800: Jack Goldfinger - Yoda Man!

We have reached another important milestone with this episode #800. And as we often do with these milestones, we feature someone who is a major mover and shaker in our community. Jack “Goldfinger” Vaughan fits the bill perfectly as the Director of Entertainment for the Academy of Magical Arts, the Magic Castle. Prior to taking on that role, he and his lovely wife, Dove, have performed around the world on some of the greatest stages and on screen. He is sought out for his advice and wisdom in life lessons, not unlike “Yoda” from the epic movie saga, Star Wars.

This week, Jack shares some of his “Jack-isms” that are true gems that makes you really think. He talks about his predecessor, Max Maven, as well as some of those who have influenced his career along the way.

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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.

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.

721: Don Deich "Vlad" - Interview with a Vampire

Vampires never die. And they capture the zeitgeist of the Halloween season more than any other character. This week we feature a chat with Don Deich whose character as “Vlad” is more of a lifestyle than just a seasonal act. Vlad has been a friend for a few years and shows up (or should I say, “rises up”) periodically for magic conventions where he is featured with his rather spellbinding performances. Join us as we learn about the differences between “vampires” and what they truly do at night with their “free” time.

A two and a half hour audio broadcast in 2019 between Vlad and Laurie Notch (Paranormal World Magazine)

This “Interview with a Vampire” took place at night (of course) during the recent Poe’s Magic Conference in Baltimore, Maryland. During our chat, Vlad shares his penchant for horror movies and monster models, how he developed his character, how he puts together his outfits, and a peek into the underworld of nightclubs where like-minded vampires “hang out.”