This week, as the opening chapter of "Moonwalk" draws to a close, we learn about the Jackson family's eager wait for their big break. Michael shares memories of his role as a big brother and his own memories of traveling to Detroit for the Jackson 5's 1968 Motown audition. In the discussion portion of this episode, we explore the dynamics of the Jackson family and the Jackson sisters' frustrations existing in the periphery of their brothers and the early responsibility Michael took on in order to understand the weight of a Motown audition. In discussing Michael's views on the great performers of this time, as well as cultural figures like Martin Luther King Jr., we also touch upon Michael's influence on music, popular culture, and the impact of his passing on the world.

For questions or comments, please reach out to readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com.

In this third episode of Season 2, we dive deeper into Michael's childhood and early career, continuing our reading of "Moonwalk," pages 35-50. In this segment, Michael shares what it was like to work the night club scene in Gary and Chicago at the age of 9, recording with Steeletown Records, his early inspirations in James Brown and Jackie Wilson, and winning Amateur Night at the Apollo.

In the emotional discussion portion of the episode, we review not only the highlights from this time in Michael's life, but the disturbing confessions Michael shares about his early exposure to adult sexuality in nightclubs, and the relentless work expected of him as a young child. Though Michael frames many of these experiences as necessary to his growth as a performer, for those of us with "normal" childhoods in comparison, deep empathy for Michael's unique life can help us understand his choices as he grew older, and the passion he had for protecting children.

In this episode, I play a segment of the Jackson 5's first single, "Big Boy." If you are interested in listening to the full song, check out this link! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiFN2DQqBFE

For questions and comments, please reach out to readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com.

This week, we continue our reading of Chapter 1 of "Moonwalk." Spanning from pages 21-35, this week's segment covers the earliest days of the Jackson 5, including the infamous "broken guitar string" story, Joseph Jackson's discipline, and the intensity of performing at such a young age.

In the discussion portion of this episode, we dissect the complications of Michael writing and releasing a memoir about complicated family dynamics, his narrative of physical discipline and abuse, the hardships of performing at such a young age, and more.

As Michael Jackson fans, knowing what we know about the pain Michael experienced as a child and how that impacted him throughout his life, if he had to do it all over again, would we choose this path for him? Does Michael's incredible success and impact justify the means through which he achieved it?

For comments or questions, please feel free to email me at readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com.