The Magic Word Podcast

While recently attending the 50th and final Winter Carnival of Magic in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, we chatted with Tiffany Sauvage (née Allen) who is 1) performing as Princess Tiffany at princess parties for children, 2) married to Boris Wild, 3) the first woman to join “Sleight Club” in North Carolina, 4) has a passion for seances, bizarre magic and horror films, and 5) performs as and lectures on the Georgia Magnet/Wonder. And she is only 34 years old! What a career so far and what potential she has for a great future. She is keeping magic history alive as she passes on the wonders that were the Georgia Wonder. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize During this one hour conversation, we covered so much ground and thoroughly covered many areas that will be of interest to listeners. Some might be interested in knowing more about Princess Parties and how to develop the character, trick selection, and more. Others might be interested in learning more about the Georgia Magnet/Wonder and even interested in developing your own similar act. And still others might be interested in seances and the “spooky” side of magic. All of that is in this week’s episode and should stimulate interest and perhaps discussion in the magic community. Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here. Please vote for The Magic Word in both categories, Best Magic Podcaster and Best Magic Newsletter. You can cast your votes by Clicking Here.

We finish talking with a trio of officers from The Magic Circle (TMC) this week as we sit for a chat with the current President of TMC, Marvin Berglas. Not defined by being the son of the legendary “International Man of Mystery,” David Berglas, Marvin decided early to go his own way. Nealy four decades ago Marvin founded “Marvin’s Magic” which created magic kits that swept the globe The results are that he received the Gold Medal as winner of Toy of the Year in the electronic games category of the Independent Toy Awards and was awarded the coveted Outstanding Contribution Award in the British Toy and Hobby Industry in 2015/16. And as far as magic goes, he received the Outstanding Contribution to Magic award from the British Magical Society in 2014/15. And n 2016 Marvin was awarded The Maskelyne Award from The Magic Circle for services to magic. During 2017, 2018 and 2019 Marvin was the Vice-President of The Magic Circle and in 2023 was elected President of The Magic Circle. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize This week Marvin tells us about his magic kit empire and how the business grew to international proportions. And although he came from a home where magic was talked about all the time, he tells us that he did not care to pursue a career like his father until later in life as Marvin’s Magic developed. He then got involved with The Magic Circle (TMC) and became one of the very few father/son Presidents of TMC. Find out in this episode who the others were. Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here. To visit the website and get more information, please Click Here. Please vote for The Magic Word in both categories, Best Magic Podcaster and Best Magic Newsletter. You can cast your votes by Clicking Here.

The Magic Circle Past-Vice President and current Examiner, Katherine Rhodes is a powerhouse of a stage performer. She specializes in mentalism and has a unique take on how she creates and performs her show. Katherine also has her light aircraft pilots license (though we never got around to talking about that) and she frequently travels outside the U.K. to present her unique brand of mentalism. She has had long term residencies at venues where she has honed her craft over the years, and the proof is in the results. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize This week Katherine Rhodes tells us about her unique perspective performing magic from the distaff side. There are not a lot of female mentalists in the world, but Katherine is one that reigns high among her peers whether male or female. In this episode she also talks about the Magic Circle and the examination process one must go through to belong to this prestigious organization. Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here. Click on the graphic above to visit the website for more information.

Saturday, March 8th9:30 AM Registration Opens (Closing at 12:30 PM)9:30 AM Dealers Open (Closing at 3:00 PM)10:00 AM Lecture: Jon Allen1:00 PM Jaw-Dropping Close-Up Magic Show Erik TAIT – Jon ALLEN – Steve BEAM – R. Paul WILSON – Geoff WILLIAMS – Giovanni LIVERA3:00 PM Lecture: R. Paul Wilson7:30 PM Contest Awards and Final Announcements8:00 PM Magic All-Stars Show Scott WELLS – Chris CAPEHART – John ARCHER – David DAVINCI10:00 PM Pizza Party for Registrants (at the Ramada) View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Time stamps for this episode: this will be updated after I’ve gotten some sleep00:00:17 – Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.

Friday, March 7th9:30 AM Registration Opens (Closing at 5:00 PM)10:30 AM Lecture: Chris Capehart10:30 AM Dealers Open (closing at 6:00 PM)12:30 PM The Grand Finale Parlor Contest3:00 PM Lecture: John Archer4:45 PM Special Terry Evanswood Show at Evanswood Theater – Separate Pay Event – limited to 80 seats7:30 PM Superstars of Magic Show Ken SCOTT – Geoff WILLIAMS – Jon ALLEN – Don BURSELL – Michael TRIXX View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Time stamps for this episode: this will be updated after I’ve gotten some sleep00:00:17 – Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.

Thursday, March 6th11:30 AM Registration Opens (Closing at 5:00 PM)12:00 PM Dealers Open (closing at 6:00 PM)1:30 PM Lecture: Tiffany Sauvage – “The New Georgia Wonder”3:30 PM Lecture: Geoff Williams7:30 PM Pure Gold Anniversary Show Matt STANLEY – Jeff HOBSON – Dan SPERRY – Stephen BARGATZE9:15-ish Star-Studded “Teach-a-Trick” Session with Stephen Bargatze & Friends View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Time stamps for this episode: this will be updated after I’ve gotten some sleep00:00:17 – Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.

Laura London exemplifies class, intelligence, and respect. She is the Deputy Librarian for The Magic Circle (TMC) the Counsel Chairperson under President Marvyn Berglas. She has had her own one person show “Laura London: Cheat” at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and is now working on a new show. She has appeared on several BBC radio and television shows including Penn & Teller Fool Us. She is often seen in the U.S. at MAGIC Live! where she has twice lectured. She is interested in the history of our art, particularly some of the women in our magical heritage and she is a frequent performer at high end functions throughout the U.K. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize In this episode, Laura tells us about her love for books and research as it has led her to a better understanding of where we as magicians, and in particular, women magicians have come from so she can better plot her own future and help write her next one-person show. She has had great help from her friends and mentors such as R. Paul Wilson, Paul Kieve, and Fay Presto. She also gives some great advice on how to be comfortable in performing and in approaching disparate groups while performing strolling magic. Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here. This week’s episode is sponsored by the 50th (and maybe final) Winter Carnival of Magic. It begins next week, so please consider attending because it will be epic. Trust me!

View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Time stamps for this episode: 00:00:17 – Dom Chambers ran into me in the hallway on his way to rehearsal for his show. But he agreed to chat for a bit and tell us about his experience performing here and a quick recap of what he’s up to lately. Dom was the focus of a chat on The Magic Word Podcast on Episode #664 where you can learn more about him.00:06:12 : Nigel Quinn just arrived for the final day and gives us his perspective of why he came for the day and what he hopes to see and enjoy.00:12:02 - Ger Godley, from Ireland, talks about this year’s convention compared with last year. He definitely thinks this year’s event is better organized.00:21:14 - Jamie Allen, formerly known as the iMagician, has an all new show, one of which was directed by Jonathan Goodwin. Jamie was the focus Episode #584 where you can learn more about him.00:33:48 - Javid with Pelican Stagewear talks about his efforts to take his wares to the U.S., but time and customs prevents his efforts from being profitable.00:42:35 - Ron Spangler enjoys coming to Blackpool each year. He was one of the organizers of the Magifest before it was turned over to Vanishing, Inc.00:48:28 - Eric Leclerq was the emcee (compere) of the Friday night gala. His insult comic type of humor is much like that of Mike Hammer, and that is to say that it wasn’t for everyone. He talks a bit about his choices and how he came about to get this engagement and why he chose to stick with what he does best.00:57:08 - Ian Kendall is another magician who came in for the day from Scotland and watched a lot of lectures and shows. He was the subject of Episode #796 where you can learn more about him.01:11:15 - we give a quick wrap-up of the convention as I give a quick review of Rick Thomas’ gala finale show. He was the subject of Episode #632 where you can hear a more personal side of him.Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here. Click on the banner above for more information about the 50th (and probably final) WInter Carnival of Magic in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Time stamps for this episode: 00:00:17 – David Kaye, aka Silly Billy, was staying at the same hotel where I was, so we were able to chat about his experience of this event versus others. This is the only magic convention where he is a dealer, so he has a unique perspective. You can learn more about David from our conversation in Episode #567.00:11:06 - Darryl Rose, from London, often attends this conventions and tells us what he most enjoys this year, like the Jonathan Goodwin lecture. You can hear more about Darryl in our conversation in Episode #558.00:25:40 - From Charleston, South Caroline, Howard Blackwell, talks about his company that produced silicone manipulation balls. He has a business for sale if someone is willing to put some effort into an already successful product.00:34:58 - Peter Nardi, with Alakazam, has been coming to Blackpool for about 24 years and gives us his perspective of the changes over the years.00:45:12 - Jonathan Goodwin was one of the outstanding lectures of this convention. He was inspiring and gave us all a lot to consider for our own shows. We chat in this short chat about some of his philosophy of whether audiences believe the artist is in jeopardy. To hear more about Jonathan (prior to his tragic accident and just before the COVID lockdown), I think you will enjoy listening to our in-depth conversation in Episode #55300:52:42 - Hannah Ammar is helping her husband, Michael, and tells us why she enjoy magic conventions in general and Blackpool in particular. Michael also joins us towards the end of this chat. You can hear more from Michael in our conversation in Episode #259.Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.

View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Time stamps for this episode: 00:00:17 – We arrive in Heathrow Airport in London while awaiting other friends to arrive.00:05:53 - Paul Stone was our host in LIverpool and rides with us on the train to Blackpool. He will be a presenter at the convention as he talks about Siegfried and Roy. You can learn more about Paul from our chat in Episode #715.00:13:07 - Mumfo Marzouki is a listener to the podcast and resides in Saudi Arabia. He tells us what he is anxious to see here and why he came all this way just for the convention.00:16:14 - Harry Merlin Piper, the 14 year old who won the Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year, and his father, Rodney James reside in Spain where he operates the House of Illusion. He offers a special deal to listeners of this podcast, so be sure to listen to this episode. 00:22:25 - Dave Magee, from Cancun, complains about the long line in the cold while waiting to get his registration packet. David is an accomplished mentalist and performer who worked closely with Johnny Thompson. You can hear more from David in our chat in Episode #593.00:24:37 - David Plant is one of the members of the Blackpool Magic Club who organized this convention and is the first booth (stand) you see when you register for this convention. David gives us some history about this event during our chat.00:30:54 - Tim Trono is a creator, consultant, and dealer who is now with Penguin Magic for the past 12 years and was with Murphy’s Magic for about 14 years. 00:36:18 - Roger Nicot recently passed away (just before the convention) and he was a dealer who was often seen at conventions around the world. He worked with Christian Schenk at Card Shark for almost 18 years. During that time, the two grew to be as close as brothers. In this conversation, Christian tells us about his last few days they were together and reliving memories of some of their happier moments.00:42:27 - Uwe Schperlich, from Munich, Germany, tells us that regularly attends Blackpool. He gives his perspective of the convention and is not overly happy with having to choose between events to attend while missing others he wanted to see.00:50:19 - Hugh Irwin is attending his first Blackpool convention and gives us a “first timer’s” perspective.00:57:27 - Jay Mattioli is another of the presenters this year at Blackpool and tells us perspective of what he’s doing and what is in his lecture.01:05:55 - My friend from Glasgow, Scotland, Peter McLanachan has been attending this convention and gives us his perspective of the Dan Sperry / Klek Ectos show. To hear more about Peter, please visit our conversation on Episode #152.01:13:30 - Dan Sperry is one of the performers and lecturers and talks about his experience of getting booked for this convention. Dan was just heading out for the U.S. where he will be working at the Magic Castle and at Jeff Hobson’s place.Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.