Ella Nicholson is proof that magic's next generation is already here. The Irish teenager made her national television debut on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, and since then has continued to build a reputation for her creative magic. She's one of magic's future stars and we first met her as a Youth Scholar two years ago at The Session. At the end, Damian's 12 year old daughter, Isis, hops on to ask Ella some questions of her own.
Kieron is a unique being. Creator, performer, lecturer, human fountain, bubble maestro, close up wonder, regurgitator, stage performer, and husband and Dad. We chat about it all today, and his first lecture in about nine years which will be at The Session in London, January 2027.
In this episode, magician and mentalist Brian Curry shares his journey from a shy kid to a seasoned performer, discusses the ethics of mentalism, and offers practical advice for magicians looking to develop their character and build their audience.
Romany shares her inspiring journey from a corporate career to becoming a renowned magician, discussing her persona development, show evolution, and insights on performing at sea and as a woman in magic. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Diva of Magic 01:20 Romany's Magic Origin Story 02:40 The Evolution of the Diva Persona 06:39 The Signature Rope Tie Trick 07:50 Lessons from Corporate Life 10:15 The Art of Busking and Crowd Engagement 12:57 Crafting a Show: Structure and Flexibility 14:43 The Importance of a Strong Ending 15:08 Audience Favorites: The Weakest Links 16:23 The Power of Costumes in Magic 19:51 Cruise Ship Performances: Myths and Realities 21:30 Women in Magic: Progress and Challenges 24:10 The Warm Welcome in Magic 27:04 Advice for Young Female Magicians 29:44 The Journey of Spun into Gold 32:21 The Power of Honesty in Storytelling 35:41 Finding Joy Beyond Struggles 36:08 The Reality of Money in Magic 37:51 Life in a Cottage: Trade-offs and Benefits 41:45 What Separates Good Magicians from Great Ones resources Romany's Website - https://romanymagic.com Romany's Facebook - https://facebook.com/RomanyRomany Romany's Instagram - https://instagram.com/RomanyMagic
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 taken magic into prisons as a tool for reform. She's spoken at TEDx Milano Women, written for magic publications, and built a practice that treats illusion as a branch of human science. She performs and speaks in Italian, English, and French, and she grew up watching her parents rehearse magic in their living room — which, honestly, explains a lot.
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 unforgettable experience that moves people, not just mystifies them. This episode dives into the heart of what audiences truly crave from performance — the thrill of genuine wonder. Todd shares stories from his decades of experience, including behind-the-scenes lessons from legendary sideshow performers like Melvin Burkhardt, and unpacks the subtle art of mixing humor, storytelling, and technical mastery to create moments that transcend mere tricks. You'll discover how his background in acting and theater informs every stunt, making each performance not just impressive, but emotionally resonant. We break down: The difference between deception and authentic amazement, and why it matters How to craft routines that evoke real emotion and lasting impact The importance of audience psychology — starting with simple questions to heighten wonder The sacred role of storytelling in elevating magic from puzzles to profound experiences Why modern magicians must go beyond technique and bring their true selves to stage Todd argues that magic is at a crossroads: with the internet and increasing skill, we've achieved astonishing technical proficiency. The missing link? Deepening the emotional connection and pushing the art into new realms of storytelling and theatricality. If you're a performer or a fan fed up with superficial tricks, this episode is an essential listen. Todd’s insights will inspire you to redefine what magic can be and how it can truly move your audience. Perfect for performers seeking authenticity, enthusiasts craving deeper engagement, and anyone curious about the underbelly of performance art. Step into the arena with a master who genuinely believes in making wonder real — because the greatest magic is the one that touches the heart.
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 also highlights the significance of inclusivity in the magic community, sharing her experiences founding the Boston Magic Lab and her insights from competing at FISM. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the need for diverse voices in magic and offers advice for young performers looking to carve their own paths in the industry.
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 golden era it is experiencing. Lloyd also provides valuable advice for aspiring magicians and highlights the significance of The Session Convention as a pivotal event for serious magicians.
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 importance of building relationships within the magic community. He also offers advice for young magicians and entertainers, highlighting the need to embrace new technology while maintaining live audience engagement. And then of course, there's chat about Taylor coming to both The Session and Magifest!
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 collections, his experiences at magic conventions, and his aspirations for the future. Chapters 00:00 The Magic Origin Story 02:58 The Balance of Technique and Performance 05:59 Overcoming Fear of Failure 08:54 The Importance of Collaboration 11:52 Building Tension and Surprise in Magic 14:54 New Tricks and Collections 17:43 The Session Experience 20:44 Future Aspirations in Magic 23:48 The Impact of Magic on Audiences 26:53 Quickfire Questions and Closing Thoughts
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 email goes out, to get a chance of getting your hands on a deluxe, sign up here.
