I always enjoy welcoming my friend, Drew Angelman, as a guest on the Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast. 

Drew is the creator of Angelcake Entertainment. He has covered the popular MTV reality competition series, The Challenge, since Final Reckoning and many of its spin-offs, including The Challenge: All Stars, The Challenge: USA, and The Challenge: World Championship. Drew also gave fans crash courses on some of the show’s top icons, including Derrick Kosinski, Jenna Compono, Johnny Bananas, Leroy Garrett, Tori Deal, Zach Nichols, and the late Diem Brown. He also delivered a three-part documentary on two-time champion Cara Maria Sorbello and a five-part documentary on five-time champion Chris “CT” Tamburello.

He also addressed some of the franchise’s biggest rumors, ranked the show’s seasons, and dissected how Wes Bergmann and Kenny Santucci’s legendary rivalry continues to impact the franchise. Drew Angelman also conducted interviews with cast members. Adam Larson, Alyssa Lopez, Brandon Nelson, Jonna Mannion, Josh Martinez, Dr. Kefla Hare, Kyland Young, Michele Fitzgerald, Paulie Calafiore, Steve Meinke, and Troy Cullen are among the individuals who have visited his platform. Fans can watch and listen to their whole conversations on Drew’s Patreon.

On this special episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Drew Angelman spoke about The Challenge: Battle of the Eras winners, The Challenge All-Stars 5: Rivals, and his five-part CT documentary.

We also previewed the show’s forty-first season, The Challenge: Vets & New Threats, as we revealed our draft teams.

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 Emmy-winning actor, director, filmmaker, and advocate Yuval David to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

As an actor, Yuval has dazzled audiences with his roles on hit TV shows such as Days of Our Lives (Peacock), Feud (FX & Hulu), Madam Secretary (CBS), The Michael J. Fox Show (NBC), The Plot Against America (HBO), and Unforgettable (CBS).  He worked on the long-running ABC News series What Would You Do from 2011 to 2018 and appeared in several films such as Awakening of Spring, Beauty and the Beast, The Fifth Estate, and You.  Yuval also performed in The Game on Broadway and several off-Broadway productions of Bunburry, Daddy Issues, Leaving an Impression, and Romeo and Juliet. Yuval regularly does voice-overs for animation, commercials, documentaries, industrials, and narration.

Yuval David is also a news commentator on broadcast news programs, speaking about social and political issues and causes, often talking about civil rights, social justice, and entertainment and media. These have been on major national, international, and regional news networks and programs, including on US broadcasts on ABC, CBS, CNN, FOX, NewsNation, and NBC, in Israeli broadcasts on i24, Achsav, ILTV, Keshet, Kan, and Reshet.  Yuval’s writings have appeared in publications including AM New York, The Hill, Instinct Magazine, The Jerusalem Post, The Jewish Week, Out Magazine, Queerty, and other international publications. In addition to his work in entertainment and media, Yuval is a passionate advocate and activist. Advocacy for the marginalized and underrepresented is a driving force, along with his focus on Jewish, LGBTQ, humanitarian, arts, and creative initiatives. He uses his innovative work as a vehicle for the greater good on behalf of highly respected American, Israeli, and international organizations.

On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Yuval David spoke about his work on ABC’s What Would You Do?, a potential revival of his popular YouTube series Better World with Yuval David and gave his honest opinion on how the pro-Israel community can do better tackling the rising antisemitism and anti-Zionism spun out of the October 7 attack.

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.

On the seventh episode of Jake’s AGT Take, I revealed my seven standouts of the week – Jessica Sanchez (who made her return to the show after 19 years!)- Sofia Vergara's second Golden Buzzer act,  Xi'An Acrobatic Troupe, Sirca Marea, the Boykinz - Terry Crews' second Golden Buzzer act, GRV Dance Team, Crash Adams, Sandra Risser.  Additionally, I delved into why Anne Wilson's audition polarized the fan base.

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

A Note from Jacob:  375 podcast episodes! I never expected to record 375 interviews when I first sat down with reality TV and pop culture commentator Brent Wolgamott in November 2019.  I never thought that best-selling authors, an Emmy-nominated director, Emmy-winning journalists, podcast hosts, Reality TV icons, a Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, a Tony-winning producer, and viral social media sensations would take the time out of their schedules to share their stories with me and my audience.

Thank you to all my guests and their respective media teams who trusted my platform; I am genuinely grateful.  Most importantly, I want to thank you, the listeners, who checked out my conversations.  I appreciate all of you, and I hope that we can continue this journey together for the next 375 episodes.

I am beyond thrilled to welcome back my honorary podcasting older brother, actor and comedian Scott Yager, and welcome first-time guest “The Godfather” Mark Long for the 375th episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

Scott hosts the Challenge Mania Podcast. He, along with his co-host, three-time The Challenge champion, Derrick Kosinski, breaks down the happenings of the long-running MTV show The Challenge and sits down with cast members to discuss their time on the reality TV competition. Cara Maria Sorbello, CT Tamburello, Frank Sweeney Fox, Johnny Bananas, Jonna Mannion, Paulie Calafiore, Rachel Robinson, Tony Raines, Tula “Big T” Fazakerley, Veronica Portillo, and Wes Bergmann are some of the cast members who sat down with Scott and Derrick for in-depth conversations.  He also co-hosts both Disney Mania and Survivor Mania with co-host Lindsay Arber, while giving his takes on the wrestling world on The Heel World. Derrick and Scott also host Challenge Mania Live, a traveling live show where they bring cast members to meet fans and share stories about their time on the show.

One of Challenge Mania Live’s frequent guests (and occasional Challenge Mania Live co-host) is Reality TV icon Mark Long. Nicknamed “The Godfather,” Mark became a household name 30 years ago when he was among the first group of young adults to travel across the country on Road Rules: USA – The First Adventure.  Four years later, he competed on The Challenge’s sophomore season, where he won as a part of Team Road Rules. In 2002, Mark returned to The Challenge to co-host the first incarnation of Battle of the Seasons with Eric Nies. He won his second championship on Battle of the Sexes and made it to the finals of both The Gauntlet 2 and The Duel II.  Over his career, Mark won 35 daily challenges, two eliminations, and earned $81,184.

Mark was instrumental in organizing the viral “We Want OGs” campaign, which paved the way for The Challenge: All-Stars, a show that brought together cast members from the original Real World and Road Rules series. He competed in two seasons, made it to two finals, won four daily challenges, and three eliminations. Mark serves as one of the show’s executive producers.

On Sunday, July 27, Scott and Mark will host a special edition of Challenge Mania Live at the Brea Improv that will celebrate Road Rules’ thirtieth anniversary. Confirmed panelists include Robinson, Portillo, Tina Barta, Darrell Taylor, Shane Landrum, Susie Meister, Katie Cooley, and Kefla Hare.

On the 375th episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Scott Yager and Mark Long preview the upcoming celebration, The Challenge: Vets vs. New Threats, and I asked if The Challenge would adapt an America’s Got Talent Golden Buzzer twist to the show.

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.

In the sixth episode of Jake’s AGT Take, I revealed my four standouts of the week – Anna Saranina, Gendai, EDT Dance Group, Birmingham Youth and Youth Fellowship Choir (Simon Cowell's 2nd Golden Buzzer act),  Bay Melnick Virgolino, and Mike Munz. I also give a special shoutout to Austin Brown, who redeemed himself after an awful performance.

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 Michael Lazar to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.  

Michael is a Miami-based singer-songwriter whose music blends pop, theater, and poetry into something deeply personal. His critically acclaimed debut album, 51/49, chronicled an 18-year journey through grief, reinvention, and healing – an autobiographical song cycle born from Michael’s move to New York City to study musical theatre at NYU, his countless Broadway auditions, and even a devastating apartment fire.   His latest extended play, Daydreaming, is scheduled for release on July 25, 2025. The title track combines wistful piano melodies with atmospheric synths while capturing the emotional pull of imagined love.

The full EP expands on the themes introduced in the single, offering a cohesive six-song journey through longing, hope, and personal transformation. From the golden-hour shimmer of “Magic Hour” to the pulsing ache of “Want Me Back,” Lazar crafts a pastel-toned sonic world grounded in vulnerability. The EP also features a reimagined version of “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” a tender reflection in “By My Side,” and concludes with “Life of the Butterfly,” a poetic meditation on growth and letting go.

All six tracks were written, performed, and produced by Lazar. The EP was mastered by Michael Banks of UEFO, whose previous work on Lazar’s 2021 debut album, 51/49, helped establish the warmth and emotional clarity that have become hallmarks of his sound.  

On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Michael Lazar spoke about Daydreaming’s recording process, performing alongside future Avengers actor Chris Evans and Scott Evans, during his childhood. He also explained why he declares Britney Spears, Jewel, and Tori Amos make up his trifecta of inspiration.

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.

In the fifth episode of Jake’s AGT Take, I revealed my six standouts of the week – Duo Stardust (Sofia Vergara’s first Golden Buzzer act of Season 20), The Bodyguards, Bill Taylor & The Appalachian Heathens, Tom Sandoval and the Most Extras, Chuck Adams, and the Benn Family Band.  

Additionally, I give kudos to Andrea, who broke a notable world record.

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 content creator Mark Christie to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.  

Mark is known in the social media world as Mark Chrispy. He has built a following that includes 1 million YouTube subscribers and 1.3 million TikTok followers thanks to his quick-witted commentary on viral videos. Fans devour his takes on topics that range from outrageous food creations, such as cheesecake fries and homemade salted chocolate chip toffee cookies, to extreme do-it-yourself craft projects. He is also a father, gym rat, and Reality TV superfan.  

In our latest episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Mark spoke about his most viral YouTube Shorts, his passion for fitness, and his goal of appearing on reality TV. We also talked about our love for The Challenge, and I revealed which two controversial Reality TV alums – a three-time Survivor castaway and one-time Challenge champion – could have a Tom Sandoval redemption season on Peacock’s The Traitors.

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.

In the fourth episode of Jake’s AGT Take, I revealed my seven standout acts of the week – Duo Soma, Mastermind, Jonglissimo, Loco Papa Familia, Steve Ray Ladson, Mama Duke, and Terry Crews's first Golden Buzzer act, dance quartet The Funkateer Dancers.

Meanwhile, Mel B has high expectations, and she said "No" to several acts. She also had an unhappy reunion with show icon Wes-P, who delivered a risque and vulgar audition.

Plus, a Bravo superstar and a Traitors fan favorite is going to audition for NBC's long-running talent competition next week!  

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