151: Eric Roumestan - Second Life

He was legally dead for 30 minutes, but magic saved his life. Some can say that magic has changed their lives, but French National Magic Champion, Eric Roumestan, can say that after a deadly tragedy and losing his memory, it was magic that brought back his lifetime of memories.

Eric has lots of advice on his performing style plus information about the Coin-vention (now called "European Coin/Close-Up Magic Symposium""). He is world renown for his coin work though he makes his living on the streets and in the Boardroom. How can one transition from one to the other and how did a fire fighter choose this line of work? All this and much more is in this podcast.

Eric Roumestan talks about his philosophy on street magic as well as his perception on how the brain works as it relates to magic. He also relates a personal story of how he "died" through electrocution, lost his memory then came "back to life" with the aid of magic.

01:01:49 - Enjoy a short visit with another legendary French street magician, "Bebel"

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Magic & Martinis' Thursday

096: 2013 F.F.F.F. Day Four

The 43rd Annual Fechter's Finger Flicking Frolic is now history and what a year it was. Everyone I talked with seemed to agree that this year was filled with excitement, mystery, energy and creativity unlike some past conventions. It was in no small measure attributable to our Guest of Honor, Steve Bargatze. In this final podcast from Batavia (just outside Buffalo, New York) we start with a nice chat with Stephen who talks about his work in Las Vegas substituting for Mac King plus his family including his professional comedian son, Nate.

00:29:15 - Chris Hannibal talked about his restaurant/bar work and how he turns it into corporate work. He also gave us his viewpoint of the convention as a participant this year rather than having to prepare for being on one of the scheduled performances.

00:38:45 - Enjoy a cigar and a glass of scotch with Jason Juliano and Roland Meister as they gave a rundown of what impressed them at this year's convention.

00:52:00 - Ali Shelley and Katalina Absolon gave us a view of magic from the distaff side with tips and encouragement for your women who want to go into magic.

01:04:45 - More insight from the perspectives of long time attendees George Silverman, Donald Voltz and Steven Duperre.

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Obie O'Brien presents the official award to Stephen Bargatze as the 2013 Guest of Honor.

The final night show always reads like a "Who's Who" of magic. Tonight was no different. The photos below features (in order) those who entertained us for three hours of magic, mystery and mayhem: Michael Dardant (from the U.S.A.) assisted by Ed Ripley, Bebel (from France), Red Tsai (from Taiwan), David Stone (from France), Willy Monroe (from Spain), William Watt (from France), Angel San Martin (from Spain), Shawn Farquhar (from Canada), Dani DaOrtiz (from Spain), Paul Gertner (from the U.S.A.), Woody Aragon (from Spain), and Rick Merrill (from the U.S.A.) assisted by Geoff Williams.

053: David Stone - Trust Yourself

David Stone joined me for a chat about life, magic and movies. Enjoy this emotional roller coaster ride from his performances in the restaurants of St. Topez to being the Guest of Honor at the 2012 F.F.F.F. (Fechter's Finger Flicking Frolic). David exposed his soul in this in-depth interview as we enjoyed a few glasses of Dalmore Scotch late into the wee hours of the morning in Houston. He talked about his notoriety in France and Asia, how he got there plus an insightful look at his mentors, friends and inspirational role models. David gave this interview near the end of his triumphant 20+ city lecture tour of the U.S. and just before his return to France. Aside from being a wonderful magician, he is an inspiration, a gentleman, and quite charismatic. Warning: some language is R rated.