980: Alan Bursky - Pulling No Punches

In 1973 Alan Bursky burst on the comedy scene in a big was when he was just 17 and being the youngest comedian to ever perform on Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show. He was also involved in booking entertainment in the early days of the Magic Island. But long before that when he was growing up in New York, he developed a friendship with David Kotke aka David Copperfield. Later while on the comedy circuit, he befriended Freddie Prinze who starred in “Chico and the Man” television series. He was a roommate with Freddie for a while. He also booked Steve Martin and Rodney Dangerfield, among many other notable comedians. Now he is preparing for going back out to sea doing comedy on cruise ships.

This week, Alan and Scott Wells chat in a room at the Magic Hotel in Hollywood, next to the Magic Castle. Throughout our chat, Alan kept looking/scrolling through his phone as he looked for old photos to back up many of the stories he shares in this episode (which are posted here on the website.) Among the stories, he tells us about attending Hugh Hefner’s parties in the Playboy mansion, he also shares some inside stories from the Magic Castle and gives us a personal glimpse of David Copperfield’s personal life.

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979: Just Alan - Finding Real Magic

Just Alan owned a magic shop near Woodstock, New York, for over 40 years. During that time he worked on his Zen archery, meditation, and relaxation. His search for real magic in his early years took him to India where he followed his heart and the stars as he was led to understand what is important in life. Also during the past several years, he studied with Jeff McBride, he entered magic contests, and he recently wrote a book, “Just Alan Not Just Magic.”

In our conversation this week, Just Alan, talks about how he came to open a magic shop and why it was located in upstate New York. He also talks about developing his relationship with Jeff McBride and Eugene Burger. He continues by telling the inspiration behind his “Three Treasures” presentation of Professor’s Nightmare. Towards the end of our conversation, Just Alan shares how he traveled to India and found real magic.