The Professional Magician

The Professional Magician

Do you want to be a professional magician? Since 2003, full-time magician, hypnotist, and author Cris Johnson has traveled North America coast to coast performing 400+ shows a year. This podcast features business-building tips so that you can book more shows at professional fees. Cris will give you an insider’s perspective of different markets including elementary, middle, and high schools, colleges, corporate banquets, libraries, private parties, trade shows, fundraising shows, and more so that you know what works and what doesn’t. You’ll discover how to make sure your magic fits different performing conditions so that your clients love you and recommend your show to other decision makers. Cris will also delve deep into marketing your shows using 21st century digital marketing, including website advice, search engine optimization, email marketing, content marketing, blogging, social media, Google Ads, and much more. He shares his marketing expertise so that you can get your website ranked higher in Google searches and your name noticed by more potential clients. The Professional Magician podcast is a mix of performing advice, marketing tips , magic trick reviews, interviews with other professional magicians, rants, and lessons learned from nearly 10,000 paid performances. Whether you want to make performing a full-time career or just book a few gigs for fun, The Professional Magician podcast will help you get there. Hit subscribe and discover ways to make your performing career soar!

Episodes

November 23, 2024 95 mins

#139 - This is it, the final episode! I'm joined by my friend Rodney as we discuss how much magic (and marketing for shows) has changed in 20 years.

By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you grow your magic business to book more shows at higher fees:

 

·         Grab my FREE business-building tools for professional working magicians.

 

I’m offering SIX free resources to help you improve your online ...

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Erik Dobell is doing what many performers dream of doing - running his own theater show. Join me as I dig in with Erik to find out the ups and downs of a theater show.

This week's Trick Talk is on Auto Chair by Alakazam. 

By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you grow your magic business to book more shows at higher fees:

 

·         Grab my FREE business-building tools for professional working mag...

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November 2, 2024 87 mins

#137 - Jon Stetson is a true legend in the field of mentalism! Join me as Jon and I talk about connecting with audiences. Also, this episodes contains a very special announcement I've been teasing for a while.

This week's Trick Talk is on Lumen by Ellusionist magic.

Get Jon's Core Telepathy HERE

By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you grow your magic business to boo...

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October 5, 2024 67 mins

#136 - Brian "Cosmo" Cassady returns! Response to his first appearance was amazing. Brian is deeply philosophical about his magic and what he wants to accomplish. He's also insanely successful. And the best part? He's only been a full time pro for a few years. Get ready to think deeply about your magic. Brian Cassady is back.

This week's episode of Trick Talk features The Missing Piece by Paul Romh...

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September 28, 2024 42 mins

#135 - Tired of performing the same show or tricks over and over? Tired of the grind of life on the road? These simple seven tips may hep you avoid boredom and prevent burnout.

This week's Trick Talk features Toon Balloon!

By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you grow your magic business to book more shows at higher fees:

 

1.    Grab my FREE business-building tools for professional work...

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September 21, 2024 86 mins

#134 - Want to get into school assemblies? This interview with John Abrams is packed with amazing information about marketing, constructing your show, and living the life of a school assembly performer. You'll learn a LOT in this episode!

This week's Trick Talk features Rubik's Wall!

Get John's school assembly book HERE


Get Rubik's Wall HERE

Get Sven Cards  HERE (Listen to Tri...

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September 14, 2024 70 mins

#133 - It's often said an actor playing a magician would make a better magician. That's so true with my guest this week, Joseph Daniels. With acting experience and decades of performing under his belt, he's sensational at bringing the MAGIC into magic. You'll learn a ton of great insights.

This week's Trick Talk features BEKOS Ghost Edition by Phil Ackerly!

Get Ghost Silk HERE

Jos...

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August 31, 2024 37 mins

#132 - Want to create a new show? Crafting a new show the right way is more than just tossing a bunch of your favorite effects into a case and running off to the show. There are several things to remember to make your new show the best it can be.

This week's Trick Talk looks at Mind Controller by Cobra Magic

Mind Controller HERE

By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you grow y...

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August 23, 2024 35 mins

#131 - Want to know how to become so great at magic that your performances appear effortless? That's the topic in this week's episode of the Professional Magician podcast.

This week's Trick Talk looks at Michael Ross' Hydrostatic Glass download!

By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you grow your magic business to book more shows at higher fees:

 Michael Ross Hydrostatic G...

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#130 - John Reid is one busy guy! John performs shows, runs several businesses, and sets world records (seriously!). Find out some of John's keys to success in this fun and insightful look into a busy professional's life.

Visit cresey.com HERE

By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you grow your magic business to book more shows at higher fees:

 

1.    Grab my FREE business-building t...

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#129 - Ever wanted to create your own public parlor show? My guest this week, Scott Humston, offers an entire training devoted to this very topic. If you've ever wanted to host an ongoing show in one location, now is your opportunity to learn about it.

Want more info? Check it out HERE

Today's Trick Talk covers The Shakespeare Experiment! Get it HERE

Going to Kidabra? Email your 5-7 minute show ...

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July 27, 2024 87 mins

#128 - What if magic could save lives? It CAN and it's happening now. Join me as I interview Fool Us Winner Chris Rose and other members of the Magicians on Mission cause to help our United States overseas troops. It's amazing and inspiring.

Magicians on Mission special promotion with Bicycle Cards: HERE

Link not working? Copy the URL below:

https://magiciansonmission.org/bicyclecards/

...

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#127 - WOW. That's the reaction I had after my interview Phil Ackerly. He's funny, creative, and a deep thinker about his magic. He's also big on personalization. You'll be amazed and delighted with everything Phil shares in this 60-minute+ interview!

Today's Trick Talk features Bill Abbott's Postcards From Paradise!

Below are notes, video links, and more from Phil's interview:

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July 6, 2024 41 mins

#126 - After a three-week absence, the Professional Podcast is back! In this episode, I examine the keys to fostering 'Show Health,' that wonderful "in case of emergency break glass" ability most professional performers need to use at one point.

And this week's Trick Talk looks at Losander's Floating Table!

Losander's products HERE

By the way…whenever you’re ready, here ...

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#125 - In this second part of my interview with Bill Abbott, we touch on a number of topics, including scripting and editing your act. Bill is highly effective at tweaking and adjusting his act based on how his audiences respond. We also talk about some of his other new releases, and much more. You don't want to miss this!

In this week's Trick Talk, I review Tommy James' New Bunny in the Hat Puppet!

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#124 - Do you know about Bill Abbott? If not, you should! Bill's routines and effects are real-world tested, easy to do, and very entertaining. In part one of my interview with Bill, we delve mostly into his experience starting his own theater show, The Magic Hideaway, in Florida. It's a fascinating look at the logistics you need to be aware of when starting your own theater show. Near the end of the episode, we talk abou...

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May 25, 2024 44 mins

#123 - What kind of volunteers can you expect for your shows? Depending on the market you work, the personalities and behaviors of volunteers can vary greatly. Understanding what you are in for each time you invite someone onstage with you is key to successful performing. In this episode, I delve into several of the personality types you can expect in multiple markets.

This week's episode of Trick Talk features Can O ...

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May 18, 2024 77 mins

#122 - Do you enjoy comedy magic? If so, John Ferentino is definitely someone to listen to. Often called the 'Godfather of Comedy Magic,' John's career spans decades and took him across the world. This interview is filled with wild stories, funny anecdotes, and more.

This week's Trick Talk features John's downloadable product, "Do Spirits Return?"

By the way…whenever you’re read...

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May 11, 2024 42 mins

#121 - When you book your shows, you'll likely run into a variety of personalities. Understanding who these folks are and how they may act is key to having a successful show. In this episode, I cover some of the titles of people who may book you, their most common personalities, and other people you may encounter at these shows.

This week's Trick Talk features Akronym by Conjuring Labs!

By the way…whenev...

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#120 - If you are a kids performer, do you get nervous when the show organizer tells you they are going to let the kids run around to burn off energy? If so, this episode will reveal why. Jim Kleefeld also discusses why performers who just focus on getting the kids to yell and scream are not doing the show or their audiences any favors.

This week's Trick Talk looks at the Cesaral Spirit Bell!

Get Jim Kleefeld...

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