The Professional Magician

The Final Episode: How Magic Has Changed in 20 Years

23 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#139 - This is it, the final episode! I'm joined by my friend Rodney as we discuss how much magic (and marketing for shows) has changed in 20 yea...

Erik Dobell: Theater Shows

16 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Erik Dobell is doing what many performers dream of doing - running his own theater show. Join me as I dig in with Erik to find out the ups and downs o...

Jon Stetson: Connecting With Audiences

02 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#137 - Jon Stetson is a true legend in the field of mentalism! Join me as Jon and I talk about connecting with audiences. Also, this episodes contains...

Brian Cassady Thinks Deeply About Magic

05 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#136 - Brian "Cosmo" Cassady returns! Response to his first appearance was amazing. Brian is deeply philosophical about his magic and what h...

7 Ways to Avoid Burnout or Boredom

28 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#135 - Tired of performing the same show or tricks over and over? Tired of the grind of life on the road? These simple seven tips may hep you avoid bo...

John Abrams on School Assemblies

21 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#134 - Want to get into school assemblies? This interview with John Abrams is packed with amazing information about marketing, constructing your show,...

Joseph Daniels: Acting & Magic

14 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#133 - It's often said an actor playing a magician would make a better magician. That's so true with my guest this week, Joseph Daniels. Wit...

9 Steps to Create a New Show

31 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#132 - Want to create a new show? Crafting a new show the right way is more than just tossing a bunch of your favorite effects into a case and running...

8 Steps to Magic Mastery

23 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#131 - Want to know how to become so great at magic that your performances appear effortless? That's the topic in this week's episode of the...

John Reid: Communication Skills in Business

10 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#130 - John Reid is one busy guy! John performs shows, runs several businesses, and sets world records (seriously!). Find out some of John's keys...

Scott Humston: Create Your Own Parlor Show

03 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#129 - Ever wanted to create your own public parlor show? My guest this week, Scott Humston, offers an entire training devoted to this very topic. If ...

Magicians on Mission: Saving Lives

27 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#128 - What if magic could save lives? It CAN and it's happening now. Join me as I interview Fool Us Winner Chris Rose and other members of the M...

Phil Ackerly: Passion, Connection, Personalization

13 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#127 - WOW. That's the reaction I had after my interview Phil Ackerly. He's funny, creative, and a deep thinker about his magic. He's a...

Fostering Show Health

06 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#126 - After a three-week absence, the Professional Podcast is back! In this episode, I examine the keys to fostering 'Show Health,' that wo...

Bill Abbott Part 2: Scripting & Editing

08 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#125 - In this second part of my interview with Bill Abbott, we touch on a number of topics, including scripting and editing your act. Bill is highly ...

Bill Abbott Part 1: Theater Show Logistics

01 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#124 - Do you know about Bill Abbott? If not, you should! Bill's routines and effects are real-world tested, easy to do, and very entertaining. I...

Types of Volunteers

25 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#123 - What kind of volunteers can you expect for your shows? Depending on the market you work, the personalities and behaviors of volunteers can vary...

John Ferrentino: A Career in Comedy

18 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#122 - Do you enjoy comedy magic? If so, John Ferentino is definitely someone to listen to. Often called the 'Godfather of Comedy Magic,' Jo...

Understanding Client Personalities

11 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#121 - When you book your shows, you'll likely run into a variety of personalities. Understanding who these folks are and how they may act is key...

Jim Kleefeld: Noise is Not Appreciation

04 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#120 - If you are a kids performer, do you get nervous when the show organizer tells you they are going to let the kids run around to burn off energy?...

My Close-Up Sets Revealed

27 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#119 - And now for something different! I'm getting back into close-up magic soon. I thought it might be fun to talk about my close-up sets, why ...

Making Magic with Words

20 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#118 - How do you describe your magic to prospects on the phone? How do you describe your show on your website? After viewing over 200 magicians'...

Jeff McBride on Mystery School

13 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#117 - This week's episode features my interview with the legend JEFF MCBRIDE.(What more do I need to say?)Check out MYSTERY SCHOOLThis week&apos...

5 Stress-Busting Tips for Magicians

06 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#116 - Are you stressed? Chances are if you have a pulse you experience some stress each day. It's not your fault - it's how we are built. A...

Scot Nery on Street Performiung

02 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#115 - Have you ever been curious about street performing? My guest Scot Nery is a pro at it! And he's also worked with some of the biggest names...

7 Steps to Attending Magic Conventions

23 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#114 - Do you attend magic conventions? They are a great way to learn and connect with other magicians. But there are a few things you can do that wil...

Brian Scott: Discover Magic

02 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#113 - Looking for a new income stream? How about one that covertly teaches kids important character-building skills? This episode is all about Discov...

5 Ways to Make More Money

02 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#112 - Are you making enough money in your magic career? Many who aren't think the answer is simply more shows. While that is one option, let me ...

Chris Weed: The Competition Mindset

24 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#111: If you want to succeed in this business long-term, You've got to listen to my guest, Christopher Weed. Chris amazes me. He runs multiple bu...

How I Created a One-Time Theme Show

17 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#110 - Has a client ever asked you to create a special show just for them? While it  might be fun to buy a bunch of new props for that show. it'...

18 Traveling Tips for Magicians

10 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#109 - If you're new to performing, you may think traveling to a gig is no big deal, right? But there is a lot more you need to consider if you&a...

Jim Vagias: The Director's Eye

03 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#108 - Want your show to get better? REALLY better? You need a second set of eyes on it. My guest this week is a professional theater director with de...

Crafting a Show for a Specific Market

27 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#107 - Crafting a specific show to fit a certain audience, niche, or situation is one of the best ways to serve your clients and your audiences. In th...

Chipper Lowell: Being In the Moment - Pt.2

13 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#106 - It's part two of my amazing interview with Chipper Lowell! Want to become a better performer? Listen to Chipper. Want to become a kinder p...

Chipper Lowell: Being In The Moment

06 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#105: Are you 'in the moment' during your shows? Or do you perform on 'autopilot?' My guest Chipper Lowell has mastered being in t...

10 Scriptwriting Tips

30 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#104 - What do you talk about during your shows? How do you set up a routine? How do you move the routine along? For many magicians, this topic is the...

Brian Cassidy: Power of Positivity & Treating Magic As A Job

23 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#103 - There's a secret ingredient that influences how successful you'll be in magic. It has nothing to do with your tricks or your talent. ...

The Trap of "The Best"

16 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#102 - Have you ever bought a version of a trip or routine after being told it was "the best..." only to discover it didn't fit you at ...

David Parr on Performing & Scripting

09 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#101 - WOW! If you want to 'dig deep' into the nuts and bolts of what makes truly great magic, you'll love my interview with David Parr...

100th Episode Spectacular Non-Spectacular!

02 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#100 - It's the big 100th episode of the Professional Magician Podcast! Will; I celebrate by playing clips from past episodes? A walk down memory...

Tim Piccirrillo: Working Gig Sites

25 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#099 - Have you tried gig sites like GigSalad or The Bash? Many magicians dismiss them entirely, feeling these sites are nothing more than a haven for...

15 Things I Love About Magic

18 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#098 - What do you love about magic? This amazing art form offers so much! In this episode, I reveal what I love most about magic. See if you agree or...

Paul Romhany: Working Cruise Ships

11 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#097 - Ever been curious about working on cruise ships? VANISH magazine editor and full-time performer Paul Romhany has been in the cruise ship market...

15 Things I Hate About Magic

04 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#096 - Want to know what burns me up about magic Lots of things! In this episode, I rant about the things I hate most about our craft. Agree with me? ...

Michael Ross Returns: Pt. 4

26 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#095 - How to be happy! Yup, that's just one of the surprising topics Michael Ross covers in part four of his routine to The Professional Magicia...

Michael Ross Returns: Crash Course in Acting

20 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#094 - To perform magic convincingly, you need to 'sell' what you're doing. You need to act! In this third part of Michael Ross's ...

Michael Ross Returns: Stage Tips

14 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#093 - Want to become a more dynamic, effective stage performer? Listen to this guy! In the second installment of this four-part series, Michael Ross ...

Michael Ross Returns Part 1: Theatrical Tips & Advice

06 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#092 - Michael Ross is a deep thinker. And I'm so glad he has so much to share! In this first episode of a new FOUR-PART series, Michael shares h...

Don't Let Jealously Influence Your Goals

30 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#091 - Why do you do what to do? Are you performing because you love being in front of audiences? Do you strive to book a certain amount of shows beca...

Recovering From Bad Shows

23 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#090 - Ever have a bad show? If you're a full-time pro, you probably have at some point.  The real question is what you can do to recover from i...

Don't Be a Doormat

16 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#089 - Have you ever felt like your client was trying to run you over? Take advantage of you? Or just be difficult for no reason? In this episode, I t...

Don't Spend Your Client's Money

09 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#088 - This episode was inspired by my wife. She introduced me to the phrase used as the episode's title. It's a discussion about fees, why ...

David McCreary: Tips, Advice, & Stories from a Comedy Magic Pro

01 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#087 - I LOVE David McCreary's style of performing! He's so character-driven and a shining example of how to perform in a way that suits you...

Kidabra 2023 Retrospective

26 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#086 - Did you attend Kidabra? If not, you really missed out! In this week's episode, I walk you through my experiences at Kidabra, along with my...

David Merry: Comedy Magic Tips

09 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#085 - Get ready to laugh! Canada's premier comedy magician David Merry is my guest on this week's episode. I personally love David and feel...

Getting Ready for the New Season!

04 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#084 - Are you ready for your next 'season?' Many of us have seasonal bookings. Libraries book summer reading shows. Companies book holiday ...

What Are "SOPs?"

28 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#083 - Want to up your game and make your show business run smoothly and successfully? You need SOPs. Not just for your shows but for your business, t...

Brian Richards: Effective Selling Tips

22 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#082 - Want to sell more shows? Listen to this guy! My interview this week is with Brian Richards, a long-time full;-time professional magician. I lov...

"You Ain't Never Coming Back, Cris Johnson!"

15 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#081 - In this week's episode, discover why a teacher at a recent gig told me I was NEVER coming back to their school...and why this was a good t...

Rubiks Cube Magic-A-Palooza!

08 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#080 - I wanted to tackle a lighter topic for this week's episode, so this is an all-review episode. Do you like Rubik's Cube magic? If so, ...

Updating Magic for the 21st Century

01 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#079 - How are your magic presentations? Are they up to date? Magic presentations tend to have incredible staying power. When magicians find something...

Magic for All Occasions?

10 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#078 - Are you a 'magic for all occasions' performer? There's nothing wring with that. Many magicians enjoy performing in multiple mark...

Jay Mattioli: Working with Agents

03 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#077 - Have you ever considered working with agents? I have, both good and bad. But the right agent can be a goldmine if you handle yourself properly....

Goal Setting for Professional Magicians

27 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#076 - What do you want out of your magic performing? If you said, "I want more shows," that's not enough. Planning and executing your ...

Michael Messing & Tom Vejoran Talk Photography

20 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#075: How are your promo pictures? Taking pics of yourself with your cell phone is not the way to publicize your magic. The right photos can make or b...

Show Feedback, Making Good Decisions, & Mentors

13 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#074 - How do you know if you're making a good decision? Show feedback is one way. Another is finding yourself a mentor. I can't even begin ...

Mark Daniel: Kid Show Pro Tips & Kidabra Talk

06 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#073 - Performing is about big stuff and little stuff. Many of us get wrapped up in the big stuff. What tricks to buy? How to market. But the little s...

Number of Tricks in a Show?

29 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#072 - How many tricks should you do in a show? Recently, a listener of the podcast asked me about this. It seems like a simple question. But if you&a...

Cody Fisher: Pro Tips From a Master

22 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#071 - Cody Fisher is a real-world worker in every sense. He's done it all: corporate, trade shows, children's birthdays, school shows, and ...

How to Access Your Peak Performance State

12 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#070 - Have you ever been 'in the zone' during a gig? Or maybe the opposite, you just didn't 'feel it' for a gig? Athletes ta...

Louie Foxx: Scripting & Creativity

08 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#069 - Whenever I have the opportunity to talk to Louie Foxx, I always feel depressed after. Weird intro, right? But Louie is a MACHINE! He's alw...

No Props? No Problem!

01 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#068 - Ever lose your props on your way to a gig? This episode is for you! Many performers have released their set list of routines they can put toget...

Dean Hankey: Giveaways & Emotional Connection

25 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#067 - Dean Hankey has built his entire magic philosophy on the concept of giving. He approaches the world of performing with the attitude of "Ho...

The Small Things that Matter

18 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#066 - Are you doing all the little things that matter? There are big global things our business needs to do for success. But there are hundreds of li...

Christopher Carter: Working Colleges & Scripting Magic

11 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#065 - I am thrilled to bring you this amazing interview with mentalist Christopher Carter! If you've seen either of his Penguin Live lectures, y...

Advanced Rapport-Building Tips

04 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#064 - The other day, my wife listened to me on the phone with a client. Afterward, she said, "You know, you really build rapport with people qui...

Mark Strivings: Building a Magic Business

25 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#063 - Wow, what a fun interview! I've been a big fan of Mark's work for years. Interviewing him was so much fun. He shares an entire philos...

Tips for Creating Theme Shows

18 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#062 - Have you ever considered creating theme shows? Regardless of the market, theme shows are a wonderful way to set yourself apart from the competi...

David Regal: Creativity & Performing Tips

11 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#061 - David Regal has released a massive collection of effects and props over the years that are each tailored for professional workers. His methods ...

Continued Education in Magic

04 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#060 - How 'current' is your magic? Your marketing materials? Your script? Your jokes? In this episode of the podcast, I reveal how my lack ...

Questions You Must Ask Your Clients

28 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#059 - Are you asking your clients all the right questions? Unless you ask your clients the questions you need, you may be risking unneeded problems a...

Ken Scott: Sage Advice for Family Entertainers

21 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#058 - If you're a family or kid show magician, you've likely heard of Ken Scott! Ken's been performing for decades. He's performe...

Chad Crews: Working Middle Schools

14 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#057: Want to find out about an underserved market? Middle schools are a GREAT opportunity too many magicians ignore. If you go into a middle school w...

Taking Massive Action

07 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#056 - For the first episode of the new year, I take you through the 'bare-bones version of a course I used to sell for $200 that detailed how I ...

7 Myths of SEO Busted

31 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

#055 – Do you know SEO? Short for Search Engine Optimization, it’s all about Google ranking your website in search results. Over the years, I’ve...

Michael Ross: Magic Philosophy & Performing Thoughts

24 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

#054 - In this fascinating interview with long-time performer Michael Ross, we cover an eclectic array of topics. Michael is someone who cares deeply ...

Demo Video Tips

17 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

#053 - In this solo episode, I reveal simple tips to make your demo videos shine! I'm not a special effects director, graphic designer, or Hollyw...

David Moreland: Library Show Masterclass

10 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

#052 - I celebrate the ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY of The Professional Magician Podcast with an AMAZING interview with my friend David Moreland. David is an ...

Paul Romhany: Theme Shows & BOR

03 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

#051 - I'm THRILLED to have Paul Romhany on the podcast! I've known Paul for years and brings an overabundance of knowledge to every subject...

Claude Haggerty: Fundraising to Make a Difference

25 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

#050 - I don't think I've ever met someone as passionate as my guest on this week's episode! Claude Haggerty has been making a ton of m...

The Sticky Trap of Competition

19 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

#049 - How do you feel about your competition? How do you deal with your competition? What do you say when a potential client asks you about your comp...

Billy Diamond: Marketing for Entertainers

12 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

#048 - Have you heard of how powerful branding is but are not quite sure WHAT branding is? My guest Billy Diamond "de-mystifies" branding an...

Robert Baxt: Advice From an Uber-Successful Family Entertainer

03 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

#047 - Want to succeed as a family entertainer? Listen to this guy! In this week's episode, I interview Robert Baxt, World Traveler, Magic Creato...

Working Markets Deep

29 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

#046 - Are you getting the most you can out of the markets in your work? In this solo episode, I break down some of the ways you can work on different...

A Deep Dive Into Creativity

22 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

#045 - How do you foster creativity? That's the heart of my interview with Steve Petra. Steve is an incredible performer who mixes magic with pup...

When to Turn Gigs Down

15 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

#044 - Should you turn gigs down? That's the heart of this week's episode. Many of us (myself included) go through phases when we feel like ...

Peter Loughran: Tips & Strategies for Illusionists

08 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

#043 - Do you enjoy performing illusions? Even if you aren't an "illusionist," many of you still use one or two large pieces in your sh...

Package Selling

01 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

#042 - Are you offering your clients different packages? If you're not, you're missing out on a powerful way to increase your income. In thi...

Lessons for Our Younger Selves with Obediah Thomas

24 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

#041 - Wouldn't it be nice to hop in your Delorean and go back in time? Are there things you wish you could tell your younger self? Running a mag...

Scams and How to Spot Them

17 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

#040 - In this solo episode, I tackle Internet scams for entertainers. I reveal what scam recently tried to trap me along with my analysis of the big ...