Genii Magazine - January 2026

In this issue:

Editorial: The Genii Speak • By Jim Steinmeyer
Juliana, Suzanne, Joseffy, Noah, and Will: a look at the stars who appear in the January issue.

Mailbox
Our readers offer praise, and we’re blushing.

In Memoriam: Jeff Sheridan
The famous “Man in Black,” the magician of Central Park, remembered by two of his friends.

Almanac for January
Roxo’s adventure; Boston’s résumé; Jon at the library.

The Eye • By Vanessa Armstrong
The year of Houdini; NFL magic; Cooper and Angel; Oz’s publicist; Now You See Me eating some popcorn.

Voices

Feedback • By Alba
Appreciating criticism and eliminating the neurosis.

The Genii Questionnaire • By Alana
Sequin jackets, Shiva, and sponge bunnies.

Preserving Magic • By Annanya George
An appeal for magic knowledge—looking at the big picture, not just the latest products.

Features

Juliana Chen: Undeniable • By Chloe Olewitz
This multi-talented magician has forged her own paths onstage and around the world. Her results are undeniable.

Joseffy + Sandburg • By Jim Steinmeyer
The magician, the poet, and the mysterious little book that disappeared—an adventure in magic literature.

Found Connections • By Zoe Reiches
Suzanne’s unique, influential career in magic, as explained by a magician who felt that influence.

In Practice

Sketch Poker • By Jim Steinmeyer and Norberto Jansenson
A lesson in how to fake cheating at poker.

Mental Radio • By Roberto Mansilla
An amazing drawing duplication that ends up feeling like the real thing.

Inventing Magic • By Blake Vogt
Pocket Séance with Stuart MacLeod.

The Give ’Em the Finger Shuffle • By Adam Elbaum
A clever false shuffle from the originator—a useful sleight for your repertoire.

In Performance

The Magic Castle • By Shawn McMaster
The formidable Billy Kidd brings her magic to The Magic Castle; the place will never be the same.

House of Cards • By Vanessa Armstrong
Nashville’s elegant House of Cards, a popular club that has been “breeding magic fans.”

Marketplace

Not Forgotten • By David Regal
A simple little trick with a nut and a bolt, screwing with the audience’s heads.

Video Reviews
Practical Cold Reading, Javi Benitez LIVE, Caleb Wiles Masterclass, Helge Thun Masterclass, Absurdities.

Trick Review
Ultra Sharpie, a high-tech marvel.

Book Reviews
Strolling for Dollars, The Good Lecture.

Advertiser Index

Workshop

Great Magic and Clarity • By Pete McCabe
Learning from Phil Goodman’s example.

I’m Walkin’ Here! • By David Kaye
Yes, indeed, he takes the subway to shows.

Making Crowd-Work Work • By Harrison Greenbaum
Understanding a popular technique.

Perspectives

The Chamber of Secrets • By John Gaughan
A brass sleight-of-hand artist from 1838.

Silent Manipulators in Conversation • By Alex Boyce & Matthew Holtzclaw
The feeling of your magic, the fit of your clothes.

The Fashionista • By Léa Kyle
Her new act quickly made fans and won awards.

Larry Fong… on Magic
An amateur magician and showbiz professional.