Magic in the Heartland: Ben Ulin’s 36 Years of Wonder and Laughter at Adventureland

Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast

In this episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, presented by Wellabe, magician and comedian Ben Ulin shares his reflections on a remarkable 36-year career performing at Adventureland. Ulin estimates he’s done over 25,000 shows, captivating audiences of all ages and building a legacy of loyal fans, some spanning three generations. He attributes the sustained success to a mix of humor, audience engagement, and the timeless intrigue of magic, where fans return to try to "figure out" his tricks.

Ulin discusses his comedic approach and his commitment to evolving performances. He engages audience volunteers and tailors each show to the crowd, which can vary widely, from families to daycare groups to teenagers. This variety keeps him engaged and prevents the show from feeling routine. For him, magic is as much about storytelling as it is about illusion, merging his passion for comedy with the craft of magic. Ulin describes his assistants not merely as stage help but as essential, comedic "characters" who bring their own personalities to the act, enriching the show and adding to the humor and spontaneity.

Reflecting on his start, Ulin recalls working in a magic shop and performing local shows while in college. Though he never planned to pursue magic professionally, he eventually realized his mission: to make a living through creativity. Adventureland has allowed him to achieve this, acting as both a consistent venue and a creative “laboratory” for his ever-evolving magic acts.

Maxwell and Ulin also discuss changes in the industry, noting the rise of social media “magic” and Ulin's hope for a renewed appreciation for live, three-dimensional performances. His passion and sense of humor shine as he looks ahead, committed to performing as long as he’s able, hopefully for years to come.