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The Magic Word The Magic Word

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676: Ed Alonzo - In The Library

While I was in Los Angeles to work on “Masters of Illusion” TV series, Ed Alonzo found time to sit in the library of the Magic Castle to chat about his career. As a former member of the Long Beach Mystics and the Magic Castle Junior group, Ed launched successful careers as both a magician and an actor having major roles in many television series including “Saved By The Bell.” He also went on to work with Britney Spears on her worldwide concert tour where he interacted with her on stage in his character as a magician.

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In this week’s episode, Ed covers a lot of territory in a short hour podcast. He talks extensively about the Magic Castle and his love and dedication to the clubhouse. He also talks about his time as a youth as he was trying to “find his character” when he was a member of the Long Beach Mystics and the Magic Castle Juniors. He tells how he transitioned into acting but never lost his love for performing magic, which he still does to this day having just completed the taping of Season Nine of “Masters of Illusion.” By the way, he talked about running for office on the Academy of Magical Arts: he won the election and is now on the Board of Directors. Congratulations, Ed.

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

Towards the end of the episode, Ed talks about being on “The American Life” podcast with Ira Glass and David Kestenbaum as they talked about “The Lady Vanishes” or, David Copperfield’s vanish of the Statue of Liberty. Ed was part of the team that worked with David on this illusion and this episode goes into detail about the effect. The podcast website for this episode is HERE. “The Lady Vanishes” is the second part of this episode entitled “The Magic Show” and Ed Alonzo’s part comes very near the end at around time stamp 00:53:00.

Tagged with Ed Alonzo, The Magic Castle, Doug Henning, Owens Magic Supreme, Dirk Arthur, Long Beach Mystics, Kevin James, comedy magic, Siegfried and Roy, Saved By The Bell, Britney Spears, Statue of Liberty, David Copperfield, Neil Patrick Harris.

April 21, 2022 by Scott Wells.
  • April 21, 2022
  • Scott Wells
  • Ed Alonzo
  • The Magic Castle
  • Doug Henning
  • Owens Magic Supreme
  • Dirk Arthur
  • Long Beach Mystics
  • Kevin James
  • comedy magic
  • Siegfried and Roy
  • Saved By The Bell
  • Britney Spears
  • Statue of Liberty
  • David Copperfield
  • Neil Patrick Harris
  • Post a comment
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647: John Cox - All Houdini Episode

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Because we are in the middle of “National Magic Week” and nearing the 95th anniversary of Houdini’s death on October 31st, it seems only fitting and natural that we should revisit with noted Houdini scholar and blogger, John Cox. He was featured on an episode here in 2017, but much has happened since then, not the least of which has been his visit to the Houdini home at 278 West 113th Street in Harlem, New York. This recounting of his visit is just a small part of what makes this episode special with John talking about collecting, correcting mis-information, and more.

Watch this week’s chat on YouTube to see some of the things we talked about. And while you are there, please Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Thanks!

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John Cox was one of the speakers and “hands around the table” at the “Official Houdini Seance” in Ft. Worth, Texas in 2012. This was our first meeting and introduced me to the fascinating mind of John Cox and the world of Houdini. He is often asked how there could still be so much information revealed that would make for a daily reporting (or blogging) about the legendary entertainer. The answer is that things just come to light if you search deep enough.

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

The next best thing to an actual visit to David Copperfield's museum. Order yours here and help support The Magic Word Podcast with your purchase.

For more information and/or to register for the NEMCA Virtual Convention on Saturday, November 6, 2021, please visit: https://NEMCA.com

Tagged with John Cox, Houdini, Appleton Wisconsin, Sid Radner, Official Houdini Seance, Houdini Residence.

October 28, 2021 by Scott Wells.
  • October 28, 2021
  • Scott Wells
  • John Cox
  • Houdini
  • Appleton Wisconsin
  • Sid Radner
  • Official Houdini Seance
  • Houdini Residence
  • Post a comment
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352: Geno Munari and Houdini in Las Vegas

Geno Munari, owner and proprietor of Houdini's Magic shop, is a successful entrepreneur who has permeated so many corners of our art that many may not know his full reach. From publishing to creating to manufacturing to marketing to radio to...well, the list goes on and on.

Geno is a rather reclusive individual preferring his anonymity and staying out of the spotlight (in fact, he preferred that I not take a photo of him), but this week we explore the life of this fascinating man and his development into one of the "lesser known" titans of our industry. Before our chat, Geno took me on a tour of his headquarters but I was not allowed to record a video of the interior. But suffice it to say that this is quite an impressive operation complete with a workshop, warehouse, several printing presses, offices, and even a full-functioning, 24/7 radio studio, KIYQ which broadcasts not only to the downtown Las Vegas area, but also online (where you can listen by Clicking Here), and of course, a complete brick-and-mortar magic shop.

With this podcast, I hope to shine a light on Geno and one Houdini's so that you have a fuller appreciation of the magnitude and scope of his acumen and business.

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Geno talks about his good friend, Jimmy Grippo, and the documentary he is working on and the book he published, "The Magic of Jimmy Grippo" which covers many of the routines Jimmy wanted to teach while protecting his "pet" effects. I found it interesting that Union Boss, Jimmy Hoffa, was so impressed with the magic of Jimmy Grippo that he planned to build a casino for him to work. He talked about the history of his work in gaming and what lead to the development of Houdini's.

He has strong beliefs about brick-and-mortar magic shops and why he is still in business. He also talked about how he came to use and trademark "Houdini's" and his relationship with Sid Radner.. Towards the end of this podcast, Geno talks about a new movie that revives the Kennedy assassination conspiracy theory. Very interesting revelations and updates.

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

Click the banner above to visit Houdini's Magic Shop online!

Click the banner above to visit Houdini's Magic Shop online!

Tagged with Geno Munari, Houdini's Magic, Jimmy Grippo, Daniel Cros, Jimmy Hoffa, Las Vegas, Houdini, Sid Radner, John F. Kennedy, Kennedy assasination, Jack Ruby.

April 13, 2017 by Scott Wells.
  • April 13, 2017
  • Scott Wells
  • Geno Munari
  • Houdini's Magic
  • Jimmy Grippo
  • Daniel Cros
  • Jimmy Hoffa
  • Las Vegas
  • Houdini
  • Sid Radner
  • John F. Kennedy
  • Kennedy assasination
  • Jack Ruby
  • 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

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
FISM 2025 Daily Reports from Turin, Italy We are in the middle of the World Championship of Magic in Turin, Italy. Join us and/or catch up on the daily podcast updates on FISM 2025.
#fism2025
#fismturin
#turinitaly
#italy
#magic
#worldchampionshipofm
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
FISM 2025 Daily Reports from Turin, Italy We are in the middle of the World Championship of Magic in Turin, Italy. Join us and/or catch up on the daily podcast updates on FISM 2025.
#fism2025
#fismturin
#turinitaly
#italy
#magic
#worldchampionshipofm
We departed for Turin and arrived in time for FISM registration, street magic, and dinner. #turino #FISM2025

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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