In this episode of the Theory & Thoughts for Magicians podcast Ryan takes a critical look at the prominence of self-working tricks in magic.

Some magicians keep their distance from the magic community because of bad advice. Be it unwelcome, unwarranted, or unfounded. In this episode Ryan looks at the wisdom of advice, how it comes to be, and how it gets passed along.

Through every moment of a routine your audience's interest is rising and falling. If it drains away, you're in trouble. Are you maintaining interest, attention, and creating a desire to see what happens next?

Max Maven was a giant in magic, whose long shadow kept many in line. So, where does that leave us now?

In this episode Ryan Pilling takes a look at both sides, and asks why any particular trick does or does not become immortalized as a classic of magic, including one curious trick which was once a regular feature, now lost to history.

A look at your personal style as a performer, as defined by your strengths, weakness, and limitations. Magicians generally tend to be all happy-go-lucky razzle-dazzle, but being yourself means bringing both the best and worst of yourself to the stage.

The success of your magic show hinges upon your audience being ready to receive it. I have a four phase process I use to develop a relationship with my audience, maintain a positive mood, and roll out the red carpet for a magical evening.

Magicians strive to control every detail of a performance, yet the more you control, the weaker the magic becomes. What happens when you let more chaos into your presentations? How can you make your process feel more random?

Does your performaing character believe in magic? What is the source of thier magic power? This viewpoint shapes the way they do everything.

In this inaugural podcast episode Ryan introduces a foundational belief in what it takes to become a unique, artistic magician. Why it's important to choose your own adventure in the magic world. The missing ingredient to the common advice; "be yourself."