Shows
Desert Island TricksJonathan GoodwinEver wondered what it's like to perform magic for the Queen? Or how about orchestrating a death-defying stunt where a car explosion nearly takes down a helicopter with a celebrity inside? Jonathan Goodwin, the legendary escape artist and stunt performer, pulls back the curtain on these incredible moments and more in this captivating conversation.Goodwin's approach to performance art stands apart from traditional magicians - he created experiences where genuine danger and clever theatrical thinking collide to create moments of wonder. From his nerve-wracking experience performing "Brainwave" for Queen Elizabeth II at her 80th birthday (where time...2025-05-091h 36Desert Island TricksRoddy McGhieStep into the wonderfully whimsical world of Roddy McGhie, where card boxes mysteriously grow tiny doors and silver laptops transform into signed playing cards. In this captivating conversation, Roddy reveals how his distinctively offbeat approach to magic has carved him a unique space in the industry.From the nerve-wracking moment of investing borrowed money to produce his first commercial hit "Little Door," to witnessing people's jaws literally drop when rubber bands pass through one another, Roddy generously shares the pivotal moments and creative influences that shaped his magical journey. What began as a side passion alongside his...2025-05-021h 30Desert Island TricksIain BaileyWhat happens when a professional electrician turns his workplace tools into instruments of wonder? Iain Bailey reveals how his day job has become the perfect foundation for creating authentic, practical magic that resonates with audiences everywhere.In this captivating conversation, Iain takes us through his Desert Island Tricks list, showcasing effects that brilliantly merge practicality with astonishment. From Holy Moly (using standard washers) to his viral Dove Magic routine (featuring cleverly punned deodorant and dishwasher products), each selection demonstrates his philosophy that magic should be "fun and practical”.Bailey's inventive approach shines through in creations li...2025-04-2854 minDesert Island TricksIain BaileyWhat happens when a professional electrician turns his workplace tools into instruments of wonder? Iain Bailey reveals how his day job has become the perfect foundation for creating authentic, practical magic that resonates with audiences everywhere.In this captivating conversation, Iain takes us through his Desert Island Tricks list, showcasing effects that brilliantly merge practicality with astonishment. From Holy Moly (using standard washers) to his viral Dove Magic routine (featuring cleverly punned deodorant and dishwasher products), each selection demonstrates his philosophy that magic should be "fun and practical”.Bailey's inventive approach shines through in creations li...2025-04-2555 minDesert Island TricksStranded with a Stranger: Geoff WeberMagician 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...2025-04-2214 minDesert Island TricksMarc PaulMarc 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...2025-04-182h 11Desert Island TricksMark BennettStep 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....2025-04-111h 27Desert Island TricksStranded with a Stranger: William PolietWilliam 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 hi...2025-04-0822 minDesert Island TricksDave LoosleyDave 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...2025-04-041h 25Desert Island TricksAlan RorrisonMeet one of Scotland's most creative magical minds as Alan Rorrison takes us through the eight effects he couldn't live without. Known for his prolific creativity and innovative approach to magic, Alan reveals how his performance style has evolved toward more organic props and scripted presentations that put participants at the centre of the experience.The conversation delivers powerful insights about performing philosophy, with Alan explaining why he now approaches tables empty-handed rather than with cards visibly ready. "They were making a presupposition on what I was going to do before I'd done it, and I didn't...2025-03-281h 15Desert Island TricksHarri Harrington (Lord Harri)Lord Harri's journey through magic is as colourful and unpredictable as his Desert Island Tricks selections. After a technical mishap with his original recording, Harri returns with a refreshed perspective that perfectly captures his playful, versatile approach to magical entertainment.What makes Harri's list truly remarkable is its stunning diversity. From the visual elegance of Tobias Dostal's "Repo" to Adam Dadswell's "Lexicon Plus" that Harri has inventively adapted with rubber ducks, each selection reveals a performer who refuses to be confined to a single magical genre. His approach to choosing effects isn't about adhering to a particular...2025-03-2157 minDesert Island TricksJohn ArcherIn this weeks episode, comedy magic legend John Archer takes us on an unexpected journey through his magical influences and philosophy. Rather than showcasing his signature repertoire, John reveals the eight effects he'd take to a desert island, most of which he's never performed professionally. What makes this episode particularly fascinating is John's vulnerable admission about why he doesn't perform certain tricks: "If I see a trick done so well that I think I couldn't do it better, then I don't want to do it." This refreshing honesty leads to wonderful stories about watching Andy Nyman's "Sophie" t...2025-03-141h 29Desert Island TricksStranded with a Stranger: Steven MillsSteven Mills brings sixty years of magical wisdom to "Stranded with a Stranger," offering a masterclass in practical performance choices that stand the test of time. His philosophy cuts through modern magic's endless novelty: "You are fooling people way less often than you think. Don't confuse polite silence with thinking they were fooled." From pocket-sized miracles like "Jumping Arrow" to classic coin effects like "Hopping Halves," Steven's selections reveal a performer who values ending clean, working without tables, and delivering maximum impact with minimal props. His inclusion of Dan Harlan's "The Awakening" (which he considers possibly th...2025-03-1017 minDesert Island TricksDaniel ChardWelcome to this weeks Desert Island Tricks with the phenomenal card ninja, Daniel Chard. Discover a blend of sharp magic insights, hilarious anecdotes, and the stories behind his favourite tricks. From memorable performances to essential tricks that define a magician's journey, Daniel shares his experiences navigating the fine line between skill and storytelling.What happens when you mix a passion for sleight of hand with the desire to entertain? You get a captivating discussion that reveals the secrets behind some of magic's most timeless effects. Listen in as Daniel emphasises the significance of creating memorable moments and...2025-03-071h 07Desert Island TricksStranded with a Stranger: Ken HallgringIn this episode, we sit down with Ken Hallgring, a magician with over fifty years of experience, who shares the ultimate list of tricks he would bring along to his magical island if given the choice. From personal favourites to iconic classics, Ken dives into a selection of eight top tricks that resonate deeply with his magical journey, showcasing each trick's unique story and presentation style. Ken reflects on his early years in magic, the pivotal moments that shaped his identity, and the other renowned magicians he had the fortune of meeting. He skillfully explains the power o...2025-03-0424 minDesert Island TricksEdward HilsumEdward Hilsum takes centre stage in our latest episode, sharing his journey from a budding magician inspired by Lance Burton's iconic Dove Act to a celebrated performer at the Magic Circle and British Champion of Magic. Edward recounts his unique experiences performing in the West End's Wonderville during the tumultuous COVID era, alongside his role nurturing young talents through the Young Magicians Club. His story is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the transformative power of mentorship from legends like Ali Bongo.Edward’s list is truly eclectic from classic tricks like the egg bag and Professor's Ni...2025-02-281h 24Desert Island TricksStranded with a Stranger: Ray EdenToday’s Stranded Stranger is Ray Eden, the charismatic magician whose career has traversed continents and captivated audiences of all ages. From being inspired by a fair magician in his youth to performing daring acts like Russian roulette with a snake, Ray's story is as enchanting as his craft. Discover how Ray's foundational training with legendary magicians in New York City led to electrifying performances on Finnish television and a fulfilling role bringing joy to senior communities in Florida. As he co-chairs the Florida Magic History and Collectors Conference, Ray continues to inspire and contribute to the vibrant magic co...2025-02-2423 minDesert Island TricksMatthew PomeroyWelcome to the launch of the second season of Desert Island Tricks with the illustrious Matthew Pomeroy, renowned magician and mentalist. Matthew takes us on his incredible journey from the bright lights of Broadway to the dazzling stages of Las Vegas, sharing insights and stories from his magical career. Matthew also becomes the first guest to banish an element from the magic industry, adding a unique twist to the second season. With deep admiration for the wonderful Marc Spelmann, Matthew highlights how Marc has played a pivotal role in shaping his craft.The Alakafam are invited into...2025-02-211h 31Desert Island TricksEnd of Season 1 SpecialCome join us for a magical celebration as we mark a year of Desert Island Tricks! We’re bringing back the one and only Peter Nardi to help us explore the collective top 8 tricks that were chosen on the first season of the podcast.In this special compilation, we’ll chat about each trick and invite two of our guests to share their thoughts from their episode. We’ll also talk about our top 3 favourite episodes and what made them so special.And guess what? We’ve got a sneak peek at season 2! Our guests will get...2025-02-133h 01Desert Island TricksAli CookJoin us as we welcome the incredibly talented Ali Cook to the show, where he shares stories from his diverse and remarkable career in magic. From a daring water tank escape act at the Edinburgh Festival to his celebrated performances on shows like Monkey Magic and Channel 4's Dirty Tricks, Ali opens up about the creativity and innovation that have driven his success. Get ready to be inspired as Ali sheds light on the eclectic influences that have shaped his unique style and the advice that led him to chart his own path in the world of magic. 2025-02-071h 05Desert Island TricksChris Frost (Frostie)Chris Frost’s (Frostie) Desert Island Tricks Sponge Balls (Unicorns) - Story For Opening Pom Pom Stick Wizard of Oz Booktest Magic Spell Book (Magic Colouring Book) Get Smarty Deck of Cards (Night Flights) Alchemy The Game Book: Yes Man by Danny Wallace Item: Cheese Monster PuppetFind out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk2025-01-311h 02Desert Island TricksSteve DelaRenowned magician Steve Della pulls back the curtain on a lifetime of performances, offering a unique glimpse into his world of magic and mentalism. In this episode you will discover how his passion ignited at just four years old and has remained robust throughout his career, even as his close-up act has stood the test of time for over two decades. Tune in to hear about his unforgettable run-in with magic legend Peter Nardi at the Blackpool Magic Convention which inspired one of his selections and explore the timeless balance between his personal creations and the work of other...2025-01-2459 minDesert Island TricksMatt ClewleyThis week we welcome MagicTV’s Matt Clewley! Matt takes us on a whimsical journey into his crazy world of magic, including anecdotes of a German-accented magician transforming a serious act into comedic brilliance with a mere suitcase of sausages. Matt's collaboration with the renowned Craig Petty and his venture into the daring “Blockhead” are just glimpses into his vibrant career. Listeners will find themselves marooned with Matt as he showcases his ultimate magic trick lineup for a desert island escape. From the incredible Anverdi Die, which he swears by for its captivating prowess, to the stealthy Si Steb...2025-01-171h 16Desert Island TricksStranded with a Stranger: Andy CooperWhat if you could blend two seemingly different passions into a harmonious career? In our latest episode, we welcome Andy Cooper, a magician and musician from Berkshire, who has done just that. Andy's journey began with a spark of inspiration from the David Nixon magic show and a cherished magic book from his childhood, leading him to rediscover his love for magic in his 60s. With the help of modern resources like YouTube and magic shops, he combines his skills in music and magic to create captivating experiences for his bandmates and audiences. Andy takes us through his transition...2025-01-1323 minDesert Island TricksChris MallonWelcome to the darker side of magic with Chris Mallon, the mastermind behind Strange Stage, a company redefining the world of bizarre magic props and mentalism. Chris shares the childhood magic of Christmas mornings that sparked his journey into the realm of bizarre magic and his subsequent rise in the magic community since 2017. From the creation of the Carney Billet Box to collaborations with iconic figures like Pete Turner, Chris's work is setting new standards in magical innovation and storytelling. In a heartwarming segment, Chris reflects on his beloved Tenyo Crystal Cleaver and Dynamic Coins, magic tricks th...2025-01-101h 01Desert Island TricksStranded with a Stranger: Sean AndrechakWelcome to the island this weeks guest, Sean Andrechak, a seasoned magic hobbyist and pit boss from Oklahoma, who shares an inspiring journey from being enthralled by Doug Henning's legendary performances to working amidst the glamour of Las Vegas casinos. Sean's unique experiences in the casino industry have woven fascinating themes of cheating and gambling into his magic presentations. With stories from his visits to iconic UK magic shops like International Magic and Alakazam Magic, Sean discusses his top magic tricks, including the universally adored sponge balls, and the impressive "Kolossal Killer" by Kenton Knepper. His passion for magic...2025-01-0619 min