On the latest episode of the podcast, a chat with magician Fancy Nancy about giving back with magic ... and then Chapter Seven of "Twisting the Aces."

Nancy Anderson Interview starts at 00:03:33

"I Love That" starts at 00:46:58

Chapter Seven of "Twisting the Aces" starts at 01:03:24

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 Making of "The Sting": https://youtu.be/ZibQa4AsbCA

Mortimer and Whitehouse Gone Fishing: https://tubitv.com/series/300019258/mortimer-and-whitehouse-gone-fishing

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

Episode 606: A chat with Steve Barnes & David Doyle about the Magic Castle's Junior Society ... and then Chapter Six of "Twisting the Aces."

March 23, 2026

We dig deep into the Magic Castle's Junior Society ... and then Eli realizes he's currently the ONLY suspect in the murder of Mason Drexel.

Junior Society Interview starts at 00:01:29

"I Love That" starts at 00:37:33

Chapter Six of "Twisting the Aces" starts at 00:47:50

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

The Magic Castle Junior Society: https://www.magiccastle.com/junior-academy/

The Personals (Full Movie): https://youtu.be/xQ4mAXAxwFg

Truth and Treason (Trailer): https://youtu.be/UPepoAJLsTM

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

Episode 605: A chat with Dr. Raj Madhok on balancing work and magic ... and then Chapter Five of "Twisting the Aces."

March 9, 2026

Full-time physician and part-time magician Dr. Raj Madhok talks about the value of keeping work and magic separate ... and then things continue to heat up for Eli at The Magic Castle.

Raj Madhok Interview starts at 00:01:30

"I Love That" starts at 00:39:41

Chapter Five of "Twisting the Aces" starts at 00:48:07

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

Chad Powers Trailer: https://youtu.be/_nFZMD8FMM0

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast: https://www.marxbrotherscouncilpodcast.com/

A Couple of Grouchos: https://www.fastcheapfilm.com/the-podcast/episode-111-a-couple-of-grouchos-sitting-around-chatting

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

Episode 604: A chat with Brent Geris... and then Chapter 4 of "Twisting the Aces."

February 23, 2026

Brent Geris takes us through the audition process at The Magic Castle ... and Eli's evening at The Castle takes another surprising turn.

Brent Geris Interview starts at 00:03:07

"I Love That" starts at 00:47:33

Chapter Four of "Twisting the Aces" starts at 00:59:59

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

Magic Apple Website: https://themagicapple.com/

Brent on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magicapplestore/

Nichols and May on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqpKhyb3LppeCKGs-Uy1vgA

Nichols and May at Work: https://youtu.be/2p-lVDmNWYM

Debbie Downer at Disneyworld: https://youtu.be/TfE93xON8jk

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

Episode 603: A chat with the director and editor (Curb Your Enthusiasm) Roger Nygard ... and then Chapter Three of "Twisting the Aces."

February 9, 2026

Author/Editor/Director Roger Nygard talks about magic and comedy and how to get better at both ... and then Eli's night at The Magic Castle continues.

Roger Nygard Interview starts at 00:02:53

"I Love That" starts at 00:46:34

Chapter Three of "Twisting the Aces" starts at 00:59:26

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

Roger Nygard website: http://rogernygard.com/

Lonesome Dove Trailer: https://youtu.be/bK3N5UXv4vY

Paula Poundstone Routine: https://youtu.be/2rbj13q0_Cc

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

Episode 602: A chat with the Director of Club Experience at The Magic Castle, Ben Roman ... and then Chapter Two of "Twisting the Aces."

January 26, 2026

Co-author Michael Varma digs deep into how The Magic Castle runs, with Ben Roman, Director of Club Experience at The Magic Castle, and then we dive into Chapter Two!

Ben Roman Interview starts at 00:01:45

"I Love That" starts at 00:26:00

Chapter Two of "Twisting the Aces" starts at 00:37:19

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

Dr. Horrible's Singalong Blog (Episode One):

"Good Night and Good Luck" trailer:

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

Episode 601: A chat with magician and "Twisting the Aces" co-writer Michael Varma ... and the Chapter One of "Twisting the Aces."

January 12, 2026

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/

Episode 525: Bonus Episode: Jim interviews John at a recent Minnesota Mystery Night event.

December 26, 2025

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/

Episode 524: Master Magician Lance Burton returns … and then a sneak peek at the latest Eli Marks book, “Twisting the Aces.”

December 22, 2025

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/

Episode 523: A look back at some key thoughts from David Regal … and then Chapter 23 of “The Linking Rings” – the final chapter!

December 8, 2025

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/

Episode 522: Chapter Twenty-Two of “The Linking Rings” and A Few Minutes With… Jon Armstrong.

November 24, 2025

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/

Episode 521: The Midwest Magic Machine: Mikayla Oz's 100+ Show Summer Strategy … and then Chapter 21 of “The Linking Rings.”

November 10, 2025

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/

Episode 520: Chapter Twenty of “The Linking Rings” and A Few Minutes With… Jonathan Levit

October 27, 2025

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

Episode 519: The Cosmic Romantics Share Their Unconventional Journey into Magic and Matrimony. … and then Chapter 19 of “The Linking Rings.”

October 13, 2025

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

Episode 518: Chapter Eighteen of “The Linking Rings” and A Few Minutes With… David Kaye – aka, Silly Billy.

September 22, 2025

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://jgaspard@earthlink.net

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

Episode 517: Magical Notes: John Sturk on blending Music, Improv & Magic … and then the next chapter of “The Linking Rings.”

September 8, 2025

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