The Magic Guys

Episode 276 of The Magic Guys dives into practical advice for approaching audiences - from reading groups in bars and on the street to strategies when you're paid to perform. The hosts share tips on openings, when to interrupt, recording and refining new material, and how festivals create chances to test routines, network, and cross-promote shows. Expect candid stories, festival anecdotes, and qui...

In episode 275 the Magic Guys welcome Sean Taylor, a British-born magician who has worked in Australia for decades. Sean discusses his creative process, writing original material, building stage persona, and consulting for other magicians. They cover practical advice on transitioning from close-up to stage, scripting, pacing, and prop management, plus stories including working with Penn & Tell...

How magicians should approach and manage groups in residencies, corporate events, and street performances. Hosts share scripts, attention-getting techniques (peacocking, fire, lock-ins), ways to break down large tables, audience control, handling cling-on spectators and kids, and tips for rebooking and marketing. Follow Adam Axford! Support the show and grab some Merch! Leave a voicemail for The M...

Episode 273 of The Magic Guys features last-minute guests Adam Axford and Anthony Denali as the hosts explore the boundary between magic and mentalism. They begin with a listener question about the Rubik’s Cube routine and discuss performance choices, character, and how to land a powerful finale. The conversation expands into a rapid-fire quiz on 30+ effects—cups and balls, book tests, invisible d...

Ep 272 dives into the heated debate between magic and mentalism. The hosts discuss definitions, ethics, real-life examples (like Derren Brown and Uri Geller), audience perception, and whether the two arts should be mixed. They share practical advice for performers, listener questions about performing in public, bar-magic tips, and reflections on the difference between creating wonder and creating...

Ep.271 of The Magic Guys distills practical lessons for performers: why simplicity, personality, and confidence matter more than flashy difficulty, how to use moments between tricks, the importance of performing and networking, and managing burnout. The hosts respond to live chat, celebrate community wins, and share actionable tips for getting bigger reactions and building a sustainable magic care...

Episode 270 of The Magic Guys dives into the inventions, gimmicks, and ideas that reshaped modern magic. Nick, Doug and Josh discuss classics like the thumbtip, Invisible Deck, loops/invisible thread, double lift, memorized decks, sponge balls, double cross and more, and share stories from the Discord and live performances. Support the show and grab some Merch! Leave a voicemail for The Magic Guys...

The Magic Guys features Josh and Nick discussing trade-show magic, how to turn roving tricks into reliable income, and the realities of becoming a full-time magician. They share practical tips for trade shows, busking, building multiple income streams, a brief Q&A about time-themed card routines and cups-and-balls ideas, plus community and health notes for working magicians. Support the show a...

As the director of the Melbourne Magic Festival, and owner of The Laneway theatre Tim Ellis is responsible for creating a rich culture of Magic in his home city. With a trail of national and international awards spanning over 3 decades, Tim has a reputation as “The genius from down under” Learn More About Tim Ellis Https://www.timellismagic.com Https://www. MelbourneMagicFestival.com Https://www.t...

Joseph Barry is a highly respected card magician known for his adaptive, deceptive approach to sleight of hand. Through his platform No Dub, he teaches practical, real-world magic designed to evolve in performance. In this episode, we explore his thinking on creating flexible routines that hit hard and consistently fool audiences. Learn from Joe here - https://www.nodub.co.uk/ Support the show and...

Nick and Josh sit down with two-time FISM winnerMortenn Christiansen to discuss his back-to-back wins, his comedy-driven approach to magic, and the thinking behind his methods. The episode dives into how he builds routines, fools magicians and laypeople alike, and the value of honest, entertaining performance. Morten also introduces his new deck-switching shell, explains why he makes his own props...

Episode 265 of The Magic Guys is a spitballing session where the hosts and listeners trade creative magic ideas, from a chop-cup color-changing ball and juggling transformations to lockbox finales, roach routines, invisible-deck reveals, and Rubik’s Cube restorations. Laid-back, comedic, and full of practical tips, the episode mixes workshop-style problem solving with Vegas stories, 4/20 banter, a...

Nick Kay interviews mentalist and magician Radek Hoffman, author of The Art of Revealing, about designing memorable revelations. Broadcasting from Poland, Radek discusses movement, breath, presence, and how different arts (dance, parkour, theatre) inform performance. Learn More About Radek Support the show and grab some Merch! Leave a voicemail for The Magic Guys Join The Magic Guys Discord!!! Ema...

Christopher Carter, a world-class corporate mentalist whose material has been refined across decades of real-world performances. We discuss his book "In the Spotlight", a masterclass built from 35 years of experience, packed with audience-tested routines and powerful insights into creating impactful, commercial mentalism that truly connects. Get your copy of In The Spotlight   Learn More about Chr...

Support the show and grab some Merch! No guest this week, just the Magic Guys riffing on hair, wigs, and showbiz. They discuss recent trick supply visitors like Paul Draper, a bargain daydream book, a Baroque Bicycle deck and costume stunt, and share practical advice for going onstage cold. The episode also demos quirky props, the flexagon "Policy" that reveals a selected card, remote-control chat...

Jay Alexander, a San Francisco-based magician, shares his career from street performing to touring with the Rolling Stones and performing for Robin Williams. He explains how he builds audience connection, runs his 45-seat San Francisco Magic Theater, uses pre-show and merch strategies, and offers practical advice on editing shows, videotaping performances, and creating memorable experiences for gu...

In episode 260 the Magic Guys (Josh and Nick) mix banter with history as they explore the life and legacy of Cardini -born Richard Valentine Pitchford - who developed his legendary glove-based manipulation during WWI, polished his act across Australia, Canada and the U.S., and became a benchmark of restraint and perfection in magic. The episode also covers community moments: ideas for a Magic Guys...

Get the new Trust The Sleight Tee!  Jonah Babins is a professional magician, entrepreneur, and magic business coach. As co-founder of the Toronto Magic Company and host of the Discourse in Magic podcast, Jonah has become a trusted voice for magicians looking to grow their careers, sharing practical advice on marketing, performing, and building a sustainable magic business. Level up your Magic busi...

Get the new Trust The Sleight Tee!  Episode 258 of The Magic Guys features Josh, Doug and Nick sharing live-show highlights, audience SpeakPipe stories, and impromptu street magic tips. They discuss Asi Wind's sold-out Sydney Opera House run, VIP close-up moments, and how presentation and work ethic elevate classic routines. Leave a voicemail for The Magic Guys Join The Magic Guys Discord!!! Email...

Get the new Trust The Sleight Tee!  Bar Magic specialist Derek “Hubb” Irwin joins us to talk real-world close-up entertainment. From his residency at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and regular performances at the Magic Castle, to producing his monthly Enchanted Escape tiki bar show, Hubb shares what it takes to build strong material, stronger reactions, and a sustainable magic career while balancin...

Get the new Trust The Sleight Tee!  The hosts recount Nick's trip to Japan, exploring magic bars, close-up performances, and unique cultural exchanges with local magicians. They also share a tense on-stage Rubik's Cube recovery, stories about audience-sourced props, and reflections on differences between Japanese and Australian magic scenes. Leave a voicemail for The Magic Guys Join The Magic Guys...

Get the new Trust The Sleight Tee!  The episode covers Wes’s creative process, live-show strategy, reposting content, building specials, balancing life on the road, and advice for performers about experimenting on stage and making success a lower priority than passion and relationships. Subscribe to Wes - https://www.youtube.com/@WesBarker Follow him on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stuntm...

Get Tobias’ Book!  Today we are joined by Tobias Beckwith discussing his career bridging theater and magic, the making of Jeff McBride’s shows, and his new book Wired for Wonder. He explains magic as live theater, breaking the fourth wall, and why storytelling, directing, and acting matter for every performer. Practical tips include using silence and visuals, recording and reviewing performances,...

Get the new Trust The Sleight Tee!  Christopher Wayne is back on the Magic Guys and for good reason! He has produced MANY successful shows over his career and his latest is selling out every week at the Boston Theatre Of Magic! Go See Chris Live - https://www.bostontheaterofmagic.com/ Follow him on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/realchristopherwayne/ Leave a voicemail for The Magic Guys Joi...

Get the new Trust The Sleight Tee!  Kieron Johnson is a performer and creator whose magic effects are used by magicians worldwide, including Ice Qube and Too Hot To Handle as well as MANY others. His creative work has been featured by some of the biggest names in magic, with recent credits including Dynamo’s Buried Alive. Beyond creating, Kieron has performed and lectured internationally, consulti...