102: Eggs for Breakfast

This episode is dedicated to TJ, known as @TabloidJunk online, who passed away suddenly in late May. TJ started The MJCast with Jamon and Q, was an inspiring activist and an opinionated, wise, hilarious, fabulous, and devoted friend. He was truly the guys’ MJ brother, part of the “awesome foursome”, and he shall be deeply missed. If you would like to hear TJ on the show, you can listen to #TheMJCastEp82, when the guys discussed the origins of the podcast, as well as wonderful memories about their friendship and fun times together in the MJ fan world. The MJCast sends love to TJ’s family and friends. Love lives forever.

Jamon and Q have lots of news to cover in this regular episode, including updates on Marcos Cabota’s Bruce Swedien documentary, a film to be released by LaVelle Smith, Jr., a great chat with Taj Jackon on “The Movie Crypt” podcast (who give The MJCast a truly kind shout-out!), an MJ-themed café in Kabul, and MJ popping up in music and dance around the world, such as a new Chris Brown video, as well as an entire dance performance based on Michael Jackson’s life, performed by the Salzburg Ballet in Austria. They also discuss the amazing range of MJ tributes happening this month, including a “Moonwalker” screening in Shanghai, a dance performance in Paris, and a fan events taking place in Australia, France, the U.S., and all around the world. In addition, the guys touch on more news related to “Leaving Neverland”, including MJ activist Rasheed’s “In Justice Project”, a repository of resources available on the MJJForum, and the MJ Estate’s #HonorMJ campaign.

News
• Janet Jackson is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and launches her Vegas residency, “Metamorphosis”.
• Marcos Cabota releases a teaser for his Bruce Swedien documentary.
• LaVelle Smith, Jr., due to release an interview documentary, “The Man Behind the Dance”, honoring Michael Jackson, the tours, the person, the allegations and his death.
• Chris Brown features heavy MJ tributes in his new music video for his song “Back To Love”.
• A new digital book on the Michael Jackson sex abuse allegations called “Not Guilty: Debunking the Michael Jackson Allegations from Jordie Chandler to Leaving Neverland” has been released by Jimmy Colwill.
• Prince Jackson launches a movie review YouTube channel with younger brother Bigi and cousin Taj.
• The Michael Jackson Estate have settled a lawsuit with Tohme Tohme.
• Taika Waititi and Netflix pull out of a stop-motion film project “Bubbles”.
• “Moonwalker” will be screening at the Shanghai International Film festival on June 15, 17, and 24.
• Taj Jackson sits down with Adam, Joe and Arwen of the long-running and acclaimed movie podcast, The Movie Crypt, on Episode 313.
• Aaron Carter clarifies his claim that Michael Jackson was inappropriate.
• MJ activist Rasheed has created a blog over at MJJForum, the In Justice project, which is a large repository of “Leaving Neverland” information.
• Highlight video of “Moonwalk”, the incredible-looking action ballet performed by the Salzburg Ballet in Austria, with dances set to MJ’s music.
• MJ Danse et Solidarité will be performing in front of the Eiffel Tower on June 9th, and features dance teacher Speedy, who was part of the Michael Jackson Immortal Tour of Cirque du Soleil. (Previous performances can be seen here: Jam, Dangerous, Smooth Criminal/Al Capone.)
• Events are beginning to be organised around the world to remember and celebrate Michael Jackson:
• Melbourne, Australia, on Saturday, 29 June: Special screening of “Dangerous: Live in Bucharest” on the big screen at Sun Threatre Yarraville, followed by an MJ Party at the Blue Moon Bar. Tickets are $20.
• Perth, Western Australia, on Friday, 21 June: Michael Jackson Tribute Night at Mint Nightclub (details).
• Los Angeles, California, on June 21-23: Brad Sundberg’s In The Studio With MJ seminar.
• Sadly, the European Jackson Event on 24 August at the Event center ‘de Kei’ Kerkplein 69, Reusel – The Netherlands, has been cancelled, and tickets will be refunded.
• For French and other MJFam in Europe, tickets have gone on sale for MJ Music Day, to be held in Lyon, France, 19 October, 2019.
• Brisbane, Australia, on 29 June: “10 Year Anniversary Michael Jackson Tribute Show” featuring Soulcutz, at the Springwood Hotel.
• A Michael Jackson Café has opened in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Main Discussion Topic
• The Michael Jackson Estate have launched the #HonorMJ campaign

Finds of the Week
• Jamon – Tom Mesereau weighs in with ‘Too Fab’ on the Leaving Neverland controversy
• Q –  Luca Hänni – She Got Me (Official Music Video)

Additional Links
• TJ video: “The 2004 Janet Jackson Super Bowl Halftime ‘Nipplegate’ Scandal and Aftermath”
• TJ video: “The Michael Jackson Trial: One of the Most Shameful Episodes In Journalistic History”
• TJ video: “This Is Not It”
• TJ video: “Make That Change”
• The MJCast – Episode 082: June 25th Special with Damien Shields and TJ
• Janet Today, Janet Tomorrow, Janet Forever – The #METAMORPHOSIS Episode
• The Waika Taititi movie “Boy”

Ad & Music Breaks
• Michael Jackson – Man In the Mirror (30th Anniversary (SWG Extended Mix Overture)
• La Toya Jackson – Starting Over (Matt Moss remix)
• Michael Jackson – Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough (SWG Extended Mix)

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.comStay BAD!

077: Let’s Make HIStory Special with Brice Najar

Q flies solo today, welcoming returning guest Brice Najar back on the show, along with his wonderful wife, Laetitia Latouche. Brice is well-known in the Michael Jackson community for his books on The Jacksons and the King of Pop, but this discussion is focused on his most recent book, Let’s Make HIStory. Najar’s book goes into detail about the recording of Michael’s brilliant HIStory album. Based around interviews with key collaborators, the book is a comprehensive and fascinating look into the creation of a masterpiece.

Q, Brice, and Laetitia discuss what makes Let’s Make HIStory an important contribution to Michael Jackson literature, why the HIStory era is of particular significance, what it was like to interview collaborators, the process of getting this book published, and surprises that Brice discovered along the way. Brice and Laetitia also talk about MJ Music Day in France, and how that event came together.

Links
• Brice Najar’s website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.
• Brice Najar’s books: Let’s Make HIStoryMichael Jackson: itinéraire d’un passionné and The Jacksons: Musicographie 1976 – 1989.
• Michael Jackson’s 1995 Wetten Dass performance
• Michael Jackson’s 1996 Brit Awards performance
• Brice Najar’s interview with photographer Steven Paul Whitsitt
• Brice’s favorite MJ books: Moonwalk, Mike Smallcombe’s Making Michael, • Isabelle Petitjean’s Dangerous – from Mark Ryden to Michael Jackson and Xscape Origins by Damien Shields.
• MJ Music Day and Association On The Line’s website

Music Breaks & Ads
• Michael Jackson – Scream (feat. Janet Jackson) [Dave ‘Jam’ Hall Extended Urban Remix]
• Michael Jackson – Stranger in Moscow (Classic Mix)
• Michael Jackson – They Don’t Care About Us (Uncensored Olodum Cut)

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.com. Keep Michaeling!

060: The Laura Comedy Hour

Laura Nicholson returns to guest host with Jason and Q, and this time she has the chance to share her fan story! This is followed by a range of news stories, reactions to and our reviews of the Lifetime TV film starring Navi, Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland, details around what you’ll need to send in for an upcoming Q&A episode, finds of the week and some sweet, sweet tunes.

News
• 
Association On The Line is hosting the MJ Music Day event in Paris, France.
• 
New Who Is It concept art has apparently leaked.
• 
Michael Jackson themed Egyptian movie Sheik Jackson is on the way.
• 
Prince Jackson attends the 2017 Billboard Music Awards and presents Drake with the Top Artist Award.
• 
Shana Mangatal has released never before seen footage from the original Ghosts shoot, with an interesting back story around it.
• 
Janet Jackson reportedly set to document divorce, motherhood and more on Netflix special.
• MJ’s nephew, Austin Brown, collaborates with fraudster Eddie Cascio.
• 
Iconic Michael Jackson film from photo sessions needs $500 000 to be developed.
• 
Michael Jackson fan loses home in London’s Grenfell Tower Fire tragedy.
• 
Thriller 3D to be released in the US this summer.
• 
Review of The Jacksons Glastonbury performance from their 50th Anniversary tour
• 
TJ and Frances Jackson launch The Family Rules, a platform with blogs, posts, Q&A videos on marriage, children and family.
• 
Paris Jackson appears in The xx’s new short film, I Dare You.

Main Discussion Topic
• 
Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland. The good, the bad and the ugly.

Finds of the Week
• 
Jason – How to Make Michael Jackson’s Scream
• Q – Sean Kenneth O’Hara’s HelpHOPELive Kidney Transplant Fund campaign
• 
Laura – Touch of Brass Big Band – Thriller (Arranged by Neil Finn)
• Jamon – “Most Difficult Mix Ever” – Mixing Michael Jackson’s They Don’t Care About Us

Additional Links
• 
Laura Nicholson on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube
• The Michael Jackson Estate issues a press release about Lifetime and Netflix MJ films
• 
Jankins of Moonwalk Talks podcast does a terrific in-depth review in his Episode 023
• YouTube review of Searching for Neverland from listener Aaron Clements

Music Breaks & Ads
• 
Jackson 5 – I Want You Back (Accents Bring the Sun Remix)
• Michael Jackson – P.Y.T. (The Reflex Revision)
• Michael Jackson – Liberian Girl (Master Chic Mix)
• Jackson 5 – Alpha Bits Commercial
• Michael Jackson – Human Nature (Cover)

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!

059: June 25th Special with Isabelle Petitjean and Brice Najar

Eight years ago today on June 25th, 2009 the King of Pop, Michael Jackson tragically passed away amidst preparations for what was to be his final concert tour, This Is It. For fans the world over, the pain still lingers… Each year we come together on this day to remember, honour and reflect on the magical life that was Michael Jackson’s and the love and timeless art he gave to the world. This year, hosts Q and Jason Garcia are lucky enough to be joined by two special guests for The MJCast’s 2017 June 25th episode. Being renowned authors, passionate Michael Jackson scholars, event organisers and…how could we forget…French, our two guests have so much in common that this episode can’t help but be a positive and heart warming reflection on Michael’s life.

Isabelle Petitjean, a classically-trained musician and a teacher of music, is a university academic specializing in Afro-American popular music and particularly in the work of Michael Jackson. She holds a master’s degree and a research mastership in musicology, and is currently preparing a doctorate on Michael Jackson at the University of Paris IV – Paris Sorbonne. She has written multiple books on Michael Jackson including Dangerous: From Mark Ryden to Michael Jackson – Pop Culture in the Pantheon of Fine Arts and Michael Jackson: il état une voix.

Brice Najar is the author of three books about Michael Jackson’s music. The first tackles the subject of his solo discography, through his singles released between 1979 and 2008. The second discusses the albums he recorded with The Jacksons from 1976 to 1989. Both books can be read independently but also compliment one another. In his latest work, Let’s Make HIStory, Brice offers a collection of interviews with some of Michael’s key collaborators  for his 1995 epic double album of the same name.

In addition to being authors in their own right, Brice and Isabelle have joined forces to put together Association On The Line. A group that’s organising unique and unmissable Michael Jackson related events. For its very first occasion, MJ Music Day, Brice and Isabelle are presenting an opportunity to meet musical director Brad Buxer and sound engineer Michael Prince who were both close collaborative partners and friends with the King of Pop. This exceptional and first-of-its-kind visit in France will lead attendees through Michael Jackson’s music at its most intimate and will offer plenty of unique anecdotes about his songs, personality and life. Guests will also experience the HIStory World Tour from behind-the-scenes and discover the secrets of the Jackson sound with the exclusive preview of King of Sound, a documentary by Gareth Maynard about Bruce Swedien. More than a master-class or a conference, this will be a genuine opportunity to share a friendly moment and talk to those men who were very special to Michael Jackson. Brice Najar, Isabelle Petitjean and fellow prominent French MJ fan Hector Barjot will also be there along with other Jackson exhibitors.

Later in the episode, listener submissions are played around how Michael should be remembered. Thank-you to all contributors who submitted audio. For fans who are struggling during this time of year, we hope this episode acts as a way for you to connect with other MJ fans around the world. In this episode there are moments of joy and moments of sadness, but through it all, remember that we are all fans of Michael. We will carry on his message of love and positivity as a way of honouring his memory and everything that he gave to the world. Together we will Michael on!

Links
• 
Isabelle Petitjean’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.
• 
Isabelle Petitjean’s Dangerous: From Mark Ryden to Michael Jackson – Pop Culture in the Pantheon of Fine Arts and Michael Jackson: il état une voix books
• Brice Najar’s website, Facebook and Twitter pages.
• Brice Najar’s Michael Jackson: itinéraire d’un passionné, The Jacksons: Musicographie 1976 – 1989 and Let’s Make HIStory books
• MJ Music Day
• The MJCast en Español – Episodio 014: Isabelle Petitjean Special (English Version)

Music Breaks & Ads
• 
Michael Jackson ONE – Human Nature/Never Can Say Goodbye
• RIZ – The Light Went Out Tonight
• Shah Rukh Khan – We Lived in His World (A Tribute to Michael Jackson)
• The Game (feat. Chris Brown) – Better on the Other Side (Michael Jackson Tribute)
• Michael Jackson – This Is It (Ben Liebrand Oldskool Remix)

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!