A Metabolic Fig

Curated & written by

Mark Elsdon

I know what The Fig is

I don't really know

The Biggest Problem In Magic Right Now – Solved!

We are swamped by the sheer amount of magic stuff there is to keep up with. A friend wrote to me: "I simply feel like I am so far behind and tend to overwhelm myself by trying to study and buy everything. I have no intention of quitting magic, but I also have no idea of how to stop feeling like this."

Information overload is a massive problem in the 21st century, and nowhere more so than in magic. We are all drowning in content.

Every day there are at least 5 new tricks released; that's 150 NEW tricks a month! Plus books, eBooks, magazines, online lectures, podcasts, YouTube shows, video review shows, blogs, Facebook groups, Instagram feeds, Substacks, 40-50 paid monthly subscriptions and more. And that's all without leaving your house!

It can be hugely overwhelming, bordering on depressing even to simply think about trying to keep up with it all. And it's only going to keep coming...

The Solution

Over the last 25 years I have developed a set of filters that allow me to drown out almost all the noise and focus on the creators, writers and dealers who produce brilliant original content. I curate this knowledge into a weekly shortlist of essential info and offer it on a subscription basis, in an email newsletter called A Metabolic Fig aka The Fig.

In short, I subscribe to, read, watch and listen to as much of the good stuff as possible and distil this research into my top recommendations each week, delivered in a concise, reader-friendly email. Basically, I'm reading and watching (almost) everything so that you don't have to!

Every issue of The Fig contains:

My five favourite things that I learnt, read, watched, or listened to that week. Tricks, books, downloads, lectures, podcasts, shows, anything and everything, so long as it's magic related and I love it. I tell you exactly what it is, where you can get it and why you should.
Pro-tips, links, stories, ideas and premises that you can use to add depth, impact and context not only to all the new material I cover, but also to magic and mentalism that you already do.

The Fig offers a solution to the serious, on-going problem of information overload. It will save you time, money and stress, whilst at the same time making you smarter and better informed.

“The Fig is weekly required reading.”

- Michael Weber

“The Fig is The Way. Mark sees all, knows all, and owned most of it the first time around. I will not purchase anything until I read about it in the Fig, and if I don’t see it in the Fig, I don’t buy it.”

- Curtis Kam

“The Fig is a weekly digest of what’s good in a world in which finding what’s good is harder than ever. Mark’s curiosity, taste and expert curation make it an invaluable tool in surrounding yourself with inspiring, interesting and surprising things. Very highly recommended.”

- Luke Jermay

“With a laser-focus and a discerning eye, Mark sifts through the chaff, so you don’t have to. Sundays, for me, are the crossword puzzle and The Fig. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

- John Bannon

“If you crave magic in any way, shape, or form you need Mark’s weekly dose of news, reviews, previews, and cool, compelling links. I’m addicted.
I’m a Fig-oholic.”

- Raj Madhok

“The Fig has become a Sunday ritual with me that I truly enjoy. I always discover new commercial releases discussed, things I overlooked, interesting ideas, and more. Mark is an extremely knowledgeable expert in mining gold from the plethora of magic released (old and new). He shares his insights, what has him excited, and what you should look for. It will help you make better buying decisions. It's more than worth your money.”

- Tim Trono

“The Fig is like having a personal shopper for magic… one with exceptional taste.”

- Andi Gladwin

“Why waste countless hours poring over the latest newsletters from your favorite magic and mentalism dealers when The Fig will direct you straight to the gold. It is an invaluable resource that provides its readers with a literal lifeline in a world that is drowning in new releases.”

- Michael Murray

“Do you want the real inside scoop on the best magic tricks, books, downloads, videos and new websites that flood the market every week? Do you want to save yourself a ton of time, money and aggravation? You need to subscribe to Mark Elsdon’s Fig. Today! Mark Elsdon knows and now you can too!”

- Tom Dobrowolski

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