181: They Put Salt in the Burger

Jamon Bull, Charles Thomson, and Charlie Carter join forces for a big catch-up on all the latest news in the world of Michael Jackson and the Jackson family. They discuss the major bombshell around Frank Cascio being revealed as the individual allegedly attempting to extort the Jackson Estate, Paris Jackson publicly questioning the Estate’s financial decisions, updates on MJ: The Musical in Australia, 3T’s European tour, Brad Sundberg’s fantastic HIStory 30 roundtable discussion, and Charlie’s exciting adventures in California.

This episode was edited by Charlie Carter and Jamon Bull.

Discussion Topics
• Michael Madsen has died.
• Frank Cascio revealed as individual allegedly attempting to extort Estate.
• Paris Jackson has questioned the appropriateness of payouts made by the Estate.
• “MJ: The Musical” is heading to Melbourne in September.
• Brad Sundberg has released a collaborator roundtable for HIStory 30.
• Lil Baby claims there will be a new Michael Jackson feature on his upcoming album.
• 3T have commenced their European tour.
• Teddy Riley is set to release his memoirs, titled “Remember the Times”.
• Charlie’s adventures

Finds of the Week
• Charles Thomson – 1996 BRIT Awards story on Instagram.
• Charlie Carter – On This Day in Michael Jackson History, July 4 and Stories in the Room podcast.
• Jamon – The Bad World Tour’s Pensacola rehearsals.
• Elise – Court TV has posted the entire Dr. Conrad Murray trial online.

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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!

175: Ten Years On and Goin’ Strong

Jamon Bull, Charles Thomson, and Paul Black join forces to launch Season 11 of The MJCast. The fellas discuss Kingvention 2025, Brad Sundberg’s upcoming Australia and New Zealand tour, newly upscaled Michael Jackson short films, the recent troubles facing the biopic, and the impending sequel to 2019’s Leaving Neverland, “Surviving Michael Jackson”. Welcome to Season 11!

This episode was edited by Jamon Bull.

Discussion Topics
• Kingvention has been announced for May 24th in London.
• Brad Sundberg is coming to Australia.
• Michael Jackson’s Off The Wall era short films, including Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough, Rock With You, and She’s Out of My Life, have been upscaled and re-released on YouTube.
• Following the Financial Times story on the latest extortion attempt against Michael Jackson, the biopic is experiencing production issues.
• The sequel to Leaving Neverland, “Surviving Michael Jackson”, is due in March.

Additional Links
• Judy Garland’s “Get Happy” video.

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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!

174: Season Ten Christmas Special

Taj Jackson joins Elise Capron, Jamon Bull, Charles Thomson, and Charlie Carter to celebrate the holidays and reflect on this past year… Welcome to The MJCast’s tenth annual Christmas special!

The gang discusses the year that was, from the very sad news of Tito Jackson’s passing in September, as well as the loss of such legends as Quincy Jones and Colin Chilvers, to Paris Jackson’s recent engagement. They also dig into the intriguing story around the uncovered tapes of unheard MJ tracks, and chat about newly released prints and artwork available from Michael Jackson collaborators, fantastic documentary footage of the Jackson 5, and updates on MJ: The Musical, Michael Jackson ONE, and the MJ biopic. Plus, Charles explains important legal updates around the Robson and Safechuck trial timeline, a verdict in the Jordan Neely case, and the report on the Estate taking five people to court over what was suggested as an extortion plot, with thread of abuse allegations. Lastly, Taj provides further updates on his docuseries project, and the team looks ahead to 2025.

Special thanks to Taj Jackson for being a part of our annual Christmas Special for many years. It’s an honor to have this tradition with you.

And, huge thanks to all of our listeners and MJFam around the world. We could not do this without you. Wishing you a happy 2025 to come!

This episode was edited by Charlie Carter and Jamon Bull.

Discussion Topics
• The year that was…
• Legendary guitarist of the Jackson 5, Tito Jackson, has passed away at age 70.
• Michael Jackson’s daughter, Paris Jackson, is now engaged to Justin Long.
• Unheard Michael Jackson tracks found, but Estate declines to buy.
• Moonwalker director Colin Chilvers has passed away at age 79.
• Quincy Jones has passed away at age 91.
• Michael Jackson again tops Forbes’ list of highest-paid dead celebrities.
• Roman Banks to lead Australian version of “MJ: The Musical”, as Miles Frost departs UK version.
• “Save the Children” documentary restored and now on Netflix.
• Thriller and Smooth Criminal have now surpassed a billion views on YouTube.
• Steven Whitsitt has made available previously unreleased prints of Michael Jackson.
• New Nate Giorgio prints on MJ store.
• Michael Jackson ONE revamped with new technology.
• A verdict has been delivered in the Jordan Neely case.
• Debate continues over Robson and Safechuck trial timeline.
• An update on the latest Michael Jackson extortion plot.
• A Righting HIStory update from Taj Jackson.
• Season Ten Blooper Reel
• Looking back, and looking forward…

Additional Links
Support the “Faking Michael” podcast by voting and donating.

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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!

173: Gregg Wright Special

Gregg Wright joins Jamon Bull and Shawn Shackelford for a fascinating interview about Gregg’s time working with the King of Pop, as guitarist on the Victory Tour.

Gregg has been called “one of the most innovative guitarists of our time”. He began his professional career on the U.S. Southern circuit in the mid-1970s, and honed his craft with years of playing one-nighters across the Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Texas, often opening shows for the big national touring acts of the day. An ’80s move from Louisiana to Los Angeles saw Wright become a session man and “hired gun” touring guitarist. His reputation grew over the next decade doing albums and tours with Mick Fleetwood, Michael Jackson, and the Gap Band.

In this interview, the guys chat with Gregg about his incredible career, how he came to be hired for the iconic Victory tour, and what it was like being a live music collaborator with Michael Jackson.

This episode was edited by Jamon Bull.

Additional Links
• Gregg Wright’s Instagram and website.
• Brice Najar’s interview with Gregg.
• The Jacksons’ Victory Tour live in Toronto (1984).

Like this episode?
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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!

171: Darryl Phinnessee Special

Jamon Bull welcomes renowned singer-songwriter Darryl Phinnessee to The MJCast for a discussion about his amazing career, including his many years working with The King of Pop.

Darryl is a Grammy-winning singer, and one of the industry’s most in-demand session and touring vocalists. He has worked in the studio with Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, and Whitney Houston, and toured with Don Henley, Rod Stewart, Lionel Richie, and more. He also spent seven seasons on one of America’s most popular TV shows – Dancing With The Stars. And, he wrote the iconic theme song for one of the most successful sitcoms of all time: Frasier, which saw him nominated for an Emmy.

In this interview, Jamon and Darryl dive deep into Darryl’s work with Michael Jackson, which spanned many years. He accompanied Michael on all three of his solo tours – Bad, Dangerous and HIStory – providing backing vocals but also joining Michael on center stage, with featured spots during “I’ll Be There” and “Black or White”.

Being a fixture in Michael’s touring band meant he helped make history. He was on stage for Michael’s record-breaking HBO Pay-Per-View concert “Live In Bucharest 1992”, and for his game-changing 1993 Super Bowl performance.

Darryl remained a go-to collaborator for Michael right up to the end of Jackson’s life. In 2009, Darryl was one of the few fixtures from previous tours to have been kept on for the planned This Is It residency in London.

This episode was edited by Jamon Bull.

Additional links
• Darryl Phinnessee’s Facebook page.

Like this episode?
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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!

169: I’m Going to Have to Start Selling Some Organs

Jamon Bull welcomes back MJCast co-founder Q, along with frequent show guest Shawn Shackelford, MJ Radio’s Jason Garcia, and YouTuber Hannah Savage for a big fan chat around news and updates in the world of Michael Jackson. They discuss the announcement of a new docuseries and album for The Jacksons, MJ birthday celebrations in Vegas, recent “wins” by the Estate, including acquiring Steve Porcaro’s music rights, defeating Katherine Jackson in court, and a California judge ruling against Robson and Safechuck in allowing access to past court files, updates on Taj Jackson’s journey to defend his uncle’s legacy, recent and upcoming fan events, and much more. Lots of major news items happened in the days immediately following the recording of this episode. The MJCast will be releasing a follow-up episode soon to address new developments.

This episode was edited by Charlie Carter.

Discussion Topics
• Linda Deutsch has passed away at age 80.
• A new Jacksons docu-series and album are in the works.
Don’t stop till Kamala Harris is president.
• Michael Jackson’s estate hosts a 66th birthday celebration, including an uninspiring Vegas event (with zero news on the biopic).
• It’s over for Katherine Jackson vs The Estate.
• IPSO rejects Taj Jackson’s complaint.
• Taj Jackson has launched Righting HIStory website.
• Judge says no to use the precedent criminal case files.
• Steve Porcaro is selling his music rights to the Estate.
• Jamon and Q, are you going?!
• Kingvention coming to LA on October 12 (Elise will be there).
• Heal LA has been doing King of Popcorn movie nights this year (Elise attended June date), and will be doing This Is Thriller in October.
• The return of Fuzzball?
• Glendale’s Mayor declares Michael Jackson Remembrance Day.

Like this episode?
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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!

167: Jennifer Batten Special

Jamon Bull welcomes iconic guitarist, Jennifer Batten, to The MJCast for a long-awaited, deep-dive interview about her amazing career in music, and her years performing with The King of Pop.

Batten, known for her original approach to the electric guitar (and her nearly-as-legendary hair!), rose in the music industry when she was selected to play in Michael Jackson’s BAD tour. She would go on to play lead and rhythm guitar on the Dangerous and HIStory world tours, as well, and joined Jackson for the 1993 Super Bowl halftime show. She also appeared in the “Come Together” segment on “Moonwalker”. For any fan of MJ, both her performances and her striking presence are an unforgettable part of ‘80s and ‘90s-era Michael Jackson.

In addition to her work on stage with Jackson, Batten has had her own vibrant career. She has released three solo albums, worked closely with Jeff Beck for several years, has authored two music books and released instructional DVDs, and did a guitar residency for the Cirque Du Soleil show “Zumanity” in Las Vegas. In 2016, she received the She Rocks “Icon” award, and was inducted into Guitar Player Magazine’s “Gallery of the Greats”. Batten continues to tour regularly, and has shows coming up around the world, including Michael Jackson tribute shows. (Tour link below.)

This episode was edited by Charlie Carter.

Additional links
• Jennifer Batten’s website, tour dates, and page in support of Michael Jackson.
• Batten’s Twitter and Instagram.

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.
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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!

166: A Very Awkward Thanksgiving Dinner

Jamon Bull, Charles Thomson, and Charlie Carter welcome first-time guest Danny Oliver to the show, and welcome back Anika Kotecha, co-founder of MJ Innocent, for a big fan chat around updates in the world of Michael Jackson. They discuss the leak of the Invincible-era track, “Can’t Get Your Weight Off of Me”, updates on Katherine Jackson’s case against the Estate’s MIJAC sale, a major development with Wade Robson and James Safechuck’s cases, and recent experiences at the London version of MJ: The Musical. Plus, Danny, who is well-known in the fan community for his Michael Jackson tribute performances, shares his fan story, which includes performing for the King of Pop himself, as well as performing alongside Jennifer Batten.

This episode was edited by Jamon Bull and Charlie Carter.

Discussion Topics
• The unreleased Invincible era track “Can’t Get Your Weight Off of Me” has leaked.
• Katherine Jackson’s case against the Estate’s MIJAC sale continues.
• Wade Robson and James Safechuck’s cases have been merged, amidst their lawyer’s request to access photographs of Michael’s genitals.
• Charles, Anika, and Danny’s experiences seeing the UK version of “MJ: The Musical”.
• Danny Oliver’s fan story.

Additional links
• Danny Oliver’s website and YouTube channel.
• Danny’s appearance on “This Morning” discussing the question of “Should Michael Jackson’s Music Be Banned?”
• The controversial documentary, “Wacko About Jacko”, in which Danny appeared. Also on Vimeo.

Like this episode?
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165: Both Sides of a Funky Coin

Elise Capron and Jamon Bull are joined by Andy Healy, Casey Rain and first-time guest Bobby Huntley for a round-up of news in the world of Michael Jackson, and a discussion around an intriguing upcoming film project based on the lives of MJ and Prince. The team chats about recently leaked footage from the 30th Anniversary rehearsals, the results of the Heal LA auction for a walk-on role in the MJ biopic, casting updates for that film, and the star-studded premiere of MJ: The Musical in London. Their main discussion topic is around a live-action film-in-development, called Royalty At the Park, which is created by Bobby, co-written by Andy, and with Casey as a Producer. Based on true events, it is set in the spring of 1988, and images the meeting of icons Michael Jackson and Prince at the Paisley Park compound. With so much myth built up around these two artists, particularly in terms with their interactions with and feelings for each other, the film is fodder for lots of interesting, deep-dive discussion.

This episode was edited by Jamon Bull.

Discussion Topics
• More 30th Anniversary rehearsal footage has leaked.
• Heal LA auctioned a ‘walk-on’ role for the Michael Jackson Biopic.
• Following Miles Teller as John Branca, more casting updates for the biopic have been announced, including the Jackson 5, and Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe.
• MJ The Musical has premiered in London.
Royalty at the Park is coming!

Additional links
• Royaly at the Park website.
• Bobby Huntley’s Twitter, and main filmmaking website. (And his early-on YouTube review of MJ: The Musical!)
• Andy Healy’s Twitter, MJ101 series of ebooks, website, and albumism reviews.
• Casey Rain’s Twitter and YouTube channel, The Violet Reality.

Like this episode?
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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!

164: Back in the Saddle

Jamon Bull and Charles Thomson kick off Season 10 of The MJCast with a big round-up of news in the world of Michael Jackson and the Jackson family. They discuss loads of updates around the MJ biopic, the “Estate vs Katherine Jackson” case, the Robson and Safechuck trials, Sony’s acquisition of a stake in Michael Jackson’s music catalogue, new recordings of interviews with the King of Pop, unreleased music being auctioned off, and more. Plus, the guys discuss their thoughts on two new documentaries: “The Greatest Night in Pop”, about the recording of “We Are the World”, and “The Three Michaels”, which follows a group of young MJ impersonators chasing their dreams.

Welcome to Season 10 of The MJCast!

This episode was edited by Jamon Bull and Charlie Carter.

Discussion Topics
• New pics of Michael on the “Remember the Time” set have been released.
• New recordings of Michael being interviewed for his autobiography have been released.
• Unreleased Michael Jackson song “Seven Digits” is being auctioned after a range of other songs were also auctioned late last year.
• Sony Music buys stake in Michael Jackson’s music catalogue.
• More details have been revealed in the “Estate vs Katherine Jackson” case.
• Susan Yu joins the defence team in the Robson/Safechuck cases.
• The Biopic is full steam ahead.
• We watched “The Three Michaels”.
• We watched “The Greatest Night in Pop”.

Like this episode?
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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!