Desert Island Tricks

• James Brown

  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: Push Card Under Box Top Change Coinvexed Crazy Mans Handcuffs Double Cross Pot of Jam Coins Across Banishment. Magicians Ego / Exposure & Quality of magic on Social MediaBook. Reality as an Art by Aaron Alexander Item. Mind of the SpectatorFind out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

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• Marvin Berglas

  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: Deck of Cards Book TestPseudo Psychometry Dice Appearing Helicopter Lights from Anywhere iMagicThumb Tip Banishment. NegativityBook. Mind and Magic of David Berglas Item. Mobile PhoneFind out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

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• Nikolas Mavresis

  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: Twisted SistersShuffle BoredInferno Memorised Deck Killer Elite Pro The Collector SnapsAnniversary Waltz Banishment. Drama and Negativity Book. Practical Mental Magic Item. Musical Instrument / Music / GuitarFind out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

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• Ben Hanlin

  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: Multiple Selection Needle SwallowMoving Car Vanish Manip Act Sam the Bellhop Beer ProductionPhone in Fish Water Torture EscapeBanishment. Purse Frame / Rope Around Neck / Confabulation Routines Book. Books of WonderItem. Evernote Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

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• Wayne McEwan

  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: Howzatt Copper, Silver, BrassSnakeless Slashed Babu Wallet Bill in Lemon Slice of Magic Nest of Boxes Banishment. Zombie BallBook. The Secret Ways of Al BakerItem. ParrotsFind out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

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