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The History Podcast How Houdini Made Magic Episodes

  1. Today 13:45
    BBC Radio 4

    3. Know your audience

    3/11 Houdini gets his break and hones his craft by tapping into the sentiment of his audiences

  2. Tomorrow 13:45
    BBC Radio 4

    4. Advertise

    4/11 Derren Brown explores how Houdini became a master self-marketer to stand out

  3. Friday 13:45
    BBC Radio 4

    5. Protect your brand

    5/11 Houdini tours Europe where he is threatened by copycats and doubters

  4. Monday 13:45
    BBC Radio 4

    6. Make influential friends

    6/11 Derren Brown explores the ultimate mystery: Was Houdini an international spy?

  5. Next Tuesday 13:45
    BBC Radio 4

    7. Master the media

    7/11 Houdini learns to use newspapers as a tool to self-mythologise and build up his legend

  6. Next Wednesday 12:04
    BBC Radio 4

    8. Keep ahead of the times

    8/11 Derren Brown explores how Houdini mastered film, radio, and early social networking

  7. Next Thursday 13:45
    BBC Radio 4

    9. Stay relevant

    9/11 Houdini becomes a crusader against a new religion, keeping his name on the front pages

  8. Fri 30 Oct 2026 13:45
    BBC Radio 4

    10. Cement your legacy

    10/11 Houdini’s untimely death sends shockwaves around the world and helps eternalise his fame