Moonwalk through the entire two-episode spectacular about Michael, the blockbuster biopic chronicling the early life of Michael Jackson and his tumultuous relationship with his abusive father, Joe. It's 78 minutes long, but still shorter than the runtime of the film! FROM EPISODE 13: "Smooth Criminal: The Dad of Michael Jackson" The Man. The Myth. The King of Pop. On this episode, Ken and Lisa go to the movies to discuss the new hit film, Michael, a biopic that chronicles the ascent of Michael Jackson as a world-class performer and pop cultural icon. All the while, his abusive father, Joe Jackson, controlled and manipulated his children to fulfill his own narcissistic and self-serving vision. How was Michael able to escape the cycle of abuse created from cultural and historical means and propel himself into superstardom? A major accident while filming a cola commercial could have ended in tragedy, but Michael uses this opportunity to forgive his mother, fulfill his obligation to his siblings, and finally severing his tumultuous relationship with his brutal father. He transcends generations of violence and escapes the clutches of his dad, but the emotional and traumatic toll might be even too much for Michael to overcome. Trigger warning: Discussions about child abuse. FROM EPISODE 15: "Just Beat It! Michael Jackson Tells Joe to Beat It!" (This is the second part of the episode, "Smooth Criminal: The Dad of Michael Jackson". Please listen to Part 1!) When we look at successful celebrities, who were victims of child abuse, do the ends justify the means? Does survivorship bias alter public perception of the actual rarity of people who transcend being abused by their parents? On this episode, Ken and Lisa continue discussing the blockbuster film, Michael, diving deeper into Michael Jackson’s psychological damage after weathering years of abuse from his vicious father, Joe. Underneath the success, Michael suffered myriads of issues such as body dysmorphia and eating disorders. At the climax of the film, Joe Jackson conjures his final act of villainy to guilt Michael into a final Jackson5 tour. Despite its commercial success, the critics panned the film, referencing its omission of scandals that plagued the King of Pop’s later career. Yet, fans saw it as a love letter to Michael’s genius that blossomed in spite of constant abuse from Joe Jackson. Cry, laugh, and enjoy the episode! Credits/Thanks: Theme Song: "Clouded" by Megan Morrow. IG: @meganmorrowmusic Sound Editing: Ken & Lisa Cover Art: Ken Follow us on: Instagram: @nurturaldisasters Substack: https://nurturaldisasters.substack.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nurturaldisasters
