The magic that stays with you isn’t always the trick you can describe, it’s the feeling you can’t shake. That’s where our conversation with French magician, creator, hypnotist and theatre performer Jean-Luc Bertrand begins: the rare moments that make a seasoned performer feel like a five-year-old seeing impossibility for the first time, and how we can build shows that give audiences that same hit of wonder. 

We get into the effects and performers that shaped Jean-Luc’s taste and philosophy, from Garrett Thomas’ legendary ID-style miracle to David Blaine’s extreme commitment and Derren Brown’s masterclass in scripting, structure, and hypnosis. Along the way we talk misdirection as intention, how to avoid performing on autopilot, and why the best professional magic is really about “writing memories” for people at the most important events of their lives. 

Jean-Luc also shares what he would banish from the magic industry: the lack of meaningful copyright norms and the casual attitude toward copying. We explore why originality is harder than buying the latest trick, and why ethics matter if magic is going to evolve. Plus, we tease Jean-Luc’s upcoming Murphy’s Magic release, the JLB Coin, and what makes it feel like real superpowers in the hands. 

Jean Luc’s Desert Island Tricks: 

Welcome Package. Card Under Tablecloth 

1. Drivers Licence Trick by Garrett Thomas
2. David Blaine’s Frog From Mouth 
3. Derren Brown’s Card Under Box
4. Creating a moment for a single audience member 
5. French Fries Production 
6. JLB Coin 
7. Yann Frisch
8. Music Box Effect 

Banishment. Lack of Copyright in the Magic Industry 

Book. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Item. BIC Lighter 

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