The co-author of the latest Eli Marks book, "Twisting the Aces," stops by to talk about his life-long interest in magic and how he keeps that passion alive while working a normal nine-to-five job. Then we dive into Chapter One of "Twisting the Aces."

Michael Varma Interview starts at 00:06:08

"I Love That" starts at 00:53:42

Chapter One of "Twisting the Aces" starts at 01:05:18

LINKS

The Eli Marks Mystery Series: http://www.elimarksmysteries.com/

Get yourself a Free Eli Marks Short Story: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/jj1r1yaavj

Listen to an Eli Marks Audio Short Story: https://BookHip.com/LZBPPMD

Michael Varma website: https://michaelvarma.com/

"A Bronx Tale" Trailer: https://youtu.be/z50PjmZYS4A

"Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" Trailer: https://youtu.be/VW-F1H-Nonk

Check out Albert's Bridge Books:  https://www.albertsbridgebooks.com/

In this bonus episode of the podcast, long-time collaborators John and Jim discuss John's diverse career, from low-budget filmmaking to his popular "Eli Marks" mystery series. They delve into his writing process, the new Magic Castle-set book Twisting the Aces, and stories from their "Behind the Page" podcast featuring magicians like Teller.

LINKS

The Eli Marks Mystery Series: http://www.elimarksmysteries.com/

Get yourself a Free Eli Marks Short Story: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/jj1r1yaavj

Listen to an Eli Marks Audio Short Story: https://BookHip.com/LZBPPMD

Minnesota Mystery Night: https://www.mnmysterynight.com/

Check out everything at Albert's Bridge Books:  http://www.albertsbridgebooks.com/

Master magician Lance Burton returns to share how early inspirations and pivotal mentors shaped his career. He delves into his philosophy on the importance of repetition, learning from failure, and ethical trick selection, all culminating in his profound connection with the audience after decades of performance.

Lance Burton Interview starts at 00:01:43

"I Love That" starts at 01:01:51

“Twisting the Aces” Prolog starts at 01:16:50

LINKS

The Eli Marks Mystery Series: http://www.elimarksmysteries.com/

Get yourself a Free Eli Marks Short Story: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/jj1r1yaavj

Listen to an Eli Marks Audio Short Story: https://BookHip.com/LZBPPMD

Lance Burton Website: https://www.lanceburton.com/

"The Importance of Being Earnest" (Audible Version): https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Oscar-Wilde-BBC-Radio-Drama-Collection-Audiobook/1787534693

"Ghost Light" (Full Movie): https://youtu.be/91hRaPHmHoQ

"Dying To Audition" (Free Audiobook): https://youtu.be/e0Pta98R0MQ

Check out everything at Albert's Bridge Books:  http://www.albertsbridgebooks.com/

David Regal shares his love for creating magic tricks, focusing on the joy of creativity and problem-solving over selling them. Plus, the FINAL chapter of The Linking Rings!

David Regal Interview starts at 00:03:14

"I Love That" starts at 00:09:28

Chapter Twenty-Three of “The Linking Rings" starts at 00:23:32

LINKS

The Eli Marks Mystery Series: http://www.elimarksmysteries.com/

Get yourself a Free Eli Marks Short Story: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/jj1r1yaavj

Listen to an Eli Marks Audio Short Story: https://BookHip.com/LZBPPMD

Original Interview with David Regal: https://www.elimarksmysteries.com/eli-marks-podcast/episode-8-david-regal-on-creating-and-selling-magic-and-chapter-seven-of-the-ambitious-card

David Regal Website:  https://davidregal.com/

Link to David's Cartoon Book: https://davidregal.com/habracadabra/

Harry Price, Ghost Hunter (Trailer): https://youtu.be/0rQyBoSomXA

Murder on the Orient Express (Trailer):  https://youtu.be/kjSN6hmg2UY

Check out everything at Albert's Bridge Books:  http://www.albertsbridgebooks.com/

In this interview excerpt, Jon Armstrong compares magicians to superheroes, emphasizing the importance of relatable abilities and a clear identity for lasting audience impact.

A Few Minutes With… Jon Armstrong starts at 00:02:14

"I Love That" starts at 00:15:18

Chapter Twenty-Two of “The Linking Rings” starts at 00:25:05

LINKS

The Eli Marks Mystery Series: http://www.elimarksmysteries.com/

Get yourself a Free Eli Marks Short Story: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/jj1r1yaavj

Listen to an Eli Marks Audio Short Story: https://BookHip.com/LZBPPMD

Jon Armstrong Website: https://www.cardjon.com/

Original Jon Armstrong Full Interview:  https://www.elimarksmysteries.com/eli-marks-podcast/episode-207-jon-armstrong-on-being-a-magic-consultant-and-chapter-seven-of-the-bullet-catch

A Few Minutes with … Jon Armstrong: https://youtu.be/yZqVZ_LVAVY

Starman Trailer: https://youtu.be/SOMyCjQzk4w

Garbo Talks Trailer: https://youtu.be/2SUn9QMrTOo

Check out everything at Albert's Bridge Books:  http://www.albertsbridgebooks.com/

Mikayla Oz shares her strategy for high-volume performance, including interacting with audiences pre-show to break the ice, then talks about The Magician School, her nationwide program that pivoted online during the pandemic to teach magic.

Mikayla Oz Interview starts at 00:02:15

"I Love That" starts at 00:50:15

Chapter Twenty-One of “The Linking Rings" starts at 00:59:51

LINKS

The Eli Marks Mystery Series: http://www.elimarksmysteries.com/

Get yourself a Free Eli Marks Short Story: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/jj1r1yaavj

Listen to an Eli Marks Audio Short Story: https://BookHip.com/LZBPPMD

Mikayla Oz Website:  https://mikaylaoz.com/

Michael J Fox - "Future Boy" Book: https://read.macmillan.com/fib/future-boy/

John Candy Documentary "I Like Me" Trailer: https://youtu.be/PrcQRsrBcCk

Check out everything at Albert's Bridge Books:  http://www.albertsbridgebooks.com/

Jonathan Levit talks about an early magic consulting (and acting) gig on “The X-Files,” and performing in front of Ricky Jay!

A Few Minutes With… Jonathan Levit starts at 00:02:10

"I Love That" starts at 00:09:50

Chapter Twenty of “The Linking Rings” starts at 00:20:39

LINKS

The Eli Marks Mystery Series: http://www.elimarksmysteries.com/

Get yourself a Free Eli Marks Short Story: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/jj1r1yaavj

Listen to an Eli Marks Audio Short Story: https://BookHip.com/LZBPPMD

Jonathan Levit Website: https://www.jonathanlevit.com/

Original Jonathan Levit Full Interview:  https://tinyurl.com/bdhf7v9r

A Few Minutes with … Jonathan Levit: https://youtu.be/7YbPdND-_QA

Ricky jay and His 52 Assistants: https://youtu.be/z7InE1zXAY4

Reuben, Reuben (complete movie): https://youtu.be/k5YCy1MNGFw

Nina Conti Clip #1: https://youtu.be/EADGMYpUa6I

Nina Conti Clip #2: https://youtu.be/7GOrNuBMTJk

James P. Hogan - Inherit The Stars (The Giants Novels): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giants_(series)

Check out the Occasional Film Podcast:  https://www.fastcheapfilm.com/the-podcast

The duo candidly discusses the advantages of their diverse performance backgrounds, including music, juggling, and even jiu-jitsu, in creating entertaining magic that prioritizes audience connection over mere sleight of hand. And then a big confrontation in Chapter 19 of “The Linking Rings.”

The Cosmic Romantics Interview starts at 00:02:22

"I Love That" starts at 00:58:07

Chapter Nineteen of “The Linking Rings" starts at 01:11:09

LINKS

The Eli Marks Mystery Series: http://www.elimarksmysteries.com/

Get yourself a Free Eli Marks Short Story: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/jj1r1yaavj

Listen to an Eli Marks Audio Short Story: https://BookHip.com/LZBPPMD

The Cosmic Romantics Website: https://www.thecosmicromantics.com/blog

FireFly TV Series: https://tinyurl.com/4r2ztn8m

W1A TV Series: https://tinyurl.com/5n6s84sh

W1A Clip: https://youtu.be/GKWZlWaGKgc

Ricky Jay Card Throwing:  https://youtu.be/4F93VCA_TCQ

Check out the Occasional Film Podcast:  https://www.fastcheapfilm.com/the-podcast

David Kaye talks about the difference between doing magic for kids versus adults … and then more from “The Linking Rings.”

A Few Minutes With… David Kaye starts at 00:02:42

"I Love That" starts at 00:08:30

Chapter Sixteen of “The Linking Rings” starts at 00:19:13

LINKS

The Eli Marks Mystery Series: http://www.elimarksmysteries.com/

Get yourself a Free Eli Marks Short Story: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/jj1r1yaavj

Listen to an Eli Marks Audio Short Story: https://BookHip.com/LZBPPMD

Silly Billy website:  https://www.sillybillymagic.com/

David Kaye Website: https://sillymagic.com/

Original David Kaye Full Interview:  https://www.elimarksmysteries.com/eli-marks-podcast/episode-119-david-kaye-aka-silly-billy-plus-morgan-amp-west-and-then-chapter-eighteen-of-the-ambitious-card

A Few Minutes with … David Kaye: https://youtu.be/zKFcVGjwGW8

John’s Email: http://[email protected]

Harold and Maude Trailer: https://youtu.be/IppZ9AquHy0

New Harold and Maude Book: https://www.albertsbridgebooks.com/ - /held-over-harold-and-maude-at-the-westgate-theater/

“After Dunkirk” Book Series: https://severnriverbooks.com/collections/after-dunkirk-series?srsltid=AfmBOooeadUuI6NyvGf4sLirI_BcvQI96PjIybVY20LVkQII61Bhzvde

Check out the Occasional Film Podcast:  https://www.fastcheapfilm.com/the-podcast

From tickling the ivories as an improv pianist to leading the Society of American Magicians as its president, John Sturk shares how his diverse performance background enhances his magic. And then a big confrontation in Chapter 17 of “The Linking Rings.”

John Sturk Interview starts at 00:02:53

"I Love That" starts at 00:41:28

Chapter Seventeen of “The Linking Rings" starts at 00:49:40

LINKS

The Eli Marks Mystery Series: http://www.elimarksmysteries.com/

Get yourself a Free Eli Marks Short Story: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/jj1r1yaavj

Listen to an Eli Marks Audio Short Story: https://BookHip.com/LZBPPMD

John Sturk Website: https://www.johnsturk.com/

George Campbell Interview:  https://www.elimarksmysteries.com/eli-marks-podcast/episode-401-comedian-and-former-magician-george-campbell-stops-by-to-chat-and-then-chapter-one-of-the-misers-dream

Billy Joel Documentary:  https://youtu.be/fvCB4gg7yS0

Travel Man: https://www.youtube.com/@Travel-Man

Check out the Occasional Film Podcast:  https://www.fastcheapfilm.com/the-podcast

Joshua Jay talks about the dangers of The Bullet Catch and other tragic magic … and then more from “The Linking Rings.”

A Few Minutes With… Joshua Jay starts at 00:02:57

"I Love That" starts at 00:10:48

Chapter Sixteen of “The Linking Rings” starts at 00:19:41

LINKS

The Eli Marks Mystery Series: http://www.elimarksmysteries.com/

Get yourself a Free Eli Marks Short Story: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/jj1r1yaavj

Listen to an Eli Marks Audio Short Story: https://BookHip.com/LZBPPMD

Joshua Jay Website: https://www.joshuajay.com/

Original Joshua Jay Full Interview: https://www.elimarksmysteries.com/eli-marks-podcast/episode-204-joshua-jay-on-tragic-magic-and-chapter-four-of-the-bullet-catch

A Few Minutes with … Joshua Jay: https://youtu.be/Q5dK1aBss6M

The Trip trailer: https://youtu.be/K9bPJmy68Rs

Bruce Springsteen Tracks II: https://tinyurl.com/24xvstjb

Highgate Cemetery:  https://highgatecemetery.org/

Check out the Occasional Film Podcast:  https://www.fastcheapfilm.com/the-podcast