He apparently never talks on stage because, initially at least, he thought he would goof, and it hasn't changed since. There is, however, one moment on Fool Us where he dies talk, through a megaphone, criticising Penn about his pronunciation of french and latin words.
My son and I saw Penn & Teller's show in Las Vegas a few years ago - it was an all-ages show, and not only was it entertaining, it was like Teller explained about midway through this interview: there was no "gotcha" BS going on at any point. Plus, both Penn and Teller stayed after the show to take pictures with anyone who wanted to stick around to do it. They did not leave until EVERYONE got their photos! These guys were nothing BUT professional! And yes, we will go see them again when this pandemic has run its course!
I’ll stop whatever I’m doing to listen to Teller whenever the opportunity presents itself. Being the son of a magician, I’ve been watching his and Penn’s career since their beginnings in the 1970s.
Very powerful moment at 37:16, when he tells the story of a dad meeting him after the show and introducing him to his seven year old son. Teller's voice breaking. Wow!
One of the best interviews with Teller I've seen in a long time. Well done! and thank you for not interrupting. I was captivated for the whole time, just love Teller to the core.
Thank you for the kind words. I think my job as interviewer is to shut up as much as possible and let the guest talk! Glad you appreciate that approach.
@@VanishingIncMagic As an interviewer you asked the right questions! Teller is so eloquent. Seeing as this interview is nearing a year old, would you consider doing another with the great Teller?
@@VanishingIncMagic Not interrupting should be obvious, yet I see it *constantly* and it's extremely irritating--- I yell at my screen: "wait until they finish their sentence!!!!'
Every time Teller speaks - which is relatively new to me, having seen them on their very first theatre tour, many years ago - I am more and more impressed, not just by his depth of encyclopedic knowledge of magic, but how incredibly intelligent he is. Teller is NOT your garden-variety Hollywood Celebrity; nor, is he your typical magician. I like him more than ever.
Wonderful interview. I had the privilege of knowing Ray as my high school teacher. Even back in 1971 he showed me the shadow rose routine and I never forgot it. He is truly a great person.
Wow, wow, wow...just wow! Ever since I discovered UA-cam and Vanishing Inc, and magic interviews... these have been the Best 30 minutes I have ever spent in front of a phone! Teller is as enjoyful speaking as he is performing magic...and an honest sincere advisor...loved the comment about Got Talent Shows! Thanks a lot for everything!
My wife and I were on a coach tour of the West Coast in 2000/01 and Penn & Teller were performing at a theatre just up the road, literally a two minute walk, from the hotel the tour put us in. We were only in San Francisco for 3 days/2 nights so we tried to get tickets and managed to get them for our second night. The show was amazing, the comedy was funny, the two stars are the most personable ever. At the end of their show they ran down the centre isle and disappeared. When we exited the theatre they were standing back to back in the road surrounded by fans, continuously signing programmes and autographs. We have never then or before seen any show where the stars do this. It made the evening so much more special. Thank you P & T.
We're used to Teller always being silent during PT acts. But I LOVE listening to him! His way of talking is very intelligent, not to mention overwhelmingly interesting. Bravo; great interview!
Teller, not only a brillliant magician but a great clown. I’ve seen P&T in London. Fantastic show full of humour and intrigue. They always have so much time for their fans, so down to earth. I love “Fool Us” and it amuses me that the successful magicians are presented with a trophy from the pair with the big letters “F.U.” P&T still have the last word, having been fooled..........😊
I've watched this guy all my life. He has said more here then at anytime before. I like it, he is a very interesting man. Thanks for not interrupting him. Lately I've seen interviewers seem like they can't wait for their person of interest, to shut up, so he can get through his questions.
Jen and mom Beth; Now this is magic!! Teller articulates how his magic is physics, engineering, science, art, and entertainment. This was pure enjoyment. Extremely intelligent, sweet, and kind. Looking forward to your books. Wonderful.
Terrific interview! Teller was right about the questions which didn't just let him fill in the blanks but were springboards that launched him into useful insights. I hope he continues on a book. It sounds like he needs a scribe who could pull out of him all the subtleties and secrets we'd love to read some day.
53:00 Teller talks about the audience reading his mind. I don't think this is correct. Teller is an amazing communicator. He knows how to talk and is very generous when he's talking (evidenced by this video). When he talks, everything he says is relevant. He is captivating. The way he talks, the information he imparts makes you want to listen. Similarly when he doesn't talk, he is an amazing communicator. When he doesn't speak, people are forced to listen and they are forced to listen with the other senses (as Teller states). But Teller is so expressive with his "mime" that he can tell the story with out needing to speak it. This is Teller's gift. Maybe he is being humble in saying the audience are good mind readers but, really, Teller knows how to communicate.
I’m so thankful that I had the opportunity to perform on “Fool Us” this season. It is however unfortunate that I had to perform remotely, because of the pandemic. But, it was still a huge honor to share something I created with 2 of the greatest entertainers and magical minds in the history of the art. 🙏
Plandemic. It's amazing that a person as smart as Teller was fooled in to thinking the probability of dying from covid is very high when it's the exact opposite. I know Teller is older but he's healthy. I'm so happy to be living in a republican state that never shut down, never mandated masks and is one of the states with the lowest infection rates. We don't like our freedoms being taken from us here.
@@GenericaQwerty Don't tell Bryan that more people have died from Covid AND more people are killed by guns in the red states, but um ya, "cheers, Bryan!" "Luckily," Rep don't have *ANY* sense of hypocrisy.... like they should be able to go anywhere with a gun near their belt, except during the national party convention! That still cracks me up! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Lunacy!
Yes i was very curious to hear him speak and loved the fact that this was put on utube for all of us to enjoy this delightful man thankyou so much he actually sounds quite different than what i expected i didnt really know what to expect but he has a lovely light voice and iam facinated entirely intrigued and pen has such a strong voice an overpowering voice but certainly not unpleasant but very commanding which is good for their show anyway love them both their very clever the two of them and perfectly matched thankyou again 💟☮️🦋🦋🦋🥰🍀🌷🌹💐🦄🦄🦄🌈🌈🌈🌈🙏🙏🍀🌎🇦🇺🇦🇺🦘🦘
It took until the end of the video until I realized Teller was standing up the whole time. I just assumed he was sitting down since that's what most people do during video calls. I only noticed he was standing by watching his reflection. I guess Teller fooled me once again. Such a great magician!
When Penn and teller came out at one of their shows and was taking pictures with everyone. I got to meet them both and it was very very much appreciated.
I keep coming back to this interview because Teller's insightful commentary is so captivating. And the questions were right on point. Fantastic interview.
Teller is an example of what I truly believe. The best artists have this "love the world" attitude. Creativity, kindness, intelligence... Their art is an extension of what they've made themselves. Sure, the skill is there, but more than that there's that genuine interest in creating a sense of wonder. I totally get what he says about the TV show things. There's a lot more dazzle and appearance of prestige, but it feels brittle, like trying to explain your passion to a half asleep stranger who'll yawn at all but the shiniest bits. The performers are so talented, but I never feel like they get the kind of recognition they deserve, mostly because nobody gets the toughest bits of their effort. Seeing the segments of Fool Us that participants put on UA-cam, you can see that their skill gets recognised and assessed and appreciated. Even the ones who don't win, so clearly feel seen.
I greatly appreciated them staying behind after the Vegas show to talk to the riff raff. I was one of the last out and Teller still had lots of energy and was very engaging. Spry guy physically and mentally.
Teller looks right when he's searching for an answer. I think he made friends with the voices in his head. Silence is golden teller...you are an awesome individual
I love Teller picking on talent show judges...we seem to have the same opinion about them. And the way P&T "judge" or talk about and to the magicians on their show is one important aspect of what makes FU so great to watch for me and sets them apart from the AGT clowns. And then there was PIff on AGT and his way of treating the judges in general but Heidi Klum in particular without much (if any) respect. I enjoyed that sooo much.
There's over 2 years of interviews with amazing magicians on the podcast. Just search for The Insider on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or here: anchor.fm/vi65
In the late seventies I played with a Renaissance music group in the Washington, DC area. We had great costumes and would be hired by the annual Renaissance Fair which was at the time at Symphony Woods in Columbia, MD. We were local but there were a lot of acts who traveled the Renaissance Fair circuit. This included Pen and Teller. We were playing a small side stage before or after Penn and Teller, who weren’t famous yet, so I had a chance to chat with Teller. He was asking me how his pulling coins out of the air looked. He didn’t have the pluck to his satisfaction. I couldn’t tell. I talked about one of his tricks which I had no idea how he did. So he showed me, I think getting me to promise not to repeat it. Years and years later I told my wife who never had a reason to repeat it and now you can find out how the trick is done on the internet. A very cool guy.
In 1988 I bought the VHS tape "Cruel Tricks For Dear Friends" and probably watched it 50x. Saw their live Vegas show in 2015 and met them after the show. Great memories!
A serous life lesson is at 45:00. It explains what makes Teller so good. As of 2020 TELLER is "not happy with how he controls s card to the top of the deck " so when he is watching TV he is constantly practicing that. This applies in every endeavor. "Mastery of the FUNDAMENTALS". What is a more fundamental skill than controlling a card to the top of the deck? He has been doing it every day for decades and still isn't happy with it.
Thank Jim. I always try and find questions guests don't get asked all the time - tricky with someone like Teller who has been asked SO many questions by SO many people before me. Glad you enjoyed it!
I'd love to have had him (and Penn) as an instructor back in college. Just an exchange of information expressed in a very eloquent mild manner approach held in a quiet and intimate classroom setting. Perhaps a class on the philosophy of observation and how it relates to magic/illusion/slight of hand. There's a lot of thinking, rationalizing and application involved - not just in magic, but the art of everyday life. Obviously Penn's technique would be taught in a completely opposite and unique way. I see him as energetic, jovial in a more over-the-top grandiose style. Both would be really interesting just because of their love of the craft. Plus they could show me how to perfect a double lift without screwing it up.
magic is like a funny joke, -a joke that makes you laugh from your surprise ending- like a trick that catches you by surprise, NOT TALKING makes the viewer ''thinnk'' and creates MYSTERY, many actors or magicians can create mystery by not talking but makes the viewer think... i create music (i'm a music teacher) by the ''thinnk tank'' method, where-by you create and atmosphere for creativity and come up with a PLAN
Great interview with great questions. And great answers! I first seen Penn and Teller, with another performer at the Walnut Street Theater in South Philly in the late 1970'S when they were the Asparagus Valley Cultural Society.
Wow, 70-something and you stood through whole interview. Check the mirror behind. I love Bruce Elliott as well. Magic as a Hobby was in the library when I was small. Loved the book. Actually I still love it.
Many years ago, I was at a P & T show where members of the audience were invited on stage during intermission to see how a trick was done. Teller was directing traffic. I thought, "Cool. Teller speaks!"
Penn & Teller, I must say I always loved magic, tricks, slight of hand. The manipulation and slight of hand are amazing due to the skills and coordination of you have to develop along with muscle control. I enjoyed watching this you tube video as Teller really hits on how bad tv is and politics and the way people treat each other. Also the way Fool Us treats the other magicians. Yes I think interaction with your fans is important and only a few end up ruining it for the others who just want to say thank you and meet you. Loved the 7 year old story about the grandfather. Everyone wants to be fooled, but also tries to figure out how that was done. It is also much better in person than on tv as I took my mom and sister and nieces to see David Copperfield In Hershey Pa at the old Hershey Park Arena. Just enjoyed watching there faces when they said where did they come from, and how did he do that! Years ago Grant Fuhr of the Edmonton Oilers was sent down to AHL after knee replacements. I met him before the game with a buddy of mine. Then after the game got in line for autographs from him. We were about 2/3rds of the back in line and security had a cut off behind us. When we got up to him, he remembered our names, and then my buddy gave him 2 enclosed magazenes that he was featured in, and said these are for you. He thanked him and signed a few photos. Then we were just hanging around to the end. But when the line had about 20 more people left, the coach came out and said to Grant that the bus is loaded and were ready to roll as we are on a time schedule. Grant just replied to him: '"We may leave when I am through with these people." The coach said thank you and went back to the bus. I know athletes and stars get bombarded and need to be careful. But that just shows you what class is about.
Its great how Fool Us isnt one of those GOTCHA shows and only have the best acts on it. For example, they dont do acts like walking through glass where they put a sheet up against a window to block the camera, then the magician opens it, climbs through and says he walked through the glass
I was thinking what he said at the end. I've seen several of his interviews, and almost all of them cover the same questions, and rarely go more than skin deep.
That's very kind of you to say. I spend quite a bit of time during the research reading/watching past interviews so I specifically don't ask all the things a guest has been asked before!
"I guess I explained it badly" (his idea for Fool Us) - that sounds like he mentioned it to Penn who then went off and organized the whole thing while Teller wasn't involved any more. You'd think that with a project this large, they'd discuss it a bit more.
It’s awesome how Tellers lips match the audio of the voice actor perfect. That’s real magic.
He cam actually talk it's just part of his act
Actually, Teller's voice is not synced to his lips on my screen (probably because of the 'Zoom' call). But...that IS his voice!
It's truly gotta take some hours to match it so perfectly but it truly does add to the persona, I'm glad he never speaks its beautiful!
Brilliant!
@@jameeskills8061 omg.. woosh
Every time Teller talks, I still am mystified both for his magical genius and for years of never hearing him talk.
I have never heard his voice before
He actually has a nice, kind of calm voice. He used to be a Latin professor, which seems to fit him perfectly...
He talked at the end of theobie they made. I think it was called "penn and teller get killed"
I love it so much
He apparently never talks on stage because, initially at least, he thought he would goof, and it hasn't changed since. There is, however, one moment on Fool Us where he dies talk, through a megaphone, criticising Penn about his pronunciation of french and latin words.
Teller may not speak often publicly, but when he does, he's as captivating as when he's performing magic.
Absolutely right.
My son and I saw Penn & Teller's show in Las Vegas a few years ago - it was an all-ages show, and not only was it entertaining, it was like Teller explained about midway through this interview: there was no "gotcha" BS going on at any point. Plus, both Penn and Teller stayed after the show to take pictures with anyone who wanted to stick around to do it. They did not leave until EVERYONE got their photos! These guys were nothing BUT professional!
And yes, we will go see them again when this pandemic has run its course!
I’ll stop whatever I’m doing to listen to Teller whenever the opportunity presents itself. Being the son of a magician, I’ve been watching his and Penn’s career since their beginnings in the 1970s.
Very powerful moment at 37:16, when he tells the story of a dad meeting him after the show and introducing him to his seven year old son. Teller's voice breaking. Wow!
Teller only lies when he is silent. What a treat anytime he talks. Thank you for this interview!
You're very welcome!
One of the best interviews with Teller I've seen in a long time. Well done! and thank you for not interrupting. I was captivated for the whole time, just love Teller to the core.
Thank you for the kind words. I think my job as interviewer is to shut up as much as possible and let the guest talk! Glad you appreciate that approach.
@@VanishingIncMagic As an interviewer you asked the right questions! Teller is so eloquent. Seeing as this interview is nearing a year old, would you consider doing another with the great Teller?
@@VanishingIncMagic
Not interrupting should be obvious, yet I see it *constantly* and it's extremely irritating--- I yell at my screen: "wait until they finish their sentence!!!!'
Every time Teller speaks - which is relatively new to me, having seen them on their very first theatre tour, many years ago - I am more and more impressed, not just by his depth of encyclopedic knowledge of magic, but how incredibly intelligent he is. Teller is NOT your garden-variety Hollywood Celebrity; nor, is he your typical magician. I like him more than ever.
He did use to be a teacher.
@@asadadon Yes, for 6 years; and apparently survived the experience with no lasting brain damage at all LOL!
@@asadadon
Not every intelligent person can be a teacher, of course.
Who watched this just to hear Teller talk?
Right here buddy!
Wonderful interview. I had the privilege of knowing Ray as my high school teacher. Even back in 1971 he showed me the shadow rose routine and I never forgot it. He is truly a great person.
You lucky man!
That's absolutely incredible!
No he didn't
Why are you calling him Ray? He changed his name many years ago, his full name is literally just "Teller"
Wow, wow, wow...just wow! Ever since I discovered UA-cam and Vanishing Inc, and magic interviews... these have been the Best 30 minutes I have ever spent in front of a phone! Teller is as enjoyful speaking as he is performing magic...and an honest sincere advisor...loved the comment about Got Talent Shows! Thanks a lot for everything!
Aw! Thanks so much. I am glad you like them.
My wife and I were on a coach tour of the West Coast in 2000/01 and Penn & Teller were performing at a theatre just up the road, literally a two minute walk, from the hotel the tour put us in. We were only in San Francisco for 3 days/2 nights so we tried to get tickets and managed to get them for our second night.
The show was amazing, the comedy was funny, the two stars are the most personable ever. At the end of their show they ran down the centre isle and disappeared. When we exited the theatre they were standing back to back in the road surrounded by fans, continuously signing programmes and autographs. We have never then or before seen any show where the stars do this. It made the evening so much more special. Thank you P & T.
We're used to Teller always being silent during PT acts. But I LOVE listening to him! His way of talking is very intelligent, not to mention overwhelmingly interesting. Bravo; great interview!
I'm so pleased you enjoyed it!
Hear, hear!
He’s a professional, A realist, Very human, he’s so down to earth too.
I love Teller and Penn. They've contributed so much good to this world.
I love how humble and grounded he is. Stay awesome! 🙌🏻👏🏼🙌🏻👏🏼🥰
Teller, not only a brillliant magician but a great clown. I’ve seen P&T in London. Fantastic show full of humour and intrigue. They always have so much time for their fans, so down to earth. I love “Fool Us” and it amuses me that the successful magicians are presented with a trophy from the pair with the big letters “F.U.” P&T still have the last word, having been fooled..........😊
I've watched this guy all my life. He has said more here then at anytime before. I like it, he is a very interesting man.
Thanks for not interrupting him. Lately I've seen interviewers seem like they can't wait for their person of interest, to shut up, so he can get through his questions.
You're very welcome. I always try and shut up and let the guest talk...
He's such an interesting guy to listen to even outside of magic. Wish Teller did his own podcast!
Jen and mom Beth; Now this is magic!! Teller articulates how his magic is physics, engineering, science, art, and entertainment. This was pure enjoyment. Extremely intelligent, sweet, and kind. Looking forward to your books. Wonderful.
So pleased you enjoyed it!
Thank you for posting this! This quiet man who speaks so eloquently about his craft is a true hero to me.
Terrific interview! Teller was right about the questions which didn't just let him fill in the blanks but were springboards that launched him into useful insights. I hope he continues on a book. It sounds like he needs a scribe who could pull out of him all the subtleties and secrets we'd love to read some day.
I implied but meant to say out loud that you'd make a terrific scribe for getting his illusions recorded for posterity.
This is incredible. Truly a privilege to just sit and quietly listen.
Really pleased you enjoyed it!
53:00 Teller talks about the audience reading his mind. I don't think this is correct. Teller is an amazing communicator. He knows how to talk and is very generous when he's talking (evidenced by this video). When he talks, everything he says is relevant. He is captivating. The way he talks, the information he imparts makes you want to listen. Similarly when he doesn't talk, he is an amazing communicator. When he doesn't speak, people are forced to listen and they are forced to listen with the other senses (as Teller states). But Teller is so expressive with his "mime" that he can tell the story with out needing to speak it. This is Teller's gift. Maybe he is being humble in saying the audience are good mind readers but, really, Teller knows how to communicate.
I’m so thankful that I had the opportunity to perform on “Fool Us” this season.
It is however unfortunate that I had to perform remotely, because of the pandemic. But, it was still a huge honor to share something I created with 2 of the greatest entertainers and magical minds in the history of the art. 🙏
Plandemic. It's amazing that a person as smart as Teller was fooled in to thinking the probability of dying from covid is very high when it's the exact opposite. I know Teller is older but he's healthy. I'm so happy to be living in a republican state that never shut down, never mandated masks and is one of the states with the lowest infection rates. We don't like our freedoms being taken from us here.
@@otallono Who says he was fooled?
@@otallono a perfectly healthy child with no pre-existing conditions died in my city a few days ago, but sure go off dude
@@GenericaQwerty
Don't tell Bryan that more people have died from Covid AND more people are killed by guns in the red states, but um ya, "cheers, Bryan!"
"Luckily," Rep don't have *ANY* sense of hypocrisy.... like they should be able to go anywhere with a gun near their belt, except during the national party convention! That still cracks me up! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Lunacy!
Teller talking itself is a magic!
Yes i was very curious to hear him speak and loved the fact that this was put on utube for all of us to enjoy this delightful man thankyou so much he actually sounds quite different than what i expected i didnt really know what to expect but he has a lovely light voice and iam facinated entirely intrigued and pen has such a strong voice an overpowering voice but certainly not unpleasant but very commanding which is good for their show anyway love them both their very clever the two of them and perfectly matched thankyou again 💟☮️🦋🦋🦋🥰🍀🌷🌹💐🦄🦄🦄🌈🌈🌈🌈🙏🙏🍀🌎🇦🇺🇦🇺🦘🦘
Glad you enjoyed it!
It took until the end of the video until I realized Teller was standing up the whole time. I just assumed he was sitting down since that's what most people do during video calls. I only noticed he was standing by watching his reflection. I guess Teller fooled me once again. Such a great magician!
When Penn and teller came out at one of their shows and was taking pictures with everyone. I got to meet them both and it was very very much appreciated.
I love Teller's explanation of doing mentalism well. This is so good Damien thank you for sharing!
Wonderful wonderful interview style, questions, and allowing the person to just speak. Thank you for this video.
Really glad you enjoyed it. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts!
I keep coming back to this interview because Teller's insightful commentary is so captivating. And the questions were right on point. Fantastic interview.
Very kind of you to say. Glad you're enjoying it.
Teller is an example of what I truly believe. The best artists have this "love the world" attitude. Creativity, kindness, intelligence... Their art is an extension of what they've made themselves. Sure, the skill is there, but more than that there's that genuine interest in creating a sense of wonder.
I totally get what he says about the TV show things. There's a lot more dazzle and appearance of prestige, but it feels brittle, like trying to explain your passion to a half asleep stranger who'll yawn at all but the shiniest bits. The performers are so talented, but I never feel like they get the kind of recognition they deserve, mostly because nobody gets the toughest bits of their effort. Seeing the segments of Fool Us that participants put on UA-cam, you can see that their skill gets recognised and assessed and appreciated. Even the ones who don't win, so clearly feel seen.
I have so much respect for Teller!
Thanks Teller for this excursus on politeness and gentleness. Really enjoyed this interview every second.
Teller is a friend and an influence and one of the most astute and decent people around.
He is so knowledgeable it's fascinating to listen to him. 👍
Couldn't agree more!
Such an articulate, sensitive and passionate man. Sometimes I yearn to hear Teller speak.
It's a joy, isn't it!
Teller just seems like such a good guy
I love that you can see tellers reflection in the background
I greatly appreciated them staying behind after the Vegas show to talk to the riff raff. I was one of the last out and Teller still had lots of energy and was very engaging. Spry guy physically and mentally.
Penn and Teller are brilliant, and this was a brilliant interview!
kind of you to say
a real pleasure to listen to mr. teller. all the best from bremen/germany.
I admire & adore Teller so much!!!
I am so happy that he decided to interview teller instead of Penn although I was kinda hoping for him to interview them both together
Maybe one day...
I’ve never heard him talk. Actually I wasn’t sure that he could, but strangely he sounds exactly how I thought he would.
Q: How do you know when Teller is lying?
A: His lips aren't moving.
Teller looks right when he's searching for an answer. I think he made friends with the voices in his head. Silence is golden teller...you are an awesome individual
Teller and Rowan Atkinson have mastered the ability to communicate silently.
I like how Teller’s voice is exactly how I imagined it to be.
Good imagination!
@@VanishingIncMagic excellent interview!
I've seen Penn and Teller several times. They fantastic every show, professional and luv the fans
Our legends growing old 🥲🥲🥲....i wish i could reverse time once again
Teller is an amazing person.
I love Teller picking on talent show judges...we seem to have the same opinion about them. And the way P&T "judge" or talk about and to the magicians on their show is one important aspect of what makes FU so great to watch for me and sets them apart from the AGT clowns. And then there was PIff on AGT and his way of treating the judges in general but Heidi Klum in particular without much (if any) respect. I enjoyed that sooo much.
If teller pens a book, don't care the cost, it will go into the library, fingers crossed
5:33 Reflection in mirror behind Teller - standing in front of his computer in shorts and tee. He stood for an hour for this interview. KUDOS!
I can't believe I haven't seen this before, every time I see an interview with Teller its gold
There's over 2 years of interviews with amazing magicians on the podcast. Just search for The Insider on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or here: anchor.fm/vi65
In the late seventies I played with a Renaissance music group in the Washington, DC area. We had great costumes and would be hired by the annual Renaissance Fair which was at the time at Symphony Woods in Columbia, MD. We were local but there were a lot of acts who traveled the Renaissance Fair circuit. This included Pen and Teller. We were playing a small side stage before or after Penn and Teller, who weren’t famous yet, so I had a chance to chat with Teller. He was asking me how his pulling coins out of the air looked. He didn’t have the pluck to his satisfaction. I couldn’t tell. I talked about one of his tricks which I had no idea how he did. So he showed me, I think getting me to promise not to repeat it. Years and years later I told my wife who never had a reason to repeat it and now you can find out how the trick is done on the internet. A very cool guy.
His voice is so pleasant.
It so is!
Oh God that's surreal
Yeah, but it would have been more peculiar to interview him without him talking :D
My Brother had a chat with teller when he was in Vegas probably 6 or 7 years ago. I’m still jealous.
Thank you so much, absolutely lovely.
You are so welcome!
*LOVE* the original idea for Fool Us, that would have been so much better than what we got.
Truly loved stumbling on this, Thanks!
Wonderful interview. I'd love to have Teller as a guest on a show I co-host with Franz Harary on Facebook. Such a brilliant man.
In 1988 I bought the VHS tape "Cruel Tricks For Dear Friends" and probably watched it 50x. Saw their live Vegas show in 2015 and met them after the show. Great memories!
so many inspirations !!!! thank you so much for sharing this interview ;)
Our pleasure!
WHOA! The incredible magic voice trick?... He really is magic!
A serous life lesson is at 45:00. It explains what makes Teller so good. As of 2020 TELLER is "not happy with how he controls s card to the top of the deck " so when he is watching TV he is constantly practicing that. This applies in every endeavor. "Mastery of the FUNDAMENTALS". What is a more fundamental skill than controlling a card to the top of the deck? He has been doing it every day for decades and still isn't happy with it.
Yup. Very important lesson there.
I loved it! Great interview. I also love Teller. Penn and Teller are great! It would be amazing to meet them both, especially Teller.
Intriguing interview teller opens up n speaks mistifying great job
Great interview and Teller was so correct saying the questions we so different that what he must get time after time. Well done mate..!
Thank Jim. I always try and find questions guests don't get asked all the time - tricky with someone like Teller who has been asked SO many questions by SO many people before me. Glad you enjoyed it!
Excellent interview
I'd love to have had him (and Penn) as an instructor back in college. Just an exchange of information expressed in a very eloquent mild manner approach held in a quiet and intimate classroom setting. Perhaps a class on the philosophy of observation and how it relates to magic/illusion/slight of hand. There's a lot of thinking, rationalizing and application involved - not just in magic, but the art of everyday life. Obviously Penn's technique would be taught in a completely opposite and unique way. I see him as energetic, jovial in a more over-the-top grandiose style. Both would be really interesting just because of their love of the craft. Plus they could show me how to perfect a double lift without screwing it up.
OMG! I thought he NEVER spoken in public. Can't believe I found this interview and can listen to his voice
We're here to serve!
I can’t put into words how much Teller inspires me... should have sent a poet.
Thank you, I loved this interview
You're so welcome!
magic is like a funny joke, -a joke that makes you laugh from your surprise ending- like a trick that catches you by surprise, NOT TALKING makes the viewer ''thinnk'' and creates MYSTERY, many actors or magicians can create mystery by not talking but makes the viewer think... i create music (i'm a music teacher) by the ''thinnk tank'' method, where-by you create and atmosphere for creativity and come up with a PLAN
54:20 WHAAA!!!! 72, OMG Teller still looks 50 TOPS! Love your work and amazing influence!!
That was an amazing interview. I could listen to Teller for hours. Nice job 👍
Glad you enjoyed it!
This was brilliant, thank you so much
I'm so pleased you liked it!
Wow, this video got me in a way I didn't expect.
Glad it meant something.
Great things happen when lucky paths cross... Lennon/McCartney, Page/Plant... Penn/Teller.
Great interview with great questions. And great answers! I first seen Penn and Teller, with another performer at the Walnut Street Theater in South Philly in the late 1970'S when they were the Asparagus Valley Cultural Society.
Lucky you!
Yes! Great interview!! Thank you!!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
The man is a legend
Wow, 70-something and you stood through whole interview. Check the mirror behind. I love Bruce Elliott as well. Magic as a Hobby was in the library when I was small. Loved the book. Actually I still love it.
Glad you enjoyed it!
28:55 He doesn't mention her by name, but I'm _so_ _sure_ Teller is talking about Léa Kyle. ♥
Many years ago, I was at a P & T show where members of the audience were invited on stage during intermission to see how a trick was done. Teller was directing traffic. I thought, "Cool. Teller speaks!"
Penn & Teller, I must say I always loved magic, tricks, slight of hand. The manipulation and slight of hand are amazing due to the skills and coordination of you have to develop along with muscle control. I enjoyed watching this you tube video as Teller really hits on how bad tv is and politics and the way people treat each other. Also the way Fool Us treats the other magicians. Yes I think interaction with your fans is important and only a few end up ruining it for the others who just want to say thank you and meet you. Loved the 7 year old story about the grandfather. Everyone wants to be fooled, but also tries to figure out how that was done. It is also much better in person than on tv as I took my mom and sister and nieces to see David Copperfield In Hershey Pa at the old Hershey Park Arena. Just enjoyed watching there faces when they said where did they come from, and how did he do that! Years ago Grant Fuhr of the Edmonton Oilers was sent down to AHL after knee replacements. I met him before the game with a buddy of mine. Then after the game got in line for autographs from him. We were about 2/3rds of the back in line and security had a cut off behind us. When we got up to him, he remembered our names, and then my buddy gave him 2 enclosed magazenes that he was featured in, and said these are for you. He thanked him and signed a few photos. Then we were just hanging around to the end. But when the line had about 20 more people left, the coach came out and said to Grant that the bus is loaded and were ready to roll as we are on a time schedule. Grant just replied to him: '"We may leave when I am through with these people." The coach said thank you and went back to the bus. I know athletes and stars get bombarded and need to be careful. But that just shows you what class is about.
Its great how Fool Us isnt one of those GOTCHA shows and only have the best acts on it. For example, they dont do acts like walking through glass where they put a sheet up against a window to block the camera, then the magician opens it, climbs through and says he walked through the glass
What a wonderful voice.
Isn't it just!
amazingly insightful! Thank you soooo much for this!
Glad you enjoyed it!
What a great interview!
Thanks Phil, glad you liked it!
Advice from the master 👏 🙏
Thank You.
I love Joe Teller. He is such a lovely person.
I was thinking what he said at the end. I've seen several of his interviews, and almost all of them cover the same questions, and rarely go more than skin deep.
That's very kind of you to say. I spend quite a bit of time during the research reading/watching past interviews so I specifically don't ask all the things a guest has been asked before!
"I guess I explained it badly" (his idea for Fool Us) - that sounds like he mentioned it to Penn who then went off and organized the whole thing while Teller wasn't involved any more.
You'd think that with a project this large, they'd discuss it a bit more.