In this exclusive interview, lifelong fan Starr Hayes shares her incredible journey from being a young Jackson 5 fan to becoming a close friend of Michael Jackson and the Jackson family. Hear never-before-told stories about meeting the Jacksons, growing up alongside Michael, and witnessing his rise from Motown to Thriller fame. Starr opens up about the real Michael — his humor, kindness, intelligence, and deep humanity.

✨ If you love Michael Jackson, the Jackson 5, or rare fan stories, this episode is a must-listen!

00:00 – Becoming Friends with Michael Jackson: Starr Hayes’ Story
02:30 – First Time Hearing the Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back”
04:00 – Manifesting a Meeting with Michael Jackson
06:15 – Meeting the Jackson Family for the First Time
10:00 – Growing Up with Michael: From Fan to Family Friend
16:00 – Inside Michael Jackson’s World: Bob Jones & Behind-the-Scenes Drama
23:30 – What Michael Jackson Was Really Like in Person
33:00 – Legacy, Faith & Funny Memories That Keep Michael’s Spirit Alive

__________

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Podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music: “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast”

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Hey fam! 💜 Grab a snack and get comfy because today’s video is a super chatty Q&A and reintroduction. I’ve been on YouTube for almost 8 years (!!) and thought it was the perfect time to share a little more about me, my Michael Jackson fan story, and life outside of YouTube.

In this video, I’ll talk about how I first fell in love with Michael Jackson, the story of my very first Michael Jackson concert experience (yes, I actually saw him LIVE 😭), and how my journey shifted from being a superfan to a Michael Jackson historian. I’ll also share some of my personal favorites—from music and books to podcasts and more—so you can get to know me beyond just the channel.If you’re new here, WELCOME! And if you’ve been riding with me since the early days, thank you so much for being part of this amazing MJ Fangirl community.

💜 Don’t forget to drop a comment with YOUR own Michael Jackson fandom journey—I’d love to hear it! 💜

[00:00] Intro – Chatty reintroduction video

[01:10] How I first became a Michael Jackson fan

[02:20] Discovering The Jacksons true story: An American Dream movie

[03:30] Seeing Michael Jackson live in 2001 (Invincible era concert) 🎤

[04:50] Little-known Michael Jackson story: Smooth Criminal & The Bandwagon

[06:40] Balancing being a Michael Jackson superfan vs historian

[08:20] Why I don’t go to as many MJ fan events anymore

[10:00] Hayvenhurst vlog + King of Popcorn event 🎬

[11:15] What I’d say if I ever met Michael Jackson

[12:20] Dream Michael Jackson concerts I’d time travel to

[15:00] First ever concert experience (not Michael Jackson)

[16:20] Childhood memories that shaped me as a creator

[18:00] Favorite music & artists outside of Michael Jackson 🎶

[19:40] Life outside YouTube: Peloton, podcasts & family life

[22:00] My reading obsession + favorite book apps (Libby & Audible)

[26:30] My Elvis Presley phase 📚 (and Lisa Marie Presley’s memoir)

[30:30] Lessons from other fan communities (Elvis vs Michael Jackson fandoms)

[33:20] Is the Michael Jackson fan community united or divided today?

[36:10] Thoughts on Michael Jackson’s posthumous albums (Xscape & Michael)

[38:20] Handling criticism as a Michael Jackson fan online

[40:40] Why I continue creating Michael Jackson content today ✨Join our community of Michael Jackson fans at Club 30's https://www.patreon.com/mjfangirl ✩ New to mjfangirl TV? Start here! https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHSYTrP-eQsZwj1BhnilMph8JD32Ywn-W&feature=sharedhttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHSYTrP-eQsZqXOeylKYMgZ_-FwOcM3kP&feature=shared✩ SHOP MY FAVORITE Michael Jackson PRODUCTS & MUST- HAVES! https://www.youtube.com/@MJFANGIRLTV/store

✩ Contact & SocialsInstagram, facebook, twitter @mjfangirlblogMy amazon storefont: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mjfangirlblogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/MjfangirlPodcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music: “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast”Business Inquiries - [email protected]

Welcome back everyone! Longtime Michael Jackson fan Reva returns to share her unforgettable experience at the 30th Anniversary Celebration concerts in 2001. From securing tickets through the official fan club to being front row at Madison Square Garden, Reva takes us inside the energy, emotion, and history of Michael’s final U.S. concert performances.

She also recounts camping out overnight in New York City to meet Michael at the Invincible album signing—a once-in-a-lifetime moment that highlights just how deeply Michael cared for his fans.

✨ Highlights from this episode:

• How fans secured front row seats through Michael’s fan club

• The Jacksons’ on-stage reunion and iconic guest performances (Whitney Houston, Britney Spears, Usher & more)

• Behind-the-scenes fan stories you won’t see in the TV broadcast

• Michael’s first-ever live performance of You Rock My World and a legendary Billie Jean moment

• What it was like meeting Michael at the Invincible album signing in Times Square

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Reva returns: her Michael Jackson fandom & fan club days
02:37 – How fans got front row tickets for the 30th Anniversary Celebration
09:55 – The Jacksons’ reunion & celebrity guest highlights (Whitney, Britney, Usher & more)
18:46 – Emotional memories & once-in-a-lifetime moments from the shows
23:30 – Behind-the-scenes stories: filming, mishaps & Michael’s magic on stage
29:56 – You Rock My World debut + legendary Billie Jean performance
35:30 – Camping out for Michael Jackson’s Invincible album signing
42:00 – Meeting Michael face-to-face & reflecting on his lasting legacy

✩ Contact & Socials

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Patreon: ⁠⁠  / mjfangirl  ⁠⁠

Podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music: “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast”

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Today I discuss fan reactions to Paris Jackson’s recent comments about the forthcoming Michael Jackson biopic. I also share some of my own thoughts and hopes for the movie.

✩ Contact & Socials

Instagram, facebook, twitter @mjfangirlblog

My amazon storefont: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/mjfangirl...⁠

Patreon: ⁠  / mjfangirl  ⁠

Podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music: “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast”

Business Inquiries - [email protected]

In this episode of Club 30s, MJFangirl teams up with longtime friend Randall for a deep dive into Michael Jackson’s 2014 posthumous album Xscape. From unreleased vault tracks to Timbaland’s contemporary production, we break down the album’s creation, standout songs, chart performance, and how it compares to other posthumous projects.

We also look at the fan reception, the infamous 2014 Billboard Music Awards hologram performance, and what Xscape means for Michael’s overall legacy. Whether you loved it, hated it, or still aren’t sure — this episode brings history, fan insight, and behind-the-scenes stories together for the ultimate Xscape discussion.

So grateful for the opportunity to chat with Big Al! It really meant a lot to have AL IN STUDIO- so I want to extend my gratitude to him for coming on the show to chat in person! :) In this episode, we dive into the incredible experiences of Big Al, Allan Scanlan, the amusement park and railroad manager at Michael Jackson's Neverland Valley Ranch.

Over the course of his 15-year tenure, Big Al shares fascinating stories about managing the rides and daily operations at Neverland, his personal interactions with Michael Jackson, and the numerous humanitarian events hosted there. We also explore Michael's favorite amusement park rides, unique friendships, and touching memories that showcase his kindness and humanitarianism. TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Meet Big Al, Neverland’s Ride Manager01:00 – Michael Jackson Describes Neverland in His Own Words02:00 – How Big Al Got the Job at Neverland03:30 – Daily Life Managing the Rides & Trains04:50 – The First Time Big Al Met Michael Jackson06:20 – Water Balloon Fights with MJ07:00 – The Katherine Steam Train & Tribute to Katherine Jackson09:30 – Neverland Was Always Evolving12:00 – How Big Was Neverland Valley Ranch?17:00 – The Truth About MJ’s Charity Work22:30 – Rare Look Inside the Ranch: Rooms, Piano & Decor27:00 – MJ’s Favorite Rides at Neverland36:00 – When MJ Wanted a Roller Coaster at Home39:30 – Where Are Neverland’s Rides Now?40:00 – Filming the Michael Biopic at Neverland Valley Ranch44:00 – What Neverland Meant to MJ✩ Contact & SocialsInstagram, facebook, twitter @mjfangirlblogMy amazon storefont: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mjfangirlblogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/MjfangirlPodcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music: “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast”Business Inquiries - [email protected]

In this episode, we dive into the illustrious career of Hakim Abdulsamad, also known as Hakeem from the legendary 90s Motown group, The Boys.

I really loved diving into Hakim's unique perspective on being a child star as well as the moments he shared about being with MJJ. Hakim is a celebrated artist, songwriter, and music producer. As a part of The Boys, Hakim and his brothers shot to stardom and were known for hits like 'Dial My Heart' and 'Lucky Charm.' Hakeem shares his experiences as a child star, later producing music for legends such as Shanice, Tevin Campbell, Wizkid, and Akon, as well as playing a fun role in Michael Jackson's Moonwalker. Listen as Hakim reminisces about his early days, the journey of The Boys, their signing with Motown, and the highs and challenges of fame at a young age. He also offers insightful reflections on working with Michael Jackson and the lasting inspiration MJ provided.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction to Today's Episode

00:03 Hakeem Abdul Samad's Early Career

02:05 The Boys' Rise to Fame05:18 Experiencing Stardom as a Child

10:32 The Dynamics of Being in a Sibling Group

14:58 Transitioning Away from the Music Industry18:58 Working with Michael Jackson on Moonwalker

32:38 Memories from Gardner Elementary Auditorium dedication

36:15 Michael's Inspirational Pep Talk

39:10 Michael Jackson's Influence and Legacy

01:03:05 Hakeem's Current Projects and Future Plans

✩ Contact & Socials

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Podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music: “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast”

Business Inquiries - [email protected]

Legendary illusionist Franz Harary reflects on his 26-year friendship with Michael Jackson, sharing never-before-heard stories from the Victory and HIStory tours, working on magic for Neverland Ranch, and the advice Michael gave him that changed his life. In this in-depth interview, Franz takes us behind the scenes of designing illusions for the King of Pop, from their very first meeting to the trick that almost went horribly wrong. If you're a fan of Michael Jackson, live performance, or creative storytelling — this is a must-watch.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Making Magic with Michael Jackson: Meet Franz Harary

03:30 – How Franz Began working for Michael Jackson and became a friend

06:50 – Designing Michael Jackson’s First Illusion for the Victory Tour

10:45 – Michael Jackson at the Movies: Disguises, Gremlins & a Surprise Comic

12:15 – The Secret Magic Hidden in Neverland Ranch

18:30 – The Spiker Illusion & Michael Jackson’s Last-Minute Creative Call

23:55 – How Michael Jackson’s Advice Helped Franz Harary

43:18 – The Biggest Misconception Fans Have About Michael Jackson

44:55 – Franz Harary’s Fondest Memory of Michael Jackson

🔗 More from Franz Harary:

Website: https://www.franzharary.com

Instagram: @franzharary

Join our community of Michael Jackson fans at Club 30's https://www.patreon.com/mjfangirl

✩ Contact & Socials

Instagram, facebook, twitter @mjfangirlblog

My amazon storefont: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mjfangirlblog

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Mjfangirl

Podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music: “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast”

Business Inquiries - [email protected]

If you're a Michael Jackson fan, this episode is a must-listen! I’m joined by Vernay and Ryan O’Neal — two superfans who’ve opened one of the largest Michael Jackson exhibits in the world: the MJJ5 Exhibit, now on display at the Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City.

We talk about:

• How they started collecting rare Jackson 5 and Michael Jackson memorabilia

• What you’ll see inside the exhibit — including Neverland Ranch flags, Tito’s guitar, and a custom MJ One sound system

• Their incredible stories of meeting the Jackson family

• Why they’re preserving this legacy as longtime collectors and fans

MJJ5 ExhibitShowboat Hotel Main Level801 BoardwalkAtlantic City, NJ 08401Tuesday-Sunday 11:00am- 7:00pm daily (closed Mondays)📲 Follow them on Instagram @mjj5exhibit🎟️ TikTok @mjj5exhibit2025DISCOUNT FOR SUBSCRIBERS- The MJJ5 exhibit is open through August 31, 2025 at the Showboat Hotel. If you mention “MJFangirl” at the door, you’ll get $10 admission :)TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Intro: A rare Michael Jackson exhibit opens in Atlantic City01:34 – What’s inside the MJJ5 Exhibit 04:26 – How Vernay and Ryan started collecting Michael Jackson memorabilia06:55 – Why they opened the Michael Jackson exhibit to the public — emotional fan reactions10:59 – The story behind Michael Jackson’s MJ One sound system13:18 – Meeting the Jackson family & a heartfelt moment with Tito Jackson18:45 – Displaying rare Jackson 5 and solo era magazines by decade21:05 – Neverland Ranch flags and stories from visits to Neverland25:02 – Why the Jacksons' legacy matters just as much as Michael Jackson’s solo career33:00 – Why the Showboat Hotel was the perfect home for the exhibit

Join our community of Michael Jackson fans at Club 30's https://www.patreon.com/mjfangirl

✩ Contact & Socials

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My amazon storefont: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mjfangirlblog

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Mjfangirl

Podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music: “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast”

Business Inquiries - [email protected]

In this episode, MJfangirl discusses the growing acceptance of Michael Jackson studies as a serious academic field with Elizabeth Amisu, an author and PhD candidate in Michael Jackson studies. We dig into Amisu's book, 'The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson,' along with other recommended readings that examine Michael Jackson's artistic and cultural impact. Topics include the significance of Jackson's Oxford speech, the cultural and musical legacy he left behind, and the importance of acknowledging his African American heritage. They also discuss the current state and future potential of Michael Jackson academic studies, encouraging listeners to contribute to preserving his legacy.

Related Links:

Get Elizabeth's Book: https://amzn.eu/d/4tMjNBn

https://michaeljacksonstudies.org/

https://elizabethamisu.com/

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Intro: Can You Get a PhD in Michael Jackson?

00:43 - Meet Elizabeth Amisu: Author, Scholar, MJ Expert

02:00 - Why We Should Study Michael Jackson Seriously

05:52 - What Is the Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies?

08:13 - How MJ Was Overlooked in Academia Before 2009

11:19 - How Instinct vs. Intellect Framed MJ’s Image

13:05 - Book #1: Dangerous by Susan Fast (Album Analysis)

18:52 - Book #2: The Dangerous Philosophies by Elizabeth Amisu

22:12 - Why There Were So Few Serious MJ Books?

29:05 - Michael Jackson’s Oxford Speech (and why it matters)

33:19 - Book #3: Man in the Music by Joseph Vogel

38:24 - Book #4: MJ and the Quandary of Black Identity by Sherrow O Pinder

43:40 - Book #5: Making Michael by Mike Smallcombe

47:23 - What It’s Like Getting a PhD in MJ Studies

50:57 - Final Thoughts: How Fans Can Help Preserve MJ’s Legacy

Join our community of Michael Jackson fans at Club 30's https://www.patreon.com/mjfangirl

✩ Contact & Socials

Instagram, facebook, twitter @mjfangirlblog

My amazon storefont: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mjfangirlblog

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Mjfangirl

Podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music: “Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast”

Business Inquiries - [email protected]