• The Magic Word
  • Become a Friend of The Magic Word
  • Subscribe to The Magic Word
  • At The Table Lectures
  • Scott Wells Lecture Items
  • The Magic Word Podcast T-Shirt
  • Amazon.com Store to Support The Magic Word
  • The Magic Word Merchandise
  • Magic Convention Guide
  • Magic Theaters
  • Archives
  • About
  • Contact

The Magic Word The Magic Word

  • The Magic Word
  • Become a Friend of The Magic Word
  • Subscribe to The Magic Word
  • At The Table Lectures
  • Scott Wells Lecture Items
  • The Magic Word Podcast T-Shirt
  • Amazon.com Store to Support The Magic Word
  • The Magic Word Merchandise
  • Magic Convention Guide
  • Magic Theaters
  • Archives
  • About
  • Contact

950: Jeff McBride - Grand Master

There are those few in our craft of magic that are well-known, but few who are as universally respected as Jeff McBride. Founder of the Magic & Mystery School in Las Vegas, Jeff has transcended to the pinnacle of our industry. Having been awarded nearly every conceivable trophy and accolade in the magic community, Jeff continues to build and personally contribute to the coterie. Jeff continues to perform and teach around the world and he has embraced technology to supplement his methods of sharing magic, too.

class+1.jpg
class+2.jpg
fire.jpg
Mat+Franco.jpg
MC16_2018+group+8x10.96.JPG
review+session.jpg
staff+1.jpg
staff+2.jpg
Stan+and+Jeff.jpg
early Jeff 1.jpg
caricature.jpg
jeff_mcbride_magician-desert-companion.jpg
jeff-mcbride-fire-magician-art.jpg
fire.jpg
jeff-mcbride-on-stage-china-mask.jpg
Max Jeff Eugene.jpg
multiple masks.jpg
painted face.jpg
pensive.jpg
with Eugene 1.jpg
Wonderground.jpg
cards 1.png

Jeff’s magic pedagogy reflects modern methods of sharing with our community in recognition that we all learn at different levels and speeds. This week he talks about how he doesn’t create new acts or routines for his students, but rather shapes and directs the students’ existing skills that leads to an improved show that is uniquely their own. Jeff also discusses the creation of his “Wonderground” performance venue in Las Vegas that encourages magicians to flex their creative muscles.

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.

Jeff McBride talked extensively about the importance of storytelling. So, it is appropriate that we recognize the recent passing of a master story teller who has shared more with the magic community than most know, including Tannen’s Magic Camp, where young magicians learned the importance of a good story in strengthening their magic. Hiawatha Johnson was a magician, writer, editor, musician, singer, dancer, choreographer, actor, director, composer, teacher, professor, historian, designer and playwright. He will be sorely missed by the community. Aloha, my friend.

Tagged with Jeff McBride, Jeff McBride's Magic and Mystery School, Eugene Burger, Larry Hass, storytelling, Tony Andruzzi, Bob Neale, Magic & Meaning Conference, Max Maven, Ross Johnson, Ricardo Rosenkranz, Tobias Beckworth, Paul Draper, Jeff Sheridan, Radio City Music Hall, George Schindler, Magistrorum, Wonderground, Mat Franco.

January 15, 2026 by Scott Wells.
  • January 15, 2026
  • Scott Wells
  • Jeff McBride
  • Jeff McBride's Magic and Mystery School
  • Eugene Burger
  • Larry Hass
  • storytelling
  • Tony Andruzzi
  • Bob Neale
  • Magic & Meaning Conference
  • Max Maven
  • Ross Johnson
  • Ricardo Rosenkranz
  • Tobias Beckworth
  • Paul Draper
  • Jeff Sheridan
  • Radio City Music Hall
  • George Schindler
  • Magistrorum
  • Wonderground
  • Mat Franco
  • Post a comment
Comment

937: Jim Cunningham - The Spirit of Eugene

Jim Cunningham is the voice behind the Eli Marks Mystery Series, penned by John Gaspard. For many seasons, he was affiliated with both the Minneapolis Twins (baseball) and the Minneapolis Wild (hockey) teams. But his real passion is for all things spooky. Many years ago, he called on the Master, Eugene Burger, to help him develop a seance which he still does to this day.

View fullsize doll.jpg
View fullsize drawing.jpg
View fullsize Jim on IMDB.jpg
View fullsize Screenshot 2025-10-03 at 10-57-06 Instagram.png
View fullsize with pumpkin.jpg

In this episode Jim talks about what it’s like to be a sports announcer personality and how he gets jobs as a book reader for Audible.com books. He shares a very interesting story about how he met and got to work closely with Eugene Burger. Jim also tells about his affinity for all things that go bump in the night. This is a perfect episode for this Month of Boo.

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.

The winner for Week #2 was Michael Skowronski. Congratulations, Michael. A Houdini Legacy Deck of cards will be awarded to a different winner each week in October. These beautiful cards were designed by the Past National President and artist, John Midgley. If you are interested in learning more about these cards and the cause, then please visit their website at https://houdinicards.com

Tagged with Jim Cunningham, Eugene Burger, Minneapolis, Larry Kahlow, seance, Eli Marks, John Gaspard.

October 9, 2025 by Scott Wells.
  • October 9, 2025
  • Scott Wells
  • Jim Cunningham
  • Eugene Burger
  • Minneapolis
  • Larry Kahlow
  • seance
  • Eli Marks
  • John Gaspard
  • Post a comment
Comment

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.

View fullsize Ben Barnes YouTube thumb.jpg
View fullsize Benjamin Barnes LIVE (Penguin LIVE).jpg
View fullsize benjamin-barnes.jpg
View fullsize outdoors.jpg
View fullsize Penn and Teller 1.jpg
View fullsize performing 1.png
View fullsize smiling Ben.jpg
View fullsize close up gallery.jpg
View fullsize early Ben.jpg
View fullsize Eugene Burger.jpg

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
Comment
Older

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
  • Become a Friend of The Magic Word
  • Subscribe to The Magic Word
  • At The Table Lectures
  • Scott Wells Lecture Items
  • The Magic Word Podcast T-Shirt
  • Amazon.com Store to Support The Magic Word
  • The Magic Word Merchandise
  • Magic Convention Guide
  • Magic Theaters
  • Archives
  • About
  • Contact

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!

Jeff McBride - Grand Master - Creator of the Mystery School, and multi-award winning magician are but a few of the many international accolades for our 950th episode milestone guest: Jeff McBride #lasvegasmagic #magicandmysteryschool #vegasbaby #kabu
Rachel Wax - Magic and the City - Originally a fashion designer in NYC, Rachel Wax found her true calling as a comedy stand-up and close-up magician performing in high society venues in New York City. #fashion #NYC #newyorkcity  #speakeasymagik #come
Derek Hughes - Family Guy - Comedy magician, Derek Hughes, was a finalist in the 10th season of AGT and was also on Penn & Teller Fool Us. He was a consultant on the Carbonaro Effect for several years, too. This is one conversation you will reall
Antony Gerard - Enigma - Tony talks about his many books, lecture tours, magic shop, remote control creations for Hollywood, archeology, martial arts, and...well, lots more, too. #enigma #archeology #martialarts #podcast #magicbooks #magicdealer
Trigg Watson - Staying Ahead of the Tech Curve - Technology is ever changing so Trigg Watson has to stay ahead of that leading edge to mystify and entertain his audiences. #technology #hightech #hightechmagic #triggwatson #mastersofillusion
Three professionals, three paths, one love for magic. Enjoy this week's episode with Bizzaro Cosy Fisher and Joan DuKore @smappdooda @codysfisher @joandukore
The season has begun. Merry Christmas, y'all.
Happy Thanksgiving from The Magic Word Podcast There will not be a podcast episode today as we take time to give thanks and enjoy conversations with our families. Enjoy your day and have safe travels. #thanksgiving #magicwordpod #magicpodcast #podcas
Jeff McBride - Grand Master - Creator of the Mystery School, and multi-award winning magician are but a few of the many international accolades for our 950th episode milestone guest: Jeff McBride #lasvegasmagic #magicandmysteryschool #vegasbaby #kabu Rachel Wax - Magic and the City - Originally a fashion designer in NYC, Rachel Wax found her true calling as a comedy stand-up and close-up magician performing in high society venues in New York City. #fashion #NYC #newyorkcity  #speakeasymagik #come Derek Hughes - Family Guy - Comedy magician, Derek Hughes, was a finalist in the 10th season of AGT and was also on Penn & Teller Fool Us. He was a consultant on the Carbonaro Effect for several years, too. This is one conversation you will reall Antony Gerard - Enigma - Tony talks about his many books, lecture tours, magic shop, remote control creations for Hollywood, archeology, martial arts, and...well, lots more, too. #enigma #archeology #martialarts #podcast #magicbooks #magicdealer Trigg Watson - Staying Ahead of the Tech Curve - Technology is ever changing so Trigg Watson has to stay ahead of that leading edge to mystify and entertain his audiences. #technology #hightech #hightechmagic #triggwatson #mastersofillusion Three professionals, three paths, one love for magic. Enjoy this week's episode with Bizzaro Cosy Fisher and Joan DuKore @smappdooda @codysfisher @joandukore The season has begun. Merry Christmas, y'all. Happy Thanksgiving from The Magic Word Podcast There will not be a podcast episode today as we take time to give thanks and enjoy conversations with our families. Enjoy your day and have safe travels. #thanksgiving #magicwordpod #magicpodcast #podcas

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!

tumblr
linkedin
twitter-unauth
facebook-unauth
instagram-unauth
x-formerly-twitter-unauth
pinterest-unauth
facebook-unauth
Amazon Affiliate 2020 graphic.jpg