10:00am-4:00pm Registration Open

1:00pm to 4:00pm Dealers Open

4:00pm to 5:00pm Session #1 “Welcome To Long Beach” 

5:00pm to 7:00pm Dinner

7:00pm to 8:30pm Session #2 

8:30pm to 11:30pm Dealer Room Open

9:00 am to 11:00am Dealer Room Open

11:00am to 12:30pm Session #3 

12:30pm-5:00pm Dealer Room Open

1:30pm-5:00pm Mike Caveney’s Egyptian Hall 

Museum (In The Queen Mary Boardroom) & Queen Mary Guided Tours

5:00pm-7:00pm Dinner

7:00pm-8:30pm Session#4  

8:30pm-11:30pm Dealer Room Open

Timestamps for this episode:

00:00:17 – We take off from Austin for Burbank, California, where we’ll head to Long Beach and the Queen Mary for the convention then come back to Hollywood to the Magic Castle later and the awards presentation of the Academy of Magical Arts where I will be receiving a Special Fellowship for this podcast.

00:03:36 – Dana Daniels, one of the presenters who told some stories about working in Disneyland.

00:15:48 – Lance Rich, another of the presenters, told us a bit about his book “Neon Dreams” that was the focus of his talk last year. This year he spoke about “Neptune’s Sorcerers” which was about cruise ship magicians prior to the 1970’s.

00:22:42 – Les Arnold, one of the Long Beach Mystics, talked about his association with the club as a builder and performer

00:28:00 – Mike Caveney, one of the presenters gave us a quick recap of what was in his talk that I missed. It was about several of the artifacts in his Egyptian Hall and how he came about being the heir to the David Price collection.

00:32:22 – We kick off Day Two at breakfast with Peter Rogers, from Australia, and Dick Olson, from Texas, who are registrants at this event. They tell us what they have been doing and their reflections on this convention. It was Peter’s first Expo.

00:41:27 – Arthur Moses, Houdini expert/collector/historian/author, is a dealer at this Expo who talks about some of the things he has available. He talks about his new book that would interest those who are researching Houdini.

00:49:50 – David Charvet was another speaker at the convention who spoke about the Golden Age of Magic in Southern California 1893-1963.

00:57:00 – Chuck Jones was interviewed by Stan Allen on stage for the Expo. In this chat, Chuck recapped his life in this short chat. He tells some stories about his early television work.

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From Viet Nam and Scotland, this versatile, multi-national, energetic performer, Naathan Phan, has appeared on television, cruise ships, and stages around the world. You may have seen him on Masters of Illusion or Penn & Teller Fool Us (both on the CW Network) or America’s Got Talent (sic). You may have seen him in the movies such as Superbad or Up in Smoke, among others. Not only does he perform clever, innovative magic, but also he is a superb singer, actor, and mixologist!

Join us this week with Naathan Phan as we share a scotch and conversation. Naathan talks about his cross-country tour with his current, two-man show. He also gives some advice on how to develop a rapport with the audience, selecting volunteers, performing on television and cruise ships and more. He also gives us a recipe for a tasty cocktail!

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10:30 a.m.         One-Man Show: Paul Gertner

1:30 p.m.            6th Show             Mini World (Shawn Farqhar)

3:30 p.m.            ED Talks (MCs: Chrisitan and Katalina)

5:30 p.m.            Banquet (ticket required)

8:00 p.m.            7th Show             Closing Gala (MC: Steve Beam)

Time Stamps for this episode:

(00:00) This is themagicwordpodcast. com. So everybody listened to the past episodes with Scott and Marc DeSouza

(01:43) This year, unusual, we actually had three guests of honor

(02:42) Michael Breggar: Christian was the first guest of honor on opening night

(07:30) We had a whole episode about Breaking Bad. You should go back and find that episode

(09:09) Scott: Bernardo Sedlacek gave a lecture about the experience of magic

(12:47) Our food has arrived. We are back. I had the pancakes and also the biscuits and gravy

(13:17) Breakfast at the campfire grill was delicious, much better than hotel

(13:50) Michael Bregger is offering us a free drawing on his website

(17:19) Thursday night show featured some outstanding magicians

(21:30) Steve Friedberg: Thursday night featured some great card tricks. And Boris Wild closed the show

(25:57) Friday frolics afternoon show was hosted by Mayor Yedid

(31:03) All the performers in the show were all performers who learned magic from Charming Choi

(36:59) Michael Vena taking over as contest chairman for next year's MAES

(40:10) Scott Savage welcomes Tiffany Wild to the show

(40:26) Has Boris thought about doing a one man show here

(43:03) You've been involved in magic for a long time, but the Georgia magnet is recent

(45:37) Do you think eventually you'll have dual citizenship in France

(46:46) This is your first time performing the Georgia wonder act

(51:07) You can use lipstick to write down something holding someone back

(51:32) You talk about men and women in your act. Talk about history

(52:59) Scott Wells: The TRICS convention is in Charlotte, South Carolina, I mean North Carolina

(54:51) Shawn Farquhar's show was fantastic, so many surprises

(55:43) Paul Gertner will perform at TRICS this year as guest of honor

(58:08) Are you not sold out yet this year for the sleight club convention

(01:00:28) The shows throughout this whole weekend have been really great. Have so much good stuff going on

(01:03:49) Scott Robinson: We had a great afternoon with Paul and Ed

(01:05:20) Charming Choi is your real name. Do you go on television as charming Choi

(01:09:30) You must have really enjoyed this, the fact that you put this whole show together

(01:11:42) Scotty and DeSouza wrap up 51st annual 4F convention

(01:16:18) Sean Farquhar has a great cup and ball routine

(01:18:06) Steve Friedberg talks about creating character through ad libbing

(01:21:44) Bernardo did three great routines last night

(01:26:55) Marc DeSouza and Scotty out until next year at the Millennium Hotel

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You show a deck of cards, and then set a prediction face down on the table, before the trick starts.  Next you bring out four different dice, each with a different number of sides (D4, D6, D8 and D10).  The spectator rolls the whole lot of dice, generating four random numbers, and then they choose one of them to place on top of the prediction card.

The same procedure is repeated three more times - each time the spectator rolling the dice, generating random numbers, and then consciously choosing one to place onto a face down prediction card, placed down before the dice were rolled.

The cards are carefully removed from underneath the cards, and flipped over...

ASTONISHINGLY, EACH CARD HAS THE SAME VALUE AS THE DICE THE SPECTATOR CHOSE TO PLACE ONTO IT!

Easy to do, includes the dice, bag and special 'something'.  Just provide your own deck of bicycles.  You also receive video instructions with Liam's teaching, variations and bonus handlings!

There will be TWO WINNERS for this prize. You must be a resident of the U.S. to be considered for this contest; however, if you do enter the contest and your name is randomly selected, and you reside outside the U.S., then you will have to reimburse Michael Breggar for the additional postage.

One entry per person, please.

Thank you for entering the contest. If your name is randomly selected, then you will be contacted and asked for your physical mailing address for your where you want your prize sent. Good luck!

10:30 a.m.          Tricks from Books Everyone Has Forgotten (MC: Mike Powers)

1:30 p.m.            4th Show             Magical Moments (MC: Meir Yedid)

3:30 p.m.            Lecture #5          Jovi Benitez

7:45 p.m.            Tribute to GOH Charming Choi (host: Jeki Yoo)

8:00 p.m.            Korean Gala (MC: Charming Choi)

Time Stamps:

(00:00) Theyagic Word Podcast welcomes Glenn Brown to talk about the 51st convention

(02:21) About 130 people are from the US; the rest are spread amongst 17 countries

(06:14) Next year's convention is still planned for the same hotel as this year

(06:39) We ask people to provide two sponsors, people who have attended four f

(09:23) Glenn Brown: One of our guests lost his passport on a plane

(12:51) This is the 51st year of the four F convention

(16:19) A magician is a director to the actors, to the spectators

(20:23) The best story wins. Rather than saying, you want to see a trick

(22:25) Darryl: There is no other convention in the world like this one

(26:36) There are perks to giving back to magicians, right? Yeah. Well, there are perks, certainly,

(28:33) The magic circle now streams live on Monday night during COVID

(32:01) Daryl: The beauty of this convention is everyone's limited to five minutes

(34:31) Darryl Rose: This is the best close up convention in the magic world

(36:19) Every convention is worth it if you come away with something that you can use

(40:19) Rick Wilcox will be attending the TRICS convention in Charlotte in November

(44:16) You're receiving the Melbourne Christopher award for illusionist, best

(45:35) Obviously we want to talk about now before our season starts, so. So we had a 25th season

(46:50) You've been coming to 4F since 2002

(50:28) Rick says Bernardo always thinks of four numbers when doing magic

(53:41) Roger Nicot, and Eva Mae got married here nine years ago

(55:47) So have you seen much of the convention from the standpoint, you've been a dealer

(57:58) You're going to be a dealer at MAGIC Live this year, right

(59:17) Scott: They're getting ready for the main show right now

(59:28) Scott: We had a wonderful show by Korean magicians tonight

(01:01:04) Jekiyoo: I'm glad that all of you guys came over

(01:03:48) The Magic Word podcast is over. You scotty out

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7:45 p.m.            tribute to Guest of Honor (GOH) Christian Schenk (host: Rogr Nicot)

8:00 p.m.            Lecture #1          GOH Christian Schenk

9:00 p.m.            1st Show              4F Opening Gala (MC :Keith Fields)

10:30 a.m.         Lecture #2          Bernardo Sedlacek

1:30 p.m.            2nd Show             Magical Moments (MC: Gary Morton)

3:30 p.m.            Lecture #3          John Bannon

745 p.m.             Tribute to GOH Jimmy C. (host: Darryl Rose)

8:00 p.m.            Lecture #4          Jimmy C.

9:00 p.m.            3rd Show             Friends Old & New (MC: Michael Dardant)

Time Stamps:

(00:00) Scott Wells recently returned from France

(01:04) Scotty heading to Buffalo for four f convention this weekend

(03:13) Scotty will receive a fellowship from the Academy of Magical Arts

(04:07) So, as far as a convention, since I missed last evening, Rick,

(06:42) Gino: Okay, now it's time for lunch. We have to go to the liquor store

(09:43) Gene Gordon and Chuck Ark attended the evening gala last night

(10:37) Christian: What did you think last night? Kind of stood out

(13:30) Jimmy C. started in magic at 42 and now does 22 gigs a month

(17:54) What do you say to encourage people to get into magic at a later age

(19:13) A friend of mine does a magic trick for laymen five times a day

(20:15) So my other question has to do then with the five star reviews

(21:02) Do you have a character when you perform? I mean, like,

(22:44) One of the recent podcast episodes with Rolando Santos has received overwhelming positive feedback

(23:18) Rolando discusses the difference between evoking and provoking

(25:28) The pendulum work is all ad lib because you don't know

(26:20) Have you been enjoying this convention so far? Yeah. The magic has been terrific

(28:24) Alain Iannoni from Italy joins us from NPR

(29:21) You've been a professional magician for 30 years now

(31:54) Talk about some of the things that are in your lecture

(36:22) Scott: Henry Evans recently finished a lecture tour

(37:41) Another guy that did a lot for you was Mike Miller taking you on chinese tours

(39:34) In China, most of the people speak only Chinese, so they need interpreter

(41:51) Scott Bennett says he fooled Penn and Teller on his Las Vegas tour

(45:26) You maintain citizenship in all three nationalities because you were born in Antigua

(46:56) Dev Patel's four f routine was a hit last night

(49:31) How many conventions have you been to? This is your 11th

(53:28) Keith Fields: I have a friend who owns a theater in San Antonio

(56:22) Gino Mozzarella got a call to do a gig in Spain

(01:00:10) Renee Levan performed for John Lennon once

(01:02:57) Well, yesterday at the four f, you gave a lecture. I missed that. But I was today, actually

(01:03:09) The theme of this lecture was how to create a special moment

(01:05:53) Bernardo gave a lecture on how to create a special moment

(01:08:29) Bernardo says being a first timer in magicians is daunting

(01:10:31) Scott, as a first timer, performing magicians was daunting

(01:14:00) Bernardo: The vibe at four f is very different from other conventions

(01:17:36) Mark: I'm anxious to see what Bernard is going to show us here

Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Stitcher by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here..If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here

From Adelaide, Australia, Raymond Crowe bills himself as the “Unusualist.” An apt title, indeed, as his act is hard to describe and one of a kind. More than a magician and mime, he is a shadow artist as well. His on-stage character can be seen and “felt” by audiences regardless of the size of the theater. He can emote feelings and emotions with a mere gesture, tilt of his head, or movement of his eyes, plus his magic is original and amazing. He has performed around the world including a command performance for the Queen of England! He toured with The Illusionists as they traveled around the world from the Sydney Opera House to Broadway in New York City. He has had appearances on David Letterman’s Late Show, Australia’s Got Talent and even on America’s Got Talent. He has competed at FISM and lectured/performed at MAGIC Live! and Blackpool.

If you are more of a visual person, then you might like watching our interaction via Zoom as we recorded this week’s episode.

This week, Raymond Crowe talks about his beginnings as he learned mime/theater from Madame Zora. He also talks about his humble beginnings as a manipulator and how he learned the art of shadowography.

Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.

More than a magician, Mike Miller, Past National President of the S.A.M., also books talent for many magic conventions including the S.A.M. convention, Abbott’s Get Together, Super Sunday, and many others. He scours the world looking for unique acts to book. He has a good eye for spotting up-and-coming performers before they “hit it big” on the international scene. The best way to be seen by Mike is by competing and performing in other magic conventions. For several years, Mike also booked acts for a multi-city tour of China. Today he regularly performs at the Smoke & Mirrors Theater in Philadelphia while still searching for convention acts. As a result of his untiring efforts in helping magicians around the world, the Academy of Magical Arts will present a Special Fellowship to him at the awards banquet on May 17, 2024.

If you are more of a visual person, then perhaps you might enjoy watching our interaction during our Zoom conversation.

In this episode, Mike Miller talks about his career as a talent booker and how Hank Moorehouse shaped his life. He talks about how he goes about finding unique acts and how he learned to be a stage manager, too.

Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.

Past National President of the Society of American Magicians, Mark Weidhaas, is a jolly old man. Well, he may not really be “that” old, but he is jolly! A Structural Engineer by day, Mark “moonlights” as “Inspector Magic” for children at birthday parties, family gatherings, libraries and schools. But during the Christmas holidays, he dons his red cap and cape to become Colorado’s Santa Claus. He is also very involved with planning magic conventions for the S.A.M. and in particular, he is one of the co-organizers for MAGIC Texas in Arlington, Texas, later this year.

This week Mark Weidhaas tells us about his first magic convention and the importance of attending these gatherings. One of the topics discussed this week is “magic exposure” and how the national organizations handle it. He also tells us about how he developed his “Inspector Magic” character, but perhaps most importantly, we discuss how to enter into the lucrative field of making appearances as Santa Claus.

Timestamps of some of our topics;

(00:00) The Wonder Bash is coming up in Grand Rapids, Michigan next month

(00:49) Mark Weidhaas talks about becoming a Santa Claus and how to do it

(02:35) Scotty: We're in Colorado Springs following a rather torrential blizzard

(05:57) David Ginn got into magic late in life through volunteer fire department

(11:50) The camaraderie of a magic club can take you places

(16:05) You have different tricks for different ages. Do you have different acts?

(18:12) Are you performing only in the springs or do you go up to Denver or country

(19:18) You've been a Santa Claus for many years now

(22:12) Dal says portraying Santa Claus is rewarding and quite lucrative

(27:50) There are so many things you can do with Santa and different places

(29:40) Scott: We are getting very close to the Wonder bash convention in Michigan

(30:20) The convention is scheduled for April 18 in Grand Rapids, Michigan

(33:40) If you are a youth, you can apply to Wonder Bash for free

(35:18) Mark Weidhaas: Santa Claus asks children what they want for Christmas

(40:25) American magicians now offer training on child safety for youth

(43:00) There's been a lot of discussion recently about the exposure of magic

(48:51) My first national convention was in 2003, in Las Vegas

(52:21) You talk about the importance of attending conventions and making friends

(56:08) Mark Weidhaas of the S.A.M. and Dal Sanders of the T.A.O.M. are co-chairmen for Magic Texas coming up in September

(01:01:10) Scotty: Thanks to Mark Whitehouse for being my guest this week

Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.

There are many magicians around the world who grind out a living as a magician meaning that they take any and all magic jobs and perform anywhere. Keith Leff is one of those magicians who is not one the “celebrity magicians” who is well-known in the magic world, but is one of those “everyman magicians” who is dependable, reliable, solid, and capable who keeps busy with the business of magic, whatever it takes. Moreover, after so many years “in the trenches” he has recently been traveling across the country with his magic lecture where he sells some of his original creations and lecture notes.

If you are a more visual person, then perhaps you might enjoy watching our Zoom chat for this episode.

In this episode, Keith gives tips and advice from his lecture and his many years of professional experience including working at fairs and festivals as well as corporate parties and restaurants.

Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.

Have you ever been captivated by the mysterious world of magic and mentalism? In our latest podcast episode, we sit down with the remarkable Ian Rowland, a man whose life is as fascinating as the subjects he writes about. From the Blackpool convention to the art of Kirigami, Ian takes us on a journey through his experiences as a magician, mentalist, and classical guitar lover.

Ian Rowland is not just a master of illusion; he is also an acclaimed author renowned for his books on cold reading. In this episode, he generously offers one lucky listener the chance to win a copy of one of his books. Imagine holding the secrets of cold reading in your hands, unlocking the doors to understanding an art that has mystified and intrigued audiences for generations.

As we delve deeper into the conversation, Ian shares his unique perspective on the magic community, his work with the FBI, and his adventures as a corporate speaker. His stories are not just tales of wonder but lessons in life and success. Ian's philosophy, centered on treating people with kindness and respect, resonates through his words, offering listeners a guide to a more fulfilling path.

But the magic doesn't end there. Even if you're not the contest winner, Ian extends the opportunity to receive free materials by visiting his website at https://ianrowland.com/magic It's a treasure trove of knowledge waiting to be explored.

So why should you listen to this episode? Because it's not every day that you get to hear from someone who has truly lived a life of magic, both on and off the stage. Ian Rowland's experiences, insights, and stories are a testament to the power of curiosity, passion, and the human connection.

Tune in to this magical episode and let Ian Rowland enchant you with his wisdom and wit. Who knows, you might just be the lucky winner of a book that could change the way you see the world. Listen now, and be prepared to be amazed!

Ian has graciously offered one of his books on cold reading to one lucky entrant in this week’s contest. This contest is not limited to U.S. residents but can also be sent to our international friends in the U.K., Canada and Europe. But even if your name isn’t drawn, you can still be a winner because Ian is offering three different items for you at his website at: https://www.ianrowland.com/magic And while you are there, please take a moment to view the video for one of the items he sells, “Think Link” which you can watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIjEslya-qo

Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.