Jake's Take with Jacob Elyachar

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.

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.

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.

It is an honor and a privilege to welcome Jane Eisner to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.  In 1980, Jane joined The Philadelphia Inquirer. For 25 years, she held various positions at the outlet, including editorial page editor, syndicated columnist, City Hall bureau chief, and foreign correspondent.  From 2006 to 2008, she served as the vice president of the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.   In 2008, Jane Eisner joined The Forward as editor-in-chief, the first woman to hold the position at America’s foremost national Jewish news organization. The publication dramatically expanded its digital reach, becoming the authoritative source of news, opinion, arts, and culture in the Jewish world. The publication won numerous regional and national awards, and her editorials were repeatedly honored by the Society of Professional Journalists and other media organizations.  She is known for her interviews with notable figures, including former U.S. President Barack Obama, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, and the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.  After leaving The Forward, she served as the director of academic affairs at the Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University, overseeing the Master of Arts program, and was an adjunct professor at the J School.  Jane is also a contributor to The Washington Post’s Book World and wrote for Columbia Journalism Review, The New York Times, The Atlantic, AARP Magazine, The Boston Globe, The Los Angeles Times, TIME, The Jewish Chronicle, and other major news outlets. She also leads her expertise as a consultant to newsrooms, synagogues, and nonprofit organizations.  On September 16, 2025, Jane released Carole King: She Made the Earth Move. Her book is the first biography of the iconic singer-songwriter. Drawing on numerous interviews as well as historical and contemporary sources, She Made the Earth Move brings to life King’s professional accomplishments, her personal challenges, and her lasting contributions to the great American songbook.  On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Jane Eisner spoke about her work on The Philadelphia Inquirer and The Forward, interviewing Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and the lessons she learned about Carole King throughout the 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 music producer and podcast host Tony Mantor to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.  The Madison, Maine native first arrived in Nashville as a touring sideman for country music sensation Ronnie McDowell in 1976.  Since that time, Mantor has progressed and evolved into an award-winning music producer and artist developer, recording and placing 33 songs into the Top 40, and 16 songs into the Top 10 of various U.S.-based major music charts, including Billboard, Indicator, Mediabase, Cashbox & Music Row Magazine. He’s worked with artists like Debby Campbell (daughter of Glen Campbell), Bobby Brooks Wilson (son of Jackie Wilson), Happy Days star & singer Donny Most, country recording artist Sam Austin, and country recording artist Mila Mason.  He is inspired to find ways for his music and production skills to make a difference in people’s lives both personally and professionally. Mantor’s 2021 self-written and produced song “Why Not Me” became the inspiration behind the launch of a podcast series dubbed Why Not Me The World, focusing on Autism awareness, acceptance, and understanding.Since its launch in 2023, the podcast has been downloaded over 750,000 times across 82 countries and more than 1,500 cities worldwide.   It has featured a worldly group of autism thought leaders, medical professionals, celebrity guests from the world of music and entertainment, parents, and others from the Autistic community. In 2024, Mantor debuted his second self-produced podcast, Almost Live…Nashville. Turning his attention back to the world of entertainment, music and TV, Mantor hosts thought-provoking and behind-the-scenes stories with celebrity guests and industry professionals who share how they’ve achieved their own success and continue to sustain.  On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Tony Mantor spoke about his upcoming 50th anniversary in the music industry, his podcast – Why Not Me?, and his work with Autism Digest. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

America’s Got Talent (AGT)’s 20th Anniversary Season has concluded!Earlier this year, thousands of acts auditioned for the chance to impress producers. Only a select few were invited by show producers to appear in front of veteran judges Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Howie Mandel, and Mel B. 10 acts received an immediate ticket to the live shows thanks to the Golden Buzzer. At the same time, 34 had to wait for the deliberations.  Then, we had the live shows, as for the second year in a row, four acts (Steve Ray Ladson, Mama Duke, Micah Palace (seriously, what was Simon thinking?), and Team Recycled) received the live Golden Buzzer, which immediately took them to the AGT: Season 20 live finale.   After last week’s semifinals, Chris Turner, Jessica Sanchez, Jourdan Blue, Leo High School Choir, Light Wire, and Sirca Marea punched their tickets to the finale!  Which acts rose to the occasion? Who took home the $1 million prize? Who joined Terry Fator, Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr., Kenichi Ebina, Paul Zerdin, Darci Lynne, Shin Lim, Kodi Lee, the Mayyas, and Richard Goodall in the AGT Winners’ Circle?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 alt-pop recording artist and producer ROHAN to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.  ROHAN was an Australian kid with big dreams. Indian parents raised him in Australia and Singapore. He was introduced to music through Australian Idol and Green Day’s American Idiot, which led him to explore computers and front bands in Melbourne and Singapore.  After high school, he moved to California and attended Stanford to continue exploring his love for technology and music. Now, out of his own studio in San Francisco and pulling inspiration from Australian recording artists such as Skeggs, 90s R&B and hip-hop such as Ms. Lauryn Hill, and contemporary pop artists like Dominic Fike, he’s ready to officially introduce himself with his own blend of Australian indie rock with R&B, electronic, and folk musical influences that form his self-produced confessional alt-pop anthems.  Earlier in 2025, ROHAN opened for Chappell Roan’s favorite pop artist, Devon Again, at her sold-out show in San Francisco. He also opened for Contradash, Frex, and Marco Luka.  In October, he will be supporting Will Paquin when he visits the city.  On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, ROHAN spoke about performing alongside Green Day, overcoming challenges while staying in the music industry, and shared the stories behind some of his most-streamed Spotify songs.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 Max Bartos and Chelsea Turbin as guests for a special edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.  On Sunday, September 21, Max (from Sing Street) and Chelsea (from Off-Broadway’s Little Shop of Horrors) will join an all-star lineup of performers at the New York City-based 54 Below to celebrate the 21st anniversary of Green Day’s iconic album, American Idiot, and its subsequent Broadway musical. Max co-produced this tribute concert with director/producer Laura Pietropinto and actor Matt DeAngelis. The two explosive shows mark over two decades since the band released the Grammy and American Music Award-winning album, and a decade since the curtain fell on its musical counterpart.  With music supervision from Moulin Rouge and SpongeBob SquarePants alum Julie McBride and music direction by Sean Pallatroni, the shows will offer unforgettable performances of classic tracks, storytelling moments, and a nostalgic journey through the themes of rebellion, hope, and the quest for identity that American Idiot so brilliantly encapsulates.   In addition to Max, Matt, and Chelsea, there is Tony Award-nominated and Green Day superfan Derek Klena; Van Hughes, a member of the Original Broadway Cast and the first national tour who starred opposite Billie Joe Armstrong; and other American Idiot Broadway and tour alumni, including Gerard Canonico, Nicci Claspell, Francesca Granell, Carson Higgins, Brian Charles Johnson, Brandon Kalm, and Johnny Newcomb. Broadway standouts such as J. Antonio Rodriguez (Hadestown), Taylor Iman Jones (Six), Teddy Grey (The British Invasion), Dillion Klena (Jagged Little Pill national tour), and Trent Saunders (Disney’s Aladdin, Hadestown, and Dead Outlaw) are also involved.   On this special edition of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Max Bartos and Chelsea Turbin preview the 54 Below celebration, the first time they heard Green Day’s American Idiot, and share their most memorable moments from participating in the regional and touring productions.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

America’s Got Talent (AGT)’s twentieth anniversary season is winding down!We are closing in on the finale, and 11 acts vied for the right to join Steve Ray Ladson, Mama Duke, Micah Palace, and Team Recycled in the hunt to inherit Richard Goodall’s crown and sash.    AGT Insider dropped that the Live Semifinal Golden Buzzer that was previously announced earlier was scrapped, and that the top six vote getters will be advanced to the finale by America’s votes!   Who will be performing for America’s votes one final time? Listen to the latest Jake’s AGT Take to find out!  Next week, the AGT: Season 20 Finalists will battle it out for the show’s iconic prize - $1 Million– and join Terry Fator, Paul Zerdin, Darci Lynne, Shin Lim, the Mayyas, and Richard Goodall in the Winners’ Circle. 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 filmmakers Dave Rosenberg and Susan Gornell to the Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.  Dave and Susan are the filmmakers behind Bridging the Gap. The documentary shows Dave (a Los Angeles liberal Democrat) and Susan (an Iowa Conservative Republican) set off on a trek across the country with the intention of bridging the gap between the two parties. At a time when families, friends, and colleagues across the country are being torn apart based on political persuasion and ideology, Dave Rosenberg and Susan Gorrell see this crisis as an opportunity to come together and recognize that we’re more alike than we are different. We also explore the role of social media and the general media in exacerbating the divide between Democrats and Republicans. In addition, Dave and Susan explore their friendship despite their differing political opinions, and how that can serve as an example for other Americans struggling with partisan antipathy.   Throughout the documentary, Dave and Susan traveled across the United States of America with a film crew. From June 23 to July 15, the production team went to Los Angeles, Phoenix, Santa Fe, Denver, Kansas City, Nashville, Charlotte, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City.  Dave Rosenberg and Susan Gorrell spread their message across various media outlets across the country. They appeared on The Jeff Kennedy Show, Making Sound with Jann Klose, and Straight Talk Live with Dr. Marissa (the “Asian Oprah”).  On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Dave Rosenberg and Susan Gorrell shared the Bridging the Gap film’s origin story, the obstacles that the film crew overcame during the production process, and the interview subjects that stood out to them.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

America’s Got Talent (AGT)’s twentieth anniversary season’s live shows are underway!Already, Mama Duke, Steve Ray Ladson, and Micah Palace have punched their tickets to the finale thanks to the live Golden Buzzers!On Tuesday, 11 acts competed for three spots in the AGT: Season 20 semifinals.Also, Howie Mandel awarded the fourth live Golden Buzzer to Team Recycled!Next week, the Semifinals begin! The judges will have a final live Golden Buzzer to give away, and for it to be used, all of them MUST BE UNANIMOUS!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 Ben “The Bane” Davis as a guest on this special The Challenge edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast!  Ben is an extreme sports broadcaster who provides play-by-play for UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, and Misfits Boxing.  Recently, he made his Reality TV debut on The Challenge 41: Vets vs. New Threats.  Ben began his Challenge journey by joining his fellow New Threats, such as Ayoleka “Leka” Sodade, Cedric Hodges, Dee Valladares, Gabe Wai, Sydney Segal, and Yeremi Hykel, and legendary veterans such as Aneesa Ferreira, Cara Maria Sorbello, CT Tamburello, Derrick Kosinski, Olivia Kaiser, and Turabi “Turbo” Camkiran by climbing a Chilean mountain to get to the house.  For the first few episodes of the season, the New Threats partnered up with veterans, but after each elimination, they had to change partners. He played “Mud Ball Madness” with four-time finalist Nany Gonzalez, “Side by Side” by Challenge All-Stars finalist Nia Moore, and “Water Tower” with two-time champion Cara Maria Sorbello.  However, Ben’s most significant moment in the game was when he teamed up with The Challenge USA finalist and iconic Survivor alum Michaela Bradshaw on the “Amazed” daily challenge, and THEY WON! Under their watch, new threat Gabe Wai sent home show icon and seven-time champion Jonathan Potassium…I mean Johnny Bananas.    Sadly, Ben’s luck took a turn for the worse when he teamed up with Olivia. The partnership seemed promising on paper, but when they faced the “Dirtballer” daily challenge, they finished near the back of the pack. With her UK alliance, Olivia plotted to sacrifice Ben and become the Hangnail to save her ally, Derek Chavez, who was up for elimination. After two intense vote-offs, host TJ Lavin flipped a coin, and Ben was sent into the Arena, where Chavez eliminated him in a Hall Brawl inspired by the film HIM.   On this special edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Ben “The Bane” Davis spoke about being cast on the long-running MTV reality competition, winning with Michaela, Olivia’s betrayal, speaking with Leka on his Do Not Resuscitate Podcast with Riley Osborne, and previewing his first Challenge Mania Live appearance.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

 Author’s Note: Because Brandon Bronaugh 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 privilege to welcome Brandon Bronaugh to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast. For the last 10 years, Brandon has been known as a fixer for people buried alive by extreme hoarding. He is one of the resident experts on the hit A&E and Netflix streaming show, Hoarders. Both on camera and off, Brandon and his team of more than 200 experts are called in to help when families and loved ones are at the end of their rope because of the extreme hoarder in their lives. He is the first person in America to create a company that tackles hoarding holistically, bringing in mental health experts, clean-up crews, realtors, construction, location placement experts, and healthcare companies to tackle the issue from all angles. He doesn’t just help hoarders. He rescues families.In addition to rescuing hoarders on TV, Brandon Bronaugh has helped rescue more than 8,000 hoarders across the U.S., bringing peace, comfort, and support to countless others. He and his team of experts handle everything from extreme hoarding, home neglect, and disrepair to trauma and mental health challenges, physical health issues, displaced individuals and families, and elder transitions, managing basic and complex cleanouts, full property acquisitions, relocations, and counseling.On this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Brandon Bronaugh spoke about starting his company, Life Cycle Transitions, how he joined the A&E and Netflix series, and his most memorable moments on Hoarders. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

America’s Got Talent (AGT)’s twentieth anniversary season’s live shows are underway! Already, Mama Duke and Steve Ray Ladson have punched their tickets to the finale thanks to the live Golden Buzzers!  On Tuesday, 11 acts competed for three spots in the AGT: Season 20 semifinals. Also, Simon Cowell awarded Micah Palace with the third live Golden Buzzer.  More AGT: Season 20 semifinals will be revealed, and show legends, including Lindsay Stirling and The Clairvoyants, will provide the entertainment on Wednesday’s results show.  I will also catch up with my friends at AGT Time Pod to discuss the results. 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 singer Micah Christian to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.   Micah is the singer of the Billboard charting classical-crossover quartet, Sons of Serendip. In 2014, the group made its nationwide debut on the long-running NBC talent competition, America’s Got Talent (AGT). Their emotionally resonant and ethereal interpretations of pop music, arranged with a unique blend of vocals, harp, piano, and cello performances, won over the nation and judges Howie Mandel, Mel B, and former judges Howard Stern and Heidi Klum.     After placing fourth in Season Nine, the group released four successful albums (Sons of Serendip, Christmas: Beyond the Lights, Life + Love, and Mosaic) and lifted audiences both nationally and internationally. Micah and Sons of Serendip collaborated with Cynthia Erivo, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops, and the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra. The group also performed at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards and closed out the Denver, Colorado, stop at Oprah Winfrey’s 2020 Vision Tour.  In 2022, the quartet was invited to represent the United States in Dubai at EXPO 2022.  On this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Micah Christian previewed  Sons of Serendip’s latest tour, why the band did not compete on America’s Got Talent spin-offs, AGT All-Stars, and AGT: Fantasy League. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

The America’s Got Talent (AGT): Season 20 live shows are underway!  Each week, a new set of quarterfinalists battle it out for America’s votes. At stake are three spots in the Season 20 semifinals! However, one act will advance to the 20th anniversary season’s live finale thanks to the Golden Buzzer! This week, XXXXX awarded YYYY a spot to join Steve Ray Ladson (Sofia Vergara’s pick) in the finale!  Which acts rose to the occasion? Who advanced to the semifinals? Listen to the latest edition of Jake’s AGT Take to find out!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

I am delighted to welcome back singer-songwriter Laura Bryna to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.  The Nashville-based country rock artist continues her rise as one of the most exciting voices in today’s music scene.  Known for her powerhouse vocals, larger-than-life presence, and raw, emotional storytelling, Laura blends bold country roots with pop and rock influences to create music that feels both timeless and fresh.  This past June, she dropped “Blue Jean Crazy” during the CMA Fest Week in Nashville, where she brought the house down with performances at both the Fan Fair X Spotlight Stage and the Opera Plaza.  Earlier in 2025, Laura Bryna released the genre-bending Cambo-produced “Painkiller,” “RISE,” an empowering classic-country collaboration, and genre-defying artist Common Tribe. On August 22, she dropped a remix of “Painkiller” that was produced by global DJ + producer Sam Feldt, which positioned her at the forefront of the rising Country-EDM crossover moment.  She also continued to deliver superb live performances. Laura performed at LA Pride in Los Angeles and sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” in front of 30,000 fans at a sold-out MLS game in Columbus, Ohio. She also made appearances on NBC’s Today in Nashville and ABC’s Good Morning Nashville, which recognized her as an Artist to Watch.  Laura also commits to giving back to her community. She performed for troops overseas and actively supports organizations like Homes For Our Troops, Musicians on Call, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a cause close to her heart.  On this edition of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar, Laura Bryna caught us up on what she has been up to, shared the stories behind her most streamed songs on Spotify including “The Night We Met,” her cover of Joan Jett’s “I Hate Myself for Loving You,” and spoke about “RISE,” a collaboration with Common Tribe.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 award-winning writer Tim Cummings to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.  Tim is the author of the multiple-award-winning coming-of-age novel, Alice the Cat, published by Fitzroy Books. It was chosen as an American Book Awards 'Best Book' Finalist for 2023, received a Bronze Medal in the 2024 Feathered Quill Book Awards, and is a Finalist in both the 2024 National Indies Excellence Awards for Teen Fiction and the Independent Author Network's Book of the Year Awards. He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University Los Angeles and a BFA from NYU/Tisch School of the Arts.Since 1984, he has appeared in over 200 projects across theatre, film, television, voice-over, and new media. Recent publications of short fiction, essays, and poetry include F(r)iction, Scare Street, Lunch Ticket, MeowMeow PowPow, From Whispers to Roars, Drunk Monkeys, Hare's Paw, Lit Angels, and Critical Read/RAFT, for which he won the ‘Origins’ contest for his essay, “You Have Changed Me Forever.” He teaches writing for UCLA Extension Writers' Program, The Townies Inc. in Ojai, runs private workshops, and coaches authors. He lives in Los Angeles with his partner of 19 years and their dog. Tim grew up with a severely epileptic brother. His name was Matthew. They shared a room growing up. The seizure scenes in The Lightning People Play between Kirby and Baxter are drawn from real life. Matthew succumbed to epilepsy in the summer of 1997 when he died of complications caused by a grand-mal seizure. He was 26. With this story, Tim manifested a different destiny for Matthew–and for his heart. On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Tim Cummings shared his origin story and how both Alice the Cat and The Lightning People Play teach essential life lessons to its readers.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! America’s Got Talent (AGT) is 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. NBC’s long-running talent competition celebrated its 20th anniversary on television with a birthday party that welcomed back several notable alumni and gave out some interesting information from the show’s storied history.  On the tenth edition of Jake’s AGT Take, I talk about the birthday party and which alumni should have received an invitation. Also, for the first time this season, I reveal which Season 20 acts received the Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar seal of approval!A)       Season 20 Acts to Watch:  1)        The Golden Buzzers:  Jourdan Blue, Singer (Howie Mandel’s 1st Golden Buzzer, WK 1) – 6.3M YT Views  LightWire (Simon Cowell’s 1st Golden Buzzer, WK 1 ) -  2M ViewsUnreal Crew (Howie Mandel’s 2nd Golden Buzzer, WK 2) – 1.4M ViewsJessica Sanchez (Sofia Vergara’s 2nd GB, WK 3) – 9M YouTube ViewsMessoudi Bros (Mel B’s 2nd GB, WK 3) – 1.6M YouTube ViewsThe Boykinz (Terry’s 2nd GB, WK 4) – 3.8M YT Views  2)        The Other Acts:  B Unique Crew (Dance) – WK 1Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras (Band) – WK 1Jonglissimo (Juggling group) – WK 2Leo High School Choir (Choir) – WK 2Mama Duke (Singer) – WK 2Anna Saranina (Crossbow Shooter) – WK 3Girish and the Chronicles (Band)  - WK 3 Mastermind  (Magician) – WK 3Crash Adams (Duo) – WK 4           Gendai (Laser Act) – WK 4    Team Recycled (Dance Group) – WK 4       TT Boys (Acrobat Duo) – WK 4Become 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-songwriter Nadia Younes to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.  Nadia is an independent recording artist, songwriter, and dancer from Saratoga, CA. Before stepping into pop and R&B, Nadia studied classical music and performed in Operas and musical theatre while also training in ballet and competitive dance. In 2019, she released her debut single, “You Can’t Love Me at All.” This ultimately led her to Los Angeles in 2020, where she collaborated with young artists as a songwriter, mentor, choreographer, and backup dancer. Nadia is featured on rapper Conejo’s song “H.O.P.E,” earning a GRAMMY nomination for Best Gospel Performance Song. She can also be heard on the theme song for season three of YouTube’s Austin High series, upcoming independent film soundtracks, Warner Chappell’s “Cover Nation” pages, and on Kevin Bacon’s forthcoming film, Connescence.  In June 2024, Nadia Younes opened for American R&B singer, songwriter, and record producer Jon B. at the first-ever Independent Artists Music Awards (IAM Awards). In September 2024, she released her first-ever EP, Anybody but You, in collaboration with 3013 Music. With many more to come, Nadia released her first single of 2025, “One Day,” in partnership with The Kickback Music.Nadia draws inspiration from musical legends such as Ariana Grande, Chaka Khan, Mariah Carey, and the late Whitney Houston. Her music creatively blends the nostalgic sound of early 2000s R&B and Soul with contemporary pop elements to craft a distinctive, catchy, and danceable style that appeals to both older and younger audiences alike.  On this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Nadia Younes spoke about her musical influences. She shared the stories behind some of her most streamed Spotify songs, including “Tombstone” & “Cruise.”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.