727: Behind the Camera at Masters of Illusion Season 9 - Part One

A lot goes into the production of a television show, especially where magic is involved. Producing a show with one magician is hard enough, but imagine coordinating the schedules of dozens of magicians from around the world to produce a multi-week series plus a Christmas special! Gay Blackstone is the Executive Producer of “Masters of Illusion” television series which airs in the U.S. on the CS network. This coming season number 9 will kick off with the Christmas Special airing Wednesday December 14th. The actual series won’t begin airing until February 2023. The Magic Word Podcast had exclusive, behind the scenes and behind the camera access to the filming of Season 9. This week and next we will broadcast conversations with some of those that made this show happen.

As we take our “magic carpet” to Burbank, California, we are excited about the unknown adventures that lie ahead for the filming of this year’s “Masters of Illusion” TV show. This week we chat with a variety of people behind the scenes beginning with a few people in the audience. Ever wonder where these audience members and volunteers come from? That is answered this along with our chats with some of the performers back stage, in the hallways and in their dressing rooms.

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726: Santa's Holiday Book Suggestions

It is the holiday gift giving season and Santa has three suggestions for every parent, grand parent, aunt, uncle or for that matter, for anyone having a young person in their lives. Santa chats with three authors about their books that are directed at children. Amy Kimlat (yes, the wife of Kostya Kimlat) tells us about her recently released book, “Hocus Pocus Practice Focus” which is a wonderful book (for readers 4-8) that will empower and inspire children to focus and do their best in life. More than a book about a child who learns magic, but the “magic” that is behind learning. Next we have Allan Kronzek who released the book, “Grandpa Magic” nearly two years ago, it is still a relevant guide for older magicians to be ready with a quick trick to entertain children. And finally, what would December be without a visit with Murray Sawchuck? His book, “At Nighttime We Are All The Same Size” was just released and it is an adorable book for animal lovers and children. Not specifically a magic book, it is about the magic in the eyes of the animals we see in our homes and at the zoo. A delightful read for ages 4-8 years of age.

Amy Kimlat was thankful to the Magic Word Podcast for offering her this platform to promote her new book. In return, she is giving all of the listeners a special offer. If you visit her website, then you can download a FREE PDF copy of “Hocus Pocus Practice Focus.” She is offering this with the hope that 1) listeners who download the book will give her a five star rating on Amazon in order to help sell more books. And 2) you will order a hard copy (or more) for the child (or children) in your life. You can visit and download your FREE PDF copy by visiting this special link: https://amykimlat.com/magicword

You can help both The Magic Word and Amy Kimlat with your Amazon purchase by following this link: https://amzn.to/3OMWZ4f

Now is the time to order your 16 month 2023 Magic calendar. Please follow this link to purchase your copy on Amazon and help the Magic Word Podcast! https://amzn.to/3AYKCwc

You can order Allan Kronzek's book by following this link: https://amzn.to/3gON5m0

For more information and to order Murray Sawchuck's book, please follow this link: https://amzn.to/3VBVHes

653: Murray Christmas - Our Annual Visit with Murray Sawchuck

This is our eighth year of visiting with Celebrity Magician, Murray Sawchuck, in Las Vegas. He updates us on what’s been happening during 2021 in Las Vegas. During this past year Murray has been on the covers of VANISH and Genii magazines plus, most importantly, he got married this Fall in the historic Plaza Hotel and Casino in downtown Vegas. He continues to move magic forward as he maintains his residency at the Laugh Factor in the Tropicana plus a variety act in “Fantasy” at the Luxor. In addition to that, he also performs around the country for private engagements as well as comedy clubs and theaters. Watch for him when he comes to a venue near you!

Subscribe and watch our conversation with Murray this week on YouTube.

In this episode, Murray talks about the return of “live” shows and tourism and what shows have come and gone in Vegas in 2021 plus his defense of originating the locomotive vanish inside a theater which has been contested by The Illusionists and Copperfield. He also talks about how some shows are staying financially “in the black” due to the government grants due to the COVID payments and how and where these funds are being dispersed. He also gives some suggestions on what shows you should see when you travel to Las Vegas.