Épisodes

  • Yeremi Hykel TALKS Marines Journey & ‘The Challenge 41’ | JTWJE Podcast #396
    Nov 10 2025
    Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar salutes all the veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces. Thank you for your service and sacrifices.

    It is a pleasure to welcome Yeremi Hykel to the podcast! A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Yeremi first appeared on Reality TV on The Amazing Race 35, which aired in 2023. He partnered with his brother, Navy veteran Liam, who had been estranged for years. The first leg saw the duo start racing from the Hollywood sign and finish in Thailand, where they placed eighth out of 13. The duo was nearly eliminated in Vietnam, but fortunately, it was a non-elimination leg. Sadly, Yeremi and Liam were sent home after the Race took them to India. Throughout the competition, Yeremi completed two roadblocks, while his brother completed three challenges.

    Two years later, Yeremi headed to The Challenge to compete on the long-running Reality TV competition’s forty-first season, Vets vs. New Threats. Yeremi made a name for himself when he completed the opening challenge – climbing the mountain to get to the Challenge House. Throughout the season, Yeremi showcased his leadership abilities and became one of the New Threats’ strongest leaders in the house. He won both the “Cyclone” daily challenge with fellow New Threat Sydney Segal and the “Running Man” daily challenge with partner Aviv Bruno. He also competed in the “Pull It Together” elimination challenge against two-time Challenge champion Jonna Mannion and New Threat Gabe Wai, and won. When Yeremi is not competing, he is a model signed with the Block Agency, a fierce competitor in various fitness competitions, and a world traveler.

    On this Veterans’ Day edition of the Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Yeremi Hykel shared his U.S. Marine Corps journey, why he and Liam were constantly near the bottom of the pack on The Amazing Race, and took us behind the moves during the first weeks of The Challenge 41: Vets vs. New Threats.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.
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    56 min
  • Becky Wilson CELEBRATES Jake’s Take’s SIXTH ANNIVERSARY | Episode #395
    Nov 6 2025
    Six years ago, I launched a new venue, The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

    The podcast has welcomed guests across the entertainment and lifestyle industries. The guests have ranged from Emmy-winning journalists such as Anne Trujillo, Elex Michaelson, and Michael Mackie, and Emmy-winning actor Mike Manning, to Tony-winning producer Evan McGill and Reality TV legends such as Beth Stolarczyk, Derrick Kosinski, Ethan Zohn, Jon Brennan, Mark Long, Rachel Reilly, Rob Cesternino, and Syrus Yarbrough. I am incredibly grateful to all the publicists and talent management teams who trusted me with their clients.

    I am grateful for the friendships that I built along the way with my podcasting colleagues and guests. They include my friends over at AGT Time Pod, Brent Wolgamott (who was my first guest), Challenge Historian’s Jacob, Challenge Mania’s Derrick and Scott Yager, Drew Angelman, Josh Skinner, Matt Cohen, Mike Lewis, Paige of Most Likely & TikTok, Tony Berado, and Wes of Thinking Critical.

    I want to thank my dear friends and family who supported my podcasting journey, especially my mom, Gloria, my dad, Matthew, my brother, Aaron, my sister-in-law, Whitney, my nephew, Nash, my nieces, Emory and Kennedy, and my doggy nephew, Maxwell. Finally—and most importantly—I want to thank you—the listeners from over 80 countries—for taking time out of your schedules to watch and listen to my content! I am grateful for your continuous support.

    For my sixth anniversary episode, I am delighted to welcome my longtime friend, Becky Wilson! Becky runs WDS Marketing and Public Relations. WDS is a boutique agency with a unique and proven niche. Their focus is on helping savvy entrepreneurs and clever business owners tell their stories. Results included increased awareness, enhanced credibility, and new relationships in the business community. Becky leverages media, accolades, events, and other prime opportunities to elevate client brands and help them become known in the most positive, dynamic, and delightful ways. WDS received honors from the Kansas City Business Marketing Association’s Fountain Awards program and the Kansas City Public Relations Society’s Prism Awards. Becky Wilson has been honored twice by the U.S. Small Business Administration as a regional “Women Business Champion.”

    She is the co-founder of the Kansas City Council of Women Business Owners (KC-CWBO), which was designated as one of the most outstanding women’s business organizations in the United States by the Stevie Awards for Women in Business. WDS offers pro bono and discounted services to select nonprofit and business organizations each year. We have recently assisted the Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center, the Center for Spirit at Work, and the KC-CWBO. They also volunteer for committee work and currently serve on the membership committee of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Kansas City.

    On the latest edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Becky Wilson shared WDS Marketing and Public Relations’ origin story. She also talked about her passion for America’s Got Talent (AGT).

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.
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    33 min
  • Mike Manning TALKS Skipping ‘The Challenge,’ ‘Beyond The Gates’ & Filmmaking | JTWJE Podcast #394
    Nov 3 2025
    It is an honor and a privilege to welcome two-time Emmy-winning actor, producer, and writer Mike Manning to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

    Television audiences first met Mike when he joined the cast of MTV’s legendary Reality TV series, The Real World: D.C. After completing filming, he dove into the entertainment industry. He appeared on Crash & Bernstein, Hawaii Five-0, Major Crimes, Teen Wolf, The Haves and Have Nots, and This Is Us.

    Daytime television fans know Mike from his work on the popular web soap opera The Bay (Caleb McKinnon), Days of Our Lives (Charlie Dale), and the groundbreaking CBS soap opera, Beyond the Gates, where he portrays investigative journalist Bradley “Smitty” Smith.

    Mike also started Mannifest Productions to connect audiences with entertainment that matters by developing and producing films, TV, and new media projects that not only aim to change the world but also open hearts and minds through art. He began his producing career with the documentary Kidnapped for Christ alongside Tom DeSanto. The film won several awards before being shown on Showtime and was responsible for legislation in California and other states to protect children from abuse at “camps for troubled youth.”

    He also produced Jinn, Son of the South, M.F.A., and Folk Hero & Funny Guy. His homeless youth documentary Lost in America, starred Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry, Grammy-winning songstress Jewel, Rosario Dawson, and Tiffany Haddish. Meanwhile, The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson, directed by Oscar-nominated David France, was released as a Netflix Original after premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival.

    Outside of the entertainment industry, Mike works with nonprofits that advocate for the poor, the environment, and equal rights. In 2010, Mike Manning lobbied Congress in Washington, D.C., on behalf of the Human Rights Campaign. Since then, he has received proclamations from the New York City Council in recognition of his cause-related work.

    On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Mike Manning spoke about why he chose acting over The Challenge, being a part of the Beyond the Gates family, and several Mannifest Productions, including The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson and Lost in America.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.
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    35 min
  • A CONVERSATION WITH MEW-Z | A Collaboration with Elite MJ – HALLOWEEN 2025 SPECIAL
    Oct 27 2025
    Happy Halloween, everyone! For the first time (and in podcasting history), I will be entering the Pokémon world!

    All thanks to my friend, Marcus J. Anthony (Elite MJ)! Marcus has written a phenomenal fan fiction series, Pokémon: Next Generation. The series is set ten years after Ash Ketchum won the Pokémon World Championships. Inspired by Ash Ketchum, Johto native Marc Masters is on his own journey in the home region of his hero. Together with his friends Rachel and Anthony, they are currently traveling across Kanto with unique goals. Along the way, Marc has won four gym badges from Forrest (Brock’s youngest brother), Rain (Misty’s cousin), Sgt. Sara (Lt. Surge’s daughter), and Skorcha (Blaine’s grandfather).

    In addition to earning gym badges, Marc uncovered a threat that could destroy the Pokémon world: this threat’s name is Mew-Z. This Pokémon is unlike any creature that inhabits this world; it is pure evil. This monstrosity was the brainchild of Team Rocket leader Giovanni and brought to life by the sinister Dr. Yung and Evice, using genes from Mew, Mewtwo, Zygarde, and unknown factors. While it is powerful, Mew-Z has not reached its final form. According to Looker, for Mew-Z to reach its full potential, it must absorb both Mew and Mewtwo in one hour. The creature has begun hunting down mythical and legendary Pokémon, as well as Zygarde cells, to boost its power. Both Jirachi and Tapu Koko have fallen victim to this monstrosity. He is also growing a following and assisting him with his misdeeds are Evice and a mysterious, red-haired woman named Commander, who kidnapped both Ash Ketchum and Pikachu at the series’ beginning.

    For the first time, Mew-Z broke its silence and is the guest on the 2025 Halloween episode. But how did I get to the Pokémon world? Did I survive my podcast conversation with Mew-Z? Listen to find out!

    I want to thank Marcus J. Anthony for voicing Mew-Z and, most importantly, animating this whole episode. Also, shout out to Addison and Kohi for providing the voices of Commander and Evice, respectively.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.
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    14 min
  • Katie Bain TALKS Working at Billboard & Coachella Book | JTWJE Podcast #393
    Oct 23 2025
    It is a privilege to welcome author and journalist Katie Bain to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

    For over 15 years, Katie has covered the global dance and electronic music world scene. Her work has appeared in The Guardian, VICE, RBMA, L.A. Weekly, Flaunt, and many other publications. She is currently the director of dance and electronic coverage and senior music correspondent at Billboard. Katie wrote more than a dozen cover stories on recording artists, including Justice, Justin Bieber, Peggy Gou, Swedish House Mafia, and the Weeknd. She also reported stories from 13 countries and has done countless interviews with musicians, both legendary and rising. In 2016, Katie received a Cosmic Sister grant to report on traditional plant medicines in the Peruvian Amazon, and earlier this year, she received the first-ever FEMME HOUSE award for music journalist of the year.

    On October 21, The Quatro Group published her new book, Desert Dreams: The Music, Style, and Allure of Coachella. The coffee table book features over 150 iconic photographs and insights from music industry veterans. The book also discusses the festival’s fashion trends and viral looks, the legendary performances including Beychella and No Doubt, and iconic stories such as former it-couple Kristin Stewart and Robert Pattinson’s relationship, Harry Styles’ surprising team-up with Shania Twain, and the appearance of a hologram of Tupac Shakur.

    On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Katie Bain spoke about her work at The Guardian, L.A. Weekly, and VICE; her high-profile features with Justin Bieber and the Weeknd; and Desert Dreams: The Music, Style, and Allure of Coachella’s writing process.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.
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    30 min
  • Oscar Chark TALKS Rookie Revolution, ‘The Challenge’ & Adam Sandler | JTWJE Podcast #392
    Oct 15 2025
    It is a privilege to welcome actor and content creator Oscar Chark as a guest on The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

    In August 2020, Oscar joined YouTube as the host of Rookie Revolution. Over the past several years, Rookie Revolution has built a following for its takes on the long-running MTV reality competition show The Challenge. Some of his topics include ranking the Top 10 Best Reunions, the Best Seasons to Watch for Beginners or New Fans, and “What Ifs” in show history.

    On September 26, 2025, Oscar announced he was the channel's host and that he might be done with MTV’s The Challenge. He also revealed that he was pursuing an acting career. Since 2021, he has made appearances on various hit shows, including Allegiance (Sebastian), Riverdale (Teen Fan), So Help Me Todd (Juror #2 – Cole Winbar), and Yellowjackets (Teen #1). Oscar also starred as Young David (Age 15) in Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas, Jacob in You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah, and Philip in Can I Get a Witness.

    On this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Oscar Chark spoke about revealing that he was Rookie Revolution, how he got into acting, and filming You are So Invited to My Bat Mitzvah.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.
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    39 min
  • Adam Warner TALKS Grand Ole Opry, Trace Atkins & Songwriting | JTWJE Episode 391
    Oct 13 2025
    It is a pleasure to welcome country music singer Adam Warner to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

    Country music’s breakout artist has learned not to take himself too seriously, and his music gives his audience permission to do the same. With standout releases like 4 Square Miles,” which reached #1 on The Country Network’s Video Countdown, and Semper Fi” featuring Trace Adkins, a tribute to active and former military that was named Independent Country Music Song of the Year, Warner has carved out a place of honor in the genre. His high-energy anthem “Welcome to the South,” even became a game-day staple at Tennessee Titans home games in Nissan Stadium.

    In 2022, Adam Warner released the acclaimed album What We’re Known For, earning rave reviews from the industry. The 12-track project featured fan favorites such as Catchin’ Hell,” “Reason to Redneck,” “One Drunk,” “Split A Beer,” “Lost In A Country Song,” a powerful remake of the classic “Long Haired Country Boy,” and the title track What We’re Known For.” 2023 brought even more momentum, highlighted by the heartfelt re-release of First Face”, a tribute to Warner’s wife, Megan, and their first child, Rivers Paige. In 2024, Warner continued to deliver hits with a steady stream of new singles and milestone performances, including his debut appearances at both CMA Fest and the iconic Country Thunder festival in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.

    2025 is already shaping up to be a milestone year for the Nashville authentic country music sensation, marked by the release of his most dynamic project yet. His 12-song album Where I’m Coming From, released in May, features streaming favorites like The People”, a patriotic salute to everyday Americans, along with The Farmer,” “Back When,” “Outlaws Baby,” and “Do Country” featuring Nate Kenyon. The project also highlights Most of This Town” and three distinct versions of Bridge I’d Love To Burn” – including the original, a club mix, and a mandolin mix featuring rising bluegrass phenom Wyatt Ellis. Having just lit up the stage at Summerfest, up next, fans can expect to see the Marine-turned-country sensation’s music philosophy brought to life at The Hoofbeat Festival, the legendary Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, GA, and at various clubs, venues, and festivals throughout the United States.

    On this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Adam Warner spoke about the lessons he learned from sharing the stage with Lee Brice, Rhonda Vincent, and Trace Atkins, performing at the Grand Ole Opry, and sharing the stories behind his most-streamed Spotify songs.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.
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    32 min
  • Tom Sturges TALKS Music Business’s Evolution & ‘Men Explained, Finally’ | JTWJE EP #390
    Oct 9 2025
    It is an honor to welcome author, educator, and music executive Tom Sturges to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

    Tom served as president of Chrysalis Music, EVP and Head of Creative for Universal Music Publishing Group, and VP/GM of Shaquille O’Neal’s TWIsM Records. Tom’s signings include 3 Doors Down, 50 Cent & G Unit, Afroman, Chris Brown, Foo Fighters, Jack Johnson, Owl City, and Vanessa Carlton. He also signed several hit songwriters and producers, including Jason Epperson (Jay-E), Mark Batson, and Sean Garrett. Tom Sturges’s signings produced a combined 195 million albums and 32 million singles in addition to registering over a billion views and streams. They also composed 22 number-one singles and received 19 Grammy Awards.

    Tom Sturges is also a published author. His books include Parking Lot Rules and Other Ideas for Raising Amazing Children, Grow the Tree You Got, Every Idea is a Good Idea, Preston Sturges – The Last Years of Hollywood’s First Writer-Director, and A Good Divorce Begins Here. Tom Sturges is also a published author. His books include Parking Lot Rules and Other Ideas for Raising Amazing Children, Grow the Tree You Got, Every Idea is a Good Idea, Preston Sturges – The Last Years of Hollywood’s First Writer-Director, and A Good Divorce Begins Here. Tom’s latest book, Men Explained, Finally, is currently out! He pulls back on the curtain and offers a candid, funny, and surprisingly tender guide to understanding the men in our lives. With equal parts charm and honesty, Tom explores why men love forts, fib without thinking, compartmentalize everything, and never quite stop being 14 years old.pulls back on the curtain and offers a candid, funny, and surprisingly tender guide to understanding the men in our lives. With equal parts charm and honesty, Tom explores why men love forts, fib without thinking, compartmentalize everything, and never quite stop being 14 years old.

    Tom has made an impact on higher education. Together with fellow professors Jeff Jampol, Steve Berman, and Lenny Beer, he created Music Business Now at the University of California, Los Angeles, which is a required class for the school’s Music Business degree program. Over 1,200 students have taken the course over the years. Tom has also spoken at numerous universities, including New York University, Princeton, Stanford, and the University of Southern California. He also presented at both the Aspen Challenge and the Aspen Ideas Festival.

    On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Tom Sturges discussed his writing process for Men Explained, Finally, and how working with music superstars like Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Dave Grohl, and Jon Bon Jovi led him to discover men’s fundamental truths.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.
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    32 min