Category Archives: Specials

193: Vindication Day Special with J. Randy Taraborrelli

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J. Randy Taraborrelli, the man who was sat right behind Michael Jackson in court as the verdicts came in, joins host Charles Thomson for the MJCast’s annual Vindication Day Special, recognizing the 21st anniversary of Jackson’s resounding 2005 acquittal.

Randy is the author of more than 20 books, most of which have become New York Times bestsellers, including his landmark Michael Jackson biography, The Magic and the Madness. After years of silence, he has granted The MJCast what he says will be his first and last Michael Jackson podcast interview.

He first met Michael in Philadelphia in 1970 (thanks to an invitation from Diana Ross) and last spoke to him in the years after the trial.

In this discussion, Randy tells Charles about getting to know Michael, writing his book, navigating the allegations in his dual role as a friend and a reporter, and almost coming to blows with Evan Chandler.

He recounts covering the trial, explains how the Cascio family drove him out of the Michael Jackson business, and tells us why he broke cover to participate in the controversial new Netflix series about the trial.

This emotional conversation is a true scoop for the MJCast, as Randy tells us stories he has never told publicly before, then vows never to give such an interview again.

This episode was edited by Charlie Carter.

Additional Links
• J. Randy Taraborrelli’s official website.
• Taraborrelli’s book on MJ, Michael Jackson: The Magic, The Madness, The Whole Story.

Like this episode?
• If you have the means, consider a donation in any amount through PayPal to help cover our costs of creating the show. All proceeds go towards online running costs, upgrading equipment, and occasional charity donations.
• 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.
• Learn all about the various ways you can support and engage with The MJCast through visiting our website.

Connect with Us
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• Bluesky
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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.

192: Michael Jackson’s Legacy and the Black Perspective 

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Scorpeze, Matthew Allen, Nicole Starling, and Rochelle Jones join host Shawn Shackelford for a roundtable discussion of the ‘Michael’ biopic as viewed through the Black cultural perspective, sparked by the film’s major success and the return of global Michaelmania. The panel explores Michael Jackson’s legacy through race, media, celebrity, and cultural memory, tracing his journey from the Jackson 5 and the Chitlin’ Circuit to Off the Wall, Thriller, and worldwide superstardom. They also examine shifting media narratives, from tabloid culture and public scrutiny to modern reassessments, while reflecting on James Baldwin’s enduring observations about Michael, America, and Black cultural identity. Together, the conversation blends personal insight and cultural analysis to reconsider Michael Jackson’s lasting impact and evolving legacy.

This episode was edited by Simon Wilkie.

Participants
• Shawn Shackelford
• Scorpeze
• Nicole Starling
• Matthew Allen
• Rochelle Jones

Additional Links
• Here Be Dragons: James Baldwin’s Critique of the American Ideal of Manhood
• “Remember the Time”: Michael Jackson and the Chitlin’ Circuit by Mark Anthony Neal
• Michael Jackson and Prince appearance at James Brown 1983
• Truth and Soul Podcast Ep.3 “Beige Music”
• Truth and Soul Podcast Ep.4 “Beige Music-The Finale”

Like this episode?
• If you have the means, consider a donation in any amount through PayPal to help cover our costs of creating the show. All proceeds go towards online running costs, upgrading equipment, and charity donations.
• 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.
• Learn all about the various ways you can support and engage with The MJCast through visiting our website.

Connect with Us
• TheMJCast.com
• Bluesky
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• X
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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 livin’ off the wall.

191: Michael Filmmaker Roundtable

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Filmmakers Adam Green, Marcos Cabota, Jin Chohan, and Paul Black join host Charlie Thomson for a continuation of The MJCast’s “Michael” biopic deep-dive discussion series, this time focused on the perspective from those in the film industry. They hone in on details around editing and scene selection, and considerations (from a top-down view) about audience, approach, and production, as well as discussing whether the film truly humanizes Michael Jackson, and what a sequel – if it happens – might look like. Ultimately, the team casts new light on how to think about the film, combined with their personal insights as long-time mega fans of the King of Pop.

This episode was edited by Paul Black.

Participants
• Charlie Thomson
• Adam Green
• Jin Chohan
• Marcos Cabota
• Paul Black

Additional Links
• Adam Green’s podcast, The Movie Crypt.
• Marcos Cabota’s documentary (not yet widely available), Sonic Fantasy.
• Jin Chohan’s in-progress documentary, Trial By Media: The Michael Jackson Story

Like this episode?
• If you have the means, consider a donation in any amount through PayPal to help cover our costs of creating the show. All proceeds go towards online running costs, upgrading equipment, and charity donations.
• 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.
• Learn all about the various ways you can support and engage with The MJCast through visiting our website.

Connect with Us
• TheMJCast.com
• Bluesky
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• 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.

190: Michael Biopic Roundtable

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Shawn Shackelford leads the entire MJCast crew, including Elise Capron, Charlie Thomson, Charlie Carter, and newest member, Simon Wilkie, in a deep-dive discussion about the long-awaited “Michael” biopic, which hit theaters this past week.

“Michael” marks a major moment for MJ fans after years of anticipation—and comes with a surge of excitement which has built in the months and weeks leading up to its release. In the first 48 hours of officially hitting theaters, it blew up even the most optimistic projections, taking in around $100 million globally in a single day. By the end of opening weekend, it made well over $200 million globally (opening in 80 countries worldwide), and could officially claim the title of the biggest opening ever for any musical biopic.

Even though the film has faced a wave of negative reviews and press coverage from mainstream sources, audiences are showing up in large numbers, and with great enthusiasm. Critics haven’t exactly embraced the film, but one thing that keeps coming up is Jaafar Jackson’s performance as Michael Jackson. In this roundtable discussion, the team breaks down his performance, along with everything else the film gets right… and where it may fall short. Without a doubt, 2026 is the year of “Michael”.

This episode was edited by Simon Wilkie.

Participants
• Shawn Shackelford
• Elise Capron
• Charlie Thomson
• Charlie Carter
• Simon Wilkie

Like this episode?
• If you have the means, consider a donation in any amount through PayPal to help cover our costs of creating the show. All proceeds go towards online running costs, upgrading equipment, and charity donations.
• 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.
• Learn all about the various ways you can support and engage with The MJCast through visiting our website.

Connect with Us
• TheMJCast.com
• Bluesky
• Facebook
• Instagram
• X
• 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 livin’ off the wall.

188: Michael Trailer Roundtable

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Bobby Huntley, Hannah Savage, and first-time guest Stepfan Holley join host Shawn Shackelford to kick off Season 12 of The MJCast, following the release of the full trailer for the highly anticipated Michael biopic, set to hit theaters worldwide on April 24, 2026.

In this in-depth roundtable discussion, the team unpacks one of the most talked-about moments in the Michael Jackson community in years. The trailer—like the teaser released in November—quickly shattered viewership records, making it a record-breaking launch for a music biopic and the largest trailer debut in Lionsgate studio history, igniting passionate reactions across the internet.

In this episode, the panel slows the conversation down, moving beyond knee-jerk reactions to thoughtfully examine what the trailer shows, what it withholds, and the expectations it sets for how Michael Jackson’s story may be told on the big screen. Topics include initial emotional responses, visual effects and digital polish, pacing and imagery, the portrayal of key figures, speculation about narrative choices, and broader questions surrounding audience, authenticity, and legacy. Along the way, there are plenty of strong opinions, sharp observations, and moments of genuine reflection.

Whether you’re exhilarated, cautious, or somewhere in between, one thing is clear: 2026 is shaping up to be the Year of Michael—and this conversation is just the beginning.

This episode was edited by Simon Wilkie.

Participants
• Bobby Huntley
• Hannah Savage
• Stepfan Holley
• Shawn Shackelford

Additional Links
• Official trailer on YouTube.

Like this episode?
• If you have the means, consider a donation in any amount through PayPal to help cover our costs of creating the show. All proceeds go towards online running costs, upgrading equipment, and occasional charity donations.
• 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.
• Learn all about the various ways you can support and engage with The MJCast through visiting our website.

Connect with Us
• TheMJCast.com
• Bluesky
• Facebook
• Instagram
• X
• 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 livin’ off the wall.

187: Season Eleven Christmas Special

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Taj Jackson joins Shawn Shackelford, Charles Thomson, and Charlie Carter to celebrate the holidays and reflect on this past year… Welcome to The MJCast’s 11th annual Christmas special!

The gang discusses the year that was on Season 11 of The MJCast, as well as all the recent news in the world of Michael Jackson and the Jackson family, including Jermaine Jackson’s announcement of a “Jackson Museum”, the passing of guitarist and composer Phil Upchurch, MJ-related legal twists and turns for artist Brett-Livingstone Strong, Michael Jackson inspiration appearing in major films and TV shows, reactions to the one-and-only Jamon Bull stepping down from The MJCast, an exciting vinyl release from the Michael Jackson Estate, and much more. Plus, the team looks ahead to Season 12, and has fun with the annual bloopers reel.

Special thanks to Taj Jackson for being a part of our annual Christmas Special for many years. Here’s to many more!

And, huge thanks to all of our listeners and MJFam around the world. We could not do this without you. Wishing you a happy 2026 to come! (Elise sends her love to all listeners and MJ friends, as well. She had a scheduling issue and could not participate in this episode.)

This episode was edited by Simon Wilkie.

Discussion Topics
• The year that was…
• Charlie Thomson is now the longest serving member of the team!
• Unreleased video from the preparations for the HBO special “One Night Only”
• Jermaine Jackson Announces Plans for a ‘Jackson Museum’ in Monaco
• Phil Upchurch, Guitarist and Composer for Michael Jackson, Dies
• Court Says Michael Jackson Copyrights Can Be Sold to Pay Artist’s Debts
• “Cry” celebrated with a “blurry, blocky, visibly degraded version of the short film” on official Michael Jackson channels
• Michael Jackson’s ‘Smooth Criminal’ Inspired Key Scene in the Wicked Film
• “Rockin’ Robin” Lands in Stranger Things Season 5
• Bruno Mars Channels Michael Jackson
• Reactions to Jamon Bull stepping down from The MJCast (we love you, Jamon!)
• NUMBER ONES will be released on vinyl
• Season 11 Blooper Reel
• Looking back, and looking forward…

Like this episode?
• If you have the means, consider a donation in any amount through PayPal to help cover our costs of creating the show. All proceeds go towards online running costs, upgrading equipment, and charity donations.
• 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.
• Learn all about the various ways you can support and engage with The MJCast through visiting our website.

Connect with Us
• TheMJCast.com
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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 livin’ off the wall.

186: Destiny Roundtable

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Destiny, released in 1978, marked a seismic shift for The Jacksons — a bold declaration of creative independence, a spiritual and sonic rebirth, and a pivotal step in the journey that would launch Michael Jackson into superstardom. Having broken away from the constraints of Motown in 1975, the group spent years redefining their sound under Philadelphia International’s Gamble and Huff before finally taking complete control of their music with Destiny, their first self-written and self-produced album.

But was Destiny just a comeback album, or something far more profound?

In this roundtable episode, host Shawn Shackelford is joined by panelists Scorpeze, Samar Habib, and Jay Leggett to explore every corner of this often-overlooked masterpiece. From its gospel-fueled grooves and bold horn arrangements to its raw, personal lyricism and prophetic themes, the panel traces how Destiny not only signaled The Jacksons’ artistic autonomy but served as a critical bridge between the group’s legacy and Michael’s solo evolution.

The team unpacks the cultural and historical context of Destiny’s release, including the brothers’ exit from Motown, their variety show, and Michael’s early creative partnership with his brother, Randy. They dig into the musical inspirations behind the record — from Earth, Wind & Fire to Stevie Wonder — and examine how tracks like “Blame It on the Boogie,” “Push Me Away,” “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)” and “That’s What You Get (For Being Polite)” laid the foundation for the innovation of Off the Wall and beyond.

This in-depth, thought-provoking discussion celebrates an album that didn’t just reintroduce The Jacksons — it redefined them. Revisit the songs, stories, and struggles behind Destiny in a full track-by-track discussion, and consider whether it deserves a much more prominent place in the canon of pop and R&B history.

This episode was edited by Charlie Carter.

Participants
• Shawn Shackelford
• Scorpeze
• Samar Habib
• Jay Leggett

Additional Links
• Destiny Era
• New Yorker Magazine article about the Jacksons Leaving Motown, July 1975
• Gregg Cobarr’s Photographic Flashbacks with Michael Jackson, August 16, 1978
• Record Mirror interview with Paul Sexton, October 7, 1978
• The Jacksons’ 10th Anniversary Special in Billboard (Pgs. 47-62), November 18, 1978
• The Jacksons interview with Blues and Soul, February 1979
• Review of The Jacksons’ February 23-24, 1979 concerts in London, England at the Rainbow Theatre for the “Destiny World Tour”-Black Echoes- March 3, 1979
• Star Trak Westwood One Interview with The Jacksons, May 28, 1979
• LP Promo-Destiny album disc interviews the Jacksons, 1980
• “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)” Demo
• Executive Producer, Bobby Colomby interview
• Michael “Mick” Jackson discusses “Blame it on the Boogie”

Like this episode?
 • If you have the means, consider a donation in any amount through PayPal to help cover our costs of creating the show. All proceeds go towards online running costs, upgrading equipment, and occasional charity donations.
 • 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.
 • Learn all about the various ways you can support and engage with The MJCast through visiting our website.

Connect with Us
• TheMJCast.com
• Bluesky
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• X
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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 livin’ off the wall.

184: Michael Teaser Roundtable

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Q, Charles Thomson, Paul Black, Shawn Shackelford, and Charlie Carter join host Elise Capron to discuss the recently released teaser trailer for the ‘Michael’ biopic, which will hit theaters around the world on April 24, 2026. The just-over-one-minute-long trailer dropped unexpectedly on November 6, 2025, and immediately broke records, racking up 116.2 million views globally within its first 24 hours, making it “the largest 24-hour trailer launch ever in Lionsgate‘s history and the most-viewed trailer for any music biopic or concert movie in motion picture history”, according to Deadline.

In this chat, the team shares their hot takes and comments on everything from the most thrilling moments of the teaser to complaints about factual inaccuracies, and dissect the editing quality, Jaafar Jackson’s look as the King of Pop, make guesses about what we might see in the final film based on this short, but punchy, presentation, and much more.

This episode was edited by Charlie Carter.

Participants
• Elise Capron
• Charles Thomson
• Charlie Carter
• Shawn Shackelford
• Q
• Paul Black

Additional Links
• Official teaser trailer on YouTube.

Like this episode?
• If you have the means, consider a donation in any amount through PayPal to help cover our costs of creating the show. All proceeds go towards online running costs, upgrading equipment, and occasional charity donations.
• 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.
• Learn all about the various ways you can support and engage with The MJCast through visiting our website.

Connect with Us
• TheMJCast.com
• Bluesky
• Facebook
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• Mastodon
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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!

183: Faking Michael Special

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Damien Shields, Dan Villalobos, James Alay, and Jamon Bull join Charles Thomson for a deep dive into the history behind, and making of, the ‘Faking Michael‘ investigative podcast series.

‘Faking Michael’ took the Michael Jackson fan community (and beyond) by storm one year ago, as a bombshell true crime series which tells the full story of the fraudulent tracks–dubbed the ‘Cascio Tracks’–on the posthumous ‘Michael’ album released in 2010. Damien Shields and his team, including The MJCast, have been investigating this case since that time. The podcast series takes the listener through every dramatic detail of the scandal, including Vera Serova’s 2014 lawsuit against Cascio, Porte, their production company, Sony Music and Jackson’s estate, which resulted in the removal of the tracks in 2022.

In this discussion, the guys tell the story behind the story, including how they worked together as a team, behind-the-scenes moments, the experience of researching the story and making the podcast, how the project has been received among fans and in the wider world, and what else is to come in the ‘Faking Michael’ journey.

This episode was edited by Jamon Bull and Charlie Carter.

Additional Links:
• You can learn more at https://www.fakingmichael.com.

Like this episode?
• If you have the means, consider a donation in any amount through PayPal to help cover our costs of creating the show. All proceeds go towards online running costs, upgrading equipment, and occasional charity donations.
• 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.
• Learn all about the various ways you can support and engage with The MJCast through visiting our website.

Connect with Us
• TheMJCast.com
• Bluesky
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Mastodon
• X
• 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!

182: Akasha Richmond Special

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Akasha Richmond joins Charles Thomson for a journey into the culinary and travel side of Michael Jackson’s life, as she relays stories from her years working for The King of Pop as his personal and concert tour chef.

Akasha met Michael Jackson in the early 1980s, when she and Mani Niall worked at the Golden Temple, a vegetarian restaurant in Los Angeles. Mani became Jackson’s first personal chef, while Akasha was hired for special dinner parties, including events at Hayvenhurst with guests such as Elizabeth Taylor, Gregory Peck, Sophia Loren, and more. Eventually, Akasha also started stepping in as Jackson’s chef when he traveled, when Mani was not available.

Akasha began traveling the world regularly with Jackson, cooking for him all across Europe, Asia, Australia, and beyond. She worked on both the BAD and the HIStory tours, and her mandate was to always keep The King of Pop healthy, with his favorite Mexican dishes and comfort food – always spicy!

Not only did Akasha develop a deep friendship with Michael Jackson, but she got to see the world, and developed a love of travel, during her years of touring. In this chat, she shares amazing memories, insights into Jackson’s life, and discusses how her experiences eventually led her to found a beloved LA restaurant, Akasha, and also, more recently, to start a food-focused travel company, Travel by Akasha.

This episode was edited by Charlie Carter.

Additional Links
• Akasha’s Culver City restaurant.
• Akasha’s travel company.

Like this episode?
• If you have the means, consider a donation in any amount through PayPal to help cover our costs of creating the show. All proceeds go towards online running costs, upgrading equipment, and occasional charity donations.
• 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.
• Learn all about the various ways you can support and engage with The MJCast through visiting our website.

Connect with Us
• TheMJCast.com
• Bluesky
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Mastodon
• X
• 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!