Bonus Episode - Jim Steinmeyer (Full Interview)

In our latest piece of bonus content, showrunner Pete Musto sits down with celebrated stage illusion designer Jim Steinmeyer to discuss performance magic versus charlatanism, the nature of deceit and the power of Harry Houdini's presence.

The London Telegraph called Jim Steinmeyer “Broadway’s greatest stage illusionist,” and he’s served as a magic consultant for such legendary acts as Siegfried and Roy, Lance Burton, Orson Welles, Harry Blackstone, The Pendragons, Simon Drake, Ricky Jay, and David Copperfield, for whom he designed the famous “Vanishing Statue of Liberty” illusion in 1983. He’s written numerous books about magic and magicians, including “Hiding the Elephant,” “The Glorious Deception,” “The Last Greatest Magician in the World,” and “The Secret History of Magic.” He gives frequent talks and has appeared in documentaries and numerous television shows on the history and techniques of magic. And from 2018 to 2020, Jim served as President of the Academy of Magical Arts, the club at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, and served on the Board of Directors for seven years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices