825 - Mark Weidhaas - Christmas in April

Past National President of the Society of American Magicians, Mark Weidhaas, is a jolly old man. Well, he may not really be “that” old, but he is jolly! A Structural Engineer by day, Mark “moonlights” as “Inspector Magic” for children at birthday parties, family gatherings, libraries and schools. But during the Christmas holidays, he dons his red cap and cape to become Colorado’s Santa Claus. He is also very involved with planning magic conventions for the S.A.M. and in particular, he is one of the co-organizers for MAGIC Texas in Arlington, Texas, later this year.

This week Mark Weidhaas tells us about his first magic convention and the importance of attending these gatherings. One of the topics discussed this week is “magic exposure” and how the national organizations handle it. He also tells us about how he developed his “Inspector Magic” character, but perhaps most importantly, we discuss how to enter into the lucrative field of making appearances as Santa Claus.

Timestamps of some of our topics;

(00:00) The Wonder Bash is coming up in Grand Rapids, Michigan next month

(00:49) Mark Weidhaas talks about becoming a Santa Claus and how to do it

(02:35) Scotty: We're in Colorado Springs following a rather torrential blizzard

(05:57) David Ginn got into magic late in life through volunteer fire department

(11:50) The camaraderie of a magic club can take you places

(16:05) You have different tricks for different ages. Do you have different acts?

(18:12) Are you performing only in the springs or do you go up to Denver or country

(19:18) You've been a Santa Claus for many years now

(22:12) Dal says portraying Santa Claus is rewarding and quite lucrative

(27:50) There are so many things you can do with Santa and different places

(29:40) Scott: We are getting very close to the Wonder bash convention in Michigan

(30:20) The convention is scheduled for April 18 in Grand Rapids, Michigan

(33:40) If you are a youth, you can apply to Wonder Bash for free

(35:18) Mark Weidhaas: Santa Claus asks children what they want for Christmas

(40:25) American magicians now offer training on child safety for youth

(43:00) There's been a lot of discussion recently about the exposure of magic

(48:51) My first national convention was in 2003, in Las Vegas

(52:21) You talk about the importance of attending conventions and making friends

(56:08) Mark Weidhaas of the S.A.M. and Dal Sanders of the T.A.O.M. are co-chairmen for Magic Texas coming up in September

(01:01:10) Scotty: Thanks to Mark Whitehouse for being my guest this week

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824 - Keith Leff - the Everyman Magician

There are many magicians around the world who grind out a living as a magician meaning that they take any and all magic jobs and perform anywhere. Keith Leff is one of those magicians who is not one the “celebrity magicians” who is well-known in the magic world, but is one of those “everyman magicians” who is dependable, reliable, solid, and capable who keeps busy with the business of magic, whatever it takes. Moreover, after so many years “in the trenches” he has recently been traveling across the country with his magic lecture where he sells some of his original creations and lecture notes.

If you are a more visual person, then perhaps you might enjoy watching our Zoom chat for this episode.

In this episode, Keith gives tips and advice from his lecture and his many years of professional experience including working at fairs and festivals as well as corporate parties and restaurants.

823: Ian Rowland - A Cold Reader

Have you ever been captivated by the mysterious world of magic and mentalism? In our latest podcast episode, we sit down with the remarkable Ian Rowland, a man whose life is as fascinating as the subjects he writes about. From the Blackpool convention to the art of Kirigami, Ian takes us on a journey through his experiences as a magician, mentalist, and classical guitar lover.

Ian Rowland is not just a master of illusion; he is also an acclaimed author renowned for his books on cold reading. In this episode, he generously offers one lucky listener the chance to win a copy of one of his books. Imagine holding the secrets of cold reading in your hands, unlocking the doors to understanding an art that has mystified and intrigued audiences for generations.

As we delve deeper into the conversation, Ian shares his unique perspective on the magic community, his work with the FBI, and his adventures as a corporate speaker. His stories are not just tales of wonder but lessons in life and success. Ian's philosophy, centered on treating people with kindness and respect, resonates through his words, offering listeners a guide to a more fulfilling path.

But the magic doesn't end there. Even if you're not the contest winner, Ian extends the opportunity to receive free materials by visiting his website at https://ianrowland.com/magic It's a treasure trove of knowledge waiting to be explored.

So why should you listen to this episode? Because it's not every day that you get to hear from someone who has truly lived a life of magic, both on and off the stage. Ian Rowland's experiences, insights, and stories are a testament to the power of curiosity, passion, and the human connection.

Tune in to this magical episode and let Ian Rowland enchant you with his wisdom and wit. Who knows, you might just be the lucky winner of a book that could change the way you see the world. Listen now, and be prepared to be amazed!

Ian has graciously offered one of his books on cold reading to one lucky entrant in this week’s contest. This contest is not limited to U.S. residents but can also be sent to our international friends in the U.K., Canada and Europe. But even if your name isn’t drawn, you can still be a winner because Ian is offering three different items for you at his website at: https://www.ianrowland.com/magic And while you are there, please take a moment to view the video for one of the items he sells, “Think Link” which you can watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIjEslya-qo

825 - Mark Weidhaas - Christmas in April

824 - Keith Leff - the Everyman Magician

823: Ian Rowland - A Cold Reader

The Magic Word