879: Mark Pocan - "Pocan" the Political Bear

Mark Pocan represents the second congressional district in Wisconsin, near Madison. He is also a long-time magician, but had a passion since his youth for both magic and politics. He is now serving his seventh term in office and for a few years was offering a YouTube channel filled with explanations of how politics works using magic in what he called “Magic Mondays.” Although he ceased production of those videos a few years ago, he plans to get them up and running again in 2025.

Mark came from a family of politicians and, as he says, began door-to-door campaigning for his father at the tender age of six. He pursued politics through college while using magic to defray some of his costs of schooling. He still performs magic at fund raising functions and other charitable events. He is often seen attending magic conventions and has twice attended Vanishing Inc.’s magic retreats including one in Washington, D.C. where he was able to use his influence to allow attendees access to some backstage places in Congress.

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391: The Evasons - Two Minds, One Thought

Jeff and Tessa Evason are of one mind.when it comes to...well, about everything. We sat down at the 2017 MAGIC Live! convention in Las Vegas for a wonderful chat about their experiences as a two-person mind reading duo. Since 1983, Jeff and Tessa have performed in over 35 countries across the globe and made numerous TV appearances on major networks like NBC, FOX, and Discovery Channel. The international Psychic Entertainers Association (P.E.A) gave them their most prestigious honor for distinguished professionalism. They were also the first recipients of "The Mentalism Award" from the Milbourne Christopher Foundation and the only mentalists ever to receive the "SARMOTI Award" which legendary magicians Siegfried and Roy present to their favorite act in Las Vegas.

Heartfelt endorsement from Penn & Teller for The World's Foremost Mentalist Duo and Telepathists - THE EVASONS. More at http://www.evason.com

See why FOX Television called The Evasons "The most amazing mind reading act you will ever see!"

Time Stamps for this podcast:

00:06:08- Jeff and Tessa talk about their former work aboard cruise ships performing magic and how they began, little at a time, to add mind reading to their show. Tess is a former fashion model (which should come as no surprise) and also has a background in fortune telling. Tessa also talk about being a female artist in a predominantly male industry. We also chat about the emotional presentation given by Abbey Goldrake given at the 2017 MAGIC Live!

01:07:38 - Product Review: "ESP By The Numbers" by John Bannon which includes the necessary ESP symbol cards and online instructions as to how to perform this effect. Also teaches you a card trick using the same "force" but applied to playing cards. Recommended.

01:14:40 - Product Review: "Liquid Killer" by Morgan Strebler explains how to twist forks (tines, neck and shaft) so it looks like it bends like liquid at your fingertips. I found this a little difficult for my hands to accomplish this little "miracle", but I'm certain that "younger fingers" could do it. Worth your consideration.

01:19:05 - Product Review: "Unlock" by Morgan Strebler gives you three different ideas on how to unlock a mobile phone. The DVD explains how to unlock iPhones but not with Android, though they should be similar. Recommended.

354: Robin Leach - Lifestyles of Magicians

Robin Leach has long been associated with his catch phrase "Champagne Dreams and Caviar Wishes" as he hosted the long running television show, "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" which focused on profiling well-known celebrities and their lavish homes, cars and other materialistic details. But Robin is also a "magic fan" who clearly loves and has a deep respect for magic and he is friends with many of the local magicians. Believe it or not, he is an honorary member of The Magic Circle. He also has a rather impressive collection of magic books in his library.

I saw Robin Leach at last year's MAGIC Live! who was trying to be inconspicuous as he chatted with Stan Allen. I later asked Stan about Robin's association with magic which led to this podcast. As a long time resident of Las Vegas and immersed in the lifestyles of local celebrities, Robin has a unique perspective on the history and evolution of the magic scene. I felt that he would make a perfect guest for the podcast to hear an "outsiders" perspective of magic, magicians, and the role they have played in making Las Vegas what it is today. I was not disappointed.

Today at age 75 his life hasn't slowed down. I was lucky to get an hour and a half of his time during the week I was in Las Vegas because of his tremendously busy schedule including his weekly vlog (video log) on You Tube, LuxeVegas.

Our discussion opens with Robin talking about making and enjoying a "proper" cup of tea. He then talks about his passion for magic and how he believes it needs to have a much higher ranking among the performing arts. He then chats about having been a guest of Bob Harbin and becoming an honorary member of The Magic Circle. He then goes on to talk about his favorite magician, Bill Malone. He also enjoyed watching Ricky Jay live in his Broadway performance, "Ricky Jay and His 52 Assistants".

He then talks about the evolution of magic on the Las Vegas "Strip" including from Norm Neilsen, Channing Pollock, Siegfried and Roy, Lance Burton, David Copperfield to Penn & Teller, Criss Angel and Amazing Jonathan to the newest show on the Strip, Jarrett & Raja. Although he sings the praises of many magicians, he is not a fan of hypnotists, and he also has advice for Mac King and Xavier Mortimer. Ultimately, he believes there are too many magicians in Las Vegas today though the art of magic still survives. He then shifts to talking about how hard it is to work in New York City but Monday Night Magic has proved to be the exception.

He concludes by giving us his three "D's" of show business: Dedication, Discipline and Diligence.