Épisodes

  • 994: Michael Finney - Finney to the Bone

    994: Michael Finney - Finney to the Bone
    Oct 15 2026
    Michael Finney was explicitly voted by his peers as one of the Top 10 Comedy Magicians in the World in the April 2008 edition of MAGIC magazine. You will get no argument from me on that account. Michael is funny and has spread joy and happiness worldwide. Known for his trademark overgrown blond flattop haircut, booming voice, and distinct lack of pretense, Finney masterfully walks the line between a hardened stand-up comic and a top-tier illusionist. He is a magician, comedian, philanthropist, creator, traveler, producer, entrepreneur and overall a generally nice, sensitive family man. He has appeared at nearly all of the major magic conventions and for many years he performed aboard cruise ships, where he could still be today had it not been for COVID shutting down those opportunities. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Although not mentioned in our conversation this week, it should be known that Michael is a Past International President of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (I.B.M.) and the creator of “Dry Heat Hot Sauce”, two completely separate endeavors. Michael created the “Dry Heat Classic” which has raised millions of dollars for children's charities, firefighters, and wounded veterans. It was intended as a golf tournament and fund raiser where his friends would play golf then finishing the day by performing on stage. This week, Michael recounts stories about his first magic trick investment, opening and closing his own comedy club in Phoenix, working on cruise ships, his first time (failed ) experience of performing in Las Vegas, getting kidnapped at gun point, the unexpected financial success of his comedy CD, plus many, many other stories, some of which you may have heard but most you have not. Finney to the Bone Scott Wells with Michael Finney Download Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.
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    1 h et 9 min
  • 995: Richard Cohn - Coney Island Memories

    995: Richard Cohn - Coney Island Memories
    Oct 22 2026
    The smell of the sea, the noise of the roller coaster, the sounds of laughter, the taste of a nickel hot dog, and the applause from the audiences watching magic shows in Coney Island around the turn of the 20th century. Those are some of the senses you will think about as you listen to this week’s podcast. Richard Cohn takes us way back in time when “Dime Museum Harry” Houdini was still performing there with his brother, Theo (or “Dash”) for 12 cents a week in the late 1880’ and 90’s. There were so many others who came through Coney Island trying to “make it” in showbiz. One of those who “made it” and stuck around New York was the “Coney Island Fakir” Al Flosso, who performed and operated a magic shop there. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize This week, Richard Cohn makes history come alive as he gives us dates and names of famous (and not to famous) magicians who spent time in Coney Island. He talks about the many rides and museums there, as well. Al Flosso, The Coney Island Fakir, found notoriety in and around New York as a frequent performer at high end shows plus children’s parties. He was also a frequent guest on the Ed Sullivan television show. Details on these and many other stories are in this week’s episode. Coney Island Memories Scott Wells with Richard Cohn Download Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.
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    59 min
  • 996: Marc Spelmann - X Marcs the Magician

    996: Marc Spelmann - X Marcs the Magician
    Oct 29 2026
    Mentalist, creator, BGT Finalist, and father, Marc Spelmann joins us this week for a delightful chat. Marc has developed and marketed (along with Peter Nardi of Alakazam Magic) many commercial tricks that are used in the repertoires of many professional mentalists around the world. When I think of a British mentalist, my mind first goes to Derren Brown. Next is Marc Spelmann. He was on Britain’s Got Talent not once, but twice: once as himself and the second time as the mysterious Magician X. Both times, he went very far in the finals before reaching the top. If you are more of a visual person, then you will enjoy watching our conversation that was recorded using Zoom. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize In the first part of this week’s episode, Marc talks about his beginnings in the magic community having worked with Simon Drake and his Secret Cabaret. He had several ideas that impressed Simon enough to consider him as part of the team. In the second part of our chat, Marc talks about his experience on Britain’s Got Talent and how it affected him emotionally when he lost. He also talks about the development of his character, X the Magician, and why he decided to return as a completely separate person/character than he did earlier. X Marcs the Magician Scott Wells with Marc Spelmann Download Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.
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    1 h et 14 min
  • 993: Jordan Jonas, Jordan Jonas, Jordan Jonas

    993: Jordan Jonas, Jordan Jonas, Jordan Jonas
    Oct 8 2026
    Say his name three times and he might appear! Or you can just send him and email to book him. :) He has a very different on-stage character from his off stage personality. I think Jordan Jonas is a perfect guest to feature for this “Month of Boo” because of his unique character. At the young age of 33, he seems to be comfortably settling into his character as he continues to “tweak” the act and find performing venues for his act. This is one of those podcast episodes where I hope to inspire listeners to consider their on-stage persona and develop their character. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize I spoke with Jordan in Dallas, Texas, where he was one of the featured performers at the annual Magistrorum Convention. He has a very unassuming personality and nature in real life though when he dons his make-up, eyeball lens and costume, he takes on a whole different character. Jordan Jonas, Jordan Jonas, Jordan Jonas Scott Wells with Jordan Jonas Download Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.
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    1 h et 1 min
  • 992: Andreas Sebring - You Are Getting Colder

    992: Andreas Sebring - You Are Getting Colder
    Oct 1 2026
    Andreas Sebring, from Sweden, is quite a creative person. He developed and markets an engraving technique for the classic “Koran Medallion” that allows the magician to hand out the engraved object. This is one of the many creations that came from his mind. Andreas has recently been here in the U.S. attending a few magic conventions as a dealer and sharing his creations with the community. It was at one of these conventions that I caught up with him to discuss some fascinating things. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize In the first part of our conversation, Andreas talks about the five secrets to creativity from his longer, expanded lecture. But you get a “sneak peek” at the abbreviated version here this week. The second half of our chat goes deep into “cold reading” which is the art of making observations of people you have never met. He talks about palmistry, tarot, and more with some tips on how to learn this art of “reading people.” You Are Getting Colder Scott Wells with Andreas Sebring Download Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.
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    1 h et 13 min
  • 991: John Cerbone - The Eternal Hypnotist

    991: John Cerbone - The Eternal Hypnotist
    Sep 24 2026
    John Cerbone is a full time hypnotist. This is the first episode on The Magic Word that has featured someone whose sole occupation and direction is as a hypnotist. There are several magicians who have transitioned to add hypnotism to their repertoire, and others who have been thinking about it. In this episode you will learn from a professional what it’s like to create and be successful at such a vocation. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize This week, a professional hypnotist shares some stories about how he became a hypnotist and some “behind the scenes” stories about some of his experiences over the last 35 or so years. John has developed a way of “induction” (or putting people to “sleep”) in mere seconds. Most hypnotists I have seen take almost more time to induct their volunteers than it does to actually do the show. He developed the “speed trance” method which is why he calls himself “The Trance Master.” The Eternal Hypnotist Scott Wells and John Cerbone Download Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.
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    1 h
  • 989: Jack Hart - Designing the Invisible

    989: Jack Hart - Designing the Invisible
    Sep 10 2026
    Jack Hart is an artist in the truest sense of the word. He has designed illusions to make them more deceptive and toured with Blackstone, Jr. for nearly five years. He worked with Copperfield, Henning, Kalin, and so many more. For many years, Jack worked designing games for the television show, “The Price is Right” plus he currently does missionary work around the world. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Jack felt like the painting on this illusion gave away how it works." data-lightbox-theme="dark" href="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/514e3e26e4b023ca28fd5cc8/1787766881717-GE5LKFVR09DIKY2HMNR7/Henning+Zig+Zag.jpg" role="button" aria-label="Doug Henning "Magic Show" Zig Zag" class=" image-slide-anchor js-gallery-lightbox-opener content-fill " > View fullsize We start this week’s chat by going into a bit of detail about Jack’s Christian Missionary work. We then delve into his multi-faceted career as he tells us about working with Harry Blackstone, Jr. and later traveling with the show. He not only designed some of the artwork on the outside of boxes, but also many of the beautiful tapestries and backdrops in Harry’s show. For long while Jack worked in Old Chicago along with Buddy Farnan (who was featured in Episode #770) then back to California where he worked for many years on “The Price is Right” with Bob Barker as he helped design some of the games that are played each week. One of the games became popular around the world, even as a “take home” game, called Plinko which is a version of Pachinko. Jack worked in a lot of different arenas and left an invisible stamp on all of his work. Designing the Invisible Scott Wells with Jack Hart Download Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.
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    1 h et 4 min
  • 990: Tony Clark - Magicians Using AI

    990: Tony Clark - Magicians Using AI
    Sep 17 2026
    Technology is advancing faster than we could have imagined. In fact, the current fear is that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is learning and growing on its own without the aid of human intervention. Recent news has reported that some of the creators are advocating a hold on further advancement until we can control this potential monster. In the meantime, there are a multitude of opportunities for AI to be used “for good” as magicians create music for their shows, voice overs, promotional materials, help in scripting, help in developing a stage character, researching show opportunities, and much, much more.This week Tony Clark joins us to give us his perspective as a magic consultant on how AI has been used and could be used by magicians. Let me first give this disclaimer that neither Tony nor Scott Wells are experts in this field. We have some experience and our discussion reflects what we know or have seen or think. The discussion in this week’s episode are the results of our experiences and do not reflect what one should or should not do with this information. To watch our conversation that was recorded over Zoom, please enjoy the YouTube video which includes a bit more content. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Tony Clark is a creative consultant for magicians using live experiences on stage and screen. This week, Tony advocates for live performances rather than depending upon technology and digital help. We discuss the importance and ethics of utilizing AI to build your brand and not just putting your face on the promotional material of other successful magicians. We also discuss how AI can help you as a virtual assistant to weed out and find the right performing venues for you. Tony also emphasizes how performers need to be genuine on stage and in their performances. Specifically, we need to be vulnerable and let our audiences into our lives so they don’t necessarily go home talking about our tricks, but remembering the person who is performing them. Magicians Using AI Scott Wells and Tony Clark Download Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.
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    1 h et 3 min