Episodes

  • Tim Cummings TALKS ‘Alice The Cat’ & ‘The Lightning People Play’ | JTWJE Podcast #382

    Tim Cummings TALKS ‘Alice The Cat’ & ‘The Lightning People Play’ | JTWJE Podcast #382
    Aug 18 2025
    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.
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    33 mins
  • Jake’s AGT Take- EP 10: 20th Birthday Bash & Acts to Watch

    Jake’s AGT Take- EP 10: 20th Birthday Bash & Acts to Watch
    Aug 14 2025
    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 Views
    • Unreal Crew (Howie Mandel’s 2nd Golden Buzzer, WK 2) – 1.4M Views
    • Jessica Sanchez (Sofia Vergara’s 2nd GB, WK 3) – 9M YouTube Views
    • Messoudi Bros (Mel B’s 2nd GB, WK 3) – 1.6M YouTube Views
    • The Boykinz (Terry’s 2nd GB, WK 4) – 3.8M YT Views
    2) The Other Acts:
    • B Unique Crew (Dance) – WK 1
    • Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras (Band) – WK 1
    • Jonglissimo (Juggling group) – WK 2
    • Leo High School Choir (Choir) – WK 2
    • Mama Duke (Singer) – WK 2
    • Anna Saranina (Crossbow Shooter) – WK 3
    • Girish and the Chronicles (Band) - WK 3
    • Mastermind (Magician) – WK 3
    • Crash Adams (Duo) – WK 4
    • Gendai (Laser Act) – WK 4
    • Team Recycled (Dance Group) – WK 4
    • TT Boys (Acrobat Duo) – WK 4


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    29 mins
  • Nadia Younes TALKS Mariah Carey’s Influence + Songwriting | JTWJE Podcast Episode 381

    Nadia Younes TALKS Mariah Carey’s Influence + Songwriting | JTWJE Podcast Episode 381
    Aug 11 2025
    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.
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    29 mins
  • Jake's AGT Take: Season 20- Episode 9: Auditions End & Meet Your Top 44

    Jake's AGT Take: Season 20- Episode 9: Auditions End & Meet Your Top 44
    Aug 7 2025
    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.

    The auditions ended on Tuesday and for the first time, the judges revealed which acts joined the Golden Buzzer recipients who will competing for America's votes!

    On the ninth episode of Jake's AGT Take, find out why B Unique Crew, the Osso Brothers, Alex Blanchard, and Julia Hladkowicz stood out and why an opera singer started a massive prank war between Simon and Howie! Plus, the show revealed its Top 44!

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.
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    21 mins
  • Mitch Silpa TALKS ‘All Rise,’ ‘Bridesmaids’ & ‘Desperate Housewives’ | JTWJE Podcast #380

    Mitch Silpa TALKS ‘All Rise,’ ‘Bridesmaids’ & ‘Desperate Housewives’ | JTWJE Podcast #380
    Aug 4 2025
    I am so excited to welcome actor and writer Mitch Silpa to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast as part of our milestone 380th episode.

    The Los Angeles native has a rich history in the entertainment industry. At 14, he won over $20,000 on a kids’ week episode of Card Sharks, and later appeared on a College Week of Scrabble, Shop 'Til You Drop, and Hollywood Showdown. Mitch began his professional career as a member of the legendary improv and sketch comedy troupe the Groundlings.

    He starred in various films such as The Master of Disguise, Along Came Polly, The Boss, The Happytime Murders, and Loners. But moviegoers remember him the best as the Flight Attendant in the 2011 classic comedy Bridesmaids. In 2002, he starred on NBC’s The Rerun Show in various roles.

    Throughout his career, he guest-starred on 2 Broke Girls, Brothers & Sisters, Curb Your Enthusiasm, iCarly, Joey, Malcolm in the Middle, and the Will & Grace revival. He also had recurring roles on Gilmore Girls (Terrance), Desperate Housewives (Jerry), Grey’s Anatomy (Tim Ruggles), Nobodies (Ethan), and All Rise (DDA Clayton Bennett).

    On the 380th episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Mitch Silpa spoke about the lessons that he learned from the sets of Desperate Housewives, Gilmore Girls, and Grey’s Anatomy, along with his time working on Bridesmaids. He also spoke about his experience being a guest writer on Saturday Night Live and participating in podcasts such as The Neighborhood Listen and The Pack Podcast.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.
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    52 mins
  • Jake’s AGT Take: Episode 8- Howie’s Unreal Golden Buzzer, GB Exclusions & Standouts

    Jake’s AGT Take: Episode 8- Howie’s Unreal Golden Buzzer, GB Exclusions & Standouts
    Jul 31 2025
    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 eighth episode of Jake’s AGT Take, Jacob gives his hot take on the long-running NBC talent competition’s Top 20 Golden Buzzers of All-Time, which show legends should have made the list, and why Howie Mandel’s second Golden Buzzer act could win the show.

    Plus, I reveal why Unreal Crew, Darien Johnson and Scott Mathison, Silas Luke Jones, Dewayne Jackson, Chris Turner, and the Jet Boys were my standouts and preview what is to come in the final week of the auditions and how the show will celebrate its birthday!

    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
  • Jacob Skidmore TALKS ‘SKILL HOUSE’ & Dark Side of Influencer Culture | JTWJE EP #379

    Jacob Skidmore TALKS ‘SKILL HOUSE’ & Dark Side of Influencer Culture | JTWJE EP #379
    Jul 30 2025
    It is a pleasure to welcome actor Jacob Skidmore to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

    Jacob is one of Hollywood’s next breakout stars thanks to his starring turn as AJ in the popular Netflix series, Trinkets. He also provided the English dubbing voice for Mark in Boom Boom Bruno and Alex in Viaje de fin de curso: Mallorca.

    Recently, Jacob starred as Sebastian Bousman in SKILL HOUSE. Written and directed by Josh Stollberg (Spiral: From the Book of Saw), SKILL HOUSE is a horror thriller that delivers a chilling commentary on the dark side of influencer culture, taking the audience on a shocking, unfiltered journey through the dangerous obsessions with fame. Bryce Hall, Hannah Stocking, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Neal McDonough, Gunner Burkhardt, Paige VanZant, and Rumer Willis also star in the film.

    Beyond his work in film, Jacob is deeply passionate about LGBTQ representation and inclusion in entertainment, using his platform to advocate for more diverse, authentic storytelling that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. As Hollywood continues to evolve, Jacob is committed to being part of the movement pushing for meaningful change—both on-screen and behind the scenes.

    On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Jacob Skidmore previewed SKILL HOUSE, described the “dark side of influencer culture,” and reminisced about filming Trinkets.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.
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    16 mins
  • SNN’s Jon Schneider RETURNS + TALKS SNL 50th Anniversary | JTWJE Episode #378

    SNN’s Jon Schneider RETURNS + TALKS SNL 50th Anniversary | JTWJE Episode #378
    Jul 27 2025
    It is a thrill to welcome back Saturday Night Network founder and host Jon Schneider to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

    In September 2020, Jon launched the Saturday Night Network (SNN), offering insight into NBC’s long-running live show Saturday Night Live (SNL). SNN has become a top-charting North American TV Review podcast network featuring rotating roundtables starring critically acclaimed journalists from top media publications and superfans.

    In addition to hosting, Jon Schneider recruits the panelists and manages the day-to-day administrative duties, marketing, and distribution of the podcasts. He also manages a team of interns who create social media content daily for their community. As a result, SNN has become the most followed SNL podcast on social media. He also manages the logistics of booking guests and panelists for all their podcasts, ensuring they are fully prepared with show notes before each recording. The Saturday Night Network charts weekly in the top 40 TV Review podcasts in the United States and Canada and is watched by thousands of SNL fans each week on YouTube and all podcast platforms.

    SNN’s content includes its Hot Takes, where they go LIVE right after the action wraps up at Studio 8H at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York. To commemorate SNL’s fiftieth anniversary season, Jon teamed up with James Stephens on the historical mini-series Everything You NEED to Know About SNL, which breaks down the series season-by-season and reveals insights into the show’s cast members, sketches, memorable characters, and backstage stories.

    SNN also welcomed a plethora of guests with ties to the long-running NBC show. Current cast members Andrew Dismukes, Heidi Gardner, James Austin Johnson, and Mikey Day, along with previous cast members Bobby Moynihan, Chris Redd, Darrell Hammond, Denny Dillon, and Punkie Johnson, all visited the podcast’s SNL Stories.

    On this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Jon Schneider spoke about covering SNL’s 50th Anniversary Red Carpet with James Stephens, his fiery commentary on why SNL should ban Morgan Wallen, and his in-depth conversations with show icons Joe Piscopo and Fred Armisen.

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