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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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841: Benjamin Barnes - Talented Booker

Benjamin Barnes is the Director of Entertainment for the Chicago Magic Lounge. Prior to that, Ben booked the talent for Magic Chicago. He has a broad knowledge and database of talented performers from around the world. He regularly performs at the Magic Castle and has been on Masters of Illusion TV show and three times on Penn & Teller Fool Us. He is multi-talented as a professional close-up and stand-up (parlor) performer.

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In this week’s episode, Benjamin tells us what he looks for when booking talent for the Chicago Magic Lounge. He has some specific needs and demands, so if you are interested in getting booked there, perhaps you should heed some of the advice he offers here. If you are not a professional performer or have no interest in getting booked there, it is still interesting to learn what a talent director is looking for and what it takes to be an act that qualifies for performing in this elite venue.

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.

It is not too late to register for the I.B.M. 2024 international convention that starts next week, July 10-13. For more information and to register for the convention, please visit: https://ibmconvention.com/

Tagged with Benjamin Barnes, Chicago Magic Lounge, Chicago, Chicago Round Table, Bill Malone, Eugene Burger, Max Maven, Luis Carreon, Chicago Magic Roundtable.

July 4, 2024 by Scott Wells.
  • July 4, 2024
  • Scott Wells
  • Benjamin Barnes
  • Chicago Magic Lounge
  • Chicago
  • Chicago Round Table
  • Bill Malone
  • Eugene Burger
  • Max Maven
  • Luis Carreon
  • Chicago Magic Roundtable
  • Post a comment
Comment

800: Jack Goldfinger - Yoda Man!

We have reached another important milestone with this episode #800. And as we often do with these milestones, we feature someone who is a major mover and shaker in our community. Jack “Goldfinger” Vaughan fits the bill perfectly as the Director of Entertainment for the Academy of Magical Arts, the Magic Castle. Prior to taking on that role, he and his lovely wife, Dove, have performed around the world on some of the greatest stages and on screen. He is sought out for his advice and wisdom in life lessons, not unlike “Yoda” from the epic movie saga, Star Wars.

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This week, Jack shares some of his “Jack-isms” that are true gems that makes you really think. He talks about his predecessor, Max Maven, as well as some of those who have influenced his career along the way.

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

Tagged with The Magic Castle, Jack Goldfinger, Max Maven, Academy of Magical Arts, The Amazing Jonathan.

November 9, 2023 by Scott Wells.
  • November 9, 2023
  • Scott Wells
  • The Magic Castle
  • Jack Goldfinger
  • Max Maven
  • Academy of Magical Arts
  • The Amazing Jonathan
  • 4 Comments
4 Comments
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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

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