This week, Michael M. Hughes returns to the show to talk about the recently released second edition of his book Magic for the Resistance: Rituals and Spells for Change. Hughes is an author, game designer, activist, journalist, and magician, and in this episode he talks about the genesis of his book on magical resistance and the need for a second edition. For listeners unfamiliar with the background, he and AP discuss his original trump-binding spells that went viral online and led to the creation of the book in 2018. From there they discuss the inspiration for some of spells, using historical examples which are covered in the book, and get into the nitty-gritty of what constitutes magic in its most efficacious form.

The conversation also provided an opportunity for no small amount of political venting about the stupidity, cruelty, and evil in our current world. This lends itself to humor but also underlines the necessity for self-care and community, which is also covered in the book in a variety of spells outside of the notable trump binding ritual. From art as magic to humor as a tool against totalitarianism, inflatable frogs and the rippling effects of small acts of kindness, a lot of ground gets covered in this conversation.

Check out Michael's website here: https://www.michaelmhughes.com/
...and order the revised and expanded edition of his book here: https://www.crossedcrowbooks.com/shop-crossed-crow-books/p/magicfortheresistance