Free lesson on cold reading by Derren Brown

Here's a discussion of cold reading I'm sure you'll enjoy... just promise you won't cross over onto the dark side...

Part 1



Part 2



Part 3



Part 4



Part 5



Part 6

Tarantula by Yigal Mesika

I had a chance to interview Yigal Mesika about Tarantula this morning. Yigal answers some questions I've had from Penguin customers and tells the story of how he created Tarantula. Here's the link:

Listen in as Maxwell Murphy interviews Yigal Mesika about Tarantula!

Bro Gilbert Talks About True Astonishment

I recently did an interview with True Astonishment producer Bro Gilbert (Mind Freak) about his experiences working on such a monumental project and on working with Paul Harris.

Maxwell and I discuss Tarantula

This interview is very serious, with extremely thought-provoking questions. Seriously.

Joshua Quinn Mardi Gras

If you're in New Orleans this weekend, be sure to check out Joshua Quinn playing piano at various locations for the crazy Mardi Gras week coming to a big finish this Tuesday!

Here's a picture of Joshua bringing down the House of Blues!

Maxwell's Favorite Tricks

Here's another clip from my visit to the Penguin Magic warehouse. It's always so much fun to drop in.. This is a clip of me grilling Maxwell interrogation style. ;)

Maxwell "Customer Service" Murphy

I visited the Penguin warehouse yesterday and had my flip video recorder. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to get a clip of Maxwell Murphy taking a customer service phone call. This guy knows how to take care of a customer!

From our inbox:

Thanks for providing so much rare knowledge and educational materials. I have a 4 year degree in psychology and the knowledge that I've learned through Penguin Magic blows it out of the water, and for a fraction of the price. Let me tell you, magic school is the best school ever. The fun meter is off the charts! -- Nathan Blackman

Making It Happen in 2009

Hey Everyone!

It's a brand new year and we're well into February already. Even though it may seem that time is flying by, and we're running around at a million miles a minute, let's take the time to sit back and look at 2008. Was it fun? Did you're team go to the Super Bowl? or World Cup? Did you book a ton of magic shows? Sure, the world is going through a lot of changes, the economy could be better, right? But what about you? Are YOU doing great? Did you do everything that you wanted to do? Are you where you want to be?

Chances are, you have a true desire to make 2009 the most exciting and fulfilling year ever. Hey, we have something in common! Starting right now, have a "do whatever it takes" attitude, and take action toward making the life that you want for yourself and your magic.

Things to think about:

Is there a Magic Trick, Routine, or Sleight that you've been intending to learn and master?

Have you been thinking about auditioning for a showcase, talent show, or The Magic Castle?

Do you need to finally put that show together? The one that you've been thinking about all year?

Are you feeling that you need a jumpstart because your magic seems to be dying on you?

2009 is a brand new year, and there is always room for NEVER ENDING IMPROVEMENT. So what are you waiting for? Let's go! Get involved in your love for magic and make it happen! You were Born to Perform.

Things to Do:

Take immediate action right this very minute!

Is there someone that you need to call to speak with, call, or email? Do that now!

Start writing down all of the effects that you want in your show, then start practicing them!

Set up a video camera to film your practices and fix your bad spots, flashes, and hang-ups!

Write down your patter, make major improvements, then record your voice! This is a great way to create and master original patter that works for you!

Can you start on a new sales letter, or marketing campaign for 2009?

Need a new website, or business card for your magic company?

Is there a School, Church, or Childrens Hospital in the area that could use a free show?

Is there someone in the room that you can start performing for right now!



One of the greatest peices of advice I ever received was this: No matter how daunting the goal may be, take MASSIVE action right now. Right this very second! Get up and do whatever it takes. Even if it means simply writing something down or calling someone.

Massive Action = Massive Results

Why? Because once you get moving, it's hard to stop. Especially if you're truly passionate about what you do.

No matter what it is that you decide to do today, I want you to succeed, and have fun performing magic.

May 2009 be everything that you dream of!

Peace, Love, and Magic,

Noblezada

From our inbox!

Dear Penguin Magic:

I just wanted to let you know that Jay Noblezada's Two Dollar Window has become one of the strongest walk-around pieces I perform. I've performed Mismade Bill, Robert Neale's Bunny Bill, Larry West's Bill Counting Trick and other paper money tricks for years, and they all produce great reactions, but TDW is a guaranteed mind-blower. The effect on spectators is immediate -- the classic eyes-go-wide and jaw-dropping we all live for. A woman the other day just sat there and said, "Oh. My. God." Very gratifying. Thank you -- and thanks to Jay Noblezada. Now I need to work on my muscle pass.

Rob Kinslow

Sudbury, Mass.

Thanks for the great email, Rob. Two Dollar Window is available on its own as an Instant Download. It's also one of the featured routines taught in our much-loved MONEY DVD (which I'm partial to since I was the camera man and my snowboarding helmet was the helmet-cam).