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It is a pleasure to welcome Jennifer Fraser to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.   Jennifer is the creative and driving force behind Creative Canine Productions, bringing over four decades of experience in canine training, performance, and innovation. She is the first to develop and execute the integration of elite canine performance with acrobatics, dance, and theatrical staging at this level, building the concept from the ground up into a large-scale production. Through this process, Jennifer developed advanced canine training systems designed specifically for choreography, stage movement, timing, and seamless integration with human performers. She has personally trained the entire canine cast for performance, developing the trust, stability, and interaction required for complex live theatrical work.  Jennifer raises and develops each canine performer in her home and training environment as part of her daily life and family. This past summer, Jennifer Fraser and the Acro Canine Crew took center stage on NBC’s long-running talent competition, America’s Got Talent (AGT). The Acro Canine Crew combined jaw-dropping acrobatics with synchronized dog tricks that not only had the Pasadena Civic Auditorium audience on the edge of their seats but also received a standing ovation from judges Howie Mandel, Mel B, Sofia Vergara, and (series creator) Simon Cowell. They also received a Golden Buzzer from host Terry Crews and a spot in the AGT: Season 21 live shows.   Throughout the season, Acro Canine Crew set the standard for future animal acts, as Jennifer and her team delivered jaw-dropping, eye-pleasing performances that captured the nation’s hearts.  Eventually, the team made the Top 10 and performed in the Season 21 Finale.   On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Jennifer Fraser recapped Acro Canine Crew’s AGT journey and previewed Creative Canine Productions’ future. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

Happy Halloween Season, everyone!   This year, I have the privilege of welcoming the cast and creative team of the rising YouTube horror trivia game show, Better Luck Than Chuck, to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.   Produced by Scotchworthy Productions and created by Tony Wash and Meredith Tummillo, Better Luck Than Chuck stars Alexis Allotta as the Widow, the self-proclaimed “Wittiest Witch of the Midwest,” and Adam Michaels as her sarcastic undead husband, Charlie. Better Luck Than Chuck combines horror knowledge, outrageous comedy, and nostalgic game show fun into a one-of-a-kind competition. Each episode features horror superfans battling through inventive "cate-GORY" challenges inspired by the films, monsters, and moments that have defined the genre.     New episodes of Better Luck Than Chuck debut every Thursday on the show's official YouTube channel, inviting horror lovers everywhere to test their genre knowledge alongside contestants competing for awesome prizes. The grand prize is a trip to experience Universal Halloween Horror Nights at either Universal Studios Hollywood or the Universal Orlando Resort. But the scares don't stop when the credits roll. Each episode will contain a hidden clue that viewers can spot while watching. Once they uncover the clue, fans can visit https://betterluckthanchuck.com/UniversalSweeps/ to submit that week's entry for a chance to win the grand prize vacation. Adding to the excitement, each episode features special guest question readers from some of horror's biggest names, including acclaimed filmmaker Mike Flanagan, producer Chad Villella (Radio Silence), music video and film director BJ McDonnell, and additional surprise guests from across the horror community. Their appearances help bring an extra layer of authenticity and fun to every episode while celebrating the creators and personalities who have helped shape modern horror.   On this Halloween edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Tony, Meredith, Alexis, and Ashley shared the origin story of Better Luck Than Chuck and its partnership with Universal Destinations and Experiences.   Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

It is a privilege to welcome Atlanime Fest founder Tolden “Troop” Williams and CMO and Managing Partner Eli Watkins to the Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.   Atlanime Fest celebrates Black identity and expression through anime. For a generation of Black fans raised on Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, and Atlanta rap, anime was never just something they watched. It shaped how they dress, how they talk, and the music they make. Atlanime Fest puts that culture on the main stage: cosplay next to streetwear, anime openings next to trap beats, and Black artists, animators, and creators telling their own stories. It's a space built by the community it serves, in the city that has shaped hip-hop for decades.   The festival grew out of Trap Sushi, the Atlanta party that Tolden and Stephanie Williams founded in 2020. The first event drew 25 people. Within three years, Trap Sushi was drawing crowds of around 2,500, made up of Black anime fans, gamers, and creators who hadn't found a home at traditional conventions. In October 2025, the first Atlanime Fest brought more than 3,500 people to Center Parc Stadium. This year, it became a full weekend.   This year’s Atlanime Fest will run from Thursday, October 15 to Sunday, October 18, and will take place at Monday Night Garage (on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday). Meanwhile, Saturday’s festivities will take place at the Underground Atlanta. Funny Marco and Pudgieee will host the main stage activities and performers such as Slim Jxmmi, Proper Frequency, Troop Brand, and Super-Duper Kyle are expected to take the main stage.   In addition to performances, attendees can see jaw-dropping anime-wrapped cars, JDM classics, and custom rides at the Car Show Showcase. Gamers can compete at Sole Play-presented Gaming Lounge, while attendees can explore Artist Alley and vendor booths.  The weekend will conclude on Sunday with a two-hour Celebrity Soccer Game and a massive closing party.   On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Troop and Eli shared Atlanime Fest’s origin story, how this festival stands out in the convention circuit, and previewed the Celebrity Soccer Game. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

It is a pleasure to welcome Buzz Lear to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast!   Buzz is the creator and host of The Vertical Buzz, a weekly media platform dedicated exclusively to the rapidly growing world of vertical entertainment.  A veteran television host, actor, voice artist, and media professional with decades of experience in front of the camera, Buzz has appeared in more than 40 vertical drama productions while interviewing many of the industry’s most influential creators,  executives, producers, directors, actors, and innovators.    As Hollywood undergoes one of its biggest storytelling shifts since the rise of streaming,  Buzz offers a unique insider’s perspective on how mobile-first entertainment,  creator-driven storytelling, and new distribution models are reshaping the future of film and television. Through The Vertical Buzz, Buzz has built relationships across the entire vertical entertainment landscape—from streaming platforms and studios to producers, directors, actors, writers, investors, technology companies, and industry organizations—giving him a broad view of one of the fastest-growing sectors in entertainment.    Buzz enjoys conversations that help audiences understand not only where the entertainment industry is today, but where it’s headed. Drawing on decades of experience in television, hosting, acting, and media, he connects emerging trends with real-world stories from the people building this new entertainment ecosystem.   On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Buzz Lear shares lessons he learned on the sets of Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and House Detectives; gives us the 4-1-1 on vertical entertainment; and shares some of The Vertical Buzz’s most viral interviews. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

A Note from Jacob: It is hard to believe that this is the 450th  milestone episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast!  Thank you to all my incredible guests who took time out of their schedules to share their stories with my audience and the amazing publicists who trusted my platform.  I also want to thank you, my loyal listeners, for listening and watching each episode!  Cheers to another 450 episodes!   It is an honor to welcome the musical project Immersed as guests for the 450th episode!   Immersed is made up of producers and recording artists Öwnboss & Scorsi! The project emerged organically from the creative partnership between the two producers, who first collaborated under the Öwnboss & Scorsi name on their remix of Nari & Milani’s “Atom.” The remix quickly gained traction within the electronic community and entered the sets of artists including Steve Angello, where it remained a fixture for years. What began as a single collaboration soon revealed a deeper creative alignment, leading the pair to develop Immersed as a dedicated project built around groove, atmosphere, and a distinct sonic identity. The project has continued to gain momentum throughout 2026, recently taking the duo to New York City for a promotional run that included meetings at iHeartRadio headquarters, multiple on-camera interviews, and a pop-up DJ performance aboard the converted City Soul school bus, previously performed on by artists including Skrillex, Fred Again, and Four Tet.      Beyond Immersed, both artists have established themselves as prominent figures within global electronic music. Öwnboss is widely recognized for his breakout hit “Move Your Body,” which has surpassed 200 million streams worldwide and ranked as the fourth most-played track globally in 2022, according to 1001Tracklists. His music has been released on major labels including Spinnin’ Records, Monstercat, and Tiësto’s Musical Freedom, and he has performed at festivals such as Tomorrowland, Lollapalooza, Rock in Rio, Creamfields, and Ushuaïa Ibiza. Scorsi brings more than two decades of electronic music experience, with roots in drum & bass and a career spanning underground credibility and mainstream success, including releases and collaborations with artists such as ALOK, NGHTMRE, Autograf, and Tropkillaz.   On this milestone episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Öwnboss & Scorsi shared how they started Immersed, the stories behind some of their most streamed Spotify songs, and where they see the future of EDM. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

It is a privilege to welcome recording artist Trey Calloway to the Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.   North Carolina-grown and Nashville-based, Trey grew up singing in church and was a seasoned performer by the age of ten. Although southern and contemporary gospel were his first musical loves, as a teen, Trey developed a deep understanding and passion for the rocking, boot-stomping storytelling of '90s country legends and has been writing and performing country music ever since.   He has opened shows for Joe Diffie, Tracy Lawrence, McBride & The Ride, Pat Green, Edwin McCain, and Craig Campbell, and has played for audiences at the Charlotte Speed Street NASCAR Festival, the House of Blues, Billy Bob's Texas, and the Tennessee State Fair Opry Stage.   Since mid-2023, Trey has won Songwriter of the Year at the Texas Country Music Awards, had a music video featured on CMT, been added to Spotify editorial playlists, and has over four million streams on Spotify alone.    On November 6, Trey will release his new extended play, Honkytonk Generation. Introducing a new chapter in his music alongside producer and co-writer Phil O’Donnell. With more than two decades in the business, O’Donnell has penned No. 1 hits for George Strait, Blake Shelton, and Montgomery Gentry, and has also worked with Cody Johnson, Chris Janson, Craig Morgan, Clay Walker, Aaron Watson, and Craig Campbell. His experience and traditional country roots bring an exciting new element to Trey’s upcoming project.   On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Trey Calloway spoke about the lessons he learned from opening for Craig Morgan, Edwin McCain, Joe Diffie, and Pat Green and shared the stories behind his most-streamed songs, “Miss Gone by Morning,” “Truck Around,” and “Your Love is Safe with Me.” Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

This is it! Months ago, the America’s Got Talent (AGT) on-air team (Judges Howie Mandel, Mel B, Sofia Vergara, and franchise creator Simon Cowell) began their twenty-first search for their next $1 million champion.    After 14 Golden Buzzers, heartbreaking eliminations, and shocking results, we have our ten finalists! This is the most diverse set of finalists that we have seen in years! We have two dog acts (Acro Canine Crew and Olivia Befus), three dance acts (Come Here, Royal Lasers, and Unitree), an aerialist (Veronika Goroshkova), two magic acts (Geno Ploeger and Hundred Fingers), and two singers (Lai Noelle and Nene Royal).   I am also proud to say that SIX of the TEN finalists (Acro Canine Crew, Geno, Hundred Fingers, Nene, Royal Lasers, and Veronika) were Jake’s AGT Take’s Acts to Watch for Season 21! Before we get to the final, there are two pieces of AGT breaking news that we need to get to... First, Britain’s Got Talent judge and social media superstar KSI stepped in for Simon, and second, TMZ reported that the long-running talent competition is among the shows leaving Hollywood. The entertainment news outlet reported that producers are looking into moving production to Georgia once Season 21 wraps. Despite four seasons on the East Coast, AGT has spent a majority of its run in the Golden State. Tonight, they performed one final time for America’s votes! Which acts rose to the occasion and are one step closer to joining Terry Fator, Mat Franco, Grace VanderWaal, Shin Lim, Kodi Lee, Brandon Leake, the Mayyas, and Jessica Sanchez in the Winners’ Circle?  Listen on to find out! Due to a previous obligation, this is the last Jake’s AGT Take episode dedicated to the Season 21 Live Shows. Thank you to everyone for listening! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

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.

America’s Got Talent (AGT): Season 21 is nearing the homestretch! After four weeks of quarterfinals, America has voted through 12 distinct acts into the Semifinals! Which acts rose to the occasion and delivered a performance worthy of America’s votes, and will join all four Live Golden Buzzer acts (Hundred Fingers, Nene Royal, Lai Neolle, and Unitree) in next week’s live finale? Listen on to find out! Next week, the AGT: Season 21 finalists battle it out to inherit Jessica Sanchez’s crown and sash! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

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.

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.

She’s back! Longtime AGT judge Heidi Klum rejoined the show and filled in for series creator Simon Cowell, as he is recovering from back surgery.  She reunited with fellow show veterans Howie Mandel, Mel B, and Sofia Vergara at the Judges’ Desk!  For many longtime fans of the NBC talent competition, tonight felt like the finale as America’s Got Talent pulled a Britain’s Got Talent (BGT).   Across the pond, BGT runs its live shows in a two-hour block. During the show, fans vote for their favorite acts, and then, in a separate show, longtime hosts Ant & Dec reveal which acts make it to the Series Finale.   Tonight, the final set of Quarterfinalists performed for America’s votes. Did Heidi Klum or any of her fellow judges buzz anyone? Who received the final Live Golden Buzzer and joined Hundred Fingers, Nene Royal, and Lai Noelle in the Season 21 final? Listen on to find out!   Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

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.

UPI reported that Saturday Night Live icon Kenan Thompson is filling in for Simon Cowell, while the Got Talent creator is recovering from back surgery.    This is not the first time Kenan has filled in for Simon; longtime AGT fans know that the All That alum was a guest judge in 2020.  Now, Kenan joined Howie Mandel, Mel B, and Sofia Vergara at the Judges’ Desk.  Tonight, a third set of acts (including three Golden Buzzer recipients) performed for America’s votes.  Which acts stepped up to the plate? Did Kenan Thompson or the other judges buzz an act?  Which performer received the third Live Golden Buzzer and will join both Hundred Fingers and Nene Royal in the Season 21 finale?   Listen on to find out! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

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.