Kicking off our first episode of Season 3 is a deep-dive into arguably one of Michael's strongest album opener's: "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin.'" This high-energy song with it's uplifting and much-sampled outro is undeniably beloved. But how well understood is it?

Join me for a slowed down and deeply thoughtful conversation about the meaning in these lyrics and the many messages Michael is conveying to his audience even now, nearly 50 years since it was first released.

For questions or comments email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com.

After a post-biopic summer hiatus, "Reading Michael Jackson" is back with Season 3! Having already covered Michael's books in Seasons 1 and 2, this season we will focus on Michael's most well-known, yet routinely under-appreciated writing: his lyrics.

As a songwriter and lyricist Michael tackled themes of inspiration, heartbreak, global unity, humanitarianism, media, social commentary, sex, violence, spirituality, systemic racism, personal growth, love, vulnerability, and more. Yet as an artist, the shine of his aura and his talents as a singer and dancer often lend to his strengths as a songwriter being overlooked, if not entirely ignored.

As the premiere of Season 3, this episode will cover my reasoning and decision for choosing Michael's lyrics as our focus this season, as well as my general parameters for picking songs to cover. Next week we will kick off with episode 1, with a full reading and analysis of the lyrics to one of Michael' greatest songs.

If you have requests for specific songs to be covered this season, please leave a comment or send an email to readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com.

In this special bonus episode of Reading Michael Jackson, we celebrate Michael's 68th birthday with a deep dive into the true meaning behind the creation of his Neverland Ranch, as well as his humanitarian legacy. Featuring interview clips from Neverland's Head of Security Violet Gaitan Booker, Amusement Park Manager Al Scanlan, and Audio support Brad Sundberg, as well as clips from Michael Jackson's own interviews, this episode focuses on the true heart of Neverland, and honoring Michael Jackson's dream of healing the world.

Links and resources referenced in episode:

Paris Jackson on Call Her Daddy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jR8-dzLECUE&t=562s

Paul Dwyer's Humanitarian Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW2YG8HjZxE&t=584s

Humanitarian Book: https://www.humanitarianmj.com/

"Big Al" Interview, Humanitarian Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHddfdVHMZE&t=2567s

Brand Sundberg Interview, MJCast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3Jh7jNbA7k&t=5018s

Violent Gaitan Booker, MJCast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUP60S9I-JM&t=1460s

Steve Harvey Interview, Michael Jackson, 2001: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RW5poJgHXU4

Rabbi Shmuley Boteach Transcripts with Michael Jackson: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-michael-jackson-tapes-a-tragic-icon-reveals-his-soul-in-intimate-conversation/734582/#edition=5556084&idiq=1723326

Jennifer Love Hewitt on Jimmy Kimmel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCWnQ0vE5d4

Humanitarian fan initiative: https://www.michaeljacksonslegacy.org/

Seventeen years ago today Michael Jackson passed away and the world descended into a collective grief. Renowned poet Maya Angelou composed the poem "We Had Him" to honor Michael's life, legacy, and the gift of his presence on earth.

In today's special June 25th episode of Reading Michael Jackson, join me for a reading and discussion of Angelou's beautiful tribute to Michael, as well as a segment on the many ways we may honor Michael, and his impact, in our own lives.

For questions or comments email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com

"We Had Him" - https://allpoetry.com/poem/14326539-We-Had-Him-by-Maya-Angelou

June 25th, 2025 Episode of RMJ: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6oKjtR8PKoCBT7LqfqpX0T?si=SX6PWtx5S8qXSzl4je40nw

As June 13th marks the anniversary of Michael Jackson being acquitted of all charges in his 2005 trial, this bonus episode of Reading Michael Jackson explores the ongoing media campaign to discredit the jury's findings. With a PhD in Rhetoric, host and former college professor Lena uses rhetorical theories of persuasion and manipulation, to identify specific tactics the media uses in misrepresenting the allegations against Michael Jackson. The episode concludes with a guide for where to begin your research journey into the allegations, citing reputable books, podcasts, and documentaries grounded in court transcripts, depositions, and the FBI's multi-year investigation into Michael Jackson.

Sources mentioned in this episode:

Documentary Square One:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxNDb2PVcoM

Mary Fischer's 1994 GQ Article, "Was Michael Jackson Framed?"

https://mjjjusticeproject.wordpress.com/2017/06/14/was-micheal-jackson-framed-gq-mary-fisher-oct-1994/

Geraldine Hughes' Book, "Redemption":

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001K8FNI0?ccs_id=08e8339e-d453-4220-bebc-f400c5d63baa

Aphrodite Jones' Book "Conspiracy"

https://www.amazon.com/Michael-Jackson-Conspiracy-Aphrodite-Jones-ebook/dp/B00LIBDZPC?crid=1VDRDQEL5QRMR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PUIqdIM8-xo6XVaKfJsXRyEEaf8Fu0jplYzgOUK0DAfGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.8l-Qh9wb6hPlmnsxOHI9dwiaGN5QKIACpHTPfdCCVUw&dib_tag=se&keywords=aphrodite+jones+conspiracy&qid=1781114425&s=digital-text&sprefix=aphrodite+jones+conspiracy%2Cdigital-text%2C111&sr=1-1

Joe Vogel, "What You Should Know About the New Michael Jackson Documentary"

https://www.forbes.com/sites/joevogel/2019/01/29/what-you-should-know-about-the-new-michael-jackson-documentary/

Jin Chohan's Documentary, "Leaving Neverland: The Aftermath"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hkNPmpudpc

Jin Chohan's GO FUND ME for Documentary, "Trial By Media: The Michael Jackson Story"

https://www.gofundme.com/f/themjstorydoc

The MJCast Leaving Neverland Roundtable Episode:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpdvL1OrLxQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIqkam3MGgI

The Cast for Innocence Podcast:

https://www.michaeljacksoncaseforinnocence.com/

Michael Jackson's Rebuttal to 'Living with Michael Jackson' - "The Footage You Were Never Meant to See"

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

For questions or comments email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com

In this Part 2 of our Season Finale of Reading Michael Jackson, join me for a deep dive into the "Michael" biopic! After six trips to the theater I have a lot to say about this extraordinary film which, at times, both honors and expands on aspects of Michael's own storytelling in "Moonwalk," and at others falls completely short (where is Diana Ross?!). In this episode things get deep as we discuss Michael's childhood trauma, the true meaning of Neverland, the complex characterization of Joe Jackson, the meaning of destiny and manifestation, the long term impact this film will have on Michael Jackson's legacy, and so much more!

I hope you enjoyed Season 2 of Reading Michael Jackson. Please follow, like, and subscribe to the show to stay updated on future seasons.

For questions, or comments, email me at readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com

In this first part of our Season 2 Finale of Reading Michael Jackson, I offer a full, comprehensive review of "Moonwalk," the one and only autobiography Michael Jackson ever released. While offering a summary of the book, its themes, what its contents and omissions can teach about Michael (and his psychology), its strengths, weaknesses, and role in Michael's legacy, I also deconstruct several reviews written about the book spanning from 1988-2019. In addition to pointed discussion of the book itself, listeners are asked to consider who is the true intended audience for a story of Michael Jackson's life? How does the intended audience shape the way the story is told and received and what value is there in the "critic" perspective? What are we entitled to know about Michael's life, if anything, and what right does he have to privacy in the more intimate areas of his life? Who determines what is "enough" for an autobiography (or biopic) to reveal in order to be seen as an authentic depiction of his life?

In addition, tune in for my pre-biopic expectations, considerations, and concerns based on what we learned in "Moonwalk" and beyond.

Part 2 of our Season Finale will contain a full review of the Michael biopic in consideration of our reading of Moonwalk and this episode.

For questions or comments please feel free to reach out at readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com

Announcement: I will be joining the Michael Jackson Book Club for a livestream event on Saturday April 18th on MJBC Events on Facebook. We will be discussing biographies about Michael Jackson as a lead up to the release of Michael. If you are interested in attending, check out the Michael Jackson Book Club on Facebook!

In this week's episode of Reading Michael Jackson, we finally finish our reading of "Moonwalk"! Closing out chapter 6, and the book as a whole, Michael briefly reviews his experience recording the Bad album, while devoting most of his energy in these last few pages to making several "final" statements about his relationship to fame, his admiration for children, passion for performance, and devotion to humanitarian causes. It is evident here that Michael is making one final stitch effort to be "known" by the reader and to reveal something of his true nature in the pages. He even reveals how uncomfortable the concept of a book like this makes him, but the appeal of finally letting people in just a bit more. Despite an overall rushed ending, with many elements of his life post-Thriller jammed into one long final chapter, Michael closes Moonwalk with heart.

Join me for the next episode for a final "review" of "Moonwalk."

As mentioned in the episode...

Jaafar Jackson Interview Magazine: https://www.interviewmagazine.com/film/jaafar-jackson-tells-miles-teller-how-he-unlocked-the-king-of-pop

Michael Jackson Interview Magazine: https://www.interviewmagazine.com/music/michael-jackson-1982

Chris Liepe "Speed Demon" Breakdown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_iL8HkUVJI