The Magic Detective Podcast

Today we explore the life of Houdini's brother, Theodore, known professionally as HARDEEN. He had a very strong career, duplicating many of his famous brothers feats, but also doing many unique things of his own. 

Prepare for an extremely informative podcast on Houdini's Library which resides in the Harry Ransom Center in Austin Texas. Also, Dr. Eric Colleary, the curator of the exhibit has a new book out, also called Houdini's Library. 

Pay close attention, you'll learn a lot. And forgive me for saying Smithsonian, instead of Library of Congress. I was having a senior moment, lol. I know the difference and have been to both!

Magic historian, collector, author, Charles Green is my guest today talking about his book, Exposing Houdini. He shares some things here that you won't find on any other interview, anywhere. 

Copies of the book are still available at ExposingHoudini.com 

Celebrating Houdini's Centennial, I begin with a brief story of Houdini when he was in Salem Mass. And then I introduce George Schwartz, the curator of the new exhibit 'Houdini In Salem' at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem. 

Join me as we explore the life of Bess Houdini, the one time stage partner to her husband Harry. And later the woman who helped to keep his legacy alive. Her life is mostly glossed over in the biographies, but today you'll learn a few stories, some sad, some charming, and some courageous about this tiny (she was under 5ft) yet dynamic woman! #besshoudini

For those wishing to check out my Houdini art and related prints,

Temporarily Unavailable 

ExposingHoudini.com   by Charles Green

Escaping Obscurity book  by John Cox and Dr. Bruce Averbook

A Strenuous Career book  by Dr. Bruce Averbook  and David Haversat

Here is the story of the magical life of Harry Anderson. I dont really delve into the TV Harry Anderson much. Mostly the life story of the magician Harry Anderson, known by the nickname of Harry The Hat, the friendly con-man character! 

The transcript for the episode contains a bunch of performance videos. Click the link to check those out. https://www.themagicdetective.com/2026/01/harry-hat-anderson-podcast-transcript.html

Comedy Magician Tommy Cooper is our feature this week. A complex man with a crazy history. He seemed to be a bumbling and fumbling magician but there was a method to his madness. 

Videos of Tommy Cooper are all over Youtube, just type in Tommy Cooper magic in the search box and you'll see many many wonderful videos from his countless TV appearances.

On this episode we explore the life of William Mozart Nicol, known professionally as The Great Nicola. He was the last of the globetrotting magicians. He did 4 world tours, survived earthquakes. fires, World Wars and more. 

Information on the annual Great Nicola Festival  www.wcHistoryMuseum.com

This episode covers the life of Josef Freud, known professionally as Joseffy. He was an eccentric magician and inventor around the turn of the century. His most famous creation was Balsamo the Talking Skull.

A wonderful podcast on Velma Queen of Illusion. She was a NY female magician who had a long career and made quite a splash during her day. You're going to love this episode with clips from Velma herself.