870: Mysterious Maks - Ukrainian Phenomenon

Mysterious Maks is from Ukraine but currently resides in New York City, New York. He was a finalist in “Uri Geller’s Next Phenomenon” television show in the Ukraine. As a result of his notoriety on that show and others where he was featured that led him to be quite well-known and in demand among the Russian politico and the oligarchy. He also ran a successful brick-and-mortar magic shop in Kiev, Ukraine. All was looking bright for his future, but then, fate intervened. He traveled to the U.S. on holiday and the week after he landed, Russia declared war on the Ukraine. He is now stuck here and unable to return home and is only able to talk on the phone with his mother and family as he hears about the death and destruction going on in the background.

This week, Mysterious Maks tells us about his journey to become a mentalist leading to his television experience and exposure where he met Uri Geller and how he got on the Next Phenomenon show. He also tells us about the kind of magic that is performed in Ukraine and finally, he tells us his story about how he got “stuck” in the U.S. and how he found a supportive group of friendly magicians in New York City who have helped him get by and encouraged him to continue with his dreams.

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863: Eric Dittelman - "L" Before "E" Except in...

As we begin on “Month of Boo'“ on The Magic Word Podcast, we gently slide into it this week featuring a mind reader, Eric Dittelman. He was the first mentalist to be a finalist on America’s Got Talent (sic) where he broke new ground. He has also appeared on Penn & Teller Fool Us (video below). Since then he has kept busy and in demand on the college circuit and as a corporate performer. Just like last week’s guest, Alex Boyce, Eric also is a regular performer at SpeakEasy Magick in New York City. Eric doesn’t regularly perform nor lecture at magic conventions, so this week’s episode is a real masterclass and maybe the closest thing you’ll hear as a lecture from him. During COVID, he and Mat Franco co-hosted a podcast called Mind Over Magic, which ran for over 100 episodes. It was one of my regular podcasts that I never missed. I think you might enjoy hearing it, too.

This week, Eric talks about his rise to become a finalist on AGT, performing on the college circuit, developing the podcast with Mat Franco, identifying his “powers” as a mentalist, and more! He reveals lost of ideas and tips for working professional and those who want to find success as a mentalist. .

This was the book that Eric Dittelman briefly talked about in this week's podcast. Please click on the graphic above to visit your Amazon account. And remember, when you do, you are helping The Magic Word Podcast through the Amazon Affiliate program when you buy this or any other product through Amazon. Thank you for your support.

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.