A podcast debuting next week will chronicle the career of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, as reported by Variety.
Audible announced that they are collaborating with Wondery, a premium podcast studio, to launch the original podcast, Think Twice: Michael Jackson. The upcoming podcast, which is being produced by Prologue Projects and Jigsaw Productions, will feature hip-hop radio veteran Jay Smooth and acclaimed journalist and podcaster Leon Neyfakh as the hosts.
The series will present 10 episodes exclusively on Audible and can
also be heard ad-free on the Amazon Music app for Prime members. The series plans on showcasing a journalistic, 360-degree look at Jackson’s complicated legacy. Think Twice: Michael Jackson will debut on April 27.“To me, Michael J
ackson is the most interesting person who has ever lived. But what Jay and I realized as we dove into this project was that his story is not just about him, but everyone he influenced with his art and everyone connected to his tortured personal life. It’s also about the moral calculations we make as consumers of culture, as we decide for ourselves what to believe and what to look away from. Collaborating with Audible and Wondery on this journalistic exploration of Michael’s life and legacy has given me a better, deeper understanding of why this singular artist still matters, and more broadly, how American pop culture works, ” Neyfakh said in a written statement.Although it has been more than a decade since Jackson’s death, his music still has a global influence. Think Twice: Michael Jackson explores that influence as they delve into his life and the impact he and his music have had. They also investigate his staying power, in spite of disturbing allegations leveled against him. In this 10-part series, Neyfakh and Smooth bring a new perspective on the Jackson story, conducting original interviews with people who were there as it happened.
Jay Smooth said, “When Leon reached out to me about collaborating on a Michael Jackson documentary series, I won’t lie, I was equal parts intrigued and alarmed. But as we both agreed to be upfront about our own complex feelings on Michael’s legacy and let that guide our process of gathering all these different voices and perspectives, I quickly came to see just how rich and rewarding this show would become. Both as a fresh look back at the Michael Jackson story and even more so as a way to understand—through Michael’s life and afterlife—how our world and culture evolved around him.”