769: Andi Gladwin - It's a Business

Andi Gladwin is well-known throughout the magic community as the co-partner with Joshua Jay in Vanishing, Inc. But he is so much more than just a pretty businessman. He and Josh coordinate both the Session convention in England and the MagiFest in Columbus, Ohio, each year. Moreover, he is a force to be reckoned with as an awesome creator and performer having fooled Penn & Teller on their TV show, plus a best selling author.

Podcasts and video interviews with Andi Gladwin can be found around the internet, but the conversation we have is completely unique from all the others. Andi opened up and shared a few tidbits that are “scoops” and have not been heard nor seen anywhere else. All the more reason to Subscribe and Like the Magic Word Podcast and listen each week.

This week Andi talks about the history of the MagiFest and how he and Josh came to take it over, overhaul the structure and host one of the two largest annual magic conventions in the U.S. He also tells us about the formation of Vanishing, Inc. plus he answers a listeners question on why they are located in the same industrial park in California as Murphy’s Magic and Penguin. Andi goes on to share a fascinating story about his experience on “Penn & Teller Fool Us” and about their deliberation that took THREE HOURS!

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412: Doug Isenberg on Internet Law

GigaLaw creator, Doug Isenberg, Attorney At Law, was a presenter at the recent MagiFest in Columbus, Ohio who talked about the importance of having respect for intellectual property and adhering to copyright laws. Piracy of magic ideas and products has been an ongoing topic on The Magic Word Podcast over the past five years and it's time we talk with an expert in the field who tells what we can do to stop it or at least how we can try. Moreover, he talks about patents and the importance of registering and copyrighting your intellectual property which could help if you ever had to go to court over it as Teller did over his closely guarded secret "Shadows" routine.

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:06:54 - Doug Isenberg talks about internet law, domains, branding, intellectual property, registering your trademark, copyrighting, etc.

00:58:14 - Produt Review: "Food For Thought: The Book Test" by Gary Sumpter and available from Ace Magic Studio. This is a different book test on many accounts, most notably it is a colorful recipe book. I predict you will like it and use it. Highly recommended.

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.. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here

331: Mike Pisciotta - Magic Castle Mixologist and Mystifier

Mike Pisciotta defeated all odds and stiff competition to win the "Close-Up Magician of the Year" from the Academy of Magical Arts (The Magic Castle). He regularly performs in the Hat and Hare Pub in the "dungeon" of the Castle where he mixes drinks and magic in equal measure. But from time to time, he also performs new material in the Close-Up Gallery.

I recognize that Mike may not be as well-known to the international magic community as he rarely travels or performs outside of Los Angeles, except for his recent Texas lecture tour. But this is one of magic's "jewels" who you need to meet and know.

Esquire Channel's Best Bars in America Episode on LA Speakeasies Featuring The Magic Castle with a special erformance by Mike Pisciotta.

Time Stamps for this podcast:

00:02:11 - Mike Pisciotta talks about his surprise as being nominated for the AMA award and his further surprise win, his move from Colorado to Los Angeles and how he took over as the bar magician at the Castle, his inspirations to do bar magic, working with drunks at the bar, developing his act, his creative process, tips on getting TIPS, and more.

00:51:40 -Christopher Talbat's "Bowled Over" is a bowling ball production from a gift bag. A wonderful effect for birthday parties, parlor or stage. Recommended.

00:55:35 - Chris Philpott's "The End of My Rope Trick" is a great cut-and-restored rope trick that can be done impromptu or with gimmicks. This DVD teaches you how to do it both ways plus use other items like wire, string, crepe paper streamer, and even a string of pearls. Recommended.

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