I did an UNO REVERSE episode with @magic4yourbrain where he interviewed me. And it’s shaping up to be the most popular episode of the year.
We talked about performing, coaching, what magician need, podcast highlights, and he even pre interviewed my parents to learn about my upbringing and how this all came to be.
Probably the most popular episode of the year. Link in bio to hear it!
Join us for an exciting livestream with the incredible Lee Asher! Lee is a world-renowned magician, creator of the iconic Asher Twist, and president of the 52 Plus Joker Playing Card Collectors Association. We’ll dive into his latest project, "The Card Magic & Playing Card History Timeline" and hear a few stories from his lifetime of magical adventures. Don’t miss this chance to learn, laugh, and get inspired by one of the top names in magic and playing card collecting!
My first memory of magic is on my fifth birthday, at the Magic Castle, on
stage with the one and only – Ireland’s Largest Leprechaun, Mister Billy
McComb. I believe he did the vanishing birdcage that day. He eventually got
me on stage as a volunteer and I was in heaven. I thought he was the bees
knees. And as I got older, he just got funnier and funnier. One of my
favorites ever. Rest in peace, Billy.
Other than your family, who were the first professional magicians you
remember seeing?
I was lucky enough to see the Siegfried and Roy show as a young kid,
and that show was truly mesmerizing, larger than life. It felt like being
in another world. I remember the electricity in the room. It was thrilling
and kinetic, and they were so graceful. They seemed to have walked onto
the stage from the clouds.
By what mechanisms did you begin learning magic?
I learned magic at Magic Camp as a kid (that’s right, folks!) in Idyllwild,
California. I also learned from dear family friends, and from books.
Liberty Larsen
Who inspires you that is not a magician?
Outside of
magic, I’m inspired by Joanna Newsom, Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen (two
very special Canadians who almost dated!), Jesca Hoop, Martha Graham,
Charlie Kaufman, Michel Gondry, Peter Brook, Carmen Amaya, Kate Bush,
Harry Nilsson, Tom Waits, Remedios Varo, Robert Moss, on and on… I love
people who make worlds out of their dreams and stubbornly insist on living
inside them.
Who inspires you magically?
I’m inspired by Rob Zabrecky, Michael Carbonaro, Jared Kopf,
Voronin, The Swedish Monkey Opera, René Lavand (rest in peace) and many
other gems.
In addition to performing magic, we understand that you are also a
musician. Have you studied anything else magic-adjacent? How have these
studies informed your magic performance?
Though I can’t say I’ve officially studied art, film or photography, I’ve
definitely been influenced by my own rogue education in all of those realms.
Everything that inspires, everything that lights up the circuitry,
everything that gives goosebumps, can translate into magic, I think.
I
draw from music more than anything else, because I look to magic to create
strong feelings. I’m not really drawn to cerebral stuff, or puzzles, it’s
not how my mind is wired. I can appreciate them but they don’t motivate me
to get on stage.
On stage, I don’t want to be clever. I want to
feel connected to people When I’m in an audience, I want to feel like the
performer is cracking my heart open like a walnut, and melting me. So, I
look to music for how to do that, because that’s how I’m wired. So I often
sing, because it’s a quick cheat to shift things from intellect into
feeling. But even when I’m not singing, the same elements of music – rhythm
and pacing, tone and resonance, harmonics and dissonance, dynamics and flow
– all these things go into good theater, and satisfying magic.
What, if anything, makes you nervous about joining the Champions
family?
Giant theaters! Exciting, but not something I’m used to. I’ve
performed in a lot of very small, cabaret style venues. This is a whole
different ball of wax.
What are you most looking forward to about joining the Champions of
Magic family?
The adventure of it! I love the electrical current that’s running
through this project. It’s got a strong pulse. It seems like I’m hopping
on a train that’s changing platforms and going to a whole new dimension.
This is such a fantastic group of people, and it’s an ambitious risk we’re
all taking together, which is a truly exciting challenge.
If you could go back in time to study (magic or otherwise) under
anybody, who would you choose to be your mentor?
I think I would go back in time and study dance with Martha Graham. I devoured
her autobiography and am so inspired by the way she lived her life. She was a
genuinely magical person, and a profound teacher. I feel like what she taught
could translate beyond dance into just about anything. She taught people how
to be deeply in their bodies, truly themselves and radically open to their own
source of inspiration.
Liberty Larsen
If you could prevent other performers performing an effect forever, what
would it be?
I read a truly terrible “gag” in an antique magic book about having
your Thanksgiving turkey get up and walk off the table. It involved using a
real chicken, plucked, and doing some terrible things to force it to be
still, and painting it brown as if it was roasted. I would outlaw that
turkey trick, punishable by tarring and feathering.
If you could only perform one effect for the rest of your life, what
would it be?
I am not sure I could ever be up to that challenge. But if I could
shapeshift into a bird while singing, and land one someone’s shoulder,
maybe deliver a secret message that only they would understand and that
would inspire a huge gasp, it would be that.
What’s your go-to Karaoke song?
“Get it While You Can” by Janis Joplin. Not because of the lyrics,
necessarily, but because her emotional range is just so great to sing.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about
performing in Canada?
From the October 31st Instagram post by Young Hollywood, Liberty Larsen, and Fernando Velasco (one of her Champions of Magic co-stars) are interviewed about the Magic Castle:
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I just learned that, “The first reference to throwing rotten
vegetables at bad stage acts came in an 1883 New York Times article after
John Ritchie was hit with a barrage of tomatoes and rotten eggs by an
unpleasant audience in New York. A large tomato thrown from the gallery
struck him square between the eyes and he fell t the floor just as several
bad eggs dropped upon his head.” The more you know…!
Thank you Liberty, for making the time to answer our questions!
This Friday, Novembre 8 at 1h PM (Eastern time) I’ll have the great pleasure to be the Guest Star at “Inside the Magician’s Studio” hosted by John Kippen. To see this live interview, simply register with the link below. After registering, you will receive by mail your direct Zoom link to attend the interview. Not only will I answer John’s questions, but I will perform some magic for you.
S6E7 is a must watch/listen for aspiring content creators. Chris Ramsay is a magician, comedian, puzzle enthusiast and social media phenomenon with more than 7 million YouTube subscribers and nearly 600 thousand Instagram followers. Chris takes us on his sometimes bumpy but never dull journey to Internet notoriety and success.
Listen to Richard Young and Alan Hudson interview Carisa Hendrix on the What's Going On? channel of the Magicians' Podcast Network(also available on
Apple Podcasts (listen for free on a 3 day trial)).
Didn't make it to the premiere at the Toronto Hot Docs screening of the film? Don't worry, it's coming to a theatre near you! (Including Vancouver and Toronto later this month.) Check the Lost in the Shuffle website for details.
We're delighted that Ian made time to answer our questions ahead of this year's Bash!
Who inspires you that is not a magician?
Bella, my dog. She is happy no matter what. I think we should all try and be like that. You didn't say a person....
What is your first memory of magic?
When I was 3 years old a magician came to my play school. I still remember the paper coils coming out of his mouth. We all grabbed a piece of it. He also actually pulled a rabbit out of a hat. I think that may be the only time I ever actually saw that trick done.
Who from the magic community inspires you?
So Many people. But currently Jeff McBride is the person I'm looking up to the most. His abilities in so many areas of magic, as well as his ability to teach it to others is mind blowing!
Was there anyone or anything instrumental to you becoming a magician?
No, Not really. I grew up in Nova Scotia. We had very little in the way of magic. But, my grandfather lived next door to this John Talbot guy who did magic. He was kind enough to share information and loansome books. This kick started me getting more seriously into magic.
Ian Stewart
Did you ever get discouraged and think about quitting
magic?
I never did. For many years I concentrated on my juggling and hypnosis shows. But I never actually quit magic. It's always been a huge part of my life.
Do you have any tour or pre-show rituals you’d be willing to share
with our readers?
I actually don't think I have any. I do like putting a cheque into the bank machine after a show!
What are you most looking forward to about participating in the 2024 Browser's Bash?
I'm unknown to most magicians. I've been hidden away on the East Coast and as a full time single dad I've rarely had time to socialize with magicians from outside of the East Coast. Now that my boy his a bit older and I can travel again, I'm excited to meet more magicians!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I'm excited to see everyone!
Thank you Ian for making the time to answer our questions! We look forward to seeing you at this year's Bash!
Presented touring magic shows across Canada for 30+ years (Fantasy Magic and Holiday Magic).
We're delighted that Dick made time to answer our questions ahead of this year's Bash!
Who inspires you that is not a magician?
The significant others who support the magical fraternity and suffer our constant barrage of "Let me show you a new trick."
What is your first memory of magic?
I was born and raised in England and saw my first magician at about the age of 12 years. It was at an office party celebrating the holiday season. The magician performed such mysteries as the die box and square circle. The presentation was aimed at children younger than myself and although it peaked my curiosity I was not overly impressed. It was not until I was in my later 20's when living in Canada that I became interested in this magical form of entertainment.
Who from the magic community inspires you?
I am always in awe of those performers who continue to provide inspiring
entertainment and to those with magical knowledge who pass that knowledge on the up and coming generation. The list of names could be endless and I would hate to miss anyone out.
Was there anyone or anything instrumental to you becoming a magician?
I have been fortunate enough to meet and work with some fabulous people over the years. In the local club circuit it would be impossible for me not to mention past members Sid Lorraine, Bruce Posgate, The Wacky Wizard Jack Bateman, Magic stores of Morrisey Magic under the leadership of Herb, and The Browser's Den under the leadership of Len [Cooper] and now Jeff [Pinsky]. Magic Camps.... The one and only Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp under the leadership of Mike and Jen [Segal].
International performers Michael Ammar, David Copperfield, Jaun Tamariz, plus Terry Seabooke, and so many more.
Our centurion... GORDON PRECIOUS (always presenting his latest miracle).
Dick Joiner
Did you ever get discouraged and think about quitting
magic?
Slow times make you wonder about why you are doing what you are doing. I have always been fortunate enough (at least in my earlier days) to always have something come-up at the last minute.... A cruise ship offer, a tour with Bobby Vinton or Bobby Curtola as an opening act, a long running dinner cabaret show, etc etc. Great agents that believe in you can certainly make booking gigs so much easier.
Do you have any tour or pre-show rituals you’d be willing to share
with our readers?
Arrive early at the performance site is a MUST FOR ME. It also became a MUST for any of the cast we had performing over the thirty plus years I was presenting either "Fantasy Magic" or "Holiday Magic" show tours across Canada. It is also a great concern to me that we give the client 110% effort on the show and provide for them what they envisioned the show to be.
What are you most looking forward to about participating in the 2024 Browser's Bash?
Restarting what BROWSERS DEN had started before C19. This is a great get together of a very talented community and a wonderful opportunity to learn more about either a chosen hobby or career. Friendships are re kindled and n friendships made.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
IF YOU DO NOT GO AFTER WHAT YOU WANT - YOU'LL NEVER HAVE IT.
-
IF YOU DO NOT ASK THE ANSWER WILL ALWAYS BE NO.
IF YOU DO NOT STEP FORWARD, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN THE SAME PLACE.
Thank you Dick for making the time to answer our questions! We look forward to seeing you at this year's Bash!
To learn more about Dick Joiner follow him
on Facebook.
Visit the Browser's Den of Magic website to buy your ticket and learn more about this year's Bash! See you on Saturday, July 13, 2024!
Delivered magic lectures in more than 70 cities around the world!
We're delighted that Ben made time to answer our questions ahead of this
year's Bash!
Who inspires you that is not a magician?
Is it too cheesy if I say "my dad"? 'Cause I think he's
pretty awesome...
I'm inspired by artists, athletes, writers,
politicians, activists, etc. Instead of listing any... you can talk to
me and ask. :)
What is your first memory of magic?
When I was 8 years old my parents took me to the Browser's Den as a reward
for doing well (or doing better than I normally did) at school. I'm sure I
saw a lot of magic that day, but the one I remember most vividly was the
Mismade Queen - a scaled down close up version of the famous ZigZag
illusion. I loved that trick, and ended up playing with it so much that I
wore out the cards that came with it!
Who from the magic community inspires you?
Rather than give you specific names, I'll break it down into the two
types of magicians that inspire me.
First are the people who focus on growing and building up their local
communities. These are the volunteers at magic clubs, the ones that
provide spaces for their fellow performers to try things, the ones that
organize regular jams and hangouts. I see the Ottawa magic community as
an example of people doing this really well.
The other type of magicians that inspire me are the ones NOT involved in
their local communities directly - the ones that just focus on making
their own magic as good as they can possibly make it. These are the
people inventing new tricks, performing kick-ass magic, and making magic
better simply by being GOOD.
Was there anyone or anything instrumental to you becoming a
magician?
Sure! In chronological order:
1. Jeff Pinsky made me feel welcomed into the world of magic.
2. Steve Forte and Dai Vernon (videos/books) helped me fall in love with
learning magic.
3. Sorcerers Safari gave me the confidence to start sharing magic.
4. Bill Abbott and Bobby Motta made me want to be a full-time
performer.
5. All the amazing friends over the years that inspired me, and continue
inspiring me, to keep working on getting better!
Ben Train
Did you ever get discouraged and think about quitting
magic? God. All the freaking time. I think about shows that went wrong.
Audiences that didn't seem to care about what I was sharing. About how
bad I am compared to other performers I know. About how useless, in
the grand scheme of things, what I do is.
But then I take a breath and remember why I LOVE what I do. About
how happy it makes people when I'm able to connect with an audience.
About how good I feel when a show goes well.
Do you have any tour or pre-show rituals you’d be willing to
share with our readers?
First and foremost, I set the stage with everything I need for the
show and then double check it’s all there and where I need it to
be.
Next, I do a quick walk-through of how I want the show to run.
This means preplanning where I’m calling audience members from,
how long it’ll take people to get on stage, where I’m entering and
leaving the stage, etc.
Depending on my mood and the event I might be interacting with the
audience before the show or “hiding”, but either way I’m trying to
get psyched up for the show. I remind myself I don’t HAVE to be
doing this - but rather I GET to do it. And I remember how much I
enjoy sharing magic, making people laugh, and connecting with
people.
Then I take a big pre-show poop and hit the stage.
What are you most looking forward to about participating in the
2024 Browser's Bash?
I love seeing friends and meeting new people… but if I’m being honest
what I’m looking forward to the most is seeing dope magic.
Do you have a favourite Browser's Bash memory?
Yes.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Nothing makes me happier than seeing magic. So if you’re coming to
the Bash I would be DELIGHTED if you show me a trick. .
Thank you Ben for making the time to answer our
questions! We look forward to seeing you at this year's
Bash!
The cat's out of the bag. 
