The Magic Book Podcast

Ruth Knafo Setton: Zigzag Girl

Ruth Knafo Setton, author of award-winning thriller "Zigzag Girl," shares her journey from a childhood steeped in Moroccan wonder to studying performance magic with legends including Eugene Burger, Teller, and Max Maven. Discover why she calls herself a storyteller who uses her pen as a wand, how a nameless character in an unfinished novel pulled her into the magic world, and why the seedy, resilient boardwalk of Atlantic City became the only possible home for her noir-tinged feminist thriller.

Justin Higham: The Intuitive Magician

Justin Higham, British close-up magician and underground card magic legend who fooled both Dai Vernon and Ed Marlo, discusses his new book, "The Intuitive Magician." Justin shares why improvisation, not repetition, is the key to mastering performance. In a broad-ranging conversation, Justin explains his A, B, and C List methodology, the concept of apposite magic, why magicians in 1970s TV detective shows represent the ideal for impromptu performances, and ways to overcome performance paralysis.

Connie Boyd: The Power of Magical Women

Connie Boyd, award-winning magician and author of "The Power of Magical Women," shares her journey from ballet to circus aerialist, Las Vegas headliner to cruise ship producer, and five career reinventions. Discover how the pandemic inspired her Magical Women project documenting female magicians, why Paul Romhany said "you've got enough here for a book," and the discovery aboit a 1903 book that rocked her world. Learn why representation matters and how these stories transcend magic itself.

Ben Robinson: Magic, History, and the Outlaw Spirit

Master magician and historian Ben Robinson reflects on his fifty-year journey from watching Fred Kaps on television to uncovering John Mulholland's secret CIA work. Discover what drove his three-decade obsession with researching one mysterious file, why the bullet catch became legendary, and his philosophy: magic's greatest power lies not in tricks but in the artfulness of performance. Learn how legendary mentors shaped him and why transcendence through wonder remains the ultimate goal.

Stuart Palm: Psychic Entertainment

Hong Kong-based psychic entertainer Stuart Palm shares his journey from bartending in post-9/11 New York to becoming one of Asia's premier performers. Discover how a brain condition requiring surgery became his mentalist origin story, and why he believes psychic entertainment is "mentalism with more soul." Stuart discusses his comprehensive new book "Psychic Entertainment," the mentors who shaped him at Monday Night Magic, and why there are no shortcuts to creating truly miraculous experiences.