Jake's Take with Jacob Elyachar

It is a privilege to welcome back my friend, Jeff Azar, aka Demi the Daredevil, to Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.  Hailing from El Paso, Texas, Demi, went from being the drummer to being a singer after the original lead singer, Jovan Ortiz, suddenly passed away. With this loss and his mental health struggles as catalysts, Jeff reimagined the band’s identity as an evocative blend of theatrical alt-pop, haunting soundscapes, and dark, introspective lyrics, creating anthems for other misfits who feel lost, misunderstood, and searching for their unique voice.  With influences ranging from Tim Burton to Edgar Allan Poe, Demi the Daredevil’s music delves into themes of identity, mental illness, existentialism, and the complexities of the human experience. This gives the listener a deep, relatable sense of meaning, creating a safe space and a sense of community for the underdog. Not only does the brand avatar reflect the audience’s identity, but it also offers a signature allure for collaborations and partnerships.  He has garnered over 25 million Spotify streams and over 1,000 pieces of fan art from the “devilins” (his fanbase). Buzzfeed, CBS, Crank That Frank, and Emo Nite have profiled Demi, while several songs, such as “Call in Dead,” have been featured on Trebel’s homepage and Pandora’s “AMP Fresh Cuts” playlist.  On this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Demi the Daredevil spoke about his 10th anniversary and the stories behind several songs, including “Cursed House” with AViVA.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

It is a privilege to welcome actor Kevin O’Sullivan to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.  Born in Los Angeles and raised in Potomac, Maryland, he splits his time between New York City and LA.  Kevin has enjoyed a long and lucrative career in the entertainment industry.  His first major role was on the iconic Beverly Hills, 90210, where he shared the screen with Jennie Garth, Jason Priestley, Ian Ziering, and Brian Austin Green. He also guest-starred on NBC/Peacock’s Days of Our Lives.   Kevin also starred in Cop Land, where he shared the screen with iconic actors including Sylvester Stallone, Robert De Niro, Harvey Keitel, Janeane Garofalo, Annabella Sciorra, and the late Ray Liotta. He was awarded Best Supporting Actor at the 2024 Egyptian American Film Festival in New York City for his portrayal of Officer John Nelson in The Deal. In addition, he also starred in Tai, Lord Hear Our Prayer, Unveiling Shadow, and the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival-nominated film Nepotism, Baby!    Throughout this decade, Kevin starred in various vertical series. Recently, he starred in In Love with My Mom’s Boyfriend with Robert Palmer Watkins and The Legal Queen with Ben Schreen.  On this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Kevin O’Sullivan spoke about Cop Land’s upcoming 30th anniversary, working on numerous vertical series, and previewed Choleric. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

It is a pleasure to welcome singer Dawn Derow to the Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.   A New Yorker by way of Cape Cod, Dawn has been captivating audiences for more than 17 years with extraordinary versatility, moving seamlessly from Puccini to Brandi Carlile to Broadway and jazz. A graduate of the Boston Conservatory, she has performed on world-class stages including Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and London’s The Pheasantry, as well as leading New York City venues such as 54 Below, Birdland, The Green Room 42, and the Laurie Beechman Theatre. Beyond New York, she has headlined nationally at the Dakota Jazz Club, Café Centro, Provincetown’s Post Office Café, and appeared with the Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra.   Dawn Derow’s artistry has earned her three MAC Awards (including Best Female Vocalist and Best Album), a Bistro Award, and glowing reviews for acclaimed shows like Revolution, Legit: A Classical Cabaret, and My Ship: Songs from 1941. Her album My Ship won Best Album at the MAC Awards, with Cabaret Scenes hailing her as “a supremely accomplished artist” with “a remarkable range.” Her acclaimed tribute, Dawn Derow Sings Eydie Gormé (played both at Birdland and 54 below, NYC), was praised for its vocal fireworks and recently played to packed houses, cementing her reputation as one of cabaret’s most versatile performers.Equally at home on the theatrical stage, Dawn has starred as Antonia in Man of La Mancha, Cathy in The Last Five Years, Adele in Die Fledermaus, and most recently Francesca in The Bridges of Madison County at the Delray Beach Playhouse — a performance that earned rave reviews and the award for Outstanding Actress in a Mainstage Production (2025). Internationally, she has brought her cabaret artistry abroad with sold-out runs at London’s Pheasantry (My Ship, 2023; Women’s Work, 2024) and a recent premiere of Because I Can/Porque Yo Puedo in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.Expanding her creative reach, Dawn co-produces Dorothy Dandridge: The Musical and originated the role of gossip columnist Hedda Hopper in its workshop. Offstage, she teaches mobility classes, provides Thai massage, and supports older adults in wellness programs. She divides her time between New York and Florida, returning to Provincetown each summer to perform.   On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Dawn Derow spoke about the feeling of performing on Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center’s hallowed stages and her latest single, “Everything’s Going to Be Alright,” which features a surprise video appearance with Dawn’s collaborator, Sean Harkness.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

It is a thrill to welcome back my friend, Ed Eason, to the Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast. Reality TV fans first met Ed when he appeared on the inaugural season of Netflix’s The Circle. He competed alongside his mom, Tammy. While they entered the game in the eighth episode, they were eliminated on the eleventh episode.  After The Circle, Ed appeared on The Challenge 37: Spies, Lies and Allies as a replacement for Nam Vo, who was medically disqualified.   He won his first elimination with Survivor Romania alum Emy Alupei and was kept out of eliminations thanks to partners Ashley Mitchell and Tori Deal. However, Ed’s run ran out during the season’s eleventh episode when he lost to fan favorite Kyle Christie in the iconic Pole Wrestle elimination.  He returned to The Challenge 39: Battle for a New Champion. Ed won three daily challenges and survived both the Control and Chaos portions of the game but was eliminated in the middle of the season’s Conquest phase.  Recently, Ed expanded upon his passion for bodybuilding and entered the NPC Pennsylvania Muscle Championship. He came in first place in the novice Men’s Bodybuilding division, second place in the open lightweight-heavyweight division, and third place in classic physique. Ed also co-founded E3 Supplements.  On Ed Eason’s second go-around on Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, he spoke about missing The Challenge 40: Battle of the Eras and The Challenge 41: Vets & New Threats, going on a bodybuilding journey, and how E3 Supplements stand out in the fitness and wellness industries.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

It is a pleasure to welcome Shruti Sadana as a guest to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.  With a rich background both in front of the camera as an actor and behind the scenes in production, Shruti brings a uniquely holistic perspective to managing talent — one that honors the whole person, not just the career.As Co-Founder of Hey Beauti Magazine, a platform rooted in deep and authentic conversations, Shruti partnered with Nicola Haggins to amplify voices and stories that inspire real connection. She produced compelling cover shoots featuring talents like Sarah Shahi, Steve Howey, and Emmanuelle Chriqui, and conducted intimate interviews with stars including Megan Fox, always drawing out the essence beneath the surface.During the pandemic, Shruti Sadana’s journey took a powerful turn when she became certified in Quantum NLP Coaching and hypnosis. This transformative training awakened her to the profound power of healing subconscious patterns and aligned her with her soul’s true calling. Her purpose deepened further through the Beyond Bulletproof program with Evy Poumpouras, where she embraced a mission to serve artists with fierce intuition, compassion, and integrity.   Known for her intuitive insight, emotional intelligence, and unwavering commitment to her clients, Shruti is a game-changing manager who guides artists to breakthroughs not only professionally but personally — helping them rise as empowered, authentic forces in the industry.  On this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Shruti Sadana spoke about how she launched Unveild Artist Management and how this organization stands out in the entertainment industry’s performer and creator management space.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

Author’s Note: Because Karen B. Gerson and I discussed serious topics related to mental health on the podcast, if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please visit the Mental Health Hotline website or call 9-8-8.  It is a thrill to welcome my longtime mentor, Karen B. Gerson, to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast. Karen is a writer, advocate, and survivor who uses her lived experience with mental illness to break stigma and inspire understanding. Her debut memoir, I Should Not Be Here, explores the ripple effects of OCD, PTSD, and depression—not only on those who live with them, but on the families and communities who love and support them. Through honesty, vulnerability, and hope, Karen’s work reminds readers that survival itself is an act of courage. A lifelong educator and community leader, Karen has dedicated over twenty years to program development and youth engagement within the Jewish community. She has also worked extensively with First Call, an organization that reduces the impact of substance use disorder, where she serves on the Board of Directors.Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Karen earned her Bachelor of Science in K–8 Education from The Ohio State University and her Executive Master of Public Administration from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. She has lived in Leawood, Kansas, for more than 25 years with her husband, Jeffry, their two sons, Gilli and Eitan, their dog Skeye, and Stuart the "big" bunny. When she's not writing, Karen can be found watching her boys play soccer, cheering for Sporting Kansas City, practicing yoga, traveling to her favorite places like Israel and Costa Rica, and celebrating life's moments with friends and family.On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Karen B. Gerson spoke about incorporating the voices of her loved ones into her memoir and shared tips to support loved ones’ mental health journeys! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

It is a privilege to welcome actor and author Blake Cooper Griffin to the Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.  Blake’s story spans extraordinary extremes. Raised in the South, he survived bullying and conversion therapy as a teenager before navigating Hollywood as an openly gay actor long before inclusivity became an industry talking point. Despite being told by top representation that his sexuality made him “unmarketable,” he went on to book nine film and television roles in a single year — launching a career that includes standout performances in HBO’s Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, Ryan Murphy’s Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story on Netflix, Animal Kingdom, Preacher, and most recently Lionsgate’s Scrambled. His critically acclaimed role in Love Is All You Need? sparked an NPR collaboration and national speaking tour, cementing his reputation as a storyteller whose work resonates both on screen and off.  Beyond acting, Blake has built a life defined by authorship and impact. He is the founder and CEO of Brainworks, a premier educational consulting company that has helped hundreds of students reshape their futures and has served as a national surrogate for former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former President Joe Biden, and former Vice President Kamala Harris, speaking nationwide on leadership, resilience, and LGBTQ+ visibility.  On February 24, Blake Cooper Griffin will release his memoir, The Story of You: A Life Rewritten. The memoir is part cinematic life story, part practical blueprint for reinvention; written for anyone standing at a crossroads between the life they were handed and the one they want to author next. Blending emotional honesty with sharp, actionable frameworks, the book invites readers to stop performing a version of their lives and start rewriting them with intention.  On this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Blake Cooper Griffin spoke about the lessons he learned on the sets of Animal Kingdom, Preacher, and Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, and from former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. Plus, he spoke about The Story of You: A Life Rewritten’s writing process.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

It is a privilege to welcome back my friend, Kenyth Mogan, to the Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.  The Glasgow, Montana, native, now a Los Angeles transplant, released his first full-length studio album, Star Stealer.  The collection paid tribute to some of his favorite singer-songwriters, including Belinda Carlisle (“Live Your Life Be Free”), Tiffany (“I Think We’re Alone Now”), and several top artists from the 1980s and 1990s. Recently, Kenyth Mogan and the illustrator Umi Rage released My Super Fiancé. It is a genre-bending Boys Love drama that fuses superhero action with sizzling romance, mystery, and media intrigue. Set in the electrified sprawl of a futuristic metropolis known as Prism City, the story follows investigative journalist Trevor Prince and his fiancé Cole Carter—better known to the world as the vigilante superhero, MoonShadow. As love and danger collide, the two must navigate corrupt institutions, intergalactic conspiracies, and the fine line between truth and power. Told in twelve serialized episodes, each chapter is released with an original song crafted to amplify the themes, emotions, and tension of that episode—turning each release into a cinematic, multi-sensory experience. My Super Fiancé is equal parts superhero saga, queer love story, and social commentary—where power comes at a price, and passion pulls the trigger.On this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Kenyth Mogan spoke about releasing his latest book, My Dead Boyfriend, the 20th anniversary of The Phoenix Chronicles, and what fans can expect from My Super Fiancé’s soundtrack.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

It is a privilege to welcome singer, songwriter, and actress Kendra Erika to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.  Kendra’s unmistakable voice, cinematic flair, and fearless creativity have made her one of today’s compelling emerging artists. With five Billboard Top 10 dance hits, including her number one re-imaging of Laura Branigan’s “Self-Control,” Kendra has carved a signature lane in pop, dance, jazz-fusion, and sophisticated theatrical storytelling.   On February 13, Kendra released her new full-length studio album, License to Thrill. Inspired by the timeless world of James Bond glamour, the project blends cinematic jazz, sultry vocals, and modern sophistication—showcasing Kendra’s evolution from dance-floor powerhouse to a multidimensional artist with global appeal.   On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Kendra Erika shared the stories behind her most-streamed Spotify songs, how she overcame being tone-deaf to have a superb recording career, and License to Thrill.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

It is a privilege to welcome actor, model, and producer Jake Jensen to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.  Jake is a former professional tennis player turned actor, producer, sports psychologist, and mental health performance coach. He brings a rare blend of grit, intellect, and emotional depth to every role he inhabits – on screen and in life. His portrayal of Finn Larsen in Challengers is a profound statement of his ability to channel lived experience into cinematic authenticity. As a trash-talking Scandinavian tennis pro, Jensen’s character embodies the psychological warfare and raw ambition that define the sport’s most competitive tiers.  Yet Jake’s story doesn’t begin—or end—on the court. He holds a PhD in Sport & Performance Psychology and serves as a tenured professor at California State University, Northridge. His work with elite athletes, actors, and creatives focuses on optimizing mental performance through mindfulness, emotional regulation, and strategic mindset training. Whether coaching one-on-one or lecturing in the classroom, Jake’s approach is grounded, intuitive, and transformative.  As a producer and creative collaborator, Jake is currently leading the romantic fantasy drama Believe, where he stars as a war veteran entangled in a mysterious love story with Eve from the Bible. He’s also a gifted pianist and composer, scoring original work while developing new scripts that fuse psychological insight with artistic storytelling.   On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Jake Jensen spoke about the lessons that he learned from the Challengers and King Richard sets, previewed Believe and Power 98.5’s In the Actors and Athletes Studio, where he co-hosts with Steven Cuoco. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

It is a privilege to welcome back my friend, content creator, entrepreneur and podcast host Tony Berardo, to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.  Tony is a content and podcast expert. He offers various services, including sponsorship opportunities for his two successful podcasts and podcast coaching services to help people start a podcast. He also specializes in creating UGC (user-generated content) videos to help customers engage more with their websites and social media channels. Previous clients include AeroTrunk, HighKey, LifePro, Ninja Creami, and Superfat + Whole Foods.  Tony also hosts the show, Humanity & Hashtags (formerly The Berardo Project). The show focuses on what it really means to stay human in a digital age world. From wellness and mindset to social media, parenting, and productivity, he keeps it real with honest conversations, humor, and objective thinking. Previous guests include actors Annie Korzen (Seinfeld) and Whitney Caskey (HBO Max’s Somewhat Familiar), filmmaker Jason Manchester, Emmy-nominated reporter and comedian Garin Flowers, and podcast hosts Jeff Dwoskin and Natalie and Rebecca Davey (Reframeables).  Tony Berardo also launched the Human Dad brand. Human Dad was not born in a group chat looking for laughs. It was born in the quiet moments – when responsibility hits harder than you expected, and there’s no manual, no applause, and no reset button. Tony got tired of seeing fatherhood turned into a punchline – the jokes, the novelty merchandise, and the “Best Dad Ever” energy that disappears the second things get hard. Human Dad exists for the men who take that seriously – the ones breaking cycles, learning in real time, showing up exhausted, and doing the work even when no one’s watching. On this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Tony Berardo spoke about Humanity & Hashtags and the creation of the Human Dad Club.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

It is a privilege to welcome Woody Woodbeck to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.  For over 20 years, Woody has been taking the world of entertainment by storm, starting in radio and quickly expanding to TV, entertainment news, and social media. He is an TELLY, EMMY & GLAAD award winning TV producer, former producer for Dr. Phil, former member of President Obama's Leadership Council of 2012, previously a producer for former Vice President Al Gore and CURRENT TV, and has been featured in PEOPLE, OUT magazine, Entertainment Tonight, Huffington Post and The Advocate magazine for his work within the LGBTQ community, high profile events and celeb relationships.Over the past several years, Woody was part of the production teams on projects for Hulu, MTV, OWN, Bravo, and his first feature-length sports documentary. He has worked on shows like Real Housewives of Potomac (BRAVO), Queer Eye (NETFLIX), Southern Hospitality (BRAVO), The Challenge USA: Season 2 (CBS), Beyond the Pole (WEtv), Love after Lockup (WEtv), The Real World (MTV), and more.  Woody Woodbeck spent years dominating the entertainment news world as West Coast Editor-at-Large for LIFE & STYLE Weekly, coordinating producer at E! News Now, and a freelance writer for US Weekly. He hails from upstate New York, where he learned to treat everyone with respect and to wear his heart on his sleeve, allowing him to form genuine connections with anyone he meets. He is currently developing unscripted TV shows and is a producer at NewsNation.   On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Woody Woodbeck spoke about being on the ground floors of iconic Reality TV shows such as America’s Next Top Model, Project Runway, and Top Chef, his time in The Challenge universe, and how working for NewsNation is similar or different to working on Reality TV!  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

It is a privilege to welcome comedian and musician Jeff Richards to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.  Jeff is one of two cast members to have performed on both late-night comedy shows – MADTV and Saturday Night Live (SNL). On January 23, he released a 31-track collection called Don’t Know You (But I Miss You). The collection brings together the best of his music from years of projects, characters, and his alter ego, Ditto Kitto, all released under his own name.  The album swings from lo-fi 80s weird-pop to sharp, funny mini-anthems, several of which also appear in his upcoming horror comedy, Pay to Die, co-starring Robert Carradine. Jeff recently went viral with his Gary Busey impression on his show, The Jeff Richards Show (“Buttered Sausage”), pulling in hundreds of millions of views and introducing a new audience to his signature chaotic brilliance.  On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Jeff Richards talked about working on both MADTV and SNL, the stories behind several songs that are featured on Don’t Know You (But I Miss You), and previewed Pay to Die.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

A Note from Jacob: Since the recording of our podcast, Israel found and returned the body of Ran Gvilii from Gaza, marking the return of all hostages.  It is a privilege to welcome singer-songwriter Tristan to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast. Tristan is a Generation Z recording artist with a growing social media following thanks to his music and activism. Since the October 7 attacks, he has raised his voice on social media, calling out against the raging antisemitism and anti-Zionism. He also launched the We Are Dancing Again movement, which honors the victims and survivors of the Nova Music Festival who were brutally attacked by the terrorist organization Hamas.  On this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Tristan gave the stories behind his songs, including “Take You Dancing,” “We Don’t Have to Talk,” and “Some Kind of Way.” He also spoke about the We Are Dancing Again movement and his fight to combat anti-Jewish hate online.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

A Note from Jacob: Since the recording of this podcast, MTV’s Official Challenge Podcast has announced that it has concluded filming new episodes.  Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar thanks show co-hosts Aneesa Ferreira, Da’Vonne Rogers, Devyn Simone, and Tori Deal, and the Official Challenge Podcast crew for taking fans behind the scenes of the show.  For the first time ever, content creators Mike Lewis and Oscar Chark sat down together exclusively for Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.  Mike Lewis is a mental health advocate and host of The Mike Lewis Podcast. Since launching his show in March 2020, Mike has welcomed a plethora of The Challenge cast members, ranging from OGs Beth Stolarczyk, Jon Brennan, Rachel Robinson, and Syrus Yarbrough, and iconic heavy hitters Cara Maria Sorbello, Frank Sweeney Fox, Kellyanne Judd, Landon Lueck,  and Wes Bergmann, to modern cast members such as Asaf Goren, Corey Lay, Marie Roda, Paulie Calafiore, and Tula “Big T” Fazakerley.  He also welcomed Survivor alums, including Benjamin “Coach” Wade and Jessica “Sugar” Piper; 9/11 survivor Mikalia Cruz; and wrestlers Melina, Mr. Kennedy, Santino Marella, and Victoria to his platform.  In August 2020, Oscar Chark 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 special episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, both Mike Lewis and Oscar Chark talk about the issues that The Challenge franchise is facing, the fights that were left on The Challenge 41: Vets & New Threats cutting room floor, and which cast members should return to the flagship show!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

It is an honor to welcome both Weston “Wes” & Amanda Bergmann to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.  Reality TV fans first met Weston Bergmann in 2006’s The Real World: Austin. On the show, he met longtime friends Melinda (Stolp) Collins and Nehemiah Clark, and once filming completed, Weston and the rest of the Austin cast headed off to compete on the long-running MTV competition, The Challenge.  Throughout his time on the show, he appeared on 14 flagship seasons, both Champs vs. Stars seasons, The Challenge USA 2, The Challenge All-Stars: Season Three, and The Challenge: World Championship. He has cumulatively won three championships, 30 eliminations, 44 daily challenges, and $553,000.  Outside of The Challenge, Weston Bergmann also competed on several Reality TV shows. In 2024, he competed on House of Villains and finished second.  Last year, he appeared on the popular Peacock Reality TV series, The Traitors, and made it to the final four on Food Network’s Worst Cooks in America.  When he is not competing on Reality TV, Weston Bergmann is working at his company, BetaBlox. BetaBlox is a business incubator that helps entrepreneurs launch their businesses. Entrepreneurs who work with BetaBlox are statistically twice as likely to stay in business as those who don’t. BetaBlox’s combined annual client revenues have reached over a quarter of a billion US dollars!  BetaBlox also produces The Blox, a gamified, five-day educational bootcamp for entrepreneurs. The Blox is also the most intense, game-changing, community-building experience of their lives and will impact participants’ bank accounts.  In 2016, Weston proposed to Amanda at a Kansas City Royals game, and they married in June 2018.  Amanda Bergmann is a yoga teacher and fitness enthusiast who is always on the hunt for deals. She specializes in fashion, family, and food, and shares those finds with her 40K Instagram followers. Amanda has also been a massive supporter of local and regional Midwest businesses. Durrie Vision, Hy-Vee, Radiant Color Studio, Urban Egg, and Woodhouse Spa Leawood have previously been featured on Amanda’s Instagram (@nomastayinkc).  On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Weston and Amanda spoke about their proposal’s tenth anniversary, Weston celebrating 20 years on Reality TV, his iconic Pole Wrestle battle with Derrick Kosinski, and building their distinguished brands and communities. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

I am so delighted to finally welcome one of my friends and mentors, the incomparable Julie Cortés, to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast!  Julie is a copywriter by day and a freelance rockstar by night. Her journey began in 1998, when she was removed from her job. However, the event lit a fire beneath her. What started as a “What now?” moment turned into a HELL YEAH kind of career – one that she built from the ground up following her natural talent, relentless drive, and rebellious energy.  Today, Julie Cortés helps clients across the globe find their voice, own their brand, and show up like the rockstars they were meant to be.  Julie did not choose the freelance life. It chose her! Fast forward over 25 years, and Julie Cortés founded the Freelance Exchange of Kansas City, a community for solo creatives. She also built and taught a college-level Freelancing 101 course at the Kansas City Art Institute. Julie became a business coach for freelancers and solopreneurs and spoke on stages across the country.  She was also featured on various media platforms, including Clients from Hell, CNN, Great Day KC, The Kansas City Business Journal, and The Kansas City Star.  Julie won numerous awards, ranging from Innovator of the Year from the Stevie Awards for Women in Business and the Women’s Business Advocate of the Year from the Kansas Department of Commerce to being named a Small Business Superstar by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce.  On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Julie Cortés shared the origin story of Freelance Exchange of Kansas City, the creation of a Freelancing 101 course, and her efforts to combat antisemitism and anti-Zionism on social media.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

It is a privilege to welcome actress and singer Kim Yarbrough back to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar brand (and for the first time on the podcast) for the first time in 14 years!   Many Reality TV fans first saw Kim Yarbrough audition for The Voice USA: Season Two in Spring 2012. Her powerful interpretation of Chaka Khan’s “Tell Me Something Good” turned both founding coaches' chairs, Adam Levine and Christina Aguilera, around.  After joining Team Adam, Kim wowed the audience with her cover of Mary J. Blige’s “No More Drama” and advanced to the Season Two Live Playoffs.  During The Voice: Season Two Live Playoffs, she sang Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” but fell into the Bottom Three.  After delivering a superb, powerful cover of Jennifer Hudson’s “Spotlight,” the Maroon 5 frontman chose to advance Kim’s then teammate, Katrina Parker, to the Top 16.  After her appearance on the NBC talent competition, Al Roker, Hoda Kotb, and Kathie Lee Gifford interviewed her on Today, and she sang with the Roots on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Over the years, Kim dove deep into the entertainment industry. She guest-starred on several television shows, including 2 Broke Girls, 9-1-1, Hollywood Heights, Hot in Cleveland, Kenan, The Mindy Project, New Girl, Shameless, and The Up-Shaws. Kim also had recurring roles in Cherish the Day (Aunt Natalie), The Haunted Hathaways (Madame Labuef), and the animated series Kid Cosmic (Flo (voice)). In addition, Kim lent her voice to the Oscar-winning animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.  She also shared the stage and screen with entertainment industry legends, including Dennis Quaid, Loretta Devine, Octavia Spencer, Cedric the Entertainer, Stevie Wonder, Sheila E, and the late Betty White and her mentor Della Reese, who produced the stage show Della Reese Presents Kim Yarbrough, which allowed Kim to showcase her talents to the Hollywood Entertainment Community.   On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Kim Yarbrough spoke about voice acting, tutoring students in the arts, and if she would ever audition for America’s Got Talent or wait for a future All-Stars season of The Voice USA. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

The Masked Singer is back! America’s favorite celebrity competition has returned for a fourteenth helping. Host Nick Cannon and panelists Ken Jeong, Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Robin Thicke, and Rita Ora welcomed a new set of undercover performers to the show. Little do they know that Rita’s Descendants co-star, Kylie Cantrall, infiltrated the competition as the show’s first Masked Singer (MS) Insider.  Last week, she entered the competition as the Cat Witch and, along with fellow competitors Galaxy Girl, Hangman, Pugcasso, Queen Corgi, Scarab, Snow Cone, and Stingray, advanced.  However, her competitors, Googly Eyes and the Croissants, were forced to leave the show. Baseball legend David “Big Papi” Ortiz was behind the Googly Eyes costume, while the Season 14 premiere episode ended with the identity of the Croissants just about to be unmasked.  On the second episode of The Masked Singer: Season 14, fans learned the Croissants’ true identities and experienced Fear Night, where five new costumed performers – Calla Lily, Eggplant, High Voltage, Le Who Who, and Owl – made their debuts along with guest panelist Johnny Knoxville, who hosts the revival of Fear Factor: House of Fear.  Which performers joined Googly Eyes and the Croissants in the Season 14 elimination club?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

I could not be celebrating my fifteenth anniversary as a content creator and interviewer without welcoming back one of my all-time favorite guests and Reality TV alums, Paulie Calafiore, to Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar.  Paulie first made his way to Reality TV when he was cast on CBS’s Big Brother 18, where he won two HOHs and three Vetoes before being evicted on Day 66. He next made his MTV debut on the inaugural season of Ex on the Beach USA. After the show, Paulie ventured onto The Challenge: Final Reckoning, where he teamed up with Big Brother rival Natalie Negrotti. Despite being eliminated in the second and third episodes, the duo returned to the game near the season’s end, where they ultimately placed third.  He returned for War of the Worlds 1 and partnered with Natalie “Ninja” Duran and (for two episodes) Georgia Harrison. Paulie won seven daily challenges but did not make it to the finale. In War of the Worlds 2, he, along with Cara Maria Sorbello, Ninja, and series veterans Ashley Mitchell, Kam Williams, Leroy Garrett, and Zach Nichols, took command of Team USA and won four daily challenges before gassing out and finishing second.  Four years after War of the Worlds 2, Paulie Calafiore returned to CBS to compete in The Challenge USA: Season 2. Despite reconnecting with allies such as Amanda Garcia, Cory Wharton, and Wes Bergmann, and rebuilding bridges with foes including Johnny Bananas, Josh Martinez, and Tori Deal, Paulie was sent home early after losing to the seven-time Challenge champion in the Fire and Ice arena game.   Paulie returned to compete on the milestone season, The Challenge 40: Battle of the Eras, representing Era Four. Sadly, he was eliminated by his longtime rival, Theo Campbell, in the show’s classic Hall Brawl elimination. Since that appearance, he appeared with Cara Maria Sortbello on Hulu’s Vanderpump Villa and Netflix’s Pop The Balloon.   When he is not on Reality TV, Paulie owns Paulie Calafiore Management and Productions. He leads with a vision to produce original, high-quality content that resonates deeply with audiences. His company focuses on bold storytelling, creative collaboration, and the embrace of emerging technologies to push the boundaries of entertainment across television, film, and digital platforms. He is also the captain of The Soccer Tournament team, the Kingdom FC, with his brother, fellow Big Brother legend Cody Calafiore.     On his fourth go-around, Paulie Calafiore spoke about his brief time on The Challenge 40: Battle of the Eras, The Challenge 41: Vets vs. New Threats’ lackluster veteran representation, rebranding Ten Management into Calafiore Management, adding Calafiore Global and Calafiore Productions to his portfolio, and celebrating his tenth anniversary of being a part of the Reality TV community.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.