The Magic Word Podcast

Scott Wells
  • 4.6 (155)
  • Arts
  • Updated Biweekly

Scott Wells is a full time professional magician who has traveled around the world where he has met, worked with and become friends with some pretty cool people. Enjoy listening to these podcasts with magicians talking about their magic, magic conventions and what's going on in the magic scene today.

  1. 3d ago

    981: Tobias Beckwith - Managing Expectations

    Tobias Beckwith used to manage Jeff McBride and Marco Tempest, just to name a couple “names” in our magic community. He has worked on Broadway with some of the most iconic plays such as “Oh, Calcutta” and “The Fantastiks” among others. He was one of the early staff teachers at the McBride Mystery School as it was formed and of course, was close friends with Eugene Burger, among others. Tobias has authored several books on production and direction and are well worth you inspection. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize This week, Tobias shares some stories about the formation of the Mystery School, plus working behind the scenes of many of the great magic shows over the past few decades. He discusses the differences between being an agent and a manager, and why magicians should consider getting one. Managing Expectations Scott Wells with Tobias Beckwith Download Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.

    981: Tobias Beckwith - Managing Expectations

  2. Jul 16

    980: Alan Bursky - Pulling No Punches

    In 1973 Alan Bursky burst on the comedy scene in a big was when he was just 17 and being the youngest comedian to ever perform on Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show. He was also involved in booking entertainment in the early days of the Magic Island. But long before that when he was growing up in New York, he developed a friendship with David Kotke aka David Copperfield. Later while on the comedy circuit, he befriended Freddie Prinze who starred in “Chico and the Man” television series. He was a roommate with Freddie for a while. He also booked Steve Martin and Rodney Dangerfield, among many other notable comedians. Now he is preparing for going back out to sea doing comedy on cruise ships. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize This week, Alan and Scott Wells chat in a room at the Magic Hotel in Hollywood, next to the Magic Castle. Throughout our chat, Alan kept looking/scrolling through his phone as he looked for old photos to back up many of the stories he shares in this episode (which are posted here on the website.) Among the stories, he tells us about attending Hugh Hefner’s parties in the Playboy mansion, he also shares some inside stories from the Magic Castle and gives us a personal glimpse of David Copperfield’s personal life. Pulling No Punches Scott Wells with Alan Bursky Download Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.

  3. Jul 9

    979: Just Alan - Finding Real Magic

    Just Alan owned a magic shop near Woodstock, New York, for over 40 years. During that time he worked on his Zen archery, meditation, and relaxation. His search for real magic in his early years took him to India where he followed his heart and the stars as he was led to understand what is important in life. Also during the past several years, he studied with Jeff McBride, he entered magic contests, and he recently wrote a book, “Just Alan Not Just Magic.” View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize In our conversation this week, Just Alan, talks about how he came to open a magic shop and why it was located in upstate New York. He also talks about developing his relationship with Jeff McBride and Eugene Burger. He continues by telling the inspiration behind his “Three Treasures” presentation of Professor’s Nightmare. Towards the end of our conversation, Just Alan shares how he traveled to India and found real magic. Finding Real Magic Scott Wells with Just Alan Download Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.

  4. Jul 5

    978: S.A.M. National Convention 2026 - Day Five

    ScheduleSATURDAY, JULY 4, 2026 TBD - YOUTH ACADEMY 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM REGISTRATION OPEN - 2027 CONVENTION 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM HOUDINI COLLECTION DISPLAY - Adjacent to Dealer Room Rare Houdini artifacts provided by various collectors and museums 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM DEALERS ROOM OPEN 9:00 AM THE S.A.M. AWARDS & RECOGNITION SHOW Contest winner awards, recognitions and installation ceremony 10:30 AM LECTURE - John Shyrock 2:00 PM SPEAKEASY CLOSE-UP SHOW Featuring Shawn Farquhar, Boris Wild, Daniel Garcia, Dale Penn, Alyx Hilshey 4:30 PM PRESIDENTS RECEPTION Cash Bar 5:30 PM HOUDINI BANQUET (Extra Pay Event) 7:00 PM THE JONATHAN NEAL SHOW View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize I will give you the time stamps of who spoke when after I get some sleep. SAM 2026 Convention Report Day Five Scott Wells with Heckenberger, Bellucci, Hart, Shryock, Blood, Dietrich, Boldt, McDonald, and DeSouza Download Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.

  5. Jul 4

    977: S.A.M. National Convention 2026 - Day Four

    ScheduleFRIDAY, JULY 3, 2026 TBD - YOUTH ACADEMY 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM HOUDINI HISTORICAL CENTER @ MUSEUM at the CASTLE Free admission for convention attendees 12:00 AM- 5:00 PM HOUDINI COLLECTION DISPLAY - Adjacent to Dealer Room Rare Houdini artifacts provided by various collectors and museums 12:00 PM- 5:00 PM DEALERS ROOM OPEN 9:00 AM S.A.M. NATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING 11:00 AM LECTURE - BORIS WILD 2:00 PM LECTURE JONATHAN NEAL 3:45 PM LECTURE - DANIEL GARCIA 7:00 PM MAGIC OPERA SHOW Featuring Mike Caveney, Shawn Farquhar, Christopher Hart, Puck, John Shyrock 10:00 PM CREATIVE COACHING PANEL & SHOWCASE - Hosted by Bruce Kalver View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize I will give you the time stamps of who spoke when after I get some sleep. SAM 2026 Convention Daily Report - Day Four Scott Wells with Crabtree, McBride, Cox, Gunnerson, Dillies, Wild, DeSouza, Garcia, and Anderson Download Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.

  6. Jul 3

    SAM 2026 Convention Report from Day Three

    ScheduleTHURSDAY, JULY 2, 2026 TBD - YOUTH ACADEMY 11:00 PM- 4:00 PM HOUDINI HISTORICAL CENTER @ MUSEUM at the CASTLE Free Admission All Day for Convention Attendees 12:00 AM- 5:00 PM HOUDINI COLLECTION DISPLAY - Adjacent to Dealer Room Rare Houdini artifacts provided by various collectors and museums 12:00 PM- 5:00 PM DEALERS ROOM OPEN 9:30 AM WORLD RECORD CHAIN ESCAPE @ Houdini Plaza Join 300 magicians attempting a world-record escape. Siberian chains and training is included 10:30 AM UPSIDE-DOWN STRAIGHT JACKET ESCAPE @ Houdini Plaza Featuring Houdini II 11:00 AM STAGE CONTEST BRIEFING / TECH REHEARSAL 11:00 AM LIFE MEMBERS ONLY LUNCH (Extra Pay Event) Trolley to brewery & metamorphisis sculpture 2:30 PM CLOSE-UP CONTEST & PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD 4:30 PM HOUDINI FAMILY INTERVIEW, PHOTO's and AUTOGRAPH SESSION 7:30 PM STAGE CONTEST & PEOPLES CHOICE AWARD 9:30 PM MIKE CAVENEY INTERVIEWS HOUDINI HISTORIAN JOHN COX View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize I will give you the time stamps of who spoke when after I get some sleep. SAM 2026 Convention Day Three Report Scott Wells with Harlans, Weidhass, Spence, Houdini II, Miller, Hilshey, and DeSouza Download Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.

  7. Jul 2

    975: S.A.M. National Convention 2026 - Days One and Two

    ScheduleTuesday June 30, 2026 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM OPEN FORUM SESSIONING 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM HOUDINI SÉANCE HISTORY, DISCUSSION and METHODS Featuring Dorothy Deitrich and Bruce Kalver Wednesday July 1, 2026 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM YOUTH ACADEMY Youth-focused lectures, workshops and group events for SAMY members ages 7-17 12:00 PM- 5:00 PM DEALERS ROOM OPEN 10:00 AM S.A.M. LEADERSHIP TRAINING with Past National President Joel Zaritsky 10:00 AM CLOSE-UP CONTEST BRIEFING / TECH REHEARSAL 1:00 PM LECTURE - CHRISTOPHER HART - MOVIE MAGIC 2:30 PM LECTURE - SHAWN FARQUHAR 4:00 PM HARRY AND BESS HOUDINI WELCOME PARTY 7:00 PM HER SHOW Featuring Lyn Dillies, Tiffany Sauvage, Alyx Hilshey, Julia Dryas and Cydney Kaplan 9:30 PM SCREENING OF THE LOST HOUDINI FILM: THE GRIM GAME Hosted by Dorothy Dietrich. Live musical accompaniment by S.A.M. Past President View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize I will give you the time stamps of who spoke when after I get some sleep. SAM 2026 Convention Report Days One and Two Scott Wells with DeSouza, Randall, Cummins, Rodriguez, Hardeen, Sands, and Draper Download Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.

  8. Jun 25

    974: Jade - It's Her Time

    Last episode we visited with Scott Pepper, the proprietor of the Magic Saloon in San Antonio, Texas. This week we chat with the featured stage entertainer who performed there: Jade. She was the winner of the I.B.M. Gold Medal for Stage in 1990, which is a distinctive honor in so many ways. The Gold Medal and Gold Cups (for close-up) are not awarded every year, but only when a performer is so outstanding and their execution is so perfect, that you cannot deny that it’s the best. Jade has gone on to perform around the world in clubs, aboard cruise ships, on television, in resorts and nightclubs, as well as the Magic Castle in Hollywood. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize This week, Jade tells us her journey from a shy magic demonstrator behind the counter in San Francisco to becoming the confident, dynamic stage performer that has defined her career. She also talks about how she developed her act, trick selection, and finding venues in which to perform. It's Her Turn Scott Wells and Jade Download Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here. You can bid on a collector’s edition of this pinball machine at this year’s S.A.M. convention. Or you can visit the auction website at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/sam-houdini-pinball-auction and place your bid there. Bidding will end on July 4, 2026. One-of-a-Kind Limited Edition HOUDINI 100th Anniversary Pinball. This is one of the original 100 manufactured by American Pinball and is officially labeled # S.A.M. 001. The machine you are bidding on is brand new, boxed and ready to be delivered to your home, office or business. This is the 100th anniversary Houdini Pinball Game. It is live now (until July 4, 2026) and bidders do not ned to be attending the convention to participate. I know that the bidding begins at $6,000.

    974: Jade - It's Her Time
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4.6
out of 5
155 Ratings

About

Scott Wells is a full time professional magician who has traveled around the world where he has met, worked with and become friends with some pretty cool people. Enjoy listening to these podcasts with magicians talking about their magic, magic conventions and what's going on in the magic scene today.

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