The Insider

In this episode, magician Avi Yap shares his journey from injury to innovation in coin magic, discussing his creative process, the importance of vision, and how he bridges old school techniques with modern performance. You will gain insights into making magic more natural, the role of framing, and the value of a clear concept in effect creation. And how you do NOT want to perform for Avi's Mom.

In this episode, Guy Hollingworth shares insights from his journey in magic, including the development of his latest book 'More Drawing Room Deceptions,' his approach to accessible magic, and his transition from close-up to stage performance.

Dana Pleasant shares her journey from photography and musical theater to becoming a magician, her creative process for her signature Polaroid trick, and insights on making magic memorable and personal.

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.

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 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.