The Magic Detective Podcast CHANGES!

 

If you've noticed, I have just done three episodes in a row on Houdini, two of them within a week of each other. I completely abandoned my original order of shows that I had planned. I will eventually do them all, but for the next two months at least, you'll be getting Houdini, Houdini, Houdini. 

First was Bess Houdini which came out earlier this year. Second was last weeks Houdini in Salem which also featured an interview with George Schwartz, curator of the Peabody Essex Museum. Today, I added an interview with magic author, historian, and collector, Charles Greene, on his book Exposing Houdini.

Charles does an amazing job of promoting his books. Anyone in the magic world should study how he promotes his books. I knew he had done several other podcast interviews, so I wanted to ask him questions that he might not normally hear. The results were fantastic. That is episode 117.

Im currently lining up other interviews, which is odd for me. The podcast has never been an interview show. But Im altering the format for the moment. I will still do the long form, highly researched episodes, but the interviews will allow me to get you MORE content.

I have a guy coming up who has a Houdini prop that hasn't been seen for at least 100 years. What is it? You'll just have to wait and see! What? See?  Yes, I will post some images of this item when I do the transcripts. And Im toying with a membership side where I will offer VIDEOS on occasion.

Suffice to say, a lot is in the works. Also, there will be some major changes to the blog, but those will come in the form of additions, nothing really changing from the regular readers perspective. But a new bonus section or two with specialized content. 

The eagle-eyed observer may have noticed that the Bess Houdini episode above is shown as Episode 120, when in reality, it already came out and was episode 115. This is because I have been switching the episodes around that I wanted to do. I always intended when I got to September to move to Houdini only as we reach the 100th Centennial Day, Oct 31, 2026. But I didn't anticipate having no episodes from mid April to late August. These things happen.

OH, and contests. Remember those??? I haven't had a Magic Detective Contest in a long long time. I think the last one was a couple years ago when I gave away a Magic Detective T-shirt. Watch for a new contest in the coming weeks!!!!

A Few Details About Upcoming Episodes on the Magic Detective Podcast and More!

 

As I quickly approach 70,000 downloads (less than 180 away) on my podcast, I'm exciting by some of the episodes coming up. I mentioned earlier in the year that I had the entire season planned out, which was true. But as usual, I have fallen behind schedule. I moved the Bessie Houdini podcast up to episode 115. As of the moment, I am not sure which will be next. All the images here have Episode #s on them, but they are subject to change. I may start front loading the non Houdini episodes, so that later in the season as we get closer to October 31st, I can have more Houdini podcasts.

More than likely the next episode will be the Life of Doug Henning. I already have several episodes about Doug's Specials on my podcast: #13, 20 & 107. But this time I will cover the LIFE of Doug Henning. I also have an episode on my friend Steve Baker, the controversial Escape Artist. His story has never been told really, other than on his old webpage, which I actually ran. He had a crazy career, truly second only to Houdini. 

Then I have an episode on Alexander Herrmann, which is actually the first of several Herrmann related episodes. I will eventually do Compars, Adelaide, Leon, and maybe even Felix. But only Alexander this season. 

BTW, quickly, I want to thank everyone who has posted reviews on Apple Podcasts and/or sent me comments about the podcast. I really am grateful that you enjoy the podcast and am so thankful for YOU as listeners. Each episode takes hours and hours research. I do not use ai. I rely upon my vast library, and AskAlexander, and a handful of the magic history related sites. It's a lot to comb through. Though technology does make it a bit easier. I can't imagine doing this without computers, meaning databases. Maybe one day ai will be helpful, but honestly, they get so much incorrect. I have my way of doing things, and though it might take a bit longer, it will be correct (unless the source info is wrong lol)

And I have an announcement coming up in a few days. Something new for the site and podcast. Plus I will have a new print available on my art site, shortly. So much to look forward to!!!

UPDATE: Thank you to all my listeners. We broke the 70,000 downloads!!!! That is just mind boggling to me! I am so grateful!

Sneak Peak: Houdini's Hamburg 8 Handcuffs

John Hinson was like Santa Claus at the Yankee Gathering this year. He brought a number of things that he wanted me to see. One item in particular was Houdini's pair of Hamburg 8 handcuffs. Not only did I get to see them, but I also got to try them on. When he made this suggestion, I knew that they were not likely to fit, as most Hamburg 8s don't fit me, I need the larger version which I'm not sure were available during Houdini's day.  John did not bring the key, but even if he had, I don't think they would have shut. Still, it was pretty cool holding and experiencing a pair of Houdini's cuffs.