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Desert Island Tricks

Alakazam Magic
Desert Island Tricks
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  • Stranded with a Stranger: Geoff Weber
    Magician Geoff Weber discusses his carefully curated collection in this fascinating deep dive into a professional's most treasured magical tools.With over 25 years of experience and credits including published effects like X-Finger, Geoff now performs as "the retro magician" with an 80s-themed act packed with nostalgia. His desert island selections reveal both practical wisdom and surprising insights about what makes certain magic effects truly timeless.From the seemingly simple 3D Sponge Bunnies (which Geoff notes is "only done by beginners and seasoned pros") to his provocative claim that the humble Paper Clipped by Jay Sankey outshines any fancy card-to-box on the market, each choice comes with fascinating justification. Geoff's list spans close-up classics, mentalism, and coins while offering thoughtful commentary on why certain props and methods endure.Along the way, Geoff shares valuable nuggets like why Joe Rindfleisch's rainbow rubber bands revolutionised his performance of classics like Crazy Man's Handcuffs, and how his Blockbuster Video confabulation integrates mentalism with nostalgic 80s references. He also makes a compelling case for why every magician's deck should include an odd-backed card.What magic trick does Geoff believe has "exacerbated the problem of cookie-cutter magicians"? Which effect does he feel is his best creation yet has been "overlooked by the magic community"? Listen now to discover the answers and perhaps reconsider which effects would make your own desert island list!Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk
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  • Marc Paul
    Marc Paul is a legend in the world of magic and mentalism and in this episode, he takes us on a fascinating journey through his world of professional mentalism with an insightful conversation about the routines that have defined his illustrious career. With over 35 years of experience performing across cruise ships, corporate events, and theatres worldwide, Marc distills decades of wisdom into practical advice about creating genuine moments of wonder.The Magic Square serves as Marc's favourite opener, a lightning calculation demonstration that establishes credibility while generating multiple audience reactions within minutes. He explains why this seemingly mathematical feat creates the perfect foundation for the mind reading to follow. Throughout our conversation, Marc reveals how he thoughtfully structures his performances to build a sense of escalation, carefully managing the audience's perception of impossibility.What makes this episode particularly valuable is Marc's focus on minimalist methodology. Some of his most powerful routines require nothing more than bits of paper and marker pens, the props becoming invisible as the audience focuses entirely on the impossibilities being demonstrated. "The props are not props," Marc explains. "The show is about what you do with them. The show is the people that come up on stage."We delve deep into Marc's relationship with his mentor David Berglas, exploring how this legendary figure shaped Marc's approach to creating and preserving mystery. Marc shares touching insights about Berglas's ability to create seemingly improvisational magic with nothing but a deck of cards, reminding us that in an age of technological innovation and exposure, true magic often lies in simplicity, psychology, and the artful preservation of wonder.Whether you're a professional performer looking to refine your approach or simply curious about the thoughtful craftsmanship behind world-class mentalism, this episode offers invaluable wisdom about creating meaningful experiences that audiences remember long after the show ends.Marc’s Desert Island Tricks: 1. The Magic Square 2. Audience Chair Test 3. Challenge Mind Reading 4. ESPacology5. Two Billet Test 6. Card Memory Demonstration 7. Sneak Thief 8. Blindfold Q&A Banishment. Inconsistency in Performance Book. The Berglas EffectsItem. Magnum Sharpie / The Stand by Steven King Find out more about the team behind this podcast at www.alakazam.co.ukFind out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk
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  • Mark Bennett
    Step behind the curtain with Mark Bennett, the brilliantly funny owner of Smoke and Mirrors Comedy and Magic Theatre Pub in Bristol, as he reveals the eight magic effects that would accompany him to a desert island.Mark's journey through magic is fascinating, from nightclub performer to magic bar pioneer to successful creator of commercial effects used by magicians worldwide. With his signature wit and decades of performing experience, he shares why the humble double-backer has "bought him three pubs," and how his wildly popular "Get Smarty" evolved from noticing Smarties packages had changed shape.What makes this episode particularly special is Mark's candid discussion about comedy in magic. His "Leave it to Beaver” demonstrates his masterful approach to adult humour, balancing cheeky innuendo with genuine magical moments in a way that has audiences laughing before they realise they perhaps shouldn't have. Similarly, his stories about his mind-reading goose named Dave showcase how character work can elevate a standard routine into something uniquely memorable.Throughout our conversation, Mark reveals the psychological principles that make his magic so effective. Whether explaining why his three-ball sponge routine still gets reactions from people who've seen sponge ball tricks before, or sharing his philosophy on making spectators the stars of his shows, his insights offer valuable lessons for performers of all types.Perhaps most refreshing is Mark's commitment to practical, workable magic. Every effect in his list has been battle-tested through thousands of performances at his venue. From his controversial decision to banish four-card routines to his gleeful description of "exposing" how sponge ball magic works (while actually misdirecting his audiences), Mark demonstrates why he's not just a venue owner but a respected creator and performer in his own right.Discover why Mark's approach to magic has made Smoke and Mirrors a must-visit destination for magic fans and performers alike. Whether you're a magician seeking practical performance advice or simply curious about the mind behind some of magic's most commercial routines, this episode delivers entertainment and insights in equal measure.Mark’s Desert Island Tricks: Double Backer Get Smarty Que the Magic Peek - Blindz / Tele-thoughtSponge BallsLeave it to Beaver The Queens Nose Mind Reading GooseBanishment. Four Card Routines Book. Aspen Bar Magic by Michael AmmarItem. SmartiesFind out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk
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  • Stranded with a Stranger: William Poliet
    William Poliet takes us on a magical journey spanning two decades of professional performance across France and the UK. As President of the Coventry Magic Circle and Warwickshire’s regional representative for The Magic Circle, William's carefully curated repertoire reflects both technical excellence and genuine audience connection.His magical origin story begins with a profound childhood moment at his 11th birthday party, William's uncle performed a card effect that left him utterly spellbound. So captivated was young William that his only wish for his 12th birthday was to witness this miracle again. Years later, his uncle gifted him The Royal Road to Card Magic, revealing the method behind what William now affectionately calls "My Uncle's Trick" in his professional shows.The eight effects William would take to a desert island showcase his performing philosophy. From Nick Einhorn's Signature Triumph to Michael Hout's "Priceless," William selects routines that establish rapport, generate laughter, and create memorable moments. His thoughtful commentary on sponge balls reminds us of magic's primal appeal: "When the audience member opens their hand and finds two or three sponge balls when they were convinced they only had one, the reaction is priceless."Perhaps most insightful is William's perspective on his bent coin routine: "For us it's a bent coin, but for them it's a strange experience they'll remember forever." This profound understanding of how laypeople experience magic elevates William's selections beyond mere tricks to meaningful theatrical experiences.Want to share your own desert island list? Send your eight tricks, one banishment, one book, and one non-magical item to [email protected] with "my desert island list" in the subject line, and you might be featured in an upcoming episode!Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk
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  • Dave Loosley
    Dave Loosely, fresh from his victory as the Magic Circle Close-Up Magician of the Year 2025, reveals his definitive list in this captivating conversation about the effects that truly matter.Dave begins by taking us behind the scenes of his competition-winning act, sharing how he meticulously crafted each moment to appeal to both lay judges and magicians alike. "Everything was in there to try and win the competition," he explains, describing the intense six-month preparation process that consumed him in pursuit of perfection.His desert island selections paint a fascinating portrait of a magician who finds extraordinary magic in ordinary objects. From his signature routine “Squash”, where a bottle cap impossibly penetrates a deck of cards and emerges flattened, to his theatrical adaptation of the Needle Through Balloon that serves as both comedy ‘bit’ and spectacular finale, each choice reflects Dave's philosophy that the most powerful magic happens when spectators connect with recognisable items.Particularly revealing is Dave's discussion of performance structure and creating multiple moments of wonder within a single routine. Whether it's his adaptation of Paper Balls Over Head that fools both volunteer and audience with different restorations, or his coin transposition "Envision" that delivers three magical moments in quick succession, Dave demonstrates why being a great magician requires being a thoughtful theatrical artist first.Beyond the tricks themselves, this episode offers valuable insights into professional magic, how to create "kickback" moments where reality shifts unexpectedly, why certain effects withstand the test of time, and the importance of finding your own handling for commercial tricks. Dave's thoughtful reflections on how each effect shaped his journey make this essential listening for anyone passionate about the art of magic.Dave's Desert Island Tricks: Squash The Magicians Matchbox Harmonica Chop CupEnvision No Tear Paper Balls Needle Through Balloon Bill in Egg / Wallnut / Lemon Four Nightmare Banishment. Magic Ego’s and Cliques Book. Rune’s World Item. Drum Set Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk
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About Desert Island Tricks

Each week we invite one of the biggest guests in the world of magic to maroon themselves on a desert island. They are allowed to take with them 8 tricks, 1 book, 1 banishment and 1 non magic item that they use for magic! We discuss their 'can't live without' lists and why those items were chosen. Episodes are uploaded every Friday and are available via all Podcast service providers! To find out more about the team behind Desert Island Tricks, please visit: www.alakazam.co.uk 
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