Episode 509: Learn how magic, mathematics, and computer science intertwine in the work and life of S. Brent Morris.… and Chapter Nine of “The Linking Rings.”

May 12, 2025

From Buffalo Bob to the NSA, we cover it all with magician and mathematician S. Brent Morris … and then jump into the next chapter of “The Linking Rings.”

Brent Morris Interview starts at 00:05:44

"I Love That" starts at 00:55:57

Chapter Nine of "The Linking Rings" starts at 01:03:52

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

Email John at jgaspard (at) earthlink (dot) net

The Tour Guy: https://thetourguy.com/

Five Hours of The Shipping News: https://youtu.be/CxHa5KaMBcM

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

Episode 508: Chapter 8 of "The Linking Rings" and A Few Minutes With… Michael Close.

April 28, 2025

The latest chapter of “The Linking Rings” … and then Michael Close explains his process for helping magicians get ready to appear on “Penn & Teller: Fool Us.”

A Few Minutes With… Michael Close starts at 00:02:38

"I Love That" starts at 00:12:43

Chapter Eight of “The Linking Rings" starts at 00:21:05

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

“Troupers” Trailer: https://youtu.be/Gb-YwEsY7SA

“Troupers” Full Movie: https://youtu.be/weenbtwox0c

Michael Close website: https://michaelclose.com/

Conversations with Close Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5dCvqZe0AUcAA76jdG2Nkn

Original Michael Close Interview: https://www.elimarksmysteries.com/eli-marks-podcast/episode-208-michael-close-talks-about-his-work-on-penn-amp-teller-fool-us-and-chapter-8-of-the-bullet-catch

Send us an Email: https://www.elimarksmysteries.com/contact

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

Episode 507: Sara Ballantine and Chapter Seven of “The Linking Rings.”

April 14, 2025

Sara Ballantine talks about her father, comedy magician Carl Ballantine, and her documentary “Troupers” … and Chapter Seven of “The Linking Rings.”

Sara Ballantine Interview starts at 00:02:19

"I Love That" starts at 00:35:56

Chapter Seven of "The Linking Rings" starts at 00:45:12

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

Sara Ballantine Website: http://www.saraballantine.com/

“Troupers” Trailer: https://youtu.be/Gb-YwEsY7SA

“Troupers” Full Movie: https://youtu.be/weenbtwox0c

Carl Ballantine in action: https://youtu.be/N5W_U4wH3Fc

Carl Ballantine in action: https://youtu.be/aeH6r9QTxng

Scott Land’s Carl Ballantine puppet: https://youtu.be/BPpLoF7zudQ

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

“Rise” app: https://www.risescience.com/

“The Conversation” trailer: https://youtu.be/elJL5D6HTvA

Conversations with Close Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5dCvqZe0AUcAA76jdG2Nkn

Episode 506: Chapter Six of The Linking Rings" … and A Few Minutes With Stan Allen.

March 24, 2025

We re-visit a chat with Stan Allen, discussing the problem with exposure of magic … and then Chapter Six of “The Linking Rings.”

A Few Minutes With… Stan Allen starts at 00:03:15

"I Love That" starts at 00:11:24

Chapter Six of “The Linking Rings " starts at 00:24:14

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 Stan Allen: https://www.elimarksmysteries.com/eli-marks-podcast/episode-203-stan-allen-on-the-masked-magician-and-chapter-three-of-the-bullet-catch

Magic Live website: https://www.magicconvention.com/

“Hal” documentary: https://hal.oscilloscope.net/

Interview with Amy Scott: https://www.fastcheapfilm.com/the-podcast/episode-115-filmmaker-amy-scott-on-her-documentary-hal

Marc Maron’s WTF (Carlos Mencia): http://www.wtfpod.com/podcast/tag/Carlos+Mencia

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

Episode 505: Magician and Marketer Damian Jennings … and Chapter Five of “The Linking Rings.”

March 10, 2025

“The Insider” podcast host and Vanishing Inc.’s Chief Marketing Officer stops by to chat about magic and more … and then Chapter Five of “The Linking Rings.”

Damian Jennings Interview starts at 00:02:19

"I Love That" starts at 00:57:33

Chapter Five of “The Linking Rings" starts at 01:07:09

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 Insider” Podcast link: https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/insider-magic-podcast/

Tony Sagittarius Link: https://youtu.be/8_BftNgm9Zo

The Man Who Would Be King trailer: https://youtu.be/eqZ7QfulTuU

“Copenhagen” (TV version): https://youtu.be/RTn9eKfH11M

“Copenhagen” (Audible version): https://www.audible.com/pd/Copenhagen-Audiobook/B00E4PK69W

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

Episode 504 Chapter Four of "The Linking Rings" and A Few Minutes With… The Amazing Kreskin.

February 24, 2025

The Amazing Kreskin shares hilarious, inspiring tales of spontaneity and humor—plus, we dive into Chapter Four of The Linking Rings.

A Few Minutes With… The Amazing Kreskin starts at 00:03:01

"I Love That" starts at 00:08:23

Chapter Four of The Linking Rings" starts at 00:20:43

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 Amazing Kreskin – Full Interview: https://tinyurl.com/333z9348

Charles Grodin book (“It Would Be So Nice If You Weren’t Here”): https://www.amazon.com/Would-Nice-You-Werent-Here/dp/0688088732

Joshua Jay book (“How Magicians Think”): https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/magic-books/how-magicians-think/
Check out the Occasional Film Podcast: https://www.fastcheapfilm.com/the-podcast

Episode 503: Star Newman and Tyler Erickson on The Magic of Teaching Magic … and Chapter 3 of “The Linking Rings.”

February 10, 2025

This episode features a conversation with Star Newman and Tyler Erickson, discussing Star's journey from theater to magic, the influence of theater on her performances, the importance of collaboration, and their shared perspectives on teaching and the future of magic.

Star & Tyler Interview starts at 00:02:19

"I Love That" starts at 00:49:56

Chapter Three of "The Linking Rings" starts at 01:01:11

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

Star Newman website: https://www.starnewman.com/

Tyler Erickson website: https://www.strongermagic.com/

Star on “Fool Us”: https://youtu.be/Fs3ffSYFUWw

Original Tyler Erickson Interview: https://tinyurl.com/2c2sebth

Joshua Malina on Sports Night: https://youtu.be/JsQBpG-3TQY

London Walks: https://www.walks.com/

The Ripperologists Audiobook: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Ripperologists-Audiobook/179992131X

The Greyhound of the Baskervilles Audiobook: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Greyhound-of-the-Baskervilles-Audiobook/109418960X

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

Episode 502: Chapter Two of “The Linking Rings” … and a few minutes with Suzanne.

January 27, 2025

The next chapter of “The Linking Rings,” and then some important thoughts from Suzanne about mistakes beginning magicians often make.

A Few Minutes With… Suzanne starts at 00:02:55

"I Love That" starts at 00:10:56

Chapter Two of "The Linking Rings" starts at 00:22:01

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

Suzanne’s website: https://www.suzmagic.com/

A Few Minutes With … Suzanne: https://youtu.be/sKQWG8LjLVw

Suzanne Original Interview: https://www.elimarksmysteries.com/eli-marks-podcast/episode-218-suzanne-on-learning-and-teaching-magic-and-chapter-eighteen-of-the-bullet-catch

“Slings & Arrows” Trailer: https://youtu.be/8VnAGdzoiXU

“Slings & Arrows” Ophelia scene: https://youtu.be/I0uVGCYRP4I

Susan Coyne Interview: https://www.fastcheapfilm.com/fast-cheap-interview-blog/actresswriter-susan-coyne-on-slings-amp-arrows-c97z9-arkrg

“No Good Deed” Trailer: https://youtu.be/JKufPJ-JHvA

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

Episode 501: Doc Eason … and Chapter One of “The Linking Rings.”

January 13, 2025

Legendary magician Doc Eason shares his transformative journey into magic, the importance of audience connection, and heartwarming stories about his friendship with John Denver … and then Chapter One of “The Linking Rings.”

Doc Eason Interview starts at 00:03:30

"I Love That" starts at 00:45:19

Chapter One of "The Miser's Dream" starts at 00:52:00

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

Doc Eason website: https://doceason.com/

The Six Triple Eight: https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/tyler-perry-new-netflix-movie-six-triple-eight

Alan Arkin Reads “Catch-22” (Abridged): https://youtu.be/jNWsXqcPmsE

Eugene Burger on Paul Daniels’ Halloween Special: https://youtu.be/Xh2r-vuNAM0

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

Episode 424: The final chapter of “The Miser’s Dream” and A Few Minutes With… Dick Cavett.

December 23, 2024

Dick Cavett discusses how he masterfully showcased legendary magicians on TV, revealing behind-the-scenes secrets and unforgettable moments with icons like Slydini, Ricky Jay and Teller.

A Few Minutes With… Dick Cavett starts at 00:02:07

“I Love That” starts at 00:14:32

Chapter Twenty-Four (and the Epilog) of “The Miser’s Dream” starts at 00:22:32

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

A Few Minutes With Dick Cavett video: https://youtu.be/3A5PXj58mIE

Slydini on Dick Cavett (First Appearance): https://youtu.be/Ir-0j4YCHi8

Slydini on Dick Cavett (Second Appearance): https://youtu.be/J913AVe3adU

Dick Cavett Interview Part One: https://www.elimarksmysteries.com/eli-marks-podcast/episode-9-dick-cavett-interview-part-one-and-chapter-eight-of-the-ambitious-card

Dick Cavett Interview Part Two: https://www.elimarksmysteries.com/eli-marks-podcast/episode-110-dick-cavett-interview-part-two-and-chapter-nine-of-the-ambitious-card

Cellini #1: https://youtu.be/_c81rxaPfWg

Cellini #2: https://youtu.be/cR7sTDhNfwk

Jim’s I LOVE THAT: “Watership Down” Book: https://www.simonandschuster.net/books/Watership-Down/Richard-Adams/Scribner-Classics/9780684836058

John’s I LOVE THAT: “Shooting Columbo” Book: https://bonaventurepress.com/shooting-columbo/

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

Episode 423: Nick Mohammed (Coach Nate on “Ted Lasso”) talks about his love of magic … and then Chapter Twenty-Three of “The Miser’s Dream.”

December 9, 2024

On this episode of the podcast, Nick Mohammed shares his lifelong love for magic, the evolution of his comedic character Mr. Swallow, and the thrilling challenges of performing daring tricks on stage.

Nick Mohammed Interview starts at 00:03:26

“I Love That” starts at 01:01:51

Chapter Twenty-Three of “The Miser’s Dream” starts at 01:13:14

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

Nick Mohammed website: https://www.nickmohammedlive.com/

Nick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickmohammedy/

Mr. Swallow on Twitter: https://x.com/mrswallow

Nick and Son Do Magic: https://youtu.be/j9mK4htDQ3k

Mr. Swallow: https://youtu.be/Xvi8hJVzwyY

Jim’s I LOVE THAT: Rescuing Christmas: https://youtu.be/y86lLXVOjys

John’s I LOVE THAT: “Rehearsed To Death” Trailer: https://youtu.be/faVSox6KNfc

Buy “Rehearsed To Death”: https://books2read.com/b/mBvAKk

“A Christmas Carl” Trailer: https://youtu.be/EO7ZMiNTEKI

Buy “A Christmas Carl”: https://books2read.com/b/4AONdN

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

Episode 422: Chapter Twenty-Two of “The Miser’s Dream” and A Few Minutes With… Julie Eng.

November 25, 2024

Julie Eng recounts some key lessons she learned while working in her father’s magic store as a teenager … and then Chapter Twenty-Two of “The Miser’s Dream.”

A Few Minutes With… Julie Eng starts at 00:00:58

“I Love That” starts at 00:09:08

Chapter Twenty-Two of “The Miser’s Dream” starts at 00:26:27

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

Julie Eng website: https://www.magicienne.com/

A Few Minutes With Julie Eng video: https://youtu.be/CkFTgh3Hi7U

Rippercast Podcast: https://www.casebook.org/podcast/

“They All Laughed” Music Video: https://youtu.be/-Qpi8x-tdmo

“Renegades” Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42xagXCUDsFO6a0lcHoTlv

London Walks website: https://www.walks.com/

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

Episode 421: Harrison Greenbaum returns to break us up on a variety of topics … and then Chapter Twenty-One of “The Miser’s Dream.”

November 11, 2024

Harrison discusses blending Harvard smarts with MAD Magazine humor in his book 'You Are All Terrible' … plus his entertaining feud with Criss Angel.

Harrison Greenbaum Interview starts at 00:02:14

“I Love That” starts at 01:08:40

Chapter Twenty-One of “The Miser’s Dream” starts at 01:14:51

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

Harrison Greenbaum website: https://www.harrisongreenbaum.com/

“You Are All Terrible” Book: https://tinyurl.com/mw827wdt

AI Podcast Based on Show Notes: https://youtu.be/LAVMLRqf4Og

Saturday Night Live Set Change: https://youtu.be/04kop3CvE_s

“The Old Man” Trailer: https://youtu.be/xDu1Q9r6HDo

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

Episode 420: Chapter Twenty of “The Miser’s Dream” and A Few Minutes With… Derek Hughes and Nick Diffatte.

October 28, 2024

Some thoughts from Derek and Nick about comedy and magic … and then Chapter Twenty of “The Miser’s Dream.”

A Few Minutes With… Derek Hughes and Nick Diffatte starts at 00:02:07

“I Love That” starts at 00:13:27

Chapter Twenty of “The Miser’s Dream” starts at 00:22:44

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

Derek Hughes website: http://derekhughes.net/

Nick Diffatte website: https://www.diffatte.com/

A Few Minutes With Derek Hughes and Nick Diffatte video: https://youtu.be/zmnXHi31T1E

QI Website: https://www.qi.com/

Erik Larson Books: https://eriklarsonbooks.com/

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

Episode 419: Screams and laughs aplenty with magician Matt Dunn … and then Chapter Nineteen of “The Miser’s Dream.”

October 14, 2024

Magician Matt Dunn discusses his roots in magic and then explains how he puts that magical knowledge into scaring people silly in his dream project, Scream Town!

Matt Dunn Interview starts at 00:02:41

“I Love That” starts at 00:37:20

Chapter Nineteen of “The Miser’s Dream” starts at 00:42:17

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

Matt Dunn website: https://www.magicianmattdunn.com/

Matt Dunn House Tour Video: https://youtu.be/21zVdv8El3Y

Scream Town website: https://screamtown.com/

Jonathan Creek Fan Site: http://www.jonathancreek.net/

Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple: https://www.hbo.com/movies/stevie-van-zandt-disciple

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

Episode 418: Chapter Eighteen of “The Miser’s Dream” and A Few Minutes With… David Williamson.

September 23, 2024

Some profound thoughts from David Williamson about creating a character and creating clarity … and then Chapter Eighteen of “The Miser’s Dream.”

A Few Minutes With… Davide Williamson starts at 00:02:08

“I Love That” starts at 00:10:16

Chapter Eighteen of “The Miser’s Dream” starts at 00:24:19

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

David Williamson Website: https://davidwilliamson.com/about

Sleight School: https://www.sleight.school/

A Few Minutes With David Williamson video: https://youtu.be/2utEtjGhE-o

Full David Williamson Interview (#223): https://youtu.be/GoVh0L4Y7fs

Full David Williamson Interview (#311): https://youtu.be/B0h6mo9FLZo

“No Pay, Nudity” Trailer: https://youtu.be/qvA42nk0zh0

“No Pay, Nudity” Website: https://www.bayviewentertainment.com/no-pay-nudity

The Rewatchables Podcast: https://www.theringer.com/the-rewatchables

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

Episode 417: A plethora of topics with Jamy Ian Swiss … and then Chapter Seventeen of “The Miser’s Dream.”

September 9, 2024

Magician and author Jamy Ian Swiss stops by to talk about all kinds of subjects: Tannens, Thompson, Burger, Penn, Teller and his thoughts on anti-magicians.

Jamy Ian Swiss Interview starts at 00:03:30

“I Love That” starts at 01:05:16

Chapter Seventeen of “The Miser’s Dream” starts at 01:10:30

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

Jamy Ian Swiss website: https://jamyianswiss.com/

New Yorker article: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2008/03/17/magic-the-real-work

Magicana Take Two Series: https://www.magicana.com/blog-category/take-two

Cowboy Kent Rollins: https://www.youtube.com/@CowboyKentRollins

Insane Monkey Cartoon: https://condenaststore.com/featured/how-make-calm-down-edward-steed.html