Best Vanishing Inc. Magic Podcasts (2025)

In this episode of The Insider, host Damian interviews Taylor Hughes, who shares his unique journey from being a youth minister to a full-time magician. They discuss the importance of storytelling in magic, the role of family in navigating career changes, and the impact of improv training on performance. Taylor emphasizes the significance of authen…

1
Alexander Herrmann 34:40

Play Pause

2M ago34:40

34:40

In this episode, magician Alexander Hermann shares his journey into magic, discussing his early inspirations, the balance between technical skill and performance, and the importance of collaboration in the magic community. He emphasizes the significance of building tension and surprise in performances, as well as the impact magic can have on audien…

1
Andi Gladwin - Marlo Special 49:18

2M ago49:18

49:18

Our cofounder and Marlo scholar, Andi Gladwin joins me this week to talk all things Marlo as a celebration of our most ambitious project ever. Marlo's Magazines is a huge, six-volume box set of the legendary books. There are only 100 of the deluxe edition printed, and they'll never be reprinted. Each one is numbered. We're opening up the sales of t…

1
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: From the classroom to Carnegie Hall 34:14

2M ago34:14

34:14

About This Episode For over 100 years, teens from throughout the country have participated in a storied American tradition – the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Originally conceived in 1923 as a way to celebrate student artists at a time when most awards focused on athletic achievements, the Awards have gone on to become the nation’s longest-runni…

1
Wayne Dobson RIP 32:25

3M ago32:25

32:25

In 2024, I was lucky enough to be able to interview Wayne Dobson live on stage at The Session. We were not going to release it, as his speech is very difficult to understand at times. However, with his passing, it seems this is probably the last interview he ever gave, so I thought we owed it to Wayne, and the community, to release it. Thanks also …

1
Branches and the magic of early chapter books 35:27

4M ago35:27

35:27

ABOUT THIS EPISODE Learning and loving to read is a journey for every child. Today, we’re focusing on that particular moment when a child is building their reading confidence to make a leap from picture books to chapter books. It’s an exciting time, but it’s also high stakes: it presents a small window that can either launch a child into a love of …

1
Nick Mohammad 37:10

4M ago37:10

37:10

What an honor this was! Nick Mohammad! Proper famous actor! Now, this recording was from last year, but it got corrupt, but I just found a back up! So here it is... -- Summary In this engaging conversation, Nick Mohammed shares his journey from a young magician to a successful actor and comedian, discussing how he integrates magic into his comedy, …

1
Walter Rolfo 48:08

5M ago48:08

48:08

In this episode, Matt Szat hosts Walter Rolfo, the president and artistic director of FISM 2025. They discuss the importance of FISM as the premier magic competition, innovations for the upcoming event, and the role of online magic in expanding the art form. Walter shares insights on judging criteria, the experience of attending FISM, and what make…

1
Realize the Dream: A Conversation with Martin Luther King III, Arndrea King, and Andrea Davis Pinkney 35:12

6M ago35:12

35:12

Realize the Dream is a visionary movement aimed at uniting communities to achieve an extraordinary goal: completing 100 million hours of service by January 15, 2029—the 100th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birth. Inspired by Dr. King’s unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and a compassionate society, Realize the Dream embodies h…

1
Ben Seidman #2 48:34

6M ago48:34

48:34

Summary In this episode, Damian interviews magician Ben Seidman, discussing his journey in magic, the creative process behind consulting for films, and the emotional impact of his routines. They explore the cultural adaptations required for performances in different regions, the decision to share magic secrets, and the importance of accessibility i…

1
Rick Holcombe 49:18

7M ago49:18

49:18

In this episode, Damian interviews Rick Holcombe, one of the leading authorities in contemporary coin magic. Rick shares his journey into magic, emphasizing the importance of simplicity and portability in coin routines. He discusses his everyday carry of coins, the process of refreshing classic tricks, and the creative inspiration behind his routin…

1
We Spy, You Spy, I Spy Love: A Conversation with Walter Wick and Dave & Dan Marzollo on the Latest I Spy Installment 30:21

7M ago30:21

30:21

In 1992, Scholastic published I Spy, a groundbreaking series of photography-based seek-and-find books created by illustrator Walter Wick and author Jean Marzollo. For over three decades, I Spy has captivated and entertained readers and families across the nation. With 100-plus books in the collection and over 75 million copies in print, the series …

1
Aaron Fisher 46:04

7M ago46:04

46:04

In this episode, Aaron Fisher, a renowned card magic innovator, shares his journey into the world of magic, discussing his early influences, the challenges of learning and performing magic, and the importance of community and teaching in the magic world. He emphasizes the need for integration between technique and performance, and how understanding…

1
New Year, New Scares: Goosebumps Kicks Off 2025 with Thrills, Chills and a Vanishing Act 26:39

8M ago26:39

26:39

In July 1992, Scholastic published the first Goosebumps book by R.L. Stine for young readers nationwide. Never before had a book series attempted to be just scary enough for children and very quickly one thing became clear, kids loved it. In the three decades since its debut, Goosebumps has become one of the best-selling children's book series of a…

1
EVA-DORABLE: Rebecca Elliott Talks a Decade of the Owl Diaries, Eva the Owlet, and more! 26:34

9M ago26:34

26:34

At six years old, Rebecca Elliott knew she wanted to write and illustrate books for kids. Today, she is doing exactly that with her hugely popular book series, Owl Diaries and Unicorn Diaries. This coming January marks the 10th anniversary of the Owl Diaries’ debut, and in today’s episode Rebecca joins guest-host Billy DiMichele to talk about the m…

1
When We Flew Away: A Conversation with Alice Hoffman 15:20

10M ago15:20

15:20

For decades Anne Frank’s Diary of a Young Girl has inspired and challenged readers to look for the good in an often-brutal world. In today’s episode, critically acclaimed author, Alice Hoffman, joins host Suzanne McCabe to talk about her newest young adult novel When We Flew Away: A Novel of Anne Frank Before the Diary, which reimagines the life of…

1
Derren Brown 1:05:55

11M ago1:05:55

1:05:55

Derren Brown joins us to talk about, well, everything! His latest book Notes From A Fellow Traveller is available now, right here: https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/magic-books/notes-from-a-fellow-traveller-derren-brown/

1
One Last Chance to Live: Celebrating Hispanic/Latiné Heritage Month With Francisco X. Stork 18:44

12M ago18:44

18:44

In honor of Hispanic/Latiné Heritage Month, we’ve invited Francisco X. Stork to talk about his latest young adult novel, One Last Chance to Live. Francisco, who immigrated to the United States from Mexico at the age of nine with his mother and adoptive father, is the author of several award-winning novels, including Marcelo in the Real World, Disap…

1
Andrew Frost #2 42:27

1y ago42:27

42:27

The awfully lovely Andrew Frost joins us to chat about his new Edinburgh show (which just finished a sold out run), his new gig working at an immersive magic show in London, and his new download collection "Stay Frosty" available today at, well, you guessed it, www.vanishingincmagic.com

1
Cat on the Run: A Conversation With Aaron Blabey 15:29

1y ago15:29

15:29

In this episode, we’re spotlighting bestselling author Aaron Blabey. Aaron visited our New York City headquarters in late 2023 from his home in Australia. He talked with host Suzanne McCabe about the genesis of Cat on the Run, his latest series for young readers. In Book 1, Cat on the Run in Cat of Death!, Princess Beautiful, the world’s biggest ca…

1
35 for 35: Reach Out and Read Launches a New Book Collection 23:40

1y ago23:40

23:40

In this episode, we celebrate the 35th anniversary of Reach Out and Read and an uplifting new book collection. Marty Martinez, the nonprofit’s CEO, and Judy Newman, Chief Impact Officer at Scholastic, talk with host Suzanne McCabe about 35 for 35—a new, curated collection of titles for young children. A joint venture between Reach Out and Read and …

1
Christian Grace (Two) 40:03

1y ago40:03

40:03

The utterly delightful Christian Grace comes back on the show after a few years. Christian found time in his busy schedule supporting Take That on tour (no, really) to talk about magic, mentalism, and his incredible app, "Enigma" which launches on VI today!

1
A Darker Mischief: Celebrating Pride Month With Author Derek Milman 21:55

1+ y ago21:55

21:55

In this episode, we’re celebrating Pride Month with author Derek Milman. Derek talks with host Suzanne McCabe about his latest YA novel, A Darker Mischief. The gripping story revolves around Cal, a queer teen from a poor town in Mississippi. At Essex Academy, an elite boarding school in New England, Cal tries to fit in and falls in love along the w…

1
Dustin Marks 38:00

1+ y ago38:00

38:00

Back in the Eighties, Dustin Marks was a Crossroader—someone who cheats the legal casinos. Join is in this episode, as we go back to that time, and find out all the details about how that underworld operated. Dustin Marks' Masterclass starts this Sunday (June 2nd), and you can also get access to over 250 hours of exclusive lectures from the best ma…

1
Helping Children Thrive: A Conversation With Dr. Linda C. Mayes 35:37

1+ y ago35:37

35:37

“Children are just suffering more,” says Dr. Linda C. Mayes, director of the Yale Child Study Center. A pediatrician by training, Dr. Mayes specializes in child and adolescent psychiatry. Like other health care professionals, she is sounding the alarm about the rise in anxiety and depression in young people. In this episode, Dr. Mayes talks with ho…

1
John Guastaferro Two (Audio Fixed) 39:14

1+ y ago39:14

39:14

Sorry about that. On Friday I uploaded the wrong audio file and 2/3 of the questions were missing! Thanks for those of you who let us know. This is now fixed, so you can finally enjoy listening to the delightful John G.

1
Rune Klan 2 43:08

1+ y ago43:08

43:08

While overcoming a few technical issues, Rune Klan kindly sat down to chat with me about his life, magic, fatherhood, comedy, creativity and more. Rune's VI Masterclass starts this Sunday (7th April 2024) and you can take out a trial subscription and access everything for just a buck! https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/masterclass/rune-klan-mastercl…

1
From Intention to Impact: How to Create More Inclusive Environments 34:44

1+ y ago34:44

34:44

We hear a lot about DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) policies these days. But the work is often misunderstood, and even disparaged. In this episode, Lindsey Cotter, Chief Inclusion Officer at Scholastic, and Malia C. Lazu, Founder and CEO of the consulting firm Lazu Group, discuss ways to create more inclusive environments. Doing so is not ju…

1
Andi Gladwin - Shuffled Special 31:53

1+ y ago31:53

31:53

Andi Gladwin, you know him, runs Vanishing Inc. with his chum Joshua Jay? Anyway, him. He's currently in Chicago performing his new show, Shuffled at the Rhapsody Theater. I thought it'd be a great time to interview him about putting on your own show. How you find the material, how you write, how to get a venue, collaboration, all that good stuff. …

1
Dan Harlan 30:00

1+ y ago30:00

30:00

None other than Dan Harlan joins us for the first episode of this show for quite some time! Sorry for the radio silence, but we're back now. Dan's Masterclass starts this Sunday, March 3rd. Take the $1 trial at https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/stage-and-parlor-magic/dan-harlan-masterclass/

1
We Dream a World: Celebrating Black History Month With Yolanda Renee King 18:54

1+ y ago18:54

18:54

In honor of Black History Month, Yolanda Renee King talks with host Suzanne McCabe about her new picture book, We Dream A World: Carrying the Light From My Grandparents Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. Yolanda is joined in the studio by her editor, Andrea Davis Pinkney, who is vice president and executive editor of Scholastic Trade Pu…

1
Authors Neal Shusterman and Sharon Cameron Share Stories of Hope From the Holocaust 34:57

1+ y ago34:57

34:57

In honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we spotlight two Scholastic authors who depict everyday acts of heroism in their latest novels about the Holocaust. First, Neal Shusterman talks about Courage to Dream: Tales of Hope in the Holocaust, his new graphic novel for young readers. The book is beautifully illustrated by Andrés Vera Mart…

1
Celebrating Hispanic Latine Heritage Month With Dr. Maria Armstrong 26:49

2y ago26:49

26:49

In this episode, we celebrate Hispanic Latine Heritage Month with Dr. Maria Armstrong. A longtime educator, Dr. Armstrong is executive director of the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents {ALAS]. She talks with host Suzanne McCabe about her experiences in education and how we can better serve Latino children and families. Dr. Ar…

1
Welcome to Camp Sunshine: Jarrett J. Krosoczka Talks About His Award-Winning Graphic Memoir 19:59

2y ago19:59

19:59

If you’ve ever been to summer camp, or wish you had gotten the chance to go, you’ll love hearing author and illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka talk with host Suzanne McCabe about his latest graphic memoir. It’s called Sunshine: How One Camp Taught Me About Life, Death, and Hope. Camp Sunshine is not just any camp. It’s a place in Maine where seriousl…

1
Celebrating Pride Month With Author Simon James Green 19:28

2y ago19:28

19:28

In this episode, we’re celebrating Pride Month with British author and screenwriter Simon James Green. Simon joins host Suzanne McCabe to talk about Gay Club!, his hilarious new novel for young adults. The story revolves around Barney Brown, a self-described chess geek who wants to lead his high school’s LGBTQIA+ Society to better days. But Barney …

1
Celebrating 100 Years of the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards 30:06

2+ y ago30:06

30:06

In 1923, Scholastic founder and CEO Maurice R. Robinson deemed that artistic students should be celebrated every bit as much as their athletic peers. Robinson created the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards to recognize talented young artists and writers from across the United States. The program gained fame through the students who won its awards, man…

1
Parachute Kids: Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month With Betty C. Tang 22:00

2+ y ago22:00

22:00

In this episode, we’re celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with New York Times bestselling comic artist Betty C. Tang. Betty talks with host Suzanne McCabe about her extraordinary new graphic novel, Parachute Kids. The story introduces readers to 10-year-old Feng-Li, a Taiwanese girl who can’t wait to va…

1
Big Tree: A Conversation With Author and Illustrator Brian Selznick 30:16

2+ y ago30:16

30:16

In this episode, we introduce you to siblings Merwin and Louise. They are two tiny sycamore seeds, living in a world filled with dinosaurs, asteroids, and volcanoes. Merwin and Louise are the creation of author and illustrator Brian Selznick, who discusses his new novel, Big Tree, with host Suzanne McCabe The siblings’ story began with an idea from…

1
Iceberg: Author Jennifer A. Nielsen Reimagines the Sinking of the Titanic 22:55

2+ y ago22:55

22:55

Everyone loves a good Titanic story. Jennifer A. Nielsen has written a great one! In this episode, she talks with host Suzanne McCabe about Iceberg, her new middle grade novel. It’s already a best-seller. Iceberg follows the journey of 12-year-old Hazel Rothbury, who is traveling alone on the Titanic. She dreams of escaping her fate as a factory wo…

1
I Kick and I Fly: A Conversation With Author and Activist Ruchira Gupta 24:24

2+ y ago24:24

24:24

During Women’s History Month, we celebrate women who paved the way in a range of fields—from politics and the law to aviation and technology. In this episode, host Suzanne McCabe talks with Ruchira Gupta, a journalist, author, and activist who is ensuring a future for girls who otherwise might not have one. Ruchira has worked tirelessly to help gir…

1
Dreamer: Akim Aliu Talks About His New Graphic Novel and Racism in the Hockey World 22:03

2+ y ago22:03

22:03

When Akim Aliu was a young boy, he and his family moved to Canada. His parents wanted a better life for their two sons. Akim’s father is Nigerian, and his mother Ukrainian. Whether they lived in Ukraine, Nigeria, or Canada, the family faced discrimination and bigotry. Things didn’t improve when Akim developed a love of ice hockey. Money was tight, …

1
Owl Diaries: Rebecca Elliott on Reading Aloud and Eva the Owlet 21:42

2+ y ago21:42

21:42

If you haven’t met Eva the Owlet, you’re in for a treat. She’s headed to Apple TV+ for her own animated series, which debuts on March 31. Eva is the adorable narrator of Owl Diaries, a New York Times bestselling book series by author and illustrator Rebecca Elliott. In this episode, Rebecca talks with host Suzanne McCabe about the runaway success o…

1
The Tower of Life: Remembering the Holocaust 27:32

2+ y ago27:32

27:32

In 1941, when Yaffa Eliach was six years old, German troops invaded her town in what was then Poland. Most of the Jewish population was rounded up and murdered. Within two days, 900 years of history was sundered. But Yaffa and her family managed to escape. After the war, Yaffa settled in the United States, where she earned a PhD, writing and tellin…

1
The Power of Mentoring 28:53

2+ y ago28:53

28:53

How can individual members of a community help children flourish in the classroom? One way is through mentoring. Scholastic’s nationwide mentorship program helps students boost their literacy skills while creating meaningful bonds with caring individuals. Our read-aloud mentoring program, which comes with books and teaching guides, is called R.E.A.…

1
Six Impossible Things Round Table Special 36:00

3y ago36:00

36:00

To end the current season of the show, here's a very special round table discussion with Joshua Jay and the team that made Six Impossible Things, well, possible. Starring: Joshua Jay, Matt Szat, Jason Silberman, Kevin Kapinos and Cassandra Nemzer

1
Mortenn Christiansen 28:46

3y ago28:46

28:46

FISM-winner Mortenn Christiansen joins us today to talk about, well, winning FISM, call backs, Danish things, and his upcoming appearance at The Session convention in London. At the time of writing this, there are less than 50 tickets left. If you want to come and see Mortenn's act, don't delay! https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/magic-conventions/t…

1
Craig Petty Part Two 30:20

3y ago30:20

30:20

Craig and I continue our chat. We discuss his tricks, travelling back in time to meet Dai Vernon, and much more.

1
Craig Petty Part One 29:02

3y ago29:02

29:02

In an incredibly open and honest discussion, Craig talks about the mistakes he has made - and what he has learned from them.

1
If You Lived During the Plimouth Thanksgiving Revisited 35:32

3y ago35:32

35:32

The arrival of the Mayflower in Plimouth in 1620, and the Pilgrims’ feast with Wampanoag Indians a year later, are recalled each November when we celebrate Thanksgiving. But what actually happened at that three-day feast, and how did the narrative change over time? In 2021, host Suzanne McCabe posed those questions to Chris Newell, an award-winning…