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.

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Ben Williams’ Desert Island Tricks: 

1. Ring Flight Revolution 
2. Card to Shoe
3. Anything 
4. Coins Across 
5. Digital Force Bag 
6. Card in Condom 
7. Rings 
8. Photo Phrame 
Banishment. Ego
Book. The Trick Brain
Item. Elastic

Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

The work is the point. That’s the pulse of this candid, wide-ranging session with R. Paul Wilson, creator, consultant, and the mind behind The Real Hustle, where we dig into what actually makes magic land: clear effects, honest timing, and an audience that edits your choices in real time. We open with a hard truth: there are no shortcuts. From Vernon’s Triumph to cups and balls, Paul shows how iteration, not novelty for novelty’s sake, transforms a trick from “doable” to “devastating.”

We trace his path through cornerstone pieces, Coins Across, Cylinder and Coins grounded in Ramsey’s discipline, and the folded card as a perfect state-change convincer. Each routine becomes a lab for tightening language, shifting moments, and cutting clutter so spectators feel the miracle before they hear it. Paul’s story about reconstructing and refining a rare take on René Lavand’s Breadcrumbs reveals what deep study looks like: research, respect, and a poetic frame that makes people care.

Then we zoom out. A guitar shows up, not as a prop, but as cross-training. Learning music sharpened his teaching, exposed the myth of “easy,” and mapped directly onto sleight-of-hand: structure practice, embrace the slog, and aim for competent, confident, and comfortable. We also step into memorised deck thinking, why Simon Aronson’s “Everybody’s Lazy” still feels impossible, and how Tamariz’s mindset unlocks new doors in any stack. Paul rounds it out with cups and balls as an act-in-a-pack and a lifelong workshop, from Elmsley and Williamson to Tommy Wonder.

Along the way, he buries one thing: resentment. We talk about healthier ways to handle influence, invention, and disagreement in a small, connected art form, private conversations over public pile-ons, and effect-first decisions over hype. If you care about building stronger routines, cleaner methods, and a better culture, you’ll feel at home here. Subscribe, share this with a friend who loves real craft, and leave a review telling us which routine or insight you’re taking back to your practice.

R Paul Wilson’s Desert Island Tricks: 

1. Dai Vernon’s Triumph 
2. Coins Across
3. Cylinder and Coins 
4. Folded Card
5. Breadcrumbs 
6. Musical Instrument 
7. Memorised Deck 
8. Cups and Balls 

Banishment. Resentment 

Book. The New Greater Magic

Item. A very good knife

Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

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: 

1. Deck of Playing Cards 
2. Clarity Box 
3. iCurvball 
4. Kozar Prediction Pad
5. Billets / Acidus Novus
6. Crystal Cleaver 
7. Timeless 
8. 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: 

1. Equinox 
2. PK Touch / Real Ghost
3. Taylor Index Decoding System
4. The Prisoner 
5. Overkill 
6. Card Under Table
7. Trilogy 
8. Scrying Out Loud

Banishment. The idea that there is no such thing as magic

Book. Storytelling: Process and Practice

Item. 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:

1. Biddle Trick
2. Triumph 
3. Cards across
4. ACAAN
5. Ambitious card
6. Think a card
7. One coin routine
8. Card to impossible location

Banishment. 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: 

1. Push 
2. Card Under Box 
3. Top Change 
4. Coinvexed 
5. Crazy Mans Handcuffs 
6. Double Cross 
7. Pot of Jam 
8. Coins Across 

Banishment. Magicians Ego / Exposure & Quality of magic on Social Media

Book. Reality as an Art by Aaron Alexander 

Item. Mind of the Spectator

Find 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: 

1. Deck of Cards 
2. Book Test
3. Pseudo Psychometry 
4. Dice 
5. Appearing Helicopter 
6. Lights from Anywhere 
7. iMagic
8. Thumb Tip 

Banishment. Negativity

Book. Mind and Magic of David Berglas 

Item. Mobile Phone

Find 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: 

1. Twisted Sisters
2. Shuffle Bored
3. Inferno 
4. Memorised Deck 
5. Killer Elite Pro 
6. The Collector 
7. Snaps
8. Anniversary Waltz 

Banishment. Drama and Negativity 

Book. Practical Mental Magic 

Item. Musical Instrument / Music / Guitar

Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

Ever wondered what happens when a car vanish illusion goes wrong hours before filming? Or how swallowing needles helped a struggling magician pay his rent before television fame? Ben Hanlin pulls back the curtain on these stories and more in this incredible episode.

The celebrated British magician, known for ITV's "Tricked" and Discovery's "Breaking Magic," reveals the eight effects that defined his career, from close-up card magic that stops conversations instantly to elaborate television spectacles requiring aircraft hangars and custom-built props. His selections paint a portrait of modern magic's diverse landscape, where success requires mastering both intimate performances and grand illusions.

Ben's journey from Birmingham recruitment consultant to television star hinged on unexpected moments, like performing needle swallowing on the streets of Stratford-upon-Avon and later for Kim Kardashian on a yacht. He shares the high-stakes problem-solving required when overnight temperature changes threatened to ruin a £10,000 television illusion just hours before filming. These behind-the-scenes glimpses reveal the combination of creativity, technical knowledge and quick thinking that professional magic demands.

What makes this conversation particularly fascinating is Ben's thoughtful analysis of why certain effects connect with audiences. Whether discussing the natural tension created by water escapes or the visual impact of producing liquid from nowhere, he demonstrates a deep understanding of audience psychology that transcends mere technical execution. His candid thoughts on outdated props ("no grown man should be walking around with a purse frame") and his recommendations for creativity tools offer valuable insights for performers across disciplines.

Join us for this entertaining exploration of magic's past, present and future through the eyes of one of Britain's most versatile performers. Whether you're a devoted magic enthusiast or simply curious about the craft behind the illusions you've seen on television, Ben's stories will change how you view the art of deception.

Ben’s Desert Island Tricks: 

1. Multiple Selection 
2. Needle Swallow
3. Moving Car Vanish 
4. Manip Act 
5. Sam the Bellhop 
6. Beer Production
7. Phone in Fish 
8. Water Torture Escape

Banishment. Purse Frame / Rope Around Neck / Confabulation Routines 

Book. Books of Wonder

Item. Evernote 

Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

Step into the magical world of Wayne McEwan, New Zealand's premier children's entertainer and versatile performer who has earned both the Lifetime Achievement Award from Magic New Zealand and Children's Entertainer of the Year honours from the Variety Artist Club of New Zealand.
 
 Wayne takes us on a captivating journey through his desert island magic selections, beginning with "Howzatt" by Michael J. Fitch, a cricket-themed paddle trick that culminates in the production of a mini cricket ball. This culturally relevant choice perfectly illustrates Wayne's thoughtful approach to connecting with his New Zealand audiences through their passion for sports.
 
 His customised Copper-Silver-Brass coin routine reveals the depth of his performance philosophy. Rather than using standard coins, Wayne employs an authentic Chinese coin, an old New Zealand penny, and a contemporary 50-cent piece to weave a fascinating narrative about New Zealand's gold mining history, demonstrating how magic can become more meaningful when anchored in local heritage.
 
 The conversation takes a thrilling turn when Wayne describes his children's show favourite, "Snakeless" by Mike Bent, a multilayered routine featuring creepy crawlies, an animated spider that climbs up his trousers, and a spring snake finale that creates absolute "pandemonium" among young audiences. His detailed explanation showcases the brilliant psychology behind effective children's entertainment.
 
 What makes this episode particularly valuable is Wayne's insights into performing across different venues, from restaurants to large festivals, from intimate birthday parties to corporate events. Each selection in his list serves a specific purpose in his professional repertoire, from the beautifully crafted Babu Wallet for close-up performances to "Slice of Magic" that gets him significant media coverage when he cuts a child in half during family shows.
 
 Wayne's passion for quality magic is evident in his reverence for Tommy Wonder's Nest of Boxes and his recommendation of "The Secret Ways of Al Baker" as his desert island book. His selection of his two performing parrots as his non-magic item offers a glimpse into the personal connection he has with his animal performers.

Wayne’s Desert Island Tricks: 

1. Howzatt 
2. Copper, Silver, Brass
3. Snakeless 
4. Slashed 
5. Babu Wallet 
6. Bill in Lemon 
7. Slice of Magic 
8. Nest of Boxes 

Banishment. Zombie Ball

Book. The Secret Ways of Al Baker

Item. Parrots

Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk