747: Alex Ramon - Part One - Mr. Tahoe

Alex Ramon has been performing in Lake Tahoe, California for over a decade with a residency where he has headlined in every local casino showroom. There is no one better who fits the title of “Mr. Tahoe” having been seen by hundreds of thousands of people who visit this vacation destination all year long. He also found success performing virtual shows during COVID which he still performs today. But he has developed a unique model of “touring” by performing consecutive nights in different locations across the U.S. in venues from theaters to people’s driveways and garages. All of this promotes his brand and results in big financial success.

In this first of a two part series featuring Alex Ramon, he talks about building a fan base, why not to offer “free” shows, plus how he successfully pivoted during COVID to earn six figures in one year by performing Zoom shows. He goes into some detail, too, about how he developed a touring structure that he can make serious income by having his shows sponsored by the fan base he developed.

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One of the books recommended by Alex Ramon in this week's episode.

How to build your fanbase. This was another book discussed in this week's episode.

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.

269: Socializing with Murray Sawchuck

I spoke with Murray Sawchuck about this time last year when he was just moving from the Aladdin Hotel & Casino to his new showroom at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. Murray is such a multi-faceted guy that I knew we would have to have him back again to chat about another aspect of his public life.

Murray has created the moniker and brand of "Celebrity Magician" and for good reason. He has been seen on hundreds of television programs in the U.S. but it hasn't come easily. Murray works every day at keeping his name and brand in front of the public. He uses the free social media that we all have available to us, but he uses it more efficiently than most. With one of his YouTube videos getting over 40MM hits, i consider him a master of the social media.

Murray just completed his first year at Planet Hollywood and will soon be introducing his new assistant, April, to the act in January 2016.

After being confronted by an officer for drinking in public, Murray uses a little bit of magic to make the champagne bottle disappear and save him from being arrested!

Murray talks about how he has used social media (like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) to his benefit and how you can also gain notoriety that could launch you to a celebrity status. In the podcast, Murray mentions a streaming video that was recorded in a guy's apartment and streamed live on Facebook. If you want to view that video, then you can view it here: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1025052227514977&id=183634181656790

Murray will be hosting a Master Class in Las Vegas on February 19, 20 and 21, 2016 (limited toi 21 people) teaching many of his social media techniques and more. You can get more information at http://MurrayMasterclass.com

He also discusses his recent break-up from his wife, Chloe, who has apparently been seen with Criss Angela round Las Vegas.