784: Jamy Ian Swiss - The Conjuror's Conjuror

Jamy Ian Swiss is the author of five books and co-author of two other books and consultant or contributor to at least eight other books and magazines, frequent performer at the Magic Castle, co-producer of Monday Night Magic, historian, lecturer, teacher, consultant, Senior Fellow of the James Randi Educational Foundation, skeptic, and an expert on the intersection of science, magic, and skepticism. He has frequently appeared on television talk and news shows including all the networks with occasional appearances in movies and documentaries.

This discussion was recorded in the Magic Castle when we worked together there in March 2023. In our conversation, Jamy covers the gamut of magic from those who have influenced his life to an esoteric discussion of equivoque and the power of magic has on our audience and a deep dive into a theoretical talk about magic. Nearly everyone who is anyone in magic had their name dropped in this week’s chat by someone who intimately knew them all quite well. Jamy truly is the conjuror’s conjuror.

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330: Bob Schulien on "Schulien's" Bar Magic

Schulien's was one of the legendary magic bars in Chicago that thrived throughout most of the 20th century. At the soul of the restaurant was its owner, Matt Schulien. Chicago-style magic was born here where the magic came fast and furious as drinks were served and the motto was "GTFM" (Get The F'ing Money).

In this podcast, Robert "Bob" Schulien, the grandson of Matt Schulien worked at Schulien's under his father who was heir to the bar and who encouraged Bob to perform magic for the patrons. He was told that people came to the bar not only for food and drink but also for the magic. They expected magic and so Bob became the "designated magician by default". Other magicians later came to work and perform at Schulien's (like Al James and Chuck Morris) until it closed on January 27, 1999. There is an excellent article online that tells its history at The Chicago Bar Project.

Bob carries on the tradition of bar magic each week at The Chicago Magic Lounge along with a bevy of prestidigitators who entertain every Thursday and Saturday night. You can listen to a previous episode with the owners/managers that was broadcast #213: Chicago Magic Bars and Lounges

Chicago Magic Lounge quickly became 2015's speakeasy for many professional traveling magicians. Not only to perfom but also relax by enjoying the camaraderie of fellow Chicago magicians, as well as honing their craft. I've been collecting fun behind the scenes video and photos taken over the first year of shenanigans at the CML.

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:04:36 - Bob Schulien talks about the early years of his grandfather Matt Schulien's Bar in Chicago from its earliest days until it finally closed. Bob regales us with many stories about his grandfather and the magic and pranks he used to perform for and on his customers.

00:56:45 - "Brother Paul" West invented a new product called the CellGrasp which makes it easier to hold you mobile phone while taking selfies. This is a product I keep on my cell phone all the time and I find indispensable. He also has a special offer to listeners of The Magic Word Podcast.

01:03:54 - "Flaming Coffee" by SansMinds is a visual stunner that takes the Fire Wallet to a new level. Recommended with reservations. Also, not available to those under 19.

01:07:49 - "The Deceased" by Jamie Daws is a creepy, dark and bizarre bit of magic that could have your audience feeling the goosebumps. This is a :Living or Dead" test that is well made and can be carried around in your wallet to creep out people at a moment's notice. Recommended.

Order a CellGrasp and receive your choice of any one of Brother Paul's five downloads from his website. Order two CellGraps and receive two free downloads. Oder three, and...well, you get the idea.

Order your copy of this book and help The Magic Word Podcast through your purchase.

316: The End of MAGIC Magazine? Plus: Thommy Ten & Amelie Van Tass - Joined at the Mind

First place winners for Mentalism at the 2015 FISM Championships, Thommy Ten and Amelie Van Tass have "wowed" crowds all over the world with their two-person clairvoyant act. Currently starring in "The Illusionists 1903" touring magic show, they were finalists in the 11th season of America's Got Talent (sic) television show.

But topping this podcast, we have a chat with Stan Allen who brings us up to date with the latest "bombshell" announcement. With the August 2016 issue, MAGIC Magazine marked the end of an era with its "last" MAGIC Magazine after publishing 300 issues over the past 25 years. But rather than going out "cold turkey", Stan Allen has a plan to reinvent the magic magazine and publish just 25 more issues over the next 20 months with a new publication: MAGIC Legacy. These will not be available digitally, but only by hard copy and it will be a limited run. So if you don't subscribe, then you may miss out entirely if you think you will "jump in" later.

Thommy Ten and Amelie Van Tass on their first outing on 2016 "America's Got Talent" (sic)

With perfect lightness the Austrian and German Champions of Magic make you discover a fabulous world by their art of mindreading and unique illusions. Smart, bright and charming! Get in contact with Thommy Ten & Amélie today! www.thommyten.com +436766213176

00:01:41- Stan Allen brings us up to date with the latest news and all the details on his new venture: MAGIC Legacy. This limited run publication was announced during MAGIC Live! last week. Many people signed up for the new magazine at the convention, but others will be given the chance to subscribe and to pply the balance of their subscription payment towards a limited time price for MAGIC Legacy.

00:18:17 - Later in this podcast, Thommy and Amelie talk about their experience on "America's Got Talent" TV show and what it's like backstage. They also talk about meeting and starting to work together in Austria. This is a couple who practically finish each others' sentences...but what else would you expect?