Reading Michael Jackson

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 [email protected].

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=562sPaul Dwyer's Humanitarian Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW2YG8HjZxE&t=584sHumanitarian Book: https://www.humanitarianmj.com/"Big Al" Interview, Humanitarian Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHddfdVHMZE&t=2567sBrand Sundberg Interview, MJCast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3Jh7jNbA7k&t=5018sViolent Gaitan Booker, MJCast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUP60S9I-JM&t=1460sSteve Harvey Interview, Michael Jackson, 2001: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RW5poJgHXU4Rabbi 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=1723326Jennifer Love Hewitt on Jimmy Kimmel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCWnQ0vE5d4Humanitarian fan initiative: https://www.michaeljacksonslegacy.org/

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 [email protected]"We Had Him" - https://allpoetry.com/poem/14326539-We-Had-Him-by-Maya-AngelouJune 25th, 2025 Episode of RMJ: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6oKjtR8PKoCBT7LqfqpX0T?si=SX6PWtx5S8qXSzl4je40nw

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=ZxNDb2PVcoMMary 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-f400c5d63baaAphrodite 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=1-1Joe 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/themjstorydocThe MJCast Leaving Neverland Roundtable Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpdvL1OrLxQhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIqkam3MGgIThe 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=bpaIWbfqDxwFor questions or comments email [email protected]

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 [email protected]