Press Releases
B’nai B’rith Podcast: Author Joe Posnanski Explores the Life and Influence of the Celebrated Magician and Escape Artist
(Washington, D.C., Jan. 9, 2019)—Harry Houdini died nearly a century ago, but he continues to fascinate legions of fans around the world and inspire contemporary magicians with his feats.
On the B’nai B’rith Podcast, author Joe Posnanski, author of “The Life and Afterlife of Harry Houdini” delves into the illusionist’s background and legacy. He talks with podcast host and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin about the book as well as the individuals who were inspired by Houdini years later to create their own magic.
Posnanski, a sports writer by background, found parallels between Houdini and the athletes he normally writes about. “I think of [Houdini] even more as an athlete than a pure magician,” said Posnanski. “He was someone who did great feats of strength…he was a boxer, he was a swimmer, he was a runner. The things that he did – escaping from handcuffs, escaping from boxes, jumping into rivers off of bridges – these were athletic feats. What really drove Houdini was this sort of athletic, I-can-beat-you. It was a contest. You were trying to lock him up and he was trying to get out and everything that drove him in his profession was built around that athletic ‘I can win, I will win…’”
Posnanski is a senior writer at The Athletic and has written five books, including the #1 New York Times national bestseller “Paterno.” Posnanski was named National Sportswriter of the Year by the Sportswriters and Sportscasters Hall of Fame in 2012.
Listen to the podcast here.
B’nai B’rith International has advocated for global Jewry and championed the cause of human rights since 1843. B’nai B’rith is recognized as a vital voice in promoting Jewish unity and continuity, a staunch defender of the State of Israel, a tireless advocate on behalf of senior citizens and a leader in disaster relief. With a presence around the world, we are the Global Voice of the Jewish Community. Visit www.bnaibrith.org
(Washington, D.C., Jan. 9, 2019)—Harry Houdini died nearly a century ago, but he continues to fascinate legions of fans around the world and inspire contemporary magicians with his feats.
On the B’nai B’rith Podcast, author Joe Posnanski, author of “The Life and Afterlife of Harry Houdini” delves into the illusionist’s background and legacy. He talks with podcast host and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin about the book as well as the individuals who were inspired by Houdini years later to create their own magic.
Posnanski, a sports writer by background, found parallels between Houdini and the athletes he normally writes about. “I think of [Houdini] even more as an athlete than a pure magician,” said Posnanski. “He was someone who did great feats of strength…he was a boxer, he was a swimmer, he was a runner. The things that he did – escaping from handcuffs, escaping from boxes, jumping into rivers off of bridges – these were athletic feats. What really drove Houdini was this sort of athletic, I-can-beat-you. It was a contest. You were trying to lock him up and he was trying to get out and everything that drove him in his profession was built around that athletic ‘I can win, I will win…’”
Posnanski is a senior writer at The Athletic and has written five books, including the #1 New York Times national bestseller “Paterno.” Posnanski was named National Sportswriter of the Year by the Sportswriters and Sportscasters Hall of Fame in 2012.
Listen to the podcast here.
B’nai B’rith International has advocated for global Jewry and championed the cause of human rights since 1843. B’nai B’rith is recognized as a vital voice in promoting Jewish unity and continuity, a staunch defender of the State of Israel, a tireless advocate on behalf of senior citizens and a leader in disaster relief. With a presence around the world, we are the Global Voice of the Jewish Community. Visit www.bnaibrith.org
