870: Mysterious Maks - Ukrainian Phenomenon

Mysterious Maks is from Ukraine but currently resides in New York City, New York. He was a finalist in “Uri Geller’s Next Phenomenon” television show in the Ukraine. As a result of his notoriety on that show and others where he was featured that led him to be quite well-known and in demand among the Russian politico and the oligarchy. He also ran a successful brick-and-mortar magic shop in Kiev, Ukraine. All was looking bright for his future, but then, fate intervened. He traveled to the U.S. on holiday and the week after he landed, Russia declared war on the Ukraine. He is now stuck here and unable to return home and is only able to talk on the phone with his mother and family as he hears about the death and destruction going on in the background.

This week, Mysterious Maks tells us about his journey to become a mentalist leading to his television experience and exposure where he met Uri Geller and how he got on the Next Phenomenon show. He also tells us about the kind of magic that is performed in Ukraine and finally, he tells us his story about how he got “stuck” in the U.S. and how he found a supportive group of friendly magicians in New York City who have helped him get by and encouraged him to continue with his dreams.

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869: TRICS 2024 - Day Three

Saturday November 9, 2024

Event Time

John Graham 11:00 – 12: 00

Rocco 12:30 – 1:30

Lunch 1:30 – 3:00
Rubi 3:00 – 4:00
Shoot 5:00 – 6:00
Dinner 6:00 – 8:15
Saturday Show 8:15 – 10:15

Time stamps for this episode:

00:00:17 – Day Three kicks off with Mark Pocan who talks about this being his first TRICS convention and was inspired to come when he learned the Bernardo Sedlacek and Rubi were going to be here.

00:09:36 – Rhett Bryson, theater teacher for Farnum University, talks about his collection of automata and he also hosts the Whispering Imps website.

00:14:52 – Jeff Lefton is at this convention after being inspired by last year’s TRICS convention report and came to see John Graham after having read his book, “Stage by Stage.” But he arrived early to see Kerry Pollock at his club in Hilton Head. He also talked about setting up an activity venue for children to come and have their birthday parties.

00:21:02 – Terry Ward, from Orlando, was one of the lectures/performers from a previous year.and tells us which acts he has enjoyed at this convention.

00:26:57 = Bernardo Sedlacek is one of this year’s lecturers/performers who also offered a workshop to registrants. He talks about working shows in Spain, even though he is from Brazil.

00:32:45 – Boris Wild is another registrant who was also a lecturer/performer but is now just enjoying this event as a registrant and not having todo anything.

00:43:00 – David Parr and Tery Tyson were presenters at the “Insights” session yesterday. In this quick chat, they provide a summary of their talks. Bernardo Sedlack chimes in towards the end, too.

00:51:28 – Tiffany Allen is married to Boris Wild and now travels back and forth between the U.S. and France. She is the only female member of the Sleight Club, which is the group who is sponsoring this event.

01:03:57 – Organizer Scott Robinson provides a little “post mortem” on the convention as we talk about all the things that went on in this convention.

868: TRICS 2024 - Days One and Two

Thursday November 7, 2024

Event Time

Ed Ellis 6:00 pm – 7:00pm
Newcomer 8:00pm – 8:45pm
David Parr 9:30pm – 10:00pm

Friday November 8, 2024

Event Time

Paul Gertner 11:00 – 12:00
Bernardo 1:00 – 2;00
Lunch 2:00 – 3:30
Pipo 3:30 – 4:30
Insights 5:00 – 6:30
Dinner 6:30 – 8:00
Friday Night Show 8:00 – 9:30
Pizza Party 10:00 Until

Time stamps for this episode:

00:00:17 – Join Scott Wells at Starbucks in the Austin, Texas, airport as we prepare to jump on our “magic carpet” to Charlotte, North Carolina, for TRICS Convention.

00;04:57 – Before the first event (Ed Ellis lecture) we visit the dealers’ room where we chat with Roy Kueppers who is showing his wares for the first time. Roy also talks about his brand being stolen and the importance of owning a trademark for your name and why you should consider doing it if you want to own your own brand.

00:11:30 – Rocco talks about joining Franz Harary with his new show in Hong Kong that will be similar to his show in Macau.

00:15:53 – Organizer, Scott Robinso, tells us what to expect this weekend and how it differs from previous years. This year he went international and contest winners (i.e. FISM, IBM, SAM winners, Penn & Teller Foolers, etc.) He tells us there are 160 registrants plus performers here this year.

00:23:06 – a word from our sponsor, the New York Magic Conference, coming up on Saturday November 16th in Douglaston, NY.

00:26:40 – Mike Dunagan, International President of the I.B.M., talks about the conventions he’s attended as president. He talks about next year’s I.B.M. convention being in Houston, Texas, featuring Randy and Kristy Pitchford as the Guests of Honor.

00:35:21 – Following Paull Gertner’s lecture, we chat with Michael Bloemeke who just qualified at MAGIC Texas to compete in FISM Italy in 2025.

00:44:18 – Geoff Williams was another lecturer/performer from a previous year. We do a quick overview recapping what went on today.