Improv and Magic

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...

In today's edition of LD's Tips, I share the importance of appreciating everyone. No matter what, we all have people who help us get to where we want to go. So this tip is all about why it's important to show gratitude to everyone in our careers and our lives who help us get somewhere. If you enjoy this tip, feel free to rate and review, it means a lot!

In this unforgettable episode of Improv and Magic, I welcome the multi-talented Liz Marcucci. Liz is a seasoned comedian, improviser, and real estate agent based in St. Petersburg, Florida. With a rich background in improv, Liz has trained at prestigious institutions like Second City Conservatory, iO Chicago and The Annoyance Theater. She is the founder of the St. Pete Improv Network, and creator...

On today's episode, we welcome the incredibly talented Jaime Moyer! Jaime, an accomplished actress, writer, and improviser, shares her journey from the stages of The Second City Detroit to various television roles. She has voiced characters on Bob's Burgers and had recurring roles on shows like Modern Family, AP Bio, The Great North, and Night Court. Jaime has also written for LEGO City Ad...

Get ready for an amazing start to Season 5 of Improv and Magic! In this season premiere, I'm thrilled to welcome the incredibly talented Andi Gladwin, a renowned British magician, speaker, and publisher. Known for his mind-blowing performances on shows like Penn & Teller: Fool Us and Masters of Illusion, Andi has captivated audiences worldwide with his innovative magic tricks and charismat...

Welcome to a brand new episode of Improv and Magic! Today, we have the extraordinary Bill Chott joining us. Known for his iconic role as Mr. Laritate on Disney Channel's Wizards of Waverly Place, Bill Chott is a seasoned comedian and actor with a rich history in the entertainment industry. Hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, Bill sharpened his comedic skills at Chicago's prestigious Second City, per...

This week, I am honored to host the legendary Matt Besser. Matt is a founding member of the iconic sketch comedy troupe Upright Citizens Brigade, co-founder of UCB Theater, and the genius behind the popular podcast Improv4humans. With over three decades in the comedy scene, Matt has graced both stage and screen, leaving an indelible mark with his sharp wit and improvisational prowess. His work inc...

Today’s guest is Jay Sukow. Jay Sukow has been performing with and without a script for over 27 years. He has trained with some of the greatest in improv, including David Razowsky, Stephen Colbert, Mick Napier, and the legendary Del Close. He was the Artistic Director/Head of Training at the Improv Comedy Copenhagen Theatre, and previously taught for Second City, ComedySportz, and iO Chicago (wher...