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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Alakazam Magic Podcasts
THE Magic Podcast hosted by Lloyd Barnes and Craig Petty. Your all access, behind the scenes insight into the current happenings of the Magic industry. Where Craig & Lloyd will thrust themselves deep inside your ears every Wednesday to rant, dissect and give you their raw & unfiltered views on the art of Magic So lock your door, take out your deck and brace yourself for The Magic Podcast.
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A 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 glitt…
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What survives when you strip magic down to its strongest effects? We sit with creator-performer Steve Gore, known for Magic Castle highlights, family stage charisma, and a string of clever releases, to unpack eight routines that earn their spot in a working case and the stories that prove why. From a twin-deck Invisible Deck with a visual box appea…
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A 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 Broth…
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A quiet moment in an airport turns unforgettable: Keith Barry shares how a simple card change became a first clear memory for a child recovering from eye cancer and why that reminder of wonder still guides the way he builds every routine. From there, we dig into the material he trusts most, the frameworks that make it bulletproof, and the choices t…
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A lot of magicians are taught to copy the script, dress the part, and never take off their shoe. Ben Williams did the opposite and that’s where the magic got good. We sit down with Ben to map the journey from shop counter to full-time pro, and how ditching ego, reading people, and letting effects breathe turned solid tricks into lasting moments. We…
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The work is the point. That’s the pulse of this candid, wide-ranging session with R. Paul Wilson, creator, consultant, and the mind behind The Real Hustle, where we dig into what actually makes magic land: clear effects, honest timing, and an audience that edits your choices in real time. We open with a hard truth: there are no shortcuts. From Vern…
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A live show opens with robots, kids, and pure energy, then the control room realises ten full minutes aired with no sound. What happens next says everything about a presenter who helps to keep everything flowing and use his incredibly personable persona to make a disaster feel like it barely even happened. That’s our entry point into a fast, genero…
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What 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 classroo…
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Card 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 …
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What 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 tradi…
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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 n…
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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,…
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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 "Breakin…
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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 magi…
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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 e…
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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 …
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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…
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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 rem…
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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 a…
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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 …
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Ever 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 consulta…
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Your all access, behind the scenes insight into the current happenings of the Magic industry. Where Craig & Lloyd will thrust themselves deep inside your ears every Wednesday to rant, dissect and give you their raw & unfiltered views on the art of Magic So lock your door, take out your deck and brace yourself for The Magic Podcast. New episode ever…
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continue reading
This week we welcome Oliver Tabor, FISM European champion and creator of the acclaimed West End Magic show to the Alakazam Island. In this captivating conversation, Oliver reveals the eight magical effects that have defined his remarkable career – from the humble Svengali deck that first sparked his passion as a child to the massive Fabergé egg ill…
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What does it take to become a master mentalist? According to Looch, it's not about shortcuts, it’s about experience, dedication, and truly understanding your craft. On this episode of Desert Island Tricks, mentalism expert Looch unpacks the eight effects that have defined his remarkable career. From his ingenious use of marked cards that created ma…
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This week we welcome the incredible Phill Smith, one of magic's most prolific creative forces. His fingerprints are on countless books, decks, and products in the magic industry - and anyone who's seen his Penguin Lecture knows his creativity extends far beyond visual design. In this surprisingly eclectic episode, Phill reveals the eight effects he…
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Magic happens only in the mind of the spectator—this profound insight forms the core of our extraordinary conversation with magic legend Michael Ammar. Fresh from his UK lecture tour, Michael joined us in the studio to share the eight effects he'd take to a desert island and the philosophy that has guided his remarkable career. Michael's stories tr…
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What makes a magic trick truly unforgettable? For Noel Qualter, it's creating moments that make spectators exclaim, "That's the weirdest, craziest thing I'll remember for a long time!" This philosophy has guided his remarkable career from three-time originality award winner to fooling Penn & Teller. In this captivating conversation, Noel opens up a…
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What happens when a career-threatening injury forces a flying trapeze artist to reinvent herself? For Kay Dyson, it meant becoming "Miss Magic”, a transformation that has led to performances for celebrities like Victoria Beckham and The Rolling Stones, and appearances on shows from GMTV to Wizard Wars. Kay's journey began in Gerry Cottle's Circus a…
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Ever 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. G…
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Your all access, behind the scenes insight into the current happenings of the Magic industry. Where Craig & Lloyd will thrust themselves deep inside your ears every Wednesday to rant, dissect and give you their raw & unfiltered views on the art of Magic So lock your door, take out your deck and brace yourself for The Magic Podcast. New episode ever…
…
continue reading
Step 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 bo…
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What 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 e…
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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 selection…
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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 w…
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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…
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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 orig…
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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 mag…
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Meet 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 experi…
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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 diver…
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In 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 J…
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Steven 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 po…
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Welcome 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 an…
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In 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 …
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Edward 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 rol…
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Today’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 legenda…
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Welcome 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 ban…
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Come 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 thei…
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Join 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 …
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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 Puppet Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.…
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Renowned 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.…
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