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The History Podcast

Derren Brown unlocks the extraordinary world of Harry Houdini — exploring the magic, mystery and astonishing legacy of the man who became the world's most famous escape artist.

Radio 4,11 episodes

Episodes

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How Houdini Made Magic
Trailer
Derren Brown unlocks the extraordinary world of illusionist Harry Houdini.
12 Oct 2026,3 mins
How Houdini Made Magic
1. Find your motivation
Houdini’s arrival in America as a poverty-stricken immigrant lights a fire beneath him.
19 Oct 2026,14 mins
How Houdini Made Magic
2. Find your voice
Houdini struggles through a variety of acts to cut through the 19th-century magic scene.
20 Oct 2026,13 mins
How Houdini Made Magic
3. Know your audience
Houdini gets his break and hones his craft by tapping into the sentiment of his audiences
21 Oct 2026,14 mins
How Houdini Made Magic
4. Advertise
Derren Brown explores how Houdini became a master self-marketer to stand out
22 Oct 2026,13 mins
How Houdini Made Magic
5. Protect your brand
Houdini tours Europe where he is threatened by copycats and doubters
23 Oct 2026,13 mins
How Houdini Made Magic
6. Make influential friends
Derren Brown explores the ultimate mystery: Was Houdini an international spy?
26 Oct 2026,14 mins
How Houdini Made Magic
7. Master the media
Houdini learns to use newspapers as a tool to self-mythologise and build up his legend
27 Oct 2026,13 mins
How Houdini Made Magic
8. Keep ahead of the times
Derren Brown explores how Houdini mastered film, radio, and early social networking
28 Oct 2026,13 mins
How Houdini Made Magic
9. Stay relevant
Houdini becomes a crusader against a new religion, keeping his name on the front pages
29 Oct 2026,15 mins
How Houdini Made Magic
10. Cement your legacy
Houdini’s untimely death sends shockwaves around the world and helps eternalise his fame
30 Oct 2026,13 mins