740: P.T. Murphy - Big Fish in a Small Pond

This episode hopes to inspire you to dream it, make your dream a reality, then follow your dream. Patrick P.T. Murphy was doing well in Chicago and performed regularly with David Parr in the Chicago Magic Cabaret. But ten years ago the stars aligned which took him three hours away to a tourist destination to Northeastern Illinois where he began performing in a small theater with his own one-man show. Sometimes it’s best to “buck the norm” and become a big fish in a small pond.

If you are more of a visual person, then you will enjoy this video of our conversation recorded via Zoom.

This is the original 1947 black and white version of “Nightmare Alley” which differs a bit from the 2021 and well worth your attention to view.

P.T. shares some personal stories about his magical life and his brushes with magic celebrities like Bill Malone, Tony Andruzzi, Paul Harris, David Roth, Ricky Jay, Eugene Burger and others. Plus he talks about the magic dealer scene in Chicago. We also talk about making a dramatic change in his life by picking up and moving his family and belongings three hours northeast of Chicago where he has become recognized by Trip Advisor as the top attraction in the small pond of Galena, Illinois.

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Nightmare Alley was discussed in this week's episode. To order your copy of the book and also help The Magic Word Podcast with your purchase, please follow this link.

687: Luis Carreon - La Bestia ("The Beast")

Luis Carreon has been a regular performer at the Chicago Magic Lounge for over a decade. He “earned his bones” by working at magic shops as a demonstrator and has parlayed his chops into performing for nightclubs (like Nashville’s “House of Cards” and Hollywood’s “Magic Castle” among others) and also for corporate events. He currently is a demonstrator for Magic, Inc. in Chicago and will soon have a “residency” at the Chicago Magic Lounge.

Luis talks about the importance of performing whenever and wherever you can to develop your skills. He also talks about being a Spanish speaking magician. We also go into some detail about what performers can and can’t say in today’s “sensitive” environment like nightclubs. He even talks about the workshops taught at the Chicago Magic Lounge and how to talk with your volunteers and audience. He also talks about the importance of scripting but being able to improvise, too. He also tells a horror story about a problem with a volunteer.

172: Part 5 - My Week at The Castle 2014

In this final installment from My Week at The Castle, we wrap up by giving blood...literally. The Magic Castle became "Castle Dracula" (my own moniker) where you left your blood. It was the first Red Cross blood donation drive at The Magic Castle. This was spurred by Paul Green who has been experiencing health issues that frequently require blood transfusions. I just came in for lunch but got so much more by giving back a little of myself. There were 31 people who gave the gift of life. Please consider donating in your community. The life you save may be someone you love.

While at the Castle this day, I ran into and chatted with Irene Larsen, matriarch of the Magic Castle and the International Ambassador of The Magic Castle. After lunch, I went next door to talk with Dale Hindman, Executive Director of Milt Larsen Enterprises, who helped unravel the mystery (to me) of the difference between the Academy of Magical Arts and the Magic Castle.

Back at the Castle after my last show of the evening, I sat down with President Bill Clinton impersonator and magician, Tim Smallwood. He has a unique act and character that takes him across the country where he performs magic and makes guest "celebrity" appearances. Later that evening I ran into Ray Kosby, former member of The Magic Castle Juniors, who talks about that organization and the early years. And to wrap up the night and this podcast, Jonathan Pendragon and his wife, West, talk about their new show and lives together.

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:03:32 - Fellow corporate entertainer, Paul Green, is still experiencing some exhaustion due to his illness, but it doesn't deter his positive attitude. He is an obvious advocate of donating blood and organs plus t importance of giving your time to your community.

00:08:1 - Irene Larsen, The Magic Castle Ambassador, talks about some of the interesting people she has met and some of her memorable magic conventions she has attended.

00:12:18 - Dale Hindman, Executive Director for Milt Larsen Enterprises, talks about the full length feature film that is currently in production; licensing "The Magic Castle" brand; how to donate magic to The Magic Castle; the musical "Pizzazz"; the future of"It's Magic" shows; the succession of Castle Board and Director members; and, more.

00:20:49 - Tim Smallwood has been a magician for a long time, but once President Bill Clinton came into the public life, Tim's life changed. He has a resemblance to the President which propelled him in a completely different direction and opportunities for him to perform and meet new clients. However, it didn't just happen overnight. He pursued it with agents plus he tells and interesting story about "nearly" meeting the real President. But his comedy magic shows take him all across the country where he performs straight magic followed by a patriotic conclusion as a magical Bill Clinton.

00:28:53 - Ray Kosby, former member of the Magic Castle Juniors Society, talks about how he got into the group and how he moved from stage to close-up. He also talks about some of the Long Beach Mystics who were part of the Juniors Society. He also talks about the first trick that got him "hooked" in magic...the Red Snapper. He also talks about and recommends books for magic neophytes. He also talks about some of the tricks he has published over the years.

00:42:45 - Jonathan Pendragon and his wife, West, talk about the "new" direction his act has taken and how West is incorporated in the performance. West also tells a story about how Jonathan protected her by inserting himself into a dangerous situation and defending her from harm, thus exemplifying Jonathan's true loving and protective nature.

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. (please note: this RSS Feed subscription system may not work with Android systems). Remember, you can download it through iTunes. See the preview page by Clicking Here.