Penguin Magic Podcast

Richard Young is a British illusionist, podcaster, and Young and Strange performer who won the 1998 Young Magicians competition. He discusses building a premium magic podcast, turning Champions of Magic into comedy, and why stage illusions demand more than close-up work. He also recounts America’s Got Talent, explores modern attention spans, and shares ideas for tightening routines and creating stronger performances.

Leah Orleans, a variety performer, magician, comedian, and creative producer, returns to preview Mystify’s comeback, from mentorship and playful lineup reveals to global headliners and comedy-focused workshops. She also explores Tiny Girl Big Show’s expansion, viral fame on Instagram and TikTok, queer performance projects, and her latest foot-powered stunt experiments.

Erik Tait tackles listener questions on creating fresh routines, learning from videos and classic magic books, and making close-up material work onstage. He explores safe ways to gain performance experience, manage nerves, structure table-hopping sets, and develop an authentic performance persona. He also discusses the exclusive Hand in the Eye membership and why every magical presentation needs a distinct point of view.

Erik Tait takes listener questions from Instagram while he is on his first international lecture tour in the UK. Topics include creating routines, getting into FISM, what sparked his interest in magic, and rediscovering your passion for magic.

Brent Gerris is the owner and proprietor of The Magic Apple, one of the most well-known and iconic brick-and-mortar magic shops in the United States. It's a lifeline to guest magicians at The Magic Castle and an unbelievable place to visit in Los Angeles. Brent discusses running a shop, taking over the magic shop in Pike Place in Seattle, and so much more.

Helder Guimarães, a Portuguese world champion of card magic and master storyteller, discusses The Hope Theory, his new off-Broadway show about immigration, belonging, and finding home. He shares his journey from Portugal to America, turning personal memories into theatrical magic, and collaborating with director Frank Marshall. He also reveals how he trained Ocean’s 8 stars Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett in deception.

Giancarlo Bernini is a magician, mentalist, and author of Real Magic Words. He explores dual reality, where volunteers and audiences can experience different versions of the same effect. Discover the influence of Kenton Knepper, powerful scripting tools, the theatrical Be Our Guest routine, and how blending mind reading with physical magic can shape a performer’s unique identity.

Kyle Purnell stops by the show to discuss the Penguin Lecture he just filmed, some new tricks he is about to put out, and to take a deep dive into creativity. Kyle recently gave a camp-wide lecture to the youth at Tannen's Magic Camp and shares his approach to creativity that may open your eyes to how you create bespoke pieces of magic. Also, he talks about how he wants to be a dancer.

Mike Eaton is an in demand restaurant magician, seasoned pitch shop guy, and part of the cast of The Magician's Table; a touring show currently rocketing around the United States. He drops by the podcast to discuss performing daring magic, the best way to approach a restaurant, and life on the road in a touring show.Mike’s E Book: https://my.flowlance.com/eatonmagic1212/marketing-your-magic-e-book

Franco Pascali was a member of the Junior Program at The Magic Castle and has become a rare blend of hyper-visual cardistry practitioner and hands-off mentalist. Franco's style is marked by contrast, and his audiences go crazy for it. He joins the show to discuss aesthetics, creativity, and his show at The Roosevelt.