844: Joe Devlin - Matador In The Arena

Known as the “Matador of Magic,” Joe Devlin has lived what, for most, would be several lifetimes full of magic. He has performed around the world aboard cruise ships for 37 years; he has created and performed unique, original illusions; he was one of the performers in NYC at the Magic Townhouse and Mostly Magic; he had long term engagements in Atlantic City and in the Bahamas; his wedding was the subject of a one-hour “reality” show; he appeared on “All My Children” daytime network television; he has been a consultant tor Criss Angel’s show “Magic of the Stars” and others, and; he was a featured performer on Criss Angel’s “Amysitika” show in Las Vegas.

In this week’s episode, Joe talks about his amazing history of performing, creating and consulting magic over the years. His fast-paced style and on-stage choreography reminds one of the moves of a flamenco dancer and also of a Spanish bullfighter in the arena. This week he chats about a lot of what he has accomplished over the past 40+ years including a bit about taking care of the Houdini Memorial in New York. He had two touring illusion shows, but since the death of his wife/assistant, he has focused on singular performances and consulting.

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821: Arthur Benjamin - Genius At Work

Arthur Benjamin, Smallwood Family Professor of Mathematics at Harvey Mudd College and a professional magician, is perhaps better known in our community as the “Mathemagician.” He truly makes math fun, entertaining, and, yes…exciting. In his stage performance, Arthur calculates the square roots of double digit and even triple digit numbers all in his head with lightening quick precision that he can say the number faster than anyone can input the data in a calculator and read the answer. His routine does not use any stooges nor electronics, but is all done in real time in his real head. It is a fascinating display of mental acuity that he explains is within the capabilities of anyone who can do basic math.

Mathematician, magician and professor Arthur Benjamin performs high-speed mental calculations, memorization tricks and other astounding math stunts, many of which are taught in his many books on the subject which are all available through Amazon. In this week’s episode, Arthur talks about how he developed this act after starting out as a child magician then utilizing his unique skills to build an act around his passion for math. His TED Talks have been viewed over 11 Million times and his books are best sellers. I only wish everyone could have a math teacher like Arthur who would inspire the next generation to love math.

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820: Ken Weber - the ANSWER man

Ken Weber is the President of Weber Asset Management and also a mentalist, magician, consultant and author. This week we chat with Ken about these latter job descriptions. Ken has performed aboard cruise ships and as a young man in the Catskills of New York. He was an early member of the Psychic Entertainers Association (P.E.A.) and frequent attendee at MINDvention and other mentalism conventions. He authored “Maximum Entertainment” that was updated and re-published as “Maximum Entertainment 2.0.” More than just a reprint of the original, there is much more material added to the new book.

We have had Ken on this podcast from time to time as part of the content from a few magic convention reports in the past. But in this episode, we finally get to sit down and have a proper conversation about his book, “Maximum Entertainment 2.0” as well as some tips that he suggests when he is consulting with some of the top pros in the business. He has some good advice that will benefit you whether you are a close-up or stage magician or mentalist.

844: Joe Devlin - Matador In The Arena

821: Arthur Benjamin - Genius At Work

820: Ken Weber - the ANSWER man

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