Matthew's Digest - Winter 2025
Winter Newsletter for Matthew McGuire's Latest Media Engagement
To those who have recently subscribed, thank you! I send out a periodic newsletter every few months so that readers can be apprised (or reminded) of my recent podcast appearances, essays, and other media engagement.
Recent Podcasts
Since my previous newsletter in early October 2024, I’ve had the privilege of appearing on six podcasts:
For those interested in an outline of A Magical World as a whole, this is probably the single most comprehensive interview that I’ve done. It was plenty of fun and Niko asked insightful questions of his own as well as from an engaging live audience.
Bold Apologia with Adam Parker (audio only)
In this interview, Adam asked me to elucidate my argument from Chapter 1 of A Magical World, where I provide a framework for understanding miracles not as “violations” of the laws of nature, but as effects which originate from a higher (spiritual) order.
After my previous debate with former paranormal investigator Daniel McAdams, we were asked to engage in a sequel debate, this time livestreamed on Youtube. This was a friendly (though pointed) exchange, and I again defended my argument from A Magical World on the existence of ghosts. I made a point of bringing new information to the table, and I made my notes available to the public for ease of referencing my sources.
Wesleyan pastor and professor at Kingswood University Marc Jolicoeur invited me on to his program to discuss the field of parapsychology and what Christians might have to learn from it. We discussed ESP, spiritual gifts, and states of trance. The host is well-read and a critical thinker, so we had a great time exploring thorny topics.
Brandon Spain indulged my suggestion to interview Revs. Michael Mitton and Russ Parker on his podcast. These two Anglican Clergymen practice a ministry of “requiem healing,” where they bring rest to “haunted” locations and people through prayer and the celebration of the Eucharist. I briefly mention the work of these gentlemen in A Magical World, so it was a great privilege to speak to them directly about their vocation.
I joined the Faith Unaltered channel for a roundtable discussion on the symbolism of life and death. This was a new format for me. Thanks to Joshua Davidson for the invitation.
Essays
For those who have recently subscribed, I encourage you to take a look at some of the articles I’ve published since the last newsletter. The subject matter is comprised of the usual topics of parapsychology and Christian theology. These include:
a discussion of ESP and the Church,
an interactive review of Rod Dreher’s Living in Wonder,
a three-part exploration of Alois Wiesinger’s book on the occult,
a set of reflections on the infamous “Gateway Experience” CIA document, and
a reaction to the recent Shawn Bolz “fake prophecy” controversy.
Youtube Tutorials
In the process of writing my book, I learned a few things that I’ve started to share on my miniscule Youtube channel. I’ve started by putting together a few handy tutorials for users of Logos Bible Software and acquiring eBooks on the cheap:
These videos are no frills. I’m just sharing a few tips that have become invaluable to me over the past couple years in my writing and researching. I plan to upload more like these in the future, including one on my process for keeping track of all my notes and highlights across eBook platforms. If that interests you, feel free to follow!
Contact
For those interested in further correspondence or speaking invitations, feel free to shoot me a direct message or email (see my website). I also host a private Facebook group where I share my material and bounce around ideas for future work. Entry is available upon request.
Otherwise, be on the lookout for future essays and book reviews. As always, I keep my webpage regularly updated with all of my newest material.
Many thanks to all the readers who share and engage with my writing. You have provided me the motivation to expand on the topics that I introduced in my debut book, and I look forward to interacting with you going forward.