In this episode, Matt Szat hosts Walter Rolfo, the president and artistic director of FISM 2025. They discuss the importance of FISM as the premier magic competition, innovations for the upcoming event, and the role of online magic in expanding the art form. Walter shares insights on judging criteria, the experience of attending FISM, and what makes Torino special.

Summary

In this episode, Damian interviews magician Ben Seidman, discussing his journey in magic, the creative process behind consulting for films, and the emotional impact of his routines. They explore the cultural adaptations required for performances in different regions, the decision to share magic secrets, and the importance of accessibility in magic. Ben also shares insights from his experiences performing for Penn and Teller and his excitement for creating new theatrical shows. In this engaging conversation, Ben Seidman discusses his collaborative journey in creating a new magic show, the challenges and frustrations he faces in modern magic, and the philosophy behind his performances. He shares insights into his upcoming shows, the importance of quality over quantity in magic, and the innovative techniques he employs, including dual reality. Seidman also introduces his new book, which focuses on a single trick, emphasizing the simplicity and impact of his approach to magic. Throughout the discussion, he highlights the importance of audience engagement and the joy of sharing magic with others.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ben Seidman

03:03 The Creative Process in Magic Consulting

05:56 Cultural Adaptation in Performance

08:58 The Emotional Impact of the Oracle System

12:09 The Decision to Share Magic Secrets

14:47 Creating Accessible Magic for All

18:00 Performing for Penn and Teller

21:06 Excitement and Frustration in Modern Magic

24:51 The Collaborative Journey of Magic Creation

26:02 Upcoming Shows and Ambitious Plans

27:41 Frustrations in Modern Magic

29:44 The Art of a Single Trick

31:10 Creating a High-Impact Routine

33:52 Understanding Dual Reality in Magic

39:38 Target Audience and Skill Level for Performers

41:40 Philosophical Insights on Magic Performance

In this episode, Damian interviews Rick Holcombe, one of the leading authorities in contemporary coin magic. Rick shares his journey into magic, emphasizing the importance of simplicity and portability in coin routines. He discusses his everyday carry of coins, the process of refreshing classic tricks, and the creative inspiration behind his routines. Rick also highlights the practical techniques for close-up magic, the differences between writing and video tutorials, and his proudest creations.

His new book, Calico, is available here; (https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/money-magic/calico/).