Phillip Huber is an internationally recognized "Artist with Marionettes" and is most known for his work in the 3-time Academy Award Nominated film BEING JOHN MALKOVICH. He's worked with Ellen DeGeneres, Donald O'Connor, Phyllis Diller... just to name a few. He's performed in France, Brazil, Israel and so many more. Truly Art in Entertainment. In this interview, we talk about… His early years with a hand puppet His first job that lead him to TV, Stage & Theme Parks His Philosophy on...

Kevin Bethea is one of the most sought-after corporate entertainers in the country. His client list includes AT & T, McDonalds, Pfizer, Goldman Sachs and just about every fortune 500 company you can name. He's been writing a monthly series of articles/conversations for VANISH magazine dealing with Racism in America. We talk about…. The struggle of the pandemic Branding Racism in America Racism in the Magic Community Ideas to improve your rehearsal Ways to adjust your show to make it COVID...

Zach Alexander is one of the top Family Entertainers in the country. In these crazy times where every entertainer is looking for ways to do their show, Zach is gonna help us out. He’s even created a guide for Socially Distancing shows that you can have for FREE! Since Social Distancing and Virtual Shows are all the rage right now, I thought I bring you a real pro. Someone that’s been doing it since this whole pandemic thing started. Today you’re gonna learn: How to communicate social...

Steve Trash’s mantra is “Be good. Be amazing. Don’t be mean.” He combines his love for magic and his love for ecology to create educational entertainment for children of all ages. … And he has a Brand-New Book and Course that you can get! Go here to get more info: ---> www.FindingYourLightbulb.com (http://www.FindingYourLightbulb.com) He’s entertained over 25 million people since 1984 and appeared in theaters, fairs, and festivals all over the world including: Japan, Australia,...

Nick Lewin is a legend in the magic circles. But today’s interview will inspire anyone from any art. Learn all about how to structure your show to get those standing ovations. How you should open your show. How to close. What to put in the middle. Everything you ever wanted to know about show structure. We also talk about all sorts of other things. You’ll hear stories of when Nick was just starting out.  His years at the Magic Castle.  Rubbing elbows with Hollywood Stars and the Magic...

Here it is, another Variety Artist Podcast Classic. David Aiken is known worldwide as The Checkerboard Guy: An infectious bundle of energy wrapped by a dynamite skill set that consistently generates guffaws from spectators. He's part juggler, part unicyclist, but all comic daredevil extraordinaire! He's performed on Cruise Ships, in the Festival Circuit, on Big Stages and much, much more. On today’s show David answers the age-old questions…. ·        How is David like Evil...

INSPIRATION and FUN! - Over the next few weeks, I’ll be releasing the Variety Artist Classics.  My favorite interviews from some of my favorite people. The world is SLOWLY opening back up. And I think it’s time to take a break and listen to something fun & inspirational. Get us ready for the next phase. Have you ever wanted a theater in your house? How ’bout the perfect mate? How about a life of adventure? How about …..? Well, Romany – The Diva of Magic, has figured out The...

Michael Kent is “One of the most respected and in-demand performers in the campus market.” Yes, he's a great entertainer and has garnered MANY awards! But we're gonna talk all about taking your show On-Line. Creating that virtual show. Not just lighting and cameras and such, but what works and doesn't. And why! Subscribe TodayIf you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe to this podcast on your phone or mobile device. Just go to the place on your phone where you get all the best...

Robert Strong has performed in over 40 countries, in all 50 states, on every major TV network, and twice at the White House. He has an amazing webinar on setting up your own home studio. And... He produces the world's greatest marketing videos. Grab a piece of paper and a pencil. You’re going to want to take notes on this one. If you’re not doing virtual shows yet, why not? There’s a huge market for it and you can perform all over the world. Today’s guest figured it out early. Maybe it...

Tim Sonefelt is the perfect person to talk to about multiple streams of income. He performs Creative School Programs for Elementary Schools and Libraries. He "Casts Light on Bizarre Carolina Legends" in his Carolina Shadows show. He's the owner of Wonder Imagery. He has his own Magic Academy where he teaches children magic. He has his own Mobile Escape Games. He's even Santa during the holidays. In this interview we talk about how 911 taught him the lessons he needed to know....

Chris Michael co-wrote the most requested magic book of the year; "Lights, Camera, Magic". In this interview, you’re going to find out what type of lighting is best, what type of camera to use and what the best backdrop is. More importantly, you’re going to hear how to sell that virtual show and how to connect with your audience. We even talk about pricing and how you can use virtual shows in the future as an upsell to your live show. Subscribe TodayIf you haven’t already, make sure to...

Dale Obrochta is known as one of the top Restaurant twisters in the country (he twists balloons at restaurants, he doesn't twist restaurants... that I know of). He has lots of accomplishments that I could list here, but on this interview, he's going to share some of his favorite HOMESCHOOL PROJECTS (with and without balloons). Like a lot of you, he has kids at home that he needs to educate and inspire. With the schools closed, we need all the help we can get.  He makes it fun and fast...

Matt Stanley is the proud recipient of the prestigious “Lance Burton Award” as well as the “International Brotherhood of Magicians Stage Champion Award” and many other National and International titles. He changed his name, changed his brand, and has some unique marketing ideas to share with us today. We talk about The Cruise Line market, the Comedy Club market and so much more. Subscribe TodayIf you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe to this podcast on your phone or mobile...

Cris Johnson is one of the busiest school assembly entertainers in the country! Why in the world would I interview one of America’s Top school assembly entertainers when all the schools are closed? Well here’s why. When this whole COVID-19 crisis is over, and it will be over at some point… Schools will get back in session. And the people who take action NOW are the ones that are going to be ready. In today’s interview my guest holds nothing back. We discuss the best way to increase...

From the streets to the stage, all the way to national television, Shaun Jay has accomplished quite a lot along his magical journey. It wasn’t easy though... There were many challenges, including the most difficult one yet: carpal tunnel syndrome. In this interview we talk all about his mentors including Jeff McBride, Gazzo, Paul Harris and Wayne Dobson. We also get into the syndrome that just about took Shaun’s career. You’re going to find out why he’s been so successful. Your going to...

Al Simmons is an inventor and hilarious entertainer! Maclean’s Magazine says "For those in search of the truly zany, the undisputed king is Al Simmons… A popular wildly original performer…" And Variety says: "You'll be consumed by laughter when Al Simmons lets his zany comedy loose." In this interview we talk about many of Al’s first inventions… The Bicycle Horse, the ten to sixty-gallon hat, the crazy sock hat and so many more. We also talk about the fire that took all of his amazing...

Zivi has the largest chain of Media Outlets in the world for Kids Entertainers, Balloon Artists and professionals. He and his team produce free educational podcasts and build premium life-changing laser focused schools. You know him from Kids Entertainer Academy and The Balloon Artist College. In this episode Zivi gives us strategies to help us through this crazy time. Sure, we have fun in the interview, but we also talk about the serious issues of the day. And what you can do to come out...

Irwin Royes bills himself as "The World's Smallest Magician". He's a member of Little People Of America and has been performing magic shows professionally for 50+ years. His favorite quote: No dreams too big. No dreamers too small. In this episode Irwin tells us what causes little people-ness and all sorts of fun stories of being in the biz for so long. Here’s the pics we talk about in the show: Subscribe TodayIf you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe to this podcast on your...

Lindsay Benner made history by being the only non-magician ever to be nominated for The Magic Castle Awards. She mixes classic vaudeville tricks with a theatrical, seductive spin. She produces the only all-female variety show in Los Angeles called "Women in Vaudeville" which runs monthly at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. In this episode we talk about…. Having kids and how it changes performing, How Lindsay met her husband (was it love at first sight?), How she came up with her...

Darren Collins has taught thousands of people puppetry. But more importantly, he’s created an organization called Project HAND UP. HIS MISSION: To teach East Africans about living productive, healthy lives and prevent the spread of HIV by using novel performance and visual art educational presentations. His organization uses puppetry, magic, and storytelling to educate and promote social change in East Africa. In this episode, we talk about his journey. How he started this adventure. How he...

Michael Finney was the Magic Castle's 2005 Parlour Magician of the Year, former president of The International Brotherhood of Magicians and so much more. After thousands of appearances all over the planet ... Michael is THE go to act when it comes to making bookers / producers / event coordinators look good! It's the 100th episode of The Variety Artist Podcast, so it's very special to me. Lots of great stuff on this one. We talk about how he's worked with just about every famous comedian...

Born with the gifts of flexibility, curiosity, and goofiness, Jonathan Burns now uses these unique talents to astonish audiences around the globe. Jonathan has appeared on America’s Got Talent, The Late Late Show with James Corden, and Many More! He’s been dubbed “Extremely funny” by The New York Times and was named “Variety Artist of the Year” by Campus Activities Magazine, TWICE! On the show we talk about…. How and when he decided to make a living being bendy. His experiences on...

Diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome at age six, Jason has overcome “The Impossible” and become an internationally award-winning sleight-of-hand artist, author and professional speaker. He's had tons of TV appearances, 2 TEDx talks, and entertained and spoken at over 100 military bases. In this interview Jason reveals: ·      What exactly Tourette’s Syndrome is. ·      How it’s changed his life AND how he’s affected other’s lives. ·      What it’s like performing for the military and...

Alan Sands is one of the busiest Comedy Hypnotists I know. He’s performed at over 250 county and state fairs, entertained at over a hundred colleges, a dozen casinos, multiple extended runs at amusement parks, about 750 company picnics, dozens of comedy clubs, theaters, conventions, and cruise ships, as well as over 300 high school shows for grad nights and post prom parties. Alan has also operated an international talent agency and been an “entertainment event planner” for over 30...