Reading Michael Jackson

Reading Michael Jackson
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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. 1d ago

    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"

  2. Oct 6

    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'"

  3. Sep 29 ·  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

  4. Aug 29 ·  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

  5. Jun 25 ·  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

  6. Jun 13 ·  Bonus

    BONUS: How the Media Convinced You Michael Jackson Was Guilty + Recommendations for Understanding the Allegations

    As June 13th marks the anniversary of Michael Jackson being acquitted of all charges in his 2005 trial, this bonus episode of Reading Michael Jackson explores the ongoing media campaign to discredit the jury's findings. With a PhD in Rhetoric, host and former college professor Lena uses rhetorical theories of persuasion and manipulation, to identify specific tactics the media uses in misrepresenting the allegations against Michael Jackson. The episode concludes with a guide for where to begin your research journey into the allegations, citing reputable books, podcasts, and documentaries grounded in court transcripts, depositions, and the FBI's multi-year investigation into Michael Jackson. Sources mentioned in this episode: Documentary Square One: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxNDb2PVcoM Mary Fischer's 1994 GQ Article, "Was Michael Jackson Framed?" https://mjjjusticeproject.wordpress.com/2017/06/14/was-micheal-jackson-framed-gq-mary-fisher-oct-1994/ Geraldine Hughes' Book, "Redemption": https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001K8FNI0?ccs_id=08e8339e-d453-4220-bebc-f400c5d63baa Aphrodite Jones' Book "Conspiracy" https://www.amazon.com/Michael-Jackson-Conspiracy-Aphrodite-Jones-ebook/dp/B00LIBDZPC?crid=1VDRDQEL5QRMR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PUIqdIM8-xo6XVaKfJsXRyEEaf8Fu0jplYzgOUK0DAfGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.8l-Qh9wb6hPlmnsxOHI9dwiaGN5QKIACpHTPfdCCVUw&dib_tag=se&keywords=aphrodite+jones+conspiracy&qid=1781114425&s=digital-text&sprefix=aphrodite+jones+conspiracy%2Cdigital-text%2C111&sr=1-1 Joe Vogel, "What You Should Know About the New Michael Jackson Documentary" https://www.forbes.com/sites/joevogel/2019/01/29/what-you-should-know-about-the-new-michael-jackson-documentary/ Jin Chohan's Documentary, "Leaving Neverland: The Aftermath" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hkNPmpudpc Jin Chohan's GO FUND ME for Documentary, "Trial By Media: The Michael Jackson Story" https://www.gofundme.com/f/themjstorydoc The MJCast Leaving Neverland Roundtable Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpdvL1OrLxQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIqkam3MGgI The Cast for Innocence Podcast: https://www.michaeljacksoncaseforinnocence.com/ Michael Jackson's Rebuttal to 'Living with Michael Jackson' - "The Footage You Were Never Meant to See" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpaIWbfqDxw For questions or comments email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com

    BONUS: How the Media Convinced You Michael Jackson Was Guilty + Recommendations for Understanding the Allegations

  7. May 5

    S2x19 - Full Michael Biopic Review - Season 2 Finale Part 2

    In this Part 2 of our Season Finale of Reading Michael Jackson, join me for a deep dive into the "Michael" biopic! After six trips to the theater I have a lot to say about this extraordinary film which, at times, both honors and expands on aspects of Michael's own storytelling in "Moonwalk," and at others falls completely short (where is Diana Ross?!). In this episode things get deep as we discuss Michael's childhood trauma, the true meaning of Neverland, the complex characterization of Joe Jackson, the meaning of destiny and manifestation, the long term impact this film will have on Michael Jackson's legacy, and so much more! I hope you enjoyed Season 2 of Reading Michael Jackson. Please follow, like, and subscribe to the show to stay updated on future seasons. For questions, or comments, email me at readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com

    S2x19 - Full Michael Biopic Review - Season 2 Finale Part 2

  8. Apr 19

    S2x18 Season Finale PART 1 - Full Review of "Moonwalk" and Hopes for the Michael Jackson Biopic

    In this first part of our Season 2 Finale of Reading Michael Jackson, I offer a full, comprehensive review of "Moonwalk," the one and only autobiography Michael Jackson ever released. While offering a summary of the book, its themes, what its contents and omissions can teach about Michael (and his psychology), its strengths, weaknesses, and role in Michael's legacy, I also deconstruct several reviews written about the book spanning from 1988-2019. In addition to pointed discussion of the book itself, listeners are asked to consider who is the true intended audience for a story of Michael Jackson's life? How does the intended audience shape the way the story is told and received and what value is there in the "critic" perspective? What are we entitled to know about Michael's life, if anything, and what right does he have to privacy in the more intimate areas of his life? Who determines what is "enough" for an autobiography (or biopic) to reveal in order to be seen as an authentic depiction of his life? In addition, tune in for my pre-biopic expectations, considerations, and concerns based on what we learned in "Moonwalk" and beyond. Part 2 of our Season Finale will contain a full review of the Michael biopic in consideration of our reading of Moonwalk and this episode. For questions or comments please feel free to reach out at readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com

    S2x18 Season Finale PART 1 - Full Review of "Moonwalk" and Hopes for the Michael Jackson Biopic
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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
    79
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Reading Michael Jackson
  • Show Website
    Reading Michael Jackson

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