Jonathan Molo

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 victory. It was a...

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 helped shape...

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. It was working....