You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes

Justin Willman Returns

Jul 23, 2025
Justin Willman, a comedian and magician known for his Netflix special 'Magic Lover,' dives into the whimsical world of magic and live performance. He shares the emotional highs and lows of performing, battling anxiety, and maintaining authenticity while captivating audiences. The conversation touches on the evolution of magic, the significance of personal connections, and even offers a simple coin trick anyone can master. Expect laughter and insightful anecdotes about parenting, creative challenges, and the joy of spontaneity in performance!
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ANECDOTE

Justin’s Teenage Bird Act

  • Justin Willman talks about performing a bird act with doves as a teenager, referencing Lance Burton's style.
  • He humorously mentions the "dead bird" method and evolving ethics in magic involving animals.
INSIGHT

Capturing Magic Live Is Hard

  • Justin explains the difficulty of capturing the live magic experience on camera and how repetition helps calm nerves.
  • He notes performing twice nights eased pressure and improved his performance for the filmed special.
INSIGHT

Embracing Risk and Improv in Magic

  • Improvisational elements and randomness make magic shows more engaging and relatable.
  • Failing moments are allowed to be comedic, increasing authenticity rather than reducing the magic.
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