The Sleightly Twisted Podcast

Are Our Magic Shops Actually Making Any Money?

From late night Murphy’s orders and stock stress, to impulse trick purchases, packaging debates, shipping headaches, and trying to figure out what magicians actually want… we get brutally honest about what it’s really like running an independent magic shop in 2026. We also chat about: • Seeing live magic shows and why they still hit harder than social media • Ben Hart, Laura London, Faye Presto and the power of theatre magic • The latest magic releases and what we’ve actually been buying • Max Maven re releases and modern packaging • Why pamphlets and printed instructions might need a comeback • AI shopping, YouTube tutorials, and where magic is heading next • Sponge balls. Again. Somehow. Whether you run a shop, perform professionally, or just love magic, this one’s a proper behind the scenes chat between two people living it every day. If you enjoy the episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and let us know your thoughts in the comments. We genuinely read them all.

What Do Real Pros Actually Carry?

In this episode of The Sleightly Twisted Podcast, Allan and Luke dive into what working magicians really carry when heading out to gigs.Is it just a deck of cards and a Sharpie… or should a real pro be carrying a full arsenal of props?We chat about:✨ everyday carry for magicians🎩 the difference between social media magic and real-world performance🃏 the tricks that actually hit hard with real people🎥 TV rights, deluxe versions, and review copies📱 how magic has changed in the social media era🔥 plus some brilliant chat on new releases, old-school classics, and the return of street-style magicWhether you’re a hobbyist, creator, or working pro, this one’s packed with opinions, ideas, and a few laughs along the way.Drop us a comment below 👇What do YOU think real pros actually carry?

Choose your magician!

Episode 5 of The Sleightly Twisted Podcast is here! 🎙️✨Quick heads-up before you dive in, apologies for My camera quality at the start of this episode. We switched to new recording software and, in classic fashion, there may have been a few too many buttons clicked 😅The good news? The quality kicks in properly around the 20-minute mark. We didn’t want to scrap the episode because there was too much good chat in this one.This episode turned into one of our favourites.We chat about: • the latest Easter magic releases • tricks worth keeping vs selling on • fooling magicians vs fooling real audiences • running a magic shop behind the scenes • discontinued tricks we’d love to see return • and one of the best conversations of the episode… which magician we’d choose for our wedding or dream eventFrom Derren Brown, David Blaine, Mack King, Andy Nyman, and more — we pick our dream performers and chat about what makes a magician unforgettable.As always, it’s a mix of magic chat, shop talk, stories, and a few accidental business ideas along the way 👀Let us know in the comments:Who would YOU book as your dream magician?

Paid to Perform… or Produce Content?

🎙️ Paid to Perform… or Produce Content? | Sleightly Twisted Podcast Ep. 4In this episode of the Sleightly Twisted Podcast, Allan (The Sleight Co.) and Luke (Twisted Minds Magic) dive into one of the biggest questions in modern magic…🧠 What We Talk About 🎥 Magicians filming at paid gigs – is it ethical? 👓 Meta / smart glasses – harmless tool or crossing the line? 💰 Turning client performances into personal content 🤔 How filming affects audience experience & reactions 📱 The pressure to constantly create content as a magician 🪄 Are magicians performing for people… or for the algorithm?⸻🔥 Also in this episode: - New magic releases & what’s actually worth it - Independent creators vs big magic companies - The truth about YouTube exposure in magic - Mentorship in magic – is it dying out? - The reality of working in magic (including burnout & anxiety) - Why magic can be a lonely industry - DIY tricks, product quality & behind-the-scenes business talk⸻💬 Join the ConversationWhat do YOU think?👉 Is it okay to film at paid gigs?👉 Would you be comfortable being recorded as a spectator?👉 Where’s the line between performing and content farming?Drop your thoughts in the comments 👇If you enjoyed the episode:Like 👍Subscribe 🔔Share with another magician

Did you steal my commercial EDC trick?

We’re back for Episode 3 — and somehow you’re still here 😅 This week we talk all things Blackpool… despite not actually being there. From the FOMO and sales dips to the dealer stands that genuinely impressed us, we break down what stood out from the convention and which releases caught our eye. We also dive into unexpected bestsellers in the shop, hidden gems that deserve more attention, and whether magic reviewers are actually helping or just being too soft. There’s a proper rant about what “commercial” really means in magic, plus a discussion about overhyped products and how to decide what’s actually worth your money. We answer your listener questions too, including our “Mount Rushmore” of impromptu magic and the playing cards we actually use in the real world. And we get into something every creator deals with at some point , working on an idea… only to see something very similar hit the market before you. If you’re into magic, the business side of magic, creating your own effects, or just honest conversation about what’s really going on behind the scenes, this episode’s for you.