739: Mark Merchant - A Man of Many Voices

Arguably, ventriloquism may be a performing art longer than magic. Both can be traced back to Egyptian and Hebrew archeology. And some might say that some of the “patter” might be just as old! This week Mark Merchant talks about his 40+ year career as a ventriloquist and how it evolved. We are living in a world where audiences are more sensitive than ever before when it comes to humor. It only takes one person’s opinions and comments to dominate and possibly obliterate one’s profession. Social acceptance isn’t what it used to be.

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

In this week’s episode, Mark Merchant talks about his career and how he has “walked the tightrope” of controversy with his puppets and the scripting for his culturally and politically diverse vent figures. He shares stories and opinions regarding using humor that potentially offends today’s audiences and how he avoids those traps.

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658: From Paris With Love

Bonjour, mon ami! During my recent trip to France, some time was spent in Paris, the "City of Love." I certainly fell in love with the city and its people. And why not! I was warmly welcomed by three of my local magician friends, Alexandra Duvivier, David Stone and Boris Wild. They were so hospitable and generous and even showered me with unexpected birthday gifts! My travel companions (and fellow Texas magicians, Dick Olson and Trixie Bond along with her husband, Mark Axford) watched an amazing show at Le Double Fond that featured Alexandra and her father, Dominique Duvivier. The next day we had coffee at a little bistro with David Stone then met Boris Wild for a tour of the local Museum of Magic. While there we were entertained by Jérôme Cadeac who is the house magician at the Museum.
Enjoy this episode with conversations featuring three of the top magicians in Paris (if not the world), Alexandra, David and Boris.

In this episode, we open with a chat with Alexandra Duvivier at Le Double Fond immediately following her close-up show with her father, Dominuque. The next morning we meet up with David Stone is a French bistro for some coffee and conversation about the development of his new character, Klek Entos. Finally, we visit Musée de la Magie where we chat with FISM winner, Boris Wild.

595: George Schindler - What Da Dean Does

The Dean of the Society of American Magicians, George Schindler, has lived through many generations of magicians both celebrated and relatively unknown and he remembers them all. This week George shares many of his stories. George will be celebrating his 92nd birthday on March 31st this year and his memory of events is as clear as if they happened yesterday. He is an author, actor, performer, creator, lecturer, magic dealer, ventriloquist, comedy writer, and so much more. He regularly contributes to the M.U.M. magazine (the journal for the S.A.M.) with a monthly column and he maintains his relevancy by keeping current with the times and technology. He is a true treasure in our magic community and we owe him so much for what he has given us.

http://www.magicsam.com George Schindler is the Lifetime Dean of the Society of American Magicians, Past National President and Honorary Lifetime Member.

George Schindler is a magician, ventriloquist, author and the Dean of the Society of American Magicians.

George has known and worked with many top celebrity actors, directors and magicians. In this week’s episode, George shares stories about Woody Allen, Dai Vernon, Slydini, Ed Mishell, David Copperfield, Frank Garcia, Abe Hurowitz, Shari Lewis and many, many more. This is a delightful trip down memory lane from one of our community’s true treasures.

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