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. 

As a meditation and reflection on courage, the 20th piece from Dancing the Dream asks us to reevaluate what we consider courageous in search of something more meaningful. In this analysis of “Courage,” we discuss how the unique challenges of Michael’s life made emotional vulnerability even harder for him than the average person. Touching upon issues of gender, toxic masculinity, and Michael’s lyricism around struggles for intimacy, this episode goes deep into the topic of what it means to be vulnerable. 

In the episode I reference Brene Brown’s TedTalk “The Power of Vulnerability.” Check it out if it interests you! https://youtu.be/iCvmsMzlF7o?si=rDw8dv_GrslXwS-E

On this week's episode of Reading Michael Jackson we discuss the short essay "Trust." Written as a reflective piece, Michael offers readers some unexpected perspectives on the role trust plays in our lives, offering that trusting ourselves and overcoming internal fear is at the root of making room in our lives for love. Through discussion and analysis of Michael's words, in this episode I seek to offer my own understanding of this topic, and what I think Michael would have advised each of us to do with it.

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.

We all know that Michael Jackson revered "innocence" and all things associated with purity of heart and spirit. But what exactly does "innocence" mean to him? In this week's episode of Reading Michael Jackson, we will deep dive into this topic in our reading and reflection of the 18th piece featured in Dancing the Dream, aptly titled "Innocence." While some people accuse Michael of being naive, or childlike due to trauma and unrelenting fame since he was young, we might approach this conversation with more nuance than this, instead seeking to understand Michael's point of view as one intentionally maintained, or even cultivated.

In this week's episode of Reading Michael Jackson we kick off with a brief continuation of last week's conversation about "magic" and Michael Jackson. Referencing two books, Michael Jackson: Thrill by Caroline Latham and On the Road with Michael Jackson by Mark Bego, I share insights into how Michael was not only described as a "magical creature" in analyses of his work, but also how he himself saw magic as a key ingredient to artistic longevity.

Moving on, we read and discuss the 17th piece from Dancing the Dream: "The Fish That Was Thirsty." While this is one of the more straightforward pieces in the book, with clear references to God and faith, in this episode I attempt to offer multiple readings of this piece, including non-religious perspectives we can take and apply to our own lives.

In this 16th episode we discuss his short reflection, "Magic," in which Michael draws out the magical elements of nature, calling our inability to be amazed by it an "illusion." For most fans, the word "Magic" is synonymous with Michael Jackson, so tune in for this episode for a discussion on not only the piece, but on Michael's special magic as a performer, and person. Be sure to stay tuned to the very end of this episode for some clips of Michael discussing his thoughts about magic, taken from his 1983 Hayvenhurst interview.

In the poem "Mother," Michael honors Katherine Jackson, crediting her for all he became in life. In this episode we discuss not only the relationship he had with his mother, but also the relationship between creativity and motherhood, and the role unconditional love (and striving for it) may have played in Michael's life. We will also discuss Rose Fine, Michael's school teacher when he was a child, as well as the Dilip Mehta photoshoot featured in Dancing the Dream.

Link to MJJCommunity forum featuring Dilip Mehta's Michael Jackson photography: https://www.mjjcommunity.com/threads/dilip-mehta-dancing-the-dream-photoshoot.72838/

Link to Rose fine and young Michael Jackson/Jackson 5:

https://youtu.be/8LTiQFI8wEQ?si=feYAIK5tg98abVFD

Following a brief but enthusiastic review of amateur concert footage, episode 14 of Reading Michael Jackson explores one of the shortest pieces we have read from Dancing the Dream so far. "Children" is a short reflection of sorts that offers a more straightforward understanding of Michael's compassion for and admiration of children. With part of the piece reading almost identically to Michael's 1993 acceptance speech for the Grammy Legend Award, in this episode we will discuss the piece itself, the speech, as well as Michael's own childhood.

In this special episode of Reading Michael Jackson, we are discussing the 13th piece in Dancing the Dream, the familiar lyrics of Michael's song "Heal the World." While we all know this song, in this episode we dive deep into the structure and meaning of the words and how we can read the repetition of lines, and the specific call to action Michael is making for each and everyone of us.

If you are interested, here is a link to a video of the young man singing "Heal the World," which I open the show with:

https://youtu.be/z_POO0NjDLA?si=xJz5-5H7hrvx8JD8

Also, if you have never seen Michael perform "Heal the World" check out this performance from the Buenos Aires concert during the Dangerous tour:

https://youtu.be/7K5fO-UCveY?si=Lp4Itk3KE4dNFEym

Or, check out Michael's SuperBowl performance which includes "Heal the World":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOnTuSqrvbM

In this essay, Michael tells the story of a teacher traveling the land and telling his student about “the ancients.” As the student struggles to identify any physical sign of where the ancients lived or died, the teacher reminds the student that this absence of evidence is the point. What commentary does this short piece of prose offer a modern reader? Considering both an environmental and spiritual analysis, this week’s discussion focuses on human legacy and the “mark” we can leave.

In addition to analyzing the piece itself, stay tuned for an in-depth discussion about the artwork Michael frequently commissioned depicting himself as a king, or royal figure. What might have been Michael's motivation for doing this and how can we interpret these images today?

In this 11th episode we discuss one of my personal favorites from "Dancing the Dream" - Michael's short essay "Enough for Today." In this piece, Michael describes being deeply impacted by the death of a dolphin reported in the newspaper, and what he sees this animal's death representing in the greater scheme of life. Tune in for an emotional discussion highlighting how Michael's life philosophy and care for animals, and the ecology at large, can give us all something to consider.

In his short story "The Boy and His Pillow," Michael explores themes of giving, authenticity, and faith. When we break down this piece, what might we learn about Michael's perspectives on self sacrifice and doing the "right" thing? How could this parable represent not only Michael's view of a child's wisdom, but also his own relationship to his father? Tune in for an in depth discussion of this unique piece!

In this 9th episode we read and discuss Michael's essay "So the Elephants March." As an early favorite of mine and a piece that calls back to the many references Michael makes to elephants throughout his work (such as in "Earth Song" - both lyrics and video) as well as his overarching love of animals in general. But this piece, while centered on elephants, is also deeply human, discussing the human tendency toward cruelty and the lessons we can learn from the great creatures with who we share this world.

If you are interested, check out the 1983 Michael Jackson Hayvenhurst interview that I referenced in the discussion portion of this episode!

https://youtu.be/bwEbyaOpvY0?si=Nik1nrGPoeOJeIhW

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.

In this 8th episode of "Reading Michael Jackson" we will start with a brief discussion of the artist David Nordhal, whose work is featured in "Dancing the Dream," sharing a bit from an interview he conducted in 2009. Then we discuss the poem "Children of the World" and Michael's belief in resilience and maintaining innocence in the face of difficult circumstances. But it could also be argued that this poem is a kind of call to action, not specifically to "children," but to all of us.

Link to interview with David Nordhal: https://www.michaeljackson.ch/davidnordahlanglais.htm

In this 7th episode of "Reading Michael Jackson" we will be reading and discussing the piece "But the Heart Said No." This essay, or perhaps prose poem, is a great example of Michael's humanitarian focus, as well as his belief in the inner wisdom and hopefulness that children possess, which could inspire all of us. In this piece, Michael explores the justification of homelessness, climate change, and more, calling each one of us to consider what we believe deep in our hearts when it comes to progress.

On the surface, "When Babies Smile" may seem like a simple poem, but it is ripe for discussion and dissection. How much of this poem was literal and how much was symbolic? What can we take from this piece and apply to our own lives? Tune in for a deep dive and discussion in this 6th episode of "Reading Michael Jackson."

In this short essay "Dance of Life," Michael interacts with the moon. Driven to return to her and dance in her presence, he gets lost in his own transcendence. In this episode, we read and discuss "Dance of Life" and the many symbolic meanings of the moon and how we might interpret Michael's relationship to it.

"Wings Without Me" is the first "reflection" we are discussing from "Dancing the Dream." It is the first piece with a narrative voice and "characters" that interplay in the narrator's attempt to find meaning in his own limitations of flight. It is a deep and moving piece that offers insight into Michael's philosophies about life, as well as his struggles to understand it.

Michael's poem "Magical Child" can be read in a multitude of ways. But what does it say about his view of his own childhood, or the many ways he was said to have maintained a "childlike" aura throughout his life? Tune in to hear a reading and discussion of this beautiful piece.

In this second episode of Reading Michael Jackson we focus on the poem "Planet Earth," reading it and discussing elements of Michael's perspectives on the planet and (possible?) existential angst.

As referenced in the episode, if you have not listened to Michael's own reading of "Planet Earth" check it out here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCxy8PmljSE

You may also be interested in Carl Sagan's "Pale Blue Dot," also referenced in the discussion portion of the episode:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GO5FwsblpT8

In this first episode of "Reading Michael Jackson," I discuss how I came to be a fan of Michael Jackson, why I'm starting this podcast, as well as read and discuss the title piece from "Dancing the Dream."

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