Walter Rolfo

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.Chapters00:00 The Magic Origin Story02:58 The Balance of Technique and Performance05:59 Overcoming Fear of Failure08:54 The Importance of Collaboration11:52 Building Tension and Surprise in Magic14:54 New Tricks and Collections17:43 The Session Experience20:44 Future Aspirations in Magic23:48 The Impact of Magic on Audiences26:53 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.

In 2024, I was lucky enough to be able to interview Wayne Dobson live on stage at The Session. We were not going to release it, as his speech is very difficult to understand at times. However, with his passing, it seems this is probably the last interview he ever gave, so I thought we owed it to Wayne, and the community, to release it. Thanks also to Bob Gill and Mike Sullivan for helping him.

What an honor this was! Nick Mohammad! Proper famous actor!Now, this recording was from last year, but it got corrupt, but I just found a back up! So here it is...--SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Nick Mohammed shares his journey from a young magician to a successful actor and comedian, discussing how he integrates magic into his comedy, the evolution of his character Mr. Swallow, and the impact of his role in Ted Lasso on his performances. He reflects on the challenges of choosing magic material, collaborating with other magicians, and the upcoming tour titled 'Showpony', which promises to blend humor with commentary on the entertainment industry.TakeawaysNick's journey into magic began with a Paul Daniels magic set.He integrated magic into his comedy to enhance performances.Mr. Swallow is based on a school teacher who inspired him.Nick enjoys performing magic with his child.He prefers simple magic routines that allow for comedic timing.Collaboration with theater directors helps shape his performances.The success of Ted Lasso has brought new audiences to Mr. Swallow.Nick aims to challenge industry norms through his comedy.He believes live comedy is more challenging than magic.Nick's upcoming tour 'Showpony' will explore identity in entertainment.

In this episode, Matt Szat hosts Walter Rolfo, the president and artistic director of FISM 2025. They discuss the importance of FISM as the premier magic competition, innovations for the upcoming event, and the role of online magic in expanding the art form. Walter shares insights on judging criteria, the experience of attending FISM, and what makes Torino special.

SummaryIn this episode, Damian interviews magician Ben Seidman, discussing his journey in magic, the creative process behind consulting for films, and the emotional impact of his routines. They explore the cultural adaptations required for performances in different regions, the decision to share magic secrets, and the importance of accessibility in magic. Ben also shares insights from his experiences performing for Penn and Teller and his excitement for creating new theatrical shows. In this engaging conversation, Ben Seidman discusses his collaborative journey in creating a new magic show, the challenges and frustrations he faces in modern magic, and the philosophy behind his performances. He shares insights into his upcoming shows, the importance of quality over quantity in magic, and the innovative techniques he employs, including dual reality. Seidman also introduces his new book, which focuses on a single trick, emphasizing the simplicity and impact of his approach to magic. Throughout the discussion, he highlights the importance of audience engagement and the joy of sharing magic with others.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ben Seidman03:03 The Creative Process in Magic Consulting05:56 Cultural Adaptation in Performance08:58 The Emotional Impact of the Oracle System12:09 The Decision to Share Magic Secrets14:47 Creating Accessible Magic for All18:00 Performing for Penn and Teller21:06 Excitement and Frustration in Modern Magic24:51 The Collaborative Journey of Magic Creation26:02 Upcoming Shows and Ambitious Plans27:41 Frustrations in Modern Magic29:44 The Art of a Single Trick31:10 Creating a High-Impact Routine33:52 Understanding Dual Reality in Magic39:38 Target Audience and Skill Level for Performers41:40 Philosophical Insights on Magic Performance