Jake's Take with Jacob Elyachar

Jacob Elyachar

Jake's Take with Jacob Elyachar is an extension of Mr. Elyachar's website: Jake's Take. The podcast features conversations with guests from across the entertainment and lifestyle industries.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

  1. 18h ago

    Jake’s Take EXCLUSIVE- The Musical’s Giselle Bonilla & Alexander Heller!

    It’s a Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar EXCLUSIVE! It is a privilege to welcome Giselle Bonilla and Alexander Heller to the podcast!   Giselle is the director of the upcoming film The Musical, which Alexander Heller wrote. The movie stars Tony Award-winning actor Will Brill as Doug Liebowitz, a frustrated playwright and middle school drama teacher.  Doug’s ex-girlfriend, Abigail (Gillian Jacobs), the school’s art teacher, is now dating his nemesis, Principal Brady (Rob Lowe, who also co-produced the film).  To retaliate and undermine their school’s chances of winning a prestigious Blue Ribbon of Academic Excellence, Doug decides to turn the fall musical, West Side Story, into an original, controversial, chaotic production.   The film was selected for the U.S. Dramatic Competition at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, where it had its world premiere during the festival’s run from January 22 to 27, 2026. This festival marked the last time it would be held in Utah before relocating to its new home in Boulder, Colorado.  The Musical is scheduled to be released nationwide on Friday, September 18.   For this special edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Alexander Heller and Giselle Bonilla shared how The Musical started out as a short film. They also revealed how Doug has shades of The Producers’ Max Bialystock and School of Rock’s Dewey Finn. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

    Jake’s Take EXCLUSIVE- The Musical’s Giselle Bonilla & Alexander Heller!
  2. 3d ago

    Pierre Bacall RETURNS + TALKS Zach Nichols Podcast & ’99 to Beat’ | JTWJE EP 448

    I am delighted to welcome back my friend, GOHT Media founder and Zach Nichols Podcast co-host Pierre Bacall, to the Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast. Pierre is the Chief Executive Officer of GOHT Media, a Detroit, Michigan-based media company.  He is also the co-host of The Zach Nichols Podcast, where he discusses the latest news in the Challenge universe with his longtime friend and show champion, Zach Nichols.   The duo has also welcomed numerous cast members for in-depth conversations about the show. Challenge icons Brad Fiorenza, Cara Maria Sorbello, Frank Sweeney Fox, Jordan Wiseley, Laurel Stucky, and Shane Landrum, along with fan favorites including Amber Borzotra, Jonna Mannion, Kyle Christie, Marie Roda, Paulie Calafiore, and Tony Raines, are amongst the cast members who dropped by to chat. They also hosted several live shows, where fans could interact with their favorites. On September 23, 2026, Pierre will make his Reality TV debut on FOX’s sophomore season of 99 To Beat. Pierre is expected to compete against former Power Rangers actress Karan Ashley and Reality TV veterans Brandon Baxter (The Circle), Jordan Heller (The Golden Bachelorette), Kellie Nalbandian (Survivor), Quinn Martin (Big Brother), and Susan Noles (The Golden Bachelor). The Masked Singer panelist Ken Jeong and FOX Sports veteran Erin Andrews will return to host. On this edition of the Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Pierre Bacall spoke about several significant episodes of The Zach Nichols Podcast, including Paulie Calafiore’s 2026 return, Davis Mallory’s episode, which led to reconciling with Chris “CT” Tamburello, and filming at TJ Lavin’s house. Plus, Pierre also gave us a sneak preview of his Reality TV debut! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

    Pierre Bacall RETURNS + TALKS Zach Nichols Podcast & ’99 to Beat’ | JTWJE EP 448
  3. Sep 10

    Yuval David RETURNS + TALKS Ruffalo vs. Paramount, Jewish Indian Alliance & ‘Common Ground’ | JTWJE EP 447

    It is a privilege to welcome back one of my all-time favorite guests, Emmy-winning actor, director, filmmaker, and host Yuval David, to Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.   Yuval has won over 100 international film festival awards. His creative mantra "to entertain, uplift and inspire" shapes his approach to “storytelling with boldness, vulnerability, and authenticity in representing characters and narratives.” Yuval uses his creative approach to communication within his work as a docu-journalist, news commentator, and socio-political activist.    As a filmmaker, Yuval directs, writes, and produces feature-length and short films, documentaries, web series, and digital and episodic TV content. His most recent feature length documentary is getting industry and media buzz, and is currently in the film festival circuit, titled Wonderfully Made – LGBTQ+R(eligion), and is screening at international festivals and community impact screenings, having won Best Picture at Toronto LGBTQ Film Festival, Best Documentary at Phoenixville Film Festival, and was the featured highlight film at Woodstock Film Festival, Out On Film, and other international film festivals. Yuval’s series, One Actor Short have become an award winner and festival favorite, earning more than 75 awards from national and international festivals, including American Picture, Atlanta Film Festival, The Big Apple Film Festival, Global Webisode Festival, NYC Independent Film Festival, New Filmmakers Film Festival, Hollywood Just4Shorts Film Competition, IndieFest, Prague International Film Festival, Top Shorts Film Festival, and Vegas CineFest International Film Festival.  Yuval David’s other narrative and documentary films and episodic series, including web series, have also won numerous awards, including Best Film, Best Short, Best Series, and, for Yuval specifically, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Producer, and Best Writer at national and international film festivals.                    As an actor, Yuval plays leading roles in film, television, theatre, web and digital media, and voice-overs. His acting roles include leading and guest-star roles on FX, NBC, ABC, CBS, Showtime, Disney, DreamWorks, Comedy Central, countless independent films, and on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and in theatres across the US and abroad, including film and theatre festivals.   He is currently acting in a new television show in production. Yuval creatively explores humanity with his roles on hit television shows, including Feud (FX/Hulu), Madam Secretary (CBS), The Michael J. Fox Show (NBC), Days of Our Lives (NBC), What Would You Do? (ABC), Unforgettable (CBS), and The Plot Against America (HBO). Yuval’s leading and supporting roles in films include “Beauty and the Beast,” “Nephilim,” “Incipient,” “Awakening of Spring,” “You,” and “The Fifth Estate.”  His acting roles in theatre range from contemporary to classic theatrical works, including: Broadway in The Game, Off-Broadway in Romeo and Juliet, Leaving an Impression, Daddy Issues, Bunburry, and In The Swing. As much as possible, Yuval enjoys performing in regional theatres across the United States and abroad, as well as at international theatre festivals.  Yuval regularly does voice-overs for animation, commercials, narration, documentaries, and industrials.    As a TV host and presenter, Yuval focuses on societal, humanitarian, food, travel, cultural, and entertainment programming. His work is seen on network television, documentary films, web series, and regularly at live events.  He is also regularly a host and MC for special events, galas, and advocacy events for social and political initiatives, institutions, and organizations, especially those focusing on US, Israel, LGBTQ, Arts, Humanitarian, and Cultural causes. Yuval is a news commentator on broadcast news programs, speaking about social and political issues and causes, often speaking about civil rights, social justice, and representation in politics, social movements, entertainment and media, Jewish, Israeli, and LGBTQ topics.  These have been on major news networks and programs, including Fox, NewsNation, NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN, Reuters, Sky, i24, Kan, Keshet, Reshet, and Achshav. His writings have appeared in publications including The Hill, The Jerusalem Post, The Times of Israel, Out Magazine, AM New York, Yahoo News, Washington Blade, Queerty, Instinct Magazine, The Jewish Week, Yediot, 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 creative work as a vehicle for the greater good on behalf of highly respected American, Israeli, and international organizations.  On this edition of the Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Yuval David spoke about the ongoing saga of Mark Ruffalo versus Paramount, Neo-Nazis hacking Dolly Parton’s Wikipedia Page, launching the Jewish Indian Alliance, and his newest project, Common Ground with Yuval David. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

    Yuval David RETURNS + TALKS Ruffalo vs. Paramount, Jewish Indian Alliance & ‘Common Ground’ | JTWJE EP 447
  4. Sep 7

    Michael Valdes TALKS ‘Anemone,’ Hot Jewish Energy + Broadway | JTWJE EP 446

    An update from Jacob: Since recording our podcast, John Galliano has bowed out of the 2027 Met Gala Exhibit. It is a thrill to welcome actor, activist, author, content creator, and singer Michael Valdes to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.   Michael Valdes is a New York–based actor–singer, writer, theatre-maker, and multidisciplinary storyteller creating original work across stage, screen, and digital media centered on the Jewish lived experience. A Cuban-Iranian Jewish American, he holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from AMDA and an MFA in Contemporary Theatre & Performance from The New School. He also trained in Method Acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute. Originally from Long Island, Michael’s theatre credits include the world premiere stage reading of Deep Cutting Henry VI at Arnhold Hall, the world premiere of Subterranean Memories at Westbeth, and EastLine Theatre’s world premieres of This Play Was Never About Noses (A New Cyrano) and An Oresteia, or What We Have Seen. His concert and cabaret work includes Jewish Artists Gathering’s Shana Tova: Stories & Songs of Hope & Renewal at Symphony Space, Seth’s Talent Showcase and The Comeback Cabaret at Don’t Tell Mama, and Bound for Broadway at the Triad Theatre. Beyond the stage, Michael is the founder of Hot Jewish Media and creator of @hotjewishenergy, a digital platform exploring pop culture, entertainment, and contemporary issues through a Jewish lens for a community of more than 30,000 followers. He hosts Hot Jewish Energy: The Podcast, co-authored Hot Jewish Hanukkah, and has contributed cultural commentary to Unpacked. His work across performance and media brings humor, cultural criticism, and personal storytelling into conversations surrounding Jewish identity and representation. Michael’s leadership and advocacy work includes serving as a Birthright Israel Foundation co-chair, StandWithUs Emerson Fellow, and ISRAEL21c Digital Ambassador. He joined TikTok’s Delegation to March of the Living in Hungary and Poland and was selected for the inaugural cohort of Voice of the People, President Isaac Herzog’s initiative for a shared Jewish future. He has also been recognized by the Anti-Defamation League as a Heroes Against Hate honoree. Michael is the writer of Anemone, a contemporary dramatic play that premiered in New York City in March 2026. The intimate, bilingual, actor-driven work follows an Israeli woman stranded in New York in the immediate aftermath of October 7. Developed through workshops and a staged reading, Anemone explores identity, grief, distance, and belonging while interrogating what it means to bear witness to crisis from afar. Refusing easy binaries, the play centers human connection and asks audiences to sit inside contradiction, uncertainty, and discomfort. On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Michael Valdes spoke about his latest theatrical production, Anemone, and previewed his upcoming 54Below debut with a Jewish Pride cabaret show that he is collaborating on with Ari Axelrod and Eliana Nunley. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

    Michael Valdes TALKS ‘Anemone,’ Hot Jewish Energy + Broadway | JTWJE EP 446
  5. Aug 31

    James Sismanes RETURNS + TALKS- Embracing A.I. + Michael | JTJWE EP 445

    It is a thrill to welcome back one of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s original guests, the impeccable James Sismanes, to the podcast!   James Sismanes is an award-winning audio and visual storyteller from Melbourne, Australia. A small business owner by day (ImagiWorks Agency, Vision One Technologies) and a full-time creative by night, James is a multi-dimensional make-believer and dreamer of the (almost!) impossible. With over 500+ sales on the acclaimed AudioJungle marketplace, a debut children’s book (The Marvellous Mullabaloos Only Wear Blue) and a diverse and unique business/branding portfolio, James is always on the hunt for the next “big idea.”   James’ screenplays (“Dr. Claus,” “The Ballad of Bam Barlow,” “Bliss Inc.,” and “Tilt”) have consistently ranked on Coverfly‘s “The Red List,” and he has placed as a finalist or semi-finalist in various screenwriting competitions (including the Emerging Screenwriters, Screencraft, So Cal Screenplay, and New York International Screenplay Awards).   Behind a MIDI controller, James has collaborated on records with award-winning and globally-recognised artists like Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Josh Levi, B2K, Pretty Ricky (Emanuel Deanda), Gabe Lustman, Minus Gravity, K Major and Giulietta. When he’s not writing, producing, designing, sales-pitching, and daydreaming like a world-saving superhero, James enjoys eating cheeseburgers and chicken parmigianas, conquering Xbox tournaments, watching Friends reruns, catching Pokémon, and dealing with the heartache of being a Barça and Cleveland sports fan.   On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, James Sismanes spoke about embracing AI in his creative process, previewed Code Name: G.E.L.A.T.O., his latest work-in-progress animated feature, and shared his thoughts on Michael and the second chapter of the Michael Jackson biopic. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

    James Sismanes RETURNS + TALKS- Embracing A.I. + Michael | JTJWE EP 445
4.4
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Jake's Take with Jacob Elyachar is an extension of Mr. Elyachar's website: Jake's Take. The podcast features conversations with guests from across the entertainment and lifestyle industries.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.