The Magic Word

Scott Wells is a professional magician who is the host of the blog and podcast, The Magic Word at http://TheMagicWordPodcast.com

[scottwellsmagic]

971: Judge Gary Brown - Wand in a Million

Gary Brown is a U.S. District Judge from New York, but he knows a con man when he discovers one. His recent revelations about Claude Alexander Conlin who had several aliases, but is most well know among magicians as “Alexander, the Man Who Knows.” Judge Brown has written several scholarly books about the history of magic including an innovative book, “Wandcraft” as well as “The Inventive Magicians Handbook.” His monograph on Alexander was published in Bill Kalush’s “Gibecière".

This week, Gary tells us why wands are important to magicians and why we should use them. He also tells us some delightful stories about Al Flosso, the Coney Island Fakir. He then tells us a bit about what he uncovered about Alexander’s very shady and polygamy ridden career as he narrowly escaped the law by traveling from one State to another. He also talks about the non-existent silver mines that he sold over and over again.

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970: Doug Gorman - Let Me Tell You A Story

Doug Gorman specializes in story telling. And he has lived a full life with stories to tell. He weaves storytelling into his magic that makes it relevant and interesting to his audience. He is an award winning magician and also a creator of some unique, rather bizarre “artifacts” that he sells at conventions and online. But one thing that makes him stand out, is his relationship with Richard Turner. For many years, Doug has been the “driver” for Richard taking him not only around town, but also across the country to lectures and corporate gigs.

This week, Doug tells us stories from his experience working as a restaurant magician and lots of great, behind the scenes stories while traveling with Richard Turner, including the genesis of the Gold Seal card deck.

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[scottwellsmagic]

969: Bob Bengel - The Dream Job

Bob Bengal worked for Hitachi for many years as their “in house” magician. That meant that he had all the benefits like insurance, vacation, 401-K, etc. He was responsible not only for performing at their trade show booths around the world, but also for playing golf with their premiere customers and keeping them happy.

In this week’s chat with Bob, he talks about how he got the job with Hitachi and why he left it. He also talks about and shares performing tips for “behind the trade show booth” to help attract crowds at the booth.

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.

[scottwellsmagic]

968: Magic Collector Expo 2026 - Day Three

Schedule

Thursday, May 14, 2026

9:00 to 11:00 a.m. – Dealer Room Open 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Session #4 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. – Dealer Room Open 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. – Session #5 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. – Cocktails & Close Up 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. – Dinner & Show

Time stamps for this episode will be posted after I get some sleep.

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[scottwellsmagic]

967: Magic Collector Expo 2026 - Days One and Two

Schedule

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

10:00 a.m. – Registration Opens 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. – Dealer Room Open 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. – Session #1 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. – Session #2 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. – Dealer Room Open

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

9:00 a.m. – First Group Bus to NYPL/Lincoln Center 10:15 a.m. – Second Group Bus to NYPL/Lincoln Center 11:30 a.m. – First Group Leaves NYPL/Lincoln Center 12:30 to 5:00 p.m. – Dealer Room Open 12:30 p.m. – Second Group Leaves NYPL/Lincoln Center 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. – Session #3 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. – Dealer Room Open

I will give you the time stamps of who spoke when after I get some sleep.

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.

[scottwellsmagic]

966: Bill Malone - Bill Malone

Everyone’s favorite close-up comedy magician, Bill Malone, joins us this week. He gives us his all including his career, his starring role on a TV show (NCIS Los Angeles) his first magic bar work, learning from a comedian, working trade shows around the world for years, training executives, his relationship with Ed Marlo, opening Malone’s Magic Bar in Boca Raton, Florida, his health scare that nearly ended his life, and he tells us about his forthcoming book that will hopefully be released in 2027.

Bill doesn’t hold back anything from our candid discussion this week. He talks about his initial reticence in approaching tables as he was getting started, learning how to draw and hold a crowd at a trade show, how he “found” his comedic character, people who influenced his life and career, the development of Malone’s Magic Bar in Boca Raton, Florida, his health scare that nearly cost him his life, and his new book. Lots of stuff packed into this episode.

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.

[scottwellsmagic]

965: Doug Scheer - Scheer Sharing

Doug Scheer has been performing thousands of school assembly shows since 1987. He has a proven formula that he fine tunes every year as he returns to many of the same schools year after year because of his entertaining and educational programs. There is more to school shows than just considering them as an oversized birthday party show. It involves a lot more business acumen in booking the shows and keeping clients happy.

I am not a children’s entertainer, but I know a lot of listeners specialize in that field, so I think it’s important to bring you experts in this field to help share their experience and perhaps encourage you to pursue such a lucrative career. In this week’s episode, Doug shares a lot of the secrets behind his success, including how he has franchised his magic show to allow others to perform his routines in their school assembly shows. He has been a featured speaker/lecturer at kid show conventions where he has opened his books to anyone willing to make the effort.

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.

[scottwellsmagic]

964: Dan Stapleton - On Cruise Control

Dan Stapleton is one of those magicians who has seen it all and now in his 60’s could easily set his remaining days on “cruise control” for the rest of his life; however, that is not who he is. He was a cruise magician for 23 years and served as a cruise director, too. Early in his career, he performed in Circus World where he got his chops at performing illusions. But his passion and goal was always to work on Main Street in Disney World as a demonstrator in the magic shop. That opportunity came to him and he loved his days doing it. He also appeared on America’s Got Talent [sic] where he was summarily dismissed, but he has a good story about that. In his semi-retirement he has managed a resort hotel in Orlando and now coordinates the Florida State Magic Collectors conferences.

Dan has so many stories that they would fill a book. He has recounted many of them in VANISH Magazine over the years in his column. But this week he shares some of those stories, and more, as he opens up about his experience being voted off of AGT yet how even today, it still helps him book shows. He chats about the status of magic on cruise ships, magic conventions, and more.

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.

[scottwellsmagic]

963: Joe Eddie and Betty Fairchild - Playing Fairs

For many decades, Joe Eddie and Betty Fairchild were “road warriors” traversing the country to perform at state and country fairs. They toured with assistants and even a big cat that kept them on the road over 40 weeks out of the year. At one point, they had a residency in Las Vegas at the Riviera with their big show. Now retired from trouping and performing, Joe Eddie has retired to Florida where he builds quality hand-made props and cases for professional magicians.

In this week’s episode, Joe Eddie gives us a walking tour of his workshop during the first half hour of our chat. Then Betty joins us during the last half to enliven the mood and share stories from the road from her perspective. I think one of the best stories they shared is the one about the inspector who “inspected” their big cat during a break at one of their shows.

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.

[scottwellsmagic]

962: Paul Richards - Magic Trends

Magic dealer, creator, consultant, lecturer, and performer, Paul Richards joins us this week as we talk about a treasure chest full of topics. Paul has been at the epicenter of innovation first as a brick and mortar magic shop owner, then online dealer, coordinator of one day magic events, as well as a well-known and highly respected magic dealer. He is often seen at all of the large magic conventions like Blackpool, MAGIC Live!, Magifest, and others.

As a result of being in the forefront of magic innovation, keep that in perspective as you listen to this week’s episode. You will see some trends that have started and perhaps get some idea of where we’re going…at least from Paul’s perspective. But you can use your own precognitive powers to prognosticate what the future of magic will bring us. This is just your “leaping off” place.

Paul has recently returned from the Blackpool magic convention in England and has a lot to say about that event But he also attends many other conventions throughout the year as a dealer and he gives us his perspective on their differences. He was the creator of the “Real Magic Roadshow” that featured a handful of magic creators in a sort of one day mini-convention. He also talks this week about his Elmwood Magic Shop which was a brick and mortar shop in Buffalo, New York, and the future of these storefront shops versus online sellers.

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.

[scottwellsmagic]

961: Michael Breggar - Everything Matters

Michael Breggar is a columnist for The Linking Ring journal (the house organ for the I.B.M.) and has written dozens of articles about putting new scripting ideas to old close-up tricks. He has also authored several books that fit his style and are quite cleverly written. For example, “The Expert at the Cod Table” by S.W. Ordfish and “Raiders of the Lost Card” by “Jerseyana” Michael Breggar. These tongue-in-cheek titles give a glimpse into his comical and satirical thinking and writing.

Michael has also invented and marketed several magic tricks (mostly with a comedic mental twist) that are part of some professional magician’s repertoires.

The reason I wanted to talk with my friend on the podcast this week was to let the rest of the magic community into his creative mind with the hopes that listeners will be inspired to think of some of the old tricks that they (we) have been performing for years and consider updating them with clever new scripting. But our conversation quickly becomes quite deep as we talk about the importance of building a strong routine and act using the three legs of building a show. In a world of short attention span, we should consider the importance of how every little thing matters that influences our audience's perception of our magic.

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.

[scottwellsmagic]

960: John Guastaferro - Leading With His Heart

John Guastaferro has his priorities straight. He thinks of others before himself. From his magic career to his professional life as a director on the board of Hundai’s “Hope on Wheels” philanthropic organization. John has just released the third book in his close-up card magic trilogy “The Final Degree.” In these books, John emphasizes how small degrees of change can make a big difference in the effect on your audience. You can see how he puts his work into action when he performs in the Close-Up Gallery of the Magic Castle.

As to his philanthropic activities, John works with this group several months out of the year in helping raise money for cancer research in children. And as if that doesn’t keep him busy enough, he is also an accomplished flamenco-style guitar player.

John Guastaferro as the executive director for Hyundai Hope On Wheels and Genesis Inspiration Foundation, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Guastaferro is responsible for advancing the missions of both foundations while maintaining current successes, driving program growth, developing diversified revenue streams, and building greater community awareness. As you can imagine, that takes a lot of his time throughout the year and we discuss all that in this week’s episode.

John is a regular performer at the Magic Castle and we chat during the first few minutes about what it was like for his first time at working there and how others may overcome their hesitancy of auditioning to perform there. When we recorded this episode, his new book “The Final Degree” was about to be released. It is now available through the publisher, Vanishing, Inc. and other fine magic shops. We also talk a little bit about his passion with the guitar. This flamenco-styiings feature original compositions that can be heard on iTunes and Spotify, among other platforms and I highly recommend listening to it. It is very soothing and relaxing music.

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.

[scottwellsmagic]

959: Dean Carnegie - The Magic Detective

Dean Carnegie is the host of The Magic Detective podcast. He has blown past 100 episodes and there appears no stopping in sight. His podcast takes deep dives into the lives and worlds of magicians (mostly from yesteryear) and released sporadically as his research unearths something of interest. Beyond his podcast and blogging, he is also an accomplished artist having painted the visages of several magicians from our history.

This week Dean tells us how he got involved in producing his podcast and his interest in magic history. He also tells us about his lifelong passion for art and some of the people who inspired his artwork. Whether you are a collector, magic historian, or aficionado of art, you are sure to enjoy this week’s episode.

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.

[scottwellsmagic]

958: John Midgley - Therapist with a Paintbrush

The National President of the S.A.M. is often referred to as “Most Illustrious.” This week’s guest, John Midgley, is a Past National President and also a “Most Wonderful Illustrator” creating magic posters and graphic novels. As a magician, he is one of the house magicians at Nashville’s “House of Cards” where he regularly entertains at the card table. Not content with just those vocations/hobbies, John can also play multiple musical instruments. Oh, and his “regular” job during the day is as a Licensed Therapist.

This week John talks about how, during the COVID lockdown, he learned to create art using his digital tablet. He likes to create magic posters for many who have not been as well recognized in the magic community with their own original artwork. He also tells us about how he came to perform magic later in life after first pursuing a career as a Licensed Therapist. He talks about balancing his two careers (therapy and magic) with the duties of a father, too.

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.

[scottwellsmagic]

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.”

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.

[scottwellsmagic]

956: Johann Rucker - The Neon Museum

When in Las Vegas, most magicians plan to see shows by other magicians like Mike Hammer, Mac King, David Copperfield, and others. But there are other attractions not to be missed whilst visiting Sin City. One major attraction (in terms of both scope and physical size) is the Neon Museum. Just a few blocks from the downtown Fremont Street Experience lies one of the best kept secrets of the city. As casinos, hotels, motels, coffee shops, cafes, and restaurants turn out their lights for their last time, the glitz lives on at this outdoor museum. It is a feast for the eyes whether you go during the day or night. Both deliver extraordinary visual awe as you view the past to see some of these iconic signs that don’t just live in history but now reside in their own “boneyard.”

This week, Johann Rucker, one of the museum’s curators tells us about the history of the museum and, perhaps why it is of historical importance to magicians.

Among the many signs and lights in the museum lies the statue of Siegfried and Roy. When the Mirage was torn down along with the Secret Garden, that left the statue of the legendary duo standing alone on the Strip. To preserve it from seeing the wrecking ball or local dump (or going in someone’s private museum), the Neon Museum decided to preserve and display it in their outdoor exhibit. Though it has no neon lights adorning or shining on it, it stands now preserved among the rest of the historical landmarks as Siegfried and Roy take their spot in history for the world to see and remember how they changed the face of Las Vegas forever. The official unveiling of the statue is expected to take place on April 25, 2026.

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.

[scottwellsmagic]

955: Lizard Man - Side Show Business

As Monty Python would say, "and now for something completely different.” This podcast tries to explore all facets of our jewel we call magic. And one part of our entertainment community has its roots in the side show. Specifically, in the early to mid-1900's magicians were part of the traveling carnivals and performed side show acts using such illusions as the stocks, blade box, and more. But as the magicians went to the legitimate stage, the other side show performers stayed behind as independent nomads. But their business of finding work is just as important as magicians trying to find work. And for “freaks” in today’s world, there are fewer venues (and perhaps audiences) who can “stomach” watching some of their acts. Moreover, freaks have become less shocking as being obesely overweight and covered in tattoos are now common sites at your local WalMart shopping centers.

This week Lizard Man tells us about why he chose to pursue a life and a lifestyle different from the “norm” and his commitment to getting tattoos and body piercings all over his body. But part of the focus of our conversation is how similar yet different our two crafts are when it comes to marketing. Magicians have a community to help, support, and direct, but the side show community is less giving and supportive.

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.