839: Giovanni Livera - Where Talent and Passion Collide

Giovanni Livera won the I.B.M. Gold Cups close-up award in 1991. But he was a force to be reckoned with even before then. From the Florida area, Gio has worked with Tim Glancy who, between the two of them, developed the “t-shirt cannon” that is used to this day in stadiums and ball fields and concerts across the land. In recent decades, Gio has developed a successful speaking platform that has taken him before some of the most prestigious corporate giants in the industry. Always keeping his eye and passion on magic, he returns to perform at the Magic Castle now and again. It is always a treat to see and hear this “larger than life” man tell his stories and give life advice.

While recently visiting Los Angeles, California, Gio sat down for a reunion with his friend, Scott Wells, to catch up on old times and tell us what he’s been doing and where he’s going. We talk about speaking engagements, trade shows, working with executives, developing a brand, finding your voice/message, and ways that you can “live to be 1,000 years old.”

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"Live a Thousand Years" by Giovanni LIvera. Click on the link to visit the Amazon store and support The Magic Word Podcast.

The I.B.M. International convention takes place July 10-13, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. Register today at: https://ibmconvention.com/

714: Anders Boulanger - Trade Secrets

Trade shows continue to provide a lucrative and growing field for business savvy magicians to find success. One such young man who has found his way into the market and is making a name for himself is Canadian born, Anders Boulanger. Although he specializes in the tech sector, his expertise far exceeds being pigeon-holed in one industry. Indeed, Anders performs internationally and across many industry sectors. Not just a magician, Anders also is a noted keynote speaker.

This week, our guest shares some insight into how others might follow his example and find success in the trade show business by becoming a trade show magician. This is not a field for everyone, but it is a lucrative niche for those with drive, intellect, corporate savvy and willing to meet challenges. Companies are looking for ways to attract additional customers to their booths and the secret is not just doing tricks, but turning leads into capital.

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

350: Hammer Time with Mike Hammer

For the past five years, Mike Hammer has been packing them in while headlining in his own theater in the Four Queens Casino and Hotel on Fremont Street, downtown Las Vegas. Mike has his own style, and it works for him. He is the "Don Rickles" of magic with a rather abrasive approach where he actually insults his audience...and they love him! The night I visited his show, the room was packed and afterwards I overheard some saying this was a repeat visit to enjoy his show. Two people had paid for return visits to watch his show over 30 times!

Some of you might remember seeing Mike on "Penn and Teller Fool Us" with his outrageously memorable performance using a blow up doll. If not, then you can view the video here on this blog.

In this podcast, we cover a lot of territory from how he developed his act, working in Las Vegas, routining, trick selection, getting out of bad situations when things go wrong, and keeping his performances fresh. This was a fun and funny podcast that includes a lot of sound advice with some great behind-the-scenes stories.

839: Giovanni Livera - Where Talent and Passion Collide

714: Anders Boulanger - Trade Secrets

350: Hammer Time with Mike Hammer

The Magic Word