Reading Michael Jackson – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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

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

S1x22 “God”

Michael Jackson was famously a faith-driven person, but what did that mean for his beliefs about God? In this episode, we are discussing just that. In reading his brief reflection incidentally titled “God,” we are discussing Michael’s relationship to religion vs. God, how he viewed God and gender, and the miracles of the universe. Join me for a thoughtful discussion on God, creation, and Michael Jackson. 

As Michael famously said, “it’s all for love” and in this episode that is certainly true! Starting with a reading of Michael’s short reflection “Love” from Dancing the Dream, in this episode we discuss the limitations Michael’s unique life had on his love life, his perspectives on love and creativity, and much more. Join me for an especially “lovey” episode of Reading Michael Jackson.