The Magic Detective Podcast

Join me as we explore the life of Bess Houdini, the one time stage partner to her husband Harry. And later the woman who helped to keep his legacy alive. Her life is mostly glossed over in the biographies, but today you'll learn a few stories, some sad, some charming, and some courageous about this tiny (she was under 5ft) yet dynamic woman! #besshoudini For those wishing to check out my Houdini a...

Here is the story of the magical life of Harry Anderson. I dont really delve into the TV Harry Anderson much. Mostly the life story of the magician Harry Anderson, known by the nickname of Harry The Hat, the friendly con-man character!  The transcript for the episode contains a bunch of performance videos. Click the link to check those out. https://www.themagicdetective.com/2026/01/harry-hat-ander...

Comedy Magician Tommy Cooper is our feature this week. A complex man with a crazy history. He seemed to be a bumbling and fumbling magician but there was a method to his madness.  Videos of Tommy Cooper are all over Youtube, just type in Tommy Cooper magic in the search box and you'll see many many wonderful videos from his countless TV appearances.

On this episode we explore the life of William Mozart Nicol, known professionally as The Great Nicola. He was the last of the globetrotting magicians. He did 4 world tours, survived earthquakes. fires, World Wars and more.  Information on the annual Great Nicola Festival   www.wcHistoryMuseum.com  

This episode covers the life of Josef Freud, known professionally as Joseffy. He was an eccentric magician and inventor around the turn of the century. His most famous creation was Balsamo the Talking Skull.

A wonderful podcast on Velma Queen of Illusion. She was a NY female magician who had a long career and made quite a splash during her day. You're going to love this episode with clips from Velma herself. 

The first part of the life of David Bamberg. This episode explores his early years to teens to just as he is becoming FuManchu. He has such a rich life with so many adventures, we're saving the next part for a later date.   Anyone interested in voting for The Magic Detective Podcast as your favorite in the FISM  Italy contest, here is the link: https://www.fismitaly2025.com/online-magic-special-aw...

This episode we explore the life of magician Paul Valadon, his connections to Egyptian Hall, and Harry Kellar and more.  

For a short 5 year period many years ago, there was a burst of magic on TV every December. It began with Doug Henning Specials and brought us some incredible magic and inspired many kids to get into magic, many who listen to this podcast. Doug on Crystal Gayle Special https://youtu.be/11dIPX5ko_k?si=E0husdfwDgvFYIs L Doug Henning Balloon https://youtu.be/fnRtaUsjkxM?si=9rRLjOeqqw1PwOJ1&t=516  

Here is my review of the 2024 Yankee Gathering. In addition, I give a list of potential Christmas gifts you might want to stuff your stockings with this holiday season!

Something special, a recording of one of Dunninger's 1944 Radio Shows. Plus a list of all the magic related programming being featured on Amazon Prime right now! And more...

This episode is a conversation between Dean Carnegie and Judge Gary Brown concerning his latest book, The Inventive Magician's Handbook with Props. This book contains a lot of magic history, specifically the history of magic inventions, it also contains a great deal of theory on how to creative/invent and innovate magic . The book also comes with the a package of tricks, all the major tricks that...

Once a very popular international traveling illusionist, with a show that had 45 people, horses, an elephant, a camel and more. Then without notice he seemed to have vanished. But he actually went underground...so to speak...listen for more info.

On this episode we explore the life of C.A. George Newmann, the Pioneer Mentalist. He was a performer, hypnotist, mentalist, and magic book collector.

Albert Marchinsky was professionally known as Rameses The Egyptian Mystic, a very popular illusionist/magician in his time. He had an amazing career. Another magic celebrity learns about magic from him! Enjoy this episode of The Magic Detective Podcast.

Dr. Saint is one fascinating character. He gave his first performances at age 9 and continued right up till his death. He was Bess Houdini's Manager and much more. THIS episode is #100. As a bonus, after the closing remarks, the FULL Houdini Seance can be heard. Enjoy!   #houdini #seance

This episode explores the early days of Joseph Dunninger. These are his magic days, prior to him becoming the mentalist of renown. This episode is dedicated to Maxine Dunninger Hohneker. 

This episode is on the life of Frank Ducrot, the man who arguably owned more magic shops than anyone in history! Well it was one shop, but he consolidated 38 others. Listen and learn more about this amazing man. https://www.themagicdetective.com/2023/12/magicians-we-lost-in-2023.html

Here we have something special once again. The episode today comes from a manuscript published by Micky Hades of Canada. I took the manuscript and turned it into an old style Radio Broadcast of sorts. Listen to the podcast to learn more about it! The recording takes place Nov 1st, 1926. Enjoy!!!

This is about the very first Houdini Seance that took place at Bess Houdini's home. Arthur Ford was the medium. Did Bess received the real message? Did Arthur Ford cheat or was it legit? Welcome to Season 6 of The Magic Detective Podcast! Remember to visit MagicHistorian.com to get your official Magic Detective T-shirt!

Today, I offer a hidden gem. A fantastic artist who I knew nothing about, but turns out to be an amazing magician, writer, and creator. He invented effects that are still done today, he wrote countless columns in magazines, and had 70+ of his own publications. He did card magic, coin magic, mentalism, escapes, pick pocketing, and even magic over the radio!  In fact, I finish the podcast today with...

This episode deals with the life and exploits of Maurice Fogel, the first man to do a solo mentalism show in Great Britain. He became hugely popular in his day and devised a number of diabolical publicity stunts! check out his Russian Roulette Routine https://www.themagicdetective.com/2023/09/the-amazing-fogel-worlds-greatest.html  

William Marion Fay was a partner in the famous Davenport Brothers act. He traveled with them overseas, performed in their show, and had many adventures along the way. Some even say he is up to his old tricks today, listen to find out.

Did you know Tony Curtis had another life as a magician? I didn't either, but if you judge him by his talk show appearances, it sure looks that way! See what playing HOUDINI in a movie can do to a person!

The great Jos Bema, aka Tommy Wonder is profiled on this episode of the podcast. The transcript for this episode is available on my blog, along with videos for each of the tricks mentioned in this podcast.  https://www.themagicdetective.com/2023/05/the-wonderful-life-of-tommy-wonder.html