Reading Michael Jackson

Reading Michael Jackson

Season 2 of "Reading Michael Jackson" offers a thorough reading and review of his 1988 autobiography "Moonwalk." As an author, former college English professor, and Michael Jackson fan, in each episode host Lena reads a section of the book, followed by an in-depth discussion. The goal of this podcast is to honor and appreciate Michael Jackson's legacy as an artist and human being by spending dedicated time with the writing he published throughout his life. Season 1 covered Michael Jackson's book of poetry and reflections, "Dancing the Dream." New episodes released every Tuesday.

  1. 4 days ago

    S3x5 "Things I Do For You"

    Michael Jackson's adult solo career is inarguably one of the greatest discographies of all time. However, his musical contributions extend far beyond those six iconic albums. In 1978, The Jacksons released their first self-produced and nearly entirely self-written album "Destiny." Michael had a few clear favorite songs from that album, adding them to live set lists through the Bad era. One of the funkier ones, "Things I Do for You" is an energetic, highly percussive song with lyrics that feel almost uncomfortably prophetic for the many issues he would face just a few years later, and through the rest of his life. With themes of exploitation, mistrust, and a desire to avoid those looking to use him, this song served as an excellent contribution to his live performances, while also offering some interesting perspectives on the battle for authentic relationships he sought through most of his life. This episode includes clips of the studio recording, as well as Michael's 1987 Bad tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiYFgBftFVE&list=RDJiYFgBftFVE&start_radio=1 For questions or comments email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com

    S3x5 "Things I Do For You"

  2. 27 Oct

    S3x4 "Is it Scary?"

    Though Michael Jackson has long been associated with Halloween due to the popularity of "Thriller," he actually recorded several songs throughout his career that have a distinctly "scary" feeling. One of these lesser known gems is the song "Is it Scary?" released on the 1997 remix album "Blood on the Dance Floor." This gothic-inspired song featured briefly in his short film "Ghosts" has lyrics fit for Halloween, with mention of ghouls, ghosts, and trickery. But beneath that, these lyrics tell a much more frightening story of Michael Jackson's painful emotional response to the relentless media scrutiny and abuse he faced throughout most of his adult life. Join me for this emotional discussion diving deeply into the lyrics of this song and sitting with the agony Michael was expressing. We will even spend some time discussing the critical response to the song and how much of it reflected the very reality he was describing in the storytelling. For questions or comments feel free to email me at readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com.

    S3x4 "Is it Scary?"

  3. 20 Oct

    S3x3: "Chicago 1945"

    According to the Songwriter's Hall of Fame, Michael wrote over 200 songs in his lifetime. However, so many of those songs have never been, and never will be heard. The rare unreleased that have leaked online over the years offer amazing insight into Michael's creative process and level of perfection, especially when those he kept in the vault are as good as "Chicago 1945!" Join me in this episode as we read and discuss the lyrics of this high-energy, but darkly-themed song about missing girls and a lack of accountability from the authorities. If you are unfamiliar with the song, please give it a listen (link included below). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUkvA-NCV1E&list=RDBUkvA-NCV1E&start_radio=1 For questions and comments email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com.

    S3x3: "Chicago 1945"

  4. 13 Oct

    S3x2: "Another Part of Me"

    As one of Michael Jackson's most spiritual songs, the deep meaning of "Another Part of Me" can easily overlooked given its inaugural debut in Captain E.O. Though it's meaning certainly aligned with the storyline of the short film, this high energy pop song may often be cast aside as just another great dance hit. However, in this episode we take a slowed down approach, reading the lyrics and analyzing them line-by-line. Though this episode kicks off with a reflection on attending Spike Lee's birthday block party for Michael on August 29 in Brooklyn, NY, the majority of the discussion centers not only on the themes within the lyrics of "Another Part of Me", but also the choices Michael made to alter the lyrics in his live performance of the song. I also touch upon how the unity Michael strives for in these lyrics lives on today in his fandom around the world. For questions or comments please email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com

    S3x2: "Another Part of Me"

  5. 6 Oct

    S3x1: "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'"

    Kicking off our first episode of Season 3 is a deep-dive into arguably one of Michael's strongest album opener's: "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin.'" This high-energy song with it's uplifting and much-sampled outro is undeniably beloved. But how well understood is it? Join me for a slowed down and deeply thoughtful conversation about the meaning in these lyrics and the many messages Michael is conveying to his audience even now, nearly 50 years since it was first released. For questions or comments email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com.

    S3x1: "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'"

  6. 29 Sept ·  Bonus

    S3x0: Reading Michael Jackson's Lyrics - Season 3 Premiere

    After a post-biopic summer hiatus, "Reading Michael Jackson" is back with Season 3! Having already covered Michael's books in Seasons 1 and 2, this season we will focus on Michael's most well-known, yet routinely under-appreciated writing: his lyrics. As a songwriter and lyricist Michael tackled themes of inspiration, heartbreak, global unity, humanitarianism, media, social commentary, sex, violence, spirituality, systemic racism, personal growth, love, vulnerability, and more. Yet as an artist, the shine of his aura and his talents as a singer and dancer often lend to his strengths as a songwriter being overlooked, if not entirely ignored. As the premiere of Season 3, this episode will cover my reasoning and decision for choosing Michael's lyrics as our focus this season, as well as my general parameters for picking songs to cover. Next week we will kick off with episode 1, with a full reading and analysis of the lyrics to one of Michael' greatest songs. If you have requests for specific songs to be covered this season, please leave a comment or send an email to readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com.

    S3x0: Reading Michael Jackson's Lyrics - Season 3 Premiere

  7. 29 Aug ·  Bonus

    BONUS: The Reason Behind Neverland and Michael Jackson's Humanitarian Legacy - 68th Birthday Celebration

    In this special bonus episode of Reading Michael Jackson, we celebrate Michael's 68th birthday with a deep dive into the true meaning behind the creation of his Neverland Ranch, as well as his humanitarian legacy. Featuring interview clips from Neverland's Head of Security Violet Gaitan Booker, Amusement Park Manager Al Scanlan, and Audio support Brad Sundberg, as well as clips from Michael Jackson's own interviews, this episode focuses on the true heart of Neverland, and honoring Michael Jackson's dream of healing the world. Links and resources referenced in episode: Paris Jackson on Call Her Daddy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jR8-dzLECUE&t=562s Paul Dwyer's Humanitarian Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW2YG8HjZxE&t=584s Humanitarian Book: https://www.humanitarianmj.com/ "Big Al" Interview, Humanitarian Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHddfdVHMZE&t=2567s Brand Sundberg Interview, MJCast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3Jh7jNbA7k&t=5018s Violent Gaitan Booker, MJCast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUP60S9I-JM&t=1460s Steve Harvey Interview, Michael Jackson, 2001: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RW5poJgHXU4 Rabbi Shmuley Boteach Transcripts with Michael Jackson: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-michael-jackson-tapes-a-tragic-icon-reveals-his-soul-in-intimate-conversation/734582/#edition=5556084&idiq=1723326 Jennifer Love Hewitt on Jimmy Kimmel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCWnQ0vE5d4 Humanitarian fan initiative: https://www.michaeljacksonslegacy.org/

    BONUS: The Reason Behind Neverland and Michael Jackson's Humanitarian Legacy - 68th Birthday Celebration

  8. 25 Jun ·  Bonus

    BONUS: "We Had Him" by Maya Angelou - A June 25th Reading and Discussion in Honor of Michael Jackson

    Seventeen years ago today Michael Jackson passed away and the world descended into a collective grief. Renowned poet Maya Angelou composed the poem "We Had Him" to honor Michael's life, legacy, and the gift of his presence on earth. In today's special June 25th episode of Reading Michael Jackson, join me for a reading and discussion of Angelou's beautiful tribute to Michael, as well as a segment on the many ways we may honor Michael, and his impact, in our own lives. For questions or comments email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com "We Had Him" - https://allpoetry.com/poem/14326539-We-Had-Him-by-Maya-Angelou June 25th, 2025 Episode of RMJ: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6oKjtR8PKoCBT7LqfqpX0T?si=SX6PWtx5S8qXSzl4je40nw

    BONUS: "We Had Him" by Maya Angelou - A June 25th Reading and Discussion in Honor of Michael Jackson
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Trailers

About

Season 2 of "Reading Michael Jackson" offers a thorough reading and review of his 1988 autobiography "Moonwalk." As an author, former college English professor, and Michael Jackson fan, in each episode host Lena reads a section of the book, followed by an in-depth discussion. The goal of this podcast is to honor and appreciate Michael Jackson's legacy as an artist and human being by spending dedicated time with the writing he published throughout his life. Season 1 covered Michael Jackson's book of poetry and reflections, "Dancing the Dream." New episodes released every Tuesday.

Information

  • Creator
    Reading Michael Jackson
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    82
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Reading Michael Jackson
  • Show Website
    Reading Michael Jackson

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