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298: Mike Robinson - Just Venting

Mike Robinson is one of the busiest and most successful acts that you have probably never heard of. More than just a ventriloquist, Mike Robinson prefers to be introduced as "The Unique Comedy of Mike Robinson" so his vent act comes as a surprise. He does magic, stand-up comedy, music, juggling, as well as ventriloquism. But his interests include martial arts, playing music, family, and taking advantage of his spare time.

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Mike talks about some of his favorite podcasts he listens to; questions he is often asked by his audience; carrying his dummy through TSA and what people ask to see; filling a full show with one vent character versus having several dummies (if the audience doesn't like one character, then they might like the next one); the importance of having additional strong material in reserve either for cruise ships or for corporate shows; his roots in magic, comedy and ventriloquism; his “old school” way of scripting using pen and paper; the importance of mentorship and finding a mentor to help your act; his influences on his career; how he learned ventriloquism; tips and suggestions to those who are interested in learning to be a vent; and much, much more.

Perhaps his best advice for those wanting to learn ventriloquism is to buy a dummy/puppet later, but first learn to be a ventriloquist. Ventriloquism is the skill, the puppet is the act. He suggests the best book for inspiring him and pointing him in the right direction is "Magic: Stage Illusions and Scientific Diversions" by Albert A, Hopkins. Pages 164-170 is where you will find the info about ventriloquism (thanks, Salvadore Calderon).

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

Click on the banner above to visit the Magic Store on The Magic Word to see all the products available for sale.00:54:03 - Time stamp for the product review of "Chapswitch"

Click on the banner above to visit the Magic Store on The Magic Word to see all the products available for sale.

00:54:03 - Time stamp for the product review of "Chapswitch"

Click on the graphic above to view a video demonstration of "Chapswitch"

Click on the graphic above to view a video demonstration of "Chapswitch"

The book that included some of the best advice on ventriloquism that inspired Mike Robinson. Pages 164-170 address ventriloquism.

Tagged with Mike Robinson, ventriloquism, ventriloquist, Cruise ships, John Moehring, mentoring, Paul Winchell, Terry Fator, Doc Eason, James Ceilen, Willie Tyler.

June 23, 2016 by Scott Wells.
  • June 23, 2016
  • Scott Wells
  • Mike Robinson
  • ventriloquism
  • ventriloquist
  • Cruise ships
  • John Moehring
  • mentoring
  • Paul Winchell
  • Terry Fator
  • Doc Eason
  • James Ceilen
  • Willie Tyler
  • 2 Comments
2 Comments
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#201 - Murray Sawchuck - Celebrity Magician

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Murray Sawchuck recently completed two and a half years at the Tropicana's Laugh Factory in Las Vegas. On December 20, 2014, he will begin a new afternoon show at Planet Hollywood's "Sincity Theater" along his wife, Chloe, and his partner, Lefty. Murray will add illusions to his comedy magic show plus bring in different aspects of his other appearances on television such as "Pawn Stars" and other shows.

During our conversation, Murray talked about his upcoming appearance on Hallmark's Home & Family morning talk show. After you have listened to the podcast, then be sure to come back to watch this video. The other two videos below are from a couple of his appearances on "America's Got Talent" (sic). 

Murray and his baby Chihuahua Kahlua do a magic trick for the Emmy Nominated show Home & Family. www.murraymagic.com

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Why is Murray considered a "Celebrity Magician"? Hear what he has done and what he is doing in and around Las Vegas and on television and determine for yourself if you think he deserves the title. Breaks happen, but as they say, "luck is when preparation meets opportunity." Murray works hard to find opportunities to promote his brand so you could say he is one of the luckiest guys in the business.

Among many other topics discussed in this podcast, Murray talks about how he got his first break to headline his own show in Las Vegas and how it evolved to the new show at Planet Hollywood. He talks about contracts, "two-wall" versus "four-walling" a venue in Las Vegas, working on "America's Got Talent", "Pawn Stars", "Wizard Wars", "Extreme Escapes", advice from Marvin "Mr. Electric" Roy, using social media to your advantage, and more. He also gives us an idea of what a typical day in his life is like. He also talks at the end about his favorite charity, Children of the Night", rescuing children from prostitution, which draws attention to one of the least visible charities out there. He is one busy guy!

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.

Click on the banner to learn more about this charity and how you can help.

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Register before January 15, 2015 and save $100. Or reserve your spot with a $50 deposit with the balance not due until February 15, 2015.

Register before January 15, 2015 and save $100. Or reserve your spot with a $50 deposit with the balance not due until February 15, 2015.

Click on the banner above to buy Lotto Fever 2.0 through my PayPal Shop for $29.95 plus shipping ($5.00 below current price and before the retail price goes to $39.95) Be sure to click on the correct shipping (Domestic or Foreign). Also available th…

Click on the banner above to buy Lotto Fever 2.0 through my PayPal Shop for $29.95 plus shipping ($5.00 below current price and before the retail price goes to $39.95) Be sure to click on the correct shipping (Domestic or Foreign). Also available through the "Shop By Credit Card" storefront, too, if you prefer not to use PayPal. Offer ends on October 18, 2014.

Magic & Martinis & Murray Thursday

Tagged with Murray Sawchuck, Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood, Celebrity Magician, Tropicana, Laugh Factory, Marvin Roy, Mr. Electric, Terry Fator, social media, Jan Rouven, Mac King, Pawn Stars, Children of the Night.

December 11, 2014 by Scott Wells.
  • December 11, 2014
  • Scott Wells
  • Murray Sawchuck
  • Las Vegas
  • Planet Hollywood
  • Celebrity Magician
  • Tropicana
  • Laugh Factory
  • Marvin Roy
  • Mr. Electric
  • Terry Fator
  • social media
  • Jan Rouven
  • Mac King
  • Pawn Stars
  • Children of the Night
  • Post a comment
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172: Part 5 - My Week at The Castle 2014

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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.

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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.

Tagged with The Magic Castle, Paul Green, Irene Larsen, Dale Hindman, Timothy Smallwood, Ray Kosby, Jonathan Pendragon, Hollywood.

July 17, 2014 by Scott Wells.
  • July 17, 2014
  • Scott Wells
  • The Magic Castle
  • Paul Green
  • Irene Larsen
  • Dale Hindman
  • Timothy Smallwood
  • Ray Kosby
  • Jonathan Pendragon
  • Hollywood
  • Post a comment
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The Magic Word The Magic Word

A Podcast for Magicians, About Magicians, Hosted by a Full Time Professional Magician, Scott Wells

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The Magic Word Has been recognized by FeedSpot as the # 1 magician podcast in the world. Thank you all for your support and for listening throughout the years.

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