Jake's Take with Jacob Elyachar

It is a pleasure to welcome screenwriter and director Wes Miller to The Jake's Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

Wes is an upcoming filmmaker exploring America's ongoing social and cultural problems. He specializes in exploring pulpy slices of Americana violence through the eyes of flawed characters. Raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Wes was a three-sport athlete. He attended college at the University of Memphis-Lambuth and was an All-Conference cornerback. After college, Wes Miller went to law school, and after raising his son as a single father and graduating towards the top of his law school class, he worked as a civil rights trial lawyer.

In 2015, Wes left his law practice and began ultimately honing his skills as a visual storyteller. In 2016, Prayer Never Fails was nominated for several awards at various film festivals, including the Long Beach International Film Festival. In 2018, he released Rivers Runs Red, which starred Taye Diggs, George Lopez, and John Cusack. The film won several awards, including Best Dramatic Film at the Downtown Los Angeles Film Festival. Wes's next movie, the western Hell on the Border, starred David Gyasi, Ron Perlman, and Frank Grillo. It was screened at multiple film festivals and for numerous Historical Black Colleges and Universities. He was also awarded Best Director of an Independent Film in 2020 at the Hollywood & African Prestigious Awards for his 2019 movie Atone.

On July 6, BET+ will premiere his latest action thriller, Call Her King. The film follows Judge Jaeda King (Naturi Naughton), who just sentenced Sean Samuels (Jason Mitchell) to death when the courthouse is hijacked by Sean's brother, Gabriel, who is known as the criminal kingpin Black Caesar (Lance Gross). The Judge must then rely on her wits, strength, and skill to find a way to end the standoff, save the hostages, and fight her way out. The film also stars Johnny Messner, Nicholas Turturro, Tobias Turvillion, Garrett Hendricks, and Shiobann Amisial.

In this edition of The Jake's Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Wes Miller previewed Call Her King, including Judge Jaeda and Sean Samuels' complex relationship.

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It is a pleasure to welcome actor, screenwriter, and director Max Talisman to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

Growing up in Washington, DC, Max was always true to himself, and having a close relationship with his parents, he felt comfortable and supported to live his life in the arts and as an openly gay man. He started performing in the third grade and participated in musical theatre, including productions at the Musical Theatre Center (MTC), one of the leading performing arts education organizations for young people in the Washington DC area. It was the moment when he played the second lead role in the through-composed musical Caroline, or Change that he felt theatre was his calling. Max also grew up celebrating his cultural roots as a Jewish man with his family, celebrating the high holidays every season.

Consumed by wanderlust and curiosity for cultures, Max has traveled worldwide, from Argentina to Zimbabwe, Austria, Germany, Italy, England, Iceland, Greece, Africa, and Costa Rica. With a life of travel, art, and hobbies, Max hopes to incorporate all his current and future life experiences into all he does. He has a keen love for sports, and when he’s not watching games on TV or at stadiums, he’s out on the tennis court and credits Serena Williams as his role model.

Max Talisman will release his new film, Things Like This, later this year. He wrote, directed, and starred in the movie. Things Like This answers the questions about what happens when you fall in love in a big city, and suddenly you experience misunderstandings, a reckoning with destiny, and all the turmoil that arises in a relationship. The Generation Z/Millennial gay romantic comedy speaks to the Queer community and shares a universal message of love and how we all run away from those most need. Actors Cara Buono, Bridget Regan, Eric Roberts, Charlie Tahan, Joey Pollari, and Jackie Cruz will join Max in the film.

In this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Max Talisman spoke about Things Like Us and gave his take on the Writer’s Guild of America’s strike and why he is a Screen Actors’ Guild member.

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It is a pleasure to welcome Gerard Longo back to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

Gerard is the founder of the Underground Music Collective (UMC). The journey to the UMC’s founding started in the summer of 2013. He worked in New York City as a contractor at a major corporation, and the commute between New Jersey and NYC had burnt him out, so he looked for a creative outlet. One night in August, he decided to listen to episodes of his college radio show called The Quinn Spinn. At the end of the evening, Gerard found his outlet. He decided to restart the show but decided to focus more on independent artists. Gerard turned to Twitter and asked dozens of artists if the podcast could feature their music, and surprisingly, several said: “Yes.”

The second volume of The Quinn Spinn welcomed a crazy cast of characters and featured interviews with musicians on five continents that led to over 100 pieces of programming from 2013 to 2015. In May 2015, the show took a hiatus as he moved to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he wanted to dig into the arts and culture. In January 2016, Gerard Longo launched the Lehigh Valley Underground (LVU), serving eastern Pennsylvania and western New Jersey music scenes. They overgrew locally, and the LVU expanded to regularly host and sponsor events while capturing awards for our work in the community.

Near the end of the Summer of 2018, several life events and his experience in the music industry made Gerard want to take the platform to another level. He decided to move to an “industry town,” as it would be the only way to connect our content and the artists it serves to the greater musical world. In November 2018, Gerard Longo re-branded LVU as the UMC to help provide content and resources applicable to music professionals worldwide. He also moved to Nashville in search of a new adventure. Since moving to Nashville, UMC has developed partnerships with major brands, including CAA (Creative Artists Agency), Universal Music Group, Red Bull, and the Tennessee Titans.

Gerard Longo talked about founding the Creative Agency at UMC and described what he looks for in creators to join the UMC-Verified team. He also shared why making his debut on iHeartRadio was a full-circle moment.

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It is a pleasure to welcome singer-songwriter and instrumentalist Hunter Blair Ambrose to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

Originally from New York and currently residing in Los Angeles, Hunter Blair Ambrose began displaying a profound love for the performing arts from the earliest years, starting at 5. What started as singing and studying music became formal vocal lessons, piano training, and continuing to study music and theater through grade school, high school, and college. Hunter’s professional career in pop began at 17 years old under the mentorship of Grammy Award-winning producer Narada Michael Walden.

After recording and co-writing her first tracks as a solo artist with Narada from 2013 to 2014, Hunter attended the Berklee College of Music. While studying there, she met several producers, writers, and engineers, eventually forming a core team to create her first studio EP and album Scorpio Rising (2020) and Scorpio Season (2021). The lead single, “November,” became viral and featured an interpolated sample of Lady Gaga’s 2010 hit “Alejandro.”

Inspired by Ariana Grande, Charli XCX, Dua Lipa, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and the Weeknd, Hunter relates to artists who put effort into stylized content that correlates with their art. Blending illustrious production with often visceral lyrics to bring her audience into her artistic universe, Hunter is known for her powerful vocals, vast range, and provocative visual to her artistry.

In this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Hunter Blair Ambrose spoke about the lessons she learned from Narada Michael Walden and the stories behind her songs, including her latest single: “Runaway.”

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It is a pleasure to welcome Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter Julian King as a guest on The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

Julian is a Philadelphia native, proud Aquarius, preacher’s kid with virtuoso vocals, dance moves to die for, and a skillful musician. In 2019, Julian auditioned for The Voice USA’s sixteenth season. His cover of Jon Bellion’s “All Time Low” received the attention of Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony-winning superstar John Legend, who blocked founding coach Adam Levine from getting him. He soared in the Battle Rounds, but Julian was eliminated in the Live Cross Battles.

Outside of The Voice USA, Julian King was a backing vocalist for his Voice coach, Monica, and Syleena Johnson. He also served as an opening act for Daley + 100.3 RnB Fest featuring Keyshia Cole, Mary J. Blige, and Talib Kweli. He was also the runner-up in Billboard and Samsung NXT 2.0 contest, featured in a Timberland Black History Campaign and as a House of Pride McDonald’s performer.

Julian wrote and performed the theme song: “All Boys Aren’t Blue” for the short film of the same title. All Boys Aren’t Blue is based on George M. Johnson’s New York Times bestselling memoir and is a poetic visual representation of growing up Black and non-binary. The piece highlights three pivotal moments in George’s life that shaped their understanding of their place in the world. Nathan Hale Williams adapted the movie, and the short film and the theme song were nominated for Daytime Emmys.

In this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Julian King spoke about his experience on The Voice and his reaction when he learned that “All Boys Aren’t Blue” was nominated for the Daytime Emmys.

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It is a privilege to welcome Reality TV OG Syrus Yarbrough as a guest on the Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast’s 230th milestone episode!

Syrus made his Reality TV debut on MTV’s The Real World: Boston. Four years after the show finished, he had his first experience on the long-running competition series The Challenge. He won the Extreme Challenge as a part of Team Real World with Dan Renzi, Jamie Murray, Julie Stoffer, Kameelah Phillips, and Rebecca Lord. Following his debut, Syrus Yarbrough competed in Battle of the Sexes, The Inferno (where he made it to a final), The Gauntlet 2, and The Ruins. He accumulated 29 daily wins, won an elimination challenge, and $30,333. Recently, he returned to the Paramount+ spin-off: The Challenge: All-Stars and competed in the first and third seasons.

When he is not competing in The Challenge, Syrus runs RZA Entertainment LLC. The boutique entertainment company offers assistance in bringing clients’ visions to life. RZA Entertainment LLC’s team successfully created birthday parties, corporate events, and wedding receptions. The creative unit focuses on casting for Reality TV shows and music video along with writing for television shows. Finally, RZA Entertainment is getting ready to launch Reality Versus, allowing Reality TV fans to get up close and personal with their favorite stars.

Syrus is also the owner of Black Designer Clothing. The Black Designer Clothing team is a group of experienced entrepreneurs from all different backgrounds who enjoys shopping for their favorite items online including t-shirts, hats, and the hoodies. It has become a fast-growing, customer-focused online store with customers worldwide.

In the Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Syrus Yarbrough spoke about his experience with The Challenge franchise and how he started RZA Entertainment LLC.

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For the first time in nine years (and making his Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast debut), I am so happy to welcome back to my platform – Micah LaCerte!

Micah is the co-owner of the online personal training program Hitch Fit, the Hitch Fit transformation gym, with his wife, Diana Chaloux LaCerte. The Hitch Fit Online Plan has helped clients worldwide with customized nutrition plans and workouts for clients of all ages and fitness levels. Their programs range from Lose Weight Feel Great and Look Like a Fitness Model or Bikini Model to Couples Weight Loss and Vegetarian Weight Loss.

Kansas Citians can work with Micah, Diana, and their team of personal trainers at two locations: one in Downtown Kansas City and the other in Parkville, Missouri. The Hitch Fit Gym is Kansas City’s number-one gym of transformations! Clients can transform their lives and bodies through 12 to 16-week transformations for men, women, and children who need to get in better shape to save their lives or are already in a good place but want to be at a better place. During the interview, Micah LaCerte revealed that their Kansas City and international clients have cumulatively lost 600,000 pounds of fat.

In 2022, Micah and Diana LaCerte partnered with Rockbody Retreats co-founders Travis and Brittany to organize a retreat in Puerto Vallarta. Rockbody Retreats start with a foundation of faith that pours into every other aspect of life. Their retreats and experiences encourage and challenge participants to level up their spiritual and physical fitness, personal development (including marriages and relationships), and business.

In this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Micah LaCerte spoke about Hitch Fit’s growth, shared his most remarkable transformation, and how Rockbody Retreats survived its most significant storm.

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It is a pleasure to welcome photographer Lucas Xu to The Jake's Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

Lucas will debut in the United States with his innovative photographer exhibit from July 15 to July 29, 2023, at 1350 Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice, California. Experimenting with multiple approaches, techniques, software, and artistic practices, Lucas Xu shares his passion for understanding cultures has taken him into communities, where he has immersed himself in their stories and documented their lives. He aims to continue new and ongoing exhibitions with a focus on creating new opportunities for artists while building community awareness. Beginning his photography journey by capturing people on the streets, Lucas developed a distinctive approach to his craft, perceiving the world through his own eyes.

Lucas Xu's work reflects his deep reverence for the world and the people who inhabit it. With every camera click, he captures moments that resonate with the viewer, evoking emotion and inspiring curiosity. Through his lens, he offers a glimpse into humanity's rich and diverse tapestry, inviting us to share in his journey of discovery. For Lucas, photography is not just light and geometry; the photos, to him, sing their melodies. He hopes his expression is clear and precise, yet also with a subtle sense of confusion.

In the latest edition of The Jake's Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Lucas Xu spoke about when he got into photography and previewed his Venice, California exhibit.

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It is a privilege to welcome TV personality, writer, and producer Kara Alloway to Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast!

After graduating from Canada’s McGill University, Kara was hired by Conde Nast’s ALLURE Magazine in Los Angeles. Under the tutelage of ALLURE founder Linda Wells, she worked as an assistant West Coast Editor. Kara quickly became known for her writing contributions, sharing her perspective on the fashion and beauty worlds with a journalistic approach and investigating the topics honestly and objectively.

Kara was recruited back to Canada and became editor-in-chief of INGEUNE Magazine, which under her direction, had the fastest growth in circulation in Canadian publication history for the teen target demographic. In addition, she also hosted a daily fashion and beauty radio show, wherein content included interviews with such icons as Stella McCartney, Laura Mercier, Phoebe Philo, Zac Posen, Diane Von Furstenberg, Bob Mackie, and Oscar de La Renta.

In 2017, Kara Alloway appeared on the Real Housewives of Toronto. She innately understood the workings of reality television content and carried the show, prompting several journalists reviewing the franchise to ask, “Without Kara, would there even be a show?” Upon completing work in front of the camera, she signed with Electus in Los Angeles to produce unscripted content. In 2019, Kara joined Hanger 56 Media in Los Angeles to continue her role as an executive producer.

On May 30, Kara Alloway will release her new book: Most Hated. The book follows three women who try to change their lives in the ruthless world of Reality TV through the hot docu-soap Talk of the Town. Most Hated received high praise from Real Housewives icons, including Jill Zarin, Kathy Hilton, and Vicki Gunvalson.

In this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Kara Alloway spoke about the lessons she learned from talking to fashion icons such as Bob Mackie, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Oscar de La Renta and previewed Most Hated.

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It is a privilege to welcome singer-songwriter Lisa De Angelis to The Jake's Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

Based in Brisbane, Australia, Lisa is a firecracker, quickly cementing herself as one of country music's most unique, exciting voices today. A Southern Gothic base, hints of Justin Townes Earle, Shakey Graves, and Townes Van Zandt, Sierra Ferrell lashings, and Ennio Morricone dusting make up her signature sound: sweeping, cinematic Americana/Blues-Roots music. Lisa's art and path would always be unconventional – and she only picked up a guitar for the first time in 2017.

Since graduating from the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA) 's prestigious Academy of Country Music and playing her first Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2019, Lisa De Angelis has toured with and opened shows for some of Australia's best performers, including Phil Jamieson (Grinspoon), Steve Kilbey (The Church), Amber Lawrence, Hayley Jensen, Catherine Britt, and Melody Moko.

A mentee of Australian country music heavyweights Fanny Lumsden and the Flood's Kevin Bennett, Lisa's debut and sophomore songs have garnered airplay on ABC Country, CMT, and KIX Country Radio. Last month, she released her third single: "My Sister's Blue Suitcase," which Lisa recorded and co-produced with her partner Paul Bain at their Brisbane private studio. The release comes on the heels of a forced six-month hiatus for Lisa after a lengthy illness in 2022 took the hearing in her left ear.

The devasting loss barely slowed her roll, though; Lisa was back touring with Amber Lawrence, playing Brisbane's Ekka, and being accepted into AIR's Women in Music Mentorship Program in the second half of 2022. Scrappy, vulnerable, and heartfelt, "part Judy Garland, part Saturday Night Live comedian," Lisa is currently recording and co-producing her debut album, due for release in 2024.

In this edition of The Jake's Take's with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Lisa De Angelis spoke about the stories behind her songs: "Tumblin' Back," "Hunger Pains," and "My Sister's Blue Suitcase." She also talked about breaking into both the Australian and international music markets.

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