CML.
View fullsize Matt Schulien
View fullsize Sandy Marshall (Jay's son), Bob Schulien and Pedro Nieves Bosque
View fullsize Bobby with his father, Charlie Schulien
View fullsize Matt Schulien
View fullsize magic_of_matt_schulien.jpg
View fullsize Matt Schulien Holding Court
View fullsize matts.jpg
View fullsize Schulien's Menu
View fullsize menu-chicago-schuliens-restaurant-2100-irving-park-road-c1960.jpg
View fullsize SchuliensMatches.png

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:04:36 - Bob Schulien talks about the early years of his grandfather Matt Schulien's Bar in Chicago from its earliest days until it finally closed. Bob regales us with many stories about his grandfather and the magic and pranks he used to perform for and on his customers.

00:56:45 - "Brother Paul" West invented a new product called the CellGrasp which makes it easier to hold you mobile phone while taking selfies. This is a product I keep on my cell phone all the time and I find indispensable. He also has a special offer to listeners of The Magic Word Podcast.

01:03:54 - "Flaming Coffee" by SansMinds is a visual stunner that takes the Fire Wallet to a new level. Recommended with reservations. Also, not available to those under 19.

01:07:49 - "The Deceased" by Jamie Daws is a creepy, dark and bizarre bit of magic that could have your audience feeling the goosebumps. This is a :Living or Dead" test that is well made and can be carried around in your wallet to creep out people at a moment's notice. Recommended.

Order a CellGrasp and receive your choice of any one of Brother Paul's five downloads from his website. Order two CellGraps and receive two free downloads. Oder three, and...well, you get the idea.

Order a CellGrasp and receive your choice of any one of Brother Paul's five downloads from his website. Order two CellGraps and receive two free downloads. Oder three, and...well, you get the idea.

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

Order your copy of this book and help The Magic Word Podcast through your purchase.

Tagged with Bob Schulien, Schulien's, Chicago magic bar, Chicago magic history, Al James, Heba Habe Al, Bill Weimer, Don Alan, Chuck Morris.

November 10, 2016 by Scott Wells.
  • November 10, 2016
  • Scott Wells
  • Bob Schulien
  • Schulien's
  • Chicago magic bar
  • Chicago magic history
  • Al James
  • Heba Habe Al
  • Bill Weimer
  • Don Alan
  • Chuck Morris
  • Post a comment
Comment

153: Day One - F.F.F.F. 2014

We're shuffling off to Buffalo for the first day of this four day and night close-up magic bacchanal. The number "four" has significance this year because it is also the 44th annual Four F convention.

This year's attendees are coming from 17 different countries on five continents. Twenty are from Canada, 12 from France, eight each from England and Japan; three each from Argentina, Germany, Italy and Taiwan; two each from Australia, South Korea, Spain and Switzerland; one each from China, Hungary, the Netherlands, Norway, and Scotland; and about 156 from the U.S.A. We have 43 contest winners from conventions around the world including 12 FISM winners, (three Grand Prix winners), the nine past International Presidents from the I.B.M. plus its current International President and the eight past Presidents of the S.A.M.  along with 22 magicians attending the F.F.F.F. for the first time.

An free eBook of the program is available Here.

View fullsize Welcoming banner at hotel registration desk
View fullsize Gobo projected onto the wall of the showroom
View fullsize Joe Turner - MC for the Opening Night Gala Show
View fullsize Shawn Farquhar, 2014 Guest of Honor - Canada
View fullsize Yumi - Japan
View fullsize Marcelo Insua, Argentine
View fullsize James Jien - Taiwan
View fullsize Will Gray - England
View fullsize Christian & Katalina - U.S.
View fullsize Wladimir - France
View fullsize Mike Chao - Taiwan
View fullsize Mike Chao - Taiwan
View fullsize photo 4(2).JPG
View fullsize Bruno Copin, Lecturer - France
View fullsize Eric DeCamps, Scott Wells and Gary Plants

Made by Matt Episcopo for the Guest of Honor, Shawn Farquhar featuring some of the attendees at this year's F.F.F.F. convention.

Here are the time codes for this podcast:

00:00:15 - Scott Wells talks about what to expect in this and the next few podcasts as we post daily updates from the F.F.F.F. convention

00:05:41 - Gary Plants talks about his experience at the recent Magic Con in San Diego where he was one of the presenters.

00:16:10 - Dan Garrett talks about his recent lecture tour of Japan and his upcoming online lecture to be presented on Penguin Magic. on June 1, 2014

00:23:03 - Chief "Forker", Obie O'Brien, talks about some of the history of the F.F.F.F. convention, some stories about Jay Marshall, Eddie Fechter and others plus some advice on how to get an invitation to this private event.

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 F.F.F.F., Batavia, Buffalo, New York, close-up convention, Fechter's Finger Flicking Frolic, Obie O'Brien, Dan Garrett, Gary Plants.

April 23, 2014 by Scott Wells.
  • April 23, 2014
  • Scott Wells
  • F.F.F.F.
  • Batavia
  • Buffalo
  • New York
  • close-up convention
  • Fechter's Finger Flicking Frolic
  • Obie O'Brien
  • Dan Garrett
  • Gary Plants
  • Convention Report
  • Post a comment
Comment
Newer

The Magic Word The Magic Word

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

This podcast is totally free for everyone to enjoy. This is provided to you out of love and respect for our art of magic. If you enjoy the podcasts and other material on The Magic Word, then your financial support will be greatly appreciated and help offset the monthly hosting service fee as well as the hardware and software to produce this podcast. Just click on the "Donate " button at the top of this page to make a one time donation through PayPal.

You can become a sustaining member by pledging a monthly donation of any amount through "Patreon" and receive some pretty cool perks for membershiip, too. Just Click Here for more information on how you can help.

By donating to The Magic Word, you will become a "Friend of The Magic Word" and receive a certificate (suitable for framing) indicating your membership plus your name will join your other friends and be posted on our "Wall of Fame". If you prefer to order something from the Store, then that will help support The Magic Word, too. Thank you.

  • The Magic Word
  • Become a Friend of The Magic Word
  • Subscribe to The Magic Word
  • At The Table Lectures
  • Scott Wells Lecture Items
  • The Magic Word Podcast T-Shirt
  • Amazon.com Store to Support The Magic Word
  • The Magic Word Merchandise
  • Magic Convention Guide
  • Magic Theaters
  • Archives
  • About
  • Contact

Thanks to all of you listeners, The Magic Word Podcast and our newsletter (or “podletter” as I call it) has been recognized by FISM and received nominations in two categories. Please click on one of the graphics above and cast your vote to help push us on to victory in Turin, Italy, this summer! Thank you!

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.”

Do you have a comment or suggestion for The Magic Word Podcast? Click on the SpeakPipe logo and leave a short audio message for Scott. It’s fast, easy and fun. Send a “shout out” today and who knows? Your message may be heard on an upcoming podcast!

Gallery Block
This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account. Learn more
Cursus Amet
Pellentesque Risus Ridiculus
Porta
Etiam Ultricies
Vulputate Commodo Ligula
Elit Condimentum
Aenean eu leo Quam
Cursus Amet
Pellentesque Risus Ridiculus
Porta
Etiam Ultricies
Vulputate Commodo Ligula
Cursus Amet Pellentesque Risus Ridiculus Porta Etiam Ultricies Vulputate Commodo Ligula Elit Condimentum Aenean eu leo Quam Cursus Amet Pellentesque Risus Ridiculus Porta Etiam Ultricies Vulputate Commodo Ligula

The Magic Word Has been recognized by FeedSpot as the # 1 magician podcast in the world. Thank you all for your support and for listening throughout the years.

tumblr
linkedin
twitter-unauth
facebook-unauth
instagram-unauth
x-formerly-twitter-unauth
pinterest-unauth
facebook-unauth
Amazon Affiliate 2020 graphic.jpg