080: A Good Kind of Weird

Jamon and Q have lots of exciting news and discussion items to get into in this week’s regular episode, including their anticipated follow-up chat about Jamon’s interview with Bryan Loren in Episode 079, which inspired strong reactions from listeners across social media. They get into their personal thoughts on that episode, and also talk about the MJ social media storm around Twitter’s #TweetLikeTheMJEstate.

In Jackson family news, the guys discuss the new Pepsi can design featuring Michael Jackson, as well as updates on La Toya (nope, she did not have a stroke!), Jackie Jackson’s new record label, and the upcoming Jacksons events in Detroit. And, of course, they celebrate Janet Jackson’s well-deserved ICON Award and incredible performance at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards.

In controversial news, an essay by Ta-Nehisi Coates, published in The Atlantic, causes quite a stir, leading Joe Vogel to respond with his own article in Forbes. Plus, the debut of the ABC documentary “The Last Days of Michael Jackson” has the fan community talking, and the Estate suing. And, Lenny Kravitz releases a new “duet” with Michael Jackson called “Low“.

Last, but certainly not least, the guys are thrilled to have J.D. from HIStory In The Mix with them on today’s show. J.D. is a massive fan (and very wise for his young age!) whose must-watch web-series chronicles the life and career of Michael Jackson. Jamon and Q will talk with J.D. about his fan story, history of his web-series, thoughts on Michael Jackson, the Estate, and more.

News
• Michael Jackson features on new Pepsi can design and accompanying TV ad.
• 
La Toya wins “Celebrity Worst Cooks in America” cooking challenges, and visits the Cannes film festival for the South Korean film, “Burning”.
• La Toya and B. Howard feature together in the finally-released track “Let Me Know (Dimelo)”.
• After all that, obviously La Toya did not have a stroke.
• Ta-Nehisi Coates publishes a controversial essay in The Atlantic, comparing Michael Jackson to Kanye West, to which Joe Vogel responds with his own article in Forbes.
• Janet Jackson performs at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards and receives the ICON Award.
• Janet Jackson opens up to Billboard in new interview.
• A new ABC documentary “The Last Days of Michael Jackson” airs, not endorsed by his family nor his Estate Executors.
• Jackie Jackson discusses his new record label, Critically Amused, and his signed artists.
• The Jacksons receive a key to the city of Detroit, and get an honorary street renaming, as they are set to headline the Detroit Music Weekend, June 14/17.
• Lenny Kravitz releases a new ‘duet’ with Michael Jackson, called “Low”.

Main Discussion Topic
• 
Fan chat with J.D. of HIStory in the Mix

Finds of the Week
• 
Jamon – Aphrodite Jones’ book Michael Jackson Conspiracy.
• Q – RetroWDW Podcast Episode 39 – Hotel Plaza Boulevard, in which host Brian gives us the history of the Michael Jackson Suite at the Hotel Royal Plaza on WDW property.
• 
J.D.- Janet and Michael Jackson – Rhythm On the Dancefloor mashup.

Additional Links
• 
The MJCast – Episode 079: Bryan Loren SpecialApple Podcasts
• Links to La Toya’s track
• The MJCast – Episode 064: Vincent Paterson SpecialApple Podcasts

Ad & Music Breaks
• 
The Jacksons – Can You Feel It (Groovefunkel Remix)
• Janet Jackson – That’s the Way Love Goes (Haus of Glitch Waltz Groove)
• Michael Jackson – HIStory (KaiOken Remix)

Correspondent Appearances
• Steven Hodges of MJFFC (Charity Correspondent)
• Charles Thomson (Legal Correspondent)
• Janneke van der Linden of Jackson Source (Jackson family Correspondent)

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.com. Michael on!

075: I’m a Strange Guy

Welcome to Season Four of The MJCast! After a long (but much-needed!) winter break, hosts Jamon and Q are excited to be back to discuss everything that’s been happening in the world of Michael Jackson and the Jackson family, and to look ahead to the year to come. The guys kick things off by discussing Paramount Network’s Lip Sync Battle: Michael Jackson Celebration, Paris Jackson’s ‘soundtrack to her life’, and the Kickstarter campaign for the Moonwalkers documentary, which explores the world of MJ tribute artists. And, looking ahead to events happening in 2018, British fans can check out the London Portrait Gallery’s ‘On the Wall’ exhibition, while fans around the world can see The Jacksons, who have announced new concert dates, and 3T, who will be attending the 5th Annual MJ Day in Paris on August 29th, as well as performing on September 1st. Plus, Janet Jackson will perform alongside MJ luminary Teddy Riley at the Essence Festival happening this July. To round this segment of the show out, Q offers a touching reflection on the late MJ fan, Mustafa.

As they launch this new season, Jamon and Q also have some exciting announcements. Going forward, the team is expanding with correspondents, several of whom you’ve heard on previous episodes. They will be the official reporters on particular aspects of MJ news, history, and the fan community, and will be involved in episodes regularly. Two featured correspondents on this episode include Steven Hodges of Michael Jackson Fans For Charity (MJFFC) and Janneke van der Linden of Jackson Source. And, the team is pleased to announce that Elise Capron has joined The MJCast as Web Assistant. Her work will be focused around shownotes, and you’ll also be seeing her on social media, so feel free to say hi! Elise tells her fan story and talks a bit about the market for MJ-related books. Plus, Q covers his recent visit to the MJ HIStory statue in the Netherlands, and his visit with Janneke van der Linden of Jackson Source.

News
• 
Paramount Network launches with Lip Sync Battle: Michael Jackson Celebration
• Paris Jackson creates the soundtrack to her life
• 
Moonwalkers documentary on Kickstarter
• London Portrait Gallery ‘On the Wall’ exhibition coming to London
• The Jacksons have a range of upcoming concert dates
• 3T to perform in Paris on the 1st of September after attending the 5th annual ‘MJ Day’ on August 29th
• Janet Jackson to perform at 2018’s Essence Festival from the 5th – 8th of July
• Mustafa’s story

Main Discussion Topic
• 
Introducing some of The MJCast Correspondents! More to come next episode…
• Legal Correspondent – Charlie Thomson
• Jackson Family Correspondent – Janne Van Der Linden of Jackson Source
• Charity Correspondent – Steven Hodges of MJ Fans for Charity
• Live Performance Correspondent – Anthony King
• Elise Capron’s fan story
• Q’s travel stories

Finds of the Week
• 
Jamon – Michael Jackson – Ride With Me
• Q – Brittany Spanos’ Rolling Stone article; How Michael and Janet Jackson created the New Black Rock Star
• 
Elise – Joseph Vogel’s new article in The Guardian; Black and White: How Dangerous Kicked off Michael Jackson’s Race Paradox and Bryan Alexander’s USA Today article on Paris Jackson in the new film; Gringo

Additional Links
• 
Elise Capron’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages
• Episode 073 – Season Three Mixtape
• Episode 074 – J Q&A
• Episode 058 – Vindication Day Special (Pirates in Neverland: The Michael Jackson Allegations)
• Episode 052 – Michael Prince Special
• Jaafar Jackson’s a cappella vocal video on Instagram
• Moonwalk Talks – Episode 027: “Moonwalkers Documentary” via the web and Apple Podcasts
• Episode 054 – CJ DeVillar Special

Music Breaks & Ads
• 
Michael Jackson – Workin’ Day and Night (SWG Extended Mix)
• Michael Jackson – In The Closet (KaiD’s 80’s Remix)
• Brandy – It’s Not Worth It (feat. Michael Jackson)

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

If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on the show, 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!

072: Season Three Christmas Special

Once again it’s time for Jamon and Q to wrap up the current season of The MJCast podcast, have a little break to recharge, and then come back with our next season in the new year. Without you all tuning in to our little podcast, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do, so thank-you for listening!

Jamon and Q start this episode with a wrap up of the past year at The MJCast and it’s been a big one! They share their favourite moments as it proves too hard to pick just one each.

The boys then offer their final news segment for 2017, covering Paris Jackson’s covershoot and interview for L’uomo Vogue, the recent trademark filings of the Michael Jackson Estate and 2018 concert date announcement for 3T in Italy and France before hearing directly from Jackson Family Correspondent Janneke of Jackson Source about Jermaine Jackson sharing the stage with his sons Jaafar and Jermajesty. Jaafar Jackson also features in the current issue of D’Scene magazine. Wrapping up 2017 news, the fellas cover the recent announcement that The Estate and Sony have extended their business partnership results in an expected response from MJ fans the world over and the newly released Blood on the Dancefloor X Dangerous extended mix. Ending on some good news, Jamon and Q explore the latest development in the Wade Robson molestation allegation court case, which has resulted in a dismissal!

Our Season Three highlights reel features clips from our special episodes this year, with appearances by Tito Jackson, Michael Prince, CJ DeViller, Remixed by Nick*, Ryan Michaels and Charles Thomson, Isabelle Petitjean, Brice Najar, Jonathan “Sugarfoot” Moffett, Vincent Paterson, Hector Barjot, Joseph Vogel, Ola Ray, and most recently, Andy Healy, and Chris Lacy. Then, what’s next for The MJCast? Jamon and Q drop some hints!

Again, thank-you for your support and listenership of The MJCast, it’s been a heck of a ride this year, but we appreciate you being with us for the journey, and look forward to bringing you a new season in 2018. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones, and best wishes for a wonderful 2018 new year!

Follow Up
• 
Year in review
• 
‘How Michael should be remembered’ segment now shifting to June 25th episodes

News
• 
Paris Jackson follows in her father’s footsteps and works with L’uomo Vogue for a photoshoot
• Michael Jackson’s estate files a trademark application for the phrase “Neverland Ranch” for a number of entertainment services, including a museum
• 
Apple’s CEO & founder Steve Jobs loved listening to Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean while doing photoshoots, according to former publicist
• 
3T are set to perform live in Naples on Michael Jackson Day 2017 and Paris, in September of 2018
• 
Jermaine Jackson performs with sons on stage in the Netherlands at the Max Proms event
• 
Exclusive interview with Jafaar Jackson in D’Scene Magazine
• 
Michael Jackson Estate and Sony Music extend partnership
• Listen to an extended version of the Blood on the Dance Floor X Dangerous (The White Panda Extended Mix)
• 
Wade Robson’s child molestation allegations have been thrown out of court by Judge Beckloff

Season Three Highlights
• 
Episode 050 – Tito Jackson Special
• Episode 052 – Michael Prince Special
• Episode 054 – CJ DeVillar Special
• Episode 058 – Vindication Day Special (Pirates in Neverland: The Michael Jackson Allegations)
• Episode 059 – June 25th Special with Isabelle Petitjean and Brice Najar
• Episode 061 – Jonathan ‘Sugarfoot’ Moffett Special
• Episode 064 – Vincent Paterson Special 
• Episode 065 – Hector Barjot Special
• Episode 067 – Joseph Vogel Special
• Episode 068 – Thriller Night Special with Ola Ray
• Episode 071 – MJ101 Special: Bad 30

Music Breaks & Ads
• 
Jackson 5 – Up on the House Top (DJ Spinna Re-Edit)
• 3T – I Need You (Christmas Mix)
• Jackson 5 – Someday at Christmas (Stripped Mix)
• La Toya Jackson sings Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer

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

If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on the show, 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!

067: Joseph Vogel Special

After an extended break from the Michael Jackson fan community, author and Merrimack College professor Dr. Joseph Vogel is back. He appears on this week’s special edition of The MJCast to mark the release of his fully revised book, ‘Earth Song: Michael Jackson and the Art of Compassion‘.  Interviewed by Jamon Bull and Charles Thomson, Vogel gives the most candid interview of his career.

After attracting criticism for his endorsement of fake tracks released on the MJ Estate’s first posthumous album, Vogel left social media several years ago. In this exclusive interview, Vogel tells The MJCast he no longer stands by his old comments and now believes the songs are fake. The Estate assured him it had evidence they were real but, over the years, he came to realise that simply wasn’t true.

Fans who boycott the Estate over the release of those songs are being perfectly reasonable, says Vogel. He hasn’t spoken to the Estate for around two years and hasn’t been approached to appear in Spike Lee’s rumoured Thriller documentary. He is now actively seeking a publisher to reprint his first MJ book – ‘Man in the Music‘ – in part so he can remove his words on the fake tracks and cease to acknowledge them as MJ songs.

Also in this bombshell interview, Vogel discusses how and why he revised his Earth Song book, why he left social media, whether the fans who turned on him were justified and what his next projects will be.

Joe’s revised edition of ‘Earth Song: Michael Jackson and the Art of Compassion’ includes fresh insights based on new evidence and interviews with key MJ collaborators, like Earth Song short film director Nick Brandt.

In addition to writing several books on Michael Jackson, Joe has appeared in the Estate’s documentaries on the Bad and Off The Wall albums and wrote the liner notes for the Estate’s Bad 25 box set.

Links
• 
Joseph Vogel’s website, Twitter and Facebook pages
• Earth Song: Michael Jackson and the Art of Compassion
• Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson
• Michael Jackson and the Reinvention of Pop
• Michael Jackson: The Legend Continues 1989 documentary
• Michael Jackson’s Dangerous album
• Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker
• Michael Jackson’s Dangerous deposition
• Michael Jackson’s The Girl is Mine deposition
• Michael Jackson’s Bad 25 album and documentary
• Michael Jackson’s Off The Wall album and documentary
• Crack Kills lyrics
• Nick Brandt’s websiteEarth Song short film
• Stranger in Moscow short film
• Childhood short film
• Brad Sundberg’s website, Twitter and Facebook pages
• 
Earth Song live at Wetten Dass (1995)
• 
Earth Song live at the World Music Awards (1996)
• 
Earth Song live at the Royal Brunei concert in Brunei (1997)
• 
Earth Song live on the HIStory World Tour in Munich (1997)
• Earth Song live at Michael Jackson & Friends in Munich (1999)
• Earth Song live at the This Is It rehearsals (2009)
• Michael Jackson’s This Is It documentary film
• Jason Malachi – Breaking News
• Joseph Vogel’s Huffington Post article; Exclusive: The Inside Story Behind Michael Jackson’s Controversial New Song and Album
• Joseph Vogel’s Huffington Post article; Is Michael Really Michael? A Review of the King of Pop’s New Album
• Joseph Vogel’s Huffington Post article; Michael Jackson’s Forgotten Humanitarian Legacy
• Howard Weitzman’s official statement on the Cascio tracks
• The MJCast’s online repository for Cascio Case court documents
• Joseph Vogel’s article; Regarding the Cascio Tracks
• The Michael Jackson Estate and Sony Music’s Michael Jackson Halloween album; Scream.

Music Breaks & Ads
• 
Funkyphon – Stranger in Moscow (Orchestral Version)
• Michael Jackson – Earth Song (Demo)
• Michael Jackson – Rock With You (Live in Yokohama, 1987)

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

If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on the show, 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!

047: The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson Special with Elizabeth Amisu and Karin Merx

On this special episode of The MJCast, Jamon and Q interview academics Elizabeth Amisu and Karin Merx on Elizabeth’s new book The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson: His Music, His Persona and His Artistic Afterlife. Topics include their own histories, their roles in The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies and Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On podcast, Elizabeth’s writing and publication process, Karin’s artistic process in creating the book’s cover (The Michael Jackson Respect Portrait) and of course many topics on Michael Jackson himself.

As explained on Elizabeth’s website, The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson is “the essential companion to Michael Jackson’s music, films and books, this work offers 21 original, academic essays on all things Jackson – from film, music and dance to fashion, culture and literature. It is the ultimate collector’s item for every Michael Jackson fan, student, researcher and academic.”

Overall, Dangerous Philosophies is a phenomenal work on the depth of Michael’s art and person, and a brilliant achievement by Amisu. Whether you’re an academic yourself wishing to enrich your knowledge of Michael Jackson, or perhaps a casual MJ fan wanting to open your mind to the depth of Michael’s work, you can’t go past Dangerous Philosophies. Pick up a copy today!

Links
• The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies website and FacebookTwitter pages
• The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson: His Music, His Persona and His Artistic Afterlife on Online Arts Education (signed copies), Amazon and Apple iBooks
• Elizabeth Amisu’s website and Facebook, Twitter & Instagram pages
• Karin Merx’ website and Facebook, Twitter & Instagram pages
• Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On podcast web page and iTunes page
• Yuko Watanabe – Smooth Criminal
• Youngest String Quartet Ever – Smooth Criminal
• Patrick Matthias – Smooth Criminal
• 2 Cellos – They Don’t Care About Us
• Peter Bence – Bad
• Elizabeth Amisu’s ‘Throwing Stones to Hide Your Hands’: The Mortal Persona of Michael Jackson article
• Michael Jackson & Prince: Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On: An Academic Conversation
• Introduction to Michael Jackson Studies Online Course: 6-Lesson Online Course with Elizabeth Amisu
• The MJCast’s online repository of Cascio Case court docs
• Joseph Vogel’s Man in the Music, Featuring Michael Jackson and Earth Song books
• Susan Fast’s Michael Jackson’s Dangerous book
• Michael Jackson’s Moonwalk book
• Michael Jackson’s 2001 Oxford Speech
• Margo Jefferson’s On Michael Jackson book
• Armond White’s Keep Moving: The Michael Jackson Chronicles book
• Michael Bush’s The King of Style: Dressing Michael Jackson book
• Damien Shields’ website and his Xscape Origins: The Songs and Stories Michael Jackson Left Behind book
• Karin Merx’ article on her Michael Jackson Respect portrait
• Mr. William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies (First Folio) Wikipedia article
• Complete work of William Shakespeare book
• The Journal Of Michael Jackson Academic Studies’ interview with Isabelle Petijean
• Michael Jackson’s This Is It film

Music Breaks & Ads
• Maati Baani – Heal The World (Child Prodigy Cover)
• Boyce Avenue – Will You Be There
• Accent – Keep The Faith

Connect with Us
• TheMJCast.com
• Facebook
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If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on the show, 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!

Episode 035 – MJ101 Special: The Performances

Episode 035 - MJ101 Special - The Performances Show Art

On Episode 035 of The MJCast, Jamon and Q are joined by prominent Michael Jackson author Andy Healy. Andy has been writing on Michael for a number of years with his MJ101 series. Starting back with his debut MJ101 book in 2013 called Greatest Songs (which counts down his picks for the 101 best Michael Jackson songs) he then branched off and released other supplementary books in the 101 lineup, including The Short Films, The Remixes, Off The Wall and HIS2ORY.

ipadpro101Andy’s books are not only known for providing great factual detail and deep opinions around Michael’s art, but getting conversations going between fans around what Michael’s best work actually is.

Today, as an exclusive for The MJCast, we are proud to announce the launch of Andy’s brand new entry in the MJ101 series, The Performances. Listen to this latest episode of The MJCast which features a fascinating interview with Andy Healy to learn about his early years as a fan, his writing process, his own thoughts and opinions on Michael’s catalogue and of course lots of great detail around his new book…

Links

Music Breaks & Ads

  • Jackson Source
  • Michael Jackson – Scream (SWA Mix)
  • Michael Jackson – Rock With You (SWA Mix)
  • The Jacksons – Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground) [SWA Mix]

Connect with Us
TheMJCast.com
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
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YouTube

If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on the show, 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!

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