740: P.T. Murphy - Big Fish in a Small Pond

This episode hopes to inspire you to dream it, make your dream a reality, then follow your dream. Patrick P.T. Murphy was doing well in Chicago and performed regularly with David Parr in the Chicago Magic Cabaret. But ten years ago the stars aligned which took him three hours away to a tourist destination to Northeastern Illinois where he began performing in a small theater with his own one-man show. Sometimes it’s best to “buck the norm” and become a big fish in a small pond.

If you are more of a visual person, then you will enjoy this video of our conversation recorded via Zoom.

This is the original 1947 black and white version of “Nightmare Alley” which differs a bit from the 2021 and well worth your attention to view.

P.T. shares some personal stories about his magical life and his brushes with magic celebrities like Bill Malone, Tony Andruzzi, Paul Harris, David Roth, Ricky Jay, Eugene Burger and others. Plus he talks about the magic dealer scene in Chicago. We also talk about making a dramatic change in his life by picking up and moving his family and belongings three hours northeast of Chicago where he has become recognized by Trip Advisor as the top attraction in the small pond of Galena, Illinois.

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Nightmare Alley was discussed in this week's episode. To order your copy of the book and also help The Magic Word Podcast with your purchase, please follow this link.

738: Ray Lum - MARVELous Craftsman

Magicians cannot perform without props. The equipment one uses on stage says a lot about the performer. And the quality and craftsmanship of a good fabricator can make any magician look like a million dollars on stage. Ray Lum is one of those fabricators who resides in Las Vegas and works with all of the greats and the soon-to-be greats. Inspired and mentored by the late Tommy Wonder, Ray Lum carries the tradition of fine quality magic props.

If you are more of a visual person, then you will enjoy this video of our conversation recorded via Zoom.

This week Ray Lum talks about his invention of the Gumball Machine (which he calls the “Lumball Machine”) and the controversy surrounding the dual creators coming out separately but not knowing about the other’s invention. He also talks about his friend and mentor, Tommy Wonder, and how they met and how Ray carries on the tradition of quality craftsmanship using new technology and materials.

Click on the graphic above to visit the convention website and learn more about who, what and where.

564: Michael Close - UP* (Unique Powers)

Michael Close has been around long enough to have seen, learned, and taught some great magic. He is best known for his close-up magic (i.e. see his incredible works “The Workers” series), but he is also an accomplished (and professional) musician. When not performing, teaching, or consulting on magic, he is performing music. He was one of the earlier performers at Illusions magic restaurant in Indiana then he was the Trick Editor for MAGIC Magazine for a decade, followed by being the editor of the M.U.M. magazine for the S.A.M. He is currently the magic consultant on “Penn & Teller Fool Us” television show.

Magician Michael Close has a trick up his sleeve! Through some neat sleight-of-hand, Michael shows how people can start blindly following others without even realizing it's happening. If you're ready to leave the pack and live your own life, visit OpenlySecular.org today to find out how.

Perhaps the greatest card trick ever performed on television (around 1997).

Michael talks this week about a variety of subjects from over the years and shares some fun stories and a behind the scenes peek of the “Penn & Teller Fool Us” production. If you are interested in purchasing a copy of his book “That Reminds Me, Finding the Funny in a Serious World” or other products, then please Click Here to visit his Products Page.