Improv and Magic

About Improv and Magic

Welcome to the Improv and Magic podcast! This is a place where I share my two biggest loves: the craft of improvisational acting and the art of magic. I get to sit down and interview various friends, which include some of the biggest names in improv and magic. You'll hear these guests' biographies, as well as ideas, perspectives, and philosophies on improvisation and magic, and maybe even share some laughs! It's like "Inside the Actor's Studio", but specializing in improvisors and magicians. So join me in these improvised conversations that will truly by magical!

Publisher

LD Madera

Category

arts

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

13 May 2023

Latest episode

29 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

94 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   29 Sept 2026

   Episode 83 - Brian Masters

   In this episode of Improv and Magic, I sit down with professional magician and mentalist Brian Masters to talk about the business, psychology, and real-world impact of modern magic. If you've ever wondered what it takes to build a successful career as a full-time performer and create unforgettable audience experiences, this episode is for you. Brian Masters is a Cleveland-based corporate magician and mentalist who specializes in interactive entertainment for corporate events, conferences, trade shows, private parties, and professional gatherings. With more than 20 years of performing experience, he has entertained audiences for major companies including Google, Microsoft, and Coca-Cola. His approach goes beyond simply fooling people. He focuses on creating genuine connections, sparking conversations, and turning ordinary events into memorable shared experiences. Brian shares how he transformed his passion for magic into a full-time career, what event planners are really looking for when they hire a magician, and why audience engagement is often more important than the tricks themselves. We dive into the world of corporate entertainment, trade show magic, close-up magic, mentalism, and the challenges of standing out in a crowded industry. For more information on Brian Masters, visit his website brianmagic.com (https://www.brianmagic.com/). Don't forget to visit ldmadera.com (https://www.ldmadera.com/) for more on LD Madera, shows, workshops, and the podcast. And remember to rate and leave a review!

2. 

   15 Sept 2026

   Episode 82 - Jordan Black

   In this episode of Improv and Magic, I sit down with Jordan Black. Jordan has that rare combination of fearless improv instincts, sharp comedic timing, and a performer’s intuition that makes every moment feel electric. In today's episode, we dive into Jordan’s journey through The Groundlings, his work as a writer, and the creative engine behind his hit improv show The Black Version, as well as how improv shaped his voice as a performer, how collaboration fuels his creativity, and how he approaches character work with precision and emotional clarity. This episode is packed with insights on long‑form improv, ensemble chemistry, comedic storytelling, and the craft of building characters that feel alive. Jordan Black is an alum of The Groundlings Theatre Company, the creator of the acclaimed improv show The Black Version, and a former writer for Saturday Night Live. As an actor, he appears in upcoming seasons of HBO’s Ballers and Curb Your Enthusiasm, and he’s been featured in The Mindy Project, 2 Broke Girls, Key & Peele, and multiple appearances as Dean Spreck on NBC’s Community. As a voice actor, Jordan has worked on South Park, American Dad, and The Cleveland Show. His career spans improv, sketch, television, voiceover, and directing — making him one of the most versatile comedic performers working today. You can learn more about Jordan by visiting his website thejordanblack.com (https://www.thejordanblack.com/). Remember to visit ldmadera.com (https://www.ldmadera.com/) to learn more about LD Madera, the podcast, shows and workshops. Don't forget to rate and review, and share with everyone who loves great conversations like this one!

3. 

   1 Sept 2026

   Episode 81 - Diana Brown

   In this episode of Improv and Magic, I get the chance to talk with Diana Brown—a powerhouse in the world of improv, acting, and performance coaching. Diana is a professional actor, improviser, director, and teaching artist whose work spans theatre, corporate communication training, and ensemble development. She’s known for her emotionally grounded characters, her sharp comedic instincts, and her ability to help performers and professionals unlock deeper connection and clarity in their work. Diana’s background is incredibly rich. She teaches and directs at Berkeley Rep’s School of Theatre, All Out Comedy Theater in Oakland, and Leela Improv Theatre in San Francisco, where she also directs the ensemble On the Verge. Beyond the stage, she designs and leads custom communication workshops for major organizations including Google, Whole Foods, Genentech, Oracle, Chevron, Airbnb, and even the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center. She also coaches doctors and healthcare teams, helping them strengthen patient communication, cultural responsiveness, and interpersonal awareness. Her approach blends empathy, character work, emotional truth, and a deep understanding of human behavior. In our conversation, Diana shares how she discovered improv, the mentors who shaped her artistic voice, and the philosophy behind her teaching. We dive into character creation, ensemble collaboration, and the transformative power of improv in both performance and everyday communication. She talks about the breakthroughs she’s witnessed in her students, the challenges of directing long‑form improv, and the joy of helping people find their authentic voice on stage. This episode is full of insight, warmth, and practical wisdom for improvisers, actors, teachers, and anyone interested in personal growth through performance. Diana’s perspective is generous and inspiring, and I walked away from this conversation energized by her passion for the craft. Learn more about Diana Brown at her website dianalynnbrown.com (https://www.dianalynnbrown.com/). Don't forget to rate and review, and visit ldmadera.com (https://www.ldmadera.com/) for more info about the podcast, shows and workshops!

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

7,728

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

11 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

14 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 63 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

69

Social presence

0

YouTube

74

Engagement

71

Shows with a similar audience

• 

  Penguin Magic Podcast

• 

  Behind the Page: The Eli Marks Podcast

• 

  International Brotherhood of Magicians Podcast

• 

  The Magic Word Podcast

• 

  The Insider

• 

  The Magic Book Podcast