Jon Coghill & Tim Reid
Imagine being a magician for 20 years and still getting annoyed at people who reveal tricks online. Meet this frustrated magician on holiday in Surfers Paradise – self-taught, kids’ show legend, and dead against the “wank factor”. His chat on the real magician life is funny, honest, and surprisingly passionate. Hit play – you’ll love every second.
Ready for some stranger stories? Personal stories of love, resilience & daring unfold in this loveable podcast, as story-collectors Tim Reid & Jon Coghill wander the streets of Australia (and sometimes a little further), microphone in hand, chatting to strangers.
It’s conversations… with everyday people.
Episode Summary
Meeting the Frustrated Magician in Surfers
Jon spots a laid-back guy soaking up Surfers Paradise vibes. He’s from Sydney on a two-week break. Turns out he’s been a full-time magician for 20 years – mostly kids’ parties. Never planned it; just happened.
How a Frustrated Magician Started
Self-taught. No magic school, no exams. Started because he loved giving kids “moments of magic”. Favourite trick? The colouring book – blank pages, then pictures, then coloured pictures. Simple, but it still floors adults too.
The Trick That Never Gets Old
He lights up talking about the colouring book. “No pictures → pictures → coloured pictures.” That’s it. Kids scream, parents gasp. A frustrated magician who knows real magic is about the reaction, not the method.
Why He’s Frustrated: Revealers Ruin Everything
He has zero time for people who expose tricks online. “They shouldn’t have a leg up in this industry.” Once the secret’s out, the moment is gone forever. Competitive magic exists (FISM world champs), but he stays in kids’ shows – less ego, more joy.
Mistakes Happen – Kids Forgive, Adults Don’t
One gig he fluffed a new trick hard. Covered it, fixed it later. Kids don’t care; they just want fun. Adults judge. A frustrated magician still waves at every wave from the crowd – “doesn’t hurt anybody”.
Living the Magician Life on Holiday
Busier in school holidays, quieter now. Loves the freedom. A frustrated magician who wouldn’t swap it – real magic is giving people moments that stick forever.
Time-Coded Chapters
00:00 – Intro and meeting the magician in Surfers
00:47 – 20 years as a kids’ magician – accidental career
01:40 – How to become a magician: self-taught, no exams
02:19 – Favourite trick: the colouring book that blows minds
03:31 – Why revealers ruin magic – “they shouldn’t have a leg up”
05:32 – Competitive magic (FISM) vs kids’ shows
06:29 – Mistakes on stage & covering them
07:26 – Waving at every kid – “doesn’t hurt anybody” – farewell
00:47 – 20 years as a kids’ magician – accidental career
01:40 – How to become a magician: self-taught, no exams
02:19 – Favourite trick: the colouring book that blows minds
03:31 – Why revealers ruin magic – “they shouldn’t have a leg up”
05:32 – Competitive magic (FISM) vs kids’ shows
06:29 – Mistakes on stage & covering them
07:26 – Waving at every kid – “doesn’t hurt anybody” – farewell
Key Moments
- 20 years as a magician – “just happened”
- Colouring book trick: blank → pictures → coloured (still kills)
- Hates revealers: “they shouldn’t have a leg up in this industry”
- Kids forgive mistakes, adults don’t
- Waves at every wave from the crowd
- Real magic = giving people moments
- Frustrated but wouldn’t swap the job
Listen to the Full Conversation
A frustrated magician on holiday – raw, funny, zero wank factor. Pure gold.Listen now on your favourite platform
📸 Join us behind-the-scenes
Follow the What a StrangerTold Me podcast madness on Instagram.
☎️ Got a story you’d love to share?
Call us +61 489 272 286. You’ve got a whopping 10-minutes, so sit back, take a big breath and go for gold.
👽 Don’t be a stranger
Got some feedback? Bring it on. Just be gentle. One of us has thin skin 😉
🤩 Who’s behind all this strangeness?
Made & Hosted by Tim Reid & Jon Coghill
Music Supervision by Dennis Feletto
Photography by Will Reid & Andy McColl
Be on the Podcast
