Why do we believe in the impossible? In this episode of The Magician’s Workshop, Dr. Todd sits down with magician, historian, and psychologist Professor Peter Lamont to uncover the fascinating connection between magic, the mind, and critical thinking.

Discover how magicians influence perception, the psychology behind belief systems, and why understanding how we think can be even more magical than the tricks themselves. Peter also reveals the ethical challenges magicians face, the surprising history of classic illusions, and how critical thinking can change the way we see the world—on stage and off.

Peter Lamont is known for his groundbreaking research on the history and psychology of magic, as well as his insights into why humans are drawn to mystery and wonder.

✨ In this episode you’ll learn: The hidden psychology magicians use to shape audience perception Why critical thinking is vital in magic and everyday life The ethics of deception in entertainment How belief systems shape the way we experience magic

Subscribe for more interviews with magicians, creators, and thinkers from around the world.

In this episode of The Magician’s Workshop, Max Davidson shares his inspiring journey from discovering magic as a kid to becoming a professional magician in New York City.

Max opens up about the competitive nature of the industry, the value of mentorship, and how producing stand-up magic shows helped shape his career. He also dives into how memory techniques influence his performance, the challenge of juggling multiple passions, and what he sees for the future of magic. Whether you're a fellow magician or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode is packed with insight, heart, and a little bit of sleight-of-hand.

What’s it really like to be a magician in Las Vegas? In this episode of The Magician’s Workshop, Dr. Todd sits down with Chris Hanna, a resident Vegas magician, to pull back the curtain on the reality of performing in the entertainment capital of the world. Chris shares his incredible journey , what it’s like to perform for celebrities, the importance of networking, and how to stand out in one of the most competitive magic environments on Earth. This conversation is packed with personal stories, career advice, and real talk every aspiring magician needs to hear. ️ REP THE MAGIC! Check out official Magician’s Workshop merch here: https://magiciansworkshop-shop.fourthwall.com/ SUBSCRIBE for weekly interviews with working magicians, behind-the-scenes insights, and tips to level up your magic Like, comment, and share to help spread the magic! Takeaways Chris Hanna is a full-time magician based in Las Vegas. He transitioned from dentistry to magic, performing for VIPs and celebrities. Networking is crucial in the magic industry, especially in Las Vegas. Presentation and appearance significantly impact a magician's success. Chris emphasizes the importance of being relatable and approachable. He shares experiences performing for celebrities like Tom Brady and Justin Timberlake. Magic is still popular, but the landscape is competitive and corporate. Building relationships with clients can lead to repeat business. Chris advises aspiring magicians to focus on their unique style and presentation. He believes in the power of free performances to build a reputation. #LasVegasMagic #ChrisHanna #MagiciansWorkshop #StreetMagic #MagicPodcast #MagicianLife #DrTodd #SleightOfHand #CelebrityMagician

In this episode of Magician’s Workshop, Dr. Todd sits down with professional magician Ben Nemzer to explore his incredible journey from a young magic enthusiast to a performer at world-class venues like the Magic Castle.

✨ Ben shares how attending magic camp sparked his passion, what it was like apprenticing under legendary magician Steve Cohen, and how he overcame imposter syndrome while finding his voice in magic. From the power of classic tricks like the Invisible Deck to the importance of building real audience connections, Ben’s insights are both inspiring and practical for magicians and creatives alike.

Subscribe for more interviews with top magicians Like the video if you love magic

Comment your favorite takeaway from Ben’s story! Connect with Ben Nemzer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bennemzer/ Website: https://www.bennemzer.com/

️ Hosted by Dr. Todd — dentist by day, magician by night.

#BenNemzer #MagiciansWorkshop #MagicCastle #InvisibleDeck #SteveCohen #MagicInterview #ProfessionalMagician #MagicCommunity

 Dr. Todd interviews Day Mori, a talented magician and performer, who shares his journey into the world of magic, his experiences at the Magic Castle, and his passion for escapology. Day discusses the importance of representation in magic, his recent performances at the Mystify Magic Show, and his aspirations to blend music with magic. He also reflects on his viral success on social media platforms like TikTok and the supportive community he has found there. In this engaging conversation, Day Mori and Dr. Todd explore themes of humanity, vulnerability, and the transformative power of magic. They discuss the importance of connection and acceptance in a world filled with negativity, emphasizing the need for kindness and understanding. Day shares insights from his experiences in escapology and performance, highlighting how magic can bridge gaps between people and foster a sense of community. The conversation concludes with Day's aspirations for the future and his commitment to using his art to inspire others.

Want to perform magic that actually connects?

Todd Day breaks it all down. From the Magic Castle to high-end restaurants, Todd shares how he creates moments that matter—and why it's all about the audience.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Todd interviews professional magician Todd Day, who shares his inspiring journey into the world of magic—from his early influences to rediscovering the art as an adult. Todd talks about the rigorous audition process at the legendary Magic Castle, the difference between the California and New York magic scenes, and what it takes to truly succeed as a professional performer. He dives into:

✨ The importance of audience connection over cleverness

What it’s really like to perform at The Magic Castle

️ Working the upscale restaurant circuit

Customizing tricks for laypeople (not magicians!)

️ Real talk for aspiring pros who want to make magic their career

If you're serious about magic—or just fascinated by what it takes to perform at the highest level—this is one you won’t want to miss.

Connect with Todd Day:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/todddaymagic

Facebook: https://facebook.com/todddaymagic

Website: https://todddaymagic.com

Like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into the world of professional magic!

 #ToddDay #MagicCastle #ProfessionalMagician #MagicInterview #ToddTheMagicFox #CloseUpMagic #RestaurantMagician #MagicPodcast #MagicianAdvice

In this episode, Justin Purcell, a Chicago-based magician, shares insights into his journey in magic, his unique performance style, and the evolution of the Chicago Magic Lounge. He discusses the importance of improv in his performances, his approach to engaging audiences, and his favorite tricks. The conversation highlights the blend of comedy and magic in Purcell's work, showcasing his commitment to creating memorable experiences for his audience. In this engaging conversation, Justin Purcell shares insights into the world of magic, discussing the essentials of walk-around performances, the challenges and joys of being a professional magician, and the importance of keeping magic fresh and entertaining. He reflects on memorable gigs, offers advice for aspiring magicians, and shares a unique trick that exemplifies his style. The discussion highlights the dedication and creativity involved in the art of magic, making it clear that it is both a passion and a profession.

Get your Tickets to the "Good Liar" here: https://www.agoodliar.com/

Magi-Whirl 2025: https://ibmring50.org/lecturers/

New Merch! https://dr-todd-shop.fourthwall.com/

In this episode of Magician's Workshop, Dr. Todd interviews Brian Curry, a renowned magician and mentalist known as The Good Liar. They discuss Brian's journey into magic, his influences, and his transition from close-up magic to stage performances. Brian shares insights on developing a unique mentalism act that avoids traditional tropes, the importance of community in magic, and his experiences with the Magi-Whirl festival. The conversation also touches on marketing strategies for magicians and the significance of storytelling in performances.

Takeaways

-Brian Curry's journey into magic began as a way to connect with others.

-The influence of mentors like Al Curlett shaped Brian's approach to magic.

-Transitioning from close-up to stage magic requires practice and experience.

-Brian's mentalism act focuses on authenticity and avoiding psychic tropes.

-The story of Patrick Walms highlights the complexities of the magic community.

-Building a career in magic involves both performance and marketing skills. -Magi-Whirl offers a unique blend of public shows and magician lectures.

-Networking and word-of-mouth are crucial for success in the magic industry.

-Mistakes are part of the learning process for new magicians.

-Brian emphasizes the importance of having a backup plan for financial security.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Brian Curry and His Journey

03:33 The Magic Duel: A Unique Performance Concept

06:30 The Transition from Close-Up to Stage Magic

09:32 Building a Mentalism Act: Philosophy and Approach

12:38 The Impact of Community and Mentorship in Magic

15:27 Marketing Strategies for Magic Shows

18:33 The Story of Patrick Walms: A Lesson in Life and Magic

21:33 Creating a Public Show: Challenges and Strategies

24:39 Building an Email List and Engaging with Audiences

27:29 The Importance of Loyal Followers in the Magic Community

29:07 Exploring Magic World Festival

35:53 Maximizing Your Convention Experience

40:02 The Art of School Shows

40:18 Rapid Fire Insights

Dr. Todd interviews The Amazing Bibik, a seasoned (mostly with oregano) magician with over 40 years of experience. They discuss Bibik's journey into magic, the importance of comedy in performances, and the unique magic scene in Chicago. Bibik shares insights on performing in restaurants, the challenges of hypnosis, and the significance of connecting with audiences through names. He emphasizes the importance of taking risks and finding one's voice in the world of magic, making this a valuable discussion for aspiring magicians and fans alike.

Takeaways

The Amazing Bibik has over 40 years of experience in magic.
He blends comedy and magic to create unforgettable performances.
His journey into magic began at a young age, inspired by a school magician.
Performing in bars and restaurants requires a unique approach to engage audiences.
Chicago has a rich history of magic and is known for its vibrant magic scene.
The importance of helping assistants on stage was emphasized by a mentor.
Comedy is essential in magic to keep audiences entertained.
Hypnosis shows require a different skill set compared to traditional magic shows.
Building a personal style in magic is a journey that takes time.
Learning names and connecting with the audience enhances the magic experience.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to The Amazing Bibik
02:37 The Early Days of Magic
05:33 The Journey into Professional Magic
08:20 The Chicago Magic Scene
11:35 Performing in Restaurants and Bars
14:30 The Role of Audience Engagement
17:29 Becoming the House Magician at Chicago Magic Lounge
20:27 The Unique Chicago Magic Experience
23:25 Adapting to the Bar Environment
28:10 The Art of Performance and Adaptability
32:32 The Dynamics of Hypnosis Shows
37:29 Comedy in Magic: The Essential Ingredient
41:38 Memorizing Names: The Bibik Method
43:25 The Bar Magic Experience
46:25 The Surprising Simplicity of Magic
49:32 Finding Your Voice in Magic
50:22 Imagining a Life Without Magic
52:36 Advice for Aspiring Magicians
53:16 Favorite Magic Books and Influences
55:30 Final Thoughts and Advice

Holy Smokes! This one is a doozy. Jonah drops bombs of advice for every level of magician!

In this episode of Magician's Workshop, Dr. Todd interviews Jonah Babins, a prominent magician and podcaster, who shares his journey into the world of magic, the evolution of his career, and insights from his experiences. They discuss the importance of community in magic, the challenges of balancing multiple roles, and the structure and benefits of Jonah's coaching program, the Mastermind. Jonah emphasizes the significance of building proof in one's craft and offers valuable advice for aspiring magicians. The conversation highlights the passion and dedication required to succeed in the magic industry,along with the importance of continuous learning and growth.

Full episode in video available on www.youtube.com/@themwpodcast

Jonah's Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@DiscourseinMagic 

Jonah's Website: https://www.torontomagiccompany.com/