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/).

In this episode, Aaron Fisher, a renowned card magic innovator, shares his journey into the world of magic, discussing his early influences, the challenges of learning and performing magic, and the importance of community and teaching in the magic world. He emphasizes the need for integration between technique and performance, and how understanding audience engagement can enhance the magic experience. In this conversation, Aaron discusses the evolution of magic performance techniques, the importance of kindness in teaching, and the balance between exploring and mastering skills in magic. He reflects on his experiences with influential figures in the magic community and shares insights from his latest masterclass and the reprint of his book, 'The Paper Engine.'

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Aaron Fisher and His Journey

05:58 The Challenges of Learning Magic

11:56 The Importance of Teaching and Learning

17:49 The Connection Between Technique and Audience Engagement

24:03 The Gravity Half Pass: A Deep Dive

36:14 Lessons from Masters: Shaping Teaching Ethos

Derren Brown joins us to talk about, well, everything!

His latest book Notes From A Fellow Traveller is available now, right here: https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/magic-books/notes-from-a-fellow-traveller-derren-brown/

The awfully lovely Andrew Frost joins us to chat about his new Edinburgh show (which just finished a sold out run), his new gig working at an immersive magic show in London, and his new download collection "Stay Frosty" available today at, well, you guessed it, www.vanishingincmagic.com

The utterly delightful Christian Grace comes back on the show after a few years.

Christian found time in his busy schedule supporting Take That on tour (no, really) to talk about magic, mentalism, and his incredible app, "Enigma" which launches on VI today!

Back in the Eighties, Dustin Marks was a Crossroader—someone who cheats the legal casinos.

Join is in this episode, as we go back to that time, and find out all the details about how that underworld operated.

Dustin Marks' Masterclass starts this Sunday (June 2nd), and you can also get access to over 250 hours of exclusive lectures from the best magicians in the world when you subscribe. Sign up here: https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/masterclass