Desert Island Tricks

This 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 as the son of magic legend David Berglas provided Marvin with a unique perspective on the art form, though he admits he wasn't initially drawn to magic as a child. It wasn't until his late teens when he unexpectedly assisted his father at a convention that the magic bug bit him. From there, he forged his own distinctive path while honouring his father's legacy , "We reached the top differently," he reflects, "I used my first name while he used his last name."Throughout our conversation, Marvin reveals the philosophy behind Marvin's Magic's enduring success, prioritising quality, innovation, and the genuine joy of performing. His product line has evolved from classic boxed sets to cutting-edge creations like iMagic, which seamlessly blends physical props with augmented reality. These innovations have inspired countless performers, with many of today's professional magicians tracing their initial spark to owning a Marvin's Magic set.The episode culminates with Marvin's reflections on his role as Magic Circle President, where he's spearheading initiatives to preserve magical heritage while embracing new technologies and supporting the next generation through the Young Magicians Club. His unwavering commitment to positivity shines through as he declares what he'd banish if given the chance, negativity itself.Join us for this captivating conversation that peels back the curtain on a magic legend and reveals how magic can transform lives when powered by the belief that nothing is impossible.Marvin’s Desert Island Tricks: Deck of Cards Book TestPseudo Psychometry Dice Appearing Helicopter Lights from Anywhere iMagicThumb Tip Banishment. NegativityBook. Mind and Magic of David Berglas Item. Mobile PhoneFind out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

Nikolas 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 to a desert island, starting with John Bannon's Twisted Sisters, the packet trick that showed him how eight cards could create an unforgettable miracle. From Simon Aronson's Shuffleboard with its escalating series of revelations to Joshua Jay's Inferno that feels "real" to spectators, each selection reveals another facet of Nikolas’ mentalism approach.When discussing his own creation, The Collector, Nikolas shares a fascinating insight into his method design: "When you combine two different methods together, one method cancels the other, making it impossible for people to backtrack." This strategic layering of techniques has become a signature element in his work, including recent releases like Card At Any Role and Nostalgia.The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Nikolas connects his music background to his magic creation. "It's like writing a song," he explains. "Magic needs good timing, nice flow... it's a way to express what's inside and connect with others through the things I build." This cross-disciplinary approach might explain the rhythmic, emotionally resonant quality that makes his effects so powerful.Whether you're a fan of Nikolas’ work, a mentalism enthusiast, or a creator looking for inspiration, this episode offers rare insights into the mind of someone who has mastered the art of creating magic that genuinely connects with audiences. Discover why Nikolas believes his Desert Island book selection, Practical Mental Magic by Theodore Annemann, remains essential reading for anyone serious about mentalism.Nikolas’ Desert Island Tricks: Twisted SistersShuffle BoredInferno Memorised Deck Killer Elite Pro The Collector SnapsAnniversary Waltz Banishment. Drama and Negativity Book. Practical Mental Magic Item. Musical Instrument / Music / GuitarFind out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

Ever 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 performances and grand illusions.Ben's journey from Birmingham recruitment consultant to television star hinged on unexpected moments, like performing needle swallowing on the streets of Stratford-upon-Avon and later for Kim Kardashian on a yacht. He shares the high-stakes problem-solving required when overnight temperature changes threatened to ruin a £10,000 television illusion just hours before filming. These behind-the-scenes glimpses reveal the combination of creativity, technical knowledge and quick thinking that professional magic demands.What makes this conversation particularly fascinating is Ben's thoughtful analysis of why certain effects connect with audiences. Whether discussing the natural tension created by water escapes or the visual impact of producing liquid from nowhere, he demonstrates a deep understanding of audience psychology that transcends mere technical execution. His candid thoughts on outdated props ("no grown man should be walking around with a purse frame") and his recommendations for creativity tools offer valuable insights for performers across disciplines.Join us for this entertaining exploration of magic's past, present and future through the eyes of one of Britain's most versatile performers. Whether you're a devoted magic enthusiast or simply curious about the craft behind the illusions you've seen on television, Ben's stories will change how you view the art of deception.Ben’s Desert Island Tricks: Multiple Selection Needle SwallowMoving Car Vanish Manip Act Sam the Bellhop Beer ProductionPhone in Fish Water Torture EscapeBanishment. Purse Frame / Rope Around Neck / Confabulation Routines Book. Books of WonderItem. Evernote Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

Step 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 sports.  His customised Copper-Silver-Brass coin routine reveals the depth of his performance philosophy. Rather than using standard coins, Wayne employs an authentic Chinese coin, an old New Zealand penny, and a contemporary 50-cent piece to weave a fascinating narrative about New Zealand's gold mining history, demonstrating how magic can become more meaningful when anchored in local heritage.  The conversation takes a thrilling turn when Wayne describes his children's show favourite, "Snakeless" by Mike Bent, a multilayered routine featuring creepy crawlies, an animated spider that climbs up his trousers, and a spring snake finale that creates absolute "pandemonium" among young audiences. His detailed explanation showcases the brilliant psychology behind effective children's entertainment.  What makes this episode particularly valuable is Wayne's insights into performing across different venues, from restaurants to large festivals, from intimate birthday parties to corporate events. Each selection in his list serves a specific purpose in his professional repertoire, from the beautifully crafted Babu Wallet for close-up performances to "Slice of Magic" that gets him significant media coverage when he cuts a child in half during family shows.  Wayne's passion for quality magic is evident in his reverence for Tommy Wonder's Nest of Boxes and his recommendation of "The Secret Ways of Al Baker" as his desert island book. His selection of his two performing parrots as his non-magic item offers a glimpse into the personal connection he has with his animal performers.Wayne’s Desert Island Tricks: Howzatt Copper, Silver, BrassSnakeless Slashed Babu Wallet Bill in Lemon Slice of Magic Nest of Boxes Banishment. Zombie BallBook. The Secret Ways of Al BakerItem. ParrotsFind out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

When 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, which employs a unique utility move he developed for billets. Tony's candid discussion about Red Hot Mama showcases his understanding of performance psychology, while his preference for Zoltar's Opener over the legendary Invisible Deck demonstrates his willingness to evolve beyond traditional standbys.What's particularly illuminating is Tony's philosophy on taking controlled risks, inspired by his friendship with David Berglas (whose book he selected as his desert island reading). This mindset permeates his approach to both performing and creating magic, explaining how he's able to blend technical precision with genuine astonishment.Discover how a coffee machine fuels magical creativity, why awkward performances deserve banishment, and what makes a leather craftsman's approach to magic uniquely powerful. This episode offers a masterclass in magical thinking from someone who's dedicated his life to elevating the art.Tony’s Desert Island Tricks: Real Die The Circle of Destiny Red Hot Mamma / Chicago Opener Imaginary Shopping List Zoltar’s Opener Heirloom Emily’s Revenge Card Warp John Kennedy Card Box / Colin Rose Card Index Banishment. French Kiss / Egg bag Book. Mind and Magic of David Berglas Item. Coffee Machine / Finger RingFind out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

What does a magician do when a spectator wants to read their mind instead of having their own mind read? In a delightful twist shared by Welsh mentalist Rich Relish, he decided to play along, and was shocked when the spectator correctly divined his drawing of a house, leaping into the air with excitement while the wedding photographer captured the perfect moment.This natural, unexpected moment of wonder perfectly encapsulates Rich's approach to magic: creating genuine connections through psychological presentations and organic props. Throughout our conversation, Rich reveals his thoughtfully crafted Desert Island Tricks selections, emphasising how he builds increasing impossibility into each performance. Beginning with Max Maven's B-Wave as his opener, he progresses through routines like Chris Congreave's Cloak (with its surprise reveal of Monopoly and Cluedo cards) and Steve Cook's The Gamble (cleverly adapted to use Lego pieces instead of poker chips).What stands out in Rich's selections is his focus on personalisation. His adaptation of Brian Caswell's Pinnacle to reveal a wedding couple's date through seemingly random card selections often brings tears of joy. As he explains, "I like to pride myself on people seeing something which they've never seen before."The conversation delves into colour psychology, the value of drawing duplications, and why coin envelopes might be the most versatile non-magic item a mentalist can carry. Rich also shares a refreshing perspective on competition among magicians, suggesting that wedding fairs should welcome multiple performers with different styles, just as they do with photographers and other vendors.Explore this fascinating journey through psychological mentalism, creative adaptations, and the art of building wonder through increasing impossibility. Whether you're a performer seeking inspiration or simply curious about the inner workings of close-up magic, Rich's insights offer a blueprint for creating memorable moments of astonishment.Rich’s Desert Island Tricks: B’WaveCloak The GambleInside Out Pinnacle Drawing Duplication Easy Tones TBABanishment. Competition Book. High Caliber Item. Coin Envelopes Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

Neil 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 how he manifested his dream house against seemingly impossible financial odds.The heart of this episode explores Neil's eight desert island magic selections, each revealing different facets of his performance style. There's his viral exploding snake that launched his online career, the alphabet spaghetti routine he used to propose to his wife (generating 20 million YouTube views before being accidentally deleted), and the classic torn and restored transpo that demonstrates his appreciation for masterful technique. Each choice offers glimpses into what makes magic meaningful for both performers and spectators alike.Perhaps most valuable is Neil's candid advice about navigating social media fame. Drawing from years of experience handling both adoration and criticism, he offers wisdom that will resonate with anyone putting creative work into the world: "You will never get hate from anybody who is doing better than you." His practical approach to managing online comments, blocking negativity without hesitation, empowers creators to protect their creative energy.Whether you're a magic enthusiast, a social media creator, or simply someone looking to bring more play and possibility into your life, Neil's insights offer a refreshing perspective on how shifting your mindset can transform seemingly impossible challenges into achievable realities. This conversation isn't just about tricks, it's about approaching life with the optimistic curiosity of a magician.Neil's Desert Island Tricks: Exploding Appearing SnakeCard Under Box Alphabet Spagetti Routine Torn and Restored Transpo Appearing Brandy Glass 100 Dollar Bill Switch Fork Bending Liquid Spectrum Banishment. Clicking Fingers Book. The Mind and Magic of David BerglasItem. A piece of elastic tied around a wedding ringFind out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

Magic's unpredictability takes centre stage in this captivating conversation with Chris North, celebrating his 60th year in show business and what an incredible career he’s had. From borrowing rings that go flying during rough seas to audience members pouring beer on his head mid-illusion, Chris shares the hilarious mishaps that have shaped his remarkable career.At 77, Chris looks back on his journey that began when he was just 17. After winning the popular TV talent show "New Faces" in 1976 (in dramatic fashion, his competitor was disqualified!), he went on to inherit Robert Harbin's position performing the iconic Zigzag Lady illusion on a round-the-world cruise. This lucky break launched a 21-year relationship with P&O Cruises and established Chris as one of Britain's premier illusionists.What truly distinguishes Chris's career is his chameleon-like ability to reinvent himself. From his early days as "Illusionist Chris North" to creating comedy illusion act "Trickstars," rock-themed "Rock Magic," the elderly character "Jerry Hattrick," and now his Victorian-themed performances, Chris has constantly evolved with the times. This adaptability has been his secret to longevity in an ever-changing entertainment landscape. As he explains, "When you're going back to venues you've done before, it wasn't that they didn't like it, it was 'Oh, it's Chris North again.' So we kept reinventing ourselves."Chris now performs intimate Victorian parlour shows for audiences under 50 people, bringing his own portable setup to create magical experiences in any venue. His stories of buzzsaws, levitations, escapology, and near-disasters at sea offer a fascinating glimpse into a life dedicated to creating wonder, even when things don't go exactly as planned.Discover how this magical journey has shaped Chris North into not just a master illusionist, but a master of adaptation and reinvention. Listen now for a masterclass in thriving through six decades of magical evolution.Chris North's Desert Island Tricks: Zig-Zag LadySuper X levitation Ring in Nest of Boxes Buzz Saw Illusion Fire Through Arm The Dizzy Limit Escapology The CollectorBanishment. Ignoring Constructive Criticism Book. The Magic of Robert HarbinItem. WifeFind out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

When 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 a client hired him specifically to perform the Shell Game for a bottle of wine.Throughout the episode, Leo's creative brilliance shines through in descriptions of his original creations. His Flight Case, a miniature wood and aluminium case that allows a borrowed ring to appear inside a sealed teabag, demonstrates his dedication to crafting impossible moments with everyday objects. His Card in Mind routine, which he performs at every table, creates such a powerful impression that, as Leo puts it, "after you do Card in Mind, you don't have to do any card trick anymore because they think, 'Oh, he knows everything about cards.'"Perhaps most refreshing is Leo's perspective on sharing magical knowledge. When asked what he would banish from the magic industry, he immediately identifies ego: "I don't like magicians that talk about 'I'm so good.'" Instead, Leo advocates for open collaboration and mutual support. As someone who identifies as dyslexic, he's developed a highly visual approach to magic that he sees not as a limitation but as a tremendous creative advantage, ”one of the best things in my life."Whether you're a seasoned performer or simply curious about the mind behind some of magic's most ingenious creations, this conversation offers valuable insights into crafting meaningful experiences that audiences remember long after the performance ends. And if you're inspired to learn more? Leo's advice is simple: don't email, FaceTime him directly. True to his generous nature, he's always ready to share.Leo’s Desert Island Tricks:  Card in Mind Three Shell Game Turbo Stick  Totally Nuts Leo’s Diary Button Tray  Remarkable  Flight CaseBanishment. Ego Book. Mark Wilson’s Complete Course in Magic Item. PenFind out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

In 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 development and storytelling create deeper connections with audiences, particularly children who relate to an adult experiencing the same challenges they face.The conversation explores Nikola's remarkable career trajectory, from winning the International Brotherhood of Magicians British Ring Close-Up Competition to appearing at the Magic Castle and competing on Penn & Teller: Fool Us. Throughout these achievements, Nikola maintains that theatrical thinking gives her performances dimension and emotional resonance. Whether transforming a 2D appearing cane effect into a spinning 3D spectacle or incorporating music as a universal language, her approach consistently elevates magical techniques through theatrical presentation.What truly distinguishes Nikola's philosophy is her profound respect for audience intelligence. "I don't just pick random stuff for kids," she explains. "I make sure it's really good, really good magic, because I want to respect my audience." This commitment to thoughtful, well-constructed magic applies equally to her adult performances, where she creates experiences that engage spectators both intellectually and emotionally.Discover how Nikola's theatrical lens has shaped her desert island magic selection, from classic effects like the cups and balls to innovative routines that transform traditional tricks through theatrical storytelling. Her insights offer valuable lessons for performers of all kinds about the power of character, problem-solving narratives, and intelligent presentation in creating truly magical moments.Nikola’s Desert Island Tricks: Cups and BallsSilver ScepterPointer Appearing CaneOne More by Topaz The Matrix Force The Magic ButtonSponge Balls / The Whole Thing / Position Six by Mystique Banishment. Poorly Taught Card Magic InstructionsBook. Parlour Tricks Item. Tom Stone Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk