club 30's with mjfangirl- a Michael Jackson Fan Podcast

this is an older episode but worth listening to, as it was a previous Youtube only episode! Today we have an exclusive interview with one of the most trusted names in Michael Jackson collecting.

In this video, I sit down with Jonathan, owner of MJ Market, to go inside the world of Michael Jackson memorabilia, from rare collectibles to the hard truth about autograph authenticity.

We break down how serious collectors authenticate Michael Jackson autographs, what separates real memorabilia from fakes, and why certain items hold long-term value while others don’t. Jonathan shares real-world experience from the collector market, including common mistakes fans make and what to look for before spending serious money.

Whether you’re just starting your collection or already deep in the hobby, this conversation will help you collect smarter, avoid costly errors, and understand what truly makes Michael Jackson memorabilia valuable.
Visit michaeljacksonmarket.com and get money off your first order using code MJFANGIRL .

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Michael Jackson is one of the most misunderstood artists in history. In this episode, MJ scholar Elizabeth Amisu joins mjfangirl to help separate fact from decades of myths about his songwriting, dancing, business decisions, and creative genius.Michael Jackson ACADEMIC STUDIES COURSES with Elizabeth Amisu: https://onlineartseducation.co.uk/course/dangerous-philosophies-of-michael-jackson-online-course/https://elizabethamisu.com/From claims that Michael didn’t write his own music, to the idea that others created his sound, to persistent misunderstandings about the moonwalk, Thriller, and his role as a businessman, this conversation takes a closer look at what’s actually true (and why so many myths continue to circulate today)!Elizabeth Amisu, author of The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson, brings an academic lens to Michael’s creative process, musicianship, choreography, and legacy. Together, we examine how tabloid narratives, oversimplification, and cultural bias have shaped public perception, often overshadowing Michael’s innovation, discipline, and artistic intelligence.This episode also explores why Thriller was not an overnight success, how Michael approached songwriting and arrangement, the difference between inventing and popularizing dance moves, and why his business decisions including music publishing, changed the industry forever.With the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic bringing renewed attention to his life and work, this is the perfect moment to revisit the facts, challenge long-held assumptions, and understand Michael Jackson beyond the myths.TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Why Michael Jackson is so misunderstood01:18 – Separating fact from decades of MJ myths04:32 – “Michael Jackson didn’t write his own songs” - DEBUNKED08:42 – Solomon’s firsthand story recording “Can You Feel It” with Michael11:15 – Did Quincy Jones create Michael Jackson's sound?22:15 – Musicianship without reading music26:40 – The moonwalk: invention vs. popularization28:55 – Why that Motown 25 moment changed everything30:00 – Michael Jackson Academic Courses35:05 – How Michael strategically built Thriller’s legacy45:00 – The Beatles catalog myth51:30 – The biopic and Michael’s lasting legacy

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

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In this episode of Club 30s with mjfangirl, we’re going behind the scenes with Ricko Baird, one of the select dancers who worked closest with Michael Jackson — including serving as MJ’s body double in You Rock My World and performing with him in the Michael Jackson & Friends shows. Ricko opens up about the shocking truth behind moments fans have never heard about before: being chosen out of more than 3,000 dancers to perform with Michael, what really happened during the Earth Song bridge collapse, how the choreography for You Rock My World changed on set, and which moments weren’t actually Michael on camera. He also talks about the intensity Michael brought to rehearsals, the experience of becoming “Adult MJ” in Thriller Live, and how all of these experiences shaped his transition into creating his own music today. If you love Michael Jackson, behind-the-scenes stories, early-2000s short films, or rare insights from the dancers who helped bring MJ’s visions to life, this interview is packed with details you won’t want to miss.

Make sure to check out Ricko’s music at rickobaird.com and support his independent artistry. Follow him on Facebook at Ricko Baird and Instagram @ricko_baird

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 — Introduction: Who is Ricko Baird?

02:24 — Early Life, Training & Becoming a Professional Dancer

04:09 — Landing His First Big Jobs & Moving to L.A.

05:00 — The Nerve-wracking Day Michael Jackson Walked Into Rehearsal

07:14 — Dancing Right Beside Michael Jackson

08:12 — Auditioning for Michael Jackson & Friends

09:58 — Traveling with MJ: Seoul, Munich & Experiencing MJ Mania

11:26 — Dangerous Live Clip Reaction & The Iconic “Flip” Moment

13:30 — What Michael Was Like in Rehearsal vs. Onstage

15:00 — Backstage at MJ Shows: Focus, Intensity & Perfection

17:20 — Earth Song, The Bridge Collapse & What Really Happened

19:10 — The Aftermath: Was Michael Hurt? What Did the Crew Do?

25:44 — You Rock My World: How Ricko Got the Call

27:30 — On Set with MJ, Chris Tucker & Marlon Brando

29:36 — The Dance Sequence: What Got Cut & What Fans Never Saw

32:31 — Ricko Reveals When He Was MJ’s Body Double

36:00 — The Movement Study: Matching Michael’s Style Perfectly

39:02 — Becoming “Adult Michael” in Thriller Live

41:50 — Touring the World as Michael in London & International Shows

46:00 — Ricko’s Transition Into a Solo Recording Artist

48:00 — Inside His Album Frequency & the Vision Behind the Music

50:00 — Music Video “Believe” Clip + Creative Process

54:00 — Ricko Baird's Music

53:15 — One Michael Jackson Moment Fans Would Be Shocked to Know

56:25 — Final Thoughts + Where to Follow Ricko Baird

✩ SHOP MY FAVORITE Michael Jackson PRODUCTS & MUST- HAVES!

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

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In today’s episode, I sit down with the incredible Mother Diva to explore the rarely told, deeply important history of Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5. From their early days in Gary, Indiana to the years of grinding through Chicago’s music scene before Motown ever opened its doors. Mother Diva shares exclusive stories about the Jackson family’s earliest performances, the real origins of the Jackson 5 name, their first recordings at Steeltown, the truth behind Motown rejecting them eight times, and the powerful role Chicago played in developing their sound.

00:00 – Welcome + Introducing Mother Diva
01:08 – Mother Diva’s background in Chicago & MJ community work
02:09 – “Supporter vs Fan” and how advocacy shaped her MJ mission
03:19 – The REAL early history of Michael Jackson & the Jackson family
06:03 – How the Jackson Brothers formed in Gary, Indiana
11:40 – How Tito’s guitar incident changed everything for the group
14:55 – The TRUE origin of the name “Jackson 5”
17:02 – Chicago’s Regal Theater era & early talent show domination
21:05 – Big Boy, Steeltown Records & the first Jackson 5 record deal
26:12 – Motown rejects the Jackson 5 eight times?! What really happened
34:30 – Quincy Jones, Chicago roots & guiding Michael’s early genius
44:50 – Street dancers, the backslide & how the “moonwalk” got its name
48:55 – Honoring the Jackson legacy: holidays, activism & community events
55:25 – Where to follow and support Mother Diva + closing

✩ 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]

Michael Jackson’s Bad Tour in Japan (1987) was the beginning of a new era and his first-ever solo world tour. In this episode, we take a deep dive into how Japan became the launchpad for Michael Jackson’s global domination during the Bad era. From his sold-out shows in Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka to the passionate energy of Japanese fans, this is where Michael’s evolution as a solo performer truly came to life.

Later in the episode, we’re joined by illustrator/photographer Sharon Robinson, who shares her unbelievable story of capturing rare Bad Tour photos, and later giving them to Michael Jackson himself. She reveals what it was like to witness MJ’s magic up close... from the adrenaline of those first Japan shows to the unforgettable energy inside the Tokyo Dome in 1988.

If you’re a fan of Michael Jackson’s live performances, Bad era style, or just love hearing behind-the-scenes stories from those who were there, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: Why the Bad Tour in Japan is legendary

01:00 – Michael Jackson’s connection to Japan

02:30 – The energy of MJ’s first solo tour

04:00 – Eddie Garcia’s story: “Go out there and hurt ‘em!”

06:15 – How Japan shaped the Bad Tour

08:20 – Michael Jackson's influence & Japanese fan culture

10:00 – The full Bad Tour Japan setlist

14:00 – Backstage Bad Tour moments and tour prep

17:00 – Live singing, dancing, and chemistry

20:30 – The magic of “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)”

21:00 – Guest interview with Sharon Robinson

23:00 – How Sharon captured Michael Jackson live

30:00 – Giving her photos to MJ himself

40:00 – The 1988 Tokyo Dome shows

50:00 – Legacy of the Bad Tour & unseen MJ moments

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

Michael Jackson’s Bad Tour in Japan (1987) was the beginning of a new era and his first-ever solo world tour. In this episode, we take a deep dive into how Japan became the launchpad for Michael Jackson’s global domination during the Bad era. From his sold-out shows in Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka to the passionate energy of Japanese fans, this is where Michael’s evolution as a solo performer truly came to life.

Later in the episode, we’re joined by illustrator/photographer Sharon Robinson, who shares her unbelievable story of capturing rare Bad Tour photos, and later giving them to Michael Jackson himself. She reveals what it was like to witness MJ’s magic up close... from the adrenaline of those first Japan shows to the unforgettable energy inside the Tokyo Dome in 1988.

If you’re a fan of Michael Jackson’s live performances, Bad era style, or just love hearing behind-the-scenes stories from those who were there, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: Why the Bad Tour in Japan is legendary

01:00 – Michael Jackson’s connection to Japan

02:30 – The energy of MJ’s first solo tour

04:00 – Eddie Garcia’s story: “Go out there and hurt ‘em!”

06:15 – How Japan shaped the Bad Tour

08:20 – Michael Jackson's influence & Japanese fan culture

10:00 – The full Bad Tour Japan setlist

14:00 – Backstage Bad Tour moments and tour prep

17:00 – Live singing, dancing, and chemistry

20:30 – The magic of “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)”

21:00 – Guest interview with Sharon Robinson

23:00 – How Sharon captured Michael Jackson live

30:00 – Giving her photos to MJ himself

40:00 – The 1988 Tokyo Dome shows

50:00 – Legacy of the Bad Tour & unseen MJ moments

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

the Michael Jackson 2026 biopic teaser trailer is HEREEEEE! Fun times!

Randall joins us today for a FIRST REACTION to the MICHAEL Jackson Biopic trailer. The biopic will release in April 24 2026 and we cannot wait! This chat will be our reaction to the MICHAEL 2026 trailer and also a discussion of some MICHAEL TRAILER Easter Eggs that only fans will know and appreciate!Follow randall @ therocfiles and @ rocsmocs on socials.Watch Randall in Season 2 of Lego Masters & on the Holiday Lego Bricktacular, streaming on HULU.

✩ 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] Jackson biopic, MJ 2026, Michael Jackson trailer reaction, MJ legacy, King of Pop, Michael Jackson movie trailer explained

Get Ola's Book- The Thrill of It All: https://amzn.to/4huLFrB

Follow Ola Ray: www.olaray.com

Today I fulfilled a lifelong dream, getting to sit down with Ola Ray, the leading lady and "Thriller girl" from Michael Jackson’s legendary Thriller short film. In this episode of mjfangirl, we dive into Ola Ray’s incredible journey, from her early days growing up in St. Louis and modeling in Japan, to breaking barriers as a Playboy centerfold, and landing the role alongside Michael Jackson in Thriller, that would make her part of music history. Ola opens up about her unforgettable memories with Michael Jackson on the Thriller set, how their real chemistry brought the story to life, and more.

Ola also shares her powerful testimony of overcoming, finding healing through faith, and writing her memoir “The Thrill of It All.” This is a deep, emotional conversation about fame, survival, and the divine timing that brought her full circle. Listen as Ola Ray reflects on the magic of Thriller, the joy and humanity of Michael Jackson, and the strength it takes to rise again.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Ola Ray’s Introduction & Early Dreams

02:30 Growing Up Between St. Louis, California, and Japan

05:30 Becoming a Model and Performer in Tokyo

06:30 Breaking Barriers as a Playboy Centerfold

10:30 How Playboy Led to Thriller for Ola Ray

12:00 Meeting John Landis and Landing the Role

14:30 Behind the Scenes of Filming Thriller19:30 Real Chemistry with Ola Ray & Michael Jackson

25:00 Michael Singing Live on Set32:00 Michael’s Humor, Perfectionism, and Playful Side

34:00 Thriller Breaking Racial Barriers on MTV36:30 Inside the Star-Studded Thriller Premiere

40:00 Life After Thriller: Fame, Temptation, and Hollywood’s Dark Side

45:00 Healing and Finding Faith

49:00 Writing Her Memoir “The Thrill of It All”

52:30 Memories of Michael Jackson and His Love for Fans

55:00 Closing Reflections & Ola Ray’s Message of Hope

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

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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]