It is a pleasure to welcome Sydney Segal to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast! The Beverly Hills native-turned-New York City transplant began her Reality TV journey on Survivor 41. She was part of the dominant Luvu tribe, which avoided Tribal Council throughout the pre-merge portion of the game. After the apparent merge, Sydney won immunity, but a twist allowed eventual winner Erika Casupanan to revoke it, putting the future Challenge star in danger of being voted out. At Tribal Council, Sydney feared for her safety and played her “Shot in the Dark,” sacrificing her vote. Sadly, the risk didn't pay off, and she was voted out 5-4-3.  Four years later, Sydney Segal found herself on the long-running Reality TV show, The Challenge. During The Challenge 41: Vets and New Threats, she formed the nucleus of the New Threats alliance with fellow Survivor alum Dee Valladares, Canada’s Ultimate Challenge alum Leka Sodade, and the show’s eventual male winner (and The Amazing Race alum) Yeremi Hykel.  Sydney won both the Runes My Life (with fellow New Threat Leo Dionicio) and Cyclone (with Yeremi) daily challenges, and for the second half of the season, she teamed up with The Challenge: War of the Worlds winner Turbo Camkiran [T]. The duo defeated show icon Ashley “Millionaire” Mitchell and Leo in the Weigh Me Up elimination and won the final two daily challenges, which secured their spot in TJ Lavin’s final; ultimately, they placed second, and she earned $25,000.  When Sydney returned for The Challenge 42: Cutthroat (2026), she was on an island as none of her closest allies were on the season. However, this season was a team format. Gray Team captain (and Survivor winner) Chris Underwood recruited her second and found herself on a team with fellow Vets vs. New Threats alumni Leo and Adrienne Naylor, newcomer Keanu Soto, and fan favorites Cassidy Clark, Cory Wharton, and Nurys Mateo. While the Gray team won two daily challenges, an ACL injury forced her out of the season.  On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Sydney Segal took us behind her gameplay on both The Challenge: Vets & New Threats and The Challenge: Cutthroat (2026). Sydney also spoke about traveling to all seven wonders of the world!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 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.