This week we kick off the final chapter of "Moonwalk," starting with Michael's recollection of the infamous "Pepsi burn," altering the course of his life forever. He also spends some time describing the connection he feels with fans. Recounting memories of the good and bad of the Victory Tour, Michael opens up about the challenges of touring before he was ready to, but giving it his all every show.

In the discussion portion of this episode, I spend some time dissecting the impact of the Pepsi incident and, specifically, the ways in which Michael was silenced throughout his life from sharing the incredible physical (and emotional) pain this caused him. I discuss ways in which the media and public response to this incident represents the level of dehumanization Michael faced throughout his life, as well as the nuances of his family encouraging him to tour far before he was physically ready to do so.

In this episode, I include clips from Michael's 2005 interview with Geraldo Rivera, as well as the leaked "memoir tapes" in which Michael discusses his frustration with the Victory Tour.

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

Geraldo Rivera 2005 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhIXedgZAZY

Memoir Tapes - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qITnlw5FB38

To finish off Chapter 5, this week we take on an especially large chunk of Moonwalk. We kick off with Michael's detailed recollection of Motown 25 and the massive success he saw immediately thereafter. As the window to promote the Thriller album began to close, he explains his decision to self-fund and produce the creation of the "Thriller" short film. He shares details about his relationship with Frank Dileo, as well as John Branca, who would go onto become the executor of his estate many years later. Michael also touches upon the evolution of his appearance, defending his changing look to an often critical public. In discussion, I go deep into all of these points and then some, considering how Michael's obsession with perfection may have been rooted in childhood pain, his challenges with his appearance, as well as his choice not disclose his vitiligo, and of course the music and iconography that defined this era of his life and career!

I hope you enjoy another long one today! For questions or comments email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com.

As we continue Chapter 5 of Moonwalk, Michael takes us through the creation of the entire album by sharing his intentions for writing Beat It and his vision for (and experience of creating) the short film, the creative tension of perfecting the Thriller album as a whole, and more! But in the discussion portion of this episode, I try to take it a step deeper. How and why does Michael continue to gain younger fans? What did the creative tension mean when it came to Michael and Quincy's relationship? How did Michael himself contribute to the creation of Human Nature, even if he was not the songwriter? How did Michael's evolved perspective on the world shape the song and video for Beat It? We dive into all of these aspects of his creative process (and genius) in this episode!

For questions or comments please email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com

Some of the clips included:

Babyface (not LA Reid, as I misquoted) discussing MJ vs. other artists: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1QYY6D8HA0

Eddie Van Halen discussing "Beat It": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YePluFoYSYE

Michael's Human Nature Demo:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acYbpNfMCEk&list=RDacYbpNfMCEk&start_radio=1