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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 ...
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The Branding For Entertainers Podcast

Billy Diamond: Brand Adviser & Mentor

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Struggling with your entertainment business? The Branding for Entertainers podcast is your solution. Get practical advice from Billy Diamond and top experts to polish your brand identity. Stand out, grow your business, and enjoy the journey!
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Mike Lenz Voice - A Journey Into Voice Acting

Mike Lenz interviews Bob Souer, Harlan Hogan and other amazing voice-over p

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Join professional voice actor, audiobook narrator, and author Mike Lenz as he shares stories from some of the most amazing and inspiring people from all areas of the voice-over industry to help you achieve your dream of becoming a professional voice actor.
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#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…
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#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?" …
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#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 T…
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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…
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#119 - And now for something different! I'm getting back into close-up magic soon. I thought it might be fun to talk about my close-up sets, why I structure them the way I do, why I dropped certain effects, and more. Plus along the way you'll hear several 'mini-reviews'; of the gaffs and routines I use. Just getting into close-up magic? I reveal a …
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#118 - How do you describe your magic to prospects on the phone? How do you describe your show on your website? After viewing over 200 magicians' websites, I've found the vast majority to be missing out on a great opportunity. Join me as I reveal ways to create 'magic' with your words to better sell your show! This week's Trick Talk reviews Smoke C…
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#117 - This week's episode features my interview with the legend JEFF MCBRIDE. (What more do I need to say?) Check out MYSTERY SCHOOL This week's Trick Talk is INCEPTION by Pro Mystic 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 f…
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#116 - Are you stressed? Chances are if you have a pulse you experience some stress each day. It's not your fault - it's how we are built. And running a business of any kind involves stress! In this episode, I use my experience in the field of hypnosis to give you five simple stress-busting tips. These can be done virtually anytime or anywhere as l…
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#115 - Have you ever been curious about street performing? My guest Scot Nery is a pro at it! And he's also worked with some of the biggest names in show business. He's more than a consultant or a coach...so much more. You'll learn a lot in this episode! This week's Trick Talk features Pyro Wallet! Contact Scot Nery HERE Get Pyro Wallet HERE By the…
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#114 - Do you attend magic conventions? They are a great way to learn and connect with other magicians. But there are a few things you can do that will easily enhance your enjoyment of the next convention you attend. This week's Trick Talk features Michael Ross's Long Salt Pour! Get Michael's Salt Pour HERE By the way…whenever you’re ready, here ar…
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#113 - Looking for a new income stream? How about one that covertly teaches kids important character-building skills? This episode is all about Discover Magic, an amazing program that teaches kids magic. My guest joining me is Brian Scott Ambrosch, an ardent user of Discover Magic and one of the nicest guys in our business. After listening to this,…
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#112 - Are you making enough money in your magic career? Many who aren't think the answer is simply more shows. While that is one option, let me introduce you to a few other ways of increasing your income... This week's Trick Talk features Trevor Duffy's Pro Diminishing Cards! By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you grow yo…
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#111: If you want to succeed in this business long-term, You've got to listen to my guest, Christopher Weed. Chris amazes me. He runs multiple businesses successfully to the tune of severa millions of dollars in revenue. And he's always looking for and developing new ideas. I always feel like I'm sitting under a learning tree when Chris speaks. Enj…
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#110 - Has a client ever asked you to create a special show just for them? While it might be fun to buy a bunch of new props for that show. it's not ideal if you want to turn a profit for that show. I've been creating themed shows for decades. So when a client asked me for a theme show, I knew I was not likely to ever perform the show again. Listen…
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#109 - If you're new to performing, you may think traveling to a gig is no big deal, right? But there is a lot more you need to consider if you're going to travel any distance to gigs regularly. Check these tips out and make life on the road easier and less stressful! This week's Trick Talk: Pocket Python by Wolf's Magic! Get Pocket Python HERE. By…
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#108 - Want your show to get better? REALLY better? You need a second set of eyes on it. My guest this week is a professional theater director with decades of experience. And he's also a professional magician, making him the perfect director for magicians! Listen and learn from my wonderful guest and friend, Jim Vagias! This week's Trick Talk featu…
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Send us a Text Message. IN THIS EPISODE Calling all entertainers! Struggling to build a recognizable brand? This episode of Branding for Entertainers Podcast is your guide to crafting a consistent brand identity. Learn the importance of branding guidelines and how to create your own step-by-step. Plus, discover if a logo is essential for success (s…
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#107 - Crafting a specific show to fit a certain audience, niche, or situation is one of the best ways to serve your clients and your audiences. In this episode, I detail how I created a show for both a specific audience and specific performing situation. This week's Trick Talk features Peter Loughran's Phantasm Pro! Get Phantasm Pro HERE By the wa…
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A graduate of Johns Hopkins University, Cris Dukehart is an Audie Nominee and Earphones Award Winner, and has recorded over 300 audiobooks across multiple genres. On this episode we talk about Cris's journey into the VO and audiobook world, and her amazing journey from a little cottage in Pennsylvania to her mountaintop house in the Caribbean. http…
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#106 - It's part two of my amazing interview with Chipper Lowell! Want to become a better performer? Listen to Chipper. Want to become a kinder performer, one who listens to their audiences, listen to Chipper. I am such a fan of Chipper and you will be too after hearing what he has to say. This week's Trick Talk features Bill Abbott's Stabbed & Sho…
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#105: Are you 'in the moment' during your shows? Or do you perform on 'autopilot?' My guest Chipper Lowell has mastered being in the moment during his shows. He's dedicated to ensuring every audience has a unique, special experience. I've been a fan of Chipper's work for years. After talking to him for 90 minutes I'm an even bigger fan of him as a …
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#104 - What do you talk about during your shows? How do you set up a routine? How do you move the routine along? For many magicians, this topic is the least important aspect of performing. I maintain it is the most important part of a great magic show. In this episode, I delve into 10 tips to scripting better shows. And this week's Trick Talk featu…
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#103 - There's a secret ingredient that influences how successful you'll be in magic. It has nothing to do with your tricks or your talent. This 'secret sauce?' Your attitude! How you feel about all aspects of your business will help determine your path forward. My guest Brian Cassidy is a living example of the power of positivity. He treats magic …
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Send us a Text Message. IN THIS EPISODE Remember that iconic brand that practically invented Christmas as we know it? Yeah, we're revisiting that fascinating story and the science of color in branding on this rebroadcast episode of The Branding For Entertainers Podcast! Join Billy as he dives deep into the psychology of color and how it shapes bran…
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#102 - Have you ever bought a version of a trip or routine after being told it was "the best..." only to discover it didn't fit you at all? It's easy to fall prey to tales of "the best." I explore this concept and why "the best" is never a guarantee. To illustrate, I discuss in detail three different Linking Finger Ring releases! The Missing Link H…
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Send us a Text Message. Ditch the pitch and rock your live performances without the cheese. This episode explores the art of balancing engagement and promotion in your live performances. I'll walk the tightrope with you, sharing strategies and insights to keep your audience enthralled without feeling like pawns in a self-promotional game. Tune in t…
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#101 - WOW! If you want to 'dig deep' into the nuts and bolts of what makes truly great magic, you'll love my interview with David Parr. We went about 90 minutes and could have gone on for much longer. This is truly a great interview! Learn from one of magic's great thinkers. This week's Trick Talk is HOODOO! Get HOODOO HERE David Parr's website HE…
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Jamie Muffett is a voice actor, podcast producer, audio engineer and educator who divides his time between New York City and Philadelphia, PA. He's worked with some of the worlds biggest companies, production studios, and games developers. He work primarily from his own studio in Bucks County, PA, and studios in NYC and Philly. Past and current cli…
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#100 - It's the big 100th episode of the Professional Magician Podcast! Will; I celebrate by playing clips from past episodes? A walk down memory lane with my guests? No...I choose to celebrate the 100th episode with my own public shaming! Join me as I share tales of woe from the road, bone-headed decisions I made, and a great roasting from one of …
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#099 - Have you tried gig sites like GigSalad or The Bash? Many magicians dismiss them entirely, feeling these sites are nothing more than a haven for bottom feeding low-priced hack entertainers. But used properly, these sires can be a boom for your business, especially if you are just getting started. And unlike what many think, you CAN get high p…
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#098 - What do you love about magic? This amazing art form offers so much! In this episode, I reveal what I love most about magic. See if you agree or disagree by listening! In this week's episode of Trick Talk, I review Scott Alexander's The Blades! The Blades HERE By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you grow your magic bu…
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#097 - Ever been curious about working on cruise ships? VANISH magazine editor and full-time performer Paul Romhany has been in the cruise ship market for decades. In this week's episode, he shares some fantastic advice for working cruise ships along with incredible stories from his adventures at sea. Paul is one of my favorite people in the world …
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Send us a Text Message. Join us in this lively discussion on the timeless debate of business cards in the digital era. Are traditional cards still relevant? We delve into the power of tangible connections, exploring how a well-crafted business card can make a lasting impression. Discover why, in the midst of technological advancements, the humble b…
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#096 - Want to know what burns me up about magic Lots of things! In this episode, I rant about the things I hate most about our craft. Agree with me? Disagree? Find out by listening! And in this week's Trick Talk, I actually expose the secret to a marketed effect called Letter V! I explain exactly how this travesty of magic works so you can avoid i…
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#095 - How to be happy! Yup, that's just one of the surprising topics Michael Ross covers in part four of his routine to The Professional Magician podcast! As always, Michael is a 'deep thinker' who brings his A-game to the show! This week's Trick Talk features a look at Jim Kleefeld's custom Halloween banners! Visit Jim Kleefeld's site at www.jimk…
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#094 - To perform magic convincingly, you need to 'sell' what you're doing. You need to act! In this third part of Michael Ross's return to the podcast, he covers some simple yet effective acting tips. And this week's episode of Trick Talk features a review of Tales From Beyond by Jim Kleefeld! Check out Jim's site at www.jimkleefeld.com By the way…
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#092 - Michael Ross is a deep thinker. And I'm so glad he has so much to share! In this first episode of a new FOUR-PART series, Michael shares his observations when watching another magician on a big stage. Michael explains what could have been better, and more in his unique, philosophical, take-no-prisoners way. And this week's Trick Talk feature…
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#091 - Why do you do what to do? Are you performing because you love being in front of audiences? Do you strive to book a certain amount of shows because you need to...or because there is a part of you 'competing' with other magicians? Allowing jealousy to affect your goals can be harmful in the long run leading to resentment, burnout, or worse. Th…
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#090 - Ever have a bad show? If you're a full-time pro, you probably have at some point. The real question is what you can do to recover from it. In this episode, I reveal simple techniques for shaking off the bad vibes and feelings we all get from those less-than-awesome shows. And in this week's episode of Trick Talk, I review Bowled Over by Chri…
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#089 - Have you ever felt like your client was trying to run you over? Take advantage of you? Or just be difficult for no reason? In this episode, I tell several stories from my performing career where I felt like a doormat for the client's foot. This led to me changing and enhancing my communication strategies with the client. Learn from my mistak…
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Chris Johnson is a professional Voice Actor, based in Los Angeles. He has voiced a wide range of projects over the years including commercials, corporate videos, eLearning modules, video games, audiobooks, narration and many more. Chris has also been the lead singer and songwriter for many projects including the band Starch Monkey, Between the Sun …
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#088 - This episode was inspired by my wife. She introduced me to the phrase used as the episode's title. It's a discussion about fees, why you shouldn't set your fees based on your own perspective, and some simple advice to raising your fees I got from my copywriting mentor. This week's Trick Talk features Anthony Lindan's Extreme Telephone Game! …
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Send us a Text Message. Jeff was a troubled teen who turned his trials into triumphs. Today he’s a full-time bullying prevention specialist. As a leading communicator on conflict resolution, Jeff is the author of Golden Rule Ambassadors, SQUABBLES®, and Bigfoot Gets Bullied (a #1 Amazon bestseller). Over 1 million people have been impacted by Jeff’…
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#087 - I LOVE David McCreary's style of performing! He's so character-driven and a shining example of how to perform in a way that suits you and your personality. I laughed out loud several times the interview. David is funny, humble, and very knowledgeable about performing magic in the real world. Come learn from my wife's favorite magician! Get D…
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#086 - Did you attend Kidabra? If not, you really missed out! In this week's episode, I walk you through my experiences at Kidabra, along with my thoughts on some of the brilliant performers there. If you have any interest in kids show performing, you'll want to attend next year. I know I do! Plus, this week's Trick Talk features Bill in Ice by Wol…
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#085 - Get ready to laugh! Canada's premier comedy magician David Merry is my guest on this week's episode. I personally love David and feel he is one of the greats. But despite his rapid-fire, devil-may-care attitude, it's clear he thinks deeply about his craft and spends copious amounts of time perfecting and refining his material. I loved my tim…
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#084 - Are you ready for your next 'season?' Many of us have seasonal bookings. Libraries book summer reading shows. Companies book holiday entertainment. And the list goes on. As you enter these seasons in your performing calendar, are you ready for them? In this episode, I outline some simple things to do to make sure you're ready when those show…
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#083 - Want to up your game and make your show business run smoothly and successfully? You need SOPs. Not just for your shows but for your business, too. SOPs are the lifeblood of any successful business, no matter how big or small. Find out what SOPs are and how you can implement them into YOUR business by listening to this episode! This week's Tr…
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