Category Archives: Specials

115: Kevin Dorsey Special

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Welcome to Season Six of the The MJCast! In this special episode, Jamon Bull puts the focus back on the music with an interview featuring Kevin Dorsey, who worked with Michael Jackson for twenty-five years as his Vocal Director, Assistant Music Director and one of his background vocalists. In addition to lots of positive stories, we deep dive on two of the most topical issues amongst fans, Michael’s ever increasing reliance on lip syncing and the mysterious months leading up to his death. This is a topic Kevin is particularly well placed to speak on as he was suddenly and inexplicably let go by This Is It’s tour promoters after completing the task of assembling the live band. Kevin also goes into detail about his early career, how he initially came to work with the King of Pop and what is was like to tour together.

The MJCast team is excited for the season to come. Thank you for joining us!

Additional Links
• Kevin Dorsey’s Facebook page

Ad Breaks
• Crack Corn – Ridiculously delicious puff corn
• The MJCast Shop

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. Keep Michaeling!

113: Season Five Christmas Special

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It’s that time of year when Jamon, Q and Elise come together to celebrate the holidays and reflect on the year that was…it’s The MJCast’s annual Christmas Special!

The team wraps up Season Five (a season filled-to-the-brim with major highs and lows) with discussion of developments in the world of Michael Jackson, including updates on the MJ biopic, the Estate’s 2020 MJ Broadway musical, as well as a bizarre and potentially very negative MJ-inspired musical told from the perspective of his glove, and much more. The MJCast Correspondents also chime in with news on charity efforts, Janet Jackson, the Jackson family, and more.

It’s been a whirlwind year, and a tough one for many in the worldwide Jackson fan community. And yet, as the trio revisits clips from Season Five Specials and reflects on the past year, it is clear that this has also been The MJCast’s best season ever, with incredible guests, and a real sense of love and community.

This is Q’s final episode as a regular host of The MJCast. Q has been integral to the identity of the show since its inception, and he will be missed. Jamon and Elise send their love and thanks for all of Q’s contributions as well as his friendship. And not to worry, listeners: Q will appear on The MJCast in the future, just less regularly. There will be Q-rants to come in 2020 and beyond!

We want to thank our listeners for all your support throughout the year and hope that you enjoy our episodes coming up in Season 6! Happy holidays, #MJFam!

News
• A Michael Jackson biopic is reportedly in the works, from Bohemian Rhapsody producer Graham King.
• A very strange stage musical, For the Love of the Glove, supposedly based on Jackson’s life, is opening in Los Angeles in January.
• Ephraim Sykes has been cast in the MJ role for the upcoming Broadway show, “MJ: The Musical.” (Skykes’ recent interview in Rolling Stone.)
• The French MJ fan lawsuit against ‘Leaving Neverland’ has been postponed due to strikes.
• The Game recalls the time when Michael Jackson called him to work on a collaboration with 50 Cent.
• The MJ Estate settles with Disney over ‘The Last Days of Michael Jackson’.

Season Five Highlights
• Episode 097 – Bill Whitfield Special
• Episode 100 – Brad Buxer Special
• Episode 101 – Taryll Jackson Special
• Episode 103 – Vindication Day Special with Larry Nimmer
• Episode 104 – June 25th Special with Jenny Winings
• Episode 107 – Allan ‘Big Al’ Scanlan Special
• Episode 109 – Michael Trapson Special
• Episode 110 – Thriller Night Special with Paul Black and Adam Green

Main Discussion Topic
• A year in review.
• The MJCast’s official interview with Q, as he reflects on five seasons as co-host.
• What’s to come in Season 6.

Finds of the Week
• Jamon – New rehearsal footage from MJ’s 30th Anniversary concert.
• Q – ‘I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus’ gets a brand new official video.
• Elise – MJ-inspired art by Miguel Wilson, including a very cool Thriller shirt available for sale.

Correspondent Appearances
• Steven Hodges of MJFFC (Charity Correspondent)
• Janneke van der Linden of Jackson Source (Jackson family Correspondent)
• Courtney and Kam of Janet Today, Janet Tomorrow, Janet Forever podcast (Janet Jackson Correspondent)
• Charles Thomson (Legal Correspondent)

Ads & Music Breaks
• Michael Jackson – Off The Wall (Nick Party People Remix)
• Michael Jackson – Another Part of Me (Regrooved Fire Remix)
• Michael Jackson – BEATiCURE (The King of artPOP by Robin Skouteris)

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!

110: Thriller Night Special with Paul Black and Adam Green

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Happy Thriller Night 2019! It’s the podcast team’s favorite night of the year, and, in this special episode, Q leads a deep dive discussion into Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and “Ghosts” short films. He’s joined by regular guest and film editor Paul Black, as well as first-time guest Adam Green, who is a well-known filmmaker, podcaster, and expert on the horror genre.

The guys discuss Paul and Adam’s professional backgrounds in the film world and how Jackson inspired aspects of their careers, as well as their memories of first seeing “Thriller” and “Ghosts”. Paul Black wins, as usual, for having the best “Ghosts” fan story ever! Their main discussion topic examines these two iconic short films from a filmmaking perspective: Paul and Adam compare filming techniques, cinematography, special effects, the different tone of each film, horror genre elements, what sort of impact they might have if they had been made today, and much more. For anyone interested in looking at these films from a technical perspective—or simply with the love of horror, or of Michael Jackson’s amazing creativity—this chat will be your ghoulish dream-come-true.

The MJCast wishes all of our listeners a great Thriller Night!

Additional Links
• Episode 025 – Right Place, Right Time… Black Magic
• Episode 034 – June 25th Special feat. Kevin Stea
• Episode 041 – Michael Jackson & Prince Roundtable (Part 1)
• Episode 042 – Michael Jackson & Prince Roundtable (Part 2)
• Episode 066 – Long Hair Don’t Care
• Adam Green’s Twitter, Instagram, official website, IMDB page, and iTunes page for his podcast, The Movie Crypt (co-hosted with Joe Lynch and Adam’s adorable Yorkie sidekick, Arwen).
• Adam’s interview with Taj Jackson about Leaving Neverland on The Movie Crypt podcast.
• Frozen (2010) movie trailer
• Hatchet (2007) movie trailer
• Holliston (2013) Season 2 commercial
• Jack Chop (2009) short film
• Monster Problems (2016) short film
• Scary Sleepover – Episode 2.4 “Slash”

Ad & Music Breaks
• Michael Jackson – 2Bad (Ghosts Mix)
• Michael Jackson – Ghosts (Early Version)
• Michael Jackson – Thriller 35th Anniversary (SWG Remastered Extended Mix)
• Scandroid – Thriller (Official Lyric Video)

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!

109: Michael Trapson Special

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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.com. Keep Michaeling!

107: Allan ‘Big Al’ Scanlan Special

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Q and Jamon celebrate Michael Jackson’s 61st birthday with a very special guest, Allan ‘Big Al’ Scanlan, who worked as Neverland Valley Ranch’s Director of Maintenance from 1990-2005. During that time, Big Al oversaw the grounds and attractions, including the theatre, rides and trains. He also became a close personal friend of Michael’s.

In this in-depth conversation, Big Al shares amazing, heartfelt stories about his life at Neverland, from what it took to keep the Ranch running, to his personal interactions with the King of Pop. He also discusses how the property became a place of refuge, entertainment, and hope for underprivileged children, and how Michael Jackson’s entire staff worked to make that humanitarian dream a reality.

The MJCast can’t imagine a better way to recognize Michael Jackson’s birthday than with this trip down memory lane, to the golden age of Neverland Valley Ranch.

Additional Links
• Big Al on Facebook and Twitter.

Ad & Music Breaks
• Jackson 5 – I’ll Be There (DJ Hasebe Remix)
• Michael Jackson & J-Friends – People Of The World (TheMJQuotes Edit)
• MTN South Africa – We Are 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.com. Michael On!

104: June 25th Special with Jenny Winings

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Ten years ago today, on June 25th, 2009, Michael Jackson tragically passed away amidst preparations for what was to be his final concert, 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, as well as the love and timeless art he gave to the world.

In this June 25th Special, Jamon and Q are joined by long-time fan Jenny Winings. Now based in Cincinnati, Ohio, Jenny shares her fan story, the experience of seeing Michael in concert at both nights of his Madison Square Garden 30th Anniversary celebration, and memories of the times she met Michael, including when she shared a car with the King of Pop and Gavin Arviso during a shopping trip to Toys’R’Us, as well as when she visited and stayed at Neverland Ranch.

This special episode also features touching thoughts on how our guests from the past year feel that Michael should be remembered, as well as a number of musical tributes to commemorate Michael and the positive influence he’s had on all our lives.

As we pay tribute to the great man that Michael was on the tenth anniversary of his passing, we want to remind fans the world over that none of us are alone. We all share in the grief, and love, we have for Michael.

Additional Links
• Jenny’s Twitter and Instagram pages.
• Information on Michael Jackson’s Madison Square Garden 30th Anniversary celebration
• Concert footage of the 30th Anniversary Celebration
• Michael Jackson’s Virgin Megastore signing

Ad & Music Breaks
• Life Is a Movie – Omer Bhatti
• Henry Gorman – Billie Jean is Waiting
• Infinity – Heal the World (cover)

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!

103: Vindication Day Special with Larry Nimmer

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The MJCast present their fifth annual special episode recognising Michael Jackson’s acquittal from false child molestation allegations on June 13th, 2005. On each of these annual episodes, the team brings a very special guest onto the show to discuss their experience with the trial that so deeply affected Jackson’s life. This is a time for reflection, education, and bringing together our community.

In this year’s show, Jamon and Q welcome Emmy-nominated filmmaker Larry Nimmer, who was a key component of the defense team in Jackson’s 2005 criminal trial. When Judge Melville decided against allowing the jury to physically visit Neverland, Nimmer was hired by Jackson to film, document and narrate almost every area of the ranch so that the jury could experience it with as much detail as possible in the courtroom. The extensive documentation Nimmer collected feels even more poignant this year, in the shadow of the film “Leaving Neverland”, when the Ranch has been maliciously and incorrectly depicted as an attraction to lure young boys.

In this chat, the guys discuss Nimmer’s early life and career in film, how he ended up being hired by Jackson and his team, and his thoughts going into the trial. He goes into detail about Neverland itself, working with the staff there, and addresses many of the big misperceptions and myths that have lingered since the mid-2000s. Nimmer also discusses the trial itself, as well as his thoughts on the Arizo family, and reflects on the current accusations made by Robson and Safechuck.

Additional Links
• Larry Nimmer’s website, Twitter, and YouTube channel.
• His documentaries are available for purchase here.
• “Michael Jackson: A Case for Innocence” on Facebook.
• Larry Nimmer’s interview with Reflections on the Dance interview.

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. Keep Michaeling!

101: Taryll Jackson Special

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Q and Jamon are thrilled to welcome special guest Taryll Jackson to the show! Taryll is the second son of Tito Jackson and Delores ‘Dee Dee’ Martes, member of 3T, and an amazing solo artist. His new album, “Crazy Love”, has recently dropped, and the guys couldn’t be more excited to chat with Taryll about his new music, upcoming shows, and his incredible music-royalty family.

In this discussion, Taryll shares amazing stories with the guys about growing up playing music with his bothers, Taj and TJ, what it was like to experience the mega-success of 3T, how he moved into the recording and production side with 3T’s most recent album as well as remixing other artists’ music, and how he’s continued to evolve with his solo work. He also goes into personal accounts of what it was to deal with the sudden, tragic loss of his mother, the positive and negative of being part of such an iconic family, and touches on the never-released 3T album. Taryll, Jamon and Q also delve into a discussion on the posthumous reality of Michael Jackson and the fraudulent Cascio tracks which he blew the whistle on in 2010. And, of course, Taryll shares memories of growing up with his father, Tito, and his uncle, the King of Pop.

The MJCast is honored to consider Taryll a Friend of the Show, and hopes that listeners get a chance to hear his new album and see him in concert!

Additional Links
• Tickets for Taryll’s first-ever solo concert, on June 8 in the Netherlands.
• Taryll Jackson’s website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
• Taryll’s new album, “Crazy Love”, on iTunes, Google Music, and Spotify.
• 3T albums on iTunes, Google Music, and Spotify.
• The Dee Dee Jackson Foundation, which “thrives to provide an outlet for those who have suffered a loss in life. The mission of DDJF is to connect those who have a commonality in grief and provide a safe space to share stories, advice, and build a community in which no one feels alone.”
• “The Power of Love” radio show/podcast.
• Taryll’s management company, Tobing Agency.

Music Breaks
• 3T – Why (feat. Michael Jackson) [DW Bonus Mix]
• Taryll Jackson – Make You Mine on Apple Music
• Taryll Jackson – Best of All Time on Apple Music

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!

100: Brad Buxer Special

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To celebrate The MJCast’s 100th episode, Jamon and Q put the focus back on music and welcome a particularly special guest, Brad Buxer. Buxer was one of Michael Jackson’s key artistic collaborators, who worked with Jackson for 20 years, from the Dangerous album onwards, and who would become one of his closest producers, musicians, and songwriters. Along with Michael Prince, there was no one else who Michael Jackson trusted more to capture his most personal creative visions.

The guys dive into an incredible, in-depth discussion with Buxer about his early life and music career working with icons such as Stevie Wonder, how he first came to work with Jackson, what it was like creating the Dangerous, HIStory, Blood on the Dance Floor, and Invincible albums, his role as Musical Director for both the Dangerous and HIStory World Tours, the experience of playing music and writing songs with Jackson, insights into Jackson’s life as a father, details about working together in the final years of Jackson’s life, his thoughts on unreleased tracks, and much more.

In addition, The MJCast is honored to have received many congratulations from previous guests on the show, whose audio snippets are included in this episode.

It’s been an amazing run so far, and incredible to watch the show evolve and grow. The MJCast team couldn’t be prouder to be well into Season 5. Jamon, Q, and Elise want to thank each and every listener, supporter, guest, and friend who has been part of this experience. We look forward to our next 100 episodes!

Additional Links
• “Brad, what are you gonna do?” clip.
• Michael Jackson beatboxing clip collection.
• Michael Jackson HIStory World Tour Munich 1997 concert footage.
• Michael Jackson and Friends charity concert, Germany.
• “A Night at the Apollo” Democratic National Convention performance.
• “Blood on the Dance Floor” official video.
• Michael Jackson interview with Geraldo Rivera.
• “In the Back”, from The Ultimate Collection.

Music Breaks
• Michael Jackson – Heal the World (7″ Edit)
• Michael Jackson – Dangerous (Live From A Night at the Apollo, 2002)
• Michael Jackson – Days In Gloucestershire (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.com. Keep Michaeling!

097: Bill Whitfield Special

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Welcome to Season Five of the The MJCast! In this special episode, Jamon Bull and guest co-host Damien Shields are excited to welcome to the show Bill Whitfield, Michael Jackson’s former bodyguard and co-author of the bestselling memoir, Remember the Time: Protecting Michael Jackson in His Final Days. As head of Jackson’s security during the last years of his life, Bill has incredible memories from this period of time which continues to fascinate fans around the world.

Bill shares his stories of working for the King of Pop, protecting him and his family in risky situations, Michael’s relationship with Sony, as well as watching him interact with his children. Bill saw the real Michael, and was there as Jackson was mentally attempting to recover from the ordeal that he and his family were put through during the false 2005 allegations and trial, and his insights around those difficult moments are invaluable during this particularly tumultuous time for the Michael Jackson fan community.

Additional Links
• Bill Whitfield’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram pages and website.
• Bill Whitfield and Javon Beard’s book, Remember the Time: Protecting Michael Jackson in His Final Days.
• Damien Shields’ Twitter and Website.
• Damien Shields’ book, Michael Jackson: Songs and Stories from the Vault.

Ad & Music Breaks
• Michael Jackson – Leave Me Alone (SWG Dance Mix)
• Michael Jackson – Privacy (Reconstructed NOT GUILTY Remix)

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. Keep Michaeling!