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The Magic Word The Magic Word

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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.

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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
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844: Joe Devlin - Matador In The Arena

Known as the “Matador of Magic,” Joe Devlin has lived what, for most, would be several lifetimes full of magic. He has performed around the world aboard cruise ships for 37 years; he has created and performed unique, original illusions; he was one of the performers in NYC at the Magic Townhouse and Mostly Magic; he had long term engagements in Atlantic City and in the Bahamas; his wedding was the subject of a one-hour “reality” show; he appeared on “All My Children” daytime network television; he has been a consultant tor Criss Angel’s show “Magic of the Stars” and others, and; he was a featured performer on Criss Angel’s “Amysitika” show in Las Vegas.

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In this week’s episode, Joe talks about his amazing history of performing, creating and consulting magic over the years. His fast-paced style and on-stage choreography reminds one of the moves of a flamenco dancer and also of a Spanish bullfighter in the arena. This week he chats about a lot of what he has accomplished over the past 40+ years including a bit about taking care of the Houdini Memorial in New York. He had two touring illusion shows, but since the death of his wife/assistant, he has focused on singular performances and consulting.

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.

Tagged with Joe Devlin, Criss Angel, Richard Robinson, Jim Sisti, George Schindler, The Magic Townhouse, Imam, Atlantic City, Harry Blackstone Jr., Mostly Magic, The Magic Island, James Randi, Banachek, cruise ships, Richiardi, Jeff McBride, Dorothy Dietrich, Dick Brookz, Magic Townhouse.

July 25, 2024 by Scott Wells.
  • July 25, 2024
  • Scott Wells
  • Joe Devlin
  • Criss Angel
  • Richard Robinson
  • Jim Sisti
  • George Schindler
  • The Magic Townhouse
  • Imam
  • Atlantic City
  • Harry Blackstone Jr.
  • Mostly Magic
  • The Magic Island
  • James Randi
  • Banachek
  • cruise ships
  • Richiardi
  • Jeff McBride
  • Dorothy Dietrich
  • Dick Brookz
  • Magic Townhouse
  • Post a comment
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625: 2021 Abbott's Get Together - Day One

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4TH 2021
9:30AM REGISTRATION OPENS at the Abbott Plant
10:00AM - 12:45PM ABBOTT'S DEALERS' ROOM at Colon High School
10:30AM SUPER SHOWROOM SPECIALS in Dealers Room
12PM STREET PERFORMER (Gordon Russ) at M&M Grill (sponsored by IBM Ring 386-Percy Abbott / Monk Watson Magic Club)
1:00PM LECTURE at Colon High School (Eric Decamps)
1:00PM MAGIC SHOW at Abbott's Magic (with BJ Mallen; $5 cash at the door)
2:30PM STREET PERFORMER (Nick Eaton) Colon Historical Museum (sponsored by IBM Ring 386-Percy Abbott / Monk Watson Magic Club)
3:00PM LECTURE at Colon High School (Nick Diffatte)
3:00PM-5PM COLON HISTORICAL MUSEUM is open
4:30PM MAGIC SHOW at Abbott's Magic (with Joe Bennett; $5 cash at the door)
4:30PM-6PM ABBOTT'S DEALERS' ROOM at Colon High School
5:30PM STREET PERFORMER (Jania Taylor) at Village Market (sponsored by IBM Ring 386-Percy Abbott / Monk Watson Magic Club)
6:00PM-7:45PM DINNER on your own
7:45PM PRE-SHOW LIVE ORGAN MUSIC - by John Sturk
8:00PM ABBOTT'S STAGE SHOW - (view seating chart)
Featuring Jeff Hobson, Kevin James, John Jansky, Stuart MacDonald, BJ Mallen
10:00PM ABBOTT'S DEALERS ROOM OPENS at Colon High School

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Time Stamps for This Episode:

00:00:18 - Greg Bordner, owner of Abbott’s Magic Company, is our first stop as we pick up our registration for the Get Together

00:18:03 - Mark Holstein updates us on the Thursday night surprise guest, Michael Carbonaro, had to cancel and will be replaced by David Charvet

00:20:28 - Walter “Zaney” Blaney’s celebration of life graveside service with his daughter, Shannon Blaney, and hosted by Daniel Summers who introduced Past International President of the I.B.M., David Sandy, who did the “Broken Wand” ceremony followed by Lance Burton who performed Walter’s Vanishing Bird Cage.

00:45:24 - Chad Long was one of the attendees at the service

00:46:14 - Gay Blackstone talks about this convention that honors the Blackstone family

00:49:42 - Daniel Summers talked about the Blaney service, his headstone, and more

00:52:58 - John Jansky was one of the Wednesday night show who is a “speed painter” and created a portrait of Johnny Thompson

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

Posted in Convention Report and tagged with Abbott's Get Together, Colon Michigan, Mark Holstein, Greg Bordner, Shannon Blaney, George Schindler, Lance Burton, Daniel Summers, Gay Blackstone.

August 4, 2021 by Scott Wells.
  • August 4, 2021
  • Scott Wells
  • Abbott's Get Together
  • Colon Michigan
  • Mark Holstein
  • Greg Bordner
  • Shannon Blaney
  • George Schindler
  • Lance Burton
  • Daniel Summers
  • Gay Blackstone
  • Convention Report
  • Post a comment
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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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.

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