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Published: Oct. 3, 2014, 9 a.m.

In this episode, I talk to casino magic and comedy act Mark Kornhauser. We talk about his career in magic, what it takes to perform in casino showrooms, his successes, challenges, and how hard work really pays off. \xa0 Mark Kornhauser is one of the most successful comedy acts in the world boasting 25 years plus, consistently performing in and producing shows in the most prestigious casinos in Vegas, Reno, Lake Tahoe, and Atlantic City. We\u2019re talkin\u2019 Harrahs, Planet Hollywood, Mandalay Bay, Flamingo, Tropicana, and Hilton, just to name a few. \xa0 He\u2019s opened for more than a few top name entertainers like Tom Jones, Elvis Costello, Frankie Valli, Terry Fator, David Letterman, and Tim Allen. \xa0 He\u2019s also been featured on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Masters of Illusion, NBC, FOX, Comedy Central, and HBO. \xa0 \xa0 \xa0

\nSuccess Mantra:\n

Hard work, clean living. \xa0 \xa0

\nWorking in Casinos:\n

\u2022 Fitting into a time slot \xa0 \u2022 How the casino venue has changed: catering more toward headliners than variety entertainers \xa0 \u2022 How he stays in the game: develops and grows new material \xa0 \u2022 Mistakes he sees people make in the casino market \xa0 \u2022 What he sees as the future of performing in casinos \xa0 \xa0

\nFailure Moment:\n

Did a Le P\xe9tomane (flatulence) act that initially bombed. \xa0 \xa0

\nFavorite Success:\n

His current act with his dog Zsa Zsa. \xa0 \xa0

\nHow Does Mark Differentiate Himself?\n

Makes his act vastly different from anyone else. \xa0 \xa0

\nWhat's Worked Well for Mark's Business?\n

Maintaining relationships with clients. \xa0 \xa0

\nInteresting Story from His Career\n

Listen in to what happened when Mark ran into James Brown at a bathroom sink. \xa0 \xa0

\nWhat's Been Mark's Biggest Professional Challenge?\n

Staying through the difficult times \xa0 \xa0

\nOther Topics Covered\n

\u2022 Success and how it's different for each person. \xa0 \u2022 Talks about how Doug Henning played a part in his journey. \xa0 \u2022 Listening to your audience. \xa0 \u2022 Talks about his inspiration and creative process. \xa0 \u2022 Gives us his take on magic on TV. \xa0 \u2022 You can no longer be an "expensive act," but you can be a "cheap show." \xa0 \u2022 Tells about his column in Magic Magazine. \xa0 \xa0

\nParting advice:\n

Hard work, clean living. And courage. \xa0 \xa0

\nRecommended books and resources:\n

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks! \xa0 \xa0 \xa0 Resources \xa0 Have a place to collect your thoughts. \xa0 Also, keep a lookout for a compilation of all of his articles from Magic Magazine. \xa0 \xa0 \xa0 Magic Books \xa0 Hiding the Elephant: How Magicians Invented the Impossible and Learned to Disappear by Jim Steinmeyer \xa0 The Glorious Deception: The Double Life of William Robinson, Aka Chung Ling Soo by Jim Steinmeyer \xa0 The Last Greatest Magician in the World: Howard Thurston Versus Houdini & the Battles of the American Wizards by Jim Steinmeyer \xa0 Our Magic by Nevil Maskelyne \xa0 \xa0 \xa0 Other Books Whack to the Side of the Head by Roger von Oech \xa0 Kick to the Seat of the Pants by Roger von Oech \xa0 Whack Pack by Roger von Oech \xa0 The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron \xa0 \xa0

\nWhere can we find Mark Kornhauser?\n

Mark's Website