
The Professional Magician
Do you want to be a professional magician? Since 2003, full-time magician, hypnotist, and author Cris Johnson has traveled North America coast to coast performing 400+ shows a year. This podcast features business-building tips so that you can book more shows at professional fees. Cris will give you an insider’s perspective of different markets including elementary, middle, and high schools, colleges, corporate banquets, libraries, private parties, trade shows, fundraising shows, and more so that you know what works and what doesn’t. You’ll discover how to make sure your magic fits different performing conditions so that your clients love you and recommend your show to other decision makers. Cris will also delve deep into marketing your shows using 21st century digital marketing, including website advice, search engine optimization, email marketing, content marketing, blogging, social media, Google Ads, and much more. He shares his marketing expertise so that you can get your website ranked higher in Google searches and your name noticed by more potential clients. The Professional Magician podcast is a mix of performing advice, marketing tips , magic trick reviews, interviews with other professional magicians, rants, and lessons learned from nearly 10,000 paid performances. Whether you want to make performing a full-time career or just book a few gigs for fun, The Professional Magician podcast will help you get there. Hit subscribe and discover ways to make your performing career soar!
Episodes
139 episodes
The Final Episode: How Magic Has Changed in 20 Years
#139 - This is it, the final episode! I'm joined by my friend Rodney as we discuss how much magic (and marketing for shows) has changed in 20 years.By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you grow your magic busines...
•
1:35:08

Erik Dobell: Theater Shows
Erik Dobell is doing what many performers dream of doing - running his own theater show. Join me as I dig in with Erik to find out the ups and downs of a theater show.This week's Trick Talk is on
•
Episode 138
•
1:15:55

Jon Stetson: Connecting With Audiences
#137 - Jon Stetson is a true legend in the field of mentalism! Join me as Jon and I talk about connecting with audiences. Also, this episodes contains a very special announcement I've been teasing for a while.This week's Trick Talk is o...
•
Episode 137
•
1:27:16

Brian Cassady Thinks Deeply About Magic
#136 - Brian "Cosmo" Cassady returns! Response to his first appearance was amazing. Brian is deeply philosophical about his magic and what he wants to accomplish. He's also insanely successful. And the best part? He's only been a full time pro ...
•
Episode 136
•
1:07:52

7 Ways to Avoid Burnout or Boredom
#135 - Tired of performing the same show or tricks over and over? Tired of the grind of life on the road? These simple seven tips may hep you avoid boredom and prevent burnout.This week's Trick Talk features
•
Episode 135
•
42:32

John Abrams on School Assemblies
#134 - Want to get into school assemblies? This interview with John Abrams is packed with amazing information about marketing, constructing your show, and living the life of a school assembly performer. You'll learn a LOT in this episode!
•
Episode 134
•
1:26:33

Joseph Daniels: Acting & Magic
#133 - It's often said an actor playing a magician would make a better magician. That's so true with my guest this week, Joseph Daniels. With acting experience and decades of performing under his belt, he's sensational at bringing the MAGIC int...
•
Episode 133
•
1:10:59

9 Steps to Create a New Show
#132 - Want to create a new show? Crafting a new show the right way is more than just tossing a bunch of your favorite effects into a case and running off to the show. There are several things to remember to make your new show the best it can b...
•
37:09

8 Steps to Magic Mastery
#131 - Want to know how to become so great at magic that your performances appear effortless? That's the topic in this week's episode of the Professional Magician podcast.This week's Trick Talk looks at Michael Ross' Hydrostatic Glass d...
•
35:32

John Reid: Communication Skills in Business
#130 - John Reid is one busy guy! John performs shows, runs several businesses, and sets world records (seriously!). Find out some of John's keys to success in this fun and insightful look into a busy professional's life.Visit cresey.co...
•
Episode 130
•
1:00:37

Scott Humston: Create Your Own Parlor Show
#129 - Ever wanted to create your own public parlor show? My guest this week, Scott Humston, offers an entire training devoted to this very topic. If you've ever wanted to host an ongoing show in one location, now is your opportunity to learn a...
•
1:04:44

Magicians on Mission: Saving Lives
#128 - What if magic could save lives? It CAN and it's happening now. Join me as I interview Fool Us Winner Chris Rose and other members of the Magicians on Mission cause to help our United States overseas troops. It's amazing and inspiring.
•
Episode 128
•
1:27:42

Phil Ackerly: Passion, Connection, Personalization
#127 - WOW. That's the reaction I had after my interview Phil Ackerly. He's funny, creative, and a deep thinker about his magic. He's also big on personalization. You'll be amazed and delighted with everything Phil shares in this 60-minute+ int...
•
Episode 127
•
1:21:33

Fostering Show Health
#126 - After a three-week absence, the Professional Podcast is back! In this episode, I examine the keys to fostering 'Show Health,' that wonderful "in case of emergency break glass" ability most professional performers need to use at one point...
•
Episode 126
•
41:45

Bill Abbott Part 2: Scripting & Editing
#125 - In this second part of my interview with Bill Abbott, we touch on a number of topics, including scripting and editing your act. Bill is highly effective at tweaking and adjusting his act based on how his audiences respond. We also talk a...
•
Episode 125
•
51:16

Bill Abbott Part 1: Theater Show Logistics
#124 - Do you know about Bill Abbott? If not, you should! Bill's routines and effects are real-world tested, easy to do, and very entertaining. In part one of my interview with Bill, we delve mostly into his experience starting his own theater ...
•
Episode 124
•
1:03:21

Types of Volunteers
#123 - What kind of volunteers can you expect for your shows? Depending on the market you work, the personalities and behaviors of volunteers can vary greatly. Understanding what you are in for each time you invite someone onstage with you is k...
•
44:44

John Ferrentino: A Career in Comedy
#122 - Do you enjoy comedy magic? If so, John Ferentino is definitely someone to listen to. Often called the 'Godfather of Comedy Magic,' John's career spans decades and took him across the world. This interview is filled with wild stories, fun...
•
1:17:12

Understanding Client Personalities
#121 - When you book your shows, you'll likely run into a variety of personalities. Understanding who these folks are and how they may act is key to having a successful show. In this episode, I cover some of the titles of people who may book yo...
•
42:49

Jim Kleefeld: Noise is Not Appreciation
#120 - If you are a kids performer, do you get nervous when the show organizer tells you they are going to let the kids run around to burn off energy? If so, this episode will reveal why. Jim Kleefeld also discusses why performers who just focu...
•
Episode 120
•
1:08:30

My Close-Up Sets Revealed
#119 - And now for something different! I'm getting back into close-up magic soon. I thought it might be fun to talk about my close-up sets, why I structure them the way I do, why I dropped certain effects, and more. Plus along the way you'll h...
•
43:13

Making Magic with Words
#118 - How do you describe your magic to prospects on the phone? How do you describe your show on your website? After viewing over 200 magicians' websites, I've found the vast majority to be missing out on a great opportunity. Join me as I reve...
•
Episode 118
•
38:07

Jeff McBride on Mystery School
#117 - This week's episode features my interview with the legend JEFF MCBRIDE.(What more do I need to say?)Check out MYSTERY SCHOOLThis week's Trick Talk is
•
41:21
