The Insider

In this episode, Damian interviews Director Matthew Testa and our own Andi Gladwin about their documentary on magic piracy, the investigation into Erdnase, and the broader implications for the magic community and creative industries. A smash hit at Tribeca, Stealing Magic is going to be required viewing for all of us.

Gaia started performing magic at the age of thirteen — and won the Italian Magic Championship that same year. She went on to become the only woman in history to hold that title, and has since competed as a finalist at the World Magic Championships. But what makes her truly unusual is what she does off the stage. She holds a degree in psychology, is training as a clinical psychologist, and has take...

It's Ben Seidman! Talking about magic. And stuff.

Phill Smith and Damian have a battle of the beards. Damian loses. Badly. They also chat about marked decks, performance philosophy, mentalism, and much more. Let's go.

Discover how intentional refinements and understanding when to stop can elevate your magic routines from good to great. In this episode, John Guastaferro shares insights on balancing cleverness with elegance, the importance of audience experience, and his approach to developing routines that feel natural and authentic.

Most magicians rely on deception — but Todd Robbins specializes in deception-free amazement that leaves audiences genuinely in awe. He’s eaten over 5,000 light bulbs, performed with legends like Steve Martin and Woody Allen, and inherited a dead man’s ashes to honor a sideshow legend. Now, he reveals how his unique blend of theater, psychology, and pure craftsmanship transforms live magic into an...

In this episode of The Insider, Felice Ling shares her journey as a magician and street performer, discussing her early inspirations, the evolution of her craft, and the importance of community and representation in magic. She delves into her academic background in anthropology and how it intersects with her performance art, exploring the social impact of street magic in urban settings. Felice als...

Sit back, relax, and enjoy this chatty chat with Damian, Andi, and Josh.

After seven years of chasing the man, I finally get him on! The incredible Eric Mead chats with me about all things Conover, The Aristocrats, and much more. This is an enlightening and funny chat you're going to love.

In a world where magic is often shrouded in tradition, Leah Orleans stands out as a trailblazer. Growing up in a family of magicians, Leah chose to carve her own path through the realms of circus arts, contortion, and acrobatics. Now, she’s shaking up the magic community with her innovative approach, blending comedy and physicality while advocating for representation and diversity.

After a few years, the ever-delightful Pete McCabe comes back on the show for me to brief him on what to expect at The Session as he is coming over! We also talk a BIT about scripting. And magic.

Join us, and Franco-Irish powerhouse, Yvan Garmy to talk about his releases, his approach to creating magic, and of course his latest release "Don't Blink" which is dropping today at www.vanishingincmagic.com

EDIT: Reupload for corrected audio... In this episode, Lloyd Barnes shares his unique journey in the world of magic, from his early influences and the challenges he faced in the industry to his creative philosophy and experiences at Ellusionist and Murphy's Magic. He discusses the importance of personal creativity, the impact of public feuds, and the current state of magic, emphasizing the gol...

In this episode of The Insider, host Damian interviews Taylor Hughes, who shares his unique journey from being a youth minister to a full-time magician. They discuss the importance of storytelling in magic, the role of family in navigating career changes, and the impact of improv training on performance. Taylor emphasizes the significance of authenticity and relatability in magic, as well as the i...

In this episode, magician Alexander Hermann shares his journey into magic, discussing his early inspirations, the balance between technical skill and performance, and the importance of collaboration in the magic community. He emphasizes the significance of building tension and surprise in performances, as well as the impact magic can have on audiences. Alex also talks about his upcoming tricks and...

Our cofounder and Marlo scholar, Andi Gladwin joins me this week to talk all things Marlo as a celebration of our most ambitious project ever. Marlo's Magazines is a huge, six-volume box set of the legendary books. There are only 100 of the deluxe edition printed, and they'll never be reprinted. Each one is numbered. We're opening up the sales of the deluxe 15 minutes before the mail e...

In 2024, I was lucky enough to be able to interview Wayne Dobson live on stage at The Session. We were not going to release it, as his speech is very difficult to understand at times. However, with his passing, it seems this is probably the last interview he ever gave, so I thought we owed it to Wayne, and the community, to release it. Thanks also to Bob Gill and Mike Sullivan for helping him.

What an honor this was! Nick Mohammad! Proper famous actor! Now, this recording was from last year, but it got corrupt, but I just found a back up! So here it is... -- Summary In this engaging conversation, Nick Mohammed shares his journey from a young magician to a successful actor and comedian, discussing how he integrates magic into his comedy, the evolution of his character Mr. Swallow, and th...

In this episode, Matt Szat hosts Walter Rolfo, the president and artistic director of FISM 2025. They discuss the importance of FISM as the premier magic competition, innovations for the upcoming event, and the role of online magic in expanding the art form. Walter shares insights on judging criteria, the experience of attending FISM, and what makes Torino special.

Summary In this episode, Damian interviews magician Ben Seidman, discussing his journey in magic, the creative process behind consulting for films, and the emotional impact of his routines. They explore the cultural adaptations required for performances in different regions, the decision to share magic secrets, and the importance of accessibility in magic. Ben also shares insights from his experie...

In this episode, Damian interviews Rick Holcombe, one of the leading authorities in contemporary coin magic. Rick shares his journey into magic, emphasizing the importance of simplicity and portability in coin routines. He discusses his everyday carry of coins, the process of refreshing classic tricks, and the creative inspiration behind his routines. Rick also highlights the practical techniques...

In this episode, Aaron Fisher, a renowned card magic innovator, shares his journey into the world of magic, discussing his early influences, the challenges of learning and performing magic, and the importance of community and teaching in the magic world. He emphasizes the need for integration between technique and performance, and how understanding audience engagement can enhance the magic experie...

Derren Brown joins us to talk about, well, everything! His latest book Notes From A Fellow Traveller is available now, right here: https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/magic-books/notes-from-a-fellow-traveller-derren-brown/

The awfully lovely Andrew Frost joins us to chat about his new Edinburgh show (which just finished a sold out run), his new gig working at an immersive magic show in London, and his new download collection "Stay Frosty" available today at, well, you guessed it, www.vanishingincmagic.com

The utterly delightful Christian Grace comes back on the show after a few years. Christian found time in his busy schedule supporting Take That on tour (no, really) to talk about magic, mentalism, and his incredible app, "Enigma" which launches on VI today!