Desert Island Tricks

• Jonathan Goodwin

  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.Goodwin's approach to performance art stands apart from traditional magicians - he created experiences where genuine danger and clever theatrical thinking collide to create moments of wonder. From his nerve-wracking experience performing "Brainwave" for Queen Elizabeth II at her 80th birthday (where time seemed to slow down as he frantically searched for her chosen card in dim lighting), to the hilarious mishaps behind "The Fish Slap Prediction" (featuring a live trout escaping down a London high street), his stories give us a peek behind the curtain where otherwise, we would never likely see. What makes this conversation particularly fascinating is Goodwin's insights into the psychology of creating memorable magical moments. He articulates why endings matter more than beginnings, how the question of "why" should drive creation rather than technical prowess, and why magic works best when it feels implausible rather than impossible. His methodology for designing routines reveals the mind of an artist who understands that genuine connection with an audience transcends mere technical skill.Whether describing his crossbow routine with its hidden assistant reveal, his admiration for Blackstone's floating light bulb, or the terrifying behind-the-scenes reality of television stunts gone nearly wrong, Goodwin's passion for pushing boundaries while honouring the traditions of magic shines through. His recent creation "No Bull" continues to baffle even the most knowledgeable magicians and was a huge hit at the Blackpool Magic Convention 2025, proving his creative genius remains undiminished.This episode will forever change how you view the intersection of danger, deception, and wonder.Jonathan’s Desert Island Tricks: Brainwave DeckFish Slap Prediction Crossbow Routine Blackstone Floating Lightbulb Moretti Cardboard Box No BullCar Off Cliff Burned at the Stake Banishment. Silent Manipulation RoutinesBook. The Method to my Madness Item. His Wife Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

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• Roddy McGhie

  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 borrowed money to produce his first commercial hit "Little Door," to witnessing people's jaws literally drop when rubber bands pass through one another, Roddy generously shares the pivotal moments and creative influences that shaped his magical journey. What began as a side passion alongside his mental health support work has blossomed into co-owning Trick Trick Boom, a company specialising in the unusual, practical, and memorable magic that has become Roddy's trademark.Beyond just selecting his eight desert island tricks, Roddy delivers profound insights about performance philosophy. His refreshing take on handling difficult audiences—"My job is to fool people, not make fools of them"—challenges conventional wisdom about audience management. Whether explaining why some magicians are too nervous to perform Tobias Dostal's phone-vanishing miracle "Optics," or defending the unmatched reactions to the humble sponge balls, Roddy's experiences demonstrate that prioritising audience impact over magician approval leads to more meaningful performances.Whether you're drawn to his creative process, technical expertise, or performance wisdom, this episode offers something magical for everyone. Subscribe now and discover why Roddy's approach to magic continues to surprise, delight, and inspire performers worldwide.Roddy’s Desert Island Tricks: Stand Up Monte Little Door Optics Sponge Balls What’s in a nameTommy Wonders Nest of Boxes Beard BookMini Book Pro Banishment. Heckler Put Down’s Book. Definitive Sankey Book 1Item. Rubber BandsFind out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

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  1:30:38
• Iain Bailey

  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 effects that brilliantly merge practicality with astonishment. From Holy Moly (using standard washers) to his viral Dove Magic routine (featuring cleverly punned deodorant and dishwasher products), each selection demonstrates his philosophy that magic should be "fun and practical”.Bailey's inventive approach shines through in creations like Dig It, a card reveal involving a miniature spade, and Reverb, his AirPod vanishing effect that cleverly utilises audio illusion. What makes Iain's work particularly compelling is his commitment to directness - banishing long, tedious tricks in favour of powerful moments that deliver maximum impact in minimum time. "Is the juice worth the squeeze?" becomes his guiding principle for selecting effects.Perhaps most fascinating is Bailey's willingness to embrace his professional identity, creating a "Tricks of the Trade" stage show that combines electrical work with magic rather than hiding his day job. This authenticity has served him well, helping him produce magic that feels organic and genuine rather than contrived.Whether you're looking for practical performance advice or creative inspiration for everyday object magic, this episode delivers with humour, insight, and plenty of surprising revelations. Listen now and discover why sometimes the most magical objects might already be in your pocket or toolbox!Iain’s Desert Island Tricks: Holy Moly Dig-It Imagination Coins Little Hand Rope, Nut, Knot / Fibre OpticsReverb Dove Magic Nest of Wallets Banishment. Long Tedious Card Tricks Book. The Approach by Jamie D Grant Item. Swiss Army KnifeFind out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

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  54:18
• Stranded with a Stranger: Geoff Weber

  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 selections reveal both practical wisdom and surprising insights about what makes certain magic effects truly timeless.From the seemingly simple 3D Sponge Bunnies (which Geoff notes is "only done by beginners and seasoned pros") to his provocative claim that the humble Paper Clipped by Jay Sankey outshines any fancy card-to-box on the market, each choice comes with fascinating justification. Geoff's list spans close-up classics, mentalism, and coins while offering thoughtful commentary on why certain props and methods endure.Along the way, Geoff shares valuable nuggets like why Joe Rindfleisch's rainbow rubber bands revolutionised his performance of classics like Crazy Man's Handcuffs, and how his Blockbuster Video confabulation integrates mentalism with nostalgic 80s references. He also makes a compelling case for why every magician's deck should include an odd-backed card.What magic trick does Geoff believe has "exacerbated the problem of cookie-cutter magicians"? Which effect does he feel is his best creation yet has been "overlooked by the magic community"? Listen now to discover the answers and perhaps reconsider which effects would make your own desert island list!Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

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  14:09
• Marc Paul

  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 worldwide, Marc distills decades of wisdom into practical advice about creating genuine moments of wonder.The Magic Square serves as Marc's favourite opener, a lightning calculation demonstration that establishes credibility while generating multiple audience reactions within minutes. He explains why this seemingly mathematical feat creates the perfect foundation for the mind reading to follow. Throughout our conversation, Marc reveals how he thoughtfully structures his performances to build a sense of escalation, carefully managing the audience's perception of impossibility.What makes this episode particularly valuable is Marc's focus on minimalist methodology. Some of his most powerful routines require nothing more than bits of paper and marker pens, the props becoming invisible as the audience focuses entirely on the impossibilities being demonstrated. "The props are not props," Marc explains. "The show is about what you do with them. The show is the people that come up on stage."We delve deep into Marc's relationship with his mentor David Berglas, exploring how this legendary figure shaped Marc's approach to creating and preserving mystery. Marc shares touching insights about Berglas's ability to create seemingly improvisational magic with nothing but a deck of cards, reminding us that in an age of technological innovation and exposure, true magic often lies in simplicity, psychology, and the artful preservation of wonder.Whether you're a professional performer looking to refine your approach or simply curious about the thoughtful craftsmanship behind world-class mentalism, this episode offers invaluable wisdom about creating meaningful experiences that audiences remember long after the show ends.Marc’s Desert Island Tricks: 1. The Magic Square 2. Audience Chair Test 3. Challenge Mind Reading 4. ESPacology5. Two Billet Test 6. Card Memory Demonstration 7. Sneak Thief 8. Blindfold Q&A Banishment. Inconsistency in Performance Book. The Berglas EffectsItem. Magnum Sharpie / The Stand by Steven King Find out more about the team behind this podcast at www.alakazam.co.ukFind out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk

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