Improv and Magic

We have 2 special announcements to make today. The first is that Season 7 of Improv and Magic will be dropping very soon, so stay tuned!The second announcement is we're asking all of our listeners to consider making a donation to support the 10th annual Countdown Improv Festival in Tampa, Florida. One of the festival's founders, Justin Peters, has just been diagnosed with an aggressive Grade 4 brain tumor. So the festival could really use your help this year. You can make a donation by visiting their fundraising page, or by visiting their website countdownimprovfestival.com and clicking on "Donate".Thanks everyone!

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 Dutch magician Hans Klok, before stepping into the spotlight as a solo performer. Her appearances on Britain’s Got Talent, The Next Great Magician, and Penn & Teller: Fool Us showcased her innovative approach to magic, earning her widespread acclaim. In 2018, she was honored with the prestigious Mandrake d'Or, an award celebrating excellence in illusion artistry. In this exclusive interview, Josephine shares insights into her journey from assistant to headliner, the challenges of breaking barriers in the magic industry, and the secrets behind her most astonishing illusions. She also discusses the evolution of magic in modern entertainment and what it takes to captivate audiences worldwide.To learn more about Josephine Lee, visit her website at josephinelee.co.uk.And be sure to visit my brand new website, ldmadera.com to learn more about yours truly! Don't forget to rate and review and share with your friends!

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: Fool Us have made her a household name among magic enthusiasts.In today's episode, Katrina opens up about her creative process, her experience blending improv with her magic, and how she engages diverse audiences through storytelling and illusion. This episode promises inspiration, laughter, and a touch of wonder!Learn more about Katrina by visiting her website, magicalkatrina.com.And don't forget to like and subscribe, and be sure to rate and review the podcast!

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 International Magic Magazine, and has performed sold out shows at The Magic Castle, Philadelphia Smoke and Mirrors, Chicago Magic Lounge and Boston Magic Lab, among many other venues. She has also been featured on television, and shares her experience of performing on Penn & Teller: Fool Us.You can learn more about Alyx Hilshey by visiting her website, alyxmagic.com.Don't forget to rate and review, and feel free to leave a comment!

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 podcast, which highlights voices from the disability, chronic illness, and mental health communities.In today's episode, Liz Marcucci shares her journey and how she uses her unique experience to connect with audiences and create meaningful art. This episode is sure to leave you inspired.To learn more about Liz Marcucci, visit her website at lizmarcucci.com.And don't forget to rate and review the podcast, and feel free to leave a comment!

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 also co-founder of one the world's largest and most profound online magic stores, Vanishing Inc. Want to learn more about Andi Gladwin? Visit his website at illusionist.co.uk. And if you're looking for some of the best magic tricks, books, and lectures, visit vanishingincmagic.com. Be sure to rate and review, it really helps the show a lot!

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 Modern Family and Parks & Recreation, as well as standout roles in movies such as Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story and Drillbit Taylor. Be sure to check out Matt Besser's podcast Improv4Humans at improv4humans.com. Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast to help bring you more amazing content! If you’re listening on Spotify, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts.

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, The Illusionists on Broadway, The Magic Castle in Hollywood, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Brain Games on the History Channel, and Trick’d Up on A&E. Her podcast “From Hot Mess to Success” is a show that pulls back the curtain of the entertainment industry and shines a spotlight on powerful women who have overcome adversity to create their own success. Chloe shares a lot in this interview, including how she managed to change and evolve, and she shares the challenges of performing while struggle with her mental health. There’s so much shared today that so many can learn and benefit from. Learn more about Chloe by visiting her site, magicbychloe.com. Enjoying the podcast? Rate and review, and feel free to leave a comment!