Jake's Take with Jacob Elyachar

I'm thrilled to welcome Brian Falduto back as a guest on my podcast, Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar, for the first time in six years!  

Brian is a singer-songwriter and performer whose music fuses country-pop nostalgia with candid, modern storytelling. First known for his starring role in the cult classic film School of Rock, he has since carved out his own lane as an independent artist, creating bold, resilient songs that tackle themes of identity, heartbreak, and mental health.
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From the viral “Same Old Country Love Song” to fan favorites like “Big Boys Club” and “Hottest Guy Here,” Brian’s music is playful and joyful, yet personal. With new releases ushering in his next era, he continues to turn honesty into anthems and live shows into community while expanding his catalog with an evolved, genre-fluid sound that proves nostalgia is only one part of his palette.    

When he is not recording music, Brian serves as a professional and relationship coach. He helps clients create lasting change in mindset, routines, and relationships. Whether you are managing stress, improving confidence, navigating conflict, or exploring identity, Brian’s work is structured, supportive, and focused on clear progress between sessions. Brian specializes in career strategy and lifestyle; productivity, stress, and culture; dating and relationship coaching; and LGBTQ+ exploration and attachment.

On November 13, Brian Falduto will release his extended play, I Could Be Happy. The seven-track project will include “Free Coffee,” a collaboration with Will Leet, and “You’re Tacky, and I Hate You,” a School of Rock reunion with Jack Black. On November 21, Brian will celebrate the EP’s release by doing a residency encore at New York City’s The Green Room 42. Fresh off the release of his highly anticipated EP, Brian will take the stage for a release concert featuring the soon-to-be-released originals, the covers that inspired them, and the heartfelt storytelling that has become a signature of his showmanship. Brian blends country, bluegrass, groove-forward anthems, crooner classics, and heartfelt ballads into an eclectic evening that celebrates his lifelong career and the new chapter that is right around the corner.

On this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Brian Falduto spoke about reuniting with Jack Black for a School of Rock reunion, previewing his latest extended play, and his EP Premiere Party at the Green Room 42.

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JIMMY Week continues on the Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast!  

We are welcoming the creative minds behind the 2026 biopic JIMMY.  Co-produced and directed by Aaron Burns, the film is the untold true story of America’s most beloved actor, James “Jimmy” Stewart, and the iconic role that saved him.  From winning the Academy Award for Best Actor in The Philadelphia Story to enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a combat pilot at the start of World War II.  He flew twenty missions over Europe, rose to colonel by the end of the war, and returned home broken and disheartened.  Then, George Bailey and It’s a Wonderful Life came calling.  The film stars KJ Apa as the entertainment legend, along with Max Casella, Kara Killmer, Julian Works, Sarah Drew, Rob Riggle, Jen Lilley, Neal McDonough, and Jason Alexander.  

This time, I am thrilled to welcome A New Jersey-born, Texas-transplanted writer, producer, and director, Justin, who has created everything from avant-garde art documentaries to western adventure films to cutting-edge, internationally televised live sporting events, and his work has shown everywhere from the MoMA to ESPN.   As Head of Story at Burns & Co., Justin is currently developing the animated feature, MYTHMAKERS, based on the best-selling graphic novel by John Hendrix.  

On this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Justin Strawhand spoke about working closely with Jimmy Stewart’s daughter, Kelly Stewart Harcourt, and the lessons he learned while filming Karate Combat.

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It’s JIMMY Week on the Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast!  

This week, we are welcoming the creative minds behind the 2026 biopic JIMMY.

Co-produced and directed by Aaron Burns, the film is the untold true story of America’s most beloved actor, James Stewart, and the iconic role that saved him.  From winning the Academy Award for Best Actor in The Philadelphia Story to enlisting and becoming a combat pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps at the beginning of World War II.  He flew twenty missions over Europe, rose to colonel by the end of the war, and returned home broken and disheartened.  Then, George Bailey and It’s a Wonderful Life came calling.  The film stars KJ Apa as the entertainment legend, along with Max Casella, Kara Killmer, Julian Works, Sarah Drew, Rob Riggle, Jen Lilley, Neal McDonough, and Jason Alexander.

I am thrilled to welcome JIMMY’s musical supervisor, Barry Landis, to the podcast! Barry is the President of Pivot Music (an on-demand music service for Film and TV), Executive Director of The Briner Institute (a Tennessee 501c3 think tank dedicated to helping young people influence culture), the Founding Partner of the Faith in Entertainment Guild (a networking gathering of more than 4000 people working in faith-based storytelling) and the co-founder of the Ribbow Media Group, an online marketing firm on movies such as Jesus Revolution (Lionsgate/Kingdom Story), Paul, Apostle of Christ (Sony AFFIRM), The Shack (Lionsgate), Hacksaw Ridge (Summit Entertainment), War Room (Sony TriStar) and more than 150 others.  

Before Ribbow, he was a partner in WTA (later acquired by K-LOVE) and led the marketing campaign for the theatrical launch of the first Pure Flix movie, God’s Not Dead, which earned more than $63 million at the box office.  He is the Former Associate Publisher at Howard Books/Simon & Schuster, where he published fiction and nonfiction trade books, including 5 New York Times #1s, with authors like Dave Ramsey, the Robertson family of Duck Dynasty fame, and Karen Kingsbury.  A Warner Bros. Records employee for 20 years, he was President of Word/Curb Records, where he launched POD and Plus One to multiple platinum albums and led the company in a remarkable financial turnaround by reestablishing one of the world’s leading country music artists, Randy Travis, back to prominence with the Country Music Song of the Year in 2003, “Three Wooden Crosses.” Christian Radio/Retail Weekly Magazine called him one of the Top 50 Most Influential People in America, and Worship Leader Magazine selected him as one of the 20 Most Influential Voices in Christian Music.

He is on the faculty at Belmont University in Nashville, where he teaches courses on Motion Pictures Marketing & Distribution and Record Company Operations.  He started his “Christianity in the Entertainment Industry” course there in 2000, and it is now in its 25th year as a continuous course.  He has been honored by two of the three universities where he holds degrees--in 2002 he was given the Outstanding Alumnus Award by Western Kentucky University, where he received his master’s degree, and in 2005 he was presented the Medallion Alumni Award from Mt. Vernon Nazarene University for his Outstanding Achievement in the field of Entertainment.  In the book publishing world, he contributed to Devotional Ventures (Regal Press, 2006), edited What We Want to Say to Grads (David C Cook, 2009), wrote Get Wisdom (Briner Press, May 2019), and in 2024 became the publisher of Roaring Lambs.  

On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Barry Landis spoke about working with Amy Grant, Randy Travis, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and shared his insights on working on JIMMY.

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Surprise!! I am delighted to share my latest collaboration with my friend, Marcus J. Anthony, EliteMJ_TV!  

 Marcus’s Elite-Verse has blossomed since he released the first episode of Pokémon: The Next Generation on February 21, 2024. The show takes place a decade after Ash Ketchum won the Pokémon World Championship and follows his biggest fan – Mark Masters, a Johto native who wants to follow in his footsteps.  He began his journey after picking up his Charmander, Charlie (the daughter of Ash’s Charizard), at Professor Oak’s Laboratory, with newfound friends Rachel Stone (the daughter of Daisy Oak and the late Hoenn champion Stephen Stone) and Anthony Green (the nephew of Leaf Green).  So far, Mark has earned five Kantonian gym badges and is building a team worthy of the Kanto Pokémon League.  

As the story continues, it is revealed that a mysterious organization led by Mew-Z and an enigmatic Masked Woman kidnapped Ash and Pikachu; Mew-Z is a sinister Pokémon made from DNA from Mew, Mewtwo, Zygarde cells, and unknown entities. It has killed numerous legendary Pokémon.  Only a few figures, including Mark, Rachel, Anthony, Looker, his niece Caroline, Leaf, and Goh, are aware of its existence and its vile intentions.

 Outside of Mew-Z, Ash’s disappearance has forced the Pokémon League leadership to strip him of his title and create the Champion of Champions tournament to determine who will inherit it.  Frontrunners Misty, Alan, Iris, and Tobias received a bye and will face off against first-round winners Jimmy, Kieran, Gladion, and the mysterious Riagon in the next round.  

With all these characters to keep track of, the Elite-Verse is expanding once again with NG Chronicles.  In the debut episode, my OG character is taking time away from the Champion of Champions tournament to investigate Pokémon Tower in Lavender Town.  According to Looker and Caroline, the Masked Woman has been using the landmark as a hidden base.  Meanwhile, Professor Gary Oak has also heard that the ghost of former Kantonian Elite Four member Agatha is back in the tower, and he is looking for a way to lift her curse on his family.  What will they find? Plus, don’t miss a revelation that will rock the Elite-Verse to its core!  

I want to give a special thank you to my friends, Brian and Nic, at GFM Recording Studios in Blue Springs, Missouri, for helping me to record my lines.  

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It is a privilege to welcome SHOOP as a guest on the Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

The PA-born and L.A.-based artist, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist stretches the boundaries of pop with his bare hands, leaning on an uncompromising no-fucks-given approach powered by live instrumentation, airtight songcraft, and a whole lot of attitude. 

After graduating college, the Harrisburg, PA, native bounced between jobs, saved enough to move to New York City, and pursued music full-time by 2020. Locking in with intense focus, he grinded through countless studio sessions, landing his first major placement when he co-produced “Cowboy” for Allison Ponthier in 2021.

Establishing himself as a sought-after collaborator behind the scenes, his catalog expanded with the likes of “Writing’s On The Wall” for ROLE MODEL, “CYBAH" by Syd and Lucky Daye, “Heaven” for Maude Latour, and many more. Along the way, he hit the road with Biig Piig as her drummer. He joined Junior Varsity, performing and collaborating on projects such as Junior Varsity EP, Side B, and My Star EP.

After years as a sought-after collaborator, he steps into the spotlight with his debut EP, Never Better, his first for Epic Records, with much more to come. Ultimately, SHOOP cooks up music that could make you nod your head, shake your hips, and feel a little harder all at once.

On this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, SHOOP talked about his collaborations with Junior Varsity, Role Model, and Syd, and shared the stories behind his most-streamed Spotify songs.

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It is a pleasure to welcome Sydney Segal to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast!

The Beverly Hills native-turned-New York City transplant began her Reality TV journey on Survivor 41. She was part of the dominant Luvu tribe, which avoided Tribal Council throughout the pre-merge portion of the game. After the apparent merge, Sydney won immunity, but a twist allowed eventual winner Erika Casupanan to revoke it, putting the future Challenge star in danger of being voted out. At Tribal Council, Sydney feared for her safety and played her “Shot in the Dark,” sacrificing her vote. Sadly, the risk didn't pay off, and she was voted out 5-4-3.  

Four years later, Sydney Segal found herself on the long-running Reality TV show, The Challenge. During The Challenge 41: Vets and New Threats, she formed the nucleus of the New Threats alliance with fellow Survivor alum Dee Valladares, Canada’s Ultimate Challenge alum Leka Sodade, and the show’s eventual male winner (and The Amazing Race alum) Yeremi Hykel.  Sydney won both the Runes My Life (with fellow New Threat Leo Dionicio) and Cyclone (with Yeremi) daily challenges, and for the second half of the season, she teamed up with The Challenge: War of the Worlds winner Turbo Camkiran [T]. The duo defeated show icon Ashley “Millionaire” Mitchell and Leo in the Weigh Me Up elimination and won the final two daily challenges, which secured their spot in TJ Lavin’s final; ultimately, they placed second, and she earned $25,000.  

When Sydney returned for The Challenge 42: Cutthroat (2026), she was on an island as none of her closest allies were on the season. However, this season was a team format. Gray Team captain (and Survivor winner) Chris Underwood recruited her second and found herself on a team with fellow Vets vs. New Threats alumni Leo and Adrienne Naylor, newcomer Keanu Soto, and fan favorites Cassidy Clark, Cory Wharton, and Nurys Mateo. While the Gray team won two daily challenges, an ACL injury forced her out of the season.  

On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Sydney Segal took us behind her gameplay on both The Challenge: Vets & New Threats and The Challenge: Cutthroat (2026). Sydney also spoke about traveling to all seven wonders of the world!

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It is a pleasure to welcome Jennifer Fraser to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.  

Jennifer is the creative and driving force behind Creative Canine Productions, bringing over four decades of experience in canine training, performance, and innovation. She is the first to develop and execute the integration of elite canine performance with acrobatics, dance, and theatrical staging at this level, building the concept from the ground up into a large-scale production. Through this process, Jennifer developed advanced canine training systems designed specifically for choreography, stage movement, timing, and seamless integration with human performers. She has personally trained the entire canine cast for performance, developing the trust, stability, and interaction required for complex live theatrical work.  Jennifer raises and develops each canine performer in her home and training environment as part of her daily life and family.

This past summer, Jennifer Fraser and the Acro Canine Crew took center stage on NBC’s long-running talent competition, America’s Got Talent (AGT). The Acro Canine Crew combined jaw-dropping acrobatics with synchronized dog tricks that not only had the Pasadena Civic Auditorium audience on the edge of their seats but also received a standing ovation from judges Howie Mandel, Mel B, Sofia Vergara, and (series creator) Simon Cowell. They also received a Golden Buzzer from host Terry Crews and a spot in the AGT: Season 21 live shows.  

Throughout the season, Acro Canine Crew set the standard for future animal acts, as Jennifer and her team delivered jaw-dropping, eye-pleasing performances that captured the nation’s hearts.  Eventually, the team made the Top 10 and performed in the Season 21 Finale.  

On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Jennifer Fraser recapped Acro Canine Crew’s AGT journey and previewed Creative Canine Productions’ future.

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Happy Halloween Season, everyone!  

This year, I have the privilege of welcoming the cast and creative team of the rising YouTube horror trivia game show, Better Luck Than Chuck, to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.  

Produced by Scotchworthy Productions and created by Tony Wash and Meredith Tummillo, Better Luck Than Chuck stars Alexis Allotta as the Widow, the self-proclaimed “Wittiest Witch of the Midwest,” and Adam Michaels as her sarcastic undead husband, Charlie. Better Luck Than Chuck combines horror knowledge, outrageous comedy, and nostalgic game show fun into a one-of-a-kind competition. Each episode features horror superfans battling through inventive "cate-GORY" challenges inspired by the films, monsters, and moments that have defined the genre.    

New episodes of Better Luck Than Chuck debut every Thursday on the show's official YouTube channel, inviting horror lovers everywhere to test their genre knowledge alongside contestants competing for awesome prizes. The grand prize is a trip to experience Universal Halloween Horror Nights at either Universal Studios Hollywood or the Universal Orlando Resort.

But the scares don't stop when the credits roll. Each episode will contain a hidden clue that viewers can spot while watching. Once they uncover the clue, fans can visit https://betterluckthanchuck.com/UniversalSweeps/ to submit that week's entry for a chance to win the grand prize vacation.

Adding to the excitement, each episode features special guest question readers from some of horror's biggest names, including acclaimed filmmaker Mike Flanagan, producer Chad Villella (Radio Silence), music video and film director BJ McDonnell, and additional surprise guests from across the horror community. Their appearances help bring an extra layer of authenticity and fun to every episode while celebrating the creators and personalities who have helped shape modern horror.  

On this Halloween edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Tony, Meredith, Alexis, and Ashley shared the origin story of Better Luck Than Chuck and its partnership with Universal Destinations and Experiences.  

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It is a privilege to welcome Atlanime Fest founder Tolden “Troop” Williams and CMO and Managing Partner Eli Watkins to the Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.  

Atlanime Fest celebrates Black identity and expression through anime. For a generation of Black fans raised on Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, and Atlanta rap, anime was never just something they watched. It shaped how they dress, how they talk, and the music they make. Atlanime Fest puts that culture on the main stage: cosplay next to streetwear, anime openings next to trap beats, and Black artists, animators, and creators telling their own stories. It's a space built by the community it serves, in the city that has shaped hip-hop for decades.  

The festival grew out of Trap Sushi, the Atlanta party that Tolden and Stephanie Williams founded in 2020. The first event drew 25 people. Within three years, Trap Sushi was drawing crowds of around 2,500, made up of Black anime fans, gamers, and creators who hadn't found a home at traditional conventions. In October 2025, the first Atlanime Fest brought more than 3,500 people to Center Parc Stadium. This year, it became a full weekend.  

This year’s Atlanime Fest will run from Thursday, October 15 to Sunday, October 18, and will take place at Monday Night Garage (on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday). Meanwhile, Saturday’s festivities will take place at the Underground Atlanta. Funny Marco and Pudgieee will host the main stage activities and performers such as Slim Jxmmi, Proper Frequency, Troop Brand, and Super-Duper Kyle are expected to take the main stage.   In addition to performances, attendees can see jaw-dropping anime-wrapped cars, JDM classics, and custom rides at the Car Show Showcase. Gamers can compete at Sole Play-presented Gaming Lounge, while attendees can explore Artist Alley and vendor booths.  The weekend will conclude on Sunday with a two-hour Celebrity Soccer Game and a massive closing party.  

On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Troop and Eli shared Atlanime Fest’s origin story, how this festival stands out in the convention circuit, and previewed the Celebrity Soccer Game.

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It is a pleasure to welcome Buzz Lear to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast!  

Buzz is the creator and host of The Vertical Buzz, a weekly media platform dedicated exclusively to the rapidly growing world of vertical entertainment.  A veteran television host, actor, voice artist, and media professional with decades of experience in front of the camera, Buzz has appeared in more than 40 vertical drama productions while interviewing many of the industry’s most influential creators,  executives, producers, directors, actors, and innovators.   

As Hollywood undergoes one of its biggest storytelling shifts since the rise of streaming,  Buzz offers a unique insider’s perspective on how mobile-first entertainment,  creator-driven storytelling, and new distribution models are reshaping the future of film and television. Through The Vertical Buzz, Buzz has built relationships across the entire vertical entertainment landscape—from streaming platforms and studios to producers, directors, actors, writers, investors, technology companies, and industry organizations—giving him a broad view of one of the fastest-growing sectors in entertainment.   

Buzz enjoys conversations that help audiences understand not only where the entertainment industry is today, but where it’s headed. Drawing on decades of experience in television, hosting, acting, and media, he connects emerging trends with real-world stories from the people building this new entertainment ecosystem.  

On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Buzz Lear shares lessons he learned on the sets of Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and House Detectives; gives us the 4-1-1 on vertical entertainment; and shares some of The Vertical Buzz’s most viral interviews.

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