550: Diamond Jim - the Bamboozler

Diamond Jim Tyler is a world class close-up magician who has lectured and performed for magicians and corporate clients around the world…well, he hasn’t yet been to Japan, but I’m sure that’s coming soon. Diamond Jim is well known as the author of the three volume series of “Bamboozlers” books which contain bar bets and friendly cons. He is working on a fourth volume and ultimately a compendium of the series. Diamond Jim is also known for his many appearances with Brian Brushwood on his “Scam School” episodes.

This week we give you the first in a series of episodes guest starring Brian's pal, the award-winning badass magician Diamond Jim Tyler! Be like Diamond Jim ...

This week Diamond Jim talks about how he got his stage name, stories from the road, work with difficult clients, and and interesting chat about his many lectures around the world.

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Click on the image above to visit Penguin Magic and download Diamond Jim’s 5 Star lecture discussed on this podcast.

The Magic Book Shop - specializing in hard-to-find magic books, signed editions, and out-of-print books. If you are looking for a magic book but can't find it, then check out The Magic Book Shop. You will also receive a 15% discount this week only on all purchases by using this promo code on checkout: magicword And be sure to enter this week’s contest to win a copy of “Daryl’s Ambitious Car Omnibus” Contest ends on March 14, 2020.

And if you are willing to sell a collection of magic books, then contact Eric Citron for an honest quote.

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549: Mercer Helms - Trust Me

Mercer Helms is a retired dove magician, though he shouldn’t be “pigeon-holed” like that (pun intended). He has retired to Houston, Texas after a long and illustrative career in Los Angeles California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Many years ago he continues to work in and around Houston due to his wife’s failing health. We frequently worked together at Houston’s Magic Island where he was the opening dove act and much loved by the audiences.

You can view a video of him performing his dove routine on the Magicana.com website by Clicking Here

In this week’s episode, Mercer talks about his relationship with Phyllis Diller, how they came to know each other, a few “tales from the road”, plus what it was like working in the old circuit that included the Catskills and old Las Vegas. Mercer was also the subject of a 2015 newspaper article which you can read by Clicking Here.

The Magic Book Shop: This week our sponsor is offering listeners the chance to win a copy of Daryl’s “Ambitious Card Omnibus” on their website. A winner will be drawn on March 15, 2020. Also, you will receive a 15% discount on ALL purchases just for listening to The Magic Word Podcast. Just put in the promo code: magicword

548: Jamie Allan - the iMagician

Jamie Allen is known as the iMagician and the “High Tech Houdini” who brings magic into today’s age using modern technology. His stage show is unlike traditional magic shows and even some of the classics in magic (i.e. sawing in half, sub trunk, and the zig-zag) have all been updated with original twists and video introductions that give some entertaining and historical background on some of those effects. He also uses Augmented Reality (A/R) to perform some of his close-up effects that are projected on the big overhead screens.

Jamie talks about what it’s like performing magic in today’s age with interest in high-tech and how he develops magic for today’s world and today’s audiences. He also talks about the “stigma” associated with performing on cruise ships ,traveling with a stage show, the changes in venues and audience’s tastes in the U.K. He also talks about the changes in the cruise ship industry as it affects magicians.

The Magic Book Shop - specializing in hard-to-find magic books, signed editions, and out-of-print books. If you are looking for a magic book but can't find it, then check out The Magic Book Shop. You will also receive a 15% discount this week only on all purchases by using this promo code on checkout: magicword

And if you are willing to sell a collection of magic books, then contact Eric Citron for an honest quote.