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The Magic Word The Magic Word

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841: Benjamin Barnes - Talented Booker

Benjamin Barnes is the Director of Entertainment for the Chicago Magic Lounge. Prior to that, Ben booked the talent for Magic Chicago. He has a broad knowledge and database of talented performers from around the world. He regularly performs at the Magic Castle and has been on Masters of Illusion TV show and three times on Penn & Teller Fool Us. He is multi-talented as a professional close-up and stand-up (parlor) performer.

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In this week’s episode, Benjamin tells us what he looks for when booking talent for the Chicago Magic Lounge. He has some specific needs and demands, so if you are interested in getting booked there, perhaps you should heed some of the advice he offers here. If you are not a professional performer or have no interest in getting booked there, it is still interesting to learn what a talent director is looking for and what it takes to be an act that qualifies for performing in this elite venue.

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.

It is not too late to register for the I.B.M. 2024 international convention that starts next week, July 10-13. For more information and to register for the convention, please visit: https://ibmconvention.com/

Tagged with Benjamin Barnes, Chicago Magic Lounge, Chicago, Chicago Round Table, Bill Malone, Eugene Burger, Max Maven, Luis Carreon, Chicago Magic Roundtable.

July 4, 2024 by Scott Wells.
  • July 4, 2024
  • Scott Wells
  • Benjamin Barnes
  • Chicago Magic Lounge
  • Chicago
  • Chicago Round Table
  • Bill Malone
  • Eugene Burger
  • Max Maven
  • Luis Carreon
  • Chicago Magic Roundtable
  • Post a comment
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572: John-Ivan Palmer on "Master of Deception" - The Search for Jack Pyle

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Looking for a book to read while under lockdown? How about enjoying the travels and travails of John-Ivan Palmer, son of the late “Master of Deception”, Jack Pyle. In this book, John (aka Jack Junior) reminisces about the post World War II days in the back of the car as they pulled their trailer back and forth across the country in search of the next gig. John talks about the many colorful characters who performed with his late father, Jack Pyle, and his adventures moving from one new school to another.

But the underlying theme of this book “Master of Deception” is John’s search for understanding his father’s undying love and passion of magic. Jack gained some level of fame (however you might describe that word) after being in several newspapers, appearing on television, in a cover article of TOPS Magazine, but most importantly, “earning his bones” on the road by traveling great distances just to keep his family alive and his passion intact.

Jack Pyle performs card magic on The Magic Palace.. Have more informaiton about this clip? Please let us know.

Jack Pyle performs card magic on The Magic Palace.. Have more informaiton about this clip? Please let us know.

Jack Pyle performs Cups and Balls on The Magic Palace.

Jack Pyle performs Cups and Balls on The Magic Palace.

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Ultimately Jack ended his final years in the Chicago land area and communing with friends like Ed Marlo and others in the Chicago Magic Roundtable. He performed in the Magic Castle and later in life found success as a trade show magician during the heydays with Dick Ryan and others. If you would like to take a peek at a “life on the road” from the perspective of a traveling magician of the 1940’s and 50’s era, then you may want to check out this book.

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

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Tagged with John-Ivan Palmer, Jack Pyle, Chicago Round Table, Dick Oslund, magic history.

August 13, 2020 by Scott Wells.
  • August 13, 2020
  • Scott Wells
  • John-Ivan Palmer
  • Jack Pyle
  • Chicago Round Table
  • Dick Oslund
  • magic history
  • Post a comment
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401: David Berglas - International Man of Mystery, Part Two

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This week we present the second installment of our two-part podcast with David Berglas. Last week we talked about his work on British television and this week we talk about his career in the film industry and people he worked with and knew. Also, David has a profound sense of "giving back" to our community. He is a supporter of the Capetown (South Africa) College of Magic. He is the founder of the "David Berglas International Award of Magic" which has been presented to Uri Geller, David Copperfield, Juan Tamariz, Lu Chen, Derren Brown, Jeff McBride, Dynamo and Penn & Teller.

David Berglas comes out of retirement for a special occasion August 2001
David Berglas talking with Andrew Eborn about The Magic Circle in Pinoli's at the unveiling of the British Plaque Trust plaque on 13th April 2016. Film by Gordon Drayson, Drayson Design.
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In this podcast, David talks about working with Orson Welles and Peter Sellers on the set of Casino Royale; his work with his marketing company, E.S.P.; the Piddington's mind reading act on the radio (which is featured on "Radio Lab" podcast HERE); how David acquired his moniker, "International Man of Mystery"; his philosophy on disclaimers; performing for British royalty; meeting Picasso; his philanthropic work with the Capetown College of Magic; magic conventions like the IMX, EMC, McMillan Weekend, etc.; his International Award of Magic, and more.

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.

Happy New Year! I've got mine. Have you ordered yours yet? Click on the graphic above to visit Amazon.com and purchase your 2018 calendar while helping supprt The Magic Word Podcast. Or you can Click Here.to visit the Amazon.com site for more inform…

Happy New Year! I've got mine. Have you ordered yours yet? Click on the graphic above to visit Amazon.com and purchase your 2018 calendar while helping supprt The Magic Word Podcast. Or you can Click Here.to visit the Amazon.com site for more information. Thank you and Happy Holidays!

Please consider donating to David Berglas' pet project, the Capetown South Africa College of Magic.

Please consider donating to David Berglas' pet project, the Capetown South Africa College of Magic.

Tagged with David Berglas, International Man of Mystery, Ali Bongo, Peter Sellers, Casino Royale, magic in the movies, College of Magic, Billy McComb, Orson Welles, Grand Order of Water Rats, The Piddingtons, The Magic Circle, Michael Vincent, Picasso, Banachek, Guy Hollingsworth, Luis de Matos, Tommy Cooper, Robert Harbin, Craig Mitchell.

January 11, 2018 by Scott Wells.
  • January 11, 2018
  • Scott Wells
  • David Berglas
  • International Man of Mystery
  • Ali Bongo
  • Peter Sellers
  • Casino Royale
  • magic in the movies
  • College of Magic
  • Billy McComb
  • Orson Welles
  • Grand Order of Water Rats
  • The Piddingtons
  • The Magic Circle
  • Michael Vincent
  • Picasso
  • Banachek
  • Guy Hollingsworth
  • Luis de Matos
  • Tommy Cooper
  • Robert Harbin
  • Craig Mitchell
  • 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.

You can become a sustaining member by pledging a monthly donation of any amount through "Patreon" and receive some pretty cool perks for membershiip, too. Just Click Here for more information on how you can help.

By donating to The Magic Word, you will become a "Friend of The Magic Word" and receive a certificate (suitable for framing) indicating your membership plus your name will join your other friends and be posted on our "Wall of Fame". If you prefer to order something from the Store, then that will help support The Magic Word, too. Thank you.

  • The Magic Word
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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!

Tony Hassini - Merlin Maker - Creator of the Marvelous Magical Burger King, Tony Hassini is better known as the creator of the International Magicians Society (IMS) and the Merlin Award. #tonyhassini #merlinaward #ims #magicawards #merlin #burgerking
Wayne Alan - The Most Famous Magician You've Never Heard Of: Spanning a career as a FISM winner to a successful trade show magician and now in his 70's owning his own theatre, Wayne Alan has led an interesting life and is someone you should know. #hi
Magistrorum 2025 - Convention Report - The Magistrorum Magic & Mentalism Convention is a gathering of world-class performers, including the legendary Jeff McBride. Attendees will experience bizarre magick, and mind-blowing mentalism from internat
Magic At The Beach 2025 - Convention Report - Daily reports from the Magic At The Beach convention in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, featuring chats with registrants, talent, organizers, dealers, and more. #myrtlebeach #magicatthebeach2025 #matb2025 #
Fielding West - Every Breath He Takes - Over the past few years, magic comedian, Fielding West, has been finding it harder to breathe. After a diagnosis of Emphysema, his life and his act changed. #copd #emphysema #magiccomedy #fieldingwest #lasvegas
T.A.O.M. 2025 Convention Report - No episode today, but watch and listen late Saturday night for a combined report of a day and a half of events from the Texas Association of Magicians convention in Dallas, Texas, featuring chats with registrants, ta
Larry Kahlow - Preserving History - For the past several decades, Larry Kahlow has been the owner and proprietor of Eagle Magic Store in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which is the oldest brick-and-mortar magic shop in the U.S. This week he shares stories o
Mark Phillips - "Duel" Reality - Mark Phillips is more than just a long-time, successful trade show magician. He also co-hosts one of the most popular two-person comedy shows in Washington, D.C. #washingtondc #magiccomedy #comedy #tradeshow
Tony Hassini - Merlin Maker - Creator of the Marvelous Magical Burger King, Tony Hassini is better known as the creator of the International Magicians Society (IMS) and the Merlin Award. #tonyhassini #merlinaward #ims #magicawards #merlin #burgerking Wayne Alan - The Most Famous Magician You've Never Heard Of: Spanning a career as a FISM winner to a successful trade show magician and now in his 70's owning his own theatre, Wayne Alan has led an interesting life and is someone you should know. #hi Magistrorum 2025 - Convention Report - The Magistrorum Magic & Mentalism Convention is a gathering of world-class performers, including the legendary Jeff McBride. Attendees will experience bizarre magick, and mind-blowing mentalism from internat Magic At The Beach 2025 - Convention Report - Daily reports from the Magic At The Beach convention in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, featuring chats with registrants, talent, organizers, dealers, and more. #myrtlebeach #magicatthebeach2025 #matb2025 # Fielding West - Every Breath He Takes - Over the past few years, magic comedian, Fielding West, has been finding it harder to breathe. After a diagnosis of Emphysema, his life and his act changed. #copd #emphysema #magiccomedy #fieldingwest #lasvegas T.A.O.M. 2025 Convention Report - No episode today, but watch and listen late Saturday night for a combined report of a day and a half of events from the Texas Association of Magicians convention in Dallas, Texas, featuring chats with registrants, ta Larry Kahlow - Preserving History - For the past several decades, Larry Kahlow has been the owner and proprietor of Eagle Magic Store in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which is the oldest brick-and-mortar magic shop in the U.S. This week he shares stories o Mark Phillips - "Duel" Reality - Mark Phillips is more than just a long-time, successful trade show magician. He also co-hosts one of the most popular two-person comedy shows in Washington, D.C. #washingtondc #magiccomedy #comedy #tradeshow

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.

The Magic Word Podcast was selected by MillionPodcasts as one of the Top 25 Magician Podcasts on the web. In fact, it is currently listed as the Number 2 magician podcast!

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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