{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Thoughts on FISM","description":"Thoughts on FISM: The Good, The Bad, and The Overwhelming In this solo episode of Discourse in Magic, Jonah Babins shares his raw and honest reflections on FISM 2025. From mind-blowing performances to marathon-length competitions, Jonah walks through the highs and lows of the world\u2019s biggest and most prestigious magic convention and competition. Whether you attended or are just curious about how FISM functions, this episode offers a candid inside look. Highlights from the World Stage Jonah opens with praise for the best of the best\u2014performers whose acts left audiences stunned. Standout mentions include Michael Bloke\u2019s clever creativity, the astonishing coding mentalism of Mind to Mind, Billy's inventive routine, Morton Christensen\u2019s consistent excellence, and the shockingly fresh linking ring act by Juan Klos. But it was quick-change artist Leah Kyle who stole the show with a jaw-dropping act that received standing ovations and, in Jonah\u2019s view, deserved the Grand Prix. The Long Haul of Competition Despite the brilliance at the top, Jonah critiques the structure of FISM\u2019s competition. With hours upon hours of performances\u2014many of which don\u2019t meet the bar\u2014he argues for stricter qualification rounds to cut down the sheer volume. Watching 150+ acts over several days becomes grueling, and Jonah suggests FISM should focus on quality over quantity to make the experience more enjoyable and less exhausting. What FISM Got Right (and Wrong) From disappointing gala shows to overlooked online categories, Jonah points out organizational missteps. The new Online Magic Awards, though a great idea, felt like an afterthought\u2014barely acknowledged during the ceremony and judged with outdated criteria. He also calls for a more thoughtful schedule, noting the chaos of overlapping events, midnight galas, and 9 a.m. lectures. And as for the judging? Let the crowd reactions count\u2014because Leah Kyle not winning still feels like a snub. Mentions   FISM (F\u00e9d\u00e9ration Internationale des Soci\u00e9t\u00e9s Magiques)   &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; ","author_name":"Discourse in Magic","author_url":"http:\/\/discourseinmagic.com\/home\/","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/37550835\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/content\/191169315"}