189: You Had to Opt in for That

Charles Thomson, Shawn Shackelford, and Charlie Carter join forces for the first regular episode of Season 12, catching up on all the latest news in the world of Michael Jackson and the Jackson family. They discuss the very sad passings of Toyia Jackson, Bryan Loren and Rev. Jesse Jackson, as well as updates on Heal LA events this summer, developments regarding the Cascio vs. MJ Estate Case, a new Channel 4 Trial series, a TMZ MJ documentary, more MJ-related books, and a correction of a previously-released MJ short film restoration. Plus, Damien Shields joins in for a chat regarding the recent, major leak of Michael Jackson music.

This episode was edited by Charlie Carter.

Discussion Topics
Bryan Loren has died.
Dr. Toyia Jackson has died, after a battle with cancer.
Rev. Jesse Jackson has died.
“King of Popcorn” events return to Hayvenhurst this summer.
Sexyy Red’s X-Rated “Beat It” Flip Goes Viral, and Estate is not pleased.
Judge Signals Arbitration in Cascio vs. MJ Estate Case.
• Channel 4 releases “Michael Jackson: The Trial” series.
• Michael Jackson appears in Epstein Files photos, and Macaulay Culkin video is debunked as fake.
• TMZ releases new documentary: ‘Michael Jackson: 30 Fatal Seconds’.
“Black or White” short film is restored to its original vision, now including the full panther dance sequence.
• Joe Vogel releases a new book, Black or White: Inside Michael Jackson’s Most Controversial Film.
• Teddy Riley releases his memoir, Remember the Times.
• Massive Michael Jackson music leak.

Finds of the Week
• Charles Thomson – Nine Sixteenths, a Janet Jackson play, is touring the UK.
• Charlie Carter – Moonwalkeris coming to Netflix.
• Shawn Shackelford – Jael Rucker’s MJ articles in Decked Out Magazine.

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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.

094: Harrison Funk Special

This week, just as The MJCast was about to release a surprise episode between seasons, news broke that the Sundance Film Festival was preparing to screen a documentary smearing Michael Jackson as a child molester.

As shockwaves rippled through the fan community and listeners sprang into action, it seemed to be an inappropriate time to release the episode.

The show’s special guest was to be Harrison Funk, renowned entertainment, fashion, and advertising photographer best known for being Michael Jackson’s personal photographer from the early 1980s through the mid-2000s. The interview with Funk had been recorded months ago, and The MJCast team had kept it in the can, ready to release as a special New Year treat for listeners. 

But, upon re-visiting the interview in light of this week’s horrifying news, the timing could hardly be more apt. Harrison spends a great deal of time during his conversation with Jamon Bull and Charles Thomson discussing the false abuse allegations which plagued Michael from 1993 onwards. He speaks movingly about the physical and psychological toll the allegations took on his friend, and how those who loved Michael rallied around him, but watched helplessly as his life and his health slowly fell apart until his eventual death in 2009.

As the media prepares to stick the knife into Michael one more time and give it a sharp twist, this interview with one of Michael’s closest friends makes for a sobering listen.

In addition to the allegations, Harrison discusses the kind of man Michael really was, not the lie Dan Reed, Wade Robson and Sundance are going to try and sell the world. The MJCast and Harrison explore stories around Michael’s process as a live musician, the Victory Tour, the Bad era, Harrison’s love of photography, his fascinating observations as he photographed Teddy Riley​ producing Cascio tracks in the studio and SO much more!

This episode of The MJCast is dedicated to Friend of the Show and fellow MJ podcaster Jordan King of King Jordan Radio, who recently and tragically passed away. We will always be missing you, Jordan.

We hope this episode brings some positivity and truth to an otherwise dark time for MJFam.

Additional Links
• Harrison Funk’s website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
• The MJCast – Episode 044: World Music Awards 2006
• Michael Jackson’s 2006 World Music Awards performance
• LIFE Magazine commemorative issue featuring Harrison Funk’s signature photo of Michael Jackson
• The Jackson’s Victory Tour Live in Dallas
• The Jackson’s Victory Tour Press Conference
• The Jacksons – Torture
• The Jacksons – Body
• Michael Jackson – Liberian Girl
• Michael Jackson’s Bad World Tour Live in Yokohama
• Michael Jackson’s Personal Photographer: ‘He Didn’t Identify as One Gender’ – The Guardian article
• Documentary Accusing Michael Jackson of Sexual Abuse to Premiere at Sundance – Rolling Stone article
• Stop Leaving Neverland NOW – The MJCast article

Ads & Music Breaks
• The Jacksons – Torture (12″ Dance Mix)
• Michael Jackson – Stranger in Moscow (SWG Extended ‘Fader A Capella’ 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.comKeep Michaeling!