Stealing Magic

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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Diva of Magic01:20 Romany's Magic Origin Story02:40 The Evolution of the Diva Persona06:39 The Signature Rope Tie Trick07:50 Lessons from Corporate Life10:15 The Art of Busking and Crowd Engagement12:57 Crafting a Show: Structure and Flexibility14:43 The Importance of a Strong Ending15:08 Audience Favorites: The Weakest Links16:23 The Power of Costumes in Magic19:51 Cruise Ship Performances: Myths and Realities21:30 Women in Magic: Progress and Challenges24:10 The Warm Welcome in Magic27:04 Advice for Young Female Magicians29:44 The Journey of Spun into Gold32:21 The Power of Honesty in Storytelling35:41 Finding Joy Beyond Struggles36:08 The Reality of Money in Magic37:51 Life in a Cottage: Trade-offs and Benefits41:45 What Separates Good Magicians from Great Ones resourcesRomany's Website - https://romanymagic.comRomany's Facebook - https://facebook.com/RomanyRomanyRomany'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.

It's Ben Seidman! Talking about magic. And stuff.

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 mattersHow to craft routines that evoke real emotion and lasting impactThe importance of audience psychology — starting with simple questions to heighten wonderThe sacred role of storytelling in elevating magic from puzzles to profound experiencesWhy modern magicians must go beyond technique and bring their true selves to stageTodd 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.