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The Magic Word The Magic Word

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953: Bob Yorburg - Crafty Pioneer

Depending upon how you look at it, time passes either slow or fast. It was nearly 50 years ago that we began learning magic in a whole new way: video. Prior to that, most magic was learned through books, magazines, lectures, or through an apprenticeship that was passed on from one magician to another. In some ways it seems that our evolution moved slowly from video tape to where we are today with digital images.

In the late 1970’s, Bob Yorburg, went into the studios and recorded a two volume VHS set where he taught close-up magic. It wasn’t long after that before others ran through the door. I was one of those who watched that video set over and over and learned many of my early routines from Bob. He transitioned from one character to another before he found his true passion, refurbishing old magic props, carving Punch and Judy dolls, and working on band organs.

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This week Bob Yorburg tells us about how he came to produce those first video tapes, plus his work as the first Burger King in New York. He apparently worked in many other commercials besides the hamburger giant and he has some great stories. As mentioned, his passion is now carving carousel animals, carousel band organs, Punch and Judy dolls, and is respected and awarded in that field.

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 Bob Yorburg, Slydini, Jay Marshall, Burger King, Mark Wilson, video, Al Flosso, Punch and Judy, Bill Schmeelk, Wellington.

February 5, 2026 by Scott Wells.
  • February 5, 2026
  • Scott Wells
  • Bob Yorburg
  • Slydini
  • Jay Marshall
  • Burger King
  • Mark Wilson
  • video
  • Al Flosso
  • Punch and Judy
  • Bill Schmeelk
  • Wellington
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807: Kerry Pollock - Wireless Wizard

Kerry Pollock came into magic and comedy in a very interesting way. With a background in engineering, he developed a professional act as he created so many products that are now used by top professionals. He is the “go to guy” when magicians need something different and all original. He is also the creator of the game show “Bonk.” Kerry now owns and manages his own comedy club called “Comedy Magic Cabaret” in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Wow, is this week’s episode full! Kerry tells stories from his years of working at Houston’s Magic Island in the 1980’s when he created “Kate & Edith” to creating magical effects for Warren & Annabelle’s in Lahaina, Hawaii, to other electronic creations made for private homes (like Giovanni Livera and Bruce Averbook as well as magic celebrities like Mac King) to what he’s doing in his comedy club in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

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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 Kerry Pollock, Tim Hill, Kate and Edith, Frank Price, Randall Whitworth, Fred Wood, Vito Lupo, Warren & Annabelle's, Giovanni Livera, Warren Gibson, Bill Schmeelk, Wellington Light Board, Bruce Averbook, Mac King, Mark Wilson, Siegfried, Scott Hollingsworth.

December 28, 2023 by Scott Wells.
  • December 28, 2023
  • Scott Wells
  • Kerry Pollock
  • Tim Hill
  • Kate and Edith
  • Frank Price
  • Randall Whitworth
  • Fred Wood
  • Vito Lupo
  • Warren & Annabelle's
  • Giovanni Livera
  • Warren Gibson
  • Bill Schmeelk
  • Wellington Light Board
  • Bruce Averbook
  • Mac King
  • Mark Wilson
  • Siegfried
  • Scott Hollingsworth
  • Post a comment
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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

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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.”

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Bob Yorburg - Crafty Pioneer - Magic Video Pioneer, Bob Yorburg, blazed a trail that has led us to where we are today. He is the pioneer of magic instruction videos. He was also the first Burger King magician. Today he carves Punch & Judy dolls,
Enjoy a lively conversation on The Magic Word Podcast with a man who has conquered many venues: college circuit as a bizarre entertainer, TV series host, best selling author, comedian, and social influencer. Hear him on Scam School, Night Attack, and
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
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Jay @jayalexandermagic talks about his San Francisco Magic Theater, performing during half-time periods of the NBA games, and a little about the legendary Earthquake McGoon's. #magictheater #sanfran #sanfrancisco #jayalexander #magic Bob Yorburg - Crafty Pioneer - Magic Video Pioneer, Bob Yorburg, blazed a trail that has led us to where we are today. He is the pioneer of magic instruction videos. He was also the first Burger King magician. Today he carves Punch & Judy dolls, Enjoy a lively conversation on The Magic Word Podcast with a man who has conquered many venues: college circuit as a bizarre entertainer, TV series host, best selling author, comedian, and social influencer. Hear him on Scam School, Night Attack, and

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