Improv and Magic

This week on Improv and Magic I had the privilege of talking to the brilliant and captivating Alyx Hilshey.In this interview, Alyx Hilshey shares her journey from earning a Master's in Electrical Engineering to becoming a nationally acclaimed magician. Know for her sharp humor and technically stunning magic, Alyx's story is one of passion, creativity, and perseverance.Alyx Hilshey has been featured on the cover of Vanish International Magic Magazine, and has performed sold out shows at The Magic Castle, Philadelphia Smoke and Mirrors, Chicago Magic Lounge and Boston Magic Lab, among many other venues.  She has also been featured on television, and shares her experience of performing on Penn & Teller: Fool Us.You can learn more about Alyx Hilshey by visiting her website, alyxmagic.com.Don't forget to rate and review, and feel free to leave a comment!

In today's edition of LD's Tips, I share the importance of appreciating everyone. No matter what, we all have people who help us get to where we want to go. So this tip is all about why it's important to show gratitude to everyone in our careers and our lives who help us get somewhere.If you enjoy this tip, feel free to rate and review, it means a lot!

In this unforgettable episode of Improv and Magic, I welcome the multi-talented Liz Marcucci.Liz is a seasoned comedian, improviser, and real estate agent based in St. Petersburg, Florida. With a rich background in improv, Liz has trained at prestigious institutions like Second City Conservatory, iO Chicago and The Annoyance Theater. She is the founder of the St. Pete Improv Network, and creator of "Who Dis?" show and podcast, which highlights voices from the disability, chronic illness, and mental health communities.In today's episode, Liz Marcucci shares her journey and how she uses her unique experience to connect with audiences and create meaningful art. This episode is sure to leave you inspired.To learn more about Liz Marcucci, visit her website at lizmarcucci.com.And don't forget to rate and review the podcast, and feel free to leave a comment!

On today's episode, we welcome the incredibly talented Jaime Moyer!Jaime, an accomplished actress, writer, and improviser, shares her journey from the stages of The Second City Detroit to various television roles. She has voiced characters on Bob's Burgers and had recurring roles on shows like Modern Family, AP Bio, The Great North, and Night Court. Jaime has also written for LEGO City Adventures. With a lifelong love for live theater, Jaime has taught improvisation worldwide and headlined numerous improv festivals.In our conversation, Jaime shares how her passion for live theater and improvisation shaped her career and influenced her unique approach to creativity. Learn more about Jaime by visiting her website jaimemoyer.com.Subscribe to the podcast today, and don't forget to rate and review and leave a comment!

Get ready for an amazing start to Season 5 of Improv and Magic! In this season premiere, I'm thrilled to welcome the incredibly talented Andi Gladwin, a renowned British magician, speaker, and publisher. Known for his mind-blowing performances on shows like Penn & Teller: Fool Us and Masters of Illusion, Andi has captivated audiences worldwide with his innovative magic tricks and charismatic stage presence. Andi is also co-founder of one the world's largest and most profound online magic stores, Vanishing Inc. Want to learn more about Andi Gladwin? Visit his website at illusionist.co.uk. And if you're looking for some of the best magic tricks, books, and lectures, visit vanishingincmagic.com. Be sure to rate and review, it really helps the show a lot!

Welcome to a brand new episode of Improv and Magic! Today, we have the extraordinary Bill Chott joining us. Known for his iconic role as Mr. Laritate on Disney Channel's Wizards of Waverly Place, Bill Chott is a seasoned comedian and actor with a rich history in the entertainment industry. Hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, Bill sharpened his comedic skills at Chicago's prestigious Second City, performing alongside comedy greats like Steve Carell and Stephen Colbert. His extensive career includes notable appearances in 3rd Rock from the Sun, ER, and This Is Us. Bill continues to teach improv through his institution, The Improv Trick. For information on classes and shows, visit their website theimprovtrick.weebly.com. Don't miss out on this exciting episode, and don't forget to rate and review this episode. Your feedback is invaluable!

This week, I am honored to host the legendary Matt Besser. Matt is a founding member of the iconic sketch comedy troupe Upright Citizens Brigade, co-founder of UCB Theater, and the genius behind the popular podcast Improv4humans. With over three decades in the comedy scene, Matt has graced both stage and screen, leaving an indelible mark with his sharp wit and improvisational prowess. His work includes appearances on hit shows like Modern Family and Parks & Recreation, as well as standout roles in movies such as Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story and Drillbit Taylor. Be sure to check out Matt Besser's podcast Improv4Humans at improv4humans.com. Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast to help bring you more amazing content! If you’re listening on Spotify, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts.

Today’s guest is Jay Sukow. Jay Sukow has been performing with and without a script for over 27 years. He has trained with some of the greatest in improv, including David Razowsky, Stephen Colbert, Mick Napier, and the legendary Del Close. He was the Artistic Director/Head of Training at the Improv Comedy Copenhagen Theatre, and previously taught for Second City, ComedySportz, and iO Chicago (where he was also head of the artistic committee).  Jay has taught at improv festivals all over the world, and he also won The Golden Pineapple award for best visiting teacher at Improv Comedy Copenhagen.  Jay’s directing credits include the feature film “Trubadeaux: A Restaurant Movie”, "Guilty: The Web Series", and commercials for Allstate.  He has extensive teambuilding experience, and has thrived in the corporate arena, designing interactive learning sessions for companies like McDonald's, PepsiCo, Netflix, Eli Lilly, Yahoo!, and Allstate Financial Services. In addition to all of that, Jay approaches everything he does with a big sense of excitement, which definitely comes through in this interview. Learn more about Jay Sukow by visiting his website, jaysukow.com. Help out the podcast by giving a rating and a review, and feel free to leave a comment!

My guest today is Chloe Crawford! Chloe’s performance is a wonderful and unique blend of beauty and charm, mixed with power and a little danger.  She has performed all over the world, from London’s West End to Hollywood, Sydney, Vancouver & many other locations.  She has risen to become one of the most well-known women in magic today.  Some of her most memorable performances include Britain’s Got Talent, America’s Got Talent, The Illusionists on Broadway, The Magic Castle in Hollywood, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Brain Games on the History Channel, and Trick’d Up on A&E.  Her podcast “From Hot Mess to Success” is a show that pulls back the curtain of the entertainment industry and shines a spotlight on powerful women who have overcome adversity to create their own success. Chloe shares a lot in this interview, including how she managed to change and evolve, and she shares the challenges of performing while struggle with her mental health.  There’s so much shared today that so many can learn and benefit from. Learn more about Chloe by visiting her site, magicbychloe.com. Enjoying the podcast? Rate and review, and feel free to leave a comment!

My guest is a well-known improvisor and keynote speaker who’s been described as laugh provoking, engaging, and refreshing.  Today’s guest is Jon Colby. Jon has been empowering people all over the world with improv for over 24 years.  His engaging and interactive approach has successfully helped audiences across the world to be better communicators, leaders, teammates, even salespeople.  He’s a graduate from the world-famous Second City Conservatory program and an educator with 15 years of classroom experience.  Jon currently travels the world teaching special improv programs that deal with team building, communication, leadership, and creativity to various companies.  Some of his clients include American Express, Honda, Charles Schwab, Paylocity and the YMCA.  Jon has a wonderful ability to loosen up even the quietist people, and he not only teaches how improv can improve your skills but also make you a happier person. I had a great time talking to Jon.  He’s a guy with such a great personality and a very warm heart.  You’ll hear how he got to where he is today, and you’ll learn all about his approach to teaching improv including his “three Cs”.  You can learn more about him and about his training courses at his website, joncolby.com.  And tell him LD sent you! And don't forget to rate and review, and feel free to leave a comment.