564: Michael Close - UP* (Unique Powers)

Michael Close has been around long enough to have seen, learned, and taught some great magic. He is best known for his close-up magic (i.e. see his incredible works “The Workers” series), but he is also an accomplished (and professional) musician. When not performing, teaching, or consulting on magic, he is performing music. He was one of the earlier performers at Illusions magic restaurant in Indiana then he was the Trick Editor for MAGIC Magazine for a decade, followed by being the editor of the M.U.M. magazine for the S.A.M. He is currently the magic consultant on “Penn & Teller Fool Us” television show.

Magician Michael Close has a trick up his sleeve! Through some neat sleight-of-hand, Michael shows how people can start blindly following others without even realizing it's happening. If you're ready to leave the pack and live your own life, visit OpenlySecular.org today to find out how.

Perhaps the greatest card trick ever performed on television (around 1997).

Michael talks this week about a variety of subjects from over the years and shares some fun stories and a behind the scenes peek of the “Penn & Teller Fool Us” production. If you are interested in purchasing a copy of his book “That Reminds Me, Finding the Funny in a Serious World” or other products, then please Click Here to visit his Products Page.

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

538: Nathan Coe Marsh - Executive Material

Nathan Coe Marsh knows who he is, what he wants and how to get it. He decided long ago to focus his talents on the corporate market even though he has a background of doing a little (or a lot) of everything from close-up to cruise ships and even doing emcee work and even a show “on the college circuit.” He decided to put his energy into stand-up and stage and trying now to find the right niche in the corporate market for his style.

http://nathancoemarsh.com "Wow! ... this is the work of the devil" Penn & Teller "That is amazing! Incredible!" Alyson Hannigan ("How I Met Your Mother," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "American Pie") #FoolUs #PennAndTellerFoolUs #Magician

Nathan talks about corporate shows and getting on the syndicated TV show, “Penn & Teller Fool Us” and why he chose the path that he is on. We go deep into the intricacies of the “Linking Finger Rings” routine highlighting some important subtleties. He even details the items in his corporate act.

Nigel Quinn, from England, received his 2020 Magic Calendar. If you ordered and received one, then take a picture and send it to me and I’ll post your picture on the blog, too! You can order your calendar from the link below. — Nigel Quinn, from England, received his 2020 Magic Calendar. If you ordered and received one, then take a picture and send it to me and I’ll post your picture on the blog, too!

389: Alan Howard - Passing the Torch

This episode is entitled "Passing the Torch" because Alan Howard will be the next Editor and Chief of the M.U.M. journal for the Society of American Magicians. The "torch" will be passed from Michael Close and, to continue the analogy, Alan is a juggler so he is used to passing torches...literally.

We had the opportunity to chat with Alan Howard when he was in Houston for the memorial service for long time friend, John Moehring. Alan traveled from Florida just for this special occasion to honor his friend, and former Editor of the M.U.M.

John Moehring died on July 9, 2017, just ten dies shy of his 75th birthday. Tragically, his life was cut short by Parkinson's Disease. A memorial service was planned for August 26th in Houston, Texas. But due to Hurricane Harvey, the service was delayed until October 14, 2017.

John Moehring "Celebration of Life" Slideshow produced by Gary Plants.

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:05:55- Alan Howard reflects on his friendship with John Moehring then talks about his work as a juggler, his work as an editor for "Juggle" magazine, and his upcoming job as the new editor for M.U.M. magazine.

00:35:27 - Charlie Randall, of H&R Magic Books, reflects on his friendship with John Moehring.

00:44:02 - Product Review: "MoneyMorphosis" is a "self-folding bill" effect where the bill morphs into an origami butterfly. Recommended.

00:50:38 - Product Review: "Cool Beans" by Paul Brook - loyalty cards from coffee chops that have stamps and built-in mentalism tricks. Recommended.

00:53:32 - Product Review: "Loyalty" by Paul Brook - key fob tags with bar codes and company names and logos which you can predict. Clever ideas on this one. Recommended.

564: Michael Close - UP* (Unique Powers)

538: Nathan Coe Marsh - Executive Material

389: Alan Howard - Passing the Torch

The Magic Word