The Magic Book Podcast

Fourth-generation magician Alex Arnold Lee shares how a cringeworthy moment in 2003 involving a broom suspension, dated music, and a baby doll costume, transformed her career. Discover how she created the beloved comedy character Dazzle and turned that stage persona into the children's book " Dazzle...

Jim Hagy began publishing magic history at age 11 and never stopped. Now a distinguished historian and author, he discusses his unique approach to magic's past - focusing on social history and audience relationships rather than methods. From his childhood correspondence with Milbourne Christopher to...

Dr. Matt Tompkins, experimental psychologist and magician, explores the intersection of magic and cognitive science. From mastering coin tricks as a child to designing "fake mind control machines" at Lund University, Matt reveals how magicians understood principles like change blindness decades befo...

Professional magician Jim Kleefeld reflects on six decades of performing magic, revealing his strategic journey from children's performer to mentalism authority. Jim discusses writing "Locked" to establish credibility before tackling "The Book Test Book" - a comprehensive encyclopedia covering 600+ ...

Professional magician and historian Mike Rose discusses documenting magic's forgotten innovators, from Joe Karson, creator of the Zombie floating ball, to Phil Thomas, Baltimore's "Ambassador of Magic." Mike reveals how Joe's early Zombies were made from glass, how Phil survived a devastating shop f...

Dr. Rebecca Josephy reveals how magic and magicians influenced detective fiction through her book examining these surprisingly interconnected art forms.

Neil Tobin discusses magician-authors who wrote detective fiction, and his upcoming annotated editions of Clayton Rawson's novels featuring The Great Merlini.

Charles Greene III discusses his book, "Ionia: Magician Princess Secrets Unlocked" and newly discovered connections between magic and early Hollywood history.

Federal judge and magician Gary Brown discusses magic history, his innovative books, and previews revelations about Alexander in his upcoming Gibecière article.

Philip David Treece discusses preserving magic's printed heritage through his online bookshop and publishing rare historical works and biographies.