948: Derek Hughes - Family Guy

While at the 2025 Abbott’s Get Together, we chatted with several magicians. A while back we chatted with Craig Diamond and last week we released the one with Antony Gerard and this week we talk with Derek Hughes. That is a subtle hint for just another reason why you should attend magic conventions…all the great talent that comes and shares their time and talents.

Derek has performed his magic on MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, the CW’s Penn & Teller: Fool Us, and the Ellen Degeneres Show. He’s a consulting producer on TRUtv’s hit magic series, The Carbonaro Effect and was a finalist on season 10 of NBC’s America’s Got Talent [sic]. His back story was much about his health as a child and the importance of his children to his life. He regularly performs in nightclubs across the U.S. and has been nominated for several categories at the Magic Castle over the years. He is also a published author of a children’s book!

This week, Derek talks about his experience with AGT and the invaluable advice he received from Jim Steinmeyer. We also discuss the difference between a magician who does comedy versus a comedian who does magic. Derek tells us about the children’s book he wrote (available through Amazon on the link below) before he even had children.

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Humpty Dumpty Lived Near a Wall

By Hughes, Derek

Buy on Amazon

**Hail and Farewell to those in our magic community who left us this past year.**

In 2025 we suffered the loss of many friends who have passed away, but whom are not forgotten. Although the list below is not exhaustive, it does reflect the names of many well-known (and some lesser known) magicians, spouses, assistants and magic aficionados who passed on in 2025. This year’s list is much less than the number reported last year (12 this year v.s. 17 in 2024.) Some may not be as well-known to you, but they were my personal friends (hey, it is my blog!). If you are unfamiliar with any of these names, then it would behoove you to do a little online search of what these people have contributed to our craft. If you have someone you think was overlooked, then please post the name in the comments below on this blog.

Those whose names are highlighted with a “hot link” were featured or interviewed here on The Magic Word Podcast. It was not my original intent when I began this journey to chronicle the voices before they left us, but I am so thankful that I did sit down with many of these friends for lively, and sometimes intimate, conversations. You can click on their name to revisit and listen to their voices again.

Ian Adair

Roger Nicot

Jack Greenburg

Gordon Miller

Mercer Helms

David Solomon

Ginny Aronson

Dirk “Mr. D” Spence

Micky Blashfield

Connie “Paprika” Leaverton

Curtis Kam

Peter Studebaker

946: Trigg Watson - Staying Ahead of the Tech Curve

While at this year’s Magic At The Beach convention in Myrtle Beach, SC, one of the magicians who performed was my friend Trigg Watson. Trigg has performed on America’s Got Talent [sic], Penn & Teller Fool Us, Masters of Illusion, just to mention a few of the television shows where he has appeared. He prefers performing in theaters where he has access to a large stage, a stage crew, and a strong Wi-Fi. He is best known for his avant garde performances employing high tech that is on the leading edge. He finds ways to present new technology in an entertaining way that looks like real magic. Throughout the ages, magicians have been in the forefront of using “modern” technology in their magic acts, but it is getting increasingly more difficult in today’s world with our rapid communication. Everyone is getting “up to speed” much faster than in earlier times.

This week Trigg Watson shares his philosophy behind his act and how he keeps up with modern trends. He also discusses social trends and how media and magic has (and will) change. He always seems to keep his magic “fresh” meaning that he has to keep on the leading edge of technology before the rest of his audience has gotten there.

878: Ed Ellis - Magician/Musician

Ed Ellis is not a name that is on the tip of the tongues of most magicians. I wouldn’t call him an “underground” magician because I think of “those guys” as being the ones who magicians go to when they want to learn some secret move. But Ed has quietly been making a living for many decades having worked at many prestigious resorts and country clubs and of late, has been returning to the magic convention scene. So, if you have not seen him or are not familiar with his work, you can watch his video lecture on Penguin or catch him at one of many convention appearances he plans to make this year.

Ed talks about his journey through life as he maneuvered jobs on film, nightclubs, and resorts. He gives some valuable advice on calling on past customers and maintaining personal friendships to ensure future opportunities.