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, 14 no. 1 (2026). Published electronically 29/08/26. https://michaeljacksonstudies.org/episode-96-birthday-special-invincible The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies asks that you acknowledge The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies as the source of our Content; if you use material from The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies online, we request that you link directly to the stable URL provided. If you use our content offline, please credit the source as follows: “Courtesy of The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies.” All content is copyright-protected. Any unauthorised reproduction, r

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 (2026). Published electronically 21/08/26. https://michaeljacksonstudies.org/episode-95-the-dangerous-philosophies-part-4 The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies asks that you acknowledge The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies as the source of our Content; if you use material from The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies online, we request that you link directly to the stable URL provided. If you use our content offline, please credit the source as follows: “Courtesy of The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies.” All content is copyright-protected. Any unauthorised reproduction, redistribution, or

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 no. 1 (2026). Published electronically 21/07/26. https://michaeljacksonstudies.org/episode-94-the-dangerous-philosophies-part-3 The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies asks that you acknowledge The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies as the source of our Content; if you use material from The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies online, we request that you link directly to the stable URL provided. If you use our content offline, please credit the source as follows: “Courtesy of The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies.” All content is copyright-protected. Any unauthorised reproduction, redistribution,

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 On: An Academic Conversation, 14 no. 1 (2026). Published electronically 21/06/26. https://michaeljacksonstudies.org/episode-92-the-dangerous-philosophies-part-2 The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies asks that you acknowledge The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies as the source of our Content; if you use material from The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies online, we request that you link directly to the stable URL provided. If you use our content offline, please credit the source as follows: “Courtesy of The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies.” All content is copyright-protected

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 copies of her book "Dangerous Philosophies" and met with other fans and talked about the special guests, including Bill Wolfer, Hugo Huizar, and Seth Smith. They discussed the convention's exhibits featuring Captain EO memorabilia, costumes, and props, as well as the community's commitment to preserving Michael Jackson's artistic legacy. Elizabeth emphasised the importance of bringing together fans and academics to advance Michael Jackson studies, noting how the convention helped foster this community connection. REFERENCE AS:Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 92 – KingVention Special” Podcast, Michael Jackson’s Dream Liv

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 Amisu. “Episode 91 – The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson Part 1” Podcast, Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On: An Academic Conversation, 13 no. 4 (2026). Published electronically 21/05/26. https://michaeljacksonstudies.org/episode-91-the-dangerous-philosophies-of-michael-jackson-part-1 The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies asks that you acknowledge The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies as the source of our Content; if you use material from The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies online, we request that you link directly to the stable URL provided. If you use our content offline, please credit t

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 Jackson Academic Studies asks that you acknowledge The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies as the source of our Content; if you use material from The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies online, we request that you link directly to the stable URL provided. If you use our content offline, please credit the source as follows: “Courtesy of The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies.” All content is copyright-protected. Any unauthorised reproduction, redistribution, or use for artificial intelligence,

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 Review” Podcast, Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On: An Academic Conversation, 13 no. 3 (2026). Published electronically 21/02/26. https://michaeljacksonstudies.org/episode-89-how-to-write-an-academic-book-review The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies asks that you acknowledge The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies as the source of our Content; if you use material from The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies online, we request that you link directly to the stable URL provided. If you use our content offline, please credit the source as follows: “Courtesy of The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies.” All content is copyright-protected. Any

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 On: An Academic Conversation, 13 no. 2 (2026). Published electronically 21/01/26. https://michaeljacksonstudies.org/episode-88-past-present-future-book-8 The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies asks that you acknowledge The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies as the source of our Content; if you use material from The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies online, we request that you link directly to the stable URL provided. If you use our content offline, please credit the source as follows: “Courtesy of The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies.” All content is copyright-protected. Any unauthorised reproduction, redistribution, or use

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 pieces. The discussion includes an academic analysis framework for the biopic, focusing on artistic legacy, identity, race, representation, media, and methodology. Michael Jackson Academy Course UpdatesElizabeth’s three Michael Jackson-related courses include the newly launched “Teaching Michael Jackson Studies“, “Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson“, and the flagship course, “Introduction to Michael Jackson Studies.” She offers incentives for purchasing multiple courses, such as a signed hardback book and a workbook for listeners of the podcast. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 87 – The Mi

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 Without Presence” Podcast, Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On: An Academic Conversation, 13 no. 2 (2025). Published electronically 21/11/25. https://michaeljacksonstudies.org/episode-86-echoes-without-presence. The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies asks that you acknowledge The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies as the source of our Content; if you use material from The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies online, we request that you link directly to the stable URL provided. If you use our content offline, please credit the source as follows: “Courtesy of The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies.” A

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 On: An Academic Conversation, 12 no. 4 (2025). Published electronically 21/10/25. https://michaeljacksonstudies.org/episode-85-sentenced-to-neverland The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies asks that you acknowledge The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies as the source of our Content; if you use material from The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies online, we request that you link directly to the stable URL provided. If you use our content offline, we ask that you credit the source as follows: “Courtesy of The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies Episode 85 – Sentenced to NeverlandBy Elizabeth Amisu & Kar

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). Published electronically 21/08/25. https://michaeljacksonstudies.org/episode-84-part-2-margo-j/efferson The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies asks that you acknowledge The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies as the source of our Content; if you use material from The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies online, we request that you link directly to the stable URL provided. If you use our content offline, we ask that you credit the source as follows: “Courtesy of The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies Episode 84 – Margo JeffersonBy Elizabeth Amisu & Karin Merx Elizabeth Amisu, PGCE, MA, is editor of The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Stu

In this episode, Elizabeth and Karin review the books written by Margo Jefferson, On Michael Jackson, editions 2007 and 2018. This is part 1 of the discussion; the next one is about articles in The Guardian and the catalogue of the On the Wall exhibition. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 82 – Gesamtkunstwerk” Podcast, Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On: An Academic Conversation, 12 no. 4 (2025). Published electronically 25/06/25. https://michaeljacksonstudies.org/podcasts/episode-82-gesamtkunstwerk The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies asks that you acknowledge The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies as the source of our Content; if you use material from The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies online, we request that you link directly to the stable URL provided. If you use our content offline, we ask that you credit the source as follows: “Courtesy of The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies Episode 83 - On Michael JacksonBy Elizabeth Amisu &

In Episode 82, our Anniversary episode, Elizabeth and Karin discuss the essay Michael Jackson's Gesamtkunstwerk: Artistic Interrelation, Immersion, and Interactivity From the Studio to the Stadium by Sylvia J. Martin. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 82 – Gesamtkunstwerk” Podcast, Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On: An Academic Conversation, 12 no. 4 (2025). Published electronically 25/06/25. https://michaeljacksonstudies.org/podcasts/episode-82-gesamtkunstwerk The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies asks that you acknowledge The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies as the source of our Content; if you use material from The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies online, we request that you link directly to the stable URL provided. If you use our content offline, we ask that you credit the source as follows: “Courtesy of The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies Episode 82 – GesamtkunstwerkBy Elizabeth Amisu & Karin Merx Elizabeth Amisu, PGCE, MA,

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 very long after. We dedicate this episode to her. We go into 2022 when Elizabeth was at the event, 2023 and 2025 where we represented the Journal, sold and signed the hardback and the paperback version of The Dangerous Philosophies. This year we did two talks. One about AI and Michael Jackson together with The Big MJ Debate and a MJDLO about the academic void: How to preserve Michael Jackson's Legacy and how Fans can Contribute. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. "Episode 81 – The Road To KingVention" Podcast, Michael Jackson's Dream Lives On: An Academic Conversation, 12 no. 4 (2025). Published electronically 26/05/25. https://michaeljacksonstudies.org/podca

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 content to defend Jackson's reputation by discrediting his accusers. These fan-made videos, particularly those associated with The Michael Jackson Innocence Project (MJIP), serve as a form of "media tribunal." The essay argues that these efforts are less about seeking truth and more about reinforcing myths that undermine allegations of sexual abuse, ultimately contributing to a toxic fan culture that silences victims and perpetuates harmful stereotypes. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. "Episode 80 – The staging of a Media Trial" Podcast, Michael Jackson's Dream Lives On: An Academic Conversation, 12 no. 2 (2025). Published electron

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 if using only two documentaries, of which one is from Bashir -Living With Michael Jackson - and the other, This Is It, are reliable for academic research? REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. "Episode 79 – Consuming Passions." Podcast, Michael Jackson's Dream Lives On: An Academic Conversation, 12 no. 1 (2025). Published electronically 21/02/25. http://michaeljacksonstudies.org/the-labours-of-michael-jackson/. The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies asks that you acknowledge The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies as the source of our Content; if you use material from The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies 

Abstract: In this episode, Elizabeth and Karin talk about Judith Hamera’s powerful book, Unfinished Business: Michael Jackson, Detroit, and the Figural Economy of American Deindustrialization, the concept of virtuosity in relation to Michael Jackson's labours and the labour of factory workers. They also explore the cultural and historical context of Michael Jackson's music and the potential for future opportunities for a new "33 1/3" series book about one of Michael Jackson’s albums. A 33 1/3 book was published on Dangerous in 2014, written by Susan Fast. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. "Episode 78 – The Labours of Michael Jackson." Podcast, Michael Jackson's Dream Lives On: An Academic Conversation, 12 no. 1 (2025). Published electronically 21/02/25. http://michaeljacksonstudies.org/the-labours-of-michael-jackson/. The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies asks that you acknowledge The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies as the source of our Content; if you use

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 (2025). Published electronically 21/01/2025.  The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies asks that you acknowledge The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies as the source of our Content; if you use material from The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies online, we request that you link directly to the stable URL provided. If you use our content offline, we ask that you credit the source as follows: “Courtesy of The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies.” Episode 77 – Past-Present-Future Book 7 By Karin Merx, Elizabeth Amisu Karin Merx BMus, MA, is editor of The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies, and aut