162: Bob Jenkis Special

Bob Jenkis, award-winning filmmaker and editor, joins Jamon Bull and Paul Black for an in-depth interview about his career and his work with Michael Jackson.

Jenkis is an icon in the world of music videos, film and advertising, and is known for shaping the look of modern film editing. Working in the industry since before the dawn of MTV, he has edited clips and cut music videos for an incredibly wide range of music legends, including Janet Jackson, Madonna, Prince, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, James Brown, and many, many more. He has also been deeply involved in the production of large-scale network television specials and concerts.

His long-running relationship with Michael Jackson began in the early 1990s, when he made spots for the “Dangerous” album—work which was used later as the opening to Jackson’s European Tour, his “Live In Bucharest” concert film, and was included in two compilations of music videos under the title “Brace Yourself.” Jenkis also edited “Live from Bucharest”, an epic task he completed in only 10 days before it aired on HBO. He continued to work on a number of projects for the King of Pop over the years including never-before-seen versions of Ghosts and the HIStory teaser, and concluded his time working with Michael by consulting on promo spots for “This Is It” just months before Jackson’s passing in 2009.

In this deep-dive chat, Jamon and Paul get the inside scoop on all of these incredible moments in Michael Jackson history, as well as rare insights into the technical elements of these massive projects.

This episode was edited by Charlie Carter.

Additional Links
• Bob Jenkis’ website.

Like this episode?
• If you have the means, consider a donation in any amount through PayPal to help cover our costs. All proceeds go towards online running costs, upgrading equipment, and charity donations. Learn all about the various ways you can support The MJCast through visiting our website.
• We also have an official merchandise shop. Support The MJCast and Michael Jackson all at the same time by buying some of our fun merch.

Connect with Us
• TheMJCast.com
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Mastodon
• Twitter
• Threads
• YouTube

If you have feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.com. Keep Michaeling!

157: Vindication Day Special with Geraldine Hughes

Geraldine Hughes first came to the world’s attention as an anonymous whistleblower. In 1994, the decorated investigative journalist Mary A Fischer published an article about the child molestation allegations levelled against Michael Jackson by Jordan Chandler and his father Evan. Fischer’s story included information attributed to a source inside the office of attorney Barry Rothman, suggesting that he and his client, Evan Chandler, had cooked up an extortion plot against Michael Jackson. The story was published in more than one major, glossy magazine and was covered by broadcast media – but the whistleblower’s identity was never revealed.

In 2003, however, Geraldine decided to out herself. In 1993, as the Michael Jackson scandal unfolded, she had been working as Barry Rothman’s personal legal secretary. She had unrivalled, insider access to the nerve centre of the celebrity scandal of the century, bearing witness to many meetings and discussions which took place just metres from her desk. Geraldine had been highly disturbed by what she witnessed, and she felt the public would too – but most of the media seemed to have adopted the position that Michael Jackson was guilty and in her view, the full story had never been told. Geraldine’s conscience demanded that she tell the wider public what she knew.

In 2003, as she began work on a tell-all memoir, news suddenly broke that Michael Jackson was being accused again. Her publishers fast-tracked a press release about the impending book, titled Redemption, and Geraldine found herself on a whirlwind media tour. But once again, the media overwhelmingly adopted an anti-Jackson position. While Geraldine’s book would become well-known within the Jackson fan community, her information was largely ignored. 

But in 2019, award-winning filmmaker Danny Wu interviewed Geraldine as he investigated the Chandler case for his feature documentary Square One. Upon its release, Square One became the number one Amazon Prime documentary in the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada, finally bringing Geraldine Hughes’s story to a much wider audience. But in Square One, Geraldine was one voice among many. For the MJCast’s 2023 Vindication Day episode, we decided to sit down with Geraldine.

Unfortunately, technical problems meant the interview ended abruptly and we were unable to reschedule with Geraldine to ask her several more questions. But this episode is nonetheless the most in-depth, one-on-one broadcast interview she had ever given. 

This episode was edited by Charlie Carter and Jamon Bull.

Additional Links
• Geraldine Hughes on Twitter.
• Geraldine’s website for music.
• Purchase Geraldine’s book, Redemption.
• Please consider donating through PayPal to help cover our costs. All proceeds go towards online running costs, upgrading equipment, and charity donations. Learn all about the various ways you can support The MJCast through visiting our website.
• We also have an official merchandise shop. Support The MJCast and Michael Jackson all at the same time by buying some of our fun merch.

Connect with Us
• TheMJCast.com
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Mastodon
• Twitter
• YouTube

If you have feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.com. Keep Michaeling!

135: Christian James Hand Special

Christian James Hand joins host Jamon Bull and regular guests Andy Healy and Velo Kristina for a special interview about Christian’s amazing history in the music industry, his work dissecting Michael Jackson’s multitracks via his “The Session” events on Instagram and live in-person, his deep appreciation of music production, and much more.

Hand is a British-born, LA-based musician, music producer, radio personality, and voice-over artist. In his years in the music industry, he has worked in A&R at the British hip‐hop Label, Gee Street Records, as a Stager Manager for major tours, managed a live music venue, and was a radio production assistant and then a radio DJ. During his time at Sirius/XM’s “Faction” channel and “Alt Nation”, he created the hugely popular ”Naked Vocals” segment, which would lay the foundation for his future musical dissection work, including “The Session” events. His methods would continue to evolve through his radio-personality positions on different stations, ultimately leading to popular live music breakdown events called “The Sound Sessions at Swing House”, as well as the radio show “If You Like That” on 100.3 The Sound.

Today, Hand’s 20-minute sessions can be heard on Monday mornings at the legendary 95.5 KLOS, and live on Instagram most weekdays. On Wednesday nights, he has a tradition of featuring Michael Jackson songs. Hand has also produced music for many different artists and groups over the years, including The Mowglis, Alexa Melo, The Jet Morgans, The Absolute, Analog Saint, and Mark Mackay.

Hand has a unique, deep appreciation for music production, is incredibly well connected in the world of music (Gregory Phillinganes, Jimmy Jam, and others are regulars at his Instagram events), and brings fascinating insights into Michael Jackson’s work as an artist in the studio.

This episode was edited by Charlie Carter.

Additional Links
• Christian James Hand’s website, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook pages.

Sponsors
• Roberta Martin Interiors. Full-service interior design based in Pasadena, California. Founded and run by a long-time Michael Jackson fan!
• The MJCast’s official shop. Support The MJCast and Michael Jackson all at the same time by buying some of our merchandise.

Connect with Us
TheMJCast.com
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube

If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.comKeep Michaeling!

132: Aileen Medalla Special

Aileen Medalla joins host Elise Capron to discuss her memoir published earlier this year, The King of Pop and I: A Filipino Teacher’s Travel Memoir with Michael Jackson and His Children. Aileen’s book covers the years 2005-2008, when she served as the Traveling Homeschool Teacher for the Prince, Paris, and Bigi while the Jackson family lived in Bahrain, Europe, Asia, and the United States. In addition to being an amazing journal of her travels all over the world, Aileen’s memoir is a unique look into the Jacksons’ personal life. Because she taught and worked with Jackson children on a daily basis, Aileen’s reflections on their family dynamics, Jackson’s role as a father, and their day-to-day lifestyles gives fascinating insights into the true Michael Jackson—what he was like as a down-to-earth human being, not just as the King of Pop.

Additional Links
• The King of Pop and I website, with links to purchase the book.
• Aileen’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Sponsors
• Karl Marx Does the Washing Up: The Podcast. A philosophical, comic podcast made by two MJ fans which navigates the “complex world of truth, romance, hell and housework.” Give them a listen.
• The MJCast’s official shop. Support The MJCast and Michael Jackson all at the same time by buying some of our merchandise.

Connect with Us
• TheMJCast.com
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube

If you have feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.com. Stay BAD!

129: Talitha Linehan Special

The MJCast is delighted to announce that its first show after International Women’s Day 2021 is also its first ever all-female episode! Vibrant duo Talitha Linehan and Talin MacArthur join host Elise Capron for a special episode about Talitha’s recently published memoir, A Real-Life Fairy Tale: Michael Jackson and Me, as well as both of their amazing fan experiences, and the final years of Michael Jackson’s life. Talitha is a writer originally from County Cork, Ireland, and has lived in the United States since 2005, currently residing in Los Angeles. Her memoir details the 13-year period during which she traveled all over the world to see Michael, including seeing 17 HIStory Tour concerts, meeting him all over the world, attending the 2005 trial, visiting Neverland Valley Ranch, and becoming a daily presence around him during his final years. Talin, who lives in Pasadena, California, is a close friend of Talitha’s, and was part of the small group of fans who saw Michael Jackson frequently from 2008-2009. Talin had her own amazing experiences as a young fan, as well, having attended the 1993 Super Bowl, and the filming of “Will You Be There”. This in-depth discussion gives amazing insights into what it was like to be a true mega-fan and “follower”, into Michael Jackson’s relationship with his fans, and provides invaluable perspective on The King of Pop’s state of being during his last, tragic days—a time which, for many fans, is still shrouded in mystery and conjecture.

Additional Links
• Purchase Michael Jackson and Me here.
• Talitha’s Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook pages.
• Talin MacArthur’s Instagram page.
• This Is Not It testimonies.

Sponsors
• Custom Paint by Joel845. Joel, our favorite Desert Viking, creates incredible custom motorcycle fuel tanks, and more! Plus, check out his brand new merch shop.
• The MJCast’s official shop. Support The MJCast and Michael Jackson all at the same time by buying some of our merchandise.

Connect with Us
• TheMJCast.com
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube

If you have feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.com. Stay BAD!

126: TJ Jackson Special

TJ Jackson joins Jamon and Q (with an appearance by Cousin Kam from The Janet Jackson Podcast) for a very special episode to discuss TJ’s new solo EP, “Damaged”, his impressive music career and a range of stories on his uncle Michael and his amazing family.

TJ is the third son of Tito Jackson and Dee Dee Martes, and the nephew of Michael Jackson. As part of the group 3T, TJ and his brothers rocketed to super-stardom as teenagers, selling over 3.5 million copies of their debut album, “Brotherhood”, which just celebrated its 25th anniversary. The brothers have performed all over the world, appeared on television, and starred in a Lifetime docuseries, “The Jacksons: Next Generation”. As a solo artist, TJ debuted his single and music video, “Insomnia” in September of 2019. This release marked the start of a trilogy of projects, including his EP, “Obsession”, released in March of 2020, and his newest EP, “Damaged” which came out in November of 2020. His solo records mark a departure from the sounds of the work he did with his brothers, presenting a style that is all his own. In addition to being an amazing musician, TJ also hosts the Family Rules Podcast with his wife, Frances Jackson.

In this chat, TJ shares incredible stories of growing up as part of music royalty, creating records with his brothers, working with his uncle, the King of Pop, and his impressive adult solo music career. Plus, they go deep into his experience as a Jackson since the release of Leaving Neverland and what Michael was like as a father. TJ also talks about dealing with past issues such as the AEG trial, the Cascio tracks, fulfilling his duties as legal guardian for MJ’s children, and more.

Additional Links
• TJ’s main website and Linktree to all social media pages and music channels.
• TJ and Frances Jackson’s podcast and Youtube series, The Family Rules.
• 3T albums on Apple Music and Spotify.
• The TJ Jackson Official Facebook Group.
• The Dee Dee Jackson Foundation.
• “The Power of Love” radio show/podcast.

Sponsors
• Crack Corn – Delicious premium puff corn.
• The MJCast’s official shop. Support The MJCast and Michael Jackson all at the same time by buying some of our merchandise.

Connect with Us
• TheMJCast.com
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube

If you have feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.com. Keep Michaeling!

118: Steven Paul Whitsitt Special

Steven Paul Whitsitt joins host Jamon Bull (and launches The MJCast’s #HIStory25 celebration) for a deep-dive discussion about Steven’s incredible experience as the King of Pop’s personal photographer. Growing up near Detroit, the music of Motown had a huge influence on Steven’s life from an early age and shaped his career as a photographer and photojournalist. He has shot album covers, music video stills, and concerts for many iconic musicians, including, Steve Miller, Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band and Willie Nelson. Steven has also published his work in a wide range of internationally well-known magazines. But his most memorable music industry experience was as Michael Jackson’s personal photographer. During their years working together, he shot publicity portraits and stills for the “Scream, “Childhood” and “You Are Not Alone” videos, as well as single covers. Michael entrusted Steven to work with him on capturing a range of events, including private moments. Plus, The Official Michael Jackson Opus features Steven’s photography.

The guys discuss how Steven got into photography, how he came to work with Jackson, what it was like during the HIStory studio sessions and the “Scream” video shoot, as well as Jackson’s personal photography preferences, Steven’s insights into Jackson as a person, and much, much more.

Additional Links
• Steven Paul Whitsitt’s main website, fashion website, Facebook, and Instagram.
• Selected, professional-quality Michael Jackson photography available for a limited time through Steven’s online shop, in collaboration with MJ Music Day. Please note: These photos are formatted for European standard sizing. If you are based anywhere other than Europe and are interested in purchasing a photo, contact Steven in advance so that he can adjust the print size.

Ad Breaks
• Audible – Great audiobooks.
• The MJCast’s official shop. Support The MJCast and Michael Jackson all at the same time by buying some of our merchandise.

Connect with us
• TheMJCast.com
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube

If you have feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.com. Stay BAD!

109: Michael Trapson Special

Q and Jamon are joined by fellow Michael Jackson podcaster and host of Moonwalk Talks, Jankins, to interview none other than Dean Morrow Jr., AKA Michael Trapson. Trapson, has been releasing music since as early as 2010, but more recently has evolved into a director, videographer, filmmaker and recording engineer who brings to fruition creative reinterpretations of Michael Jackson as a southern rapper and trap artist, called Michael Trapson.

Catchy, hilarious, provocative and featuring incredible production value, Trapson has released a range of hit songs and videos that have garnered millions of clicks on YouTube. From ‘Billie Jean and I Dab’ and ‘If Michael Jackson Was a Mumble Rapper’ to his most recent work, the phenomenal ‘Trapson EO’, the MJ community just can’t get enough.

In this episode, Q, Jamon and Jankins interview Trapson about his fascinating career, Michael Jackson’s history and the reality of being a Michael Jackson fan in 2019.

Additional Links
• Michael Trapson’s YouTube Channel, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter
• Jankins’ Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
• Moonwalk Talks Instagram and Twitter
• Moonwalk Talks on the web, Apple Podcasts and Spotify
• The Jacksons Victory Tour Live in Dallas (1984)
• Trapson EO
• Michael Trapson’s New Vibration (Pepsi Remake 2019)
• TriumphTour1981’s Instagram

Ad & Music Breaks
• Michael Trapson – All This Glow
• Michael Trapson – Go Go EO
• Michael Trapson – New Vibration

Connect with Us
• TheMJCast.com
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube

If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.comKeep Michaeling!

092: Humanitarian: The Real Michael Jackson Special

A crucial aspect of Michael Jackson’s life, which is rarely highlighted (and often blatantly ignored), is that of his amazing humanitarian work. While this comes up on The MJCast frequently as a point of discussion, the team is finally taking the opportunity to dedicate a full episode to this important topic. At last, the time is right for a deep-dive chat. Q welcomes to the show megafan and author Paul Dwyer, whose book, Humanitarian – The Real Michael Jackson, has just been published, as well as Friend of the Show and MJ Charity Correspondent Steven Hodges, of Michael Jackson Fans for Charity.

We encourage all of our #MJFam out there to #MakeThatChange!

Additional Links
• Official website to purchase Paul Dwyer’s Humanitarian – The Real Michael Jackson
• The book’s Facebook and YouTube pages
• Michael Jackson Fans for Charity website
• Michael Jackson’s Oxford Union Address
Carnegie Hall/Heal the Kids speech
• A video story behind how Michael Jackson gave Bulief the track “Heal the World”
• ‘Bulief – Heal the World Charity Single’ on Apple Music and Google Play
• Michael Jackson – A True Humanitarian YouTube video
• Steven’s Spotify playlist
• James Bulger’s mum, Denise Fergus, speaks about the “Heal the World” Bulief single and how it’s helping bullied children
• Michael Jackson – We’ve Had EnoughMichael Jackson Fans Australia Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube

Ads & Music Breaks
• 
Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, Usher, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Smokey Robinson – Earth Song (Live at 2010’s Grammy Awards) [Michael Jackson – Earth Song on Apple Music and Google Play]
• Youth Artists in USA for Nepal Earthquake 2015 – We Are The World (Michael Jackson – We Are The World on Apple Music and Google Play)
• Bulief – Heal The World

Connect with Us
• TheMJCast.com
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube

If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.comMichael on!

089: John Barnes Special

The MJCast’s Elise Capron and Jamon Bull are honoured to interview renowned musician, arranger, songwriter and mixer John Barnes, who has worked with an incredibly wide range of the world’s top musicians and entertainers, including, of course, the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

John has been recording music since the early ’70s, and has collaborated with artists such as Marvin Gaye, The Miracles, Lionel Richie, Celine Dion, Diana Ross, and many more. He first teamed up with the Jackson family in the early ’80s, playing synthesizer and handling arrangements on The Jacksons’ Victory album. He also worked independently with Janet and Jermaine during this time.

Captain EO
and the Bad album marked the beginning of John’s deep involvement in Michael Jackson’s solo career. While Quincy Jones and Bruce Swedien were working at Westlake, John, Matt Forger, and Bill Bottrell spent their days at Michael’s private home studio at Hayvenhurst, bringing to fruition Michael’s own musical creations. John took on many different roles in the creative process. He was a musician, programmer, and developed ideas from the group up alongside Michael, including co-writing ‘We Are Here to Change the World’.

John worked with Michael in his later years as well, and spent time with him in Bahrain following the 2005 criminal trial in which he was found not guilty. Not only was John a crucial member of MJ’s creative team, but he has also had a major impact on the popular music landscape as we know it, both as a traditional musician and with his revolutionary work with synth sound programming. Today, John continues his work in the music industry as the CEO of Innersound Studios.

Additional Links
• 
John’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
• Janet Jackson – Don’t Stand Another Chance
• U.S.A for Africa – We Are the World
• Michael Jackson’s Captain EO film
• The infamous 1983 James Brown concert where both Michael Jackson and Prince were called up on stage.
• 
Michael Jackson – I Have This Dream (Instrumental)

Ad & Music Breaks
• Michael Jackson – Al Capone
• Michael Jackson – We Are Here to Change the World
• Michael Jackson – We are the World (Demo)

Connect with Us
• TheMJCast.com
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube

If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.comMichael on!