Improv and Magic
Welcome to the Improv and Magic podcast! This is a place where I share my two biggest loves: the craft of improvisational acting and the art of magic. I get to sit down and interview various friends, which include some of the biggest names in improv and magic. You'll hear these guests' biographies, as well as ideas, perspectives, and philosophies on improvisation and magic, and maybe even share some laughs! It's like "Inside the Actor's Studio", but specializing in improvisors and magicians. So join me in these improvised conversations that will truly by magical!
Episodes
In this episode of Improv and Magic, I sit down with the incredible Margot Escott, LCSW — a nationally recognized psychotherapist, educator, and speaker known for her groundbreaking work at the intersection of improvisational theater and mental health. Margot has spent decades teaching clinicians, caregivers, and creative professionals how improv can reduce anxiety, build resilience, and transform the way we communicate.
I’ve ad...
In today's episode, world-renowned magician, author, and lecturer Joshua Jay joins me for an unforgettable conversation about the art of illusion, creativity, and storytelling.
Known for his appearances on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Good Morning America, and The Today Show, Joshua shares insights into his journey as a magician, his passion for teaching, and the secrets behind creating magic that resonates with audiences wor...
Today's guest is one of my good friends Jarrett White.
Jarrett is a fellow actor, director, instructor, and owner of Just The Funny in Miami. In this episode, Jarrett and I have a one-on-one conversation about his upbringing and what motivated him to be the performer that he is. Jarrett is also a veteran of the US Military, and he openly shares his experience and what he took away from that experience.
Not only will you l...
In this episode of Improv and Magic, we spotlight the transformative world of improvisation with guest Jill Eickmann, co-founder and Artistic Director of Leela Improv Theatre. Known for her holistic approach to improv, Jill shares insights on ensemble building, truthful artistic play, and the healing power of performance.
Jill Eickmann is a nationally recognized improvisational theatre artist, director, and educator. She co-foun...
It's the Season Six Premiere of Improv and Magic!
Today, we have an exclusive conversation with the quick-witted actor and writer Jonathan Mangum. He's built a career spanning TV, film, and live comedy, including appearances on Whose Line Is It Anyway?, The Wayne Brady Show, and Drew Carey's Improv-A-Ganza. Jonathan is also known as the announcer on CBS's Let's Make a Deal with Wayne Brady.
In this intervi...
In today's season finale episode, I have an exclusive interview with world-renowned mentalist Banachek, a master of deception and psychological illusions.
With decades of experience in magic and skepticism, Banachek has worked with magic's greatest legends like Penn & Teller, Criss Angel, and James Randi, revolutionizing the art of magic and mentalism. In this interview, Banachek shares some of his insights into the techniques, ...
Today, I have the honor of sitting down with the legend himself Jamy Ian Swiss, a master of sleight-of-hand, a celebrated author, and a respected historian of magic.
Jamy Ian Swiss has mesmerized audiences across the globe, from the prestigious Magic Castle in Hollywood to the Smithsonian Institution. Known for his razor-sharp technique and thought-provoking insights, he has contributed to numerous books, including Shattering Il...
It's the Second Anniversary of Improv and Magic!
To celebrate, I sit down with my guest Josephine Lee, one of the world's leading female illusionists.
Known for her mesmerizing stage presence and groundbreaking illusions, Josephine has taken the magic world by storm, performing in theaters, on television, and at high-profile events across the globe. Josephine first gained international recognition as a stage assistant to...
In today's episode of Improv and Magic, I welcome the multi-talented Josh Tariff.
Josh, an alum of iO West, has honed his craft as a dynamic improviser, hosting iconic shows like the competitive "CageMatch" in Los Angeles. Beyond the stage, he’s a celebrated voice in the professional wrestling scene, known for his work as a commentator under the name Christian Rosenberg and host on AfterBuzzTV, where his insights h...
In today's episode of Improv and Magic, the spotlight is on the one and only Magical Katrina!
Known for her spellbinding performances and incredible sleight of hand, Katrina has earned worldwide recognition as a powerhouse in the world of magic. She blends charisma, humor, and jaw-dropping tricks to captivate audiences of all ages. Her viral videos and appearances on shows like Masters of Illusion and Penn & Teller: Foo...
In this captivating episode of Improv and Magic, I welcome the incredibly talented Anděl Sudik for an engaging interview that blends humor, insight, and inspiration. Anděl Sudik, a seasoned improviser, actor, and sketch comedy artist, shares her journey through the world of performance, offering listeners a look at her creative process and career highlights.
Anděl Sudik is a veteran of the Chicago sketch and improv scene, known ...
This week on Improv and Magic I had the privilege of talking to the brilliant and captivating Alyx Hilshey.
In this interview, Alyx Hilshey shares her journey from earning a Master's in Electrical Engineering to becoming a nationally acclaimed magician. Know for her sharp humor and technically stunning magic, Alyx's story is one of passion, creativity, and perseverance.
Alyx Hilshey has been featured on the cover of Vanish Internatio...
In today's edition of LD's Tips, I share the importance of appreciating everyone. No matter what, we all have people who help us get to where we want to go. So this tip is all about why it's important to show gratitude to everyone in our careers and our lives who help us get somewhere.
If you enjoy this tip, feel free to rate and review, it means a lot!
In this unforgettable episode of Improv and Magic, I welcome the multi-talented Liz Marcucci.
Liz is a seasoned comedian, improviser, and real estate agent based in St. Petersburg, Florida. With a rich background in improv, Liz has trained at prestigious institutions like Second City Conservatory, iO Chicago and The Annoyance Theater. She is the founder of the St. Pete Improv Network, and creator of "Who Dis?" show and...
On today's episode, we welcome the incredibly talented Jaime Moyer!
Jaime, an accomplished actress, writer, and improviser, shares her journey from the stages of The Second City Detroit to various television roles. She has voiced characters on Bob's Burgers and had recurring roles on shows like Modern Family, AP Bio, The Great North, and Night Court. Jaime has also written for LEGO City Adventures. With a lifelong love ...
Get ready for an amazing start to Season 5 of Improv and Magic! In this season premiere, I'm thrilled to welcome the incredibly talented Andi Gladwin, a renowned British magician, speaker, and publisher.
Known for his mind-blowing performances on shows like Penn & Teller: Fool Us and Masters of Illusion, Andi has captivated audiences worldwide with his innovative magic tricks and charismatic stage presence. Andi is al...
Welcome to a brand new episode of Improv and Magic! Today, we have the extraordinary Bill Chott joining us. Known for his iconic role as Mr. Laritate on Disney Channel's Wizards of Waverly Place, Bill Chott is a seasoned comedian and actor with a rich history in the entertainment industry. Hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, Bill sharpened his comedic skills at Chicago's prestigious Second City, performing alongside comedy greats lik...
This week, I am honored to host the legendary Matt Besser. Matt is a founding member of the iconic sketch comedy troupe Upright Citizens Brigade, co-founder of UCB Theater, and the genius behind the popular podcast Improv4humans. With over three decades in the comedy scene, Matt has graced both stage and screen, leaving an indelible mark with his sharp wit and improvisational prowess. His work includes appearances on hit shows like...
Today’s guest is Jay Sukow.
Jay Sukow has been performing with and without a script for over 27 years. He has trained with some of the greatest in improv, including David Razowsky, Stephen Colbert, Mick Napier, and the legendary Del Close. He was the Artistic Director/Head of Training at the Improv Comedy Copenhagen Theatre, and previously taught for Second City, ComedySportz, and iO Chicago (where he was also head of the artistic ...
My guest today is Chloe Crawford!
Chloe’s performance is a wonderful and unique blend of beauty and charm, mixed with power and a little danger. She has performed all over the world, from London’s West End to Hollywood, Sydney, Vancouver & many other locations. She has risen to become one of the most well-known women in magic today. Some of her most memorable performances include Britain’s Got Talent, America’s Got Talent, ...
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