top of page

Search
All Posts


The Biggest Lie in Magic (and Life)
“What’s the biggest lie you were ever told?” He replies, “It’s not that simple.” She looks at him and says, “Why not?” And he answers: “No… that’s the biggest lie ever told.” I used to believe it. “I can’t do that.” “You’re going to hurt yourself.” “You can’t be a full-time magician and have a family.” Then I stood in front of a 10-foot wall during a Spartan Race… …and climbed it. Not perfectly. Not on the first try. But I did it. Here’s the truth: Show up. Try. Fail. Try aga

Jonathan Molo
2 days ago1 min read


Magic With Purpose… or Profit?
I recently got a comment on one of my blogs that made me stop, think… and then immediately argue with myself in the shower like a true professional. The comment basically said: Magic is an art. And treating it like a commodity—with guarantees, pricing, and positioning—risks turning it into something… less magical. Like a used car lot with card tricks. And honestly? They’re not wrong. Magic is an art. It’s storytelling. It’s emotion. It’s that moment where a grown adult says,

Jonathan Molo
Apr 132 min read


Are You Confident Enough to Guarantee Your Magic? Here’s Why I Am!
Years ago, my friend and fellow magician, Michael Kaminskas, sneakily added a “100% Money-Back Guarantee” to my website—without me knowing! Imagine my surprise a few months later when I discovered I had been guaranteeing my magic shows, no questions asked! But here’s the plot twist: I kept it. Why? Because I realized how much I believed in the magic I bring—from close-up, strolling astonishment to full-scale stage wonder. Now, dear clients, rest easy: You’re covered. If you a

Jonathan Molo
Apr 61 min read


Why the Real Magic Happens Before You Ever Take the Stage: The Trust That Creates Core Memories.
This past week, my partner Jamie—who’s Executive Director of the California Manufactured Homes Institute—hosted an awards banquet honoring some long-standing, innovative business leaders. I wasn’t just inspired by who won—I was inspired by why they won. Their success stories were rooted in principles I live by in magic: relationships and trust. One award recipient said, “Business is about relationships.” Another stressed how success came from building trust and being willing

Jonathan Molo
Mar 311 min read


They Want the Magic… Not the Grind Behind It
You know the saying—people want what you have, but not how you got it. Well, here’s how I got it. At 10, I sat mesmerized as Copperfield vanished the Statue of Liberty. Magic became my obsession—but as an Army brat, it wasn’t easy. We moved constantly. No magic buddies, just library books and me practicing card tricks solo. I fell in and out of magic as I grew up—other hobbies, girls, life. Then, in 2000, I saw David Blaine’s street magic. It was raw and real. I grabbed Rober

Jonathan Molo
Mar 241 min read


Why Comedians Are Winning (and Magicians Are… Still Shuffling the Deck)
Let me start with a disclaimer: this is just my opinion. And it’s only part of the problem. But here it is. Comedians are blowing up right now. Magicians? Not so much. Why? Because comedians lead with their humanity. They walk on stage and immediately say something like: “Hey… I’m a mess. Let me tell you about my life.” And the audience instantly goes: “Oh good… me too.” Connection. Meanwhile, many magicians walk on stage like this: “Behold… I possess mysterious powers.” Cool

Jonathan Molo
Mar 162 min read


From Dreamer to Champion: Will I Retire a Legend at Tonight’s Magic Castle Showdown?
Tonight, I return to where one of my proudest dreams came true: the Magic Castle Strolling Showdown. Last year, I stood among 26 of the finest close-up magicians from across the country—Chicago, Vegas, California, New York—each bringing their A-game to every table. It was 90 minutes of magic, sweat, chaos, and unforgettable energy. I didn’t think I’d win. The competition was so fierce. But when Randy Pitchford called my name—by a margin of just one point—it wasn’t just a vict

Jonathan Molo
Mar 101 min read


Nice Guys Finish With 6 Figures
Why Being Kind Is Actually the Ultimate Competitive Advantage We all know the phrase, “nice guys finish last.” Around here, we respectfully disagree. At Molo Magic, we’ve built a six-figure business by doing something radical… We’re nice. And not just “sales voice” nice. Not “close the contract” nice. Like genuinely nice. The kindness is genuine and consistent. Even when no one is watching. Nice guys finish with new friends, a happy heart, and six figures. Connection Is the C

Jamie Perez
Mar 32 min read


“She Doesn’t Even Go Here.”— Mean Girls
Let’s just get that out of the way. Because when I walk into certain rooms, especially rooms filled with performers, that might be the quiet thought in the back of someone’s mind. Who is she? Is she a performer? Is she a booker? Is she an event planner? Why is she teaching this? Fair questions. Here’s the answer. I’ve been in this industry from more angles than most people realize. Since 2012, I’ve owned and operated my own event planning company. I don’t just plan events — I

Jamie Perez
Feb 242 min read


A Magician Walks Into The Comedy Store…
There are moments in this career that feel like little winks from God. Stepping onto the stage at The Comedy Store in La Jolla was one of them. If you know anything about comedy, you know The Comedy Store isn’t just a venue — it’s sacred ground. Founded in 1972 by Sammy Shore (and later stewarded by the legendary Mitzi Shore), the original Sunset Strip location became a proving ground for comics like Richard Pryor, Robin Williams, David Letterman, and Jay Leno — artists who

Jonathan Molo
Feb 193 min read


The Balloon Disaster They Never Noticed: My Funniest Magic Fail and Lesson Learned.
Once upon a backyard birthday—back when I was a fresh-faced “I guess I’m a professional now?” magician—I had a beautiful grand finale planned. The kind with meaning. I shared a heartfelt story about my three sons. Each one was represented by a piece of string, all tied to a balloon that had been patiently waiting off to the side, attached to one of my props. The idea was simple and sweet: family, legacy, and why I do magic in the first place. It was emotional. It was sincere

Jonathan Molo
Feb 102 min read


Magic Has Evolved. Has Your Magician?
Fellow magicians, clients, and magic lovers—this is your friendly PSA (with a top hat twist). You know what I hear after almost every show? It’s not “Wow, you pulled another bunny out of a hat!” No. It’s: “I’ve never seen a show like yours!” or “Finally, something different than just another card trick.” Now, don’t get me wrong—cards are fantastic (my deck and I are still on speaking terms), but if you show up at every table with the same old shuffle, the audience is mentally

Jonathan Molo
Feb 31 min read


The One Magic Trick That Doesn’t Need a Stage—And We All Need Right Now.
Dear Friends, In a world where divisions often take center stage—political, religious, social—it’s easy to forget the simple truth: kindness transcends all of it. This isn’t about politics, and it isn’t about religion. It’s about recognizing that, despite differing views, we share a common humanity. Our differences aren’t barriers; they’re the beautiful colors that make us whole. As an entertainer, I create moments of magic—but magic isn’t just a show. Magic is when we choose

Jonathan Molo
Jan 261 min read


Embracing Your Magic: A Lesson from the Kids at Camp Ronald McDonald
This past weekend, I had the joy of performing at Camp Ronald McDonald, and let me tell you—it was more than just a show. It was a reminder of something truly magical. I met over 80 incredible kids and the amazing camp staff who all brought such a genuine energy that it lit up the entire place. But here's the real magic: these kids inspired me by being completely, unapologetically themselves. They didn’t try to fit into any “cool kids club” mold. Each of them was wonderfully

Jonathan Molo
Jan 201 min read


The Real Magic Isn’t on Stage—It Turned 18 Today
Eighteen years ago today—January 12th, in Vancouver, Washington—my world quietly changed forever. That day, my son Sebastian (Sebby) entered my life and unknowingly became one of the three greatest reasons my world is filled with magic … and one of the biggest reasons I am who I am today. As a toddler, Sebby was pure joy. Always smiling. Always happy. The kind of kid who could light up a room without trying. And then there was that day. Sebby was about two years old, down f

Jonathan Molo
Jan 122 min read


Most Magic Shows Fail for One Simple Reason (And It’s Not the Tricks)
Look, I know what you’re thinking: “Another magician saying it’s about the audience? We’ve heard that before.” But hang tight, because this isn’t just a reminder—it’s a friendly challenge. We all know how easy it is for magic to turn into a one-man show. The magician becomes the superhero, the audience applauds, and everyone goes home impressed. But what if we flipped that script? What if the audience walked away feeling like they were part of the magic—not just watching it

Jonathan Molo
Jan 52 min read


Leap, Laugh, and Amaze: The Magical Adventures of 2025 and the Core Memories We’re Creating in 2026!
We have closed the curtain on 2025 and have officially stepped into the magic of 2026, I wanted to share a few standout moments that made this year truly special. Not just a highlight reel, but a reflection on what made the journey magical. 1. Taking the Leap Into Full-Time Magic This year, I took a giant leap and went full-time as a magician. It was a bit like jumping off a cliff and learning to fly on the way down—exhilarating and a little nerve-wracking, but absolutely wor

Jonathan Molo
Jan 12 min read


Three Shows Down, Eighteen to Go: My First Night in the Parlour at the World Famous Magic Castle
December has been an absolute whirlwind. In just one month, I performed 47 shows — everything from corporate holiday parties, Hanukkah celebrations, birthday parties, and intimate private events — all leading up to a moment I’ve been working toward for years: my debut week in the Parlour of Prestidigitation at the world-famous Magic Castle . Last night wasn’t just another show. It was a milestone. A Second Home, A New Peak I’ve been incredibly fortunate to call the Magic Ca

Jonathan Molo
Dec 23, 20252 min read


Most People Think Magic Is About Tricks. They’re Wrong.
Beyond tricks. Beyond surprises. It’s connection. Magic is more than just sleight of hand or illusions; it’s a powerful tool to spark genuine human connection. When I do strolling magic, especially for a group that’s known each other for years—like a married couple, best friends, or longtime coworkers—magic becomes a doorway to stories and shared memories. And that’s where the real magic lies. Imagine this: I ask a couple to tell a story about each other—something that made t

Jonathan Molo
Dec 15, 20252 min read


Confessions of a Lifelong Magic Lover
Magic has always found me. Long before I ever stepped foot into the Magic Castle, long before I met a man in a purple suit, magic lived in the smallest corners of my childhood. It showed up in a living room that smelled of cookies, in a lazy boy recliner, and in the laughter I shared with my grandfather. My First Magician My grandpa was my very first “magician.” He never owned a top hat or a deck of marked cards. He didn’t know sleights or misdirection…at least, not the kind
Jamie Perez
Dec 10, 20253 min read
bottom of page