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The Magic Word The Magic Word

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955: Lizard Man - Side Show Business

As Monty Python would say, "and now for something completely different.” This podcast tries to explore all facets of our jewel we call magic. And one part of our entertainment community has its roots in the side show. Specifically, in the early to mid-1900's magicians were part of the traveling carnivals and performed side show acts using such illusions as the stocks, blade box, and more. But as the magicians went to the legitimate stage, the other side show performers stayed behind as independent nomads. But their business of finding work is just as important as magicians trying to find work. And for “freaks” in today’s world, there are fewer venues (and perhaps audiences) who can “stomach” watching some of their acts. Moreover, freaks have become less shocking as being obesely overweight and covered in tattoos are now common sites at your local WalMart shopping centers.

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This week Lizard Man tells us about why he chose to pursue a life and a lifestyle different from the “norm” and his commitment to getting tattoos and body piercings all over his body. But part of the focus of our conversation is how similar yet different our two crafts are when it comes to marketing. Magicians have a community to help, support, and direct, but the side show community is less giving and supportive.

Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.

Tagged with Lizard Man, Austin Texas, sideshow, freaks, Enigma, tattoo, freak, Hellzapoppin Circus, Jim Rose Circus.

February 19, 2026 by Scott Wells.
  • February 19, 2026
  • Scott Wells
  • Lizard Man
  • Austin Texas
  • sideshow
  • freaks
  • Enigma
  • tattoo
  • freak
  • Hellzapoppin Circus
  • Jim Rose Circus
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The Magic Word The Magic Word

A Podcast for Magicians, About Magicians, Hosted by a Full Time Professional Magician, Scott Wells

This podcast is totally free for everyone to enjoy. This is provided to you out of love and respect for our art of magic. If you enjoy the podcasts and other material on The Magic Word, then your financial support will be greatly appreciated and help offset the monthly hosting service fee as well as the hardware and software to produce this podcast. Just click on the "Donate " button at the top of this page to make a one time donation through PayPal.

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In May 2024, Scott Wells had the distinguished honor of receiving a “Special Fellowship” from the Academy of Magical Arts (The Magic Castle) for the Magic Word Podcast which promotes “not only personal stories of fascinating individuals, but also fellowship amongst our extended family of artists and entertainers everywhere.”

Do you have a comment or suggestion for The Magic Word Podcast? Click on the SpeakPipe logo and leave a short audio message for Scott. It’s fast, easy and fun. Send a “shout out” today and who knows? Your message may be heard on an upcoming podcast!

The Magic Word Podcast: #961 - Michael Breggar - Everything Matters - Long time friend and columnist for The Linking Ring journal, Michael is a clever writer, author of many books and tricks, and very funny guy. #thelinkingring #magic #playingcards #
John Guastaferro - Leading With His Heart - A man of many talents, John works with a philanthropic board that raised millions of dollars for cancer research in children. He has also just released the third in a trilogy of seminal books on card tricks
Dale Carnegie - The Magic Detective Dean Carnegie is a magic performer and the host of The Magic Detective podcast that features deep dives into the lives of well-known to arcane magicians from the past. He is also an accomplished artist featuring pi
John Midgley - Therapist with a Paintbrush - Past National S.A.M. President, John Midgley, is a licensed therapist who is also an accomplished magician and graphic artist. #graphicart #graphicartist #comicbooks #magic #magician #societyofamericanmagi
Jason Bird - Strolling Through Time - Jason Bird was one of the strolling magicians in the legendary Caesar's Magical Empire (1996-2002) and today has written a book about strolling magic. #caesarspalace #caesarsmagicempire #magic #strollingmagic #au
Congratulations to my fellow SAG-AFTRA actors who were nominated for the various #ActorAwards and especially to the winners at tonight's ceremony on #Netflix
Magic shows are not the only attraction for magicians to see in Las Vegas. Be sure to visit the Neon Museum where Siegfried & Roy are highlighted and honored among the glitz and lights. #vegas #vegasbaby #neonmuseum #magic #siegfriedandroy #oldve
Magicians used to be part of the side show carnivals, but found new venues to perform. It is a bit more difficult for "freaks" to find work partially because of their lack of social infrastructure and community that magic has. Learn about t
The Magic Word Podcast: #961 - Michael Breggar - Everything Matters - Long time friend and columnist for The Linking Ring journal, Michael is a clever writer, author of many books and tricks, and very funny guy. #thelinkingring #magic #playingcards # John Guastaferro - Leading With His Heart - A man of many talents, John works with a philanthropic board that raised millions of dollars for cancer research in children. He has also just released the third in a trilogy of seminal books on card tricks Dale Carnegie - The Magic Detective Dean Carnegie is a magic performer and the host of The Magic Detective podcast that features deep dives into the lives of well-known to arcane magicians from the past. He is also an accomplished artist featuring pi John Midgley - Therapist with a Paintbrush - Past National S.A.M. President, John Midgley, is a licensed therapist who is also an accomplished magician and graphic artist. #graphicart #graphicartist #comicbooks #magic #magician #societyofamericanmagi Jason Bird - Strolling Through Time - Jason Bird was one of the strolling magicians in the legendary Caesar's Magical Empire (1996-2002) and today has written a book about strolling magic. #caesarspalace #caesarsmagicempire #magic #strollingmagic #au Congratulations to my fellow SAG-AFTRA actors who were nominated for the various #ActorAwards and especially to the winners at tonight's ceremony on #Netflix Magic shows are not the only attraction for magicians to see in Las Vegas. Be sure to visit the Neon Museum where Siegfried & Roy are highlighted and honored among the glitz and lights. #vegas #vegasbaby #neonmuseum #magic #siegfriedandroy #oldve Magicians used to be part of the side show carnivals, but found new venues to perform. It is a bit more difficult for "freaks" to find work partially because of their lack of social infrastructure and community that magic has. Learn about t

The Magic Word Has been recognized by FeedSpot as the # 1 magician podcast in the world. Thank you all for your support and for listening throughout the years.

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The Magic Word Podcast was nominated for TWO categories in the new ONLINE MAGIC competition at the 2025 World Championship of Magic (FISM) in Turin, Italy. One was for the Best Magic Podcaster and the second for the Best Magic Newsletter. You may already listen, but you are missing out on the other half if you haven’t yet subscribed to our weekly podletter!

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