014 - You Can't Make This Up! - Stories by Robert Strong, Niels Duinker, Magic Mike Brooks, & Tom Ameen

This week's storytellers are Corporate magician Robert Strong, Juggler Niels Duinker, Magic Mike Brooks, and Pianist Tom Ameen.

In this episode you'll hear stories that share a theme of "You Can't Make This Up!" You'll hear about an almost unfortunate coincidence at a NACA Showcase, an internationally traveling juggler getting mugged practically outside his own front door, a couple unfortunate stage faux pas involving a banana and computer software, and a fun conversation about restaurant performing and awkwardness around tips.

The first storyteller is Corporate Magician Robert Strong. Based out of San Francisco, Robert is a corporate comedy magician with over 30 years experience. He's been twice voted San Francisco's Best Comedian and three times voted San Francisco's Best Magician. Whether he's producing corporate events, working the trade show floor, or strolling with close up magic, he's super easy to work with and has even been called the "nicest entertainer on the planet." In this story, Robert shares about an almost unfortunate coincidence involving him and Brian Brushwood.  

The second story comes from Niels Duinker, a comedy juggler who has traveled the world with his act, become a multiple world record holder, and outwardly proclaims that "gravity is a joke!" Niels tells his story about how he, an internationally traveling entertainer, got mugged quite literally outside his own front door!

The third storyteller is Magic Mike Brooks. Offering a wide variety of services from hypnosis, large-scale stage illusions, mentalism, and even close up strolling magic, Mike has become the premier choice for this kind of entertainment in and around Ohio.In his story, he talks about a couple unfortunate stage faux pas, one involving a banana and the other about how a computer pop up can screw up sound and lighting cues.

Our final storyteller this episode is Tom Ameen. Tom is a Billboard Topping Pianist that's collaborated with top names in the industry like Jim Brickman and has frequently performed at many of JJ Abrams' private events. He's well-known among the Disney fan community having arranged and performed wonderful renditions of Disney classics from the theme parks and the movies. His most recent album is Stories From The Sea (Inspired by “The Outlaw Ocean” a book by Ian Urbina which is out now and can be purchased and streamed wherever you listen to your music. Here is a conversation between him and I about restaurant performing and the general awkwardness around tips.

Here's where you can find out more about this week's storytellers. 

Robert Strong - Corporate Magician 
Robert's Website 
Robert's TEDx Talks (Playlist)

Niels Duinker - Juggler 
Niels' Website 
Comedy Barn 
Amish Country Theater

Magic Mike Brooks 
Mike's Website

Tom Ameen - Pianiat 
Tom's Website
Tom's New Album

Do you have comments, suggestions, or want to share your own stories? Drop me a line! [email protected]

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