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Jake's Take with Jacob Elyachar is an extension of Mr. Elyachar's website: Jake's Take. The podcast features conversations with guests from across the entertainment and lifestyle industries.
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13 JUL 2025 · A Note from Jacob: 375 podcast episodes! I never expected to record 375 interviews when I first sat down with reality TV and pop culture commentator Brent Wolgamott in November 2019. I never thought that best-selling authors, an Emmy-nominated director, Emmy-winning journalists, podcast hosts, Reality TV icons, a Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, a Tony-winning producer, and viral social media sensations would take the time out of their schedules to share their stories with me and my audience.
Thank you to all my guests and their respective media teams who trusted my platform; I am genuinely grateful. Most importantly, I want to thank you, the listeners, who checked out my conversations. I appreciate all of you, and I hope that we can continue this journey together for the next 375 episodes.
I am beyond thrilled to welcome back my honorary podcasting older brother, actor and comedian Scott Yager, and welcome first-time guest “The Godfather” Mark Long for the 375th episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.
Scott hosts the Challenge Mania Podcast. He, along with his co-host, three-time The Challenge champion, Derrick Kosinski, breaks down the happenings of the long-running MTV show The Challenge and sits down with cast members to discuss their time on the reality TV competition. Cara Maria Sorbello, CT Tamburello, Frank Sweeney Fox, Johnny Bananas, Jonna Mannion, Paulie Calafiore, Rachel Robinson, Tony Raines, Tula “Big T” Fazakerley, Veronica Portillo, and Wes Bergmann are some of the cast members who sat down with Scott and Derrick for in-depth conversations. He also co-hosts both Disney Mania and Survivor Mania with co-host Lindsay Arber, while giving his takes on the wrestling world on The Heel World. Derrick and Scott also host Challenge Mania Live, a traveling live show where they bring cast members to meet fans and share stories about their time on the show.
One of Challenge Mania Live’s frequent guests (and occasional Challenge Mania Live co-host) is Reality TV icon Mark Long. Nicknamed “The Godfather,” Mark became a household name 30 years ago when he was among the first group of young adults to travel across the country on Road Rules: USA – The First Adventure. Four years later, he competed on The Challenge’s sophomore season, where he won as a part of Team Road Rules. In 2002, Mark returned to The Challenge to co-host the first incarnation of Battle of the Seasons with Eric Nies. He won his second championship on Battle of the Sexes and made it to the finals of both The Gauntlet 2 and The Duel II. Over his career, Mark won 35 daily challenges, two eliminations, and earned $81,184.
Mark was instrumental in organizing the viral “We Want OGs” campaign, which paved the way for The Challenge: All-Stars, a show that brought together cast members from the original Real World and Road Rules series. He competed in two seasons, made it to two finals, won four daily challenges, and three eliminations. Mark serves as one of the show’s executive producers.
On Sunday, July 27, Scott and Mark will host a special edition of Challenge Mania Live at the Brea Improv that will celebrate Road Rules’ thirtieth anniversary. Confirmed panelists include Robinson, Portillo, Tina Barta, Darrell Taylor, Shane Landrum, Susie Meister, Katie Cooley, and Kefla Hare.
On the 375th episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Scott Yager and Mark Long preview the upcoming celebration, The Challenge: Vets vs. New Threats, and I asked if The Challenge would adapt an America’s Got Talent Golden Buzzer twist to the show.
Transcribed
10 JUL 2025 · It’s the most wonderful time of the year! https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/recaps/who-got-the-first-golden-buzzers-on-agt-s-season-20-premiere/ar-AA1FBs15?ocid=BingNewsVerps back for its 20th anniversary season!
Veteran judge Mel B returned to the main show for the first time in seven years, joining Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara at the Judges’ Desk.
In the sixth episode of Jake’s AGT Take, I revealed my four standouts of the week – Anna Saranina, Gendai, EDT Dance Group, Birmingham Youth and Youth Fellowship Choir (Simon Cowell's 2nd Golden Buzzer act), Bay Melnick Virgolino, and Mike Munz. I also give a special shoutout to Austin Brown, who redeemed himself after an awful performance.
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30 JUN 2025 · It is a privilege to welcome singer-songwriter Michael Lazar to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.
Michael is a Miami-based singer-songwriter whose music blends pop, theater, and poetry into something deeply personal. His critically acclaimed debut album, 51/49, chronicled an 18-year journey through grief, reinvention, and healing – an autobiographical song cycle born from Michael’s move to New York City to study musical theatre at NYU, his countless Broadway auditions, and even a devastating apartment fire. His latest extended play, Daydreaming, is scheduled for release on July 25, 2025. The title track combines wistful piano melodies with atmospheric synths while capturing the emotional pull of imagined love.
The full EP expands on the themes introduced in the single, offering a cohesive six-song journey through longing, hope, and personal transformation. From the golden-hour shimmer of “Magic Hour” to the pulsing ache of “Want Me Back,” Lazar crafts a pastel-toned sonic world grounded in vulnerability. The EP also features a reimagined version of “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” a tender reflection in “By My Side,” and concludes with “Life of the Butterfly,” a poetic meditation on growth and letting go.
All six tracks were written, performed, and produced by Lazar. The EP was mastered by Michael Banks of UEFO, whose previous work on Lazar’s 2021 debut album, 51/49, helped establish the warmth and emotional clarity that have become hallmarks of his sound.
On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Michael Lazar spoke about Daydreaming’s recording process, performing alongside future Avengers actor Chris Evans and Scott Evans, during his childhood. He also explained why he declares Britney Spears, Jewel, and Tori Amos make up his trifecta of inspiration.
Transcribed
26 JUN 2025 · It’s the most wonderful time of the year! https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/recaps/who-got-the-first-golden-buzzers-on-agt-s-season-20-premiere/ar-AA1FBs15?ocid=BingNewsVerps back for its 20th anniversary season! Veteran judge Mel B returned to the main show for the first time in seven years, joining Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara at the Judges’ Desk.
In the fifth episode of Jake’s AGT Take, I revealed my six standouts of the week – Duo Stardust (Sofia Vergara’s first Golden Buzzer act of Season 20), The Bodyguards, Bill Taylor & The Appalachian Heathens, Tom Sandoval and the Most Extras, Chuck Adams, and the Benn Family Band.
Additionally, I give kudos to Andrea, who broke a notable world record.
Transcribed
23 JUN 2025 · It is a pleasure to welcome content creator Mark Christie to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.
Mark is known in the social media world as Mark Chrispy. He has built a following that includes 1 million YouTube subscribers and 1.3 million TikTok followers thanks to his quick-witted commentary on viral videos. Fans devour his takes on topics that range from outrageous food creations, such as cheesecake fries and homemade salted chocolate chip toffee cookies, to extreme do-it-yourself craft projects. He is also a father, gym rat, and Reality TV superfan.
In our latest episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Mark spoke about his most viral YouTube Shorts, his passion for fitness, and his goal of appearing on reality TV. We also talked about our love for The Challenge, and I revealed which two controversial Reality TV alums – a three-time Survivor castaway and one-time Challenge champion – could have a Tom Sandoval redemption season on Peacock’s The Traitors.
Transcribed
19 JUN 2025 · It’s the most wonderful time of the year! https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/recaps/who-got-the-first-golden-buzzers-on-agt-s-season-20-premiere/ar-AA1FBs15?ocid=BingNewsVerps back for its 20th anniversary season!
Veteran judge Mel B returned to the main show for the first time in seven years, joining Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara at the Judges’ Desk.
In the fourth episode of Jake’s AGT Take, I revealed my seven standout acts of the week – Duo Soma, Mastermind, Jonglissimo, Loco Papa Familia, Steve Ray Ladson, Mama Duke, and Terry Crews's first Golden Buzzer act, dance quartet The Funkateer Dancers.
Meanwhile, Mel B has high expectations, and she said "No" to several acts. She also had an unhappy reunion with show icon Wes-P, who delivered a risque and vulgar audition.
Plus, a Bravo superstar and a Traitors fan favorite is going to audition for NBC's long-running talent competition next week!
Explicit
Transcribed
16 JUN 2025 · It is a privilege to welcome Reality TV veteran and writer, producer, and director James Sunshine to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.
After graduating as valedictorian from his film school, James moved to Los Angeles in 2012 with no job, no car, nowhere to live, and an overdrawn bank account. Over a decade later, he has become a creative powerhouse in film and TV, breaking into the industry as a producer on some of the biggest Reality TV Shows of all time, including Big Brother 18, Hell’s Kitchen, Project Runway, Supermarket Superstar, and Total Divas.
In 2020, he wrote, directed, and edited his debut indie film Coronavirus Conspiracy during the height of the 2020 lockdowns. Distributed by Lionsgate, the satire became the first union-approved independent film shot in Los Angeles after the lockdown.
Recently, James released his latest film, Killing Mary Sue. The film focuses on a corrupt senator (Dermot Mulroney) who arranges for the murder of his most significant liability, his erratic burnout stepdaughter (Sierra McCormick), only for her to unwittingly discover her natural talents as an untouchable killer. The film also stars French Stewart, Jason Mewes, Kym Whitley, and Martin Kove. Killing Mary Sue won the Best Picture Award at the Independent Filmmakers Showcase at the Los Angeles Film Fest.
On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, James Sunshine spoke about his experiences on Big Brother and Hell’s Kitchen, the behind-the-scenes process of Coronavirus Conspiracy, and previewing Killing Mary Sue.
Transcribed
14 JUN 2025 · It’s the most wonderful time of the year! https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/recaps/who-got-the-first-golden-buzzers-on-agt-s-season-20-premiere/ar-AA1FBs15?ocid=BingNewsVerps back for its 20th anniversary season!
Veteran judge Mel B returned to the main show for the first time in seven years, joining Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara at the Judges’ Desk.
In the third episode of Jake’s AGT Take, I revealed my four standout acts of the week – Julia and Dmitryo Turkeev, Urban Theory, Boston Dynamics, and Mel B’s second Golden Buzzer – singer Charity Lockhart. I believe that both Charity Lockhart and Urban Theory echo ghosts of America’s Got Talent past as they channeled three Golden Buzzer icons.
Plus, I reveal which celebrities and social media influencers should join the Osaka Philharmonic onstage for their next performance.
Transcribed
12 JUN 2025 · It is a pleasure to welcome Maya Kuriel as a guest to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.
Born and raised in Seattle and now based in Los Angeles, Maya is a first-generation Korean American artist redefining the landscape of pop music. She’s a sonic architect crafting a world where eerie synths, raw emotion, and grungy production collide. Maya embraces the underrepresented, carving out a space for Asian voices in a genre that’s long overdue for a shake-up. Her music drips with moody textures and cinematic tension, luring listeners into a hypnotic haze of haunting melodies and pulsating beats.
Since her debut in 2020, Maya has amassed over 2.5 million streams across all platforms, captivating audiences worldwide with her powerful vocal melodies and introspective lyrics. With a voice that floats between ethereal beauty and unfiltered grit, she’s the storm brewing on the edge of pop’s horizon—one that refuses to be ignored. Her diverse discography has attracted the attention of Stardust, Ones to Watch, and Medium.
In March 2023, she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Songwriting and Music Production from the Musicians Institute in Hollywood. With her degree in hand, Maya is poised to take her career to the next level.
On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Maya Kuriel spoke about the stories behind some of her songs, including “Dead Weight,” “Bittersweet,” and her latest single, “Alibi,” and her dream collaborators.
Transcribed
9 JUN 2025 · I am delighted to welcome my longtime friend, fitness entrepreneur Scott Herman, to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.
Scott is a content creation pioneer and has built a fitness empire with 3 million subscribers and 700 million views across the Scott Herman Fitness and Oh the Hermanity YouTube channels. He was also the first YouTube fitness influencer to sign with BSN in 2010 after he starred on MTV’s The Real World: Brooklyn.
Now, as the Vice President of Partnerships at WAGMI Games, Scott leverages his gaming passion and web3 networking skills to forge partnerships and grow communities, expanding NiFe Wars’ global reach with his knack for engagement – he even responds to his direct messages on Twitter.
On this episode of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Scott Herman spoke about how he joined WAGMI Games, walking from the Javits Center to Times Square wearing an 88-pound suit for promotion, and who he believes is standing out in the YouTube fitness community.
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Jake's Take with Jacob Elyachar is an extension of Mr. Elyachar's website: Jake's Take. The podcast features conversations with guests from across the entertainment and lifestyle industries.
Information
| Author | Jacob Elyachar |
| Organization | Jacob Elyachar |
| Categories | Entertainment News |
| Website | jakes-take.com |
| jacobelyachar8@gmail.com |
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