This week, Michael asks us an important question: Are we listening? But what exactly is it he wants us to hear? Following a first-person omniscient narrator, in his poem "Are You Listening?" Michael explores themes of immortality, limitlessness, and spiritual ascension. But is the answer to all life's big questions as simple as he suggests? What can we take from this piece in our understanding not only of who Michael Jackson was, but who any of us are in the grand scheme of existence?
For questions or comments, please feel free to email me at readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com.
As we progress toward the end of Dancing the Dream, this week's episode covers, "Magical Child," the first piece in the remarkably short "Part 2" of the collection. Calling back to the first "Magical Child" piece featured in episode 3 of Reading Michael Jackson, this piece offers perhaps an even stronger statement about what it means to be a "magical child" in a cruel, or unforgiving world, than its predeccessor.
Join me this week for a discussion of Michael's self-identity and purpose-driven life, his belief in destiny, and relationship to an unrelenting media.
For questions or comments, feel free to email me at readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com.
As one of Michael's greatest songs, and one of his most notable foray's into Gospel music, "Will You Be There" is a profound plea to God, and all of those in heaven and earth, to recognize his humanity, and to reassure him that they will be there for him in his time of greatest needs. A chillingly prophetic piece, both the song and poem beg the question of what rock bottom moment Michael may have reached that would ultimately inspire these words. Join me for this emotional discussion, as well as some personal sharing about recent Michael Jackson experiences I have had in the world.
Note: The official reading and discussion of "Will You Be There," that begins around the 16 minute mark.
For questions or comments, please email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com.
With only 10 pieces left in Dancing the Dream, this week's poem "Child of Innocence" offers an honest portrait of Michael's own loss of innocence and effort to reclaim it, perhaps offering some perspective on why these themes continue to come to light throughout the book. Join me this week for an emotional discussion about Michael's own struggles with childhood trauma and the struggle to be seen clearly in the world.
For any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to reach out at readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com
In this special bonus episode of Reading Michael Jackson, join me for a fun, lighthearted discussion centered around celebrating all things MJ on his special day!
Starting with a review of where Michael stands in 2025 in terms of global popularity and relevance, continuing with a DJ-esque exploration of some of my favorite (lesser known) MJ songs, continuing with interview and book recommendations, and a brief personal reflection on my fandom 4 years later, this episode has a little bit of everything. So tune in today if you would like to celebrate Michael Jackson's 67th birthday and revel in all the things that make him such a force in the world to this day!
There are many sources and songs references in this episode. For a partial list, see below:
Understanding the TikTok ‘Man in the Mirror’ Trend
https://screenrant.com/michael-jackson-man-in-the-mirror-social-media-trend-reason/
Chartmasters study conveying Michael’s global artistry: https://chartmasters.org/the-60-most-global-artists-of-all-time/
Some of Forbes’ Hugh Mcintyre’s latest coverage of Michael’s chart success:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2025/08/18/michael-jacksons-classic-reaches-a-new-peak-on-multiple-charts/?ctpv=searchpage
Michael Jackson Diane Collins interview (1983) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVZCmZRuUXg&t=870s
Michael Jackson Jesse Jackson (2005) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6kg2CCschI&t=825s
I can’t Help It (demo) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5Qm9pd4xAk
Human Nature - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElN_4vUvTPs
Monkey Business - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpL0gzU2giw
Cheater - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGcWrDyHPWo
I’m So Blue - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhZT7uEPjaE
Days in Glousterschire - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLQ92T1b1gA&t=5s
Beautiful Girl - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pLgP7z7rA0
If You Don’t Love Me - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXmeyOI5cQ8
As always, if you have any questions or comments, please email me at ReadingMichaelJackson@yahoo.com.
Michael's creative philosophy offers fascinating insight into who he was as a person. In this unique essay, Michael explores the ways in which music is all around us, within our body, and requires nurturing, much like a child. But how does this connect to his actual style of creating music (including vocal performance and production)? In what ways are his beliefs about music "within us" reflected in his spiritual evolution and how can we benefit from sitting with these ideas?
For questions or comments, please email me at readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com.
As mentioned in the episode...
Chris Liepe's Reaction to Blood on the Dance Floor Multitracks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGoilE9ZJB0
Michael Jackson spoke often about his unique childhood, but in our essay this week "I Searched for My Star," he reflects on a surprisingly normal childhood memory - stargazing. Told in a short essay form, Michael invites us into the world of his child self when he once hoped to befriend the stars in the sky, before growing up and out of such innocent fantasies. But in sharing this story, he offers a tale for our consideration. In what ways does our loss of innocence contribute to our loss of caring about the world around us? How can harnessing the wonder we once felt as children help us to protect the world for future generations?
Tune in for this week's in-depth review of another beautiful piece from Dancing the Dream.
For questions or comments, email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com.
Though Michael Jackson's religious affiliations are well-documented, his ongoing pursuit of spiritual knowledge is less so. In his short essay "Angel of Light," Michael details his study of "angels" and what he has learned about them so far, ultimately reflecting on his introspective meditation to discover his own "angel within." This piece provides so much to consider about Michael's spiritual journey, lending to a discussion about not only Michael's views of angels themselves but of women and men, the existence of the soul, and his own desire to "find himself."
As mentioned in this episode, you may have an interest in exploring Howard Bloom's comments about Michael Jackson. His book Einstein, Michael Jackson, and Me: A Search for Soul in the Power Pits of Rock and Roll is available online and in stores. Bloom has also given several interviews with MJ content creators such as The MjCast and The Michael Jackson Book Club, both of which are available on YouTube.
To contact me, please email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com.
Though Michael Jackson didn't discuss much about his romantic life in the public eye, his short essay "I You We" demonstrates some of his thought process about what makes a relationship work. Positioning a relationship as a three way dynamic between the individual "I" and "you" and the constructed "we," Michael explores the power of having a strong foundation in order to make a relationship work. What can we learn about Michael's relationship history and emotional intelligence when we deep dive into this piece?
For questions and comments, please reach out at readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com
As mentioned at the start of the episode, consider checking out the audio of the 1988 Bad tour rehearsals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-4g20-boFI&t=3366s
If you are interested in finding incredibly rare live footage and audio of Michael's tours, consider following the "MJ Live & Rare Videos" Youtube channel: https://youtube.com/@mjlarv?si=E1kfrcLZzFbVwn2C
In this week's episode of Reading Michael Jackson, we read and discuss the Michael's short essay "Wise Little Girl." As a reflection on the inspiration he felt meeting with a young disabled child, Michael explores what we can learn from observing and internalizing the resilience and innocence of children. However, this piece also offers fans additional insight into how Michael's frequent humanitarian efforts impacted him on an emotional and spiritual level.
As mentioned in the episode, if you are unfamiliar with Paul Dwyer's work on Michael Jackson's humanitarian legacy, please check out his book, podcast, and documentary linked below!
Documentary - "Humanitarian: The Real Michael Jackson"
Podcast - "Humanitarian: The Real Michael Jackson"
Book - "Humanitarian: The Real Michael Jackson"
For any questions or feedback on Reading Michael Jackson, please don't hesitate to reach out at readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com.
In this week's episode of Reading Michael Jackson we discuss the piece, "Mother Earth." As a reflection on humanity's toxic relationship with the natural world, Michael calls out the often exploitative way we treat the earth, likening our dismissal of it's preciousness to a tenant trashing a rental apartment. Culminating with a call to action for us to reignite our commitment to caring for the plant, this piece demonstrates Michael's consistent messaging throughout this book, as well as his career.
I hope you enjoy this week's discussion! If you have any comments or questions, please don't hesitate to reach out at readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com
Michael Jackson did not often comment on specific global issues, but in this week's episode we discuss "Berlin 1989," a short written work in which he explores the fundamental power of hate. Positioning hate as a kind of psychological warfare fostered by those in power and stronger than any physical barriers that divide people, Michael tells the story of the Berlin Wall and it's eventual fall in 1989. Though the message of this piece is ultimately love and unity, this piece in some ways shows the early tremors of Michael as the frustrated and angry protest songwriter who would eventually compose pieces like "They Don't Care About Us." As unique and powerful piece, this one is a stand out piece in Dancing the Dream.
For questions or comments please email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com.
In this week's episode, we discuss a poem from Dancing the Dream that encapsulates Michael's view on how to achieve a life of true happiness and freedom. In "Ecstasy" Michael demonstratively declares a reconsideration of "sin" and the ease of which we can all access our true self if only we could find a way to bridge the gaps between ourselves and others.
For questions or comments, please don't hesitate to reach out at readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com.
In this week's episode of Reading Michael Jackson, I start with a brief overview of June 25th and the many beautiful global fan efforts to commemorate Michael that we saw this year online and beyond.
Then, we get deep in discussion of the 28th piece from Dancing the Dream - the short reflection, "The Last Tear." As a piece that seems to depict the heartbreak of a relationship ending and Michael's emotional journey coming to terms with it, there is a lot to discuss in relation to Michael's views of love and loss. However, given the themes of the book thus far, could this 'heartbreak' piece actually be a metaphor for something else?
If you are interested in checking out the vocal analysis of "Who Is It" I discussed in the episode, I encourage you to visit Chris Liepe's YouTube Channel. I am including the link to his analysis here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Kn8RsDsVSg&t=1152s
Finally, if you would like to reach out to me with feedback, questions, or suggestions, please do at readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com
In this special bonus episode of Reading Michael Jackson, I share an essay I wrote about my experience traveling to and visiting Michael Jackson's Neverland ranch in the fall of 2024. While June 25th, the anniversary of Michael's death, is a painful one for anyone who loves him, I share this story to not only express my deep care for him, but to offer my own perspective on his "presence" in this world.
Because this episode is made specifically in commemoration of Michael's death, I included music from Claude Debussy throughout. Debussy was not only one of Michael's favorite composers, but he also played some of Debussy's music on loop throughout Neverland. The songs featured in this episode include Clair-de-lune, Arabesque, and Ballade.
You may also note the change in cover photo for this week's episode. The photo used is one I took just after sunset, shortly after arriving at Neverland.
For questions or comments, please email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com
In this week's episode of Reading Michael Jackson we read and discuss,"Two Birds." As a beautiful meditation on the ever presence of God and the nature of unconditional love, this short reflection is ripe with opportunity to consider not only our own relationship to these concepts, but how and to what extent Michael's mission to unite the world through his art manifested.
For questions or comments, email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com.
In this week's episode of Reading Michael Jackson, we discuss "On Children of the World," one of the shortest pieces from Dancing the Dream. However, despite the short length, Michael still touches upon themes about human disconnection that remain relevant even today. In addition, given the recent passing of the 20th anniversary of Michael's "vindication day" from the charges he faced in the 2005, join me for a brief discussion of the allegations that plagued Michael's later years, and some of my recommended resources for educating ourselves as fans.
Michael Jackson was a deeply complex person. In this episode, as we discuss his poem "The Elusive Shadow" that complexity becomes all the more evident as we discuss the possible meaning of this piece and the turmoil of his inner struggles. Whether about a crisis of faith, battle with insecurity, or seeking love in the wrong places, this piece gives us much to consider when it comes not only to Michael, but our own journeys for meaning.
In this emotional 2-part episode we discuss Michael's dear friend Ryan White. In the first half of the episode - Starting with a brief review of Ryan's life circumstances as an American teen who contracted the HIV virus through a blood transfusion, we read Michael's own dedicated and pained words to Ryan White and the world that ostracized him. In the second half, I will read from Ryan's book "My Own Story," in which he shares highlights of his friendship with Michael Jackson.
Relevant links:
Michael Jackson's video for "Gone Too Soon," a song and video he recorded in honor of Ryan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcNamirwTaY
Michael Jackson's performance of "Gone Too Soon" at the Clinton Inauguration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hldD6fwmmNQ
Michael spending time with Ryan White: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhN5QHgFzoY
With this week's episode we have officially reached the halfway point of Dancing the Dream and, therefore, Season 1 of Reading Michael Jackson. Starting with a brief review of the themes we've explored through Michael's work, this episode continues with an in depth discussion of "How I Make Music." This short reflective piece demonstrates some of Michael Jackson's creative philosophy. Through incorporating clips from both the 1987 Ebony Jet interview, as well as the 1993 Mexico Deposition, this episode explores the particulars of Michael's genius as he becomes a kind of "conduit" for universal music.
The 1987 Ebony Jet Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hARxBrSsa8&t=469s
The 1993 Mexico Deposition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1uyuSB6Lm4&t=1374s
