Discourse in Magic

In this episode, Jonah Babins is joined by corporate magic legend Bill Herz [https://billherz.com/] to unpack a career that spans summer camps, corporate boardrooms, and headline features in The Wall Street Journal [https://billherz.com/press/]. From his early days performing with Paul Cummins [https://geniimagazine.com/wiki/index.php?title=Paul_Cummins] to founding Magicorp and representing world-class talent, Bill shares the highs, the hustle, and the hilarious behind-the-scenes of building a career in corporate magic. You’ll learn what makes a magician bookable, how to navigate pricing, and why a magician’s greatest asset might be understanding the client better than they understand themselves. How Bill Got Started in Magic Like many magicians, Bill’s journey began with a magic set at eight years old. But what set him apart was a unique blend of showmanship, business sense, and a willingness to perform for anyone, anywhere—from birthday parties to summer camps and community centers. THE CREATION OF MAGICORP What started with teaching a CEO one simple trick became a revolutionary corporate entertainment concept. Bill realized the power of using magic as a tool in business communication, eventually founding Magicorp to help executives shine and manage bookings for the best in the industry. WHAT MAKES A MAGICIAN CORPORATE-READY Bill breaks down what he looks for in the performers he books—hint: it’s more than a good show. From being able to describe what makes you different in one sentence, to being professional, personable, and ego-free, he outlines the traits that help magicians thrive in the corporate world. UNDERSTANDING YOUR VALUE AND PRICING Pricing is more than picking a number—it’s about asking the right questions and understanding what the client needs. Bill shares how he approaches pricing based on value, logistics, and market perception, and why being flexible (but smart) is essential to getting booked and respected. SOCIAL MEDIA, MANAGERS, AND MAGICIAN MISTAKES Bill doesn’t hold back when talking about magicians on social media and their obsession with “busy bragging.” He also dives into why having a manager or being repped by a big agency can sometimes hurt more than help—and how magicians can avoid sabotaging their own careers. ENDLESS CHAIN At the end of the episode, Bill recommends magician Derek Hughes [https://standupmagician.com/] as a future guest. A brilliant performer and a friend of Bill’s, Derek brings a unique blend of comedy and magic that works exceptionally well in the corporate space. MENTIONS * Bill Herz’s Website [https://www.billherz.com] * Magicorp – Corporate Magic Booking Agency [https://www.magicorp.com] * David Copperfield [https://www.davidcopperfield.com] * Mac King [https://www.mackingshow.com] * Ben Seidman [https://www.benseidman.com] * Colin Cloud [https://www.colincloud.com]   The post Pioneering Corporate Magic with Bill Herz [https://discourseinmagic.com/pioneering-corporate-magic-with-bill-herz/] appeared first on Discourse in Magic [https://discourseinmagic.com].

In this episode of Discourse in Magic, Jonah Babins sits down with magician, circus performer, and entertainer Leah Orleans [https://tinygirlbigshow.com/] to discuss her unique journey in magic, her experiences blending circus arts with illusion, and how she pushes the boundaries of traditional performance. Leah shares insights into how she found her place in the magic world, her approach to creating engaging and original performances, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. FINDING MAGIC IN THE CIRCUS Leah’s entry into the world of magic was anything but conventional. She started as a circus performer, mastering aerial arts, juggling, and acrobatics before discovering how magic could enhance her performances. Her background in physical theater and movement helped her develop a distinctive performance style that captivates audiences in a way few traditional magicians can. STANDING OUT IN A MALE-DOMINATED INDUSTRY As a female performer in both circus and magic, Leah has navigated challenges and misconceptions while forging her own path. She discusses the importance of representation, the struggles of being underestimated, and how she has turned those obstacles into strengths. By bringing a fresh perspective and a multidisciplinary approach to her craft, she continues to inspire others to think outside the box. CREATING UNIQUE AND IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES Leah shares her process for designing routines that seamlessly blend magic with circus arts. From crafting new illusions to reimagining classic tricks, she explains how movement and storytelling play a crucial role in her work. She also dives into the creative risks she takes to ensure each performance is not only visually stunning but also deeply engaging for her audiences. ADVICE FOR PERFORMERS AND MAGICIANS For those looking to break into the world of performance, Leah offers practical advice on developing a distinct style, building confidence on stage, and continuously refining one’s craft. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, experimentation, and finding one’s unique voice in an industry that often leans toward tradition. ENDLESS CHAIN April Jennifer Choi [https://www.instagram.com/apriljennchoi] WHERE TO FIND LEAH ORLEANS To learn more about Leah Orleans, her performances, and upcoming projects, follow her on social media and check out her website: * Website: Leah Orleans’ Website [https://tinygirlbigshow.com/] * Instagram: @LeahOrleans [https://www.instagram.com/tinygirlbigshow/] * Facebook: Leah Orleans Magic & Circus [https://www.facebook.com/eLRO4/] The post Leah Orleans: Pushing Boundaries in Magic [https://discourseinmagic.com/leah-orleans-pushing-boundaries-in-magic/] appeared first on Discourse in Magic [https://discourseinmagic.com].

This week on Discourse in Magic, we’re bringing you a special repost of Jonah Babins’ appearance on the Penguin Magic Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/penguin-magic-podcast/id1479053665], hosted by Erik Tait [https://eriktait.com/]. Jonah, the long-time host of Discourse in Magic, takes the guest seat and shares insights on the world of magic, business, and podcasting. HOW JONAH BUILT DISCOURSE IN MAGIC  Jonah shares the journey of how Discourse in Magic [https://discourseinmagic.com/] has grown over the years. He discusses the evolution of the show, the challenges of maintaining a podcast in the magic space, and what has kept him going for nearly a decade. Jonah explains his strategy for selecting guests, emphasizing the importance of personal interest. He shares how being genuinely curious about a guest’s work leads to more engaging and meaningful conversations. THE EVOLUTION OF HIS MAGIC CAREER  Jonah reflects on how his interests have changed over time. While Discourse in Magic initially focused on deep philosophical discussions, his passion has shifted toward the practical aspects of magic, especially business growth and performance.  Jonah shares insights into his Mastermind program, where he helps magicians grow their businesses. He talks about the structure of the program, its benefits, and the transformative results that many of his students have experienced. THE THREE KEY PILLARS OF A SUCCESSFUL MAGIC BUSINESS Jonah breaks down the fundamental elements necessary to build a thriving magic business. He details how generating leads, improving sales techniques, and optimizing business systems can help magicians increase their income and efficiency. Jonah emphasizes the power of having a supportive network. He explains how magicians in his Mastermind program benefit from shared knowledge, accountability, and expert guidance to help them achieve their business goals. MENTIONS * Jonah’s Magic Business Coaching [https://www.torontomagiccompany.com/jonah-babins] * Discourse in Magic Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/discourseinmagic/] * Vote for Jonah in the FM Magic Podcast Awards [https://www.fismitaly2025.com/online-magic-special-awards/]  Enjoy the episode and don’t forget to subscribe for more deep dives into the art and business of magic! The post Jonah Babins: Magic’s Business Whisperer [https://discourseinmagic.com/jonah-babins-magics-business-whisperer/] appeared first on Discourse in Magic [https://discourseinmagic.com].

In this solo episode of Discourse in Magic, Jonah Babins dives into the world of public shows, sharing his insights on why every magician should consider doing them. He also provides a sneak peek into his upcoming shows across North America and highlights a special event happening at the end of April. WHY DO PUBLIC SHOWS? 1. Promo Material: Public shows are an excellent opportunity to get high-quality promotional material. By hiring a photographer or videographer, you can capture footage of your performance that can be used to market yourself and book more gigs in the future. 2. Friends and Family: Public shows provide a chance for your friends and family to see you perform. They are your biggest supporters, and this is a great way for them to experience your magic without the high cost of private or corporate events. 3. Client Engagement: Offering free tickets to past and potential clients is a fantastic way to maintain relationships and generate new business. It gives you a reason to reach out and offer something valuable, which can lead to future bookings.  UPCOMING SHOWS  Jonah shares his tour dates and locations for the next two months: – March 6th: Boston, performing at the Boston Magic Lab [https://www.bostonmagiclab.com]. – March 7th-9th: Connecticut, performing and lecturing at Mcon. – March 18th-20th: Austin, Texas, performing a show with Michael Rogerson [https://www.michaelrogerson.com]. – March 25th-28th: Montreal, performing a show with John Elli [https://www.instagram.com/johnelioficial]. – April 8th-11th: St. Louis, performing a show with Josh Weidener [https://www.joshweidner.com/]. – April 28th-May 2nd: L Summit in Mexico, a special event for Mastermind members.  MENTIONS Boston Magic Lab [https://www.bostonmagiclab.com] Michael Rogerson [https://www.michaelrogerson.com] John Elli [https://www.instagram.com/johnelioficial] Josh Weidener [https://www.joshweidner.com/] Toronto Magic Company [https://www.torontomagiccompany.com]     The post Public Shows and Upcoming Tour Dates [https://discourseinmagic.com/public-shows-and-upcoming-tour-dates/] appeared first on Discourse in Magic [https://discourseinmagic.com].

In this episode of Discourse in Magic [https://discourseinmagic.com/], Jonah Babins sits down with Jonathan Levit [https://www.jonathanlevit.com/] to discuss his multifaceted career in the entertainment industry, from acting and hosting to creating innovative magic tricks and apps. Jonathan shares his journey, insights, and the magic behind his successful projects, including his Vegas show and The Stranger app. EARLY MAGIC JOURNEY Jonathan discusses how he discovered magic through his father’s props and the magical community in St. Louis that shaped his early years. He reflects on the importance of mentorship and friendships in his development as a magician. ACTING AND HOSTING CAREER Jonathan talks about his transition to acting and hosting in Los Angeles, sharing the challenges and rewards of working in front of the camera. He emphasizes the skills he gained from acting and hosting that have enhanced his magic performances. CONSULTING ON FILMS Jonathan recounts his experience consulting on films like “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Incredible_Burt_Wonderstone],” working with actors like Steve Carell and Jim Carrey. He shares memorable moments from the set and the unique challenges of bringing magic to the big screen. VEGAS SHOW  Jonathan provides insights into his current show [https://www.legerdemain.com/] at the Venetian in Las Vegas, describing its intimate and theatrical format. He discusses the journey of getting the show to Vegas and the dynamics of running a successful production in a competitive environment. THE STRANGER APP Jonathan explains the creation and functionality of The Stranger app [https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/the-stranger/id1397183489], a powerful magic trick that combines technology and community. He highlights the app’s impact on his performances and the global community of magicians it has fostered. NEXUS PROJECT Jonathan introduces his latest project, Nexus, which serves as a digital hub for creating innovative magic routines. He details the features of Nexus and how it allows magicians to integrate various inputs and outputs seamlessly into their performances. ENDLESS CHAIN  Jonathan recommends Christopher Hart [https://www.instagram.com/christopherhartmagic/] as a future guest for the podcast, noting his expertise and contributions to the world of magic. MENTIONS * Jonathan Levit’s Website [https://www.jonathanlevit.com/] * Jonathan Levit Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jonathanlevit/] * Twisting the Aces [https://conjuror.community/twisting-the-aces/] * The Stranger App [https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/the-stranger/id1397183489] The post Magic and Mystery with Jonathan Levit [https://discourseinmagic.com/magic-and-mystery-jonathan-levit/] appeared first on Discourse in Magic [https://discourseinmagic.com].