Improv and Magic

In this episode of Improv and Magic, I have the pleasure of sitting down with the incredibly talented Gary Anthony Williams , an actor, comedian, writer, voice artist, and improviser whose career spans television, film, animation, and live comedy. From scene-stealing sitcom appearances to iconic voice acting roles, Gary has built one of the most versatile and impressive careers in entertainment. Y...

In this episode of Improv and Magic, I sit down with professional magician and mentalist Brian Masters to talk about the business, psychology, and real-world impact of modern magic. If you've ever wondered what it takes to build a successful career as a full-time performer and create unforgettable audience experiences, this episode is for you. Brian Masters is a Cleveland-based corporate magic...

In this episode of Improv and Magic, I sit down with Jordan Black. Jordan has that rare combination of fearless improv instincts, sharp comedic timing, and a performer’s intuition that makes every moment feel electric. In today's episode, we dive into Jordan’s journey through The Groundlings, his work as a writer, and the creative engine behind his hit improv show The Black Version, as well as...

In this episode of Improv and Magic , I get the chance to talk with Diana Brown —a powerhouse in the world of improv, acting, and performance coaching. Diana is a professional actor, improviser, director, and teaching artist whose work spans theatre, corporate communication training, and ensemble development. She’s known for her emotionally grounded characters, her sharp comedic instincts, and her...

In this episode of Improv and Magic, I sit down with Murray SawChuck, one of the most iconic comedy magicians in Las Vegas — and someone whose brain seems to run on equal parts mischief, timing, and pure showmanship. Murray brings that unmistakable “Vegas magic energy”: fast, funny, and always ready to twist reality just enough to make you doubt your own eyes. Murray SawChuck is a celebrated Las V...

In this episode of Improv and Magic, I get to talk with the brilliant and endlessly fun Jill Pavlov. Jill is a fellow cast member at Just The Funny, and has this incredible ability to make you feel smarter, braver, and more creative just by being in the room. Jill Pavlov is also an improv educator and creative mentor known for her dynamic teaching style and her ability to help creatives of all typ...

In this episode of Improv and Magic, I sit down with world‑class magician Alan Hudson, one of the UK’s most inventive comedy magicians. Alan’s blend of sleight‑of‑hand, deadpan humor, and interactive illusions makes him the perfect guest for this show! Alan Hudson is a British comedy magician known for his appearances on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, The Next Great Magician, and stages around the wo...

Today on the Season 7 premiere of Improv and Magic, I welcome the Sarfati sisters Alice and Lili. They are two amazing improvisers at Just The Funny in Miami whose lives have been transformed and enhanced thanks to improv. In this episode, you'll learn about how improv has brought out the best in them, and their experiences in sharing the stage together as sisters. Learn more about the podcast...

We have 2 special announcements to make today. The first is that Season 7 of Improv and Magic will be dropping very soon, so stay tuned! The second announcement is we're asking all of our listeners to consider making a donation to support the 10th annual Countdown Improv Festival in Tampa, Florida. One of the festival's founders, Justin Peters, has just been diagnosed with an aggressive Gr...

In this episode of Improv and Magic, I sit down with the incredibly inspiring BJ Lange—an improviser, actor, teacher, and advocate whose journey through comedy and service is as powerful as it is uplifting. This conversation goes deep into the craft of improv and acting, and the way BJ uses performance not just as an art form, but as a tool for healing, connection, and purpose. BJ Lange is a seaso...

In this episode of Improv and Magic, I get the chance to sit down with the extraordinary Tiffany Sauvage, a magician whose presence is as bold as her illusions. Tiffany has quickly become one of the most talked‑about performers in modern magic, blending theatrical flair, razor‑sharp technique, and a fearless creative voice that makes every moment with her unforgettable. Tiffany Sauvage is a rising...

In this episode, I sit down with the incredibly talented Gene Gabriel, an actor whose career spans stage, film, and television with a level of versatility that always inspires me. Our conversation dives into his journey as a performer, the craft of acting, and the experiences that shaped his career—without touching on magic at all. It’s a thoughtful, funny, and deeply engaging look at what it mean...

In today's episode, I talk to world‑renowned magician and illusion creator Blake Vogt, one of the most inventive minds in modern magic. Blake and I dive into his creative process, his groundbreaking visual illusions, and the incredible journey that led him to designing magic for some of the biggest performers on the planet. Blake Vogt is a leading magic creator known for his original, highly v...

In this episode of Improv and Magic, I sit down with the incredible Margot Escott, LCSW — a nationally recognized psychotherapist, educator, and speaker known for her groundbreaking work at the intersection of improvisational theater and mental health. Margot has spent decades teaching clinicians, caregivers, and creative professionals how improv can reduce anxiety, build resilience, and transform...

In today's episode, world-renowned magician, author, and lecturer Joshua Jay joins me for an unforgettable conversation about the art of illusion, creativity, and storytelling. Known for his appearances on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Good Morning America, and The Today Show, Joshua shares insights into his journey as a magician, his passion for teaching, and the secrets behind creating magic t...

Today's guest is one of my good friends Jarrett White. Jarrett is a fellow actor, director, instructor, and owner of Just The Funny in Miami. In this episode, Jarrett and I have a one-on-one conversation about his upbringing and what motivated him to be the performer that he is. Jarrett is also a veteran of the US Military, and he openly shares his experience and what he took away from that ex...

In this episode of Improv and Magic, we spotlight the transformative world of improvisation with guest Jill Eickmann, co-founder and Artistic Director of Leela Improv Theatre. Known for her holistic approach to improv, Jill shares insights on ensemble building, truthful artistic play, and the healing power of performance. Jill Eickmann is a nationally recognized improvisational theatre artist, dir...

It's the Season Six Premiere of Improv and Magic! Today, we have an exclusive conversation with the quick-witted actor and writer Jonathan Mangum. He's built a career spanning TV, film, and live comedy, including appearances on Whose Line Is It Anyway?, The Wayne Brady Show, and Drew Carey's Improv-A-Ganza. Jonathan is also known as the announcer on CBS's Let's Make a Deal with...

In today's season finale episode, I have an exclusive interview with world-renowned mentalist Banachek, a master of deception and psychological illusions. With decades of experience in magic and skepticism, Banachek has worked with magic's greatest legends like Penn & Teller, Criss Angel, and James Randi, revolutionizing the art of magic and mentalism. In this interview, Banachek shares some o...

Today, I have the honor of sitting down with the legend himself Jamy Ian Swiss, a master of sleight-of-hand, a celebrated author, and a respected historian of magic. Jamy Ian Swiss has mesmerized audiences across the globe, from the prestigious Magic Castle in Hollywood to the Smithsonian Institution. Known for his razor-sharp technique and thought-provoking insights, he has contributed to numerou...

It's the Second Anniversary of Improv and Magic! To celebrate, I sit down with my guest Josephine Lee, one of the world's leading female illusionists. Known for her mesmerizing stage presence and groundbreaking illusions, Josephine has taken the magic world by storm, performing in theaters, on television, and at high-profile events across the globe. Josephine first gained international rec...

In today's episode of Improv and Magic, I welcome the multi-talented Josh Tariff. Josh, an alum of iO West, has honed his craft as a dynamic improviser, hosting iconic shows like the competitive "CageMatch" in Los Angeles. Beyond the stage, he’s a celebrated voice in the professional wrestling scene, known for his work as a commentator under the name Christian Rosenberg and host on A...

In today's episode of Improv and Magic, the spotlight is on the one and only Magical Katrina! Known for her spellbinding performances and incredible sleight of hand, Katrina has earned worldwide recognition as a powerhouse in the world of magic. She blends charisma, humor, and jaw-dropping tricks to captivate audiences of all ages. Her viral videos and appearances on shows like Masters of Illu...

In this captivating episode of Improv and Magic, I welcome the incredibly talented Anděl Sudik for an engaging interview that blends humor, insight, and inspiration. Anděl Sudik, a seasoned improviser, actor, and sketch comedy artist, shares her journey through the world of performance, offering listeners a look at her creative process and career highlights. Anděl Sudik is a veteran of the Chicago...

This week on Improv and Magic I had the privilege of talking to the brilliant and captivating Alyx Hilshey. In this interview, Alyx Hilshey shares her journey from earning a Master's in Electrical Engineering to becoming a nationally acclaimed magician. Know for her sharp humor and technically stunning magic, Alyx's story is one of passion, creativity, and perseverance. Alyx Hilshey has been featu...