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. S2x0 - Season Premiere Introducing Michael Jackson's "Moonwalk"

    2D AGO · BONUS

    S2x0 - Season Premiere Introducing Michael Jackson's "Moonwalk"

    After a short hiatus, "Reading Michael Jackson" is back with Season 2! This time around, we are covering Michael Jackson's 1988 autobiography Moonwalk. Much like Season 1 which covered Michael's book of poetry and essays, "Dancing the Dream," each episode this season will contain a reading of a section of "Moonwalk," as well as a discussion of the contents. In preparation for the forthcoming biopic "Michael" (out April 24th), the goal of this season is to read and examine the way in which Michael himself chose to tell his life story, now that Michael's estate, family, and Hollywood executives will be recreating it on the big screen. Though this episode is technically serving as the premiere of Season 2, given the timing of the holiday season, as well as the content we are covering in this episode, this episode can be viewed as a "bonus." In this episode we will be covering my reasoning and decision for choosing "Moonwalk" as our focus, as well as a reading and discussion of the book's Afterword, written by one of Michael's editors, and the Forward written by Berry Gordy. By reading and discussing these materials, we are setting the foundation for understanding Michael's approach to writing this book, his process, and perhaps some of the pitfalls facing celebrity memoir in general. So while this could definitely be considered "bonus" content, if you want to be fully prepared to engage with the book starting next week, I recommend listening! From here forward, we will follow a tight schedule, with new episodes out each Tuesday leading up to the release of the biopic! So be sure to stay caught up this season! For any questions or feedback email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com.

    59 min
  2. Season 2 Trailer

    SEASON 2 TRAILER

    Season 2 Trailer

    We are back for season 2 of Reading Michael Jackson! This time around, we will be focusing on reading and discussing Michael's 1988 autobiography "Moonwalk." Each episode will feature a reading from the book followed by a discussion. Tune in with new episodes dropping on Tuesday December 30th!

    3 min
  3. S1x47 Season Finale - Final Discussion and Review of "Dancing the Dream"

    11/11/2025

    S1x47 Season Finale - Final Discussion and Review of "Dancing the Dream"

    After nearly a year, we have completed our full reading of "Dancing the Dream." Now comes the real question... as Michael Jackson fans what exactly do we make of this book? What was Michael's purpose in writing it and what role does it play in his overall legacy? Join me for one final discussion covering this tremendous collection. Starting with a reading of Michael's one and only interview in which he is interviewed, specifically, about "Dancing the Dream" (Chicago Tribune 1992), we will then briefly discussion Elizabeth Amisu's understanding of this work as outlined her book "The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson," followed by my own personal review. It has been an outstanding Season 1 of Reading Michael Jackson and I am so grateful for each and every one of you who has joined me along the way! Please be sure to follow the show closely so you don't miss the Season 2 trailer... it may be dropping sooner than you think! For questions or comments please email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com!

    1h 10m
  4. S1x46 "Look Again Baby Seal"

    11/04/2025

    S1x46 "Look Again Baby Seal"

    In this final essay from Dancing the Dream, Michael interrogates his own relationship to the world around him, and what he “owes” other life forms on earth. While examining a famous photograph of a baby seal, he finds himself projecting his own feelings and views onto the seal, forcing him to question his role in the good and bad that happens in the natural world. As a thoughtful close to this book, "Look Again, Baby Seal" challenges all readers to consider what role they play in both the betterment and suffering of the modern world. Please tune in for next week's season 1 season finale episode! For questions or comments, email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com.

    41 min
  5. S1x45 "The One in the Mirror"

    10/28/2025

    S1x45 "The One in the Mirror"

    In this penultimate essay in Dancing the Dream, Michael writes from a place of intentional and intense self-reflection. "Mirroring" the themes from his song "Man in the Mirror," his essay "The One in the Mirror" takes the reflection a step further. Illustrating an internal battle between hope and cynicism, in this piece Michael literally argues with himself about his responsibility to the world as a person largely shielded from its suffering, while still deeply impacted by it. For me, this is one of the strongest pieces in the book that offers more than a purely idealistic view into the genuine struggle to show up for others, when it would be much easier to turn away. The interview featured in this episode is from the 1987 interview with Ebony Jet. For questions and comments, please email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com

    48 min
  6. S1x44 "Quantum Leap"

    10/21/2025

    S1x44 "Quantum Leap"

    As we grow closer to the end of Dancing the Dream, the many themes and personal philosophies Michael Jackson explored throughout the book become all the more clear. With two more short essays to go, this final "poetic" piece "Quantum Leap" features Michael urging us to, once again, take action in shifting our own world view for a more spiritually fulfilling life in which we can contribute to a more "utopian" existence for all. In this discussion, I identify several similar themes, even phrases, from previous pieces in the book, as well as new messages Michael is cementing for us. For questions or comments, please email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com

    31 min
  7. S1x43 "Heaven is Here"

    10/14/2025

    S1x43 "Heaven is Here"

    Throughout Dancing the Dream, Michael has explored the topics of a "universal oneness" and the ever presence of Heaven all around us. But perhaps no more directly does he do this than in this week's piece. In his poem, "Heaven is Here," Michael embodies a kind of spiritual mentor to his readers, offering wisdom and certainty for us to contend with in the face of our own doubts. Listen this week for an in-depth discussion of not only this piece, but Michael's orientation toward spirituality and mindfulness in general. For questions or comments, please email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com

    38 min
  8. S1x42 "Once We Were There"

    10/07/2025

    S1x42 "Once We Were There"

    In his poem “Once We Were There,” Michael is both separatist and invitational. In what could be seen as a thematic continuation of last week’s “Breaking Free,” in this piece Michael paints a picture of what we were “before” human existence” and what we can do now that we find ourselves here. Join for a heartfelt discussion of healing, acceptance, and recovering from the daily struggle of being human.  For questions or comments, email me at readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com.

    34 min
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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.

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  • Creator
    Reading Michael Jackson
  • Years Active
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  • Episodes
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    © Reading Michael Jackson
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    Reading Michael Jackson