The Magic World of The Amazing Randi by James Randi

This week, the No Returns pair attempt to bamboozle and charm their book club with tricks learned from this episode's text, The Magic World of The Amazing Randi by James Randi. 

Alyssa Savino is a writer, a pop culture enthusiast, and is "deeply Midwestern." Subscribe to her newsletter, Soft Earlobe, listen to her "mini-podcast" (often about snacks) Xylophone Break, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

Kevin Krein is a writer and host of the Anhedonic Headphones Podcast. His music writing (and some of his non-music writing) is on Anhedonic Headphones, or you can follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

Opening Credit Music:

“Western Wind,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, ; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. The Loneliest Time, Interscope, 2022.

Closing Credit Music:

“Too Much,” written by Carly Rae Jepsen, John Hill, Jordan Palmer, Noonie Bao, and Sammy Leighton Clay; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. Dedicated, Interscope, 2019.

Additional Music Credits:

“Cowboys,” written by Geoff Barrow and Beth Gibbons; performed by Portishead. Portishead, Go!/London, 1997.

"Alright," written by Pamela Valfer; performed by Kitty Craft. Beats and Breaks From The Flower Patch, Darla Records, 2024 (Reissue)

“Strange Magic,” written by Jeff Lynne; performed by Electric Light Orchestra. Face The Music, United Artists, 1975.

“Do You Believe in Magic,” written by John Sebastian; performed by Aly and AJ. Into The Rush, EMI, 2005. 

“Magic,” written by Ric Ocasek; performed by The Cars. Heartbeat City, Elektra, 1984.

“Houdini,” written by Dua Lipa, Kevin Parker, Danny L Harle, Caroline Ailin,  and Tobias Jesso Jr.; performed by Dua Lipa. Radical Optimism, Warner Brothers, 2024.

“Abracadabra,” written by Stefani Germanotta, Andrew Watt, Henry Walter, Susan Ballion, Peter Edward Clarke, John McGeoch, and Steven Severin; performed by Lady Gaga. Mayhem, Interscope, 2025.

“Abracadabra,” written by Steve Miller; performed by The Steve Miller Band. Abracadabra, Capitol, 1982

“Mindfreak,” written by Scott Albert, Mickey James, and Christopher Sarantakos; performed by Criss Angel. Mindfreak - The Official Soundtrack, Angel Productions, 2006.

“Magic,” written and performed by Nick Drake. Made to Love Magic, Island, 2004.