Jake's Take with Jacob Elyachar

Jacob Elyachar
  • 4.4 (20)
  • Entertainment News
  • Updated Semiweekly

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. Max Bartos + Jake Kitchin TALK Antisemitism in NYC + Rita Wilson | JTWJE #jewishamericanheritagemonth Special 5

    5d ago

    Max Bartos + Jake Kitchin TALK Antisemitism in NYC + Rita Wilson | JTWJE #jewishamericanheritagemonth Special 5

    May is Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), which annually celebrates the history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans to the United States.   As JAHM concludes, I am very excited that singers, songwriters, and bandmates Max Bartos & Jake Kitchin are the final guests on this Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar special series!   Max is New York’s resident motherfolker! His folk and Americana music pairs introspective lyricism with anthemic folk-rock energy. As the frontman of Max Bartos and the Motherfolkers, the crafts songs are rooted in storytelling and emotional honesty, with a modern acoustic sound shaped by influences such as Mumford & Sons and Noah Kahan. His latest release, Waiting At The Crossroads (2025) captures a defining chapter in his artistic evolution, expanding his folk and Americana foundation with richer dynamics and a more confident, fully realized identity.   Fresh off a 30-date U.S. tour with The Misfit Toys, he continues to build momentum on the road. This spring, he joined acclaimed singer-songwriter Brendan James as direct support on a 14-date national tour from March 11 through April 1, further cementing his reputation as a compelling and emotionally resonant live act. Recently signed with Noble Steed Music, Max is steadily carving out his place in the modern folk landscape through intentional songwriting, immersive performances, and a growing catalog that connects deeply with listeners. Jake Kitchin has had a passion for the arts ever since he was young. Having grown up as a professional actor in New York City with a deep love for tap dancing, he has had the opportunity to work with people such as Steve Martin and Walter Bobbie. In 2023, he graduated magna cum laude with a BFA from Marymount Manhattan College. In 2020 and 2021, he was honored to sing on stage at Madison Square Garden during The Eagles’ Hotel California Tour. In addition to performing as an actor, Jake is also a skilled multi-instrumentalist and songwriter. He plays guitar, mandolin, and bass, drawing inspiration from folk, blues, bluegrass, jazz, and classic rock. He currently plays mandolin live and in the studio for Max Bartos and the Motherfolkers, a folk/bluegrass-inspired project. In Spring 2025, Jake released his debut album - a collection of jazz standards titled On a Clear Day. He is currently preparing to record and release an album of his original folk music. On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Max Bartos & Jake Kitchin shared how they met, how they deal with antisemitism and anti-Zionism in the music industry and on social media, and how they opened for Rita Wilson. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

    41 min
  2. Sean Martin TALKS The Quarantined + Mental Health | JTWJE EP 429

    May 21

    Sean Martin TALKS The Quarantined + Mental Health | JTWJE EP 429

    Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar acknowledges Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM). Mental Health America was established this observance in May 1949 to increase awareness of mental health issues, reduce stigma, celebrate recovery, and provide resources for individuals and communities.   I am thrilled to welcome Sean Martin as this year’s MHAM special guest. Sean is the executive producer, guitarist, and vocalist behind the Quarantined. Singing in community choirs from the age of four in Fort Bragg, CA, and playing guitar by age twelve, Sean is a 2012 Musicians Institute alumnus with an A.A. in Guitar Performance and Music Industry Studies. An award-winning vocalist in high school, he placed in Regional and State Honor Choirs and earned a Lenaea Award as a writer and actor for the one-act play The Black Widow Project (Best Docudrama, 2003), directed by Meg Patterson.  Sean Martin served in the U.S. Army Airborne Infantry (3/509th PIR, 4th Brigade, 25th Infantry Division) from 2004–2007, deploying to Iraq from October 2006 to September 2007. He is now an outspoken advocate for veterans’ mental health and the therapeutic use of cannabis for PTSD. Independently owned and operated, The Quarantined continues to release music defined by substance, intensity, and purpose. In partnership with Free2Luv.org, the project pushes toward a more inclusive and conscious future—setting a new standard for DIY music on an international scale.   In 2010, Sean and several former students at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California, began to perform music together as the Quarantined.  Throughout 2010 to 2013, the band blended raw musical force with vivid imagery, creating songs that confront politics, trauma, addiction, and the cost of modern life.  In 2013, the Quarantined released their self-titled extended play, and throughout the mid-2010s, the band’s music presence expanded with high-profile shows. In 2016, the band released another EP, Antiquate Hate, which earned international press coverage, radio play in 13 countries, and widespread rotation on US college radio.   Five years later, Sean Martin shifted the Quarantined into a solo venture. He traveled from Florida to Boston and back to Los Angeles, performing at numerous open mic nights in support of upcoming material and partnering with Plaid Dog Records with a successful crowdfunding campaign that led to the release of “One Last Chance” and “Instagram Hell.”   In 2025, Sean recorded, executive-produced, and released Aversion to Normalcy, which is a cathartic confrontation with trauma, resilience, and the illusion of “normal” in a fractured world. The release has generated international press, surpassed 1 million Spotify streams, and accumulated over 40 million views on TikTok—cementing Sean as a distinctive voice in modern rock.   On this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Sean Martin shared the Quarantined’s origin story, the stories behind their most-streamed Spotify songs, and how he used his music to have mental health dialogues with his fans. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

    39 min
  3. Margarita Lyadova TALKS ‘People Jew Wanna Know’ | JTWJE Jewish American Heritage Month Special #4

    May 18

    Margarita Lyadova TALKS ‘People Jew Wanna Know’ | JTWJE Jewish American Heritage Month Special #4

    I am very excited to launch a very special series for Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast. May is Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), which annually celebrates the history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans to the United States.   It is a privilege to welcome Margarita Lyadova as the fourth guest on my JAHM special series. Margarita hosts the People Jew Wanna Know Podcast. The podcast features thoughtful, engaging conversations with remarkable Jewish voices, ranging from celebrity chefs and major Israeli tech leaders to Netflix personalities and post-October 7 communal voices. Previous guests include Andrew Zimmern, Ari Axelrod, Dara Horn, Kosha Dillz, Modi Rosenfeld and Leo Veiga, Rachelle Unreich, and Zach Sage Fox.   At a moment when Jewish stories, Jewish pride, and Jewish community-building matter more than ever, People Jew Wanna Know offers a thoughtful space for those who shape the conversation, challenge assumptions, and bring depth, humor, and humanity to Jewish life. Born in the Ukraine and a recovering child star, Margarita is a sought-after keynote speaker, including engagements with American Jewish Committee (AJC), JDC, MyTechTribe, and MoCo Teens Against Antisemitism Fellowship.   On this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Margarita Lyadova spoke about how her family accepted asylum in the United States, being the first Jewish podcast to speak to Shai Davidai, and some of her most memorable conversations with our mutual friend, Culture Quota founder Beatrice Levine, Jeremy Jacobowitz, and Shabbos Kestenbaum.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

    41 min
  4. Joanne J-Bird Phillips TALKS The Arts & Journalism | JTWJE Jewish American Heritage Month Special #3

    May 14

    Joanne J-Bird Phillips TALKS The Arts & Journalism | JTWJE Jewish American Heritage Month Special #3

    I am very excited to launch a very special series for Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar. May is Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), which annually celebrates the history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans to the United States.   I am honored to welcome my dear friend and mentor, Joanne J-Bird Phillips, to the podcast. I first met J-Bird in New York City through our mutual friend and former guest, Beatrice Kimmel. She and I instantly bonded and became fast friends. I love her zest for life, and it was Beshert (Yiddish for “destiny”) that the stars finally aligned for her to come on the show for our third JAHM special.   Born in The Bronx and raised on Long Island, NY, Joanne Phillips grew up in a family of professional drummers and band leaders. Having a natural rhythm since childhood, Joanne's father taught her to play drums with brushes when she was seven, and her first song was "Come Fly with Me" by Frank Sinatra. She grew up listening to Swing, Motown, Bossa Nova, and Rock 'n' Roll, and honed her drum skills on a full orange sparkle drum kit that her family bought for her. At age sixteen, Joanne was asked to join a local garage band of teenage boys who needed someone to play their cover of "Wipeout" by The Surfaris correctly. She stepped in and nailed it.     Hence began Joanne's lifelong love of music and live performance.   Fast forward to the late 70's, after Joanne had moved to Long Beach, NY, and raised two children of her own in the arts -- her son, an alumnus of Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in NYC, and one of the metro area's popular freelance Improv coaches, and her daughter, a SAG-AFTRA TV actress and comedian/comedy writer working in LA. Over the years, Joanne witnessed how many music and arts programs were evaporating and eventually terminated, due to a lack of funding and/or support from the government, as well as certain folks with no interest in keeping arts programs alive, resulting in the arts being put on the back burner in the education system. Joanne remained an avid supporter of an arts education platform for children. She saw how it created positive experiences for her own kids (and many other youths) and witnessed how even a basic arts education enriched lives of youths on many levels for years into their adulthood.    In 2012, Joanne founded J-Bird Music for the Arts, Inc., with the vision of reviving arts programs by providing much-needed equipment, instruments, and resources to enrich the lives of youth through arts education. She wanted to bring that same joy, excitement, and creativity to youth everywhere, especially in underserved or underfunded areas.    Through J-Bird Music for the Arts, Joanne brings her vision alive. From her tireless efforts as a brain tumor survivor with a second chance to live and continue on this mission, she has provided much-needed equipment and support to music and arts programs throughout New York State, including Still Waters In A Storm in Brooklyn, Long Beach High School in Long Island, and Goshen Central High School in Orange County, NY.    On this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Joanne spoke about her tenth anniversary of being associated with the US Press Association and revealed some of the J-Bird Music for the Arts’ top accomplishments. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

    1h 3m
  5. Ethan Zohn RETURNS + TALKS ‘Survivor 50’ + Grassroot Soccer | JTWJE Jewish American Heritage Month Special 2

    May 11

    Ethan Zohn RETURNS + TALKS ‘Survivor 50’ + Grassroot Soccer | JTWJE Jewish American Heritage Month Special 2

    I am very excited to launch a very special series for Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast. May is Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), which annually celebrates the history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans to the United States.   There are no words to describe how ecstatic I am to welcome back Ethan Zohn for a third time!  Ethan became a household name when he first appeared on Survivor: Africa, the third season of the legendary US reality TV competition. He won seven challenges and the title of “Sole Survivor.” He appeared on Survivor: All-Stars, where he won four challenges but lasted only 21 days, and returned to compete in the milestone season Survivor: Winners at War, where he only won one challenge and lasted 35 days.   Since Survivor, Ethan has become an influential social entrepreneur. With a portion of his Survivor: Africa winnings, he co-founded Grassroot Soccer (GRS). GRS is an adolescent health organization that harnesses the power of soccer to provide young people with the essential information, services, and mentorship they need to lead healthier lives. Since its inception, GRS has expanded to 60 countries in Africa and worldwide, has graduated 13 million youth, and has worked with scores of public—and private-sector partners.   He also raised his voice to fight cancer.  Cancer-free since 2012, Ethan Zohn has been a voice for fighters, survivors, and caregivers of all ages, even chronicling the gritty details of his entire cancer experience for People Magazine. While undergoing treatment, he ran and finished the New York City and Boston marathons to help spread messages of hope and resilience to the world.  Ethan is a champion for investment in new medical research and technology. He is an advisor to numerous hospitals and foundations, such as Cancer Buddy, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and Memorial Sloan Kettering.   As demonstrated by his charitable work, tzedakah, and community involvement, Ethan believes that Jewish values can achieve a better and healthier world. His inspiration to help heal the world stems from being taught at an early age the importance of community, a connection to the Jewish faith, and the preservation of Israel.  Ethan shares his deep bond to Judaism, his connection to the Jewish community, and his relationship with Israel by partnering with Jewish organizations that do critical work worldwide, such as BBYO, the Jewish National Fund, and Maccabi USA.   On this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Ethan Zohn gave his take on Survivor 50, previews Grassroot Soccer’s 25th anniversary, and how Grassroot Soccer is going to play a role with the World Cup coming to North America. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

    35 min
  6. Beatrice Levine TALKS Culture Quota & Love for Timothee + Wendy | JTWJE Jewish Heritage Month Special 1

    May 7

    Beatrice Levine TALKS Culture Quota & Love for Timothee + Wendy | JTWJE Jewish Heritage Month Special 1

    I am very excited to launch a very special series for Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast. May is Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), which annually celebrates the history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans to the United States.    Throughout the month, I will welcome some incredible content creators, podcast hosts, performers, a Reality TV Legend, and a dear mentor who are making an impact on the entertainment industry.   To kick things off, I am welcoming my friend and fellow Kansas Citian, Beatrice Levine, to the podcast! Beatrice is an art historian, culture writer, and digital creator blending high-low aesthetics with a distinctly smart, funny voice. Since 2016, she has built Culture Quota, a highly engaged global community of college-aged and professional women who come to me for content that’s equal parts educational, irreverent, and always visually sharp. From museum deep-dives to viral reels, her work lives at the intersection of culture, commentary, and connection.   Beatrice has worked with various brands, including The Academic Writer’s Space, Diet Coke, Jerry Gogosian, the Leo Baeck Institute, and YSL Beauty. In addition to Culture Quota, she works as a Social Media Associate at 70 Faces Media and as a Content Manager at Betches Media.   In this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Beatrice Levine shared Culture Quota’s origin story, her love for Timothée Chalamet and Wendy Williams, how to counter antisemitism in the Reality TV world, and what Jewish heritage means to her.   Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

    56 min
  7. Matt DeAngelis RETURNS & PREVIEWS Janice Jam 2026 | JTWJE EXCLUSIVE 23

    May 3

    Matt DeAngelis RETURNS & PREVIEWS Janice Jam 2026 | JTWJE EXCLUSIVE 23

    A Note from Jacob: Since my conversation with Matt, the 2026 Janice Jam at Sony Hall is OFFICIALLY SOLD OUT!   I am thrilled to welcome back my friend, actor Matt DeAngelis, to Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar for an exclusive conversation!   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,” 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.   An all-star group of performers is joining Matt and his wife, Christine Dwyer, this year. Ari Axelrod, Ashley Loren, Carrie St. Louis, Cassadee Pope, Derek Klena, Donald Webber Jr., Eric Michael Krop, Justin Matthew Sargent, Kara Lindsay, Laurie Hernandez, and Norm Lewis are all expected to participate in the show.   On this exclusive edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Matt DeAngelis spoke about how Janice Jam partnered with Masquerade and previewed the sold-out event.   Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

    27 min
  8. Tony Kieraldo TALKS Postmodern Jukebox & James Bond | EP 428

    Apr 27

    Tony Kieraldo TALKS Postmodern Jukebox & James Bond | EP 428

    It is a pleasure to welcome Tony Kieraldo to the Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.   Tony is a world-renowned pianist, composer, and musical director, known for his work with Postmodern Jukebox, musical director for Celebrate the Beat in Colorado, and a music teaching artist with the National Dance Institute in New York.  In August 2025, he released Golden Keys. This project reimagined James Bond’s iconic music for ragtime piano and voice. The album features collaborations with singers with whom he collaborated during his time with Postmodern Jukebox. He toured the album’s first iteration in the United Kingdom last year and will continue expanding the project this year. His album, Hudson Ragtime Piano Suite, written during the pandemic, showcased Tony Kieraldo’s original compositions and the history of Hudson, New York’s five main streets.  He regularly collaborates with tap dance sensation Demi Remick, releasing arrangements that range from Taylor Swift to The Wizard of Oz.   In 2017, Tony conducted the critically acclaimed opera The Mother of Us All, which received reviews in both The New Yorker and The New York Times. He also performed on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and twice at the Obama White House. He also performed at iconic venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, the Sydney Opera House, the London Palladium, Town Hall, and the Ryman Auditorium. On the latest episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Tony Kieraldo spoke about his time with Postmodern Jukebox and performing at legendary venues, including the White House and the Sydney Opera House. He also shared about the Golden Keys’ recording process, including his collaborations with Casey Abrams (“Live and Let Die”), Effie Passero (“From Russia with Love”), and Tia Simone (“Goldeneye”). Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

    38 min
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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.

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