Very thorough, detailed report on the uncovering of the Cascio tracks fraud and the characters involved. Thank you so much for putting this information out there. This story needs to be known far and wide!

If you want to get a glimpse into how the music business truly works, you need to listen to Faking Michael. This podcast doesn’t just tell a story - it reveals the harsh realities of an industry that can treat even its brightest stars with such disregard. I’m grateful to the authors for their dedication to uncovering the truth. This is a story that should reach millions. It’s eye-opening, thought-provoking, and a vital listen for anyone who wants to understand the darker side of fame and the world we live in.

Sony and especially John branca are rapaciously money hungry, cynical, fraudulent con artists.

“Faking Michael” had potential but ultimately suffers from serious pacing and content issues. At 13 hour-long episodes, the series feels overly stretched, and it becomes apparent there wasn’t enough organic content to support that length. The result is a repetitive experience, with the same audio clips resurfacing repeatedly across episodes. By the end I was practically anticipating when each recycled clip would appear again (yes we know Michael snaps his fingers when he records, 5x of hearing this really drove the point home). On a technical level, the podcast shines. The production quality is excellent, with clear audio, well-timed transitions, and a polished selection of stock sound effects that lend it a professional touch. However, the credibility of the podcast suffers due to titles like “research partner” and “investigative journalist” being assigned to individuals who sound more like superfans than objective contributors. Too often, we’re given anecdotes – like Damien’s first time hearing the track – that feel irrelevant next to insights from collaborators who actually worked with Michael. These tangents feel out of place and diminish the show’s investigative tone. Overall, what could have been a tight, insightful production was weakened by these issues. There are some genuinely intriguing bits of new information, but they’re stretched thin over too many episodes. A 5-episode series would likely have delivered a more focused and engaging experience, instead of the diluted 13-episode version we got.

Only a little more than halfway through and have learned so much about how these fake songs ended up on the Michael album. As a fan I KNEW from the first time hearing the songs that the vocals weren’t MJ and just couldn’t understand how this could possibly happen. Looking forward to hearing the rest of the story. Thank you to everyone who put in the work on this! Hope this helps bring some shame and justice on everyone who let this happen and tainted Michael’s musical legacy.

So proud of Damian, James and Jamon for this intense work! The Cascios , James P and the Estate should be so ashamed! Thank you for being Michael's voice since he now has no voice 👏🏻👏🏻♥️♥️

The *Faking Michael* podcast offers an intense, investigative dive into one of the most controversial moments in music history—the authenticity of some posthumous Michael Jackson tracks. Across 11 captivating episodes, the podcast carefully unpacks the mystery surrounding the Cascio tracks, which were released after Jackson’s death but were later questioned by his family and fans as potentially featuring an impostor’s voice. Hosted by Damien Shields, the series takes listeners through a journey that feels both intimate and expansive. Shields’ thoughtful approach balances detailed research with a personal touch, as he explores the conflicting stories behind these tracks. The depth of investigation is striking—featuring testimonies from those directly involved, forensic experts, and music professionals who break down what makes the Jackson sound so iconic. One of the podcast’s strongest elements is how it builds suspense. Each episode peels back another layer, keeping the listener engaged by mixing technical analysis with emotional storytelling. The "Forensics" episode, for example, delves into how scientific methods were used to examine the vocals, presenting listeners with a fascinating blend of artistry and cold, hard facts. The sound design by Dan Villalobos plays a crucial role in the podcast’s immersive experience, complementing the narrative with an atmospheric score and sharp editing. Shields and his team—including Jamon Bull and others—meticulously piece together interviews, expert opinions, and exclusive evidence, making each episode feel like a revelation. What makes *Faking Michael* so compelling is that it doesn’t just focus on one side of the story. The podcast gives voice to all the major players involved, allowing them space to share their perspectives. This creates a complex, multifaceted narrative that keeps the listener guessing and eager to hear more. In short, this podcast isn’t just for Michael Jackson fans. It’s a must-listen for anyone fascinated by the intersection of music, mystery, and legacy. Whether you’re deeply invested in the controversy or just curious, *Faking Michael* is an enthralling exploration of art, identity, and deception.

I love this so so much, so very insightful into the awful nature surrounding this album. My only slight issue is there doesn’t seem to be much faith in the listener keeping up with the episodes. A lot of episodes will feature the narrator recap something spoken about prior, but will then follow with an audio recap of that moment immediately after, sometimes being 10-15 seconds long. You’ll hear the same clips played again and again across multiple episodes and I found myself getting the “Forward 30 Seconds” button a few times. That’s the only real nitpick I have, outside of that, this is one of the best podcast series I’ve heard in a long while, and certainly a Top 5 regarding Michael Jackson. Amazing work

It's finally here! Thank you Damien! ✌️

I've been following and researching the Cascio Tracks controversy since late 2010 and, this is the most informative podcast I've come across, by far. Highly recommended!

I’m still hoping this will pop up in my notifications

This sounds like it will be really amazing. I hope it comes to be!