183: Faking Michael Special

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.

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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!

170: That Broken Guitar String

Charles Thomson and Gratian Dimech team up for a discussion on major updates in the world of Michael Jackson and the Jackson family. This episode serves as a follow-up to #TheMJCast169. They talk about the heartbreaking news of Tito Jackson’s sudden passing, a revelation around the Estate’s legal action regarding the possible threat of new allegations, and the long-awaited release of “Faking Michael” by Damien Shields, an investigative true crime podcast which uncovers the full story of the fraudulent songs released after the death of Michael Jackson. Charles and Gratian then finish out the episode by talking about Janet Jackson’s problematic Guardian interview, and Charles’ experience seeing Janet live in Paris last week with Jamon.

This episode was edited by Jamon Bull.

Discussion Topics
• Tito Jackson has passed away at age 70. Our deepest condolences go out to Taj, Taryll and TJ, as well as the entire Jackson family.
•  The Michael Jackson Estate engages law enforcement and files an arbitration claim in response to threats of new allegations.
• Damien Shields’ long-awaited investigative true crime podcast series, “Faking Michael”, has been released.
• Janet Jackson has given a problematic Guardian interview and launched the European leg of her Together Again tour (which Charles and Jamon went to see together).

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
• Facebook
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• Mastodon
• X
• Threads
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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!

088: Janet Got Busy

After a whirlwind summer of Jackson events, anniversaries, and special guests, Jamon and Q catch up on lots of news and developments in the world of Michael Jackson! On this episode, the guys welcome first-time guests Courtney and Kam, who co-host the Janet Jackson podcast, Janet Today, Janet Tomorrow, Janet Forever. The podcasting foursome chat about the story behind the new podcast, as well as updates in the world of Janet, including the buzz around her fantastic new single, ‘Made For Now’.

On the Jackson news front, the team discusses the recent media explosion around the Cascio Case, and the upcoming, limited-series podcast by Damien Shields, titled Faking Michael, which will document the history of the fraudulent tracks. They also chat about new books by Anthony King, Richard Lecocq & Francois Allard, and Vincent Paterson; the upcoming Quincy Jones documentary showing on Netflix; and the one-week run of “Thriller 3D” in IMAX theaters. Plus, they recap events at the Diamond Celebration in Las Vegas, and get updates from The MJCast correspondents.

News
Official Michael Jackson merchandise was been released by Culture Kings in Australia. Oh, and Cotton On.
• Anthony King has released his first book on Michael Jackson, called Michael Jackson & Classical Music.
Richard Lecocq & Francois Allard’s book Michael Jackson – All the Songs: The Story Behind Every Track is due for release on October 23rd
Netflix lands a Quincy Jones documentary for September 21 release.
• Vincent Paterson’s autobiography, Icônes et Instincts is now available in French. The English version is coming soon!
• Jacksonville students to benefit from 1984 donation from Michael Jackson for scholarships.
• The article, ’60 Years of Michael Jackson, The Fashion Icon’, appears in Britain’s VOGUE magazine.
Damien Shields launches a teaser trailer for his Faking Michael podcast.
• Frank Cascio’s book to be turned into mini-series
Cascio Case media explosion and updates
‘Thriller 3D’ to play in IMAX theatres for a one-week run
Diamond Celebration discussion
Audio from the ‘Diamond Celebration’ Q&A with John Branca in Las Vegas
Janet’s throwback video to MJ’s Remember the Time

Main Discussion Topic
Janet! Janet Jackson releases a new single and two new music videos for ‘Made For Now (feat. Daddy Yankee)’
Janet’s recent performance on Jimmy Fallon

Finds of the Week
Jamon – Mark Ryden shares a YouTube video in which he discusses making a frame for his original Dangerous album art piece. His original design sketches of the frame are also available here.
Q – A video that listener (and legendary Aussie MJ tribute artist) Paul Rizzo posted, comparing the original release and the Number Ones DVD release of the film clips for Blood On The Dance Floor, and the differences between them!

Additional Links
iTunes and Twitter for the Janet Today, Janet Tomorrow, Janet Forever podcast.
Janet discusses motherhood and learning to love her body on Eonline!e!
CBS Executive Les Moonves was obsessed with ruining Janet Jackson’s career article from Huffington Post.

Ad & Music Breaks
The Jacksons – State of Shock (Remixed by Nick* Redux)
Nathan Jay – Take Me Away (feat. Michael Jackson)
Janet Jackson – If (Haus of Glitch 2018 Mix)
Janet Jackson – Made For Now (feat. Daddy Yankee) [Trace Adam Remix]

Correspondent Appearances
Janneke van der Linden of Jackson Source (Jackson family Correspondent)
Charles Thomson (Legal Correspondent)
Steven Hodges of MJFFC (Charity Correspondent)
Serena Butler gives a special report on the Diamond Celebration events and Q&A with John Branca.

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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!