737: Terry Ward - 10,000 Hours

You’ve probably heard of the 10,000 hour rule, which was popularized by Malcolm Gladwell’s blockbuster book “Outliers.” As Gladwell tells it, the rule goes like this: it takes 10,000 hours of intensive practice to achieve mastery of complex skills and materials. Our guest this week is Terry Ward who has exceeded that minimum by a factor of many. He has performed over 40,000 shows over a period of more than 30 years. He was the resident magician in Disney World for many years where he developed more than one character who delighted the millions of annual visitors.

Terry started out in theme parks and for the most part, never left that type of venue. Certainly he does more than his share of corporate dates, but his “bread and butter” has been theme parks.

Terry talks this week about working in theme parks, finding the job, developing his performing character, and the importance of “being a good guy” and getting along with management to assure longevity at a venue.

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Thank you to everyone who entered the contest but there could only be two winners in this contest. Please watch for another giveaway in a future episode of The Magic Word Podcast.

If you would like to know more about the "10,00 Hours Rule" and help The Magic Word Podcast with your purchase. Brilliant and entertaining, Outliers is a landmark work that will simultaneously delight and illuminate.

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671: Erick Olson - Always Prepared

As the Roman philosopher, Seneca, said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” This week’s guest is always prepared, even in the worst of times. From Disney World to restaurants and resorts to bar bets, theatre management and trade shows, Erick Olson has accomplished a lot and finally reached a level of professionalism and prestige in our industry that has rightfully earned him a “spot at the table” among the “big dogs.”

An example of a way to make a theatrical presentation for a mathematical magic trick

Erick Olson talks this week about his secret to success in the trade show business. If you listen and apply his ideas (based upon his years of experience), then perhaps you, too, can lead a “charmed life.” For more information on his Bar Bets and Tricks, please CLICK HERE or follow this link: https://www.barbetsandtricks.com/

458: MagiCuba 2018 - Day One Update

Schedule - Wednesday November 7, 2018

12:00 - 6:00 p.m. All-Day Magic at Cereceria Antigo Aimecen de la Madera y Tobaco in Habana Vieja (“Cerveceria”) - essentially, a craft brewery

3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Registration/Information Desk (Hotel Nacional)

6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Welcome Reception (Hotel Nacional, Sala 1930)

8:00 p.m. Magic, Rum & Cigar Dinner at Hotel Sevilla (Extra Event)

10:30 p.m. Late Night Magic @ Salon Rojo

12:00 a.m. Nightcap @ Hotel Nacional Terrace

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:01:51 - Peter Rogers tells what attracted him to travel from Australia for this festival

00:06:12 - Chris Korn will be one of the performers and lecturers at this event

00:09:06 - Chris Gartner is a listener of The Magic Word Podcast ans was enticed to attend

00:12:19 - Jon Stetson is one of the hosts and organizers of MagiCuba and talks about some of the challenges facing the event. During the end of our conversation we are greeted by Asi Wind, Mitch Praver and Eric Mead.

00:24:56 - At the evening opening party, we chat with Ashley and Michael Trixx about this convention and others he has recently attended.

00:28:50 - Scott Wells recaps the evening “Cigars and Rum dinner” extra-cost event.

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

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