Next Take Podcast

This week on Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Tanyka and Ramona revisit Disney’s beloved sitcom, That’s So Raven, exploring its impact on millennial viewers and how its blend of comedy, family life, and conversations about race brought the Black experience to a generation’s screens.

That's So Raven, No ordinary teenager; Raven Baxter can see glimpses of the future! Watch her schemes and misadventures as she enlists the help of friends, including best friends Eddie and Chelsea, to change life's little outcomes. Raven's younger brother, Cory, is obsessed with money and creates get-rich-quick schemes...

This week on Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel and Tanyka explore the chilling urban legend of the Black-Eyed Kids, examining the eerie encounters behind the mysterious figures as part of the show’s Third Annual Halloween Series.

From unsettling eyewitness accounts and the origins of this internet-era horror story to theories surrounding paranormal encounters, the hosts explore one of the creepiest legends in modern folklore. Are these mysterious children supernatural entities, a product of fear and imagination, or simply an urban legend that has taken on a life of its own? (via Source: PBS Docu...

This week on Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel sits down with game developer Tre Hampton, creator of Martin: No Filter Fighters, to discuss the future of the viral game and more.

Martin: No Filter Fighters is an unofficial, fan-made 2D fighting game inspired by the legendary television sitcom Martin, starring Martin Lawrence. Developed by independent game creator Tre Hampton (Trey2k23), the project brings beloved characters like Martin Payne, Gina, Pam, Sheneneh, Jerome, and Dragonfly Jones into an arcade-style fighting experience filled with nostalgia, humour, and memorable references to the original series.

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This week on The Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel brings together special guests Joseph, Kosta, and RJ to debate whether Travis Scott ranks among the top 10 hip-hop artists of all time, whether James Gunn is the right person to lead the DCU, and whether Vegeta is stronger than Goku. Plus, they weigh in on pineapple on pizza and share their anime recommendations.

Is Travis Scott one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time, or is his influence being overrated? From his breakout mixtapes to chart-topping albums like Rodeo, Astroworld, and Utopia, Travis Scott ha...

This week on Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel and Tanyka explore Air Canada’s cabin overhaul featuring lie-flat seats, examine why a Black church could lose its heritage status, and discuss what Blue Origin’s extraction of oxygen from moon dust could mean for the future of space exploration.

Air Canada is taking passenger comfort to new heights with a major cabin redesign featuring lie-flat business-class seats, luxurious private suites, upgraded entertainment systems, and modern interiors inspired by Canadian culture. (via Source: CityNews Toronto )

A historic Black church in London, Ontario, became...

This week on The Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel discusses Masai Ujiri’s comments on “LeBronto,” asks whether playing Hood Warfare 2 is good or bad, and explores AI movies coming to theatres.

Former Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri is revisiting his NBA journey in a recent appearance on the One54 Africa Podcast. From Toronto's historic 2019 NBA championship to the dominance of LeBron James, Ujiri reflects on some of basketball's biggest moments. But one chapter continues to stand out for Raptors fans: the infamous "LeBronto" era, when James and the Cleveland Cavaliers repeatedly ended Toronto's playoff...

This week on Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel and Tanyka delve into the eerie stories and reportedly haunted artifacts of Zak Bagans’ Haunted Museum as their Third Annual Halloween Series continues.

Deep in the heart of Las Vegas lies one of America's most mysterious attractions: Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Museum. Housed inside a historic mansion dating back to 1938, the museum is home to an unsettling collection of allegedly haunted artifacts, cursed objects, and disturbing pieces of criminal history. Created by Ghost Adventures host Zak Bagans, the museum features more than 30 rooms filled with chilling exhibi...

This week on The Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel discusses the first episode of Dragon Ball Super and explores the question of “wokeness” in Gears of War: E-Day. Plus, Ramona joins the conversation to discuss Shane Gillis’s comments on women’s gymwear.

Mikel revisits the very first episode of Dragon Ball Super, exploring the introduction of Beerus, the God of Destruction, and the beginning of a new chapter in the Dragon Ball universe. From Beerus's mysterious awakening to the search for the Super Saiyan God, Mikel discusses how this legendary character helped shape the future...

This week on Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel sits down with hip-hop artist Donn to discuss his new album, Cold Soul, his musical influences and career, his interest in WWE and anime, and more.

Hip-hop artist Donn Hart introduces his new album, Cold Soul, a project that showcases his artistic identity, creative vision, and passion for music. The album invites listeners into Donn Hart's world as he continues to develop his sound and express himself through hip-hop. For Next Take Podcast, the album provides an opportunity to explore Donn Hart's creative process, the inspiration be...

This week on Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel and RJ examine Xbox’s continuing reset, explore former NFL coach Mike Tomlin’s interest in Minecraft, and share their takes on these stories and more.

Microsoft is continuing its massive Xbox restructuring, introducing another wave of layoffs, major studio reorganizations, and significant changes to some of gaming’s biggest franchises.As part of its ongoing reset, Xbox has announced the elimination of 268 positions, while Activision takes responsibility for the next Halo game, Bethesda expands its oversight of Obsidian Entertainment, and Playground Games joins forces with Turn 10...

This week on Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel and Tanyka explore three intriguing stories: how female baboons can reject sperm, the investigation into a former Meta employee accused of downloading private photos, and how physical exercise could help boost memory. Join the conversation as they unpack animal biology, digital privacy, and the connection between movement and the mind.

A fascinating scientific discovery is challenging what we know about reproduction in the animal kingdom. Researchers have found evidence that female olive baboons may have a remarkable biological ability to influence which sperm survive after mating.Ac...

This week on The Next Take Podcast, Canada's own Tanyka reflects on the Halloween movie classic Hocus Pocus.

In Hocus Pocus, After moving to Salem, Mass., teenager Max Dennison (Omri Katz) explores an abandoned house with his sister Dani (Thora Birch) and their new friend, Allison (Vinessa Shaw). After dismissing a story Allison tells as superstitious, Max accidentally frees a coven of evil witches (Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy) who used to live in the house. Now, with the help of a magical cat, the kids must steal the witches' book of spells to...

This week on The Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel explores the return of Dragon Ball Super, reflects on the Toronto Tempo’s inaugural season, and takes a closer look at WEBTOON and Marvel’s plans for a new comics app.

After years of anticipation, Dragon Ball Super is making its highly anticipated return with Dragon Ball Super: Beerus, scheduled to premiere on October 11, 2026. The enhanced anime series promises upgraded animation, reworked battle sequences, newly recorded dialogue, and a reconstructed storyline that brings Akira Toriyama’s legendary creation to a new generation. (Via Source: Dragon Ball Sup...

This week on Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel and Tanyka explore the mysteries of the Bridgewater Triangle as part of their Third Annual Halloween Series. From eerie legends to reports of unexplained encounters, they examine the stories behind the region’s haunting reputation.

Known as one of New England’s most mysterious regions, the Bridgewater Triangle has been linked to decades of strange stories and unexplained encounters. Spanning roughly 200 square miles across southeastern Massachusetts, the area has become famous for reports of UFOs, mysterious creatures, ghostly activity, and other bizarre phenomena. From the eerie Hockom...

This week on Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel sits down with Tony, aka BLYSS, to explore the story behind his nickname, the creative vision shaping his art, and his perspective on AI-generated content’s growing influence on artists and the creative industry.

Known online as BLYSS (@blysstx), BLYSS is a visual artist and creative who uses bold, distinctive artwork to bring ideas, personalities, and culture to life. Through an evolving artistic style and a growing presence on social media, BLYSS has built a platform for showcasing original work, collaborations, and creative expression.

To...

This week on Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel and Tanyka unpack concerns over lead in drinking water at Ontario schools, explore the story of a sperm donor who meets his 60 children, and discuss an order requiring Netflix to reimburse customers.

Concerns are growing over lead in drinking water at Ontario schools after a new analysis found elevated levels at facilities across the province. The report highlights schools where water samples exceeded Ontario’s current lead standard and raises questions about whether existing testing, flushing and remediation measures go far enough.With health advocates calling on O...

This week on Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel and RJ break down some of the latest developments shaking up the gaming industry. They discuss Hideo Kojima’s growing relationship with Xbox, Microsoft’s patent involving in-game advertising, Playstation Tap To Pay Patent On Controller and the possibility of Binge x Destiny making an unexpected comeback.

Hideo Kojima and Kojima Productions are strengthening their relationship with Xbox. After joining forces on the ambitious horror project OD, the two companies are expanding their partnership, with Xbox now set to publish Kojima’s upcoming action-espionage title, PHYSINT. The coll...

This week on Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel and Tanyka kick off the Third Annual Halloween Series with a chilling look at The Countess of Hungary.

Known throughout history as the “Blood Countess,” Elizabeth Báthory was a powerful Hungarian noblewoman whose name became connected to some of Europe’s most disturbing legends. Born in 1560, Báthory was accused of brutally torturing and killing young women and girls across her estates. In 1610, authorities moved against her, and she was ultimately confined to Castle Čachtice, where she remained until her death in 1614. Over the centuries, her story g...

This week on Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel sits down with Norwick Robinson for an in-depth conversation about Endigo Society and the future of Duality. They explore the creative vision behind the projects, Robinson’s journey as a creator, what goes into building an independent comic universe, and what fans can expect next.

Comic book creator Norwick Robinson brings ambitious world-building and independent storytelling to the forefront with Endigo Society and Duality. From supernatural forces and mysterious abilities to larger conflicts that push characters beyond their ordinary lives, Robinson’s work reflects the creative freedo...

This week on Next Take Podcast, Canada's own Mikel and Tanyka present another edition of Screen Take, where they spotlight the latest TV shows, movies, and documentaries worth watching For September 2026.

Spotlight Watch

Mikel Miles Watched

AIR (2023) - Before Air Jordan became one of the most recognizable brands in sports, it began with a risky bet on a young basketball player who had yet to play a single NBA game. AIR takes audiences behind the scenes of Nike’s pursuit of Michael Jordan, following executive Sonny Vaccaro as he pushes th...

This week on Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel and Tanyka break down a mix of Canadian news and everyday debate. They discuss Metrolinx introducing body cameras, weigh the pros and cons of writing notes by hand versus using a phone, and examine Canada Post’s move toward ending home delivery.

Metrolinx is bringing body-worn cameras to frontline transit staff across the GO Transit and UP Express network, marking a new approach to safety and accountability on Ontario’s transit system. The cameras can capture audio and video during certain safety, investigative and fare-enforcement interactions. Metrol...

This week on Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel and RJ turn their attention to Marvel’s Wolverine for PS5, examining what the highly anticipated title could bring to PlayStation’s superhero lineup.

Marvel’s Wolverine brings Logan’s claws, rage and complicated past to the PlayStation 5. Developed by Insomniac Games, the action-adventure puts players in control of Wolverine as he battles dangerous enemies while uncovering secrets from his past.With brutal close-range combat, cinematic storytelling and a journey stretching from the Canadian wilderness to Tokyo and Madripoor, Marvel’s Wolverine delivers a darker take on the super...

This week on The Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Tanyka and Ramona take a journey through Michael Jackson’s musical legacy, from his Motown days with The Jackson 5 to his final studio album, Invincible. Along the way, they revisit some of MJ’s most memorable eras, albums, and songs before tackling one very difficult question: What’s their favourite Michael Jackson song? Because, let’s face it. it’s hard to pick just one!

The music covered in this episode includes:

This week on Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel and Tanyka take a closer look at the life and legacy of Ryan White, whose battle against HIV/AIDS stigma became a defining story of the 1980s. They discuss his experiences, the discrimination he faced, and how his story helped challenge public misconceptions and reshape the national conversation around HIV/AIDS.

In the 1980s, at the height of fear and misinformation surrounding the AIDS epidemic, Ryan White was a teenager who simply wanted to live a normal life. After contracting HIV through contaminated blood products used to...

This week on Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel and Tanyka break down two stories making headlines: a message from Hollywood stars Ryan Gosling and Anne Hathaway, and the controversy surrounding transgender girls being told to leave Girlguiding. They examine the stories, the reactions, and the wider conversations they’ve sparked.

Ryan Gosling and Anne Hathaway are speaking up about Hollywood’s responsibilities. Gosling says bringing audiences back to cinemas starts with filmmakers creating movies worth seeing on the big screen. Meanwhile, according to Meryl Streep, Hathaway urged producers of The Devil Wears Prada 2 to avoid...

This week on The Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel breaks down three stories making waves across gaming, sports, and streaming. He dives into the rumored sales numbers for Marvel’s Wolverine on PS5, LeBron James’ new deal with Polymarket, and Disney+ bringing ads to all subscription tiers.

Rumored Wolverine PS5 Sales: Marvel’s Wolverine may already be off to a strong commercial start. According to estimates from Alinea Analytics, Insomniac Games’ latest PS5 exclusive sold approximately 1.9 million copies in just three days, bringing in an estimated $130 million in revenue. The reported numbers would make Wolverine one of...

This week on The Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel brings together special guests Keith, Kosta, and RJ to discuss Spider-Man: Brand New Day topping the domestic box office, women proposing to men, whether hip hop is a young man’s game, and Roc Nation’s reported struggle to secure a performer for the 2027 Super Bowl halftime show.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day has officially swung into the record books. Tom Holland’s latest outing as the web-slinger has surpassed Star Wars: The Force Awakens to become the highest-grossing film ever at the North American box office. After opening...

This week on Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel and Tanyka examine the growing debate surrounding book bans in the United States. From challenges in schools and libraries to concerns over censorship, education, and freedom of expression, they explore the key issues driving the controversy and the broader questions about who decides what Americans can read.

Across the United States, the battle over what books belong in schools and libraries has become a major cultural and political debate.Thousands of books have been challenged, restricted, or removed, with disputes frequently focusing on material involving race, sex...

This week on The Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel breaks down three major stories shaking up entertainment and sports: Hideo Kojima’s split from PlayStation, the controversy surrounding Sydney Sweeney’s revealing sports betting ad, and the blockbuster basketball news Raptors fans have been waiting for Kawhi Leonard is FINALLY BACK AS A TORONTO RAPTOR!!!

After decades of creative history between Hideo Kojima and PlayStation, one of gaming’s most recognizable partnerships is taking an unexpected turn. PlayStation Studios has stepped away from Kojima Productions’ upcoming action-espionage game, Physint, after Kojima says his studio unexpected...

This week on Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel sits down with Kurt, aka Elementmanga5, to discuss his previous project, Element 5, AI in art, future projects, and more!

Element5manga is an independent manga creator and artist who uses Instagram to showcase original artwork, characters, and updates surrounding the Element manga project. The account gives followers a look into the creative process behind building an indie manga, from character designs and illustrations to the continued development of its story and world. Elementmanga5 represents the growing community of independent creators using social media to share their work d...

This week on Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel and Tanyka discuss a flight attendant being thrown from a flight, a 600-year-old Pinot Noir grape discovered in a toilet, and the UN voting to recognize the enslavement of Africans as one of history’s gravest injustices.

An Air Canada flight attendant survived an extraordinary ordeal after being thrown from an aircraft during a deadly collision at New York’s LaGuardia Airport. The Air Canada Express jet, arriving from Montreal, struck an airport fire truck while landing. The impact severely damaged the front of the aircraft and kil...

This week on The Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Tanyka and Ramona take a look back at the Tyler Perry classic, Why Did I Get Married? They discuss the trials and tribulations of marriage dynamics through the lens of the couples featured in the movie.

Why Did I Get Married features eight married friends who take their annual reunion vacation in the Colorado mountains. Revelations of infidelity involving one pair shatter the amicable mood, forcing the remaining friends to take a hard look at the strength of their own marriages. The couples grapple with issues of...

This week on Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel, Tanyka, and RJ examine the tragic story of Skylar Neese—a case of friendship, betrayal, and murder that shocked a community and captured national attention.

In July 2012, 16-year-old Skylar Neese disappeared after secretly leaving her home in Star City, West Virginia, to meet two of her closest friends, Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf. What initially appeared to be a troubling missing-person case eventually revealed an unimaginable betrayal: the two friends Skylar trusted had planned and carried out her murder. For months, Eddy and Shoaf maintained a false...

This week on Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel sits down with Richard Singleton II, owner of Creative Theory World and creator of the hockey manga and animation Rule 56. They discuss the vision behind Creative Theory World, Richard’s creative journey, and what fans can expect from his upcoming hockey animation.

Created by Creative Theory World, the project offers a fresh artistic take on hockey culture while showcasing the creativity and storytelling possibilities of independent animation. Whether you're a hockey fan, animation enthusiast, or someone who enjoys character-driven sports stories, Rule 56 aims to deliver an exciting wo...

This week on Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel and RJ discuss Xbox’s shift from disc to digital, the latest GTA 6Netflix trailer, and the biggest announcements from PlayStation’s September 2026 State of Play.

Xbox is giving physical game collectors a new way to take their libraries into the digital era. The company’s new Disc-to-Digital feature allows players to insert supported Xbox One or Xbox Series X game discs and claim digital access to those titles.The feature is currently being tested through the Xbox Insider Program and already supports thousands of games, with Xbo...

This week on Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel, Tanyka, and RJ dive into a true crime conversation, debate the controversy surrounding “It’s Lake Ontario, Not Lake America,” and discuss the latest surrounding RFK Jr.

True crime is more than headlines and shocking details—it’s about the people, unanswered questions, and complicated circumstances behind each case. In this conversation, the Next Take Podcast dives into the world of true crime, discussing disturbing cases, criminal investigations, motives, evidence, and the justice system. Mikel, Tanyka, and RJ share their perspectives while examining why these stories continue to c...

This week on Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel and Tanyka explore the dark history of witch trials in Ireland, Switzerland, and Scotland, examining the fear, accusations, and persecution that shaped these chilling chapters of European history.

The witch trials of Europe were not limited to the infamous events in Salem. Across Ireland, Switzerland, and Scotland, accusations of witchcraft led to investigations, trials, imprisonment, torture, and executions—often driven by religious fears, political tensions, local disputes, and beliefs about supernatural forces.Ireland experienced considerably fewer witch trials than many other European countries, but its history stil...

This week on Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel and Tanyka discuss true crime documentaries and Spider-Man: Brand New Day in this month’s edition of Screen Take.

The Sick Mind of EDP445 takes a disturbing look at the rise and dramatic downfall of Bryant Moreland, better known online as EDP445. Once a hugely popular YouTube personality known for his outrageous Philadelphia Eagles rants and unfiltered comedy, EDP445’s internet career collapsed following a controversial 2021 vigilante sting involving someone he believed was an underage girl. Filmmaker Mike Clum revisits EDP445’s online fame, the allegations and controver...

This week on Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel and RJ jump into the wild world of High on Life 2 for a short video game review. They break down the gameplay, over-the-top humor, creative world, and overall experience while sharing their take on whether the sequel delivers.

High On Life 2 brings players back into Squanch Games’ bizarre, comedic sci-fi universe for another fast-paced first-person adventure. After previously helping save humanity, the bounty hunter is pulled into a new intergalactic conspiracy when a mysterious figure from the past places a bounty on their sister. Joined once agai...

This week on The Next Take Podcast, Canada’s own Mikel brings together special guests Keith, Kosta, D-Town, and RJ for a wide-ranging conversation about hip-hop culture, music, and its evolution. The crew breaks down Complex’s 100 Greatest Hip-Hop Beats of All Time, discusses legendary producer Rick Rubin, debates albums from Eminem, Frank Ocean and Kanye West, and asks a bigger question: Has social media helped or hurt hip-hop? Plus, much more from the world of hip-hop.

Complex’s ranking of the 100 greatest hip-hop beats of all time and debate the production that helped shape the sound of the cult...