• The Magic Word
  • Become a Friend of The Magic Word
  • Subscribe to The Magic Word
  • At The Table Lectures
  • Scott Wells Lecture Items
  • The Magic Word Podcast T-Shirt
  • Amazon.com Store to Support The Magic Word
  • The Magic Word Merchandise
  • Magic Convention Guide
  • Magic Theaters
  • Archives
  • About
  • Contact

The Magic Word The Magic Word

  • The Magic Word
  • Become a Friend of The Magic Word
  • Subscribe to The Magic Word
  • At The Table Lectures
  • Scott Wells Lecture Items
  • The Magic Word Podcast T-Shirt
  • Amazon.com Store to Support The Magic Word
  • The Magic Word Merchandise
  • Magic Convention Guide
  • Magic Theaters
  • Archives
  • About
  • Contact

957: Jason Bird - Strolling Through Time

Once upon a time in a distant place near the Sands and Stardust of our memories was a kingdom below the desert called Caesar’s Magic Empire. Well known magicians performed there among many younger, magicians who became very well known after they honed their craft before thousands of diners and revelers.

Yes, this was a real place (but not below ground) that was a premier, immersive dinner-show attraction at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, operating from 1997 to 2002. Many fledgling magicians got their start there, one of whom is our guest in this episode: Jason Bird.

Today Jason is a successful magician who specializes in close-up strolling and has recently written the ultimate treatise on the craft called, “Strolling for Dollars.”

View fullsize JB-drone-stab-ribbons-2018.jpg
View fullsize Keynote-Speaker-Jason-Bird.jpg
View fullsize magazine article.jpg
View fullsize montage.jpg
View fullsize poster of Jason.jpg
View fullsize YouTube thumb.jpg
View fullsize bill butterfly.jpg

This week Jason tells us about how a young teenage boy left home in search of the bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip and found himself as regular, strolling magician at the new Caesar’s Magic Empire. For those who never visited the kingdom or even if you did visit, everyone should enjoy a fun trip back through time as we visit the Empire in our minds. Also, Jason and Scott give us some tips and advice for strolling magic (trick selection, marketing, handling audiences, etc.) many of which come from Jason’s new book “Strolling for Dollars.”

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 Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly 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.

Click on the image above to visit the website where you can get more information on this book and order your copy.

Strolling for Dollars: How You Can Make a Living Doing Close-Up Magic

Sign up with your name and email address for a chance to win a FREE copy.

This book is “print on demand” so this contest is open to our listeners in the U.S. (of course) but also in Canada and the U.K.

We respect your privacy. We will only share your email address with the author.

Thank you for entering the contest. There will only be one winner in this contest. If your name is randomly selected, then you will be notified on how to order your book from Jason Bird. Good luck!

Tagged with Jason Bird, Caesar's Magic Kingdom, strolling magic, Daniel Cros, Las Vegas, cruise ship magic, Eugene Burger.

March 5, 2026 by Scott Wells.
  • March 5, 2026
  • Scott Wells
  • Jason Bird
  • Caesar's Magic Kingdom
  • strolling magic
  • Daniel Cros
  • Las Vegas
  • cruise ship magic
  • Eugene Burger
  • Post a comment
Comment

671: Erick Olson - Always Prepared

As the Roman philosopher, Seneca, said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” This week’s guest is always prepared, even in the worst of times. From Disney World to restaurants and resorts to bar bets, theatre management and trade shows, Erick Olson has accomplished a lot and finally reached a level of professionalism and prestige in our industry that has rightfully earned him a “spot at the table” among the “big dogs.”

An example of a way to make a theatrical presentation for a mathematical magic trick

View fullsize IMG_1403.jpg
View fullsize Erick trade show 1.jpg
View fullsize Erick trade show 2.jpg
View fullsize trade show 2.jpg
View fullsize trade show 1.jpg
View fullsize trade show 3.jpg
View fullsize three shell game.jpg
View fullsize hqdefault.jpg
View fullsize pick your poison.jpg
View fullsize erickmainpic.jpg
View fullsize reviewspic.jpg
View fullsize bar bet box.jpg

Erick Olson talks this week about his secret to success in the trade show business. If you listen and apply his ideas (based upon his years of experience), then perhaps you, too, can lead a “charmed life.” For more information on his Bar Bets and Tricks, please CLICK HERE or follow this link: https://www.barbetsandtricks.com/

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

Tagged with Erick Olson, trade shows, bar bets, magic theater, Wizardz Theater, comedy magic, Disney, Terry Ward, Diamond Horseshoe, strolling magic, hospitality suites.

March 31, 2022 by Scott Wells.
  • March 31, 2022
  • Scott Wells
  • Erick Olson
  • trade shows
  • bar bets
  • magic theater
  • Wizardz Theater
  • comedy magic
  • Disney
  • Terry Ward
  • Diamond Horseshoe
  • strolling magic
  • hospitality suites
  • Post a comment
Comment

The Magic Word The Magic Word

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

This podcast is totally free for everyone to enjoy. This is provided to you out of love and respect for our art of magic. If you enjoy the podcasts and other material on The Magic Word, then your financial support will be greatly appreciated and help offset the monthly hosting service fee as well as the hardware and software to produce this podcast. Just click on the "Donate " button at the top of this page to make a one time donation through PayPal.

You can become a sustaining member by pledging a monthly donation of any amount through "Patreon" and receive some pretty cool perks for membershiip, too. Just Click Here for more information on how you can help.

By donating to The Magic Word, you will become a "Friend of The Magic Word" and receive a certificate (suitable for framing) indicating your membership plus your name will join your other friends and be posted on our "Wall of Fame". If you prefer to order something from the Store, then that will help support The Magic Word, too. Thank you.

  • The Magic Word
  • Become a Friend of The Magic Word
  • Subscribe to The Magic Word
  • At The Table Lectures
  • Scott Wells Lecture Items
  • The Magic Word Podcast T-Shirt
  • Amazon.com Store to Support The Magic Word
  • The Magic Word Merchandise
  • Magic Convention Guide
  • Magic Theaters
  • Archives
  • About
  • Contact

In May 2024, Scott Wells had the distinguished honor of receiving a “Special Fellowship” from the Academy of Magical Arts (The Magic Castle) for the Magic Word Podcast which promotes “not only personal stories of fascinating individuals, but also fellowship amongst our extended family of artists and entertainers everywhere.”

Do you have a comment or suggestion for The Magic Word Podcast? Click on the SpeakPipe logo and leave a short audio message for Scott. It’s fast, easy and fun. Send a “shout out” today and who knows? Your message may be heard on an upcoming podcast!

Jason Bird - Strolling Through Time - Jason Bird was one of the strolling magicians in the legendary Caesar's Magical Empire (1996-2002) and today has written a book about strolling magic. #caesarspalace #caesarsmagicempire #magic #strollingmagic #au
Congratulations to my fellow SAG-AFTRA actors who were nominated for the various #ActorAwards and especially to the winners at tonight's ceremony on #Netflix
Magic shows are not the only attraction for magicians to see in Las Vegas. Be sure to visit the Neon Museum where Siegfried & Roy are highlighted and honored among the glitz and lights. #vegas #vegasbaby #neonmuseum #magic #siegfriedandroy #oldve
Magicians used to be part of the side show carnivals, but found new venues to perform. It is a bit more difficult for "freaks" to find work partially because of their lack of social infrastructure and community that magic has. Learn about t
Jay @jayalexandermagic talks about his San Francisco Magic Theater, performing during half-time periods of the NBA games, and a little about the legendary Earthquake McGoon's. #magictheater #sanfran #sanfrancisco #jayalexander #magic
Bob Yorburg - Crafty Pioneer - Magic Video Pioneer, Bob Yorburg, blazed a trail that has led us to where we are today. He is the pioneer of magic instruction videos. He was also the first Burger King magician. Today he carves Punch & Judy dolls,
Enjoy a lively conversation on The Magic Word Podcast with a man who has conquered many venues: college circuit as a bizarre entertainer, TV series host, best selling author, comedian, and social influencer. Hear him on Scam School, Night Attack, and
Jason Bird - Strolling Through Time - Jason Bird was one of the strolling magicians in the legendary Caesar's Magical Empire (1996-2002) and today has written a book about strolling magic. #caesarspalace #caesarsmagicempire #magic #strollingmagic #au Congratulations to my fellow SAG-AFTRA actors who were nominated for the various #ActorAwards and especially to the winners at tonight's ceremony on #Netflix Magic shows are not the only attraction for magicians to see in Las Vegas. Be sure to visit the Neon Museum where Siegfried & Roy are highlighted and honored among the glitz and lights. #vegas #vegasbaby #neonmuseum #magic #siegfriedandroy #oldve Magicians used to be part of the side show carnivals, but found new venues to perform. It is a bit more difficult for "freaks" to find work partially because of their lack of social infrastructure and community that magic has. Learn about t
"I Want to be Like Houdini" by Kent Cummins official book launch.
Jay @jayalexandermagic talks about his San Francisco Magic Theater, performing during half-time periods of the NBA games, and a little about the legendary Earthquake McGoon's. #magictheater #sanfran #sanfrancisco #jayalexander #magic Bob Yorburg - Crafty Pioneer - Magic Video Pioneer, Bob Yorburg, blazed a trail that has led us to where we are today. He is the pioneer of magic instruction videos. He was also the first Burger King magician. Today he carves Punch & Judy dolls, Enjoy a lively conversation on The Magic Word Podcast with a man who has conquered many venues: college circuit as a bizarre entertainer, TV series host, best selling author, comedian, and social influencer. Hear him on Scam School, Night Attack, and

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.

The Magic Word Podcast was selected by MillionPodcasts as one of the Top 25 Magician Podcasts on the web. In fact, it is currently listed as the Number 2 magician podcast!

The Magic Word Podcast was nominated for TWO categories in the new ONLINE MAGIC competition at the 2025 World Championship of Magic (FISM) in Turin, Italy. One was for the Best Magic Podcaster and the second for the Best Magic Newsletter. You may already listen, but you are missing out on the other half if you haven’t yet subscribed to our weekly podletter!

tumblr
linkedin
twitter-unauth
facebook-unauth
instagram-unauth
x-formerly-twitter-unauth
pinterest-unauth
facebook-unauth
Amazon Affiliate 2020 graphic.jpg