Explore every episode of the podcast Michael Jackson's Dream Lives On

Abstract: In this episode, Elizabeth and Karin celebrate Michael Jackson’s Birthday through his last album, Invincible. They conclude that it shouldn’t be dismissed but should be listened to carefully. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 96 – Birthday Special, Invincible, the Album Worth Listening to ” Podcast, Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On: An Academic Conversation, […]

Source

Abstract: In this episode, Elizabeth and Karin discuss Chapter 4 of The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson: His Music, His Persona, and His Artistic Afterlife, The Narrative in Michael Jackson’s Bad REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 95 – The Dangerous Philosophies Part 4” Podcast, Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On: An Academic Conversation, 14 no. 1 […]

Source

Abstract: In this episode, Elizabeth and Karin discuss chapter 3 of The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson: His Music, His Persona, and His Artistic Afterlife, ‘On Michael Jackson’s Dancing the Dream.’ REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 94 – The Dangerous Philosophies Part 3” Podcast, Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On: An Academic Conversation, 14 […]

Source

Abstract: In this episode, Elizabeth and Karin continue with the series about The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson: His Music, His Persona, and His Artistic Afterlife. This time, they discuss Chapter 2: A Critical Survey of Michael Jackson Studies REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 93 – The Dangerous Philosophies Part 2” Podcast, Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives […]

Source

Abstract: In this episode, Karin and Elizabeth discuss their experiences at Kingvention, a Michael Jackson fan convention. Karin explained her decision to skip this year’s convention due to ethical concerns about AI-generated content using Michael Jackson’s art and voice, comparing it to desecrating works by Shakespeare or Rembrandt. Elizabeth shared her experience, where she sold […]

Source

Abstract: In this episode, Elizabeth and Karin start with a series about The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson: His Music, His Persona, and His Artistic Afterlife. They go through it chapter by chapter. They start with the preamble, forewords, the Selected Chronology and Chapter 1: Introduction: Reading, Writing, and Rewriting. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth […]

Source

Abstract: In this episode, Elizabeth and Karin discuss the biopic Michael in relation to cinematography, narratives, acting, performance and more. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 90 – An Academic Perspective on the Michael Biopic” Podcast, Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On: An Academic Conversation, 13 no. 3 (2026). Published electronically 24/04/26. https://michaeljacksonstudies.org/episode-90-an-academic-perspective-on-the-michael-biopic The Journal of Michael […]

Source

Abstract: In this episode, Elizabeth and Karin discuss how to write an academic book review in a rigorous manner. They discuss this based on the recent academic book review Karin wrote of Michael Jackson’s Radical Aesthetic by Willa Stillwater. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 89 – How to Write an Academic Book […]

Source

Abstract: In this episode, Karin and Elizabeth go back to last year, discuss the present and give some insight into the future. We discuss the essays, podcast episodes and the columns published in the past year. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 88 – Past, Present, Future Book 8” Podcast, Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives […]

Source

In the episode, Karin and Elizabeth discuss the teaser trailer for the Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, and compare it to the Aretha Franklin biopic Respect and Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody. They explore the history and evolution of movie trailers as an art form, noting their shift from simple advertisements to sophisticated promotional […]

Source

In this episode, Elizabeth and Karin discuss the recently published essay Karin wrote, Echoes Without Presence: AI, Michael Jackson, and the Crisis of Cultural Authenticity. They discuss specific topics as mimesis, misremembering and disremembering and imagination. Feel free to connect and ask us questions. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 86 – Echoes […]

Source

In this episode, Elizabeth and Karin discuss the essay, Sentenced to Neverland: Michael Jackson, Peter Pan, and Queer Futurity by Amy C. Billone. This essay is published in Michael Jackson: Grasping the Spectacle, edited by Christopher R. Smit. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 85 – Sentenced to Neverland Podcast, Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives […]

Source

In part 2 of our discussion about Margo Jefferson, we discuss articles from the Guardian and her essay in the catalogue of the On the Wall exhibition. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 83 – part 1 – On Michael Jackson” Podcast, Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On: An Academic Conversation, 12 no. 4 (2025). […]

Source

In this episode, Karin and Elizabeth talk about their experiences as exhibitors on KingVention ranging from 2016 till 2025. They discuss the first event and how fantastic that was with the big Dangerous Cover, the people they interviewed and remember Nicole, the student who did the course Michael Jackson Studies and who passed away not […]

Source

In this episode Elizabeth and Karin discuss the essay by Philipp Dominik Keidl where he explores how Michael Jackson fans responded to the sexual abuse allegations made by Wade Robson and James Safechuck in the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland. The focus is on a phenomenon Keidl terms “forensic fandom,” where fans produce counter-documentaries and online […]

Source

In the second part of the book review Unfinished Business by Judith Hamera, Elizabeth and Karin discuss how Hamera writes about Consuming Passions, Wasted Efforts and Michael Jackson’s Financial Melodramas. One of the important questions they ask is why using Michael Jackson and compare his dancing and financial gains and losses as deindustrialised. They ask […]

Source

In this episode Karin and Elizabeth discuss four columns by Kerry Hennigan, the two podcasts of last year and dive in the introduction of an academic book titled “Unfinished Business” by Judith Hamera. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 77 – ‘Past-Present-Future Book 7’, Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On An Academic Conversation 12, no. 1 […]

Source

In episode 76, Karin and Elizabeth discuss the essay “Wannabe Startin’ Somethin’: Michael Jackson’s Critical Race Representation” by Dawn-Elissa Fischer, Professor at the San Francisco State University where she teaches courses on black popular culture, information technology and virtual ethnography. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 76 – ‘Wannabe Startin’ Somethin’’, Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives […]

Source

Abstract: In Episode 75, Karin and Elizabeth speak briefly about the hiatus the Journal has been in, past episodes and great essays to read, and the 8th year of The Dangerous Philosophies and the paperback published in April this year by Bloomsbury. Elizabeth also shares her experience visiting MJ the Musical. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and […]

Source

Abstract: In Episode 74, Karin and Elizabeth have Dr Tristan Cabello as their guest to discuss the essay The Roots & Routes of Michael Jackson published in 2012 by Sylvia J Martin. In this compelling episode they answer questions about identity, influence, if MJ was politically used and much more. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and […]

Source

Abstract: 7 Years ago, Elizabeth Amisu published her textbook The Dangerous Philosophies Of Michael Jackson: His Music, His Persona, and His Artistic Afterlife. In episode 73, Karin asks Elizabeth questions about the book, and she looks back on several chapters with Elizabeth. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 73 – ‘7 Years The […]

Source

Abstract: In episode 72, Karin and Elizabeth discuss three essays written by three prolific black academics, Professor Wallace, Professor Royster and academic Elizabeth Amisu. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 72 – ‘A Medley Of Essays’, Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On An Academic Conversation 10, no. 1 (2023). Published electronically 29/08/2023. https://michaeljacksonstudies.org/episode-72-a-medley-of-essays The […]

Source

Abstract: In episode 71, Karin and Elizabeth discuss the two short films Stranger In Moscow & They Don’t Care About Us alongside Karin’s Essay: From Throne To Wilderness: Michael Jackson’s Stranger In Moscow. They look into how Stranger in Moscow and They Don’t Care About Us, signify the perceptual and mirror the message MJ wanted […]

Source

Abstract: In this episode, Karin, Elizabeth and Kerry contemplate about 14 years of the passing of Michael Jackson. They discuss the article The Boy Who Would Fly (1983) by Hoskin and express how these 14 years are experienced and look into the future. This episode is dedicated to Elizabeth’s Father IBK, who passed untimely on […]

Source

Abstract: In episode 69, Karin and Elizabeth, review Keep Moving: The Michael Jackson Chronicles by Armond White. They discuss each two essays and give an overview of the essays of the book and where you can buy it. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 69 – ‘Keep Moving’, Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On […]

Source

Abstract: In episode 68, Karin and Elizabeth review Otherness & Power by Susan Woodward. They go deep into the content of the three books and articles Susan analysed and conclude that the book remains essential to read especially for new fans and scholars who want to write about Michael Jackson and his art, to not […]

Source

Abstract: In episode 67, Karin and Elizabeth go back to the first essay published in the journal: Throwing Stones To Hide Your Hands, The Immortal Personas Of Michael Jackson. They discuss the origins, the need to write this and why it was important to revisit this essay. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode […]

Source

Abstract: In Episode 66 of Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On, Karin and Elizabeth discuss both editions of Man In The Music by Dr Joseph Vogel. They cover a wide range of topics and explicitly explain how to use this in academic research. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 66 – Academic Book Review […]

Source

Abstract: In episode 65, Karin and Elizabeth discuss Past-Present-Future Book 6 of the journal. What did we do in the past year, where are we, and what are future plans? REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 65 – Past-Present-Future Book 6, Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On: An Academic Conversation 10, no. 4 (2022). […]

Source

In Episode 64 of Michael Jacksons Dream Lives On, Karin and Elizabeth discuss In The Studio With MJ, an event Liz went to, and the Thriller 40 album and short films that were released to celebrate 40 years of Thriller. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 64 – In The Studio With MJ […]

Source

Abstract: Alper Yesiltas’ reimagining of Michael Jackson went viral and was even chosen as an image for the September Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies newsletter, described as ‘thought-provoking’. In this episode, we follow MJ academic and recovering PhD scholar, Geneva S. Thomas through her excellent thread of tweets that explore the impact reimaginings of […]

Source

Abstract: In this episode (Part III), Karin and Elizabeth have a special guest, Kerry Hennigan, columnist of the journal. This three-part series discusses nine columns Elizabeth and Kerry wrote to celebrate the 80th MJAS column. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 62 –Part III Interview with Kerry Hennigan & MJ Studies Today” Podcast, […]

Source

Abstract: MJDLO Exclusive! Elizabeth Amisu was at KingVention 2022 with her book The Dangerous Philosophies Of Michael Jackson: His Music, His Life, and His Afterlife. She met incredible people and shares her experiences with us. We also discuss the acknowledgement of Michael Jackson in Academics. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 61 –KingVention […]

Source

Abstract: In this episode (Part II), Karin and Elizabeth have a special guest, Kerry Hennigan, columnist of the journal. In this three-part series, they discuss nine columns Elizabeth and Kerry wrote to celebrate the 80th MJAS column. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 60 –Part II Interview with Kerry Hennigan & MJ Studies […]

Source

Abstract: In this episode, Karin and Elizabeth have special guest Kerry Hennigan, columnist for the journal. In this III-part series, they discuss nine columns Elizabeth and Kerry wrote to celebrate 80 columns, and interview Kerry. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 59 –Part I Interview with Kerry Hennigan & MJ Studies Today” Podcast, […]

Source

Abstract: In this episode, Karin and Elizabeth discuss the last essay in the Nakan Journal: The Cultural Inheritance of Michael Jackson: reading the Performance of High-Status Blackness in Video and on Stage by Elizabeth Amisu. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 58 –His Beauteous Race” Podcast, Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On: An Academic […]

Source

Abstract: In this exclusive episode, Elizabeth and Karin have Marcos Cabotá as their guest. They discuss the documentary in an academic setting and also discuss Marcos’ documentary Sonic Fantasy. A lot of wise words, great questions with great answers and all in all a lovely and necessary interview. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. […]

Source

In episode 56, Karin and Elizabeth review the second issue, 2022 of the Nakan Journal: MICHAEL JACKSON’S ARTISTIC CONTRIBUTIONS: ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE Edited by Isabelle PETITJEAN. In this second part, they continue the discussion of the issue with the essays written by Aurélie Doignon, Luca Izzo, Zada Johnson and Elisabeth Amisu. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and […]

Source

Abstract In episode 55, Karin and Elizabeth review the second issue, 2022 of the Nakan Journal: MICHAEL JACKSON’S ARTISTIC CONTRIBUTIONS: ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE Edited by Isabelle PETITJEAN. In this first part, they discuss the issue in general and the essays written by Guillaume Deveney, Mathilde Recly, Fabio Pastore, Buata B. Malela and Isabelle Petitjean. REFERENCE AS: […]

Source

Abstract In this episode, Karin and Elizabeth review the MA thesis of Ryan Gary, “Who’s Bad?” Disrupting Cultural (Re)Production Through Representations of Michael Jackson. They review every chapter so listeners can decide if this thesis can be a good starting point or be used as a referral for their own thesis. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, […]

Source

Abstract In episode 53, Karin and Elizabeth Discuss and review the MA thesis, recently published in the Journal, The Hagiography and teratology and the HIStory of Michael Jackson. They simultaneously talk about biographies and what they should entail for academics, but also how critical readers need to be when reading them. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, […]

Source

Abstract In this episode, Elizabeth and Karin review the academic book Michael Jackson And The Quandary Of A Black Identity by Sherrow O Pinder. The premise of Pinder’s book is: What does it mean to be black in America. Elizabeth and Karin go in-depth in this academic book and share their thoughts with you. REFERENCE […]

Source

Abstract With this first episode, Karin and Elizabeth take a trip down memory lane with Kerry Hennigan’s Columns of MJ Studies Today as a lead and talk about the present and the future of the Journal. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 51 – Past-Present-Future Book 5 ” Podcast, Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives […]

Source

Abstract In this exclusive, Elizabeth and Karin talk about ten songs that they really like and why. A non-academic birthday conversation about the music of Michael Jackson. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 50 – Exclusive The 10 songs of Karin & Elizabeth – MJAS Exclusive” Podcast, Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On: An […]

Source

Abstract In this exclusive, Elizabeth and Karin discuss the program Faking It of the streaming service Discovery+. They analyse the footage, the premise and the way they try to shoehorn Michael Jackson into an abuser role by way of using debunked and highly questionable footage as the source. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. […]

Source

Abstract In part 2 of On The Wall, Elizabeth and Karin discuss the exhibition guided by the catalogue and the art and artists curated by Elizabeth. They walk you through the exhibition as if they are there explaining what they see and put it into context. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 48 […]

Source

Abstract In part 1 of On The Wall, Elizabeth and Karin discuss the exhibition guided by the Directors Essay The Last Modernist. They talk about the entry of Margot Jefferson and why they think it wasn’t maybe such a good idea to have her write her essay and several artists who participated in this travelling […]

Source

Abstract In this special, Elizabeth and Karin have Brice Najar as a guest. They discuss the album Xscape on various levels. A discussion about Copyright, the integrity to finish the art of an artist, and if so do you put it out as an original Michael Jackson or not and much more. In this lovely, […]

Source

Abstract In this episode, Karin and Elizabeth discuss Stranger in Moscow, the meaning and the symbols in the short film and the lyrics. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 45 – Stranger in Moscow ” Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On: An Academic Conversation 7, no. 4 (2021). Published electronically 21/03/21. https://michaeljacksonstudies.org/past-prsent-future-book-4/ The Journal of Michael […]

Source

In this episode, Karin and Elizabeth revisit Earth Song and they discuss its relevance today. The messages Michael Jackson always had in his songs, the power of this particular song and how we should take his messages very seriously and start action upon it. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 43 – Past […]

Source