900: Dan Sperry - The Anti-Conjuror

With this episode we celebrate the 900th episode of The Magic Word Podcast. Every 50 episodes we like to present a special guest who is well known throughout our worldwide magic community. And who better for this episode than Dan Sperry. He was a regular member of The Illusionists who toured the major stages of the world from Sydney, Australia, to Broadway in New York City. He has headlined in nightclubs, Las Vegas casinos, and performing arts theaters. For many years he has appeared on Masters of Illusion television show as well as many other TV shows. Now residing in Florida, he continues to travel the globe, but when at home, he enjoys (believe it or not) performing for children’s birthday parties.

In this week’s episode, Dan shares his story of how he developed his act and his character. He tells us about his early journey as he worked with doves and learned from some of the true masters like Joseph Gabriel that developed into a residency at a casino in Las Vegas. He toured Canada with Murray Hatfield as he honed his dove act and began to settle into his Shock Illusionist persona. He also talks about developing his talking act that led to work with the Illusionists and television appearances.

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834: Eric DeCamps - He Is The Champion

Eric DeCamps is a subtle yet significant force in our magic community. The S.A.M. awarded Eric the Gold Medal of Excellence for Close-Up Magic. He is only the second magician in the 122-year history of the organization to receive this prestigious award.He was designated as the Dean of The S.A.M. Parent Assembly #1 in New York City. Next year for the 52nd annual 4F convention, Eric will be the Guest of Honor, yet another prestigious award. His one-man show has been presented around the world and for those who have seen his full show in a proper setting, well…consider yourselves lucky.

In this week’s episode, Eric spends the first part of our conversation talking about Rene Lavand who was the greatest single person to influence Eric’s style of magic. He also chats about the development of his one-man show and some of the venues where he has presented it. Eric also talks about one of his featured and favorite illusions, a variation of the Hooker Rising Card. This archaic and nebulous illusion is seldom seen…and for good reason. Very few in the world know Hooker’s secret and those who do know, keep it to themselves! Perhaps it is one of magic’s last and greatest secrets.

812: Magifest 2024 - Day Two Report

Friday 26th January 2024

10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Dealer’s Room Open

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Arthur Benjamin Lecture

Dr. Benjamin combines his love of magic and mathematics in a way you've never seen before. He is astoundingly good. Whether or not you're mathematically inclined, this will be a fascinating foray into the intersection of magic and math.

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Blaise Serra Lecture

You may not have heard of Blaise Serra, but you won't forget his prodigious sleight-of-hand skills and innovative techniques.

1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Magifest Live Hosted by Randy Shine

This our most popular programming event. Watch Jason Suran, Lance Rich, and Richard Hatch give short talks on a range of topics.

2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Youth Event

Young magicians, check back in with new friends for surprises, games, and more.

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Juliana Chen Lecture

A master of stagecraft and a FISM winner, Juliana will share her experience and work that she has taken all over the world.

5:30 p/m/ - 6:30 p.m.

Allan Ackerman Lecture

A legend in card magic, Allan Ackerman will be demonstrating new and unpublished material from his brand new hardbound collection. If you've never seen Allan work live, brace yourself for velvety-smooth presentations of diabolical card magic.

8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Jason Suran Show

One of New York's busiest mind-reading entertainers, Jason Suran's high energy performance is sure to be a convention hit. Think Woody Allen meets Derren Brown.

9:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Richard Turner: Dealt

In the final-curtain performance of his acclaimed one-man show, the legendary Richard Turner will deliver his heartfelt, funny, and amazing show one last time, just for us. History in the making.

11:00 p.m. - 11:45 p.m.

Richard Turner: Interview

A chance to get to know a living legend. This is your time to spend time with this year's Guest of Honor.

10:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.

Bar Magic (Blaise Serra)

Don't miss this chance to see one of the world's finest exponents with a deck of cards, up close and personal.

Time stamps for this episode: (to be posted after I’ve gotten some sleep)

00:00:18 -

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