Episodes

  • D’Andre McKenzie TALKS ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ + The Way Network | JTWJE Special #19

    D’Andre McKenzie TALKS ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ + The Way Network | JTWJE Special #19
    Nov 24 2025
    Welcome to a special edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast!

    Today, we welcome D’Andre McKenzie to the podcast! A Lee’s Summit, Missouri native, D’Andre McKenzie began his career as a Defensive Back (jersey number 29) for the University of Missouri Tigers football team. After graduating with a double bachelor’s degree in mass communication + Media Studies and English, D’Andre worked as an actor in the Kansas City metropolitan area before relocating to New York City.

    In 2023, D’Andre made his Reality TV debut on Netflix’s Squid Game: The Challenge’s first season. He wore the 288 jersey in hopes of beating out 455 other players to win the show’s prize of $4.56 million, the largest prize in TV competition history. While he survived in the inaugural game of “Red Light, Green Light,” he made it into the dormitory. Sadly, his luck ran out when his group failed to reach a unanimous consensus during the Dalgona challenge.

    Also in 2023, D’Andre McKenzie started the Way Network and The D’Andre Way. He covered major events such as the NFL Draft, the WNBA Draft, and the NBA Playoffs. His presence enhanced fan experiences at games and events by inserting them into the conversation surrounding the experience. He created channels on social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and built a combined total of 20,000 followers and over 5 million engagements.

    On this special edition of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, D’Andre McKenzie shared his experience on Squid Game: The Challenge’s first season, going viral on social media, and potentially competing on other Reality TV shows.

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    42 mins
  • Bryan James TALKS ‘Youthful Daze,’ ‘GH’ & Alex Forrest | JTWJE Ep #398

    Bryan James TALKS ‘Youthful Daze,’ ‘GH’ & Alex Forrest | JTWJE Ep #398
    Nov 20 2025
    It is a pleasure to welcome actor Bryan James to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

    A California native, Bryan James grew up all over the state, living everywhere from San Francisco to San Diego. James did a lot of theatre growing up in different areas of the state. When he moved to Hollywood, he joined the Ivana Chubbuck Studio. Bryan took his first step in the professional acting world when he starred in the Discovery Health Channel’s Mystery ER. From 2012 to 2016, he created, produced, and starred in the popular web series Youthful Daze, in which he portrayed Drew Castle and his split personality, Joshua. The Calabasas, California-set series also starred Chrishelle Stause, Rick Hearst, Jen Lilley, Eden Riegel, and Mike Manning. He also hosted TMI Hollywood for five episodes, starred as Officer Mark Jenkins in Bloodbath, and guest-starred on General Hospital and AppleTV+’s Palm Royale.

    On November 21, Bryan will star in the psychological thriller Reckless. The film is a bold, razor-sharp reimaging of the cult classic Fatal Attraction. The film dives deep into obsession, betrayal, and the dangerous unraveling of desire against the glossy backdrop of California. In the movie, Bryan James portrays Alex Forrest, a magnetic television star whose affair with Dan Gallagher (four-time Emmy-nominee Max Ehrich), spirals into a chilling game of cat and mouse. When passion turns into fixation, Alex’s charm transfigures into manipulation and violence, which threatens Dan’s marriage with Beth (Rachel Fox), career, and sanity in a modern cautionary tale that explores how intimacy, fame, and digital exposure collide.

    On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Bryan James reminisced about his time on Youthful Daze, the lessons he learned from being on the sets of General Hospital and Palm Royale. He also previewed his take on one of cinema’s greatest villains.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.
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    27 mins
  • Jennifer Harper TALKS ‘Soul Alive’ & Songwriting | JTWJE Podcast 397

    Jennifer Harper TALKS ‘Soul Alive’ & Songwriting | JTWJE Podcast 397
    Nov 17 2025
    It is a pleasure to welcome singer-songwriter Jennifer Harper as a guest on the latest edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

    Raised in a musical family in Washington, D.C., Jennifer was drawn to the piano from a young age. Her early influences included the sounds of Simon & Garfunkel, Cat Stevens, and Joni Mitchell, which she taught herself to play by ear. This early passion for music set the stage for a lifelong journey of creative expression and healing. Jennifer’s artistry is both contemplative and assured, a blend of her classical training and deep connection to the healing power of music. Her album, Soul Alive, reflects this duality, offering a soothing, mantra-like sound that resonates with listeners on a profound level.

    Created with the guidance of NY producer Matt Anthony, the album captures Jennifer’s personal transformation during the pandemic and channels themes of hope, healing, and positivity. Over the years, Jennifer’s work has gained recognition in notable outlets such as No Depression, BuzzFeed, and Songwriting Magazine. Her performances have graced legendary venues across the U.S., from Rockwood Music Hall and The Cutting Room in New York to The Mint in Los Angeles. Icon Roquel “Billy” Davis has mentored her, collaborated with and performed alongside world-renowned musicians, and appeared on large stages at March for Our Lives rallies, further solidifying her influence in the music world. But Jennifer’s journey isn’t confined to music alone.

    After discovering Human Design and the Gene Keys, she spent two years studying them intensively. Now, she blends her musical talents with spiritual guidance to support women worldwide in reaching their full potential. Through her Soul Blueprint Activations and Sacred Frequency Recalibrations, Jennifer offers transformative experiences that merge frequency, sound, and energy work. Her Sacred Frequency Recalibrations are designed to amplify clarity, ground energy at the cellular level, activate DNA, clear ancestral blocks, and magnetize true potential.

    A proud mother of three grown children, Jennifer finds joy in nature, healthy living, and inspiring others. As she continues to build momentum for Soul Alive, Jennifer remains committed to her mission of healing and empowerment through her music and spiritual work.

    On this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Jennifer Harper revealed her musical influences, Soul Alive, and the stories behind her most-streamed Spotify songs.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.
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    44 mins
  • Yeremi Hykel TALKS Marines Journey & ‘The Challenge 41’ | JTWJE Podcast #396

    Yeremi Hykel TALKS Marines Journey & ‘The Challenge 41’ | JTWJE Podcast #396
    Nov 10 2025
    Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar salutes all the veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces. Thank you for your service and sacrifices.

    It is a pleasure to welcome Yeremi Hykel to the podcast! A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Yeremi first appeared on Reality TV on The Amazing Race 35, which aired in 2023. He partnered with his brother, Navy veteran Liam, who had been estranged for years. The first leg saw the duo start racing from the Hollywood sign and finish in Thailand, where they placed eighth out of 13. The duo was nearly eliminated in Vietnam, but fortunately, it was a non-elimination leg. Sadly, Yeremi and Liam were sent home after the Race took them to India. Throughout the competition, Yeremi completed two roadblocks, while his brother completed three challenges.

    Two years later, Yeremi headed to The Challenge to compete on the long-running Reality TV competition’s forty-first season, Vets vs. New Threats. Yeremi made a name for himself when he completed the opening challenge – climbing the mountain to get to the Challenge House. Throughout the season, Yeremi showcased his leadership abilities and became one of the New Threats’ strongest leaders in the house. He won both the “Cyclone” daily challenge with fellow New Threat Sydney Segal and the “Running Man” daily challenge with partner Aviv Bruno. He also competed in the “Pull It Together” elimination challenge against two-time Challenge champion Jonna Mannion and New Threat Gabe Wai, and won. When Yeremi is not competing, he is a model signed with the Block Agency, a fierce competitor in various fitness competitions, and a world traveler.

    On this Veterans’ Day edition of the Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Yeremi Hykel shared his U.S. Marine Corps journey, why he and Liam were constantly near the bottom of the pack on The Amazing Race, and took us behind the moves during the first weeks of The Challenge 41: Vets vs. New Threats.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.
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    56 mins
  • Becky Wilson CELEBRATES Jake’s Take’s SIXTH ANNIVERSARY | Episode #395

    Becky Wilson CELEBRATES Jake’s Take’s SIXTH ANNIVERSARY | Episode #395
    Nov 6 2025
    Six years ago, I launched a new venue, The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

    The podcast has welcomed guests across the entertainment and lifestyle industries. The guests have ranged from Emmy-winning journalists such as Anne Trujillo, Elex Michaelson, and Michael Mackie, and Emmy-winning actor Mike Manning, to Tony-winning producer Evan McGill and Reality TV legends such as Beth Stolarczyk, Derrick Kosinski, Ethan Zohn, Jon Brennan, Mark Long, Rachel Reilly, Rob Cesternino, and Syrus Yarbrough. I am incredibly grateful to all the publicists and talent management teams who trusted me with their clients.

    I am grateful for the friendships that I built along the way with my podcasting colleagues and guests. They include my friends over at AGT Time Pod, Brent Wolgamott (who was my first guest), Challenge Historian’s Jacob, Challenge Mania’s Derrick and Scott Yager, Drew Angelman, Josh Skinner, Matt Cohen, Mike Lewis, Paige of Most Likely & TikTok, Tony Berado, and Wes of Thinking Critical.

    I want to thank my dear friends and family who supported my podcasting journey, especially my mom, Gloria, my dad, Matthew, my brother, Aaron, my sister-in-law, Whitney, my nephew, Nash, my nieces, Emory and Kennedy, and my doggy nephew, Maxwell. Finally—and most importantly—I want to thank you—the listeners from over 80 countries—for taking time out of your schedules to watch and listen to my content! I am grateful for your continuous support.

    For my sixth anniversary episode, I am delighted to welcome my longtime friend, Becky Wilson! Becky runs WDS Marketing and Public Relations. WDS is a boutique agency with a unique and proven niche. Their focus is on helping savvy entrepreneurs and clever business owners tell their stories. Results included increased awareness, enhanced credibility, and new relationships in the business community. Becky leverages media, accolades, events, and other prime opportunities to elevate client brands and help them become known in the most positive, dynamic, and delightful ways. WDS received honors from the Kansas City Business Marketing Association’s Fountain Awards program and the Kansas City Public Relations Society’s Prism Awards. Becky Wilson has been honored twice by the U.S. Small Business Administration as a regional “Women Business Champion.”

    She is the co-founder of the Kansas City Council of Women Business Owners (KC-CWBO), which was designated as one of the most outstanding women’s business organizations in the United States by the Stevie Awards for Women in Business. WDS offers pro bono and discounted services to select nonprofit and business organizations each year. We have recently assisted the Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center, the Center for Spirit at Work, and the KC-CWBO. They also volunteer for committee work and currently serve on the membership committee of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Kansas City.

    On the latest edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Becky Wilson shared WDS Marketing and Public Relations’ origin story. She also talked about her passion for America’s Got Talent (AGT).

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.
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    33 mins
  • Mike Manning TALKS Skipping ‘The Challenge,’ ‘Beyond The Gates’ & Filmmaking | JTWJE Podcast #394

    Mike Manning TALKS Skipping ‘The Challenge,’ ‘Beyond The Gates’ & Filmmaking | JTWJE Podcast #394
    Nov 3 2025
    It is an honor and a privilege to welcome two-time Emmy-winning actor, producer, and writer Mike Manning to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

    Television audiences first met Mike when he joined the cast of MTV’s legendary Reality TV series, The Real World: D.C. After completing filming, he dove into the entertainment industry. He appeared on Crash & Bernstein, Hawaii Five-0, Major Crimes, Teen Wolf, The Haves and Have Nots, and This Is Us.

    Daytime television fans know Mike from his work on the popular web soap opera The Bay (Caleb McKinnon), Days of Our Lives (Charlie Dale), and the groundbreaking CBS soap opera, Beyond the Gates, where he portrays investigative journalist Bradley “Smitty” Smith.

    Mike also started Mannifest Productions to connect audiences with entertainment that matters by developing and producing films, TV, and new media projects that not only aim to change the world but also open hearts and minds through art. He began his producing career with the documentary Kidnapped for Christ alongside Tom DeSanto. The film won several awards before being shown on Showtime and was responsible for legislation in California and other states to protect children from abuse at “camps for troubled youth.”

    He also produced Jinn, Son of the South, M.F.A., and Folk Hero & Funny Guy. His homeless youth documentary Lost in America, starred Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry, Grammy-winning songstress Jewel, Rosario Dawson, and Tiffany Haddish. Meanwhile, The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson, directed by Oscar-nominated David France, was released as a Netflix Original after premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival.

    Outside of the entertainment industry, Mike works with nonprofits that advocate for the poor, the environment, and equal rights. In 2010, Mike Manning lobbied Congress in Washington, D.C., on behalf of the Human Rights Campaign. Since then, he has received proclamations from the New York City Council in recognition of his cause-related work.

    On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Mike Manning spoke about why he chose acting over The Challenge, being a part of the Beyond the Gates family, and several Mannifest Productions, including The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson and Lost in America.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.
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    35 mins
  • A CONVERSATION WITH MEW-Z | A Collaboration with Elite MJ – HALLOWEEN 2025 SPECIAL

    A CONVERSATION WITH MEW-Z | A Collaboration with Elite MJ – HALLOWEEN 2025 SPECIAL
    Oct 27 2025
    Happy Halloween, everyone! For the first time (and in podcasting history), I will be entering the Pokémon world!

    All thanks to my friend, Marcus J. Anthony (Elite MJ)! Marcus has written a phenomenal fan fiction series, Pokémon: Next Generation. The series is set ten years after Ash Ketchum won the Pokémon World Championships. Inspired by Ash Ketchum, Johto native Marc Masters is on his own journey in the home region of his hero. Together with his friends Rachel and Anthony, they are currently traveling across Kanto with unique goals. Along the way, Marc has won four gym badges from Forrest (Brock’s youngest brother), Rain (Misty’s cousin), Sgt. Sara (Lt. Surge’s daughter), and Skorcha (Blaine’s grandfather).

    In addition to earning gym badges, Marc uncovered a threat that could destroy the Pokémon world: this threat’s name is Mew-Z. This Pokémon is unlike any creature that inhabits this world; it is pure evil. This monstrosity was the brainchild of Team Rocket leader Giovanni and brought to life by the sinister Dr. Yung and Evice, using genes from Mew, Mewtwo, Zygarde, and unknown factors. While it is powerful, Mew-Z has not reached its final form. According to Looker, for Mew-Z to reach its full potential, it must absorb both Mew and Mewtwo in one hour. The creature has begun hunting down mythical and legendary Pokémon, as well as Zygarde cells, to boost its power. Both Jirachi and Tapu Koko have fallen victim to this monstrosity. He is also growing a following and assisting him with his misdeeds are Evice and a mysterious, red-haired woman named Commander, who kidnapped both Ash Ketchum and Pikachu at the series’ beginning.

    For the first time, Mew-Z broke its silence and is the guest on the 2025 Halloween episode. But how did I get to the Pokémon world? Did I survive my podcast conversation with Mew-Z? Listen to find out!

    I want to thank Marcus J. Anthony for voicing Mew-Z and, most importantly, animating this whole episode. Also, shout out to Addison and Kohi for providing the voices of Commander and Evice, respectively.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.
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    14 mins
  • Katie Bain TALKS Working at Billboard & Coachella Book | JTWJE Podcast #393

    Katie Bain TALKS Working at Billboard & Coachella Book | JTWJE Podcast #393
    Oct 23 2025
    It is a privilege to welcome author and journalist Katie Bain to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

    For over 15 years, Katie has covered the global dance and electronic music world scene. Her work has appeared in The Guardian, VICE, RBMA, L.A. Weekly, Flaunt, and many other publications. She is currently the director of dance and electronic coverage and senior music correspondent at Billboard. Katie wrote more than a dozen cover stories on recording artists, including Justice, Justin Bieber, Peggy Gou, Swedish House Mafia, and the Weeknd. She also reported stories from 13 countries and has done countless interviews with musicians, both legendary and rising. In 2016, Katie received a Cosmic Sister grant to report on traditional plant medicines in the Peruvian Amazon, and earlier this year, she received the first-ever FEMME HOUSE award for music journalist of the year.

    On October 21, The Quatro Group published her new book, Desert Dreams: The Music, Style, and Allure of Coachella. The coffee table book features over 150 iconic photographs and insights from music industry veterans. The book also discusses the festival’s fashion trends and viral looks, the legendary performances including Beychella and No Doubt, and iconic stories such as former it-couple Kristin Stewart and Robert Pattinson’s relationship, Harry Styles’ surprising team-up with Shania Twain, and the appearance of a hologram of Tupac Shakur.

    On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Katie Bain spoke about her work at The Guardian, L.A. Weekly, and VICE; her high-profile features with Justin Bieber and the Weeknd; and Desert Dreams: The Music, Style, and Allure of Coachella’s writing process.

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