935: Wayne Alan - The Most Famous Magician You've Never Heard Of

Wayne Alan’s Washington D.C. experience ranges from working at the magic shop that sold magic tricks to President George H. W. Bush to magic performances in front of audiences in homeless shelters, parties at the homes of prominent Washington politicians, and several national TV appearances. He has consulted for David Copperfield and Criss Angel. He was one of the pioneers in the trade show magic field working alongside Eddie Tullock, Mike Rogers, and Dick Ryan, among others. In 1982 he was presented with a Gold Medal at F.I.S.M. in the category of Grand Illusion.

There is so much to cover in Wayne Alan’s life that we could have talked for much longer. But this conversation gives you a good overview, along with some great stories, about this professional magician who, in his early 70’s, is far from hanging up his top hat and wand.

This is the last week for this contest. If you missed out on entering the contest or you did enter but didn’t win but would like to have a copy, you can order one by sending him an email at wow@stevefriedbergmagic.com

Throughout the month of October, we will run a contest to give away a deck of Houdini Playing Cards designed by Past National President, John Midgley. This deck was designed to help raise money for the Houdini Memorial Restoration Fund intended to help repair the Houdini gravesite. Although this contest is open to all, postage will only be paid for winners residing within the U.S. Foreign postage will apply to winners outside the U.S.

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929: Fielding West - Every Breath He Takes

Fielding West has been a fixture of the Las Vegas comedy scene for over 50 years. But time has taken its toll and he now suffers from Emphysema, a form of COPD. But despite having to be strapped with an oxygen tank 24/7, Fielding has found a way to keep on his path of teaching people how to speak better on stage plus being part of the “Lance Burton and Friends” tour. He has even incorporated a way to make his audiences laugh with him at his malady.

Fielding is like the Everyready bunny that just keeps going, and going, and going. He continues to make people laugh with his antics on stage and has even just been recognized by the International Magicians Society (IMS) with yet another Merlin Award. This episode was recorded in May 2025 and long before he knew he was going to be receiving this award.

926: Mark Phillips - "Duel" Reality

Mark Phillips has transitioned quite nicely from active trade show worker to full time parlor show performer. Mark has long been an “in demand” trade show worker entertaining at corporate functions and attracting large crowds for his trade show clients. But over the past few years, Mark has stayed closer to his Washington, D.C. home where he regularly performs “The Magic Duel” featuring him with another magician. Currently he is working with Meadow Perry.

In the first part of this week’s episode, Mark tells us about the evolution of developing “The Magic Duel” and the people who have worked with him over the past few years. He explains the premise and perhaps inspires you, the listener, to consider having your own theater show with another magician. The second part of our conversation holds some really good advice and tips on booking trade shows today. The way companies book trade show magicians has radically changed with the evolution of cell phones and the internet. Sometimes it’s difficult to get through all the noise to reach the right client who books trade shows. But there are pluses and minuses on how to use social media to get booked.

935: Wayne Alan - The Most Famous Magician You've Never Heard Of

929: Fielding West - Every Breath He Takes

926: Mark Phillips - "Duel" Reality

The Magic Word