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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739: Mark Merchant - A Man of Many Voices

Arguably, ventriloquism may be a performing art longer than magic. Both can be traced back to Egyptian and Hebrew archeology. And some might say that some of the “patter” might be just as old! This week Mark Merchant talks about his 40+ year career as a ventriloquist and how it evolved. We are living in a world where audiences are more sensitive than ever before when it comes to humor. It only takes one person’s opinions and comments to dominate and possibly obliterate one’s profession. Social acceptance isn’t what it used to be.

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

In this week’s episode, Mark Merchant talks about his career and how he has “walked the tightrope” of controversy with his puppets and the scripting for his culturally and politically diverse vent figures. He shares stories and opinions regarding using humor that potentially offends today’s audiences and how he avoids those traps.

Click on the graphic above to visit the convention website and learn more about who, what and where.

595: George Schindler - What Da Dean Does

The Dean of the Society of American Magicians, George Schindler, has lived through many generations of magicians both celebrated and relatively unknown and he remembers them all. This week George shares many of his stories. George will be celebrating his 92nd birthday on March 31st this year and his memory of events is as clear as if they happened yesterday. He is an author, actor, performer, creator, lecturer, magic dealer, ventriloquist, comedy writer, and so much more. He regularly contributes to the M.U.M. magazine (the journal for the S.A.M.) with a monthly column and he maintains his relevancy by keeping current with the times and technology. He is a true treasure in our magic community and we owe him so much for what he has given us.

http://www.magicsam.com George Schindler is the Lifetime Dean of the Society of American Magicians, Past National President and Honorary Lifetime Member.

George Schindler is a magician, ventriloquist, author and the Dean of the Society of American Magicians.

George has known and worked with many top celebrity actors, directors and magicians. In this week’s episode, George shares stories about Woody Allen, Dai Vernon, Slydini, Ed Mishell, David Copperfield, Frank Garcia, Abe Hurowitz, Shari Lewis and many, many more. This is a delightful trip down memory lane from one of our community’s true treasures.

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