Remembering Dan Garrett (1951-2023)
Dan Garrett’s unexpected passing from a sudden cardiac event marked both the end of a magical era in the state of Georgia and the conclusion of a career that influenced performers around the world. Daniell Edward Garrett was born in Valdosta, Georgia on September 5, 1951, and spent most of his childhood in Douglas, the […]
Auditioning for Dr. Collins
I recently learned of the passing of Dr. Geraldine Collins, my piano professor at Mississippi State University. In discussing memories of her on Facebook and on www.gerriecollins.com, I remembered the story of how I came to be admitted to her studio in the first place. It is too long a story for a Facebook comment, […]
Interview with Bold Journey Magazine
A few weeks ago I completed an interview with Bold Journey magazine. Here’s the link to the full interview. https://boldjourney.com/news/meet-joe-m-turner/
Three Indispensable Leadership Qualities
The following is an excerpt from a soon-to-be-published interview with Bold Journey Publications. Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can […]
The Classics Are Evergreen
I was recently booked to entertain at a conference in downtown Atlanta. My appearances took place over the course of two days. The first event was a four-hour hospitality event for about a hundred people, mostly Canadian, who worked at various companies that partnered with my client organization in some way. The next day I […]
End Wasted Word Syndrome
Magicians aren’t the only platform presenters who suffer from WWS: Wasted Word Syndrome. This morning I saw a paid, captioned video ad from a business facilitator who began his entire pitch with what I believe are the most common wasted words in magic: “What I ______ is I _______.” In magic it’s typical to hear something like, […]
Magic, Memory, and Harry
It would not be an exaggeration to say that Harry Lorayne changed my life. I first encountered Harry’s work back in high school, when I happened across a copy of The Memory Book, one of dozens of books on mnemonic memory systems that Harry wrote. I read it while on a summer vacation with my […]
Best Trick of the Trade Show
While working a trade show booth recently I found myself in a short lull — that time when there’s a big assembly of some kind and the traffic in the room is diminished. I was standing at the corner of the booth rolling a worn 1972 Eisenhower silver dollar across my fingers, biding my time […]
Joining the 2022 Magicians On Mission and Armed Forces Entertainment Magic & Comedy Tour
I’m honored to have been invited to join the Magicians On Mission and Armed Forces Entertainment Magic and Comedy Tour later this summer! I have hoped and prayed for an opportunity to use what I do to support and encourage our active duty military personnel deployed overseas. I’m beyond excited that this is finally going […]
Another Day at the Office…
I recently had another event/giglife adventure. I was booked to emcee a charity gala, with a bit of strolling magic plus some magical material during the main show which was to be both in-person and streamed on YouTube and Facebook. Attendees would enjoy a buffet dinner and drinks, bid on silent auction items, then enjoy […]
