613 - Franz Harary - Think BIG!

This “long overdue” conversation with mega-illusionist, Franz Harary, is a very special edition. Franz is truly an international star of magic and his work has kept him busy for decades. In this episode Franz is finally taking a “breather” and relaxing so we can talk about his passions and career. We cover a lot of territory from creativity to the cosmos. He also shares some “never-before-told” stories and tips for stage performers that he has not discussed before now.

This week’s podcast episode on YouTube.

Franz Harary begins this episode talking about his passion for all things related to outer space, which might explain why one of his earliest illusions was to vanish the space shuttle. He also talks about international touring, working in outdoor coliseums and his time in Asia performing at his own theatre in Macau. Of course, he also shares some stories about some of the celebrities he has worked with from Janet and Michael Jackson to…well, you can’t get much more “celebrated” than the King of Pop!

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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.

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481: Jessica Jane Peterson - Right Place, Right Time

Jessica Jane Peterson (or “JJ” as I like to call her) is leading a charmed life. The dominoes have been set and are now falling perfectly one after another. That’s not to say that it has all been by design, but rather she has been at the right place at the right time. Of course this wouldn’t work unless she had the abilities to make this happen.

And her short 29 years, she has led a most interesting life having worked as an adolescent in her uncle’s magic show, then later with the circus, then as a “box jumper” to performing on her own in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and aboard cruise ships and magic lounges (like the “Magic Castle” and Nashville’s “House of Cards” among others). She also appeared on the “Penn & Teller Fool Us” television show where she did some fire eating. And this is just the beginning.

This charismatic young magician has the world at her fingertips and success is within her grasp. She is someone to watch. Mark my words. And hear her here on The Magic Word. This was a fun conversation but not the first one recorded in my car!

Watch Jessica Jane Peterson light up the stage with Magic & Fire on Penn & Teller: Fool Us. The full episode is entitled '50/50 Chance" and aired on The CW Network August 3rd 2017 and was filmed at the Penn & Teller Theater in the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.