614: Rob Lake - A Pool of Knowledge

Great things come from the Midwest. Sometimes, great BIG things, like stage illusionist, Rob Lake. Following his inspiration of Doug Henning and his mentorship of Kirby VanBurch, Rob has taken his stage illusion show across the country and indeed, around the world having performing in casinos, arenas and theatres in London, Japan, the Bahamas and from coast to coast in the U.S. This week Rob talks about his incredible journey while paying tribute to those who got him to where he is today with a look at where he hopes to go in the future.

This week’s podcast episode on YouTube. Please subscribe to our channel while you are there.

This was the video screen production on America’s Got Talent [sic] that was discussed on the podcast.

In this week’s episode, Rob Lake talks about how he almost “blew off” performing on America’s Got Talent [sic] and a (now funny) anecdote about Joe Exotic (The Tiger King) who used his name and nearly ruined Rob’s reputation. He also discusses his performances abroad and what it takes to transport such a large illusion show across the country.

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613 - Franz Harary - Think BIG!

This “long overdue” conversation with mega-illusionist, Franz Harary, is a very special edition. Franz is truly an international star of magic and his work has kept him busy for decades. In this episode Franz is finally taking a “breather” and relaxing so we can talk about his passions and career. We cover a lot of territory from creativity to the cosmos. He also shares some “never-before-told” stories and tips for stage performers that he has not discussed before now.

This week’s podcast episode on YouTube.

Franz Harary begins this episode talking about his passion for all things related to outer space, which might explain why one of his earliest illusions was to vanish the space shuttle. He also talks about international touring, working in outdoor coliseums and his time in Asia performing at his own theatre in Macau. Of course, he also shares some stories about some of the celebrities he has worked with from Janet and Michael Jackson to…well, you can’t get much more “celebrated” than the King of Pop!

612 - Bill Abbott - Gimme That Mic

Magicians are “wired” to perform. We want the microphone. We love the bright lights, the sound of applause and especially laughter…at the right time and place. This week’s guest, Bill Abbott, is a comedy magician who understands comedy and knows how to perfectly blend it with magic.

Indeed it is a fine balance because in the end, we want our audiences to remember us but also to have had a good time. So there should be mystery and humor. If you are going to be a magician, then there should be mystery that fools people. If you are going to be a comedian, then you will be telling a series of jokes. But to blend the two together, you shouldn’t be a “prop comic” relying on your props for laughs, but rather, the emphasis should be on the overall experience your audience will take home with them.

This week’s podcast on YouTube.

Bill Abbott shares lots of tips and advice on how to structure your show with comedy and how to relate to your audiences with a performance that they will remember.

614: Rob Lake - A Pool of Knowledge

613 - Franz Harary - Think BIG!

612 - Bill Abbott - Gimme That Mic

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