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The Magic Word The Magic Word

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802: Dick Stoner - Trade Show Pioneer

At 93 years of age, Dick Stoner was a pioneer in performing magic at trade shows and a magic shop owner since the 1940’s. It is because of people like Dick that other magicians have been successful trade show performers. Certainly many of us are figuratively standing on his shoulders. But not only that, Dick has owned and operated Stoners Funstore in Fort Wayne, Indiana, since 1949. There are few brick and mortar shops that have been around that long.

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While attending the 2023 Abbott’s Get Together, I had the chance to sit down with Dick Stoner to record this week’s chat. He attends this convention somewhat regularly, but doesn’t stay more than a day, so it was hard to catch him. In this episode we chat about his magic store as well as his career as a trade show magician. He also reminisces about some of those with whom he worked like Johnny Thompson, Eddie Tullock Bud Dietrich and other trade show titans.

Trade Show Pioneer
Scott Wells and Dick Stoner
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Tagged with Dick Stoner, trade shows, Dick Ryan, Bud Dietrich, Johnny Thompson, Mike Rogers, Nashville Network, Ed Sullivan, brick and mortar, magic shop, Stoners Funstore, Eddie Tullock, Steve Allen.

November 16, 2023 by Scott Wells.
  • November 16, 2023
  • Scott Wells
  • Dick Stoner
  • trade shows
  • Dick Ryan
  • Bud Dietrich
  • Johnny Thompson
  • Mike Rogers
  • Nashville Network
  • Ed Sullivan
  • brick and mortar
  • magic shop
  • Stoners Funstore
  • Eddie Tullock
  • Steve Allen
  • 1 Comment
1 Comment

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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You never know who you'll meet in an elevator. Thanks to Boris for snapping this great selfie at the recent F.F.F.F. close-up convention.
Judge Gary Brown - U.S. District Judge Gary Brown is also a magician, lecturer, author, and historian. This week he talks about many of his passions including wands, Al Flosso, and Alexander, the Man Who Knows. #magicwands #magic #alexanderthemanwhok
Academy of Magical Arts annual awards banquet in Hollywood  #magiccastle #amaawards2026
Doug Gorman - Let Me Tell You A Story - Doug Gorman takes a back seat to no one. Quite literally, he is the driver for Richard Turner as they traverse the country. Doug is a professional magician and creator of close-up props and stories for the biza Bob Bengel - The Dream Job - For many years, Bob Bengel held an enviable job as a full time employee of Hitachi playing golf and performing magic at all their trade shows. #bobbengel #magic #tradeshow #tradeshowmagic #hitachi #golf Magic Collector Expo 2026 - Daily Report Daily reports from the Expo in New Jersey featuring conversations with organizers, talent, speakers, dealers, and more. #newyork #newyorkpubliclibrary #magiccollector #magiccollectorexpo #magicconvention #magi I am so excited to be in the Class of 2026 being awarded with the honor of the Milbourne Christopher award. The ceremony is still months away, but I just couldn't wait to share this announcement. Bill Malone - Bill Malone - Comedy close-up magician, Bill Malone, talks about his career, learning magic, working in bars, trade shows, his health, and his upcoming book. #comedymagic #billmalone #tradeshowmagic #chicagomagic #malonesmagicbar You never know who you'll meet in an elevator. Thanks to Boris for snapping this great selfie at the recent F.F.F.F. close-up convention.

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