748: Alex Ramon - Part Two - Cold Shock

Cold Shock is an actual physical response that often results in death. It is a series of neurogenic cardio-respiratory responses caused by sudden immersion in cold water. In cold water immersions, such as by falling through thin ice, people will often quickly inhale which results in drowning by inhaling water.

We pick up this week with the second and final episode of our series with Alex Ramon where he talks about his “brush with death” by performing a live, online underwater escape from Lake Tahoe. He goes through his entire mindset from start to end and discusses all the many, many hurdles he had to overcome to do this extreme stunt.

Alex talks about not only his preparation for this stunt, but the many stories leading up to why he did this stunt and his daily training to drop in under freezing water. Imagine your fingers going numb so fast that you can hardly feel the lock pick in your hand to unlock the lock. Alex also gives additional advice on how to work with your fan base to increase your bottom line then talks about his future plans.

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

398: Bill Palmer - Renaissance Man

Author, Creator, Musician, Magician, Collector, and Multi-Lingual "bon vivant" Bill Palmer is an all-around nice guy who is more than just a little knowledgeable on nearly every topic. Hence the reason that I refer to him as a Renaissance Man and not just from his 25 years of appearing as Merlin the Magician at the RenFest and Scarborough Faire. Bill was also the translator of German to English of magic books by Punx, Borodin and Ted Lesley. Many of you know Bill Palmer's name from being the owner and curator of the Cups and Balls Museum. And although he has relocated, he is still collecting and looking to display his collection in his new home.

On October 24, 2006, Bill Palmer gave us a tour of his Cups and Balls Museum. This video opens with a discussion of how Bill started his collection and how it grew.

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:05:35 - Bill Palmer gives us a mini-lecture about loving your audience, the development of his Merlin the Wizard character, his association with Ted Lesley and Punx, translatingmagic books from German to English, and more.

01:06:34 - As an addendum to our chat where Bill talks about his cups and balls collection and the status of where iti is now, plus insights on collecting in general.At the end of our discussion, Bill suggested an interesting book about collecting which was written in 1852. You can download a PDF copy of "Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions by Charles MacKay" by Clicking Here.

I've got mine. Have you ordered yours yet? Click on the graphic above to visit Amazon.com and purchase your 2018 calendar while helping supprt The Magic Word Podcast. Or you can Click Here.to visit the Amazon.com site for more information. Thank you… — I've got mine. Have you ordered yours yet? Click on the graphic above to visit Amazon.com and purchase your 2018 calendar while helping supprt The Magic Word Podcast. Or you can Click Here.to visit the Amazon.com site for more information. Thank you and Happy Holidays!

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.

748: Alex Ramon - Part Two - Cold Shock

398: Bill Palmer - Renaissance Man

172: Part 5 - My Week at The Castle 2014

The Magic Word