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

mjfangirl
  • 5.0 (10)
  • MUSIC HISTORY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Club 30s with MJ Fangirl is the go-to podcast for Michael Jackson fans. Tune in for music deep dives, fan conversations, event reviews, and cultural analysis celebrating the King of Pop’s legacy. Featuring exclusive interviews with dancers, collaborators, and members of MJ’s inner circle, Club 30s offers rare stories and behind-the-scenes insights you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering his magic, this is your space to connect, reflect, and celebrate MJ.

  1. 6D AGO

    60. What Michael Jackson’s Neverland Was REALLY Like — Big Al’s Untold Stories (Part 1)

    In this episode I am so excited to welcome back Big Al to the show! Big Al was Michael Jackson’s longtime amusement park manager, who worked with him for 15+ years. Today he takes us inside Neverland Valley Ranch and walks through what daily life was really like running Michael’s private amusement park. From opening the gates early in the morning to maintaining rides, trains, and safety systems. You guys also submitted lots of questions, some of which we discussed today (and more coming in part 2) He shares detailed stories about the layout of the ranch, the steam train, Michael’s favorite rides, and how events were carefully planned so everyone experienced every part of Neverland. The conversation also moves into personal moments that reveal Michael Jackson away from the stage. Big Al recounts being gifted one of Michael’s fedoras, driving him and his children to Thanksgiving dinner, being invited to share the holiday meal, and later receiving a custom Santa Claus suit made just for him. Stay tuned for PART 2, dropping next week!TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Welcome to Michael Jackson’s Neverland01:05 – Big Al- Manager of Michael Jackson’s Amusement Park01:30 – “Michael Jackson Gave Me His Hat”03:30 – Why Michael Jackson’s Neverland Was Different05:30 – A “Normal” Day at Michael Jackson’s Neverland07:10 – How Michael Jackson Planned Days for Sick Kids08:50 – Why Michael Jackson Didn’t Play His Own Music 09:30 – Big Al’s Thanksgiving Call From Michael Jackson16:10 – How Neverland Ran Without Michael Jackson20:00 – Michael Jackson’s Favorite Neverland Rides28:00 – “This Will Be Michael Jackson’s Biggest Christmas”36:45 – Michael Jackson Has a Santa Suit Made for Big Al45:30 – Big Al on the Michael Jackson Moments That LastedJoin our community of Michael Jackson fans at Club 30's https://www.patreon.com/mjfangirl ✩ 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 - hello@mjfangirl.com

    48 min

  2. FEB 6

    59. Michael Jackson BIOPIC Movie Trailer 2026 — Emotional First Reaction!!!!!

    The Michael Jackson movie trailer is finally here, and in this video, Randall and I are reacting to it live for the very first time! Rather than just an emotional watch-through, we slow it down and take a closer, more intentional look from our longtime fan perspective, breaking down scene choices, visual cues, tone, symbolism, and what the filmmakers seem to be signaling about Michael’s story. Watch along with us, and let’s break it down together!!!Check out Randalls video mix - Michael Jackson, Clipse, Tyler, the Creator - P.O.V. (Video Mix)youtube.com/watch?si=WGOkCuXTI7WRvtC2&v=CMP6yeW9wL0&feature=youtu.be Join our community of Michael Jackson fans at Club 30's https://www.patreon.com/mjfangirl ✩ 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 - hello@mjfangirl.com

    32 min

  3. JAN 25

    58. Michael Jackson’s Choreographer Travis Payne: Dangerous, HIStory, Ghosts & This Is It

    For nearly 20 years, choreographer and creative partner Travis Payne worked alongside Michael Jackson-- from the Dangerous era and HIStory Tour, to Ghosts, Scream, and This Is It. In this episode of Club 30s with mjfangirl, I’m joined by Randall (therocfiles / rocsmocs.com ) for a deep-dive conversation with Travis about the creativity, collaboration, and precision behind some of Michael’s most ambitious work. Travis shares what it was really like collaborating with Michael on set and on tour, how Ghosts evolved through multiple versions, and what fans never saw behind the scenes while building massive productions around the world. We also discuss Michael’s rehearsals, global and street-dance influences (including the Bankhead Bounce), and the reality of bringing MJ’s vision to life. Follow Travis Payne:Website: travispayne.com Instagram: @travispayne1 Listen to Club 30s with MJFANGIRL:Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Amazon Music Join the community (Club 30’s / Patreon):patreon.com/mjfangirl Connect with mjfangirl:Business inquiries: hello@mjfangirl.comSocial: @mjfangirlblog CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS00:00:00 - Intro: MJfangirl + Randall welcome Travis Payne (Michael Jackson creative partner)00:01:01 - Travis Payne credits: Michael Jackson (Dangerous, HIStory, Ghosts, Scream, This Is It)00:02:57 - Travis Payne origin story: Atlanta dance training00:04:03 - Janet Jackson Rhythm Nation Tour00:09:48 - Travis Payne on mentoring young dancers00:14:37 - Travis Payne’s inspirations (Bob Fosse, Alvin Ailey, Debbie Allen + more)00:15:34 - Michael Jackson influence on showmanship00:18:31 - First time working with Michael Jackson00:20:44 - Joining Michael Jackson’s Dangerous Tour00:26:50 - “Dangerous” performance: film references + building MJ’s live cinematic world00:28:37 - Michael Jackson “Dangerous” at Soul Train Awards: why it was full-circle00:32:33 - Michael Jackson rehearsal standard00:33:15 - Bankhead Bounce in “Dangerous”: hip-hop dance + Atlanta culture in MJ choreography00:38:01 - Divine Nine stepping + “Global Dance”00:40:26 - Michael Jackson “Ghosts” era: creative process + early concepts00:41:45 - “Ghosts” filmmaking detail: the “dust” took days to perfect00:44:01 - Why “Ghosts” was ahead of its time (Thriller legacy + Stan Winston + tech)00:54:43 - HIStory Tour logistics: Kingdom Air planes + more01:02:21 - Michael Jackson “Scream” behind the scenes: MJ + Janet collaboration01:13:00 - MJ Immortal / ONE / Michael Jackson: The Experience

    1h 27m

  4. JAN 12

    57. Michael Jackson and Hip Hop: Culture, Credibility, and Collision

    In this episode of mjfangirl, we dive into a conversation I have been wanting to have for a long time about Michael Jackson and hip hop culture. As hip hop rose from the streets to become the dominant voice of Black youth culture, Michael Jackson had to navigate a world that suddenly valued authenticity, edge, and credibility in ways pop music never had before. This episode explores what happened when the King of Pop met a culture that did not automatically bow to pop royalty. Joined by voices from the Black Jackson Estate Podcast- Ashleigh, and Nikki, along with Randall, and Chris Lacy, we break down how that cultural shift reshaped Michael’s career. We talk through the transition from Thriller to Bad, the New Jack Swing era of Dangerous, and the more experimental and often misunderstood HIStory and Invincible years. The conversation asks whether Michael was embracing hip hop, adapting under pressure, or being actively tested by a culture that had changed the rules.We explore Michael’s real relationships with hip hop artists like Biggie Smalls, Heavy D, Wreckx-N-Effect, Eve, and others, as well as collaborations that almost happened, including Lil’ Kim and Pharrell. We unpack behind the scenes stories from Rodney Jerkins, Michael’s admiration for Biggie and 50 Cent, and why songs like Unbreakable and This Time Around still spark debate decades later. We also examine James Brown’s influence, beatboxing, dance, and the street culture that shaped Michael’s creative evolution. If you have ever wondered where Michael Jackson truly fits in hip hop history, this episode is for you.ROUNDTABLE MEMBERS: Black Jackson Estate  @theblackjacksonestatepodcast  https://www.patreon.com/c/theblackjacksonestate/Chris Lacy : https://chrislacy1990.medium.com @ chrislacy1990Randall - @ therocfiles /  @rocsmocs  #HipHop #NotoriousBIG #michaeljackson TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Michael Jackson & Hip Hop: Why This Conversation Matters02:26 – Personal Hip Hop Origins (NYC, Atlanta, The South)05:32 – From Thriller to Bad: Cultural Pressure on Michael Jackson06:59 – Quincy Jones, Rap Skepticism & the “Hip Hop Is a Fad” Debate09:23 – James Brown, Beatboxing & MJ’s Hip Hop DNA10:27 – New Jack Swing & Dangerous Falling Between Eras11:47 – Run-DMC, LL Cool J & Hip Hop Challenging MJ’s Image14:59 – Dangerous Era Collaborations (Heavy D, Wreckx-N-Effect)18:31 – HIStory Era: “We’re Still on the Same Track”22:22 – Michael, Janet & Biggie at the VMAs23:20 – Michael Jackson on Hip Hop (VIBE 2001 Interview)27:25 – Listener Voicemails: Favorite MJ Hip Hop Collaborations31:35 – Notorious BIG on Invincible & Unbreakable34:15 – Was Biggie’s Verse “Never Heard Before”?38:22 – Biggie’s Bars on MJ Songs (Lyric Breakdown)42:00 – The Lil’ Kim Collaboration That Never Happened46:10 – Pharrell, The Neptunes & “Super Thug”49:41 – Could Michael Have Pulled Off Neptunes Beats?54:55 – Michael & Hip Hop Dance56:20 – The Moonwalk Debate1:08:30 – Final TakeawaysJoin our community of Michael Jackson fans at Club 30's https://www.patreon.com/mjfangirl

    1h 18m

  5. 12/24/2025

    56. How REAL Michael Jackson Collections Are Built (Autographs & Rarities) featuring Michael Jackson Market

    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 . Instagram, facebook, twitter @mjfangirlblog My amazon storefont: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mjfangirl... Patreon:   / mjfangirl  Podcast on Spotify "Club 30s with MJFANGIRL- a Michael Jackson podcast" Business Inquiries - hello@mjfangirl.com

    58 min

  6. 12/16/2025

    55. Michael Jackson: Fact, Fiction, and the Myths That Won’t Die, with Elizabeth Amisu

    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 ✩ SHOP MY FAVORITE Michael Jackson PRODUCTS & MUST- HAVES! https://www.youtube.com/@MJFANGIRLTV/store ✩ 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 - hello@mjfangirl.com

    55 min

  7. 11/29/2025

    54. Michael Jackson Dancer & BODY DOUBLE Ricko Baird REVEALS the TRUTH on You Rock My World & More

    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! https://www.youtube.com/@MJFANGIRLTV/store ✩ 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 - hello@mjfangirl.com

    1 hr

  8. 11/20/2025

    53. the UNTOLD stories of Jackson 5's REAL Journey to Motown with Mother Diva

    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 - hello@mjfangirl.com

    1 hr
See All (60)

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Club 30s with MJ Fangirl is the go-to podcast for Michael Jackson fans. Tune in for music deep dives, fan conversations, event reviews, and cultural analysis celebrating the King of Pop’s legacy. Featuring exclusive interviews with dancers, collaborators, and members of MJ’s inner circle, Club 30s offers rare stories and behind-the-scenes insights you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering his magic, this is your space to connect, reflect, and celebrate MJ.

Information

You Might Also Like