Desert Island Tricks

A spirit pressed the bedsheets. A duvet peeled back on its own. And a mummified fairy hoax fooled the world. We sit down with artist and prop-maker Dan Baines to explore how subtle methods and rich storytelling turn haunted curios into unforgettable theatre. From forensics in London to Lebanon Circle’s museum-quality creations for BBC, Warner Brothers, and major exhibitions, Dan shares the craft choices that make bizarre magic feel real: distressed textures, believable provenance, and clever tech that hums quietly beneath vintage veneer.We dig into the roots of Victorian séance magic, spirit cabinets, slates that “write” with sound and vibration, and haunted keys that only move when the story has earned it. Dan shows how theatre informs his work, like the “corpse candle” inspired by fiber optic fireflies on stage, and why the best switches happen early, sometimes under a glass lid that lets spectators “watch” their choices the whole time. His celebrated From Hell take on Out Of This World replaces red and black with blooded blanks and mortuary photos, reframing a classic plot into something that lingers long after the reveal.There’s a wild journey through viral deception and ethics too: the Derbyshire Mummified Fairy that launched a million clicks, museum “relics” that began life in a studio, and the quiet power of letting myths breathe. We also time-travel to the Doomsday Gathering’s growth into a world-class bizarre magic convention, swapping notes on design constraints, stage noise, and why simple methods are a gift, they free your brain to tell better stories.If you love haunted aesthetics, old-school methods, and narrative-first magic that truly crawls under the skin, this is your Halloween comfort listen. Subscribe, share this with a friend who loves the macabre, and leave a review telling us which effect gave you chills.Dan’s Desert Island Tricks: Spirit CabinetSpirit Slates The Corpse Candle ‘Haunted’ Effects Out of this World Switch Boxes ScurotLazy Booktest Banishment. Singing unannounced Book. Dunninger's Complete Encyclopaedia of Magic andThree Men in Search of Monsters Item. Bellarmine Witch BottleFind out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

A quiet moment in an airport turns unforgettable: Keith Barry shares how a simple card change became a first clear memory for a child recovering from eye cancer and why that reminder of wonder still guides the way he builds every routine. From there, we dig into the material he trusts most, the frameworks that make it bulletproof, and the choices that turn effects into experiences people carry for years.We start with the Invisible Deck and why Jay Sankey’s X handling solves the “you just flipped it” theory. Keith walks through clean stage adaptations, then shifts to his corporate powerhouse: a three envelope test inspired by Bob Cassidy’s 4DT, rebuilt with double blind structure, historical framing, and a ping-pong rhythm that delivers 25 beats from business cards and envelopes. He explains how premise, protocol, and pacing remove false solutions and keep spectators engaged without confusion.Keith also lets us in on a surprise: despite being a self-proclaimed technophobe, he’s getting ridiculous reactions with iCons by building an influence narrative that yields two hits from one search. It’s part of a broader philosophy of growth, cold plunges, virtual studio builds, and doing the uncomfortable thing to stay sharp. That shows up in personal pieces too: carrying a deck for joy and creativity, and a harmonica routine that reveals Hey Jude as a quiet tribute to his father.We cover wallet workflows, his red envelope routine that consistently produces authentic emotion, and why comedy-first staging with Steve Bedwell’s In Over Your Head can supercharge a theatre. Then there’s Smash and Stab: Keith breaks down safety as a mindset, the role of sound design, and the mental reframe that prevents catastrophe. He even makes a case for retiring the Omni Deck, then points to overlooked alternatives that reward originality.If you want stronger mentalism, better framing, and routines that mean something, this one’s for you. Listen, share with a friend who loves magic, and leave a review with the routine you’d add to your forever set.Keith’s Desert Island Tricks: Invisible Deck Three Envelope Test Icons Deck of Cards HarmonicaJAKS WalletIn over your headSmash and StabBanishment. Bad Ego’s / Omni DeckBook. The Klutz Book of MagicItem. Photograph with family Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

A lot of magicians are taught to copy the script, dress the part, and never take off their shoe. Ben Williams did the opposite and that’s where the magic got good. We sit down with Ben to map the journey from shop counter to full-time pro, and how ditching ego, reading people, and letting effects breathe turned solid tricks into lasting moments.We walk through the eight workers he’d take to a desert island and the choices behind them: why Ring Flight Revolution becomes a miracle when you slow it down, how Card to Shoe transformed from “never do that” to a signature closer, and the way “Anything” makes prediction feel honest without fussy process. Ben breaks down a Coins Across that escalates cleanly and ends with a personalised photo souvenir, his pragmatic love for Digital Force Bag and how to apply it to the right audience, and a disarming Card in Condom routine built on kindness and careful framing. We revisit his evolution from OCL to Rings for linking cards, same impossible souvenir, smarter method and the un-gimmicked Photo Frame change that fuels upsells, referrals, and framed memories that live on long after the gig.Threaded through every piece is a clear philosophy: fewer phases, stronger beats, context over dogma, and spectators treated as people first. Ben names ego as the thing he’d banish, then points to tools that actually help, Fitzkee’s The Trick Brain as a creativity blueprint and humble elastic as a versatile engine for movement, vanishes, and clever mechanics. If you want a set that travels from weddings to corporate floors with equal power, and a voice that’s yours, not a borrowed script, this conversation maps the path.If this episode sparked ideas, share it with a friend, hit follow and leave a quick review!Ben Williams’ Desert Island Tricks: 1. Ring Flight Revolution 2. Card to Shoe3. Anything 4. Coins Across 5. Digital Force Bag 6. Card in Condom 7. Rings 8. Photo Phrame Banishment. EgoBook. The Trick BrainItem. ElasticFind out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

R. Paul Wilson, a writer, performer, and consultant, is best known for his work on the BBC series The Real Hustle. In this engaging discussion, he emphasizes that there are no shortcuts in magic, highlighting the importance of practice and iteration. Paul shares insights on classic routines like Vernon's Triumph and the transformative Coins Across. He delves into the creative process behind his reconstructions, the influence of music on his craft, and the concept of memorized decks. Lastly, he advocates for positivity in the magic community.

A live show opens with robots, kids, and pure energy, then the control room realises ten full minutes aired with no sound. What happens next says everything about a presenter who helps to keep everything flowing and use his incredibly personable persona to make a disaster feel like it barely even happened. That’s our entry point into a fast, generous conversation with Northern Irish magician and Blue Peter presenter Joel M about building routines that survive chaos, delight kids and adults, and still feel fresh after thousands of views.We trace Joel’s path from early stage shows to viral short‑form clips where his brother’s reactions became a storytelling engine. He breaks down why packaging matters as much as method when you’re competing with global feeds, and how he curates classics and modern visual pieces for attention, pacing, and punch. Then we dive into his “desert island” list, eight workers across cards, mentalism, and simply put, pure joy. Expect a “special” deck paired with Mnemonica for quick, impossible hits; a Clarity Box used as a late‑show kicker rather than a card location; iCurveball for durable, app‑free phone mind reading; an add‑a‑number pad that routes memories and PINs cleanly; billets with Acidus Novus, the move that built a career; Tenyo’s Crystal Cleaver for unapologetic wonder; Liam Montier’s Timeless, framed as pseudo‑hypnosis; and Blockhead, reimagined through a candid story about psychosomatic pain and the brain’s strange wiring.Along the way, Joel shares pragmatic rules for stronger shows: design for robustness, not fragility; avoid repeating the same revelation three ways; cut hack lines that punch down; and let meaning carry the shock. His book choice, Derren Brown’s Notes from a Fellow Traveller, speaks to building theatre that lasts. His non‑magic tool, a Blue Peter badge, proves that props with story palm better in the audience’s mind.If you love real talk about creating modern magic that works on stage, on camera, and with families, this one’s a keeper. Joel’s Desert Island Tricks: Deck of Playing Cards Clarity Box iCurvball Kozar Prediction PadBillets / Acidus NovusCrystal Cleaver Timeless Blockhead Banishment. “Hold out your hand.. no, the clean one. Oh, that was the clean one”Book. Notes from a Fellow Traveller Item. Blue Peter Badge Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

What happens when the universe sends you a sign? For Christopher Taylor, it came in the form of a prisoner's profound question and a late-night phone call from David Copperfield on the very same day his wife encouraged him to pursue magic full-time.In this captivating episode, Christopher shares his remarkable journey from prison guard to classroom teacher to pioneering creator of electronic mentalism. As one of the first innovators in this field, his products like Equinox, Real Ghost, and Death Toll have revolutionised how performers approach classic effects by creating versions that look "as if they could be done for real."Christopher's approach to magic transcends mere methodology. A skilled storyteller, he explains how narrative transforms tricks into meaningful experiences, emphasising that a well-told story must stand on its own merits before magic is introduced. His philosophy that "the story is what makes the audience hungry" offers a masterclass in creating context that elevates magical moments.Perhaps most thought-provoking is Christopher's perspective on magic itself. He challenges the notion that "there's no such thing as magic," arguing instead that magic is as real as comedy or tragedy, it simply requires a particular viewpoint. The synchronicities in his own life, like David Copperfield calling at the perfect moment, reveal the magical structures that exist if we're willing to see them.Whether you're a creator, performer, or simply fascinated by the psychology behind powerful experiences, Christopher's insights into electronic mentalism, storytelling technique, and the philosophy of impossible moments will transform how you think about the art of astonishment.Christopher’s Desert Island Tricks: Equinox PK Touch / Real GhostTaylor Index Decoding SystemThe Prisoner Overkill Card Under TableTrilogy Scrying Out LoudBanishment. The idea that there is no such thing as magicBook. Storytelling: Process and PracticeItem. Keys Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

Card magic legend John Carey takes us on a fascinating journey through the eight tricks that defined his remarkable career, from the streets of London to teaching in 26 countries worldwide.   John's selections reveal the essence of powerful, practical magic. The Biddle Trick, with its multiple magical moments in a single effect. Triumph, where chaos transforms into perfect order except for the spectator's selection. Cards Across, which proves equally effective in close-up or stage settings. ACCAN (Any Card At Any Number), the plot magicians have pursued for generations. The Ambitious Card, with John's advice to limit phases and build to an impossible climax. Think-a-Card, perhaps the purest demonstration of apparent mind-reading possible with playing cards. His One Coin Routine, the visual magic that saved him in challenging performance environments. And finally, Card to Impossible Location, creating unforgettable magical moments when signed cards appear where they simply cannot be.  Throughout our conversation, John shares performance wisdom gained over decades: "Less is more." "The effect should build, never plateau." But his most powerful insight comes from legendary performer Fay Presto: "The magic must always be strong, but YOU are the effing magic." John's personality shines through each routine, reminding us that technical perfection means nothing without the human connection that transforms tricks into magic.  John's Desert Island Tricks offers a masterclass in selecting effects that stand the test of time while allowing your personality to make them uniquely yours.John’s Desert Island Tricks:Biddle TrickTriumph Cards acrossACAANAmbitious cardThink a cardOne coin routineCard to impossible locationBanishment. Chinese Sticks Book. Royal Road to Card Magic Item. Personality Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

What if everything you thought about magic was missing the point entirely? Prolific creator James Brown shatters conventional wisdom about magical performance, revealing that the true essence of magic isn't found in secrets, techniques, or special abilities, but in the powerful human connections we create.  James' journey into magic wasn't the traditional path. Without childhood exposure or magician parents, he approached the art without the constraints and rules most practitioners inherit. This fresh perspective allowed him to focus intensely on what truly matters: creating genuine moments of wonder through psychological understanding rather than technical mastery. His revolutionary approach to classics like Card Under Box and Double Cross demonstrates how reframing effects around spectator experience rather than magician prowess creates more powerful, memorable magic.  Through his desert island selections, from the incredible "Push" to his signature "Pot of Jam”, James reveals a philosophy that places human connection at the centre of magical performance. He challenges the ego-driven culture that pervades much of modern magic, where exposure fears and celebrity worship distract from magic's true purpose. In an age where AI threatens to replace content creation, James argues that magic offers something irreplaceable: genuine human interaction that creates moments of wonder no technology can duplicate. His passion for creating experiences so powerful that methods become irrelevant offers a refreshing counterpoint to the anxieties about exposure that consume many performers.  James’ Desert Island Tricks: Push Card Under Box Top Change Coinvexed Crazy Mans Handcuffs Double Cross Pot of Jam Coins Across Banishment. Magicians Ego / Exposure & Quality of magic on Social MediaBook. Reality as an Art by Aaron Alexander Item. Mind of the SpectatorFind out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

This week we welcome Marvin Berglas, President of The Magic Circle and the creative force behind Marvin's Magic, as he shares the extraordinary journey that shaped his legendary career.Marvin's story begins with a powerful lesson in resilience, when a Harrods buyer dismissively tossed his product aside calling it "that old stinker," he responded not with defeat but determination. Returning weeks later to a different department, he secured a promotion that blossomed into a 40-year relationship and millions of units sold. This pivotal moment embodies the positive mindset that would become his hallmark.Growing up as the son of magic legend David Berglas provided Marvin with a unique perspective on the art form, though he admits he wasn't initially drawn to magic as a child. It wasn't until his late teens when he unexpectedly assisted his father at a convention that the magic bug bit him. From there, he forged his own distinctive path while honouring his father's legacy , "We reached the top differently," he reflects, "I used my first name while he used his last name."Throughout our conversation, Marvin reveals the philosophy behind Marvin's Magic's enduring success, prioritising quality, innovation, and the genuine joy of performing. His product line has evolved from classic boxed sets to cutting-edge creations like iMagic, which seamlessly blends physical props with augmented reality. These innovations have inspired countless performers, with many of today's professional magicians tracing their initial spark to owning a Marvin's Magic set.The episode culminates with Marvin's reflections on his role as Magic Circle President, where he's spearheading initiatives to preserve magical heritage while embracing new technologies and supporting the next generation through the Young Magicians Club. His unwavering commitment to positivity shines through as he declares what he'd banish if given the chance, negativity itself.Join us for this captivating conversation that peels back the curtain on a magic legend and reveals how magic can transform lives when powered by the belief that nothing is impossible.Marvin’s Desert Island Tricks: Deck of Cards Book TestPseudo Psychometry Dice Appearing Helicopter Lights from Anywhere iMagicThumb Tip Banishment. NegativityBook. Mind and Magic of David Berglas Item. Mobile PhoneFind out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

Nikolas Mavresis, one of magic's most inventive mentalism creators, opens up about the effects that shaped his journey from magic skeptic to prolific innovator. This conversation reveals the fascinating truth behind his creative process and how he approaches method selection."You have to put yourself in the spectator's shoes and think like laymen," Nikolas explains, pinpointing why some magicians dismiss powerful methods that laypeople find utterly baffling. This philosophy of prioritising audience experience over magician preferences has guided his approach to creating memorable magic.Nikolas walks us through the eight effects that would accompany him to a desert island, starting with John Bannon's Twisted Sisters, the packet trick that showed him how eight cards could create an unforgettable miracle. From Simon Aronson's Shuffleboard with its escalating series of revelations to Joshua Jay's Inferno that feels "real" to spectators, each selection reveals another facet of Nikolas’ mentalism approach.When discussing his own creation, The Collector, Nikolas shares a fascinating insight into his method design: "When you combine two different methods together, one method cancels the other, making it impossible for people to backtrack." This strategic layering of techniques has become a signature element in his work, including recent releases like Card At Any Role and Nostalgia.The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Nikolas connects his music background to his magic creation. "It's like writing a song," he explains. "Magic needs good timing, nice flow... it's a way to express what's inside and connect with others through the things I build." This cross-disciplinary approach might explain the rhythmic, emotionally resonant quality that makes his effects so powerful.Whether you're a fan of Nikolas’ work, a mentalism enthusiast, or a creator looking for inspiration, this episode offers rare insights into the mind of someone who has mastered the art of creating magic that genuinely connects with audiences. Discover why Nikolas believes his Desert Island book selection, Practical Mental Magic by Theodore Annemann, remains essential reading for anyone serious about mentalism.Nikolas’ Desert Island Tricks: Twisted SistersShuffle BoredInferno Memorised Deck Killer Elite Pro The Collector SnapsAnniversary Waltz Banishment. Drama and Negativity Book. Practical Mental Magic Item. Musical Instrument / Music / GuitarFind out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk