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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.
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2 SEP 2026 · 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.
Transcribed
31 AUG 2026 · 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 (http://www.imagiworks.com.au/, http://www.visionone.com.au/) 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 https://www.amazon.com/Marvellous-Mullabaloos-Only-Wear-Blue-ebook/dp/B0D5FD2MDV?ref_=ast_author_mpb and a diverse and unique business/branding portfolio, James is always on the hunt for the next “big idea.”
James’ screenplays (https://writers.coverfly.com/projects/view/3a086b01-714a-4ed2-9bb9-7dc5951c0a3e/Dr_Claus https://writers.coverfly.com/projects/view/4ae4e445-f2bc-49ab-96cb-3b18e3d65e18/The_Ballad_of_Bam_Barlow https://writers.coverfly.com/projects/view/56f4e659-2f35-4643-9faf-f9c7b70c5986/Bliss_Inc and https://writers.coverfly.com/projects/view/f6bb1a97-ad88-42ef-aedc-4c67c2faccfe/Tilt) have consistently ranked on https://writers.coverfly.com/profile/writer-1b776d9d2-136672‘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.
Transcribed
26 AUG 2026 · Last week, America’s Got Talent (AGT) started its live portion of Season 21!
Fan favorites such as Luke Taleno and Royal Lasers rose to the occasion and were sent through to the Season 21 semifinals. Former standouts such as Ashford Sanders, Cris Sosa, James & Marina, and the Jesse White Tumbling Team fell to the pressure.
Recently, multiple media outlets, including Parade & TMZ, reported that Simon Cowell has stepped away from the NBC talent competition due to routine back surgery linked to his 2020 bike accident. Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar sends our best wishes to the Got Talent creator and hopes for a successful surgery and a safe recovery.
Tonight, 11 more acts took the Pasadena Civic Auditorium stage to perform for America’s votes. Which performers stood out? Who received the second Live Golden Buzzer of the Season and will join two-time Golden Buzzer recipient Hundred Fingers in the Season 21 Live 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.
Transcribed
24 AUG 2026 · It is an honor to welcome two-time Emmy-winning actor and producer Mike Manning back to the Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.
Television audiences first met Mike when he joined the cast of MTV’s legendary Reality TV series, The Real World: D.C. After completing filming, he dove into the entertainment industry. He appeared on Crash & Bernstein, Hawaii Five-0, Major Crimes, Teen Wolf, The Haves and Have Nots, and This Is Us.
Mike also started Mannifest Productions to connect audiences with entertainment that matters by developing and producing films, TV, and new media projects that aim not only to change the world but also to open hearts and minds through art. He began his producing career with the documentary Kidnapped for Christ alongside Tom DeSanto. The film won several awards before being shown on Showtime and was responsible for legislation in California and other states to protect children from abuse at “camps for troubled youth.” He also produced Jinn, Son of the South, M.F.A., and Folk Hero & Funny Guy. His documentary about homeless youth, Lost in America, starred Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry, Grammy-winning songstress Jewel, Rosario Dawson, and Tiffany Haddish. Meanwhile, The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson, directed by Oscar-nominated David France, was released as a Netflix Original after premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Outside of the entertainment industry, Mike works with nonprofits that advocate for the poor, the environment, and equal rights. In 2010, Mike Manning lobbied Congress in Washington, D.C., on behalf of the Human Rights Campaign. Since then, he has received proclamations from the New York City Council in recognition of his cause-related work.
Recently, Mike celebrated his one-year anniversary portraying Bradley “Smitty” Smith on CBS and Paramount+’s groundbreaking soap opera Beyond the Gates. In the first year of its eligibility to be nominated for Daytime Emmy Awards, the soap received 15 nominations, including Outstanding Daytime Drama Series for the show and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for himself.
On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Mike Manning spoke about receiving his latest Emmy nomination, Beyond the Gates’ crossover with sister soap The Young & The Restless, and his latest project, The Wolf and the Lamb. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.
Transcribed
21 AUG 2026 · It is a privilege to welcome journalist Stephen Anderson to the https://jakes-take.com/jakes-takes-podcast-wendy-colonna-banned-wavemakerswomenandmusic/
Stephen is the co-founder and Chief Political Reporter of FRWD AXIS News. Like most media organizations, FRWD AXIS News keeps up with the times in entertainment, current events, and other sections found in most outlets. They are wholly independent and aim to deliver meaningful stories from thoughtful writers. Their editorial guidelines and investigative skills carve a path for those who follow headlines and miss key stories. He has covered both the Biden White House and the second Trump White House.
When he is not covering politics, Stephen reports on the San Antonio Spurs for Pounding the Rock and San Antonio Spurs on Sports Illustrated. He also covers the Texas Longhorns and other sports stories for the Lone Star Sports Journal. This October, Stephen will launch his own show, Stephen Anderson Unfiltered.
On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Stephen Anderson shared FRWD AXIS News’s origin story, compared covering the Biden and second Trump Administrations, and gave his take on this current season of https://jakes-take.com/agt-season-21-goes-live-ashfordsanders-hundredfingers-luketaleno-jessewhitetumblingteam-royallasers/. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.
Transcribed
19 AUG 2026 · For the first time this season, America’s Got Talent (AGT) went LIVE!
Tonight, 11 acts competed for America’s votes. Which acts rose to the occasion? Did any acts receive an X from the judges (series creator Simon Cowell, Mel B, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara)?
Listen on to find out! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.
Transcribed
17 AUG 2026 · It is a pleasure to welcome Wendy Colonna to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.
For nearly three decades, Wendy has written songs that explore the intersections of humanity, culture, and resilience. A graduate of Louisiana's Scholars' College, she has released nine studio albums, toured nationally and internationally, earned a Coca-Cola sync placement reaching millions, and shared stages with legendary artists. From performing for 60,000 people at the Women's March to singing at hospice bedsides, Colonna believes every performance is an act of connection.
Beyond the stage, she is Chief Cultural Officer of Wavemakers Women + Music, where she helps amplify women artists over 40, and founder of the Lyriculture™ Artist Development program, where she has spent a decade mentoring creatives. Her commitment to elevating overlooked voices is at the heart of her songwriting—and comes to life in "Nightingale." She is based in San Marcos, Texas.
On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Wendy Colonna spoke about Wavemakers Women + Music, spoke about the stories behind her most-streamed Spotify songs, and previewed her upcoming project, Banned, which transforms banned books into songs. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.
Transcribed
12 AUG 2026 · America’s Got Talent (AGT): Season 21 Live Shows start next week!
However, we have one more edition of Judges’ Callbacks before NBC reveals the entire lineup of acts.
Last week, Simon and Mel B conducted their Judges’ Callbacks and sent eight acts into the live shows.
Tonight, Howie Mandel and Sofia Vergara held court at their respective Judges’ Callbacks locations – his podcast studio and The Laugh Factory (Howie) and Beverly Hills (Sofia). They also brought guest judges Nikki Glaser (Howie), Lele Pons and Sebastian Yarra (Sofia) to help them make the crucial decisions.
Which acts rose to the occasion? Who will be competing for America’s votes? Listen on to find out!
Next week, the AGT: Season 21 Live Shows START! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.
Transcribed
10 AUG 2026 · It is a privilege to welcome country music recording artist Caldwell to the Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.
Caldwell's sound is as raw and real as the life that shaped him. Raised in a diverse community and grounded in values of respect, hard work, and authenticity, Caldwell found his rhythm early, picking up the drums at age five and turning to songwriting during high school. The spark that lit the fuse came when he watched a friend shoot a music video and thought, “I can do this better.” Drawing inspiration from Eminem, Elvis Presley, Bruno Mars, and Morgan Wallen, Caldwell channels his Southern roots into a fearless fusion of country, rock, hip-hop, and pop. What began as a relentless grind through local venues and bar stages has evolved into sold-out performances, viral moments, and a rapidly expanding fanbase fueled by his faith, grit, and unwavering work ethic.
Hailing from Greenville, South Carolina, Caldwell is redefining genre lines with a high-voltage blend of country, rock, rap, and pop. Following a breakout 2025 that saw him named Rolling Stone UK’s #1 Artist to Watch with his viral hit “Beer & Baddies” featuring Sexyy Red, which debuted at number 31 on the Billboard Dance/Mix Show Airplay Chart, Caldwell continues his meteoric rise with a major milestone of partnering with independent record label EMPIRE Nashville.
Caldwell took this energy and harnessed a show-stopping performance for a record-breaking crowd at CMA Fest’s Dr Pepper Amp Stage. The performance left the crowd wanting more and fueled the iconic WAKA FLOCKA FLAME to say from the stage, “Caldwell is the most exciting new country artist to come up!”
On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Caldwell opened up about how Chad Kroeger and Morgan Wallen influenced his sound, the stories behind his songs, including “F.S.U.” and “Flyin’ Pass – Remix” with Yung Pinch & MOD SUN. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.
Transcribed
5 AUG 2026 · America’s Got Talent (AGT) brought an element fans have been missing for ages – the Middle Round.
The middle round not only introduced acts who would be competing for America’s votes, but also gave multiple acts the chance to present themselves in front of the judges (and their guests) one final time if they were undecided. From the Vegas Rounds to the Judge Cuts, AGT’s Middle Round created unforgettable moments. For Season 21, judges Simon Cowell, Mel B, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara each selected six acts to see one more time to determine if they were going to the live shows.
This week, Simon Cowell and Mel B invited their six acts to their houses, and they brought with them – three iconic mentors, former X Factor USA alum Normani and producer Poo Bear (Simon), and Baby Spice herself – Emma Bunton (Mel B)!
Which acts rose to the occasion and were awarded a spot in the Season 21 Live Shows? Listen on to find out!
Next week, Howie & Sofia invite their six acts for the second round of Judge Callbacks! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.
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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.
Information
| Author | Jacob Elyachar |
| Organization | Jacob Elyachar |
| Categories | Entertainment News |
| Website | jakes-take.com |
| jacobelyachar8@gmail.com |
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