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The Magic Word The Magic Word

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740: P.T. Murphy - Big Fish in a Small Pond

This episode hopes to inspire you to dream it, make your dream a reality, then follow your dream. Patrick P.T. Murphy was doing well in Chicago and performed regularly with David Parr in the Chicago Magic Cabaret. But ten years ago the stars aligned which took him three hours away to a tourist destination to Northeastern Illinois where he began performing in a small theater with his own one-man show. Sometimes it’s best to “buck the norm” and become a big fish in a small pond.

If you are more of a visual person, then you will enjoy this video of our conversation recorded via Zoom.

This is the original 1947 black and white version of “Nightmare Alley” which differs a bit from the 2021 and well worth your attention to view.

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P.T. shares some personal stories about his magical life and his brushes with magic celebrities like Bill Malone, Tony Andruzzi, Paul Harris, David Roth, Ricky Jay, Eugene Burger and others. Plus he talks about the magic dealer scene in Chicago. We also talk about making a dramatic change in his life by picking up and moving his family and belongings three hours northeast of Chicago where he has become recognized by Trip Advisor as the top attraction in the small pond of Galena, Illinois.

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 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

Nightmare Alley was discussed in this week's episode. To order your copy of the book and also help The Magic Word Podcast with your purchase, please follow this link.

Tagged with P.T. Murphy, Chicago, Galena, Tony Andruzzi, magic theater, David Parr, Chicago Magic Shops, Bruce Bernstein, Eugene Burger, Bill Malone, Ricky Jay, Paul Harris.

February 23, 2023 by Scott Wells.
  • February 23, 2023
  • Scott Wells
  • P.T. Murphy
  • Chicago
  • Galena
  • Tony Andruzzi
  • magic theater
  • David Parr
  • Chicago Magic Shops
  • Bruce Bernstein
  • Eugene Burger
  • Bill Malone
  • Ricky Jay
  • Paul Harris
  • Post a comment
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687: Luis Carreon - La Bestia ("The Beast")

Luis Carreon has been a regular performer at the Chicago Magic Lounge for over a decade. He “earned his bones” by working at magic shops as a demonstrator and has parlayed his chops into performing for nightclubs (like Nashville’s “House of Cards” and Hollywood’s “Magic Castle” among others) and also for corporate events. He currently is a demonstrator for Magic, Inc. in Chicago and will soon have a “residency” at the Chicago Magic Lounge.

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Luis talks about the importance of performing whenever and wherever you can to develop your skills. He also talks about being a Spanish speaking magician. We also go into some detail about what performers can and can’t say in today’s “sensitive” environment like nightclubs. He even talks about the workshops taught at the Chicago Magic Lounge and how to talk with your volunteers and audience. He also talks about the importance of scripting but being able to improvise, too. He also tells a horror story about a problem with a volunteer.

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 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 Luis Carreon, Magic Inc., Pedro Nieves Bosque, Sandy Marshall, Jay Marshall, Ed Marlo, Chicago Magic Lounge, Chicago Magic Shops, Simon Aronson.

June 9, 2022 by Scott Wells.
  • June 9, 2022
  • Scott Wells
  • Luis Carreon
  • Magic Inc.
  • Pedro Nieves Bosque
  • Sandy Marshall
  • Jay Marshall
  • Ed Marlo
  • Chicago Magic Lounge
  • Chicago Magic Shops
  • Simon Aronson
  • Post a comment
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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.
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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 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.

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 Stitcher by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here

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

Tagged with Bob Schulien, Schulien's, Chicago magic bar, Chicago magic history, Al James, Heba Habe Al, Bill Weimer, Don Alan, Chuck Morris.

November 10, 2016 by Scott Wells.
  • November 10, 2016
  • Scott Wells
  • Bob Schulien
  • Schulien's
  • Chicago magic bar
  • Chicago magic history
  • Al James
  • Heba Habe Al
  • Bill Weimer
  • Don Alan
  • Chuck Morris
  • Post a comment
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

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.”

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Travel Breather in the Eye of the Storm - We are between two (actually three) major events: FISM, Abbott's Get Together and MAGIC Live! Last week was a full week of FISM reports. Next week we travel to Colon, Michigan for Abbott's Get Together then i
Another beautiful day in Umbria visiting #Assissi and #Perugia #Italy
More time near the Tuscan sun. But this time we traveled south to Umbria where we visited #Bevagna #Montefalco and #Spello
More time under the beautiful Tuscan sun with a visit to Montalcino and Montepulciano for wine tasting and exploring. Now staying in a monestary. #italy
Travel Breather in the Eye of the Storm - We are between two (actually three) major events: FISM, Abbott's Get Together and MAGIC Live! Last week was a full week of FISM reports. Next week we travel to Colon, Michigan for Abbott's Get Together then i
Another delightful day under the Tuscan sun in Siena and other cities I can't spell, but enjoying the sun, the food, the wine, and the culture. And the Gelato is amazing. #gelato #siena #italy
A tour of the Chianti Classico region. Two wineries and a sunset Tuscan dinner followed by, of course, gellato. #chianti
From Turin to Parma where we tried the music,  cheese, prosciutto,  wine, and Gelato. #parma
Under the Tuscan sun with truffle hunting, a cooking class, and wine. #tuscany

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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