The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler: Episode 329 - "Piff the Magic Dragon Goes Clone"

Release Date: April 14, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 329 of The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler, comedian and magician John Vanderput, famously known as Piff the Magic Dragon, joins host Ryan Sickler to delve into his unique blend of comedy and magic, his unexpected journey to fame, personal health battles, and an extraordinary story involving cloning his beloved performing dog. The conversation is rich with humor, heartfelt moments, and intriguing insights into the life of a performer who has turned the lowlights of life into laughter and magic.

Piff’s Early Life and Family

John Vanderput hails from London, UK, and comes from a close-knit family. His parents, who are celebrating their 50th anniversary, have been a cornerstone in his life. Piff shares fond memories of his parents' enduring marriage, highlighting the love and stability they provided:

“They met, went through church, went to the movies, and on the way, my dad proposed on his first date.” ([04:29])

He has two siblings—a younger brother and an older sister. Piff’s mother initially dedicated her time to raising the children before transitioning to a role as an assistant teacher, a position she continues to cherish.

Journey into Magic and Comedy

Piff's fascination with magic began in his early teens. At 14 years old, he started performing magic tricks at local gatherings, which eventually led him to develop his skills further during his university years. Despite studying computer science, he found himself more engrossed in the world of sleight of hand and magic performances:

“I put bits of stand-up in my show, but I always come back to the magic because I love creating something impossible.” ([07:28])

Piff recounts his early inspirations, particularly admiring British magician Jerry Sad. A pivotal moment occurred when he received a faulty linking rings set from a magician he admired, sparking his determination to master the art:

“That was the moment I took up magic.” ([13:11])

Breakthrough on Penn & Teller

Piff's big break came in 2011 when he appeared on Penn & Teller's show. Initially uncertain about whether his magic trick had fooled the renowned duo, he felt disappointed after the live performance. However, the subsequent airing of the episode skyrocketed his career, transforming him from a struggling magician to a recognized performer:

“They were like, ‘Oh, you didn't fool us,’ and I thought it was a disaster. But when it aired, everything blew up and made my career.” ([03:57])

This exposure led him to Las Vegas, where his reputation as Piff the Magic Dragon continued to grow, leading to numerous performances and collaborations.

Health Struggles and Recovery

At the age of 22, Piff faced a life-threatening health crisis. He endured pancreatitis, a severe condition that plagued him for two years with intermittent hospitalizations. The journey was fraught with uncertainty and pain, culminating in a risky surgery that ultimately saved his life:

“They put all the medicine in you, they're like, count backwards from 10... one in three chance that you don't get through the operation.” ([23:40])

Piff shares the emotional toll of his illness and the profound gratitude he feels for surviving the ordeal. Post-recovery, he made significant lifestyle changes, including giving up alcohol, which played a crucial role in his healing process:

“I gave up drinking. I had to. If I wanted to keep drinking, I couldn't have kept drinking.” ([28:07])

Piff’s Dogs and Cloning Story

A significant portion of Piff's act revolves around his dogs, particularly his original performing dog, Mr. Piffles. Their partnership spanned over 15 years, with 5,000 appearances together. After Mr. Piffles passed away at the age of 8, Piff faced the poignant decision to clone his cherished companion. The cloning process was elaborate and costly, ultimately leading to the birth of Fortune, his cloned Chihuahua:

“We sold them on the website... you can buy a Chihuahua. You can buy Mr. Piffles.” ([50:22])

Piff discusses the emotional and logistical challenges of cloning a pet, including the high costs involved—approximately $60,000—and the unexpected hurdles, such as the cloned dog initially refusing to perform. However, over time, Fortune adapted and became an integral part of Piff’s act, embodying the spirit and characteristics of Mr. Piffles.

“Fortune is exactly the same as the original Mr. Piffles you met on show one.” ([45:24])

This endeavor not only showcases Piff's dedication to his craft but also his innovative approach to blending magic, comedy, and heartfelt stories.

Vegas Show and Career Developments

Piff's commitment to his Vegas show, held at the Flamingo, has been a cornerstone of his career. Despite initial setbacks, including a disastrous first attempt and challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Piff persevered. His perseverance paid off when he participated in America's Got Talent, where receiving a golden buzzer from Neil Patrick Harris catapulted his career to new heights:

“He gave me the golden buzzer that made my career... and I got my own Vegas show out of it.” ([56:11])

Piff eloquently describes the grind of maintaining a Vegas show, balancing rehearsals, performances, and the continuous evolution of his act. His relationship with his dogs, particularly the cloned Fortune, adds depth and uniqueness to his performances, resonating well with audiences and cementing his place in the competitive Vegas magic scene.

Conclusion

Episode 329 of The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler offers an intimate glimpse into the multifaceted life of Piff the Magic Dragon. From his humble beginnings in London to his meteoric rise in Las Vegas, and through personal health challenges and innovative ventures like cloning his performing dog, Piff's story is one of resilience, creativity, and unwavering passion. His ability to intertwine magic with comedy, coupled with his heartfelt narratives, makes him a standout figure in the entertainment world. This episode not only highlights Piff's professional journey but also celebrates his personal triumphs and the unique bond he shares with his canine companions.

Notable Quotes

• “They met, went through church, went to the movies, and my dad proposed on his first date.” – Piff the Magic Dragon ([04:29])

• “I always come back to the magic because I love creating something impossible.” – Piff the Magic Dragon ([07:28])

• “They were like, ‘Oh, you didn't fool us,’ and I thought it was a disaster. But when it aired, everything blew up and made my career.” – Piff the Magic Dragon ([03:57])

• “I gave up drinking. I had to. If I wanted to keep drinking, I couldn't have kept drinking.” – Piff the Magic Dragon ([28:07])

• “Fortune is exactly the same as the original Mr. Piffles you met on show one.” – Piff the Magic Dragon ([45:24])

• “They gave me the golden buzzer that made my career, and I got my own Vegas show out of it.” – Piff the Magic Dragon ([56:11])

Final Thoughts

John Vanderput's journey as Piff the Magic Dragon is a testament to the power of perseverance and the magic of combining different art forms. Through his engaging storytelling and captivating performances, Piff continues to inspire and entertain, turning life's challenges into moments of joy and wonder.