Explore every episode of the podcast The Magic Newswire

The world of magic became much poorer this week with the passing of one of the best, Max Maven.  I was honored to have had the opportunity to meet and speak with Max on numerous occasions and always came away a little better from the experience. 

As one of my early guests on the podcast, Max set the bar very high for all those to follow. I am sharing that first chat again here for those that are still reeling from the loss and for those that are somehow not familiar with his work. 

From his Twitter feed on Nov. 2, 2022: I made my life about words, reading them and writing them. I wish I had a more elegant way of telling you all that I love you. I had a good run, made wonderful friends, shared many laughs, and I learned a great many things. I learned that magic allows us to be so much bigger than we are. I learned we should be kind to one another and forgive people for being flawed and prideful. The one thing I know is that we can all do better, and I think we will. 

From numerous sources, we have sadly learned of the passing of the Amazing Johnathan. According to Rolling Stone, "An exact cause of death was not immediately given, though Johnathan — born Johnathan Edward Szeles — had previously revealed he had been diagnosed with a heart condition. Szeles’ wife, the performer Anastasia Synn, confirmed her husband’s death, telling the Review-Journal he died in his sleep Tuesday night."

In remembrance, I am reposting my conversation with him from just before his annual Halloween Party in 2008.

Johnathan, it will be hard to forget someone who gave us so much to remember.  

I am so very sad to report on the passing of yet another of the greats in our art. Johnny "The Great Tomsoni" Thompson was my guest on several episodes of the Magic Newswire's Spirit of Magic Podcast. This is one of my favorites and the earliest. Please listen and remember in his honor!

Johnny was much more than an extremely well respected performer and one of the funniest magicians out there. He was also a much sought after magic consultant and worked with such performers as Lance Burton, Penn & Teller and Criss Angel. In the first interview below, Johnny talked about his career as well as his experiences with other performers including Herb Zarrow, Jay Marshall, Marshal Brodein, Francis Carlyle, Paul le Paul, Paul Rosini, Joe Bergen, Cardini, Channing Pollock, Carl Balentine, Al Koran, Dai Vernon and Charlie Miller.

If you don't know the name of Jon Racherbaumer, you should either walk away from magic or take  some time to explore his influence on our art form. Jon is one of those guys that managed to connect to some of the greatests names in the modern history of magic including Ed Marlo, Eddie Fields, Orson Welles, and Senator Crandall.  Given the controversies surrounding Blackpool & FISM 2010, it is also interesting to note that he was at one time blackballed by both the IBM & the SAM.  Please join us for Part One of our interview with Jon Racherbaumer and learn more about lesbian bowlers, the "Magic Mafia" and how a good magician becomes controversial.

In Part Two of my interview with the legendary Jon Racherbaumer, we explore the many influenences on Jon and his passion for magic. Marlo, Vernon, Cardini, Slydini, Chan Canasta, Channing Pollock, Tommy Wonder, John Scarne and more all enter into the conversation. In addition, we discuss 75th anniversary edition of the Jinx that he and Harry Anderson have put together for the October issue of Genii Magazine.

The Amazing Randi joins us on this episode of the "Spirit of Magic" podcast before appearing as a featured performer at the upcoming 100th Anniversary Salute to Magic show in New York City. Randi began his career as a mentalist and magician before becoming known as a scientific sceptic challenging those who claim to have paranormal abilities. He gained fame in this field after an ongoing feud between himself and Uri Gellar in the mid to late 1970's.  Randi himself rejects the title of "debunker" preferring instead to be seen as an investigator in the field of pseudo-science and is the author of many books on the subjects of the paranormal, skepticism and the history of conjuring. Randi talks with me about his career in these varied fields and about his motivation as a paranormal skeptic.

Widely credited as the man who was the first magician to mainstream magic on television, Mr. Mark Wilson is our guest on ths edition of the Magic Newswire's "Spirit of Magic" podcast. This is the first of a multi-part interview that we'll be producing with Mark's help exploring his career, thoughts, ideas an philosophies as they relate to magic, both on television and on stage.

If you were to describe the worst audience for a comedy magic show, would it beat the one that Mac King found himself facing?  If you have a line that you put into your act only to get a laugh, what would you do if it came true? Mac King shares his adventures on the comedy magic stage with us on this episode of the Magic Newswire Spirit of Magic podcast and we discuss all of these scenarios and more. We even learn that Teller is a far better heckler than I will ever be.. no surprise there though.

We celebrate our 100th episode of the MagicNewswire.com 's Spirit of Magic podcast with  Master Magician Lance Burton. Lance is one of the top performers in Las Vegas with a $27 Million doallr venue built just for him at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino. In July of 1980, barely three months after his 20th birthday, he became the first person to win magic's most coveted "Gold Medal Award for Excellence" from the International Brotherhood of Magicians and received magic's highest accolade two years later when he won the Grand Prix at the Federation International Society de Magic (F.I.S.M.) in Lausanne, Switzerland making him a "World Champion Magician." This made Lance both the first American to receive this honor as well as the first American performer to do so. Johnny Carson called Lance's performance on his show the "Best 12 minutes in magic." Who was Fletcher the Flamboyant? How did he inspire Lance? Lance joins us to discuss these and many other questions related to his career and the many influences that have helped to shape his magic.

Johnny "The Great Tomsoni" Thompson is our guest on this episode of the Magic Newswire's Spirit of Magic Podcast. Johnny is much more than an extremely well respected performer and one of the funniest magicians performing today. He is also a much sought after magic consultant and has worked for such performers as Lance Burton, Penn & Teller and Criss Angel. In addition to talking about his career, Johnny talks about other performers including Herb Zarrow, Jay Marshall, Marshal Brodein, Francis Carlyle, Paul le Paul, Paul Rosini, Joe Bergen, Cardini, Channing Pollock, Carl Balentine, Al Koran, Dai Vernon and Charlie Miller.

Beginning at 8:30 am EST on Monday Morning, David Blaine will be hoisted feet first above Central Park's Wollman Rink where he will hang upside down for sixty hours. The end of this endurance stunt, the subject of which has been hinted at but not revealed, will be the finale of his latest ABC special "Dive of Death" which will air at 9PM EST on ABC. I was invited to participate in a teleconference with David today during which he and his medical consultant discussed the challenges and dangers to David as he attempts this feat. David also discussed the experience of filming this special, his inspirations and the challenges that he will face over the course of the next week. Join us now on the Magic Newswire for our conversation with David Blaine!

"International Man of Mystery" David Berglas is my guest on this episode of the Magic Newswire's "Spirit of Magic" podcast.  In his 2009 Enigma show brochure, Derren Brown describes David Berglas as "One of our greatest living magical performers" and thanks him "-for his constant inspiration and generosity. Each show is indebted to his artistry and astonishing body of work. Thank you David".  Known  within the magic community for his many creations, Berglas is best known for the effect named for him which allows for the prediction of Any Card at Any Number."  David was the first elected President of London's Magic Circle and has had the opportunity to perform for England's Royal Family, Winston Churchill and Paul Getty.

Barrie Richardson may be one of magic's most soft spoken thinkers, but he has contributed a great deal to the art of magic an mentalism. With the 1990 release of "Theater of the Mind," Barrie became instantly synonymous with great mentalism. The release of his second book "Act II" continued his legacy. Barrie joins me on the Magic Newswire "Spirit of Magic" podcast to talk about his influences in magic including Ted Annemann whose JINX magazine will be celebrated in the October issue of Genii Magazine.

On April 1st, 2009, Magician John Rotellini Jr. will spend the day sightless- having silver dollars duct taped over his eyes topped with custom-made stainless steel blindfold placed over his face. Throughout the course of the day, John will visit area businesses and schools performing mentalism. Why is he doing this? To raise money for Kidd's Kids, a charitable organization that fills a Boeing 737 jetliner with terminally ill and handicapped youth and their families and takes them to Disney World for five magical days. John will end the day with a Blind drive in everyday traffic. John is also opening a new show on April 4th at the Wyo Theater, with a portion of the proceeds also benefiting Kidd's Kids. To support John in his fundraising, call 307.752.2754

Bill "The Triggerman" Kalush joins us on this episode of the Magic Newswire podcast. Bill founded the Conjuring Arts Research Center in 2003 which has on its' board several significant figures as David Blaine, Steve Cuiffo, Mike Caveney, and Philip Varrichio. Kaulush has been a close friend and associate of David Blaine since they first met in the early 1990's and has consulted with David on almost every television special that he has produced. Bill appeared on "David Blaine : Dive of Death" when he pulled the trigger on the rifle used in Blaine's bullet catch. In addition, Bill was the co-author of the bestselling biography "The Secret Life of Houdini : America's First Super Hero."

Harry "The Hat" Anderson is back with us on the Magic Newswire's "Spirit of Magic" podcast to talk about the 75th Anniversary tribute to the Jinx which will accompany the October issue of Genii Magazine.  Ted Annemann was one of magic's most influential writers and editors. In 1934 he began publishing the Jinx Magazine with the last of  151 issues being released on December 15th, 1941, just before Annemann committed suicide.  Ted was best known for his work in the field of mentalism and many of his methods and routines are still used by performers today. Harry talks about Annemann and how he was influenced by this legendary figure as well as the reason that he feels that the Jinx is still such an important part of our history.

Harry "The Hat" Anderson joins us on this edition of the Magic Newswire prior to an upcoming appearance at the SEAM conventionin Atlanta. He is best known by many  for playing the role of Judge Harry Stone on the television series Night Court. In addition to eight appearances on Saturday Night Live between 1981 and 1985, Anderson had a recurring guest role as con man "Harry the Hat" on Cheers. Harry has toured extensively as a magician and continues to present his evening show "Wise Guy" which was originally developed for his theater in New Orleans. 

Harry "The Hat" Anderson joins us on this edition of the Magic Newswire prior to an upcoming appearance at the SEAM conventionin Atlanta. He is best known by many  for playing the role of Judge Harry Stone on the television series Night Court. In addition to eight appearances on Saturday Night Live between 1981 and 1985, Anderson had a recurring guest role as con man "Harry the Hat" on Cheers. Harry has toured extensively as a magician and continues to present his evening show "Wise Guy" which was originally developed for his theater in New Orleans. 

Eric Eswin first discovered magic at the knee of an uncle showing him a coin trick. Today he is the International President of Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques (International Federation of Magic Societies or FISM) which now consists of 82 clubs, both national and international, as well as national Federations which represent over 50,000 Magicians from 44 countries. Having just returned from the most recent World Championship of Magic in Beijing, Eric joins us on the "Spirit of Magic" podcast to talk about his vision for the future of the organization and some of the controversies related to the next convention in 2012.

Paul Diamond may not be a household name in the world of magic today, but everyone that I speak to from Johnny Thompson, to Mac King & Lance Burton, etc... all know Mr. Humble. I was lucky enough to get my first exposure to magic through Paul's shop when I was ten years old. As it turns out, Paul was also a favorite performer of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. Over the years, he's been a featured entertainer for celebrity events hosted by Celine Dion, Elton John, Milton Burle and others. In addition, Paul had such legends as Slydini and Charlie Miller live with him in his Florida home. Rediscover "Mr. Humble," Mr. Paul Diamond on this episode of the Magic Newswire's "Spirit of Magic Podcast."

I recently received an amazing email from Bill Smith offering to share a previously unheard interview with Harry Blackstone Jr. Obviously, I was flattered and thrilled that I could share this with our listeners. According to the information shared by Bill, this interview was recorded by a local radio station in Texas, but was never broadcast. Fortunately, Bill was able to obtain the master and we now have the digital copy that we are sharing here today. Thanks again to Bill who has said that he will welcome any emails inquiring about this chat.

What you are about to hear is a previously unheard interview with Harry Blackstone Jr. and is brought to you through the efforts of Bill Smith.  Here is what Bill had to say about the recording when he sent it my way:

I had the fortune, in 1983, to see Harry Blackstone Jr. perform for a department store grand opening. I wanted to meet him afterwards, but someone told me he'd be doing a radio interview right after the show, but would be happy to meet me after that. So i waited {of course!}, & out he came, & we had a nice long chat. But i also noticed the call letters of the local radio station on the shoulder strap cassette recorder the radio person had, & later, i called the station to ask when the interview would be aired. The gentleman said they decided it wouldn't be aired after all, as it didn't fit into the current schedule or something, but then asked if i'd like a copy. Well, he didn't have to twist MY arm! LOL! I called later to thank him, after receiving it in the mail, & asked about the possibility of buying the original. He told me that the original had already been re-recorded over, so basically, now i had the "master"! Unfortunately, my tape machine ate my copy he sent, but not before i had put it onto cd {THANK GOD!!}

It is a WONDERFUL interview, with Harry doing 99% of the talking. It runs about 15 minutes if i remember right, & starts off with him talking about how his dad got started, became famous, & leads silk smooth into how his dad helped him get going, & him becoming famous. 

I know i could SELL copies of this, but i also know that as soon as i did, it would be all over the net for free anyway, so i'd rather use it to give back to this great art, & also to thank you for the great job you are doing preserving the knowledge of all those greats of magic through your podcasts.

Tony Curtis is our guest on this episode of the Magic Newswire "Spirit of Magic" podcast. Tony studied with George L Boston before starring in the 1953 film Houdini. Tony's enthusiasm for magic continued far beyond his role in the film. He was a frequent  participant  at  the  AMA's annual award banquets. In fact, he presented Cardini with the Masters Fellowship, the Academy of Magical Arts highest honor.  In spite of the fact that the film portrayed  a highly fictionalized account of Houdini's career, many still consider it to be one of the best "Houdini Films" yet to be made

Was he Milton Franklin Andrews, Wilbur Edgerton Sanders, E.S. Andrews, L'Homme Masque, or S.W. Erdnase? The search for the author of one of the most seminal works on the card manipulation is among the most hotly debated topics in the world of conjuring research. On this episode of the "Spirit of Magic" podcast, I am joined by guest co-host Jason England and special guest Richard Hatch. Richard is widely recognized for his research on the topic of Erdnase and the book "Expert at the Card Table." If you regularly perform close-up magic with cards, then you are certain to have been influenced by this book whether or not you are aware of it. We may just scratch the surface of this fascinating topic in this episode, but it is a fascinating and educational conversation that you need to hear.

Paul Diamond may not be a household name in the world of magic today, but everyone that I speak to from Johnny Thompson, to Mac King & Lance Burton, etc... all knew "Mr. Humble." I was very sad to learn today that he had passed away. As a boy discovering the art of magic while living in South Florida, making the trip to Paul's shop in the Lauderdale by the Sea area was a must! I was lucky enough to get my first exposure to magic through a teacher associated with Paul's shop when I was in elementary school. As it turns out, Paul was also a favorite performer of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. Over the years, he's been a featured entertainer for celebrity events hosted by Celine Dion, Elton John, Milton Berle and many others. In addition, Paul had such close association with such magic legends as Slydini and Charlie Miller live with him in his Florida home. Rediscover "Mr. Humble," Mr. Paul Diamond on this republished episode of the Magic Newswire's "Spirit of Magic Podcast." Rest in peace Paul!

Magic Castle librarian Bill Goodwin joins me on this edition of this podcast to tell us a bit about what has been happening at the Magic Castle since the fire and to talk about his friend Larry Jennings. Larry is widely recognized as one of Dai Vernon's greatest students and is known for developing some of the most difficult, yet rewarding effects with a deck of cards. On January 28th, Potter & Potter Auctions will be curating the sale of Jennings collection which contains Erdnasia, Vernon Memorbilia, books and much, much more.

Well, it is finally here. The 2011 wrap-up show for the Spirit of Magic & The Magic Newswire. Because of various and sundry technical issues, I wasn't sure that this show would ever see the light of day. It may be 30 days late, but I am still happy to present this chat with Johnny Thompson, John Calvert, Marco Tempest Paul Gertner, David Kaye, Richard Hatch, Jim Steinmeyer, Chase Goforth, Scott Wells, Cameron Ramsay and many others all gathering to ring in the Year of the Dragon. From everyone involved in the Magic Newswire and these podcasts, I wish you a prosperous and happy new year! 

Magic Castle librarian Bill Goodwin joins me on this edition of this podcast to tell us a bit about what has been happening at the Magic Castle since the fire and to talk about his friend Larry Jennings.  Larry is widely recognized as one of Dai Vernon's greatest students and is known for developing some of the most difficult, yet rewarding effects with a deck of cards.  On January 28th, Potter & Potter Auctions will be curating the sale of Jennings collection which contains Erdnasia, Vernon Memorbilia, books and much, much more.

My guest on this episode of the Magic Newswire's Spirit of Magic podcast is Magic Castle regular Rob Zabrecky. Rob began not as a magician but as a musician as a part of the 90's indie band Possum Dixon. Discovering magic after an unexpected visit to a magic shop while on tour, Rob became addicted to magic and mentalism. Rob is now a frequent performer in the Parlor of Prestidigitation and was a long time host of the AMA's "Who's Hoo" interview series.

Rob Zabrecky has worked throughout the United States and Japan as a magician. He is best known for performances in which he combines irreverent dark humor and mentalism. Since 2002 he has been a regular performer at the Magic Castle. In 2003 he formed the off-beat magic trio, The Unholy Three in the basement of that establishment by presenting a provocative Dada-esque combination of wizardry, mentalism and off-beat humor. In 2008, 2009, and 2010 The Academy of Magical Arts at the Magic Castle named him among the top five magicians for his performances inside the club's Parlour of Prestidigitation.

What you are about to hear was intended to be the special Halloween episode of the Magic Newswire's "Spirit of Magic" Podcast.  Unfortunately, it was delayed by the fire that happened on Halloween at the Magic Castle and our interviews with those involved.  In spite of this, I am still thrilled to bring you this conversation with Dan Sperry about his new two year contract at the latest attraction to appear in New York City's Times Square, "Times Scare." Thanks again to Dan for joining us and please make time to support him by attending the show when you are in NYC!

On October 31, 2011 (Halloween), at approximately the time that Harry Houdini died, the magic community learned that our American clubhouse, the Magic Castle, was on fire.  In this podcast, we catch up with Irene Larsen, Erika Larsen, West McDonough and Milt Larsen and are provided with an intimate an first hand look at what happened, the extent of the damage and what the future holds for the Castle. All of this on the eve of a soft re-opening of the site to members and guests.

Just outside of Cincinnati, Ohio on a 250 acre horse farm, eight feet below ground in an abandoned mine shaft, there exists a legendary collection of magic props and artifacts. It is of course, Ken Klosterman's "Salon de Magie." On this episode of the Magic Newswire's Spirit of Magic podcast, we talk with Ken about his love of magic, how he bagan collecting and why he has decided to part with some of his treasures in an upcoming auction.  He also shares a few antic-dotes about magicians visiting the Salon such as Teller and David Copperfield.

I feel certain that anyone that is a regular listener of the Magic Newswire's "Spirit of Magic" podcast will assume that I have a "To Do" or Bucket List of interviews that are of the highest priority to me. If you understand that, then you'll certainly understand why the guest on this podcast is near the top of that list. John Gaughan is one of the most highly respected illusion designers, creators and builders today. He's also a remarkable historian and collector. If you aren't familiar with John, then please climb out from under your rock and join me for an outstanding interview! 

It has been a rough week for magic.  This afternoon I learned that we had lost yet another member of magic's royality, "Princess" Irene Larsen.  From Erika:

It is with the greatest sorrow imaginable, that we announce the passing of my beautiful, beloved mother, Irene Larsen. She left us suddenly, but not before touching many, many lives deeply and permanently. She was grace personified. Her love is all around us. She will be missed forever. The family is grieving, and we appreciate your kind words and we know you are hurting too. We will never stop celebrating Princess Irene.

I was incredibly lucky to have a few moments with Irene very early on in the production of this podcast. Enjoy remembering her with me. She will be truly missed by us all!

Morgan Strebler joined me on the Magic Newswire just over a year ago to promote the upcoming opening of his new show at the Pat Boone Theater in Myrtle Beach where he was signed to a five year contract. More recently, there have been reports in the press on the delays surrounding the opening of the venue and Morgan's departure from the project with many reasons given, including possible issues with his health. Morgan joins me for an exclusive chat to clear the air and to let people know what is really happening with him and what is in store for the future.

In 2008, Neil Patrick Harris & Guy Hollingworth began a colaboration.  Following a sold out run at the Edinburgh Festival and a series of international shows culminating in a  sell-out success at the infamous Magic Castle in LA and an amazingly well received presentation at Stan Allen's "Magic LIVE," Guy Hollingworth begins a new presentation of  his acclaimed one man show, The Expert at the Card Table " in Los Angeles today.  In his one man show, Guy presents amazing exhibitions of card chicanerywhile telling a fascinating tale of trickery, deceit and death. Based on the book of the same name, The Expert at the Card Table tells the story of two boys whose innocent love of card tricks develops in adulthood into a dangerous game of hustles, street cons and murder. Published anonymously in Chicago in 1902, the book describes in great detail, original and brilliant methods for conjuring effects, whilst at the same time revealing the author's true intent, a full exposé of the underground techniques used by hustlers, card cheats and con artists.   This performance begins today, July 13th at the Edye at the Broad Stage and runs through August 7th. Buy your tickets NOW!

In this episode of the Magic Newswire's "Spirit of Magic" podcast, my guest is best selling author and psychologist Ruchard Wiseman. My friend Brian Brushwood joined us to cohost.  Richard's most recent book release "In his latest book, Paranormality," Richard discusses how a disbelief into paranormal concepts like elepathy, fortune-telling and out-of-body experiences can produce insights into our brains, human behavior and belief systems.

Last year, Luis de Matos and Marco Tempest introduced a revolutionary new concept, and online magic convention with a world renowned line-up of presenters.  In addition to being able to watch live as the event unfolded online, everyone that was a member of EMC received a complete DVD boxed set  of all of the presentations and several bonus segments. This year, they are doing it again with EMC 2011! Find out how to win a free pass and why you'd want to register when you hear what Marco & Luis have to say about the second installment of this amazing online gathering!

Join us for the first ever Magic Newswire Meet-up on May 23rd at IMX 2011!  Rudy Coby, Brian Brushwood, Banachek, Danny Garcia, Michael Ammar, CJ Johnson, Tim Ellis, Craig Mitchell, David Kaye, Cameron Ramsay,  Scott Wells, Michael Ammar and more will meet you there! You can win any number of prizes including an Anything s Possible bottle from Jamie D Grant,  yet to be released Erdnase cards from Conjuring Arts, copies of Jay Sankey's "Bending the Real", The new Tarbel Course from Trickshop Magic, Rudy Coby's complete Magic Experience, a free pass to the upcoming Essential Magic Conference and so much more! Even if you don't attend you can win!

Join us for the first ever Magic Newswire Meet-up on May 23rd at IMX 2011!  Rudy Coby, Brian Brushwood, Banachek, Danny Garcia, Michael Ammar, CJ Johnson, Tim Ellis, Craig Mitchell, David Kaye, Cameron Ramsay,  Scott Wells, Michael Ammar and more will meet you there! You can win any number of prizes including an Anything s Possible bottle from Jamie D Grant,  yet to be released Erdnase cards from Conjuring Arts, copies of Jay Sankey's "Bending the Real", The new Tarbel Course from Trickshop Magic, Rudy Coby's complete Magic Experience, a free pass to the upcoming Essential Magic Conference and so much more! Even if you don't attend you can win!

YOU ARE ALREADY MISSED MY FRIEND

As a native Atlantan, I have very fond memories of seeing Tom Mullica perform at his magic bar on Peachtree Street, The Tom Foolery. I am sad to report that today, we lost one of magic's great performers and a genuinely nice guy. When we recorded this, Tom had been battling leukemia, but it was in remission and Tom was preparing to renew his Red Skelton tribute show in Branson. There was recent talk about the opening of a new Tom Foolery on Las Vegas as well. I am so happy to have had the chance to share this moment with Tom and can only say that I am so sorry to not have had more time with him.

Scott Wells brings Magic Newswire listeners to the 41st edition of Fechter's Finger Flicking Frolic with daily interviews and reporting from the original closeup conference.  In this episode he talks with people like Allen, Pinner, Wild, Saterial, Joshua Jay, Andi Gladwin, Yumi, Obie O'Brien, Stone, Beam, Shawn, McDonald, Bargetze and more. 

Brothers Dan & Dave Buck launced an all new magic conference in 2010 and called it Magic-Con.  Their vision was to launch an interactive conference for those serious about the art of magic, where you can share ideas, insight, and a common experience while working together towards the advancement of an artform.  The goal of the annual Magic-Con is to  provide a platform for magic’s smartest thinkers, greatest visionaries, and top performers and to introduce an intellectual mentality behind the art, science and technology of magic.  The Magic Newswire was very fortunate to have two roving reporters on site to being us a taste of the experience. Thanks to Alejandro Portela, aka "The Cuso" and Doug McKenzie for helping with this episode of the podcast!

On this episode of the Spirit of Magic podcast I am thrilled to have as my guest one of the most creative minds in magic, Jay Sankey.   Among many other topics, we discuss the impending release of his latest project "Bending the Real."  Jay originated the 'bending movement' in the fall of 2009 and because of his unique performance style, this has become Jay's most anticipated project ever! 'Bending the Real' is an inspired collection of 'low sleight' deceptions, each designed to mess with human minds from a different sensory or rational angle.