Set Lusting Bruce - Matt Donnelly on Magic, Fool Us, and Bruce Springsteen’s Politics

Jesse Jackson welcomes Matt Donnelly for his third appearance on a B-side “Set Listing Bruce” episode that detours from Springsteen into Matt’s life in comedy and magic. Matt recounts how a dare from Penn Jillette led him to learn magic with mentor Johnny Thompson, tour with Piff the Magic Dragon, and build routines through problem-solving, tension, and performance. He discusses nerves onstage, the work of writing and “mascot” duties on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, and shares the story of Moxie Jillette being motivated to fool Penn & Teller. They talk about luck and risk in show business, Springsteen’s long-standing political outspokenness, and criticism of the film Deliver Me From Nowhere. Matt plugs upcoming touring plans, Jokers of Magic, Virgin Voyages work, and his podcasts and Patreon. https://mattdonnellymagic.com/ 00:37 Matt Returns 01:25 Vegas Life Update 02:30 Magic Origin Story 03:54 Why Magic Clicked 06:47 Building A Killer Routine 10:35 Performance And Audience Trust 14:12 Nerves And High Stakes 16:46 Fool Us Behind The Scenes 19:41 Mascot Writer Role 21:13 Moxie Pep Talk Twist 24:18 Protecting Moxie’s Wellbeing 24:53 Dream Job Reality Check 27:16 Luck Risks and Connections 29:42 Springsteen Breakthrough Myth 31:53 Bruce Gets Political Again 34:40 Nebraska Biopic Misfire 38:45 What’s Next for Matt 40:13 Cruise Ship Pros and Cons 41:29 Podcasts and Communities 44:07 Closing Wishes and Song Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices