We continue with another unusual story on how someone became a magician. Ryan Loyle hit rock bottom and saw no hope of getting out of it. The a bit of magical fate entered his life. Listen to this tale of hope and inspiration as host Bruce Kalver tells the tale. To learn more about The Society of American Magicians, go to www.magicSAM.com Ryan Loyle's YouTube channel is: Loyle Magic  

All magicians have a story on how they became a magician. We found someone who has an unusual story that will show you that the art of magic is truly magical. Vee Sovann tells how magic turned his life around in a very dramatic way.  To learn more about the Society of American Magicians, go to www.magicsam.com    

This episode discusses the new magic trivia book Magic Babylon with it's author Joe Hernandez. You can find the book on Amazon.com Be sure to also check out the new S.A.M. history book at magicsam.com/historybook. To learn more about The Society of American Magicians, go to www.magicsam.com  

They thought they had a sure thing with a Halloween show that would bring in hundreds of people. They soon found out that luck was not on their side. Listen to a funny tale of a time when things didn't turn out the way they expected. Guest Joe Givan of Theater of Dreams in Castle Rock Colorado tells the Story You can learn more about Theater of Dreams at www.amazingshows.com Hosted by Bruce Kalver, Backstage S.A.M. is a production of The Society of American Magicians. To learn more about The Society of American Magicians. please visit www.magicSAM.com

Editor David Charvet discusses the new book Magic in America: The Story of the Society of American Magicians written by David Goodsell. Get the behind the scenes story of the making of this monumental publication. You can learn more about the book and how to order at www.magicsam.com/historybook Hosted by Bruce Kalver, Backstage S.A.M. is a production of The Society of American Magicians. To learn more about The Society of American Magicians. please visit www.magicSAM.com

Children's book author Amy Kimlat discusses her new book Hocus Pocus Practice Focus - The Making of a Magician. The book is available on www.amykimlat.com   To learn about The Society of American Magicians, go to: www.magicsam.com Write to us at [email protected]

The Expert at the Card Table is defined by many as the definitive book on sleight of hand card magic. On this episode, Director Hans Joachim Brucherseifer discuses his film The Expert at the Card Table - Looking for Erdnase and the mystery surrounding who the author truly was. Watch the film at www.erdnase-movie.com Please subscribe and be sure to check out the Society of American Magicians website at www.magicsam.com.

Ian Keable loves to do research. His latest book details 10 great hoaxes of the 18th century including a woman who gave birth to rabbits, ghosts who threw things around the house, and a man who proclaimed to be able to jump inside a pint bottle.   Host Bruce Kalver discusses his latest book A Century of Deception available at www.centuryofdeception.com.   Join the S.A.M. and support all our efforts, including this podcast, at www.magicsam.com.    Have an idea for a story to share? Let us know at [email protected].

Henry Brown was a slave in the 1850's who thought of a very novel and magical way to disappear. Magician Rory Rennick has done extensive research on this amazing piece of history. Backstage S.A.M. is hosted by Bruce Kalver and presented thanks to a grant from The Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment Fund. Support the podcast by joining the S.A.M. at www.magicsam.com. Have an idea for a podcast episode? Please let us know at [email protected].

Illusionist Lyn Dillies has done some large scale illusions but nothing as big as this. Lyn talks about the times she got to work with Elephants. There's a donkey thrown in for good luck.  Watch the illusions at www.magicoflyn.com. Backstage S.A.M. is hosted by Bruce Kalver and presented thanks to a grant from The Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment Fund. Support the podcast by joining the S.A.M. at www.magicsam.com. Have an idea for a podcast episode? Please let us know at [email protected].