Recently, CBC Radio dedicated a full episode of their program Ideas to the life and career of Harry Houdini. Host Nahlah Ayed interviewed biographer Adam Begley, performer Katie Bender and our own David Ben. This is part one of a two-part series, the second part to air in the fall, which will be near the one hundred year anniversary of Houdini’s death on October 31, 2026.
From CBC Radio
Dua Lipa namechecked him in a 2023 dance hit, and she’s not alone: escape artist Harry Houdini remains a cultural reference point, despite having died a hundred years ago. And that’s pretty much what he would have wanted. The turn-of-the century magician was an oddly modern guy: a producer of superhero-style spectacles, a brilliant self-marketer, and a mass of psychological contradictions. Biographer Adam Begley, magician and historian David Ben, and theatre performer Katie Bender unlock his myth.
The episode should be available to listen to on Apple, Spotify or your favourite podcast provide for the next few months. Or you can listen on the CBC website.
