Episode 011 – June 25th Special with Darren Hayes

Episode 011 - June 25th Special With Darren Hayes YouTube ArtOn June 25th, 2009 the King of Pop, Michael Jackson tragically and unexpectedly passed away amidst preparations and rehearsals for his final live concert tour, This Is It. Although his passing and our present day lives are separated at this point by six years, for fans around the world the pain associated with this devastating event still lingers on. What a loss it was for the world. It’s clear that the Michael Jackson fan community is still coming to terms with and processing what happened six years ago and how we can move forward in a positive way. During his life, Michael spoke about the concept of love perhaps more than any other topic….love for Planet Earth, love for its children, love for ourselves…and love for each other. So with love in mind, this podcast episode was put together. It’s intention is certainly not to celebrate the occasion, but to reflect on the tragedy that happened and to assist in unifying the community in processing what occurred…but above all else, to remember, honour and reflect on the magical life that was Michael Jackson’s and the love that he gave to the world.

Former member of pop duo Savage Garden and now world renowned multi-million album selling artist in his own right, Darren Hayes, agreed to join us for this significant occasion in honouring and remembering Michael on the sixth anniversary of his passing. Q and I interviewed Darren about his Michael Jackson fandom, his views and thoughts on a range of Michael related issues and about his life as an artist.

Following this, Q and I explore and discuss our own experiences on June 25th, 2009 and how we feel Michael should be remembered, before handing over to some of our listeners to discuss the same topics. Thank-you to all of our listeners who submitted audio for us to consider in playing on this show. It was a pleasure listening to all of the submissions and they certainly had both Q and I reflecting on Michael and his legacy. For those of you who are still emotionally processing Michael’s passing, we hope this episode acts as a way for you to connect with other fans around the world who are as well. 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 must carry on his message of love and positivity as a way of honouring his memory and everything that he gave to the world. From the bottom of our hearts, Keep Michaeling!

Links
Darren Hayes’ official website and Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr accounts.
The He Said, He Said Show’s iTunes page.
Michael Jackson’s Bad World Tour live in Brisbane. Look out for a young Darren Hayes in the first ten seconds!
Michael Jackson’s Captain EO on YouTube.
Michael Jackson’s Memorial Service from 2009, at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles.
Amateur footage of Billie Jean live at Michael Jackson’s 30th Anniversary Celebration concerts in 2001.
Michael Jackson’s 1987 Molly Meldrum interview.
Xscape Origins – The Songs and Stories Michael Jackson Left Behind, a book by Damien Shields.
Bad 25 – A documentary on Michael’s ‘Bad’ album, by Spike Lee.
Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean performance on Motown 25. Look out for his first ever moonwalk at the end of Billie Jean!
Darren Hayes’ Secret Codes and Battleships limited deluxe two CD edition on Amazon and iTunes.
The new Savage Garden album The Singles, and the re-releases for Savage Garden and Affirmation on iTunes Australia.

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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.com. We hope you enjoy this special episode of our Michael Jackson podcast, The MJCast. Keep Michaeling!

Episode 010 – Vindication Day 10th Anniversary Special with Tom Mesereau

Episode 010 - Vindication Day 10th Anniversary Special With Tom Mesereau YouTube ArtTo mark this important occasion, the 10th anniversary of Michael Jackson’s acquittal from false child molestation allegations on June 13th, 2005, we are releasing this special episode. The MJCast’s Legal Correspondent Charles Thomson along with regular hosts Jamon Bull and Q interview Thomas Mesereau, one of the foremost criminal defence attorney’s in United States legal history. Mesereau served as Michael’s principal attorney during his mid 2000’s criminal trial around false child molestation allegations and continued representing Jackson and his affairs for a time afterwards. Ten years ago today Jackson was acquitted of all fourteen charges brought against him by the Arvizo family and their prosecuting lawyer, Santa Barbara Country District Attorney Tom Sneddon. In addition to Michael’s obvious innocence, his vindication and exoneration are also due to the professionalism and efforts of Tom Mesereau and his then legal partner Susan Yu. Topics of discussion include Mesereau’s childhood, his history as a lawyer, what it was like working with Michael Jackson and also the trial itself. We then delve into a dialogue around Jackson’s posthumous legacy, the legitimacy of his Estate executors, the events surrounding his death and what Michael Jackson’s victory in 2005 has meant for his legacy long term.

The MJCast would also like to thank friend of the show Dan Villalobos who has worked so hard on composing and producing our new intro music, which can be heard for the very first time on this episode! Dan is a phenomenal sound engineer, music producer and MJ fan from London, England who has worked with artists such as Maddison Wilson, Robyn Sherwell and has had his work featured on BBC Radio. Check him out at www.danvillalobos.com, and make sure to visit his SoundcloudTwitter and Instagram accounts. Thanks Dan and we can’t wait to have you on the show.

Links
Triumph: Celebrating a Decade Since Michael Jackson’s Acquittal – An article by Syl Mortilla.
One of the Most Shameful Episodes in Journalistic History – An article by Charles Thomson.
Michael Jackson: Innocent – Author D Francis’ book which covers the mid 2000’s Michael Jackson trial. Win a free copy!
Untouchable: The Strange Life and Tragic Death of Michael Jackson – A biography by Randall Sullivan.
The MJCast’s ‘Episode 005 – Kerry Anderson Special’. Listen to this special interview with Michael’s Director of Security during the time of his mid 2000’s trial.
Mesereau Law Group – Tom Mesereu’s official website.
Charles Thomson’s Twitter account and official website.

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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.com. We hope you enjoy this special episode of our Michael Jackson podcast, The MJCast. Keep Michaeling!

Episode 008 – Xscape Origins Special

Epiosde 008 - Xscape Origins Special YouTube ArtOn this special episode of The MJCast, Jamon and Q interview acclaimed author Damien Shields on his new book Xscape Origins. Topics include Damien’s writing process, his collaborative partner James Alay’s contributions to the project, Damien’s experiences talking with Michael’s collaborators, a never before heard story about Damien’s ill fated interview with Michael Jackson himself. We also take the opportunity to capture some of Damien’s fascinating opinions on a range of Jackson related topics. As a special treat for listeners of The MJCast, you will also hear an exclusive audio snippet of an interview Damien conducted with C. J. DeVillar (Michael’s bassist and recording engineer during the early Invincible sessions) and a never before released version of the song She Was Lovin’ Me which was co-produced by Cory Rooney and Taryll Jackson.

As explained on Damien’s website, “Xscape Origins pieces together stories about the real Michael Jackson; the musical genius at work. As told by the songwriters, producers, musicians, and technicians who worked intimately with him in the studio, and featuring a touching foreword written by his longtime engineer Matt Forger, the book takes you inside the recording studio, delivering captivating fly-on-the-wall insights into the creative process of the greatest artistic visionary the world has ever known”. At its heart, Xscape Origins delves into the history of the eight original Michael Jackson songs which were remixed for the 2014 album Xscape, released in partnership between Sony Music and the Estate of Michael Jackson. Reading Damien’s work will give you a level of knowledge that will allow you to appreciate the songs in a much deeper way. If it’s Michael’s artistic process you love learning about, look no further than this fantastic book. It’s undoubtedly the best book on Michael’s art that I’ve ever read.

Links
Get your physical copy of Xscape Origins today at xscapeorigins.com.
Xscape Origins is also on Amazon, iBooks and Google Play as eBooks.
Read Damien’s latest Michael Jackson related articles at damienshields.com.
Joseph Vogel’s book on Michael’s artistry, Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson
Chris Cadman’s book series ‘The Maestro’ Volume’s I and II, excellent reference books on Michael’s creative work.
Keith Murphy’s fantastic Vibe article on Michael’s final (and still mostly unreleased) musical work. Read ‘Redemption Songs’.
Damien’s FacebookTwitter and Instagram pages

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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.com. Keep Michaeling!

Episode 006 – Tommy Organ Special

Episode 006 - Tommy Organ Special YouTube ArtListeners of The MJCast, here’s our sixth episode! This week we’re honoured to present an interview with Tommy Organ, one of Michael Jackson’s guitarists during the rehearsals for his This Is It concert tour. Topics of discussion include Tommy’s history as a musician, his experiences in coming to work for Michael and what it was like to work with the King of Pop. Enjoy!

Links
Tommy Organ’s official website and his Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
The official website for Michael Jackson’s This Is It

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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.com. Keep Michaeling!

Episode 005 – Kerry Anderson Special

Episode 005 - Kerry Anderson Special YouTube ArtAs a surprise for listeners of The MJCast, we are releasing this special episode in addition to our fortnightly release schedule! Recently, we were lucky enough to secure an interview with Kerry Anderson, Michael Jackson’s Director of Security during one of the most tumultuous times of his life. Topics of discussion include Kerry’s upcoming book, his experiences in originally coming to work for Michael, life as an Executive Protection Specialist, protecting Michael during his mid 2000’s trial against child molestation allegations and spending time with MJ and his family in the Middle East.

The MJCast would also like to apologise for the nature of the audio in this interview. There were some technical difficulties during the recording process and in post production which has resulted in excessive background noise and also an echo on the vocal. Hopefully you will still be able to enjoy this fascinating interview with Kerry Anderson.

Links
Agape Love, the Facebook page for Kerry Anderson’s upcoming book on Michael Jackson
Kerry Anderson’s personal Facebook profile page

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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.com. Keep Michaeling!

Episode 003 – Syl Mortilla Special

Episode 003 - Syl Mortilla Special YouTube Art

On The MJCast’s first special, Jamon and Q interview acclaimed author Syl Mortilla on his book ‘The First Book of Michael’. Topics include Syl’s writing process, the book itself, discussion around Michael’s art and legacy and how his art has been handled post June 2009.

Links
Syl Mortilla’s official website/blog
Syl Mortilla’s Facebook and Twitter pages
‘The First Book of Michael’ on Amazon and Smashwords
Warren Eagles’ ‘Grading Michael Jackson’ article on the International Colorist Academy’s website
Michael Jackson’s Legacy – a charitable organisation dedicated to continuing Michael Jackson’s humanitarian legacy.

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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.com. Keep Michaeling!