Setting the Record Straight: Doug Conn, Slydini, and the Truth About Cellini

By Bill and Kevin Wisch

After seeing The Magic Guys receive recognition at FISM, I visited some of their past content and came across a statement by Doug Conn that — though likely made in good faith — misrepresents an important detail about Tony Slydini’s legacy.

In the world of magic, lineage matters. Not because it confers status, but because it safeguards the true intent and philosophy of the greats who came before us. One of those greats—perhaps the greatest—was Tony Slydini.

The Slydini Letter

On an episode of the popular podcast "The Magic Guys" hosted by Doug Conn, Doug made comments about Slydini and one of his students, Cellini. The claim was that Cellini had been given Slydini’s “blessing” to lecture and share Slydini’s material. It was also said that Cellini “learned everything” from Slydini and that this relationship is documented in videos available through Reel Magic Magazine.

We respect the enthusiasm behind Doug Conn’s comments and believe Cellini’s name certainly deserves recognition in the magic community. However, historical truth deserves more than enthusiasm—it deserves precision.

Clarifying the Record

Let us be clear about a few important facts regarding Tony Slydini’s students and legacy:

• Only one person was ever authorized in writing by Slydini to teach and lecture on his material: Bill Wisch. This written authorization was given during Slydini’s lifetime, following years of close mentorship, personal instruction, and trust.

• Bill Wisch is also the only student to have ever taken Slydini’s place on tour.From 1976 through 1979, Bill toured more than 70 cities across North America, introducing the now-famous Fulves books (The Best of Slydini and The Magical World of Slydini) with Slydini’s full knowledge and support.

• While Cellini studied with Slydini, he was never formally authorized to lecture or teach on Slydini’s behalf.

• The videos featuring Cellini in Reel Magic Magazine, including the series “As I Recall”, are personal interpretations and recollections from Cellini and other students, not officially sanctioned instruction. They are valuable in their own right, but they must not be confused with legitimate transmissions of Slydini’s material.

  Bill Wisch showcases The Slydini Letter in 2020

Here is Doug Conn’s actual statement from his podcast (minute mark 14:09 in the video below):

“Let me speak on this guy, he taught Cellini. He taught Cellini every single thing he did and at one point with Slydini’s blessing Cellini lectured on Slydini’s material. Much of this has been captured on video with Kozmo in ReelMagicMagazine. Cellini brings Slydini to life with these videos and if you’re a member there you can check those videos out. There’s one like I think it's 'As I Recall' there might be several students doing his work.”

Doug Conn's quote appears at minute mark 14:09

Why This Matters

This isn’t about downplaying Cellini’s impact. He was a gifted, charismatic performer who inspired generations of street magicians and openly credited Slydini as a central influence. That legacy is worthy of recognition.

But admiration should never come at the expense of accuracy. Slydini’s magic wasn’t just sleight of hand—it was a philosophy, a way of thinking. Understanding it required more than just repetition of technique; it required immersion in timing, theory, and nuance.

Bill Wisch spent years under Slydini’s direct instruction, absorbing that philosophy firsthand. He was chosen and authorized, in writing, to demonstrate it, explain it, and carry it forward. That distinction is factual - and it matters

Author’s Note: Previously, we believed that a comment we posted in response had been hidden by The Magic Guys. This was incorrect, and we apologize for the misstatement. Nonetheless, public endorsements carry significant weight and should be supported by verifiable evidence rather than hearsay.

For Those Seeking the Authentic Slydini Lineage

If you’re a subscriber to Reel Magic Magazine, you may already be familiar with Bill Wisch’s long-running column, “On Slydini.” These writings provide rare insight into the methods, philosophy, and teachings passed directly from Slydini to Bill—with context no secondhand interpretation can offer. Bill continues to share his knowledge through lectures, writings, and limited digital releases—each created with precision and reverence for the material.

In Closing

This isn’t about controversy. It’s about clarity.

When it comes to magic history—especially the legacy of someone as singular as Tony Slydini—details matter. I invite anyone who speaks publicly about Slydini’s work—including Doug Conn and others—to do so with care, diligence, and respect for what has been documented.

Thank you for honoring Slydini’s legacy with us.