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Want to make your show better? Great. Before you buy another trick, another prop, or another shiny thing you’ll convince yourself you need (we’ve all been there), start here. Our philosophy has never been about doing magic to people. It’s about creating moments with people. Magic is simply the tool. Connection is the real miracle. 1. Make It Experiential Don’t turn your audience into spectators. Turn them into co-conspirators. The best shows aren’t the ones where people sit q

One of my favorite things about magic is watching it get passed from one generation to the next. It's easy to think of magic as something you learn from books or YouTube videos, but so much of it is learned by spending time with other magicians—sharing ideas, practicing together, and getting excited over a new trick. That's exactly what I saw when I met seven-year-old Benny, better known as The Golden Magician. Like a lot of kids, Benny can be a little quiet when you first me

So, a magician told me there’s a shiny new program claiming to automate success. Tempting? Sure. But let’s drop the illusions—there’s no magic dust. If you want real results, here are three moves you can make today—just part of the puzzle, but powerful. First: Build your digital stage. A Google Business profile stocked with reviews is your proof. Their voices turn “maybe” into “yes!” Second: Forget transactions, build friendships. Your strongest marketing is a client-turned-a

There are some shows you remember because of the tricks, and then there are shows you remember because of the people. Our evening at The Falconer in Redlands was one of those nights. The room was completely sold out. The drinks were flowing, conversations filled every corner of the restaurant, and before Jonathan even performed a single illusion, you could tell it was going to be something special. One of my favorite things about close-up magic is watching complete strangers

A young student once asked me, “Did you ever want to give up?” My answer: many times. Early on, I woke up with anxiety, unsure if I could pay the bills. But what I’ve learned is this: failure is not the opposite of success—it’s the foundation. Without failure, there’s no growth, no lessons, no progress. I’ve come to embrace it because each stumble taught me how to stand taller. Success isn’t about never failing; it’s about never giving up. So take the next step, trust the pro

I hear it all the time: “I can’t.” “I don’t like that.” “I’m not comfortable with it.” Whether it’s about learning a new skill, trying something unfamiliar, or just pushing ourselves, we all come up with reasons. But the truth is, the only real limitation is the one we place on ourselves. I get it—familiar territory feels safe. But life, like magic, thrives when we embrace discomfort. When I fail, I don’t stop at “That’s why I don’t do this.” I ask, “How can I grow from this?

Last Friday, before our late show at the Ice House, Jamie and I met a gentleman in his 90s carrying groceries. What caught our attention wasn’t the bags. It was the fact that he had walked nearly half a mile from the grocery store to get them. I had to head inside to prepare for the show, but Jamie immediately offered to help. Together, they walked two blocks to his apartment, carrying his groceries and sharing conversation along the way. When she came back, she was emotional

I am not the magician. I don’t stand on stage. I don’t vanish coins. I don’t have a rabbit (although, we might consider that… Honey!). At Molo Magic, I’m the stagehand, the co-producer, the co-writer, the logistics coordinator, the Uber driver, the content creator, the prop security team, and often the person asking: “What if we tried it this way?” In other words, I’m involved in almost everything except the actual performance. Because of that, I get a unique perspective. I s

Last week, we celebrated my son Sebastian graduating high school with a trip to New York. Somewhere between debating pizza vs. bagels, we ended up talking about AI. Sebastian is a musician, and for him, creativity is sacred — no robots allowed. Honestly? I get it. In magic, we’re seeing a very similar debate happening right now. AI is everywhere. From “instant promo flyers” to questionable face-swaps that look like… well… AI. Some people call it “AI slop.” Others see it as th

I was ten years old when I watched a magician vanish the Statue of Liberty on TV. As a shy Filipino kid, that moment cracked something open in me. I started with simple card tricks, but what I was really learning was confidence, connection, and the feeling that wonder is something you can share. Today, I still chase that feeling, but from the other side. I see kids discovering magic on YouTube and TV, and I recognize that spark. It reminded me: I want to be someone’s reason.

There’s something every entertainer notices almost immediately when they walk on stage: The energy of the room. You can feel it within seconds. You know when an audience is leaning in, ready to laugh, clap and play along. And you know when a room is just sitting there…emotionless…without excitement…or wonderment…crickets. Here’s the thing though… Being a great audience member has absolutely nothing to do with being fooled. Most magicians watching another magician already

This week, I have the honor of stepping onto the stage at the legendary Peller Theatre inside the world-famous Magic Castle from May 4th through the 10th. For those unfamiliar, the Magic Castle isn’t just any venue—it’s a historic private clubhouse for the Academy of Magical Arts, nestled in Hollywood. Since its 1963 opening, it’s been the beating heart of magic, where members and guests witness world-class performances in an intimate, enchanting environment. It’s a place whe

There was a time when a standing ovation meant something, it held weight. It wasn’t automatic or expected…it was earned! Audiences didn’t rise to their feet because the lights came up or because the person next to them stood first. They stood because something had just happened—something amazing. A performance that moved them, surprised them, or left them momentarily speechless. Today, standing ovations are everywhere. And because of that, they’re quietly disappearing. What a

“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

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,

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

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

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

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

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