647: John Cox - All Houdini Episode

Because we are in the middle of “National Magic Week” and nearing the 95th anniversary of Houdini’s death on October 31st, it seems only fitting and natural that we should revisit with noted Houdini scholar and blogger, John Cox. He was featured on an episode here in 2017, but much has happened since then, not the least of which has been his visit to the Houdini home at 278 West 113th Street in Harlem, New York. This recounting of his visit is just a small part of what makes this episode special with John talking about collecting, correcting mis-information, and more.

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John Cox was one of the speakers and “hands around the table” at the “Official Houdini Seance” in Ft. Worth, Texas in 2012. This was our first meeting and introduced me to the fascinating mind of John Cox and the world of Houdini. He is often asked how there could still be so much information revealed that would make for a daily reporting (or blogging) about the legendary entertainer. The answer is that things just come to light if you search deep enough.

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646: Johnny Kats - Man About Town

More than a reporter, Johnny “Kats” Katsilometes chronicles history in the making with his regular newspaper and online columns covering entertainment in Las Vegas. His many insightful observations has made him an integral part of that entertainment scene. And since magic is part of that world, Johnny covers it all from the small bars to the mega-casino shows where conjurors congregate. He loves magic and magicians. Some of you may remember that he was one of the guest “roasters” at the Mac King Roast at the S.A.M. Magic Convention in Las Vegas in January 2020. You can read his daily columns in the Las Vegas Review-Journal or catch him online with their digital edition, too. As he says, “I’m on page 3-A everyday and online all the time.” If you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas and want to know what’s happening, be sure to check out his column before you go.

Recording our conversation was delayed by a day because of a scheduling conflict with another guest for his column. I was bumped by famed guitarist, Carlos Santana (see picture above.) But when we finally got together in the home of Murray Sawchuck, Johnny talked about some of what has been happening in Las Vegas as the ever-evolving scene changes and the baton seems to be passing from Cirque du Soliel shows to AGT (America’s Got Talent) stars on the Strip. He also gave some advice on what shows he recommends seeing when you travel to Vegas.

If you have current magic news that might be of interest to our listeners, then please send it to Scott Wells at scott@themagicwordpodcast.com

National Magic week is traditionally the last 7 days of October (October 25th-31st). The purpose of National Magic Week is to celebrate the charitable work done by the S.A.M, S.A.M. Assemblies and S.A.M. members throughout the year. For more informa… — National Magic week is traditionally the last 7 days of October (October 25th-31st). The purpose of National Magic Week is to celebrate the charitable work done by the S.A.M, S.A.M. Assemblies and S.A.M. members throughout the year. For more information on promoting yourself and/or your magic club, please visit the S.A.M. website by Clicking Here.

645: Sara Crasson - Resourceress

New York attorney, magician and author, Sara Crasson, can now add another title to her name: Resourceress of the S.A.M. The Society of American Magicians recently created this position for Sara which allows her to put together those who need knowledge and those who have experience. She is also the producer and emcee for the “Flavors of Magic” shows that feature magicians of diversity. And her book, “Own Your Magic” should be a “must read” for any magician who considers themself as a professional.

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This week, Sara tells us what the “Resourceress” does and how she puts together people in our colony of magicians to make us a better, more knowledgeable community. She also recognized that there are a lot of diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, sexual persuasions, cultures and faiths within our magic world, all of whom need to have a platform and be recognized. So she founded “Flavors of Magic” which features those out of the mainstream, predominantly white male dominated field of magicians. She talks about how this came about and how she produces shows to highlight diversity.

But the bulk of this conversation is our discussion of taking charge of your magic “brand” and how to go about protecting your name and your intellectual property using copyrighting, patenting and legal documentation. This can all be done online and her book “Own You Magic” details how to navigate through the complicated websites to get it done. But she also gives some basic instructions here on what to do and how to do it.