Shows
Alakazam Live PodcastEpisode 11Join Wayne Goodman and Peter Nardi for another fun-packed episode as they chat about an exciting upcoming trip to London to see Lucy Darling live at the London Palladium, share the latest updates on the sold-out Alakazam Convention, and discuss what’s coming next for future events.There’s also plenty of talk about new magic releases, stock alerts, and why some products may be hard to get once they sell out. Wayne and Peter take a nostalgic look back at old-school magic shops, vintage books, and the golden days of discovering hidden gems in the magic worl...
2026-04-221h 16
Desert Island TricksEnd of Season 2 Special with Peter Nardi355 different tricks. Only six people sharing the single most popular pick. And a top item that only three guests chose. Season two ends with the kind of recap that every magician, mentalist, and close-up worker secretly loves: the real numbers, the real patterns, and the real reasons behind what performers actually keep in their pockets.We’re closing with the official season two rankings plus the moments that made the year. A Deck Of Cards takes the top spot, with PK Touches and Invisible Deck right behind it, followed by classics like Cups And Balls, Coins Across, an...
2026-04-171h 18Alakazam Live PodcastEpisode 10In this episode of Alekazam Live, Peter Nardi and Wayne Goodman catch up on the latest from the world of magic, share behind-the-scenes updates from Alekazam, and chat about what’s coming up over the next few weeks. They highlight the upcoming CCC Convention, discuss progress on the Alekazam Convention, and reveal exciting news about Print By Magic becoming an officially authorized source for Bicycle gaff cards and gaff decks. The conversation also touches on recent magic acts on Britain’s Got Talent, Derren Brown’s current tour...
2026-04-151h 06Desert Island TricksRodney James PiperMagic gets weaker the moment it feels like a “performance mode” you turn on and off. Rodney James Piper joins us with a profound, refreshing belief: if you’re a magician, you live it everywhere you go. That single idea ripples through everything we talk about, from pocket props and borrowed objects to stage illusions that can stop a room cold.He explains why the Stealth Assassin Wallet is a constant-ready miracle machine, how fork bending becomes a lifetime souvenir, and why the best magicians make people forget methods and just feel wonder. We also dig into practi...
2026-03-271h 07Desert Island TricksStranded with a Stranger: Jim AitkenThis week we sit down with Jim Aitken, an Aberdeen magician, longtime club member, and retired paramedic, to explore eight effects that balance practicality, heart, and lasting impact. From a self-working “last two cards match” that crushes in the real world to a smiley-sticker miracle that guests remember years later, Jim’s choices remind us that method is only half the story; the rest is the way you make people feel.We trace his journey from yogurt-pot cups and balls to modern coffee-cup chops, then talk about when it’s worth investing in a premium timepiece like the Blue...
2026-03-1324 minAlakazam Live PodcastEpisode 6 - Blackpool SpecialAs the Alakazam team head to the world biggest magic convention, find out what Harry and Peter are excited about this year and find out what three pieces of advice they would give new attendees! Find out more about the team behind this podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk
2026-02-1731 minDesert Island TricksStranded with a Stranger: Mark PiazzaEight tricks, one book, one banishment and a lifetime of lessons packed into a single, fast-moving session with performer and author Mark Piazza. We trace his arc from 25 years of kids’ shows to a sharp mentalism repertoire, pulling apart the choices that still earn repeat bookings and real reactions. From the tactile honesty of Hundy 500 to the elastic power of propless tools like Quinta, Mark shows how method serves meaning when the script and structure are tuned for impact.We dig into the psychology behind equivoque that feels like prophecy, anchored by Max Maven’s unforgettable line abou...
2026-02-1320 minDesert Island TricksTom BoltonA locked gate marked 19½, a tiny office, and a stubborn 19‑year‑old knocking on every bar and hotel in Durham, this is how The Magic Corner began. We sit down with Tom Bolton to unpack how a 10–12 seat room became a destination venue, why careful lighting and sound cues matter as much as sleights, and how seasonal shows keep locals returning with new guests in tow.Tom walks us through the show’s architecture: a bar‑hatch first half, a bookshelf reveal to a ring‑seated second half, and production choices that turn tricks into theatre. Hear how he frames...
2026-01-231h 17Alakazam Live PodcastEpisode 2This week on the Alakazam Podcast, Peter and Wayne are back behind the mics for a proper magic chin-wag! The guys dive into the world of magic conventions, what they love, what they don’t, and why there’s nothing quite like being in a room full of magicians. Along the way, they answer questions sent in live by our listeners, so expect plenty of real talk, laughs, and practical insights.And that’s not all… You’ll also get a sneak peek at an upcoming release from The 1914, a never-before seen mentalism tool created by t...
2026-01-141h 00Alakazam Live PodcastEpisode 1The year starts at full tilt with a lively, unfiltered catch‑up with Craig Petty, and the energy doesn’t dip. We trade holiday war stories, talk honestly about the grind that comes with constant touring, and why a New Year health reset can be the most effective “upgrade” a performer makes. From there, the conversation opens up into creative planning, practical gear, and the routines that actually hold up in loud rooms, tight turnarounds, and unpredictable crowds.We dig into Alakazam’s Elite Coin Range and a forthcoming project Craig’s wanted to make since Mirage—the kind of ta...
2026-01-091h 10Desert Island TricksStranded with a Stranger: Elliott HodgesWhat if the strongest magic in your set isn’t the flashiest or the fastest to reset, but the piece that shines where you actually perform. Coffee shops, classrooms, living rooms? We sit down with hobbyist magician and primary school teacher Elliott Hodges to explore eight effects that prove context and clarity beat pocket space every time.Elliott opens with Ambitious Jazz, a tight packet routine that builds phase by phase, and Elmsley’s Four Card Trick, a masterclass in logical endings powered by a single elegant move. He champions Quadratic, a lightning-fast calculation stunt that turns ever...
2026-01-0931 minDesert Island TricksJamie Daws (& stand in host Peter Nardi)This week we flipped the format and put our host in the hot seat to reveal a set that can carry an entire career: intimate close‑up, parlour storytelling, and full‑blown stage moments that stick. The choices are surprising, practical, and deeply audience‑first, from Richard Sanders’ Identity, retooled to fit holiday crowds, to ProMystic’s MD Mini and Inception, a duo that turns mind reading into a shared experience people can’t stop talking about.Joined by guest host Peter Nardi, we dig into why some methods never die when they’re framed as real experiences. P...
2025-12-261h 27Desert Island TricksBen SidwellWhat if the strongest magic isn’t about flashy props, but about influence, structure, and respect for your audience? We sit down with magician Ben Sidwell to map an eight-trick card set that’s lean on gimmicks and heavy on intention, designed to scale from a noisy bar to an intimate parlour room without losing clarity or impact.Ben opens with influence-forward thinking, why “Anything” by Ben Williams plays better as a persuasion piece than a mind read and shows how Jay Sankey’s Paperclipped anchors predictions in an ordinary business card. We dig into wallet philosophy and why re...
2025-11-2150 minDesert Island TricksBeau CremerA crushed can that heals, a coin that melts through metal, dinner pulled from a menu, and water that keeps turning into wine, this is the kind of night Beau Cremer builds from everyday objects. We invited Beau to share his desert‑island tricks and the result is a playful, punchy roadmap for close‑up magic that lasts beyond one performance. No glitter boxes. No over-talking. Just believable items doing unbelievable things.We kick off with the can trilogy: Anders Moden’s Healed and Sealed, Wayne Houchin’s Sinful, and Jay Sankey’s Stretcher. One can, many miracles...
2025-11-141h 33Desert Island TricksDan BainesA spirit pressed the bedsheets. A duvet peeled back on its own. And a mummified fairy hoax fooled the world. We sit down with artist and prop-maker Dan Baines to explore how subtle methods and rich storytelling turn haunted curios into unforgettable theatre. From forensics in London to Lebanon Circle’s museum-quality creations for BBC, Warner Brothers, and major exhibitions, Dan shares the craft choices that make bizarre magic feel real: distressed textures, believable provenance, and clever tech that hums quietly beneath vintage veneer.We dig into the roots of Victorian séance magic, spirit cabinets, slates tha...
2025-10-311h 31Desert Island TricksChristopher TaylorWhat happens when the universe sends you a sign? For Christopher Taylor, it came in the form of a prisoner's profound question and a late-night phone call from David Copperfield on the very same day his wife encouraged him to pursue magic full-time.In this captivating episode, Christopher shares his remarkable journey from prison guard to classroom teacher to pioneering creator of electronic mentalism. As one of the first innovators in this field, his products like Equinox, Real Ghost, and Death Toll have revolutionised how performers approach classic effects by creating versions that look "as if they...
2025-09-261h 31Desert Island TricksJohn CareyCard magic legend John Carey takes us on a fascinating journey through the eight tricks that defined his remarkable career, from the streets of London to teaching in 26 countries worldwide. John's selections reveal the essence of powerful, practical magic. The Biddle Trick, with its multiple magical moments in a single effect. Triumph, where chaos transforms into perfect order except for the spectator's selection. Cards Across, which proves equally effective in close-up or stage settings. ACCAN (Any Card At Any Number), the plot magicians have pursued for generations. The Ambitious Card, with John's advice to limit phases and bui...
2025-09-191h 01Desert Island TricksJames BrownWhat if everything you thought about magic was missing the point entirely? Prolific creator James Brown shatters conventional wisdom about magical performance, revealing that the true essence of magic isn't found in secrets, techniques, or special abilities, but in the powerful human connections we create. James' journey into magic wasn't the traditional path. Without childhood exposure or magician parents, he approached the art without the constraints and rules most practitioners inherit. This fresh perspective allowed him to focus intensely on what truly matters: creating genuine moments of wonder through psychological understanding rather than technical mastery. His revolutionary ap...
2025-09-121h 39Desert Island TricksMarvin BerglasThis week we welcome Marvin Berglas, President of The Magic Circle and the creative force behind Marvin's Magic, as he shares the extraordinary journey that shaped his legendary career.Marvin's story begins with a powerful lesson in resilience, when a Harrods buyer dismissively tossed his product aside calling it "that old stinker," he responded not with defeat but determination. Returning weeks later to a different department, he secured a promotion that blossomed into a 40-year relationship and millions of units sold. This pivotal moment embodies the positive mindset that would become his hallmark.Growing up...
2025-09-051h 11Desert Island TricksNikolas MavresisNikolas Mavresis, one of magic's most inventive mentalism creators, opens up about the effects that shaped his journey from magic skeptic to prolific innovator. This conversation reveals the fascinating truth behind his creative process and how he approaches method selection."You have to put yourself in the spectator's shoes and think like laymen," Nikolas explains, pinpointing why some magicians dismiss powerful methods that laypeople find utterly baffling. This philosophy of prioritising audience experience over magician preferences has guided his approach to creating memorable magic.Nikolas walks us through the eight effects that would accompany him...
2025-08-2954 minDesert Island TricksBen HanlinEver wondered what happens when a car vanish illusion goes wrong hours before filming? Or how swallowing needles helped a struggling magician pay his rent before television fame? Ben Hanlin pulls back the curtain on these stories and more in this incredible episode.The celebrated British magician, known for ITV's "Tricked" and Discovery's "Breaking Magic," reveals the eight effects that defined his career, from close-up card magic that stops conversations instantly to elaborate television spectacles requiring aircraft hangars and custom-built props. His selections paint a portrait of modern magic's diverse landscape, where success requires mastering both intimate...
2025-08-2255 minDesert Island TricksWayne McEwanStep into the magical world of Wayne McEwan, New Zealand's premier children's entertainer and versatile performer who has earned both the Lifetime Achievement Award from Magic New Zealand and Children's Entertainer of the Year honours from the Variety Artist Club of New Zealand. Wayne takes us on a captivating journey through his desert island magic selections, beginning with "Howzatt" by Michael J. Fitch, a cricket-themed paddle trick that culminates in the production of a mini cricket ball. This culturally relevant choice perfectly illustrates Wayne's thoughtful approach to connecting with his New Zealand audiences through their passion for sp...
2025-08-1545 minDesert Island TricksTony AntoniouWhen magic meets craftsmanship, something special happens. Tony Antoniou embodies this intersection as both a lifetime Magic Circle member and the creative force behind The Mind Hacker, crafting exquisite leather goods that expand the use of popular effects from post-it pads to ProMystic effects.His selections paint a fascinating portrait of his evolution from close-up performer to mentalist, with each choice reflecting deep consideration of what makes magic truly impactful.The journey begins with the versatile Real Die, a pocket miracle that delivers far more than simple prediction and his own creation, Circle of Destiny...
2025-08-081h 04Desert Island TricksNeil HenryNeil Henry, master of viral magic videos and unforgettable pranks, invites us into his world where play isn't just entertainment, it’s a pathway to possibility.From his early days selling tricks at Covent Garden's Magic Cave to creating videos seen by half a billion people, Neil shares the philosophy that's guided his creative journey. "When a non-magician is asked to make someone fly, they immediately say 'I can't.' But a magician asks, 'What would it look like if I could?'" This simple shift in thinking, Neil reveals, has applications far beyond magic tricks, it’s ho...
2025-07-251h 31Desert Island TricksLeo SmetsersWhen your name appears in someone's phone as "Crazy Leo," there's a story behind it. Leo Smetsers, a Dutch magical phenomenon who's been mystifying audiences for over three decades, brings his boundless energy and innovative thinking to this captivating conversation about the eight tricks he'd take to a desert island.Leo's selections reveal much about his performance philosophy, especially his signature Three Shell Game, which upends conventional wisdom by ensuring the spectator always wins. "I don't like to win," Leo explains with characteristic generosity. This approach has earned him countless bookings, including one particularly memorable engagement where...
2025-07-1156 minDesert Island TricksNikola ArkaneIn this week’s episode, Nikola Arkane reveals the theatrical foundations that elevate her performances from mere tricks to captivating experiences. With a background in drama from Queen's University, Nikola brings a unique perspective to magical performance that transforms standard effects into memorable moments of wonder.At the heart of Nikola's magical journey is FizzWizzPop, her beloved children's character who discovers and solves magical problems alongside young audiences. "She was my first love in magic," Nikola explains, describing how this character became an "existential being" developed through her theatrical training. Through this creation, Nikola demonstrates how character de...
2025-07-041h 10Desert Island TricksRuss StevensEver wondered who's behind the mind-blowing magic that captivates millions on Britain's Got Talent? Meet Russ Stevens, the unsung hero orchestrating magical moments for one of television's biggest shows. In this riveting conversation, Russ pulls back the curtain on his remarkable journey from reluctant collaborator to BGT's dedicated magic consultant, single-handedly revolutionising how magic is presented to mainstream audiences.With refreshing candour, Russ reveals how a show that once mocked magicians now dedicates unprecedented airtime to the art form. "We made a big mistake," the show's producers admitted after witnessing his work. "We didn't realise how brilliant...
2025-06-271h 25