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Erik Tait takes questions sent in by the listeners! Where to find your local magic club, how to get longer sets, where to get your tricks published, and a lot more! He even brings back Desert Island Magic Books and Top Five Under Five when asked by a loyal listener.
This episode originally aired April 29, 2019. An elderly woman is murdered. Though investigators were able to lift prints from the scene, they failed to find a match and the crime went unsolved. Years later, advances in fingerprint science enable police to identify the print and the killer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Josh Burch is not just a talented creator and performer of magic; he is also the brains behind the social media team at Penguin Magic. He helps to curate the videos that regularly go viral, and develops new material for YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. He shares the secrets magicians should know to get their own magic videos featured on Penguin Magic's channels.
A conversation with DNEG VFX Supervisor Dan Bethell on how they turned sunny Sydney into a snow-covered New York as well as other work for Shane Black's thriller, Play Dirty.
It's all about your performance | Satan's Sleight of HandGrace, Not Performance: Freedom in Christ – Romans 3:19–28This Sunday at Divine Savior Church Doral (9:30 a.m.), Pastor Caleb concludes our impactful series, “Satan's Sleight of Hand,” with a message that hits close to home: “It's all about your performance.”Everywhere we turn—school, work, relationships, social media, even inside the church—we feel the pressure to perform, to prove our worth, to measure up. But that's one of the oldest lies of the enemy. The truth of the Gospel sets us free: our worth isn't determined by what we do but by what Christ has done for us.In Romans 3:19–28, the Apostle Paul reminds us that righteousness is not something we earn, but something we receive. Through Christ's finished work on the cross, we are declared righteous, forgiven, and loved — not because of our performance, but because of His perfect grace.Come and experience the assurance of God's grace through His Word and Sacrament. Find rest for your soul, freedom from guilt, and the deep joy of knowing your identity is secure in Jesus Christ.✨ Join us in person or online — as we close out “Satan's Sleight of Hand” with a message that will help you let go of striving and rest in God's amazing grace.Service Times:Saturday 5pm (Bilingual)Sunday 9:30am (English)Sunday 11:30am (Spanish)Support the showMoved to give? http://dschurch.link/givedoralFor more info about our church please visit our website: https://divinesaviorchurch.com/dscdor/
We're told from every angle—school, work, even church—that our worth depends on how we perform. But this Reformation Sunday, we remember the truth that set the Church free: you are saved not by performance, but by grace. As we celebrate 175 years of God's grace in the WELS, we're not bragging on ourselves—we're boasting in Christ alone.Support the show
We're told from every angle—school, work, even church—that our worth depends on how we perform. But this Reformation Sunday, we remember the truth that set the Church free: you are saved not by performance, but by grace. As we celebrate 175 years of God's grace in the WELS, we're not bragging on ourselves—we're boasting in Christ alone.Support the show~ Changing lives with Jesus! Facebook | YouTubeInstagram @dscsienna
Myq Kaplan is a comedian and writer with a truly unique approach to creativity. He discusses not only his approach to writing, but also actionable ways magicians can infuse comedy into their show. Before that Nick Locapo comes on the show to discuss the latest tricks and share updates on The Hand & The Eye, the new magic venue coming to Chicago.Myq Kaplan's Special Rini - https://youtu.be/y0uf9i_z-Aw
We all crave happiness—but what kind? The kind that fades the moment life gets hard? Or the kind that endures even in pain? This week, God challenges the popular belief that his highest goal is our short-term comfort. In Hebrews 11, we see an example of someone who could have chosen comfort, ease, and status—but instead chose something better. Through this, God shows us that true happiness isn't found in chasing pleasure, but in walking with him toward something eternal.Support the show
We all crave happiness—but what kind? The kind that fades the moment life gets hard? Or the kind that endures even in pain? This week, God challenges the popular belief that his highest goal is our short-term comfort. In Hebrews 11, we see an example of someone who could have chosen comfort, ease, and status—but instead chose something better. Through this, God shows us that true happiness isn't found in chasing pleasure, but in walking with him toward something eternal.Support the show~ Changing lives with Jesus! Facebook | YouTubeInstagram @dscsienna
A Note from JamesI've always loved books where a journalist gets so deep into a subculture that they become part of it. Magic Is Dead by Ian Frisch is one of those. He starts out covering a secret society of magicians—“The 52,” named for the cards in a deck—and ends up becoming one of them.It reminded me of other favorites like Word Freak (Scrabble), The Game (pickup artists), and Moonwalking with Einstein (memory champions). I love that genre of participation—when curiosity turns into obsession and then into mastery.Ian's journey pulled me right in. He didn't just report on the world of magicians; he lived in it, practiced card tricks until his hands hurt, and learned how obsession, storytelling, and performance shape every great craft. Talking to him made me think about how every one of us could benefit from being part of more than one “world”—to have different lives, different subcultures where we're known and respected for something unique. That's real diversification. Not just financial, but personal.Episode DescriptionIn this episode, James talks with journalist and author Ian Frisch about his book Magic Is Dead: My Journey into the World's Most Secretive Society of Magicians and what it means to go all-in on obsession.They explore the underground network of modern magicians reinventing the art for the social-media age—tattoos, streetwear, viral videos, and all—and what these creative subcultures can teach the rest of us about mastery, storytelling, and risk.It's a conversation about transformation: how curiosity becomes discipline, and how the principles behind sleight of hand apply to persuasion, business, and everyday life.What You'll LearnWhy obsession—not balance—is often the key to getting great at somethingHow social media reshaped the art and culture of modern magicThe real psychology behind deception, storytelling, and human connectionHow magicians build trust with skeptical audiences (and what leaders can learn from it)Why belonging to multiple “worlds” or subcultures creates resilience and happinessTimestamped Chapters[00:00] Introduction — Obsession as a superpower [03:00] A Note from James — The journalist who became a magician [06:00] Participatory journalism and the power of total immersion [10:00] What makes this genre work: transformation and obsession [11:30] Discovering the new generation of social-media magicians [14:00] From top hats to tattoos: how magic reinvented itself online [18:30] The challenge of trust when magic meets video editing [20:30] The return of live magic and the human reaction [23:30] Subcultures, hierarchies, and belonging [26:00] Magic as a social tool for outsiders [29:00] How magicians train for a decade to master their craft [37:00] Ian's own training: learning sleight of hand as an adult [40:00] The poker connection and card control secrets [44:00] Why mystery matters more than the trick itself [47:00] Storytelling, psychology, and reading people [52:00] Applying magician skills to real-world persuasion [54:00] Comedy, showmanship, and performance overlap [55:30] The secret societies of magic and “The 52” [58:30] Competition, creativity, and the economics of exclusivity [01:00:40] How Ian earned his place as the “Two of Clubs” [01:03:00] Inventing a new trick and becoming part of the storyAdditional ResourcesMagic Is Dead: My Journey into the World's Most Secretive Society of Magicians by Ian FrischIan Frisch's WebsiteRelated titles discussed:Word Freak by Stefan FatsisMoonwalking with Einstein by Joshua FoerThe Game by Neil StraussThe Biggest Bluff by Maria KonnikovaMentioned magicians:Chris RamsayDaniel MadisonLaura LondonDoug McKenzieSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Craig Petty returns to the show to discuss his chaotic trip to Magic Live, spill the beans behind Game Changer and an unreleased effect for Keymaster, and discuss his kids' illusion show that is performing on some of the largest stages in the UK. Magic and Mischief is headlining House of Secrets and you need to know about it.
In a society that has almost tried to get the word “sin” out of circulation, it's fascinating that self-loathing over unresolved guilt anger over unexpressed forgiveness is still one of the largest drivers of behavior. This week, we look at the most famous fail of processing guilt in history, the story of Judas Iscariot, to see the necessity of finding forgiveness, including self-forgiveness.Support the show
In a society that has almost tried to get the word “sin” out of circulation, it's fascinating that self-loathing over unresolved guilt anger over unexpressed forgiveness is still one of the largest drivers of behavior. This week, we look at the most famous fail of processing guilt in history, the story of Judas Iscariot, to see the necessity of finding forgiveness, including self-forgiveness.Support the show~ Changing lives with Jesus! Facebook | YouTubeInstagram @dscsienna
That Sin Can't Be Forgiven (?) | Satan's Sleight of HandOne of Satan's most damaging lies is this: “God could never forgive that.” In this message from our series Satan's Sleight of Hand, we look at how guilt, shame, and self-condemnation can trap us in hopelessness.This weekend, guest preacher Missionary Zach Satorius opens up the tragic story of Judas Iscariot—a man who walked with Jesus but believed the lie that his sin was too great to be forgiven. His story shows us the danger of unresolved guilt and the desperate need we all have for self-forgiveness rooted in Christ's mercy.Support the showMoved to give? http://dschurch.link/givedoralFor more info about our church please visit our website: https://divinesaviorchurch.com/dscdor/
Steve Reynolds stops by the show to discuss the new expanded edition of The Olram File. He also discusses his relationship with Jon Racherbaumer, how he came into possession of so much unpublished Marlo material, and the best way to study the Late Great Ed Marlo. If you are a fan of card magic, this is the episode for you.
Modern America is what philosophers might call a “soft closed religious society.” What that means is that it's technically not illegal to discuss matters of faith in public, but it's considered socially inappropriate. Particularly inappropriate would a discussion of Hell. But it's actually impossible to be a Christian witness, without modifying the gospel of Jesus, if you never address Hell. So the end result is that most Christians today simply don't witness their faith in any sort of true, vocal way. If we are called to be witnesses, we need to be confident, and biblical, and loving in our witness of Christ. This week we're going to learn about how to talk about Hell in a true way, but one that resonates with contemporary culture.Support the show
Modern America is what philosophers might call a “soft closed religious society.” What that means is that it's technically not illegal to discuss matters of faith in public, but it's considered socially inappropriate. Particularly inappropriate would a discussion of Hell. But it's actually impossible to be a Christian witness, without modifying the gospel of Jesus, if you never address Hell. So the end result is that most Christians today simply don't witness their faith in any sort of true, vocal way. If we are called to be witnesses, we need to be confident, and biblical, and loving in our witness of Christ. This week we're going to learn about how to talk about Hell in a true way, but one that resonates with contemporary culture.Support the show~ Changing lives with Jesus! Facebook | YouTubeInstagram @dscsienna
Gabriella Lester has joined the cast of the new touring show Now You See Me Live, based on the popular Now You See Me Film franchise. She discusses the casting process, creating magic for the show, and their first show at the Sydney Opera House. Nick Locapo kicks off the show, discussing the latest tricks and the Vogue article declaring magic at your house parties as hot again.
Modern Americans are very familiar with the practice of the privatization of faith. But if good news is, in fact, good, then how private can you truly keep it before you insinuate it's not all that life-changing? This week, Jesus shows us that faith was never meant to be hidden—it was meant to be lived, spoken, and shared. Because when the gospel grabs hold of your heart, it can't help but overflow into your words, your relationships, and your world.Support the show
Modern Americans are very familiar with the practice of the privatization of faith. But if good news is, in fact, good, then how private can you truly keep it before you insinuate it's not all that life-changing? This week, Jesus shows us that faith was never meant to be hidden—it was meant to be lived, spoken, and shared. Because when the gospel grabs hold of your heart, it can't help but overflow into your words, your relationships, and your world.Support the show~ Changing lives with Jesus! Facebook | YouTubeInstagram @dscsienna
Fitzgerald stops by the show to discuss the Black Rabbit Rose Theater in Hollywood, as well as his work with The Unholy Three, and his transition from magician, to comedian, and then onto comedy magic. The show starts with Nick & Erik discussing the latest tricks and news in the magic world.
“If your marriage isn't happy, you should leave.” It sounds reasonable—even compassionate. But Jesus speaks a better word. In Matthew 19, he challenges not just our decisions, but the lies we believe about happiness, commitment, and love. This week, we'll wrestle with what God permits in a broken world, what he commands for our good, and what Jesus himself vows to us—an unbreakable covenant love that stays. Whether you're married, single, divorced, or hurting, Jesus meets you with truth that heals and grace that holds.Support the show
“If your marriage isn't happy, you should leave.” It sounds reasonable—even compassionate. But Jesus speaks a better word. In Matthew 19, he challenges not just our decisions, but the lies we believe about happiness, commitment, and love. This week, we'll wrestle with what God permits in a broken world, what he commands for our good, and what Jesus himself vows to us—an unbreakable covenant love that stays. Whether you're married, single, divorced, or hurting, Jesus meets you with truth that heals and grace that holds.Support the show~ Changing lives with Jesus! Facebook | YouTubeInstagram @dscsienna
Most philosophers and religious leaders throughout history have suggested that contentment is the secret to happiness. And yet, modern research also seems to suggest that $34k/year income is a threshold, and $75k/year is another income threshold for happiness. So which is it? Can we be content without X amount of dollars? Should we be content where we're at and never pursue more money? What can we do with the money we have that will bring greatest joy? Support the show
Most philosophers and religious leaders throughout history have suggested that contentment is the secret to happiness. And yet, modern research also seems to suggest that $34k/year income is a threshold, and $75k/year is another income threshold for happiness. So which is it? Can we be content without X amount of dollars? Should we be content where we're at and never pursue more money? What can we do with the money we have that will bring greatest joy?Support the show~ Changing lives with Jesus! Facebook | YouTubeInstagram @dscsienna
John Reid is a Guinness World Records balloon sculptor, a legendary magician, on the forefront of teaching magic to the youth, and the guy who has kept Cressey Coils as the premier coil producer in the world. He shares a wide-ranging conversation with Erik Tait. The show kicks off with Erik & Nick discussing the latest tricks, and the recent spate of fake endorsements to plague the magic marketplace.
Researcher Robert Bellah wrote in Habits of the Heart that 81% of Americans believe that you should come to religious conclusions APART from any religious organization. In other words, the majority of people believe you don't find God in community. They think you find God on your own. The reality is that Americans today, including many Christians, have reported that they've never been lonelier. Gen Z 18-22 year-olds are the loneliest, followed by Millennials. Why? Because we're trying to do life and faith on our own terms, not cemented into Church community.Support the show~ Changing lives with Jesus! Facebook | YouTubeInstagram @dscsienna
Satan's Sleight of Hand More Money More Happiness Pastor Ben KuerthDivine Savior ChurchSupport the showMoved to give? http://dschurch.link/givedoralFor more info about our church please visit our website: https://divinesaviorchurch.com/dscdor/
Blake Vogt has worked behind the scenes for David Copperfield, David Blaine, Dynamo, and Justin Willman. He's also become quite the popular performer himself with his appearances on Penn & Teller: Fool Us and Disney Cruise Ships. Blake discusses creativity, sleeping on couches, and how a titanic winter storm changed his life forever.
The new world champion of Parlor Magic Mortenn Christiansen returns to the show to discuss how what started as his hand stuck in a Pringles can turned into a second world championship. He discusses how the act developed, how his first win changed his life, imposter syndrome, and so much more.
Jason Michaels takes a break from hosting his own podcast to discuss The International Brotherhood of Magicians, touring military bases around the world, and how he has embraced his journey with Tourette's not only as a magician but also as a storyteller.
Nick Locapo returns after a long absence to discuss the hottest new products, his experience at Magic Live, and give an eagerly awaited update on The Hand & The Eye, the hot new magic venue coming to Chicago.
In August of 2000, Pearl Jam was going through a period of growth following the aftermath of the tragedy at Roskilde. As they toured throughout North America, every stop was a chance to heal from that moment. As they hit close to the end of the month, they prepared for three massive shows at Jones Beach Amphitheater located on Long Island in the shadow of New York City. There was a sense that they needed to deliver, and they exceeded every expectation. Night 1's show might not get the same praise as the two that precede it, but it was a great way to warm up this crowd and get things kicked off on the right note. In this episode, we'll spend some time breaking down some classic Binaural performances such as Nothing As It Seems, God's Dice and Sleight Of Hand while sharing our favorite order to hear the Man Trilogy and a superb Long Road open. We'll also talk about this version of Daughter which sets the tone for the legendary Daughter and It's OK tag performance the next night. This is just part one! The next two episodes will cover the remaining Jones Beach shows from 2000, so stay tuned for our breakdown of those legendary nights! Visit the Concertpedia - http://liveon4legs.com Contact the Show - liveon4legspodcast@gmail.com Donate to the Show - http://patreon.com/liveon4legs
We've never missed an episode, and we won't let Erik's poor destroyed voice from working two magic conventions back to back get in the way of that streak! This week, Erik shares his thoughts on FISM, Magic Live, the troubles of travel, the incredible magic he saw, and sharing new products with the magic world.
Mind2Mind are the newly crowned world champions of Mentalism. Their electrifying performance at FISM resulted in people thinking their act was so good it used stooges, and nothing could be further from the truth. They join the podcast to discuss their road to FISM, the intense training, and just what happened right after the audience leaped to its feet in an unbelievable standing ovation.
Craig Petty joins the show to discuss his controversial YouTube video, The Desolation of Yigal Mesika. He gives background on the dispute over Air Flight, the controversial behavior of Yigal Mesika, and the fallout from the video. Erik Tait, for the first time, shares a story of when he wrote ad copy for Yigal and how it didn't end the way he had hoped. If you haven't viewed the video in question, a link is provided below.The Desolation Of Yigal Mesika: https://youtu.be/TnsLrTi5pX4?si=wsFPLAaf5movhKd1
David Kuraya is a performer and author who was a regular performer at Warren and Annabelle's in Hawaii. He was also a close friend of Curtis Kam and discusses his legacy on magic and Hawaii. David also discusses his book of magic and essays.Ginosko David's Book - https://www.davidkuraya.com/about
Meg Wolitzer presents stories that take the idea of “the magic of fiction” literally—or literarily. The British writer Penelope Lively offers up a tricky combination of love and real estate in “The Third Wife,” performed by real-life husband and wife Patricia Kalember and Daniel Gerroll. The only “trick” in our next story, “Tempo,” by R.O. Kwon, is the trick the mind plays when it wishes the present would restore a lost bit of the past. The reader is Hettienne Park. And Dave Eggers' “The Alaska of Giants and Gods” includes a real magic act, but also the longing for some other kind of magic, misplaced on a rocky road, to be restored. Kate Burton reads.
Christopher Carter joins the show to discuss his new book In The Spotlight. One of the most anticipated books on Mentalism of the year, Christopher shares what the book is about, the process of writing it, and shares his deep insight into the performance of mentalism.
Jason Latimer stops by the show to discuss his road to FISM, performing and speaking at FISM Italy, and his incredible work in California schools with Impossible Science. Jason is inspiring children to get more active in Science through magic.https://impossiblescience.com/
Harrison Lampert is one of the owners and performers of the newest magic venue in Chicago, The Cosmic Underground Theater. He discusses opening the venue, combining improv and magic, and their magic school that is open and accessible to all. Before the show Nick and Erik discuss the latest tricks and break down the OG Penguin himself, Oz Pearlman, appearing on The Joe Rogan Podcast.
Professor Richard Wiseman is one of the great science communicators of the day, and often uses incredible magic to help explain the mysteries of human psychology to the public. He will be speaking and performing at FISM in Italy, and on this episode, he gives us a sneak preview of his presentation. Before that, the show kicks off with Erik & Nick discussing the hottest tricks of the week.
Zabrecky stops by the show to discuss the development of his award-winning persona, winning the AMA Close-Up Magician of the Year award, creativity, and dealing with ethics and theft of your material in magic. The show starts with Nick Locapo and Erik Tait discussing the newest Danny Garcia trick, Erik's trip to the Magic Castle, and the latest tricks making it through their repertoire.
Jon Allen joins the show to discuss the reprint of his book Experience, the way he develops some of the most fooling and commercial magic on the market, and confirms a story from this podcast as told by David Williamson. All that and more on this week's episode of the Penguin Magic Podcast.
Jamy Ian Swiss sits down to discuss his friendship with Geoff Latta, as well as Latta's lasting impact on sleight of hand magic. Jamy also discusses the Pink Purse Tape, where it came from, and why it's so controversial. Before that, Nick & Erik discuss the newest tricks of the week, including Mental Block Die and Pocket Bottle.
Nick Locapo joins the show in a rare guest capacity to reveal his involvement in The Hand & The Eye, a new venue in Chicago, discuss the magic team that includes Jeff Kaylor and Michael Ammar, and the history of the building the new venue is going into. This is an exclusive interview that you can't hear anywhere else about the newest magic venue coming to Chicago.
Gay Blackstone joins the show to discuss Masters of Illusion, her marriage to Harry Blackstone Jr, and tell stories from the golden age of magic you've never heard before. Nick & Erik kick off the show discussing Invisible Harmonica, the new Geoff Latta book, a brand new magic app, and more. Plus we tease a huge announcement for next week.
What does the Bible say about worship, and the regulative principle of worship? When do we cross the Matthew 15 line, and witness the displacing of God's law by the traditions of men? Worship has turned more freeform of recent, but are we getting off base? We take a look at the regulative principle of worship and recommend getting to the spirit of the law, and better identifying when we are making the law of God of none effect by our traditions. We take up a few applications. What about Elvis Presley doing a solo performance in the worship? Or, what about cutting off the heads of chickens, puppet shows, and movie clips? What about reincorporating psalm singing in the worship?This program includes:1. The World View in 5 Minutes with Adam McManus (Saudi Arabia invests $600 billion in America, 80% of Cuban churches are not legal, 115-year-old woman is oldest person alive)2. Generations with Kevin Swanson
Jon Armstrong stops by the show to discuss his new award as The Magic Castle's Parlor Magician of the Year. He also discusses writing and creating for your own show, and how you can move from close-up to stage. The show kicks off with Nick Locapo and Erik Tait discussing the newest tricks from Penguin Magic, answering Listener questions on how to conquer butterflies before performing, and Nick gives a report on the convention he just performed on.