Behind the Page: The Eli Marks Podcast

Magic Castle Junior member Aidan Corcoran chats with Michael Varma about his beginnings in magic and why he sometimes doesn't want to know how a trick is done (unless he plans on performing it) ... and then the next chapter from "Twisting the Aces."   Aidan Corcoran Interview starts at 00:03:00 "I Love That" starts at 00:22:48 Chapter Twelve of "Twisting the Aces" starts at 00:35:57   LI...

Rick Cunningham Interview starts at 00:01:53 "I Love That" starts at 00:49:54 Chapter Eleven of "Twisting the Aces" starts at 01:01:31   LINKS The Eli Marks Mystery Series:  http://www.elimarksmysteries.com/ Get yourself a Free Eli Marks Short Story:  https://dl.bookfunnel.com/jj1r1yaavj Listen to an Eli Marks Audio Short Story:  https://BookHip.com/LZBPPMD "Rooster" on HBO:&nb...

Ashton Ardenti Interview starts at 00:02:05 "I Love That" starts at 00:18:22 Chapter Ten of "Twisting the Aces" starts at 00:30:25   LINKS The Eli Marks Mystery Series:  http://www.elimarksmysteries.com/ Get yourself a Free Eli Marks Short Story:  https://dl.bookfunnel.com/jj1r1yaavj Listen to an Eli Marks Audio Short Story:  https://BookHip.com/LZBPPMD Jury Duty Presents Compa...

Jaq Greenspon Interview starts at 00:02:39 "I Love That" starts at 00:35:26 Chapter Nine of "Twisting the Aces" starts at 00:41:56   LINKS The Eli Marks Mystery Series:  http://www.elimarksmysteries.com/ Get yourself a Free Eli Marks Short Story:  https://dl.bookfunnel.com/jj1r1yaavj Listen to an Eli Marks Audio Short Story:  https://BookHip.com/LZBPPMD American Classic (Traile...

Janeen Puente Interview starts at 00:04:33 "I Love That" starts at 00:26:22 Chapter Two of "Twisting the Aces" starts at 00:39:00   LINKS The Eli Marks Mystery Series:  http://www.elimarksmysteries.com/ Get yourself a Free Eli Marks Short Story:  https://dl.bookfunnel.com/jj1r1yaavj Listen to an Eli Marks Audio Short Story:  https://BookHip.com/LZBPPMD Fackham Hall:  https...

On the latest episode of the podcast, a chat with magician Fancy Nancy about giving back with magic ... and then Chapter Seven of "Twisting the Aces."   Nancy Anderson Interview starts at 00:03:33 "I Love That" starts at 00:46:58 Chapter Seven of "Twisting the Aces" starts at 01:03:24   LINKS The Eli Marks Mystery Series:  http://www.elimarksmysteries.com/ Get yourself a F...

We dig deep into the Magic Castle's Junior Society ... and then Eli realizes he's currently the ONLY suspect in the murder of Mason Drexel.   Junior Society Interview starts at 00:01:29 "I Love That" starts at 00:37:33 Chapter Six of "Twisting the Aces" starts at 00:47:50   LINKS The Eli Marks Mystery Series:  http://www.elimarksmysteries.com/ Get yourself a Free Eli Marks Short Sto...

Full-time physician and part-time magician Dr. Raj Madhok talks about the value of keeping work and magic separate ... and then things continue to heat up for Eli at The Magic Castle.   Raj Madhok Interview starts at 00:01:30 "I Love That" starts at 00:39:41 Chapter Five of "Twisting the Aces" starts at 00:48:07   LINKS The Eli Marks Mystery Series:  http://www.elimarksmysteries.com...

Brent Geris takes us through the audition process at The Magic Castle ... and Eli's evening at The Castle takes another surprising turn.   Brent Geris Interview starts at 00:03:07 "I Love That" starts at 00:47:33 Chapter Four of "Twisting the Aces" starts at 00:59:59   LINKS The Eli Marks Mystery Series:  http://www.elimarksmysteries.com/ Get yourself a Free Eli Marks Short Story:&n...

Author/Editor/Director Roger Nygard talks about magic and comedy and how to get better at both ... and then Eli's night at The Magic Castle continues.   Roger Nygard Interview starts at 00:02:53 "I Love That" starts at 00:46:34 Chapter Three of "Twisting the Aces" starts at 00:59:26   LINKS The Eli Marks Mystery Series:  http://www.elimarksmysteries.com/ Get yourself a Free Eli Mark...

Co-author Michael Varma digs deep into how The Magic Castle runs, with Ben Roman,  Director of Club Experience  at The Magic Castle, and then we dive into Chapter Two!   Ben Roman Interview starts at 00:01:45 "I Love That" starts at 00:26:00 Chapter Two of "Twisting the Aces" starts at 00:37:19   LINKS The Eli Marks Mystery Series:  http://www.elimarksmysteries.com/ Get yo...

The co-author of the latest Eli Marks book, "Twisting the Aces," stops by to talk about his life-long interest in magic and how he keeps that passion alive while working a normal nine-to-five job. Then we dive into Chapter One of "Twisting the Aces."   Michael Varma Interview starts at 00:06:08 "I Love That" starts at 00:53:42 Chapter One of "Twisting the Aces" starts at 01:05:18   LINKS...

In this bonus episode of the podcast, long-time collaborators John and Jim discuss John's diverse career, from low-budget filmmaking to his popular "Eli Marks" mystery series. They delve into his writing process, the new Magic Castle-set book  Twisting the Aces , and stories from their "Behind the Page" podcast featuring magicians like Teller.   LINKS T...

Master magician Lance Burton returns to share how  early inspirations and pivotal mentors  shaped his career. He delves into his philosophy on  the importance of repetition, learning from failure, and ethical trick selection , all culminating in his profound  connection with the audience  after decades of performance. Lance Burton Interview starts at 00:01:43 "I Love That"...

David Regal shares his love for creating magic tricks, focusing on the joy of creativity and problem-solving over selling them. Plus, the FINAL chapter of  The Linking Rings ! David Regal Interview starts at 00:03:14 "I Love That" starts at 00:09:28 Chapter Twenty-Three of “The Linking Rings" starts at 00:23:32   LINKS The Eli Marks Mystery Series:  http://www.elimarksmysteries.com/...

In this interview excerpt, Jon Armstrong compares magicians to superheroes, emphasizing the importance of relatable abilities and a clear identity for lasting audience impact.   A Few Minutes With… Jon Armstrong starts at 00:02:14 "I Love That" starts at 00:15:18 Chapter Twenty-Two of “The Linking Rings” starts at 00:25:05   LINKS The Eli Marks Mystery Series:  http://www.elimarksmy...

Mikayla Oz shares her strategy for high-volume performance, including interacting with audiences pre-show to break the ice, then talks about The Magician School, her nationwide program that pivoted online during the pandemic to teach magic.   Mikayla Oz Interview starts at 00:02:15 "I Love That" starts at 00:50:15 Chapter Twenty-One of “The Linking Rings" starts at 00...

Jonathan Levit talks about an early magic consulting (and acting) gig on “The X-Files,” and performing in front of Ricky Jay!   A Few Minutes With… Jonathan Levit starts at 00:02:10 "I Love That" starts at 00:09:50 Chapter Twenty of “The Linking Rings” starts at 00:20:39   LINKS The Eli Marks Mystery Series:  http://www.elimarksmysteries.com/ Get yourself a Free Eli Marks Short Stor...

The duo candidly discusses the  advantages of their diverse performance backgrounds , including music, juggling, and even jiu-jitsu, in creating entertaining magic that prioritizes audience connection over mere sleight of hand. And then a big confrontation in Chapter 19 of “The Linking Rings.”   The Cosmic Romantics Interview starts at 00:02:22 "I Love That" starts at 00:58:07 Chapt...

David Kaye talks about the difference between doing magic for kids versus adults … and then more from “The Linking Rings.”   A Few Minutes With… David Kaye starts at 00:02:42 "I Love That" starts at 00:08:30 Chapter Sixteen of “The Linking Rings” starts at 00:19:13   LINKS The Eli Marks Mystery Series:  http://www.elimarksmysteries.com/ Get yourself a Free Eli Marks Short Story:&nbs...

From tickling the ivories as an improv pianist to leading the Society of American Magicians as its president, John Sturk shares how his diverse performance background enhances his magic. And then a big confrontation in Chapter 17 of “The Linking Rings.” John Sturk Interview starts at 00:02:53 "I Love That" starts at 00:41:28 Chapter Seventeen of “The Linking Rings" starts at 00:49:40   LINKS...

Joshua Jay talks about the dangers of The Bullet Catch and other tragic magic … and then more from “The Linking Rings.”   A Few Minutes With… Joshua Jay starts at 00:02:57 "I Love That" starts at 00:10:48 Chapter Sixteen of “The Linking Rings” starts at 00:19:41   LINKS The Eli Marks Mystery Series:  http://www.elimarksmysteries.com/ Get yourself a Free Eli Marks Short Story: ...

Enjoy an insightful conversation with Magical Katrina, offering practical advice on building a professional career through "social proof" and viewing magic as a service. Then the suspenseful reading of Chapter Fifteen from "The Linking Rings," where mysterious deaths appear to follow a disturbing pattern outlined in a suicide note.   Magical Katrina Interview starts at 00:03:05 "I Love That"...

Mike Super talks about the best (and the worst) parts of doing corporate stage gigs … and then more from “The Linking Rings.” A Few Minutes With… Mike Super starts at 00:03:03 "I Love That" starts at 00:11:31 Chapter Fourteen of “The Linking Rings” starts at 00:23:15   LINKS The Eli Marks Mystery Series:  http://www.elimarksmysteries.com/ Get yourself a Free Eli Marks Short Story: ...

On this episode , forensic image and video analyst George Reis details his work analyzing visual evidence for legal cases, including authentication and enhancemen t. He also discusses  his later-in-life entry into magic,  highlighting parallels between the preparation and presentation aspects of both fields.   George Reis Interview starts at 00:04:03 "I Love That" starts at 00:...