The MJCast - A Michael Jackson Podcast

Mick Garris, renowned producer, director, screenwriter and novelist joins Paul Black for an in-depth interview about his amazing career, including his work with Michael Jackson.

Garris began his journey with Michael Jackson when both he and his wife appeared as zombies in the “Thriller” short film. Years later, because of his work with Stephen King, Garris was pulled in to work on what became the “Ghosts” short film. He co-wrote the story with Jackson and King, and was the original director on the project, then under the title “Is This Scary”. He worked closely on set with Jackson for two weeks, though, later, Stan Winston would take over as director when the project was shelved due to the 1993 allegations levelled against Michael Jackson.

Garris has long been an icon in the film industry, and particularly in the world of horror, having worked with Steven Spielberg on multiple projects, and achieving major success via his many collaborations with Stephen King, including directing the hugely popular series, “The Stand”, the TV adaptation of “The Shining”, and much more. He also directed “Critters 2”, “Psycho IV: The Beginning”, and co-wrote the screenplays for major feature films such as “Batteries Not Included”, “The Fly 2”, and “Hocus Pocus”. In 2005, he created the Showtime anthology series, “Masters of Horror”. Until last year, he also hosted the popular podcast, “Post Mortem”, which features interviews with major filmmakers and other creators.

In this chat, Garris talks about his experiences on the sets of these two iconic short films, and gives insights into working with The King of Pop, as well as his memories of the friendship they developed.

Wishing all our MJ Fam around the world a happy Thriller Night!

Special thanks to Friend of the Show Adam Green for connecting us with Mick.

This episode was edited by Paul Black and Jamon Bull.

Additional Links
• Mick Garris’s website, Instagram, and Twitter pages.
• Mick’s “Post Mortem” podcast.

Like this episode?
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• 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.

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If you have feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at [email protected] or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.com. Keep Michaeling!

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?
• 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.

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If you have feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at [email protected] or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.com. Keep Michaeling!

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
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If you have feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at [email protected] or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.com. Keep Michaeling!

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?
• 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
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If you have feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at [email protected] or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.com. Keep Michaeling!

Charles Thomson welcomes first-time guest Gratian Dimech to the show for this year’s Vindication Day Special.

Gratian first saw Michael Jackson live on the Bad Tour and first met him on the Dangerous Tour. Attending 35 Dangerous concerts, he got to know many of Michael’s inner circle. Michael and Brett Barnes even nicknamed Gratian and his friend Justin as the “Waldos”, because wherever they went, they could pick them out of the crowd.

Gratian became an advocate and an activist, challenging negative media coverage of Michael. His creative protest against a particular British tabloid photographer was immortalised in Adrian Grant’s book Michael Jackson: A Visual Documentary and he has been interviewed about it for filmmaker Jin Chohan’s upcoming documentary series “Trial By Media”.

Gratian had a front-row view for everything from the “Give In To Me” music video shoot, to Jarvis Cocker’s stage invasion during Michael’s 1996 Brit Awards performance, and even the infamous, history-altering bridge collapse during Michael’s 1999 MJ and Friends benefit concert in Munich.

Gratian has toured Neverland, got stuck in New York when the Twin Towers were attacked mere hours after Michael’s 30th Anniversary concerts, and even spent time hanging out in Janet Jackson’s hotel rooms.

When Michael drove around London on an open top bus to protest against Sony Music, Gratian was on the bus with him – and when Michael went on trial in 2005, Gratian flew out to support him, even winning the lottery to go inside the courtroom.

In this unscripted conversation with his friend Charles Thomson, Gratian tells us only a fraction of his amazing and insightful experiences in the orbit of Michael Jackson. The MJCast can’t wait to have him back for future episodes!

This episode was edited by Charlie Carter and Jamon Bull.

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.

Connect with Us
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If you have feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at [email protected] or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.com. Keep Michaeling!

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.
• 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
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If you have feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at [email protected] or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.com. Keep Michaeling!

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?
• 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
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If you have feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at [email protected] or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.com. Keep Michaeling!

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?
• 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
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If you have feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at [email protected] or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.com. Stay BAD!

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?
• If you have the means, consider a donation in any amount through PayPal to help cover our costs. All proceeds go towards online running costs, upgrading equipment, and charity donations. Learn all about the various ways you can support The MJCast through visiting our website.
• 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.

Connect with Us
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If you have feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at [email protected] or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.com. Keep Michaeling!

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

The crew discusses the year that was, including the final version of the Thriller40 documentary; Marcos Cabota’s problems with finding a distributor for his own Thriller documentary, Sonic Fantasy; a major auction of Dick Zimmerman’s Thriller album cover test Polaroids and camera; and drama around a digital release of The Jackson 5’s first-ever recording. Plus, the team covers updates on MJ: The Musical, the Robson and Safechuck court cases, the MJ biopic, and Taj shares the latest developments on his docuseries project, as well as insights into the happenings within both the Jackson family and fan community circles.

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 2024 to come!

This episode was edited by Jamon Bull.

Participants
• Taj Jackson (Donate to Taj’s docuseries, Re-Righting HIStory, and subscribe to updates here.)
• Jamon Bull
• Elise Capron
• Charlie Carter
• Charles Thomson

Discussion Topics
• Thriller 40 documentary has been released.
• Marcos Cabota reveals more detail as to why he’s found releasing Sonic Fantasy problematic.
• Unseen Michael Jackson Thriller album cover photos have been auctioned. (You can hear our interview with Dick Zimmerman, who took the photos, here.)
• The Jackson 5’s first ever recordings were recently released digitally, and the Estate is not happy.
• ‘MJ: The Musical’ run extended in London, and now coming to Sydney, Australia!
• An update on Taj’s docuseries.
• Wade and James drop Finaldi.
• Biopic shooting and scheduled for 2026 release.

Like this episode?
• If you have the means, consider a donation in any amount through PayPal to help cover our costs. All proceeds go towards online running costs, upgrading equipment, and charity donations. Learn all about the various ways you can support The MJCast through visiting our website.
• 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.

Connect with Us
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If you have feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at [email protected] or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.com. Keep Michaeling!