Episodes

  • Tim Johnson, Jr. TALKS ‘The Four,’ ‘Everybody Still Hates Chris’ & Music | JTWJE Podcast 364

    Tim Johnson, Jr. TALKS ‘The Four,’ ‘Everybody Still Hates Chris’ & Music | JTWJE Podcast 364
    May 8 2025
    It is a privilege to welcome Tim Johnson, Jr., to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

    Philadelphia native Tim Johnson, Jr. has established himself as a dynamic singer, songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and actor. At just 10 years old, Johnson’s talents led him and his family to Las Vegas, where he landed the coveted role of Young Simba in Disney’s The Lion King.

    In 2018, Tim captivated audiences as a semi-finalist on FOX’s The Four: Battle for Stardom, reaching millions worldwide. Since then, he has continued to carve his path in the music industry, independently releasing singles, EPs, and two albums, all written and produced alongside his father. His signature blend of R&B, pop, and soul resonates deeply with his growing fan base, while his electrifying stage presence brings undeniable energy to every performance.

    In addition to his recording career, Tim’s acting career continued to flourish with roles in Everybody Still Hates Chris (Paramount), Saturdays (Disney), Ballers (HBO), Meet the Blacks 2 and Fist Fight (Lionsgate), FBI (CBS), and critically acclaimed films such as We Were Meant To (Sundance 2023) and “Pens and Pencils” (2023 NAACP Image Award nominee). His commercial credits include major brands like Nike, Apple, Verizon, Baskin-Robbins, and Sprite.

    On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Tim Johnson, Jr. spoke about his experience on The Four: Battle for Stardom and American Idol, songwriting, and voicing Young Chris on the animated series Everybody Still Hates Chris.

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    28 mins
  • Victor Ray PREVIEWS I AM North America Tour | Episode #363

    Victor Ray PREVIEWS I AM North America Tour | Episode #363
    May 5 2025
    It is a pleasure to welcome international recording artist Victor Ray to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

    Born in Uganda and raised in Newcastle, England, Victor started busking in high school and soon began writing songs rooted in his autobiographical yet resonant storytelling. Over the years, he’s amassed a global following and earned major acclaim from the likes of The Observer (“a muscular yet vulnerable voice aching with heartbreak”), Clash (“his star shines brighter with every subsequent release”), and BET (“one of the most breathtaking young talents of today”). With his passionate powerhouse vocals and gift for evocative storytelling, Victor Ray is known to make an impression both in the studio and onstage.

    Over the past year, he’s steadily been playing bigger and bigger venues abroad, including his sold-out European tour and a support slot on Teddy Swims’s Spring 2024 tour. He entered 2025 as an MTV Push UK Artist to Watch, with spots on Amazon Music UK’s 2025 Artists to Watch and The Independent’s Ones to Watch 2025 roundups. Recently, Victor released his latest EP, I WILL, a fourth in a series of thematically interconnected EPs documenting different facets of Victor’s life story and personal growth to date. To that end, his acclaimed debut EP i was. offered an up-close look at loss, 2023’s I felt explored themes of loneliness, and 2024’s I TRIED leaned toward a newfound sense of hope. The previous installment was released last June and includes standouts like his viral hit “Comfortable” and the spellbinding duet “Falling into Place” featuring Debbie– a piano-driven slow-burner that VIBE likened to a “shooting star blazing into our orbit.”

    This month, Victor Ray will bring his I AM tour to North America after legs in the United Kingdom, Australia, and France. He will perform in Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, and Brooklyn.

    On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Victor Ray revealed how Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, and the Weeknd inspired him as a recording artist, shared I WILL’s recording process, and the stories behind some of his most-streamed songs on Spotify.

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    22 mins
  • MATT DEANGELIS RETURNS + PREVIEWS The 2025 Janice Jam | JTWJE Podcast 362

    MATT DEANGELIS RETURNS + PREVIEWS The 2025 Janice Jam | JTWJE Podcast 362
    May 1 2025
    A Note for Jacob: Since my second podcast recording with Matt, I am pleased to report that General Admission Seating for the May 5 event is SOLD OUT!!

    It is a pleasure to welcome actor Matt DeAngelis back to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

    Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Matt grew up on showtunes and Boston sports. Matt studied theatre at the University of Southern Maine and The Boston Conservatory before heading down Route 95 to NYC in 2004. In June 2009, Matt got the call to make his Broadway debut in the Tony-winning production of HAIR with Tony Award winner Diane Paulus at the helm. Matt continued with that production, “Across the Atlantic Sea,” to the West End in the role of “Woof” and then launched the first national US Tour of HAIR and was seen back on Broadway in the “Summer of Love” revival of HAIR.

    Following his time with the hippies, Matt launched the first national tour of Green Day’s AMERICAN IDIOT as the “Representative from Jingletown”. Matt’s cross-country adventures continued in 2014 with the first national tour of ONCE, where he played “Svec” and five instruments. Over the last five years, Matt has been a veteran of almost 2,000 performances. Thankfully, Matt returned home to Broadway (again with Diane Paulus) in the hit musical WAITRESS, where he starred opposite Tony Award winner Jessie Mueller, two-time Grammy winner Jason Mraz, and seven-time Grammy nominee and the show’s composer, Sara Bareilles. He then toured the country with the WAITRESS National Tour as Earl opposite his real-life wife, Christine Dwyer, as Jenna. Upon returning from the road, Matt was a part of developing the World Premiere of The Secret Life of Bees at The Atlantic Theatre Company, directed by Tony Award winner Sam Gold. He also appeared in Orpheus Descending at Theatre for a New Audience.

    Matt DeAngelis also started the Janice Jam in memory of his mother, Janice, who passed from metastatic breast cancer in 2022. This annual event channels the magic of Broadway to honor those we've lost, uplift those fighting, and fund critical research. This event serves as a yearly celebration of Janice, her love for theater, and raising money for those affected by metastatic breast cancer. On May 5, 2025, a group of Broadway all-stars will join Matt and Christine for this event. Golden Globe and Oscar-winning actor Ariana DeBose, Tony winner John Gallagher, Jr., Tony-nominated actors Jeremy Jordan and Jenn Colella, Caroline Bowman, Kara Lindsay, Krysta Rodriguez, Omar Jose Cardona, Rachel Potter, and Stark Sands are expected to perform.

    On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Matt DeAngelis previewed the 2025 Janice Jam, revealed this year’s music director, and explained how you can support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

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    18 mins
  • Emmy-nominated Director Alan G. Parker TALKS ‘Lennon’s Last Decade’ | Episode #361

    Emmy-nominated Director Alan G. Parker TALKS ‘Lennon’s Last Decade’ | Episode #361
    Apr 28 2025
    It is a privilege to welcome six-time Emmy-nominated filmmaker Alan G. Parker to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

    Before becoming a filmmaker, Alan worked as a press officer via Judy Totton Publicity and later in EMI’s catalogue department in London. At EMI, he worked with bands such as Buzzcocks, Stiff Little Fingers, and the Stranglers. He also wrote for magazines and published books about the Clash and Sid Vicious. In 2009, Alan directed Who Killed Nancy? And Monty Python: Almost the Truth – The Lawyers’ Cut was nominated for six Emmy Awards. In 2017, he directed the documentary It was Fifty Years Ago Today! The Beatles: Sgt. Pepper & Beyond!

    Alan G. Parker’s latest documentary, Borrowed Time: Lennon’s Last Decade, focuses on music legend John Lennon’s final years. The film follows the former Beatle as he navigates through the band’s breakup while creating revolutionary music and standing at the forefront of anti-war protests that would make him one of the most influential pop culture icons of all-time. Hear musicians, journalists, and the man's close friends set the record straight on the truth behind many famous Lennon moments brought to life by rare archive footage, including never-before-seen interviews. For the first time, the full story of how John and Yoko met is revealed, and watch as the curtain is lifted on the 1981 comeback tour that never came to be. This monumental film is a must-see for Lennon, Beatles, and music fans.

    On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Alan G. Parker took us behind the scenes about Borrowed Time’s filmmaking process, including the insights he found from the documentary interview subjects who had interacted with John during that time.

    Borrowed Time: Lennon’s Last Decade will be released in theatres on May 2, 2025.

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    30 mins
  • Jacob Lewis TALKS Receiving Shania Twain’s Golden Buzzer | Jake’s Take CGT 2025 Special 2

    Jacob Lewis TALKS Receiving Shania Twain’s Golden Buzzer | Jake’s Take CGT 2025 Special 2
    Apr 24 2025
    Canada’s Got Talent (CGT) is back for a new season!

    Country music legend Shania Twain and comedian Katherine Ryan join series veteran judges Howie Mandel, Kardinal Offishall, and host Lindsay Ell to find Canada’s next superstar!

    Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar thanks our friends at Citytv for bringing some of my favorite acts to the platform for the fourth year in a row!

    Up next is singer and musician Jacob Lewis! Originally from Butlerville, Newfoundland and Labrador, Jacob auditioned for CGT and delivered a powerful take on Bon Jovi’s “Bed of Roses.” The performance received a standing ovation from all four judges, Shania Twain’s Golden Buzzer, and 25,000 Canadian dollars from CIBC.

    On this special CGT episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Jacob Lewis shared his audition story, spoke about receiving the country music icon’s Golden Buzzer, and his reaction to if Lindsay revealed that he won the show.

    Canada’s Got Talent airs Tuesdays on Citytv.

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    11 mins
  • Christina Wren TALKS DCEU, ‘Will Trent,’ ‘The Witcher- Sirens of the Deep’ & WOCF Film Lab | JTWJE Podcast #360

    Christina Wren TALKS DCEU, ‘Will Trent,’ ‘The Witcher- Sirens of the Deep’ & WOCF Film Lab | JTWJE Podcast #360
    Apr 21 2025
    It is a privilege to welcome actress and filmmaker Christina Wren to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

    Audiences may recognize Christina from standout performance as Major Carrie Farris in blockbuster hits Man of Steel and Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice. She also starred as Vanessa (Half Sisters), Lusa (Lusa), Rudy Hadid-Robinson (Hicksters), and L.A. Macabre (J.P. Cutler). She provided the voice of Essi Daven in The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep and currently portrays Caroline on ABC’s Will Trent. Beyond her work on screen, Christina is an inspiring advocate for creativity and empowerment. As Vice President of Women of Color Filmmakers (WOCF), she co-founded and chairs the annual WOCF Film Lab, a six-month intensive training program offering workshops and mentorship from industry leaders like Larry Fong (300), America Young (Barbie), Carl Seaton (Snowfall), and Adam Stein (Kim Possible). The lab provides emerging women of color filmmakers with the tools and guidance to launch their careers by creating original films.

    Christina also collaborates with her husband, Demetrius Wren, through their production company, Two Kids with a Camera. Together, they’ve created compelling branded content for commercial clients and developed original projects, including their first documentary, Streetball, filmed in South Africa. Christina’s upcoming indie film, Swishy, is in development—a heartfelt coming-of-age story about a high school girls’ basketball team inspired by her experiences growing up as a first-generation American.

    In this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Christina Wren spoke about her memories of filming Man of Steel and Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice, previewed her roles on Will Trent and The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep, and discussed how the WOCF Film Lab fostered diversity in the film industry.





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    27 mins
  • Davis Mallory RETURNS + TALKS New Music, ‘Leaving a Legacy’ & Potential ‘Challenge’ Return | JTWJE Podcast Episode #359

    Davis Mallory RETURNS + TALKS New Music, ‘Leaving a Legacy’ & Potential ‘Challenge’ Return | JTWJE Podcast Episode #359
    Apr 17 2025
    It is a privilege to welcome back singer-songwriter and DJ Davis Mallory to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast!

    Davis grew up singing in his church choir in Georgia and found his calling in creating music. He moved to New York City, where he studied at the Dubspot School of Electronic Music. Davis performed as a DJ throughout the club scene before migrating to the songwriting capital of the world, Nashville, Tennessee, to write and record original music. He has released music on record labels including Warner Denmark, KnightVision, Delecta, Revealed, Hexagon, Armada, Sirup, Sidekick, Ego, Pyro, Kaliias, and Soave. “Beautiful Girls (Diem’s Song),” a tribute to Davis Mallory’s MTV co-star Diem Brown, who lost her battle to cancer, garnered attention in E! News, MTV News, People Magazine, and US Weekly.


    Davis launched his solo single “Jane Fonda,” a tribute to the famed actress with fellow Atlanta roots, followed by “Shirtless” with a premiere on the MTV show War of the Worlds and licensed in a commercial for Poolboy Swimwear. His sophomore album , Little Victory, featured many of Nashville’s rising pop stars, including American Idol alum Madeline Finn on “Faith,” rapper Daisha McBride & vocalist Blake Lieder on “,” Best Pop Artist winner at the Nashville Indie Music Awards – Miss Audrey on “Fire Signs” premiering in Hollywood Life Magazine. A remix of “Little Victory” by French DJ RetroVision came out on Don Diablo’s label Hexagon , and a remix of the single “Forget U” by Swedish DJ John Dahlback came out on Hardwell’s label Revealed.

    On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Davis Mallory discussed his success working with Swedish music professionals, hosting the Leaving a Legacy Podcast, and whether he is open to returning to compete on The Challenge: All-Stars.


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    44 mins
  • Jeff Michaels TALKS MTV Music, “Boston Strong,” & Please Hug Me | JTWJE Podcast #358

    Jeff Michaels TALKS MTV Music, “Boston Strong,” & Please Hug Me | JTWJE Podcast #358
    Apr 10 2025
    It is a privilege to welcome singer, musician, and author Jeff Michaels to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

    Whether his music is being played during some of television's most popular reality shows or inspiring people in the aftermath of Boston's worst terrorist attack, he has entertained fans with thought-provoking lyrics examining today's most significant social and political issues while infusing them with his unique brand of humor. Jeff's dedication to the independent music scene has been a lifelong cause. Several of his songs have been licensed to over a dozen television shows, appearing in episodes of The Real World and Teen Moms (MTV) and the T.O. Show (VH1).

    Jeff was also a member of pop band Luce, whose music appeared on major motion picture soundtracks for How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and 13 Going on 30! His willingness to use his music to commentate on some of society's most challenging issues has helped Jeff carve out a dedicated fan base. His song advocating equal rights, “Same F'ing Sun,” resulted in overwhelming fan support and attention from gay activist groups. Another of Jeff's songs, Boston Strong, captured the city's remarkable response to the tragic Boston Marathon bombing, resulting in Jeff receiving a personal thank-you letter from former Massachusetts Governor Duval Patrick.

    Jeff's passion for creating extends beyond the world of music to published books. His comedic travel book, Please Hug Me—I've Been Delayed, was featured on NPR and the Chicago Tribune. Jeff is a vocal proponent of human rights when he isn't writing or creating music.

    On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Jeff Michaels spoke about how his music was incorporated into classic reality TV shows, inspiring people after Boston’s darkest day with music and his new single: “Lost in the Night.”

    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