615: Shaun Jay - Bright Ideas

The future of magic lies in the hands of our youth. This week we prove that the next generation of magicians is in good hands and going in the right direction as we speak with Shaun Jay. Shaun was on the cover of the M.U.M. journal in 2020 and has appeared on the “Masters of Illusion” on the CW Network. He is involved in making magic and magical things. And he respects the history, inspiration and mentorship of those with more years of experience.

Shaun has his own podcast which is totally different from The Magic Word Podcast but worth your time to explore. See his “Making Magic with Shaun Jay” podcast video interviews at: https://YouTube.com/shaunjaymagic or you can listen here: http://bit.ly/makingmagiconapple

This week’s podcast episode on YouTube.

This week Shaun talks about his path on how he got on the national network television show, “Masters of Illusion” and he discusses some of the things he has made such as his wristwatches that are pieces of art, plus he talks about how he developed his act. For more information on his 3D design and prop making, please visit: https://utilitygaffs.com

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376: Day Three - 2017 MAGIC Live!

Day Three was the second full day of activities, and depending upon the color of your lanyard holding your badge, determined whether one attended the morning General Session or two of the three Focus Sessions. I had the red lanyard which meant that I attended the General Session in the morning which was again capably hosted by Jonathan Levitt and Julie Eng. Their guest were interesting and entertaining and included Jonathan Goodwin, Levent, David Williamson and Richard Turner.

The Focus Sessions were okay, too, but the evening show was first "In Concert with John Archer" who gave a one hour comedy performance then I finally got to see the Thayer 49 Puzzle Boxes. This is the hardest thing to describe in writing but was for me one of the highlights of the convention. And for those reading this blog who may still be at the convention, I don't want to spoil it for you but will tell more in tomorrow's report.

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:00:17 - Mark Mason just arrived from holiday in Germany in order to be a dealer here at MAGIC Live!

00:03:31 - Everybody's funnyman, Bill Malone, is not part of the convention this year but just hanging out and he tells a funny story.

00:09:20 - John Bannon has a new fourth DVD coming out to complete his "Move Zero" series.

00:14:09 - We go into the dealer's room and chat with Erin Wimmer with Bicycle Cards and she tells us about some new cards coming out soon plus some decks that were made just for this convention.

00:19:46 - Gabe Fajuri has another auction this coming Saturday at Potter and Potter Auctions

00:23:11 - Master Payne is not performing this year so he is enjoying being a general registrant this week. He also talks about Mystery School and Eugene Burger.

00:28:26 - Brent Braun from Penquin tells us about the newest tricks available from Penguin plus talks about the Magic Expo.

00:32:09 - Levent talks about photography

00:35:15 - Richard Hatch tells us about the newest publication about "Expert at the Card Table"

216: Brad Henderson, the Esoteric Escamoteur - Part Two, Tales from the Mansion

We continue our conversation with Brad Henderson telling stories about his good friend Richard Garriott, aka Lord British in Ultima and General British in Tabula Rasa, but perhaps more well known to the general public as a game developer magnate and civilian astronaut. As mentioned in the blog last week, Brad was the curator of Richard Garriott's magic collection though now Richards primary residence is in New York City following his nuptials in 2011.

We begin this second part of our chat discussing more of the practical than the theoretical side of magic. But since we are talking with Brad, it does eventually slide into a little more theory towards the end.

Brad planned elaborate parties for Richard Garriott, one of which nearly cost Brad his life due to the stress and physicality of the planning. These parties were not your typical birthday parties but elaborate, extravagant events that that attracted the glitterati and Illuminati and literally cost a small fortune. The details and behind the scenes stories are incredible and almost "fairy tale" like.

Many of you are aware of the embezzlement proceedings that involved Hank Lee and Richard Garriott. Well, Brad tells a little more about that affair now that some time has been served, literally.