823: Ian Rowland - A Cold Reader

Have you ever been captivated by the mysterious world of magic and mentalism? In our latest podcast episode, we sit down with the remarkable Ian Rowland, a man whose life is as fascinating as the subjects he writes about. From the Blackpool convention to the art of Kirigami, Ian takes us on a journey through his experiences as a magician, mentalist, and classical guitar lover.

Ian Rowland is not just a master of illusion; he is also an acclaimed author renowned for his books on cold reading. In this episode, he generously offers one lucky listener the chance to win a copy of one of his books. Imagine holding the secrets of cold reading in your hands, unlocking the doors to understanding an art that has mystified and intrigued audiences for generations.

As we delve deeper into the conversation, Ian shares his unique perspective on the magic community, his work with the FBI, and his adventures as a corporate speaker. His stories are not just tales of wonder but lessons in life and success. Ian's philosophy, centered on treating people with kindness and respect, resonates through his words, offering listeners a guide to a more fulfilling path.

But the magic doesn't end there. Even if you're not the contest winner, Ian extends the opportunity to receive free materials by visiting his website at https://ianrowland.com/magic It's a treasure trove of knowledge waiting to be explored.

So why should you listen to this episode? Because it's not every day that you get to hear from someone who has truly lived a life of magic, both on and off the stage. Ian Rowland's experiences, insights, and stories are a testament to the power of curiosity, passion, and the human connection.

Tune in to this magical episode and let Ian Rowland enchant you with his wisdom and wit. Who knows, you might just be the lucky winner of a book that could change the way you see the world. Listen now, and be prepared to be amazed!

Ian has graciously offered one of his books on cold reading to one lucky entrant in this week’s contest. This contest is not limited to U.S. residents but can also be sent to our international friends in the U.K., Canada and Europe. But even if your name isn’t drawn, you can still be a winner because Ian is offering three different items for you at his website at: https://www.ianrowland.com/magic And while you are there, please take a moment to view the video for one of the items he sells, “Think Link” which you can watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIjEslya-qo

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808: Daniel Garcia - Ideas Unlimited

Daniel Garcia is a highly respected magic creator and consultant. But he is an awesome performer in his own right, too! Daniel helps create magic for David Blaine, Dynamo, Cyril Takayama, and Dynamo, (just to name a few) for their performances on stage and screen and online, too.

Daniel talks this week about some of the celebrated magicians with whom he has worked, as well as how he comes up with his creative ideas. He has a system for developing these ideas that he shares in this episode. He also surrounds himself with other creative types like Blake Vogt, Alex Rangel, Brent Braun, and others who are titans of trickery in their own right.

Aha!: 10 Ways to Free Your Creative Spirit and Find Your Great Ideas

By Ayan, Jordan

Buy on Amazon

How to Fly a Horse: The Secret History of Creation, Invention, and Discovery

By Ashton, Kevin

Buy on Amazon

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

By Gilbert, Elizabeth

Buy on Amazon

The Creative Act: A Way of Being

By Rubin, Rick

Buy on Amazon

Hail and Farewell

**to those in our Magic Community who left us this past year.**

In 2023 we suffered the loss of many friends who have passed away, but whom are not forgotten. Perhaps as we grow older, we are more aware of those who pass. But this last year saw the passing of almost twice as many as were listed in the magic obituaries of 2022.

Although the list below is not exhaustive, it does reflect the names of many well-known (and some lesser known) magicians, spouses, assistants and magic aficionados who passed on in 2023. Some may not be as well-known to you, but they were my personal friends (hey, it is my blog!). If you are unfamiliar with any of these names, then it would behoove you to do a little online search of what these people have contributed to our craft. If you have someone you think was overlooked, then please post the name in the comments below on this blog.

Those whose names are highlighted with a “hot link” were featured or interviewed here on The Magic Word Podcast. It was not my original intent when I began this journey to chronicle the voices before they left us, but I am so thankful that I did sit down with many of these friends for lively, and sometimes intimate, conversations. You can click on their name to revisit and listen to their voices again.

Joe Stevens

Scott Alexander

Bob King

George Kimery

Karl Fulves

Véronique Ross

Greg Koren

Maria Ibanez

Thom Peterson

Gloria Metzner aka Gloria Dea

Harry Lorayne

Dr. Edwin “Eddie” Dawes

George Silverman

Dan Witkowski

Milton “Milt” Page Larsen

Ricky D. Boone

Dan Garrett

Larry Becker

Darwin Ortiz

Dirk Arthur

Dick Gustafson

Leo Behnke

Graham Putnam

Jeff Lanes

David Berglas

Jack Delvin

Tom Craven

Micky Hades

Bill Goldman

Tommy Smothers

279: The Cardini Connection with Randy Pitchford

Randy Pitchford is the nephew of Richard Valentine Pitchford, who was better known as Cardini. More than just a familial connection, Randy is also a performer, entrepreneur and successful businessman. Randy is the CEO and President of Gearbox Software located in Frisco, Texas (a northern suburb of Dallas).

Randy purchased much of the Cardini collection from the 2013 Potter & Potter auction and put the bulk of the exhibit in a museum at the Magic Castle. His most recent purchase may have the furthest reaching impact in our community: he is the new owner of Genii Magazine.

Randy is building a home designed to be like Brookledge, the home of Bill and Irene Larsen in Los Angeles. He even plans to present regular shows for the public in his home not unlike the Bookledge Follies.

Magician Cardini performing in 1957

Cardini (Richard Pitchford) performing coins and cards for some lucky people on a cruise. This rare footage was shot by Dr. Morris Young, and hasn't been seen for 50 years. Edited and restored by Magicbymax Steven Max Droge Productions.

Borderlands 2 creator Randy Pitchford (President and Co-founder, Gearbox Studios) gives his keynote speech at the 2013 D.I.C.E. SUMMIT. Titled "Video Games Are Magic". Brought to you by Variety and Machinima. The D.I.C.E.

Randy Pitchford was born in 1971 and Richard "Cardini" Pitchford died in 1973 so Randy has no recollection of his uncle. In this podcast, Randy talks about the acquisition of his Cardini artifacts plus some stories that were passed down to Randy from the family and friends. He also talks about his experience in his early years of performing at the Magic Castle and his personal relationship with the late Irene Larsen.

Also, he briefly talks about his recent acquisition of Genii magazine from Richard Kaufman; however, since the details have not been fleshed out, there are not many details to share. At this point, I understand that no change of any kind is envisioned for the immediate future of the magazine. Randy just wants to preserve this part of magic history and make sure of the longevity, viability and vitality of Genii far into the future so it can "live on forever."

Here is the photo taken by Michael Wilcoxen, the winner of the contest, with the framed Peau -Doux card he received as he has it displayed in his home.

This is the framed fan of Peau Doux manipulations cards (used by Cardini) that was presented by Randy Pitchford to David Copperfield. This is NOT the number of cards nor type of frame that will be sent to the winner of the contest (which is now ende… — This is the framed fan of Peau Doux manipulations cards (used by Cardini) that was presented by Randy Pitchford to David Copperfield. This is NOT the number of cards nor type of frame that will be sent to the winner of the contest (which is now ended). The contest here was for one framed card (probably without the brass plaque) and I'm uncertain of the type of framing that Randy will prepare.