November 6, 2025 • 32 mins
Six years ago, I launched a new venue, The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.
The podcast has welcomed guests across the entertainment and lifestyle industries. The guests have ranged from Emmy-winning journalists such as Anne Trujillo, Elex Michaelson, and Michael Mackie, and Emmy-winning actor Mike Manning, to Tony-winning producer Evan McGill and Reality TV legends such as Beth Stolarczyk, Derrick Kosinski, Ethan Zohn, Jon Brennan, Mark Long, Rachel Reilly, Rob Cesternino, and Syrus Yarbrough. I am incredibly grateful to all the publicists and talent management teams who trusted me with their clients.
I am grateful for the friendships that I built along the way with my podcasting colleagues and guests. They include my friends over at AGT Time Pod, Brent Wolgamott (who was my first guest), Challenge Historian’s Jacob, Challenge Mania’s Derrick and Scott Yager, Drew Angelman, Josh Skinner, Matt Cohen, Mike Lewis, Paige of Most Likely & TikTok, Tony Berado, and Wes of Thinking Critical.
I want to thank my dear friends and family who supported my podcasting journey, especially my mom, Gloria, my dad, Matthew, my brother, Aaron, my sister-in-law, Whitney, my nephew, Nash, my nieces, Emory and Kennedy, and my doggy nephew, Maxwell. Finally—and most importantly—I want to thank you—the listeners from over 80 countries—for taking time out of your schedules to watch and listen to my content! I am grateful for your continuous support.
For my sixth anniversary episode, I am delighted to welcome my longtime friend, Becky Wilson! Becky runs WDS Marketing and Public Relations. WDS is a boutique agency with a unique and proven niche. Their focus is on helping savvy entrepreneurs and clever business owners tell their stories. Results included increased awareness, enhanced credibility, and new relationships in the business community. Becky leverages media, accolades, events, and other prime opportunities to elevate client brands and help them become known in the most positive, dynamic, and delightful ways. WDS received honors from the Kansas City Business Marketing Association’s Fountain Awards program and the Kansas City Public Relations Society’s Prism Awards. Becky Wilson has been honored twice by the U.S. Small Business Administration as a regional “Women Business Champion.”
She is the co-founder of the Kansas City Council of Women Business Owners (KC-CWBO), which was designated as one of the most outstanding women’s business organizations in the United States by the Stevie Awards for Women in Business. WDS offers pro bono and discounted services to select nonprofit and business organizations each year. We have recently assisted the Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center, the Center for Spirit at Work, and the KC-CWBO. They also volunteer for committee work and currently serve on the membership committee of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Kansas City.
On the latest edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Becky Wilson shared WDS Marketing and Public Relations’ origin story. She also talked about her passion for America’s Got Talent (AGT).
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.
The podcast has welcomed guests across the entertainment and lifestyle industries. The guests have ranged from Emmy-winning journalists such as Anne Trujillo, Elex Michaelson, and Michael Mackie, and Emmy-winning actor Mike Manning, to Tony-winning producer Evan McGill and Reality TV legends such as Beth Stolarczyk, Derrick Kosinski, Ethan Zohn, Jon Brennan, Mark Long, Rachel Reilly, Rob Cesternino, and Syrus Yarbrough. I am incredibly grateful to all the publicists and talent management teams who trusted me with their clients.
I am grateful for the friendships that I built along the way with my podcasting colleagues and guests. They include my friends over at AGT Time Pod, Brent Wolgamott (who was my first guest), Challenge Historian’s Jacob, Challenge Mania’s Derrick and Scott Yager, Drew Angelman, Josh Skinner, Matt Cohen, Mike Lewis, Paige of Most Likely & TikTok, Tony Berado, and Wes of Thinking Critical.
I want to thank my dear friends and family who supported my podcasting journey, especially my mom, Gloria, my dad, Matthew, my brother, Aaron, my sister-in-law, Whitney, my nephew, Nash, my nieces, Emory and Kennedy, and my doggy nephew, Maxwell. Finally—and most importantly—I want to thank you—the listeners from over 80 countries—for taking time out of your schedules to watch and listen to my content! I am grateful for your continuous support.
For my sixth anniversary episode, I am delighted to welcome my longtime friend, Becky Wilson! Becky runs WDS Marketing and Public Relations. WDS is a boutique agency with a unique and proven niche. Their focus is on helping savvy entrepreneurs and clever business owners tell their stories. Results included increased awareness, enhanced credibility, and new relationships in the business community. Becky leverages media, accolades, events, and other prime opportunities to elevate client brands and help them become known in the most positive, dynamic, and delightful ways. WDS received honors from the Kansas City Business Marketing Association’s Fountain Awards program and the Kansas City Public Relations Society’s Prism Awards. Becky Wilson has been honored twice by the U.S. Small Business Administration as a regional “Women Business Champion.”
She is the co-founder of the Kansas City Council of Women Business Owners (KC-CWBO), which was designated as one of the most outstanding women’s business organizations in the United States by the Stevie Awards for Women in Business. WDS offers pro bono and discounted services to select nonprofit and business organizations each year. We have recently assisted the Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center, the Center for Spirit at Work, and the KC-CWBO. They also volunteer for committee work and currently serve on the membership committee of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Kansas City.
On the latest edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Becky Wilson shared WDS Marketing and Public Relations’ origin story. She also talked about her passion for America’s Got Talent (AGT).
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hello everyone, and welcome to a very special episode the
sixth anniversary of the Jake's Take with Jacob Elishar podcast.
I'm your host, Jacob Aali Star, the chief content producer
and writer, the chief the chief conson producer writer of
Jake staschic dot com, a pop culture entertainment news website.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
If you're watching.
Speaker 1 (00:19):
Us, oh no, no watching us listening to us today,
please give us a five star rating and please downla
this episode and all the other episodes. I never thought
when I launched his podcast six years ago that we
would be going nearing episode four hundred. I never thought
that I would have reality stars, the content creators, the
(00:41):
Emmy winning journalist, a Tony winning producer, a songwriter, Hall
of Fame count and countless content creators on. So from
the bottom of my heart, I want to thank every
single one of my guests and their PR teams who
to trust my brand and trusted me come on. And
also I want to thank you guys, the listeners, and
also my you two followers and everything. Thank you so
(01:03):
much for supporting me on this journey. With every anniversary episode,
I bring on a guest who has a very special
has very special ties for me, and this one is
non different.
Speaker 2 (01:13):
She and I known each other for every twelve twelve years.
Speaker 1 (01:17):
She is the president and Chief Visibility Officer of WDS
Marketing and Public Relations. She is an award winner. She
is at Kids Who Want, Ken City Small Business Superstar
and a two time recipient of the Grand Cevie Awards.
Please help me welcome.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
Becky Wilson to the podcast.
Speaker 3 (01:36):
Hello, Hello, Becky.
Speaker 2 (01:41):
It is an honored have you here.
Speaker 3 (01:43):
I'm so proud to be here with you, Jacob, because
I watch you almost well every time you put up
a podcast. You've had some really interesting guests and musical
talents and actors and everything. It's just fabulous.
Speaker 2 (02:00):
Becky, thank you so much. I really appreciate it. Guys.
Speaker 1 (02:03):
For the record, Becky and I have known each other
for over thirteen years. We met at one of the
Freelance Exchange of event at Kansaity Events, and I think
we got and I got to give a big shout
up to our mutual friend Julie Cortes, who introduced us.
Speaker 3 (02:16):
I'm still a member of the Freelance Exchange and I
think it's one of the best groups in Kansas City.
Speaker 1 (02:23):
Absolutely absolutely, and for a quick shoutout for the Freelance
Exchange of Kansas City. It's an incredible group of creators
entrepreneurs who come together to support each other through education
and also sometimes team up.
Speaker 3 (02:38):
Yeah, that's right. And the meetings are great. They do
lots of networking and lunch and meetings and anything you
could ever want to run your business and to meet
other successful freelancers. The Kansas City Freelance Exchange is the best.
Speaker 1 (02:53):
Absolutely, and I'm excited to say this that Julie Cortest
will be the founder, will be on a future episode
the Jake's Take with Jacob Eisher podcasts for our seventh season.
Speaker 2 (03:04):
So we are here.
Speaker 3 (03:05):
That's a great interview, so that'll be exciting.
Speaker 2 (03:08):
It will be.
Speaker 1 (03:09):
However, this podcast is all about you, Becky. So Becky,
when did you come interested in media and how did
that interest develop a desire to work in the communications industry.
Speaker 3 (03:22):
Okay, my interest began well one of my clients. I
went to visit her and she said, Becky, how come
I'm not getting any media coverage? What's the story here?
And I said, well, the newspapers and magazines don't come
to you anymore with the hat as this press and
a microphone. You have to send them a press release,
(03:44):
has to be focused, has to be newsworthy, and then
we'll get you some media comforts. And she says, well,
do it, do it, do it, do it. So I
wrote a press release about how wonderful her business was,
and I got a really nice story in the Kansas
City Business Journal about her and she was thrilled. And
later on that year, she says, to be Becky, how
(04:06):
can I get one of these Casey Chamber Awards? And
I said, well, you have to fill out an intense
application and tell all the details and everything, and she says, well,
do it, do it. So I built it out and
sent it in, and about four weeks later there was
a fact remember factxes.
Speaker 2 (04:24):
Oh yeah, it's been a long time since.
Speaker 3 (04:28):
And she's written on the facts I'm in Thanks Becky.
So that was my first client to win an award
and that started the whole ball rolling. I'm still friends
with her and she's just great. So that's how it
all started.
Speaker 1 (04:45):
It's amazing how you help so many incredible people over
the years, and an amazing me every time I see
you work in magic.
Speaker 3 (04:53):
Yeah, and you know it's not really magic. It's due diligence.
But at the time, my agency was focusing on direct marketing.
And I don't know if you know it, but at
one time, Kansas City was the third largest direct marketing
up in the United States, and we had not known that.
We had a direct marketing club with a twelve hundred members. Yeah, well,
(05:18):
you know, and it just didn't I was a direct marketer,
but it got really boring and all the fashion figure
and everything. So I wanted to go a different way,
and I did so, so you did.
Speaker 1 (05:37):
Yeah. I think it's incredible that that has happened. And
it's a long journey.
Speaker 3 (05:43):
It's a very long journey. It started over twenty five
years ago when I left direct marketing. I mean, it's
still great to know about it, but direct marketing has
kind of gone by the way. But at one time,
we had all kinds of businesses at Kansas City that
used direct marketing to build their business, and I was
proud to be a part of it. But I soon
(06:05):
changed my focus to public relations, and that's just never
looked back. I've never looked back. I love public relations.
I love helping clients win awards, helping them be featured
in the media, and I do my due diligence to
make sure that it happened.
Speaker 1 (06:23):
I totally agree BACKI it's definitely something that you play
for the long game. And you've been I through you,
through Julie and evens to my media. Here is the
late Regislobin and late Barbara Walters. There they were in
their eighties, when they were when they were still around
and still around before they retired. But fifty, I'd rather
(06:44):
be someone that's a journey man and be around for
a long period of time set of a have the
TikTok success and say we already now around twenty thirty
or something like that.
Speaker 3 (06:57):
Yeah. The right that I really liked were, of course
Barbara Walters and Oprah Winfrey, and they inspired me to
move my agency forward and to watch what they're doing
and as they interviewed people and find excitement. And luckily
Kansas City has many fabulous entrepreneurs, and so I had
(07:21):
I had my choice of some top clients that I
led forward and it was nothing but fun. And I
was friends with Harris Faulkner and Larry Moore, and I
read the Kansas City Star every day in USA today,
and of course I watched Murphy Brown, which was a
(07:41):
really you know, it was about news and everything. But
I wasn't really in that. I was just interested by
what they were doing.
Speaker 1 (07:50):
It's amazing that they have that kind of impact.
Speaker 2 (07:54):
And you've been and you've been around for so long.
Speaker 1 (07:57):
I would love to know the origin story out of
DS marketing and publiculation, because the thing is, I think
my audience will be very fascinated by it.
Speaker 3 (08:06):
Okay, Well, it started when I was in sixth grade.
My parents gave me a portable printing press where you
had to put the movable letters in it and everything,
and I ran my own middle school newspaper, and after that,
I was on the newspaper, the high school newspaper for
(08:30):
four years. I was total nerd, total nerd, but I
loved it and enjoyed it. And then I went to
Truman State University in Kirksville, and I graduated with a
degree in journalism and creative writing. And that was how
that all got started. And I'm you know, I'm still
(08:51):
friends with one of my professors from back then, and
it was just so interesting. And then I put everything
in my car and moved to Kansas City. Only been
here a couple of times, but I didn't think I
could make it in Saint Louis, so I came here.
(09:12):
I thought, well, I'll get a job as a reporter
at the Kansas City Star. That did not happen, a
Hallmark or fifteen other places that I interviewed. I didn't
get any jobs, but you know best the way that
it was. I ended up working for a marketing out
(09:32):
agency selling their services, and now after that a direct
mail and then I turned it over to public relations.
I find public relations is so much more interesting and
helping clients win awards and move forward. It started me
down a road that keeps me going every year.
Speaker 2 (09:51):
And you continue to go on.
Speaker 1 (09:53):
It were, but I did not believe that road got
started in sixth grade.
Speaker 3 (09:57):
Yes, I always wanted to be a journalist, and I
begged my parents for this little mini printing press, which
I had for years, but it's gone on. I put
the movable type in it and everything it was. I
had my own newspaper, and for me, that was the start.
But unfortunately it didn't come into a journalism. It came
(10:20):
into public relations. But I'm okay with that. I really
like it. I don't think I don't think I would
have traded it. This is much more interesting and we
all know what's happened to media today, and the Kansas
City Star certainly doesn't have the presence that it had
when I was interested in As a matter of fact,
at one time there was the morning Kansas City Star,
(10:43):
and there was an afternoon paper. Can you believe that?
Speaker 1 (10:46):
I cannot believe that. I just remember the morning paper
and that's basically it.
Speaker 3 (10:50):
And we had the Sun Publications and Lenexa had a newspaper.
There were lots of newspapers at Kansas City.
Speaker 1 (10:57):
It was definitely it's definitely so seeing that area media go.
And like the thing is, when it comes to that,
it's like basically you're either everyone is either in Kansas City.
It's like basically there's only fought only like certain like
all four big networks are still here. KERISQB five, WDF
(11:20):
can be C nine News and forty one and NBC
forty one. But at the same time, it's like there's
not like there's some newsletters like Johnson County Post and everything,
but you must have seen but you must have seen
an incredible rise and fall of media over the years.
Speaker 3 (11:36):
I did, and I enjoyed the Kansas City Star. The
Kansas City Star used to have a magazine on Sundays
that featured Kansas City businesses, and I was very lucky
to get my clients profiled in that magazine, and I
think I still have a couple of them. But you know,
things change. Nobody asked me I have to go along
(11:57):
with it, and the Kansas City Star are just not
what it used to be. So print media. I mean,
there's still print media, but like Forbes, they have their
online edition that has a lot more in it than
their print and I'm sure many of them is so
expensive that they would like to do away with the
(12:18):
print editions, but they really can't.
Speaker 1 (12:21):
Oh tell me, Oh tell me about that, because the
thing is, I remember picking up a copy of The
Rolling Stone a Barnes and Noble, and I was looking
at the price and it was like saying, twelve dollars
and nine nine cents.
Speaker 3 (12:32):
Yeah, yeah, it's.
Speaker 1 (12:35):
And then also with People magazine, I look for six
dollars nine nine cents for a smaller magazine.
Speaker 2 (12:40):
It's just like you. Even Vogue is starting to pubble up.
Vogue is publishing less issues.
Speaker 3 (12:47):
Well for some of the magazines have now gone to
bi monthly, which I understand, I mean is expensive. You
have to make money. But online publications have so much
more interesting content. But you know, on there are some
places you just want to read a magazine, doctor's office
on an airplane, you know. But it's changing, and I
(13:11):
don't have anything to do with it. I just have
to go along with it.
Speaker 2 (13:15):
I think we all have to go along with it.
Speaker 1 (13:17):
Like for example, like I remember the first time I
heard about a blog and the first time I heard
about a podcast, and like it's I admit I'm a
late adapter to both, but still I'm running this run.
But coming up to fifteen years, it still amazes me
that people are getting more news and more stuff for
social from social media, and also people are getting more
(13:39):
opportunities to raise their voices through their websites and through
their blogs.
Speaker 3 (13:43):
And I love podcasts, and I wish I had time
to listen to all of them, but I you know,
do the best you can. But they're so interesting and
they have interesting people on and interesting topics from the
newspeople to the TV stars, local people, so if you
want to catch up on everything, and of course who
(14:05):
knows what AI is going to bring us out.
Speaker 1 (14:08):
I know, I know, I hope. Here's the thing. There's
one Chickabai short and there's one Becky Wilson, and AI
cannot reptate both of us.
Speaker 3 (14:17):
You know. I try to follow it all, but it's
so fast that if you do that, you don't have
time to make any money with your business. Following what's
going to happen with the media. And I've that's one
of the challenges. You asked me, what challenges I've had
to overcome obstacles? Well, I started with the typewriter, you know,
(14:39):
And I had a typewriter all through college and everywhere else.
I still got it. I love it, never use it.
And then and media kits. Back then, to get stories,
you had to take a pocketboulder and put five or
six printed pages about the business and mail it to
the media. And you know, I would mail out fifty
(15:01):
a week. And then that's all gone away. You don't
do that anymore. You email everything and hope for the best.
I still have a fax machine. Years ago, I had
an assistant who's stood by my fax machine in my
office and faxed out press releases like six hours a day.
(15:23):
Can you believe that?
Speaker 1 (15:25):
Now? I cannot imagine that today. I cannot imagine if well,
let's say.
Speaker 3 (15:28):
And she did and she did a great job. But
that's all gone. But I still have my fact machine.
I can't part with anything. And award applications now instead
of sending them, the applications all done online, and it's
some of the companies took their time to get it
set up, and they've made big mistakes. One client had
(15:51):
a big award program and their program went down and
they lost all their applications.
Speaker 2 (15:58):
That is so awful.
Speaker 3 (16:02):
Luckily I had saved all my content and I could
just resent it to them. But you know, things happen,
you know, we never know what's going to happen, you know,
so we just have to go with it.
Speaker 2 (16:15):
And absolutely absolutely so.
Speaker 1 (16:16):
You mentioned a lot about that you mentioned in our
earlier about the people that you've seen, like the people
like I am very interested because you've been around so long.
What have been some of the most memorable celebrities that
you met over the years and how do they stand out?
Speaker 3 (16:35):
Well, for one, there's you.
Speaker 2 (16:39):
I'm not a celebrity, just yeah, you.
Speaker 3 (16:41):
Are a celebrity, really, you know, and I met it
over the years. I've met some TV stars, but not
in my business. My business is about entrepreneurs. And I
had a very memorable client Asian gentlemen named Benny Lee,
and I was his PR agency for ten years and
(17:04):
he was very fortunate to win I think twenty or
twenty five awards. Now he's retired and I miss him,
but he was so interesting and he said to me
that to represent him, I had to join the Asian Chamber.
So I joined the Caniss City Asian Chamber and I'm
still a member. And that's another group that I recommend
here in town. They do marvelous things and they're well
(17:27):
run and you won't have any problems with the Asian Chamber.
And that's another thing. Chambers of commerce are now really
important in getting their brand out. You've got to join
the chamber. You've got to be active and follow what
they do. There's a Kansas City Chamber over the Park
Chamber of an Exit Chamber, and there's national chambers too.
(17:49):
The National US Chamber wonderful. They have several award programs
that I participate in that they promote you. And then
there's Enterprising Women magazine which also has fabulous award program
that I participated. So it's a magazine. It's media, and
it's awards all rolled into one but famous people a few,
(18:13):
I guess, but not many. Oh I met the lady
Barbara Corporan from Shark Tank.
Speaker 1 (18:18):
Oh, yes, I remember. And there are newrous conversations. Beckie
has told me a lot how much she you idolize her?
Speaker 3 (18:26):
Yes, I do, And I've actually talked to her on
the phone and sent her stuff. And she was a
speaker at a conference that I went to and I
started a conversation with her, and she came to Kansas
City and she sent me like twenty tickets to her deal,
which was fabulous, And I said, all my clients are
(18:48):
she's a wonderful speaker and she's got so much energy.
I wish she'd transferred on. But you know, Shark Tank
is a wonderful show, and I've had several of my
clients supply it's really hard to get on. It's a
really interesting show. So now that's media too, and I
(19:09):
think it's it's a great way to learn how to
do business, to follow Shark Tank and how they present themselves.
And there's several other entrepreneur programs now at one time
there were more, but now there's just a few, and
I watch all of them, and I just think it's
marvelous what opportunities entrepreneurs have, not only in Kansas City
(19:31):
but nationwide to promote who they are and what they
do and what their business does. And I try to
follow as many as dem as I can, so I
can get my clients, you know, on the highest levels.
And there's nothing more exciting than to have your client
featured in the national magazine and they love it too.
That takes a lot of time and a lot of work,
(19:53):
but it does happen. You know, you've got a fabulous business,
you can be there. And we have fabulous entrepreneurs in
Kansas City too, on a national level and on a
local level, entrepreneurs in their businesses. So I'm proud to
be into Kansas City because I say, if that's where
it's all.
Speaker 1 (20:13):
Happening, I gotta say this. I feel so I feel
like Kansas City is so underrated. Yeah, we talk about
cities nationwide. I love you and I both have a
love for New York City. But here's the thing. And
I've been to New York City, and I love my
friends and family over in New York City, but it's
shoes aren't expensive.
Speaker 3 (20:36):
Oh gosh, yes, six dollars for a couple of coffee,
and I have coffee every day. I like New York.
It's fun to go visit. They have several award programs
to give their awards in New York City, and I
like that. But I grew up in the country, so
I'm never going to be adapted to big cities. I
do like Las Vegas though, They've had several award programs
(20:57):
in Las Vegas. But Las Vegas is really changing their tunes,
so you have to keep up with everything. There's no
taking any naps today. Everything is changing as fast as
it can.
Speaker 1 (21:09):
So absolutely absolutely. But what doesn't change is basically your
is basically how when those clients get that awards and
what does it mean for you when you receive the
news that that client won an award.
Speaker 3 (21:26):
I have so much pride for them and so accept
so much excitement. While they get their award, they usually
walk across the stage and they're profiled in the media.
I think there's no more for me, not more excitement
than to help them win awards. And I've had clients
win everything from ernstinan entrepreneur of the Year to a
(21:47):
Philanthropist of the Year and it doesn't go away, and
they're thrilled, and I'm thrilled for them. And that's what
makes it all worthwhile for me, is helping them fill
out their applications and try for the awards and be recognized.
You don't win every time, but if you keep going,
follow your due diligence, good things will come out of it.
Speaker 2 (22:09):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (22:09):
So I want to change gears because Becky and I
have spent the past few years corresponding talking about a
mutual show.
Speaker 2 (22:19):
Of ours that we love.
Speaker 1 (22:21):
I'm talking about one of the most covered show that
this podcast has covered, America's Got Talents. So what got
you originally interested in AGT?
Speaker 2 (22:32):
Becky?
Speaker 3 (22:33):
It started with Chuck Barris and The Gong Show, if
you can believe that. I used to watch that and
I loved it, and then I watched American Idol and
I still watch it. But then America's Got Talent got
started and they have more than just singing. They have
(22:55):
acrobatics and magic and dancing and a little bit of everything,
you know what I mean. So I try to pick
my ten and you try to pick your ten, and
our goal is to see who can select the winner,
and we don't always get it done because America votes
on these people and I don't know what their criteria are.
But if anybody's hurt any yelling, it's me because I
(23:18):
get angry when that. You know, when they go away,
But there's still I still follow some of them on
social media. America really has got talent, and it's enjoyable
to see what they've come up with, and they've pushed
it to another level. You know.
Speaker 2 (23:36):
I totally agree with you.
Speaker 1 (23:39):
My favorite era of the show remind is that Radio
City Music Hall era with Howard, Heidi Milby and uh
Heidi and well Nick Cannon as the house. I was
still I saw a photo of the of the group
the on air team on Reddit today and I still
(24:00):
the best group that they've had of judges and hosts.
Speaker 3 (24:05):
Yeah, but I wish they'd I wish they'd change them
and get different people because I think there are other
judges out there that could bring more to the judging
than Melby and Heidi. But that's just my opinion. I
do like the acts and I do think they're wonderful,
but I don't always agree with who they pick, and
(24:27):
I can't throw things at the TV because that'll break it.
But sometimes I get really angry. But it's fun working
with you, Jacob and seeing who you pick because you
really have more insights into who has the talent than
I do, you know. But they're so fortunate today to
have that show and for people to be on it
(24:50):
and to get selected, because there's no other way to
get the kind of acclaim and attention that they do.
Whether they win or not, they're still on national t
and that makes a big difference to these acts because
it's a hard living.
Speaker 1 (25:04):
You know that it is, you know, I know, I know,
you mean, I'm just very grateful, like I never like
we're talking about got talent and I one of my
favorite memories I've had recently was when Micah Christian, who's
the lead singer of Santa SARAA from season nine, who
(25:24):
came in fourth place, they came to Came City and
I was very fortunate that I was able to get
a ticket to their show and I brought my and
I brought my mom Gloria with me. Shout up mom.
And one of the things I did not expect was
when they when Micah shouted me up to the stage
during the VIP when the VIP moment, because that meant
(25:45):
the world to me. I did not know he was
going to do that, and also being able to say
that being a supporter of that. And then also when
Voices of Service visited to Pete, I'm to Lawrence Kansas
was that it's amazing how many people and like I
met some of my all time favorite acts and they
did not disappoint And it's just amazing how many people
(26:08):
have come up there. And I'm like, yes, American Idol
is great, but like I can't name the acts that
have been on the ABC show that version of it.
I can name several of the acts that were on
all the Blast couple of seasons have got talent.
Speaker 3 (26:24):
Well, I watch it and like I said, some of
it I approve of some of them I don't. But
it's still a great show and I try to get
the most out of it. And it's fun every year
with you. You always beat me, you know you do.
Speaker 1 (26:42):
I think what happens is I look at who I
really like, and I also look at social media as well,
and I try to pick a combination of like, Okay,
who do I believe has it in them to win?
And also their social and asocial and also look at
their social media numbers as well, saying okay, let's see
how they're going to react. And like this year, I
was very grateful that Jessica Santras won because I've been
(27:05):
I was a fan of her since she was on
American Idol way back in twenty twelve, and after seeing
her get robbed from Philip of the win by Philip Phillips,
I was so grateful to know that she came back
and wanted Yes.
Speaker 3 (27:18):
We both picked her. We both picked her, and I
thought she is fabulous. And I've been to Las Vegas
a couple of times and seeing Terry Fader, He's fabulous,
and several other of the performers and musicians, and they
(27:38):
really had to Las Vegas. I'm glad to see them
making it on their own because without America's got talent,
it wouldn't happen or would take so slow to do that.
So it's an opportunity like no other.
Speaker 1 (27:53):
I totally agree, and I'm looking forwards and I think
they haven't and I think they can if they get
it right, to get the right people and also maybe
find new judges or new generation of champions because I
would love to sit at one of the seats.
Speaker 3 (28:10):
Yeah, I think you'd be an excellent judge, and.
Speaker 1 (28:14):
I would like I let's let's let's put that out
in the universe that one day I'll judge.
Speaker 3 (28:18):
Agt Okay, I have my fingers crossed.
Speaker 1 (28:23):
Alright, alrighty, we were done with the America's Got Talent universe.
But before we wind down this interview, I want to
ask you a question about if you have any advice
for people who are listened to this and are thinking
about going after awards like the Stevie Awards, what advice
would to share with them to have a really good
application that could be considered to go and possibly get
(28:47):
a reward or not just the category, win the category,
but maybe but maybe the second or third place.
Speaker 3 (28:54):
Well, I suggest first that you have a winning attitude
with your business and don't be shy and get out
there and tell people how wonderful your business is and
how great your leadership is, and professionally fill out the application.
Don't use AI. I can help you, or I can
(29:15):
recommend other people, or I'm sure there's people in your
city that will help you win the award, and then
build a PR program around it to let people know
all you've achieved, because it's hard running a business and
people need to know all the things that you've done.
And that's how you win an award. And you may
not win it one year, but you might win it
(29:36):
the next. So due diligence, keep trying. If you have
any questions, I can answer them, contact me, or I
can recommend other people who could help you with that.
Speaker 1 (29:50):
That's really good advice, Becky, and everyone please go back
and listen to what Becky said because it's going to
be very useful if you're going to take your business
to the next life. And beck and Becky, this is
the last question.
Speaker 2 (30:03):
Are you ready?
Speaker 3 (30:04):
Yes?
Speaker 1 (30:06):
Where can they find out more about your services that
you've offered?
Speaker 2 (30:10):
Number one? And number two? Where can they connect with
you on social media?
Speaker 3 (30:14):
Okay? My web address is wdspr dot com. If you
go there, you can see stories about my clients and
what we've accomplished. And I'm on LinkedIn, Becky s Wilson,
and I'm on Facebook Becky s Wilson or WDSPR dot
com and I answer they answer the phone nine one, three, three,
(30:38):
six two four or five four one. You have any
questions I'm happy to answer them if I can't. Don't
make it too hard. Though it's a long it's a
long day, you know what I mean. But I'm happy
to be on your podcast, and I think it's fabulous
how you've grown, grown it and got other places to
(31:01):
go and things to do. You're just marvelous, Jacob.
Speaker 2 (31:05):
I mean, thank you so much. Becky.
Speaker 1 (31:06):
I would not be standing for twelve almost fifteen years
and six years without your support, and I truly mean it.
You are an incredible person in my life and I'm
so greatful.
Speaker 3 (31:16):
Thank you at our past crossed Yeah, thank you so much,
and I really enjoyed that. I think this is the
second podcast I've ever been on.
Speaker 1 (31:26):
Well, I'm so grateful that you chose that you that
I'm able to have you here. So, guys, if you
missed an episode of the Jake's Take with Jacob Elishar podcasts,
visit our channels on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, Spotify
and Speaker. It's Jake's Tak with Jacob Elishar JC O
B E O y A c h A R. Now
(31:49):
are you on social media? Because I'm on social media?
Toube Facebook, Instagram, threads Twitter and YouTube. Jacob L A Shar,
j Ac O b E l y A c h
A R. I want to find that see all my
America's Got Talent coverage from over the years. Want to
see my music review, I want to see my podcast. Well,
head to the website that started it all almost fifteen
(32:10):
years ago, Jake's sesh take dot Com. Once getting Jake's
sesh take dot Com, Becky, I am so honored and
through that you took time on your schedule to speak
with me today. I am a light in the city
and an incredible person.
Speaker 3 (32:23):
It was fun. I really enjoyed it.
Speaker 1 (32:25):
Thank you for thinking of me, no problem, guys, thank
you so much for all your support. I really mean it.
And until next time, have a great one everybody.
Speaker 2 (32:35):
Good bye, Okay,
Hello everyone, and welcome to a very special episode the
sixth anniversary of the Jake's Take with Jacob Elishar podcast.
I'm your host, Jacob Aali Star, the chief content producer
and writer, the chief the chief conson producer writer of
Jake staschic dot com, a pop culture entertainment news website.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
If you're watching.
Speaker 1 (00:19):
Us, oh no, no watching us listening to us today,
please give us a five star rating and please downla
this episode and all the other episodes. I never thought
when I launched his podcast six years ago that we
would be going nearing episode four hundred. I never thought
that I would have reality stars, the content creators, the
(00:41):
Emmy winning journalist, a Tony winning producer, a songwriter, Hall
of Fame count and countless content creators on. So from
the bottom of my heart, I want to thank every
single one of my guests and their PR teams who
to trust my brand and trusted me come on. And
also I want to thank you guys, the listeners, and
also my you two followers and everything. Thank you so
(01:03):
much for supporting me on this journey. With every anniversary episode,
I bring on a guest who has a very special
has very special ties for me, and this one is
non different.
Speaker 2 (01:13):
She and I known each other for every twelve twelve years.
Speaker 1 (01:17):
She is the president and Chief Visibility Officer of WDS
Marketing and Public Relations. She is an award winner. She
is at Kids Who Want, Ken City Small Business Superstar
and a two time recipient of the Grand Cevie Awards.
Please help me welcome.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
Becky Wilson to the podcast.
Speaker 3 (01:36):
Hello, Hello, Becky.
Speaker 2 (01:41):
It is an honored have you here.
Speaker 3 (01:43):
I'm so proud to be here with you, Jacob, because
I watch you almost well every time you put up
a podcast. You've had some really interesting guests and musical
talents and actors and everything. It's just fabulous.
Speaker 2 (02:00):
Becky, thank you so much. I really appreciate it. Guys.
Speaker 1 (02:03):
For the record, Becky and I have known each other
for over thirteen years. We met at one of the
Freelance Exchange of event at Kansaity Events, and I think
we got and I got to give a big shout
up to our mutual friend Julie Cortes, who introduced us.
Speaker 3 (02:16):
I'm still a member of the Freelance Exchange and I
think it's one of the best groups in Kansas City.
Speaker 1 (02:23):
Absolutely absolutely, and for a quick shoutout for the Freelance
Exchange of Kansas City. It's an incredible group of creators
entrepreneurs who come together to support each other through education
and also sometimes team up.
Speaker 3 (02:38):
Yeah, that's right. And the meetings are great. They do
lots of networking and lunch and meetings and anything you
could ever want to run your business and to meet
other successful freelancers. The Kansas City Freelance Exchange is the best.
Speaker 1 (02:53):
Absolutely, and I'm excited to say this that Julie Cortest
will be the founder, will be on a future episode
the Jake's Take with Jacob Eisher podcasts for our seventh season.
Speaker 2 (03:04):
So we are here.
Speaker 3 (03:05):
That's a great interview, so that'll be exciting.
Speaker 2 (03:08):
It will be.
Speaker 1 (03:09):
However, this podcast is all about you, Becky. So Becky,
when did you come interested in media and how did
that interest develop a desire to work in the communications industry.
Speaker 3 (03:22):
Okay, my interest began well one of my clients. I
went to visit her and she said, Becky, how come
I'm not getting any media coverage? What's the story here?
And I said, well, the newspapers and magazines don't come
to you anymore with the hat as this press and
a microphone. You have to send them a press release,
(03:44):
has to be focused, has to be newsworthy, and then
we'll get you some media comforts. And she says, well,
do it, do it, do it, do it. So I
wrote a press release about how wonderful her business was,
and I got a really nice story in the Kansas
City Business Journal about her and she was thrilled. And
later on that year, she says, to be Becky, how
(04:06):
can I get one of these Casey Chamber Awards? And
I said, well, you have to fill out an intense
application and tell all the details and everything, and she says, well,
do it, do it. So I built it out and
sent it in, and about four weeks later there was
a fact remember factxes.
Speaker 2 (04:24):
Oh yeah, it's been a long time since.
Speaker 3 (04:28):
And she's written on the facts I'm in Thanks Becky.
So that was my first client to win an award
and that started the whole ball rolling. I'm still friends
with her and she's just great. So that's how it
all started.
Speaker 1 (04:45):
It's amazing how you help so many incredible people over
the years, and an amazing me every time I see
you work in magic.
Speaker 3 (04:53):
Yeah, and you know it's not really magic. It's due diligence.
But at the time, my agency was focusing on direct marketing.
And I don't know if you know it, but at
one time, Kansas City was the third largest direct marketing
up in the United States, and we had not known that.
We had a direct marketing club with a twelve hundred members. Yeah, well,
(05:18):
you know, and it just didn't I was a direct marketer,
but it got really boring and all the fashion figure
and everything. So I wanted to go a different way,
and I did so, so you did.
Speaker 1 (05:37):
Yeah. I think it's incredible that that has happened. And
it's a long journey.
Speaker 3 (05:43):
It's a very long journey. It started over twenty five
years ago when I left direct marketing. I mean, it's
still great to know about it, but direct marketing has
kind of gone by the way. But at one time,
we had all kinds of businesses at Kansas City that
used direct marketing to build their business, and I was
proud to be a part of it. But I soon
(06:05):
changed my focus to public relations, and that's just never
looked back. I've never looked back. I love public relations.
I love helping clients win awards, helping them be featured
in the media, and I do my due diligence to
make sure that it happened.
Speaker 1 (06:23):
I totally agree BACKI it's definitely something that you play
for the long game. And you've been I through you,
through Julie and evens to my media. Here is the
late Regislobin and late Barbara Walters. There they were in
their eighties, when they were when they were still around
and still around before they retired. But fifty, I'd rather
(06:44):
be someone that's a journey man and be around for
a long period of time set of a have the
TikTok success and say we already now around twenty thirty
or something like that.
Speaker 3 (06:57):
Yeah. The right that I really liked were, of course
Barbara Walters and Oprah Winfrey, and they inspired me to
move my agency forward and to watch what they're doing
and as they interviewed people and find excitement. And luckily
Kansas City has many fabulous entrepreneurs, and so I had
(07:21):
I had my choice of some top clients that I
led forward and it was nothing but fun. And I
was friends with Harris Faulkner and Larry Moore, and I
read the Kansas City Star every day in USA today,
and of course I watched Murphy Brown, which was a
(07:41):
really you know, it was about news and everything. But
I wasn't really in that. I was just interested by
what they were doing.
Speaker 1 (07:50):
It's amazing that they have that kind of impact.
Speaker 2 (07:54):
And you've been and you've been around for so long.
Speaker 1 (07:57):
I would love to know the origin story out of
DS marketing and publiculation, because the thing is, I think
my audience will be very fascinated by it.
Speaker 3 (08:06):
Okay, Well, it started when I was in sixth grade.
My parents gave me a portable printing press where you
had to put the movable letters in it and everything,
and I ran my own middle school newspaper, and after that,
I was on the newspaper, the high school newspaper for
(08:30):
four years. I was total nerd, total nerd, but I
loved it and enjoyed it. And then I went to
Truman State University in Kirksville, and I graduated with a
degree in journalism and creative writing. And that was how
that all got started. And I'm you know, I'm still
(08:51):
friends with one of my professors from back then, and
it was just so interesting. And then I put everything
in my car and moved to Kansas City. Only been
here a couple of times, but I didn't think I
could make it in Saint Louis, so I came here.
(09:12):
I thought, well, I'll get a job as a reporter
at the Kansas City Star. That did not happen, a
Hallmark or fifteen other places that I interviewed. I didn't
get any jobs, but you know best the way that
it was. I ended up working for a marketing out
(09:32):
agency selling their services, and now after that a direct
mail and then I turned it over to public relations.
I find public relations is so much more interesting and
helping clients win awards and move forward. It started me
down a road that keeps me going every year.
Speaker 2 (09:51):
And you continue to go on.
Speaker 1 (09:53):
It were, but I did not believe that road got
started in sixth grade.
Speaker 3 (09:57):
Yes, I always wanted to be a journalist, and I
begged my parents for this little mini printing press, which
I had for years, but it's gone on. I put
the movable type in it and everything it was. I
had my own newspaper, and for me, that was the start.
But unfortunately it didn't come into a journalism. It came
(10:20):
into public relations. But I'm okay with that. I really
like it. I don't think I don't think I would
have traded it. This is much more interesting and we
all know what's happened to media today, and the Kansas
City Star certainly doesn't have the presence that it had
when I was interested in As a matter of fact,
at one time there was the morning Kansas City Star,
(10:43):
and there was an afternoon paper. Can you believe that?
Speaker 1 (10:46):
I cannot believe that. I just remember the morning paper
and that's basically it.
Speaker 3 (10:50):
And we had the Sun Publications and Lenexa had a newspaper.
There were lots of newspapers at Kansas City.
Speaker 1 (10:57):
It was definitely it's definitely so seeing that area media go.
And like the thing is, when it comes to that,
it's like basically you're either everyone is either in Kansas City.
It's like basically there's only fought only like certain like
all four big networks are still here. KERISQB five, WDF
(11:20):
can be C nine News and forty one and NBC
forty one. But at the same time, it's like there's
not like there's some newsletters like Johnson County Post and everything,
but you must have seen but you must have seen
an incredible rise and fall of media over the years.
Speaker 3 (11:36):
I did, and I enjoyed the Kansas City Star. The
Kansas City Star used to have a magazine on Sundays
that featured Kansas City businesses, and I was very lucky
to get my clients profiled in that magazine, and I
think I still have a couple of them. But you know,
things change. Nobody asked me I have to go along
(11:57):
with it, and the Kansas City Star are just not
what it used to be. So print media. I mean,
there's still print media, but like Forbes, they have their
online edition that has a lot more in it than
their print and I'm sure many of them is so
expensive that they would like to do away with the
(12:18):
print editions, but they really can't.
Speaker 1 (12:21):
Oh tell me, Oh tell me about that, because the
thing is, I remember picking up a copy of The
Rolling Stone a Barnes and Noble, and I was looking
at the price and it was like saying, twelve dollars
and nine nine cents.
Speaker 3 (12:32):
Yeah, yeah, it's.
Speaker 1 (12:35):
And then also with People magazine, I look for six
dollars nine nine cents for a smaller magazine.
Speaker 2 (12:40):
It's just like you. Even Vogue is starting to pubble up.
Vogue is publishing less issues.
Speaker 3 (12:47):
Well for some of the magazines have now gone to
bi monthly, which I understand, I mean is expensive. You
have to make money. But online publications have so much
more interesting content. But you know, on there are some
places you just want to read a magazine, doctor's office
on an airplane, you know. But it's changing, and I
(13:11):
don't have anything to do with it. I just have
to go along with it.
Speaker 2 (13:15):
I think we all have to go along with it.
Speaker 1 (13:17):
Like for example, like I remember the first time I
heard about a blog and the first time I heard
about a podcast, and like it's I admit I'm a
late adapter to both, but still I'm running this run.
But coming up to fifteen years, it still amazes me
that people are getting more news and more stuff for
social from social media, and also people are getting more
(13:39):
opportunities to raise their voices through their websites and through
their blogs.
Speaker 3 (13:43):
And I love podcasts, and I wish I had time
to listen to all of them, but I you know,
do the best you can. But they're so interesting and
they have interesting people on and interesting topics from the
newspeople to the TV stars, local people, so if you
want to catch up on everything, and of course who
(14:05):
knows what AI is going to bring us out.
Speaker 1 (14:08):
I know, I know, I hope. Here's the thing. There's
one Chickabai short and there's one Becky Wilson, and AI
cannot reptate both of us.
Speaker 3 (14:17):
You know. I try to follow it all, but it's
so fast that if you do that, you don't have
time to make any money with your business. Following what's
going to happen with the media. And I've that's one
of the challenges. You asked me, what challenges I've had
to overcome obstacles? Well, I started with the typewriter, you know,
(14:39):
And I had a typewriter all through college and everywhere else.
I still got it. I love it, never use it.
And then and media kits. Back then, to get stories,
you had to take a pocketboulder and put five or
six printed pages about the business and mail it to
the media. And you know, I would mail out fifty
(15:01):
a week. And then that's all gone away. You don't
do that anymore. You email everything and hope for the best.
I still have a fax machine. Years ago, I had
an assistant who's stood by my fax machine in my
office and faxed out press releases like six hours a day.
(15:23):
Can you believe that?
Speaker 1 (15:25):
Now? I cannot imagine that today. I cannot imagine if well,
let's say.
Speaker 3 (15:28):
And she did and she did a great job. But
that's all gone. But I still have my fact machine.
I can't part with anything. And award applications now instead
of sending them, the applications all done online, and it's
some of the companies took their time to get it
set up, and they've made big mistakes. One client had
(15:51):
a big award program and their program went down and
they lost all their applications.
Speaker 2 (15:58):
That is so awful.
Speaker 3 (16:02):
Luckily I had saved all my content and I could
just resent it to them. But you know, things happen,
you know, we never know what's going to happen, you know,
so we just have to go with it.
Speaker 2 (16:15):
And absolutely absolutely so.
Speaker 1 (16:16):
You mentioned a lot about that you mentioned in our
earlier about the people that you've seen, like the people
like I am very interested because you've been around so long.
What have been some of the most memorable celebrities that
you met over the years and how do they stand out?
Speaker 3 (16:35):
Well, for one, there's you.
Speaker 2 (16:39):
I'm not a celebrity, just yeah, you.
Speaker 3 (16:41):
Are a celebrity, really, you know, and I met it
over the years. I've met some TV stars, but not
in my business. My business is about entrepreneurs. And I
had a very memorable client Asian gentlemen named Benny Lee,
and I was his PR agency for ten years and
(17:04):
he was very fortunate to win I think twenty or
twenty five awards. Now he's retired and I miss him,
but he was so interesting and he said to me
that to represent him, I had to join the Asian Chamber.
So I joined the Caniss City Asian Chamber and I'm
still a member. And that's another group that I recommend
here in town. They do marvelous things and they're well
(17:27):
run and you won't have any problems with the Asian Chamber.
And that's another thing. Chambers of commerce are now really
important in getting their brand out. You've got to join
the chamber. You've got to be active and follow what
they do. There's a Kansas City Chamber over the Park
Chamber of an Exit Chamber, and there's national chambers too.
(17:49):
The National US Chamber wonderful. They have several award programs
that I participate in that they promote you. And then
there's Enterprising Women magazine which also has fabulous award program
that I participated. So it's a magazine. It's media, and
it's awards all rolled into one but famous people a few,
(18:13):
I guess, but not many. Oh I met the lady
Barbara Corporan from Shark Tank.
Speaker 1 (18:18):
Oh, yes, I remember. And there are newrous conversations. Beckie
has told me a lot how much she you idolize her?
Speaker 3 (18:26):
Yes, I do, And I've actually talked to her on
the phone and sent her stuff. And she was a
speaker at a conference that I went to and I
started a conversation with her, and she came to Kansas
City and she sent me like twenty tickets to her deal,
which was fabulous, And I said, all my clients are
(18:48):
she's a wonderful speaker and she's got so much energy.
I wish she'd transferred on. But you know, Shark Tank
is a wonderful show, and I've had several of my
clients supply it's really hard to get on. It's a
really interesting show. So now that's media too, and I
(19:09):
think it's it's a great way to learn how to
do business, to follow Shark Tank and how they present themselves.
And there's several other entrepreneur programs now at one time
there were more, but now there's just a few, and
I watch all of them, and I just think it's
marvelous what opportunities entrepreneurs have, not only in Kansas City
(19:31):
but nationwide to promote who they are and what they
do and what their business does. And I try to
follow as many as dem as I can, so I
can get my clients, you know, on the highest levels.
And there's nothing more exciting than to have your client
featured in the national magazine and they love it too.
That takes a lot of time and a lot of work,
(19:53):
but it does happen. You know, you've got a fabulous business,
you can be there. And we have fabulous entrepreneurs in
Kansas City too, on a national level and on a
local level, entrepreneurs in their businesses. So I'm proud to
be into Kansas City because I say, if that's where
it's all.
Speaker 1 (20:13):
Happening, I gotta say this. I feel so I feel
like Kansas City is so underrated. Yeah, we talk about
cities nationwide. I love you and I both have a
love for New York City. But here's the thing. And
I've been to New York City, and I love my
friends and family over in New York City, but it's
shoes aren't expensive.
Speaker 3 (20:36):
Oh gosh, yes, six dollars for a couple of coffee,
and I have coffee every day. I like New York.
It's fun to go visit. They have several award programs
to give their awards in New York City, and I
like that. But I grew up in the country, so
I'm never going to be adapted to big cities. I
do like Las Vegas though, They've had several award programs
(20:57):
in Las Vegas. But Las Vegas is really changing their tunes,
so you have to keep up with everything. There's no
taking any naps today. Everything is changing as fast as
it can.
Speaker 1 (21:09):
So absolutely absolutely. But what doesn't change is basically your
is basically how when those clients get that awards and
what does it mean for you when you receive the
news that that client won an award.
Speaker 3 (21:26):
I have so much pride for them and so accept
so much excitement. While they get their award, they usually
walk across the stage and they're profiled in the media.
I think there's no more for me, not more excitement
than to help them win awards. And I've had clients
win everything from ernstinan entrepreneur of the Year to a
(21:47):
Philanthropist of the Year and it doesn't go away, and
they're thrilled, and I'm thrilled for them. And that's what
makes it all worthwhile for me, is helping them fill
out their applications and try for the awards and be recognized.
You don't win every time, but if you keep going,
follow your due diligence, good things will come out of it.
Speaker 2 (22:09):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (22:09):
So I want to change gears because Becky and I
have spent the past few years corresponding talking about a
mutual show.
Speaker 2 (22:19):
Of ours that we love.
Speaker 1 (22:21):
I'm talking about one of the most covered show that
this podcast has covered, America's Got Talents. So what got
you originally interested in AGT?
Speaker 2 (22:32):
Becky?
Speaker 3 (22:33):
It started with Chuck Barris and The Gong Show, if
you can believe that. I used to watch that and
I loved it, and then I watched American Idol and
I still watch it. But then America's Got Talent got
started and they have more than just singing. They have
(22:55):
acrobatics and magic and dancing and a little bit of everything,
you know what I mean. So I try to pick
my ten and you try to pick your ten, and
our goal is to see who can select the winner,
and we don't always get it done because America votes
on these people and I don't know what their criteria are.
But if anybody's hurt any yelling, it's me because I
(23:18):
get angry when that. You know, when they go away,
But there's still I still follow some of them on
social media. America really has got talent, and it's enjoyable
to see what they've come up with, and they've pushed
it to another level. You know.
Speaker 2 (23:36):
I totally agree with you.
Speaker 1 (23:39):
My favorite era of the show remind is that Radio
City Music Hall era with Howard, Heidi Milby and uh
Heidi and well Nick Cannon as the house. I was
still I saw a photo of the of the group
the on air team on Reddit today and I still
(24:00):
the best group that they've had of judges and hosts.
Speaker 3 (24:05):
Yeah, but I wish they'd I wish they'd change them
and get different people because I think there are other
judges out there that could bring more to the judging
than Melby and Heidi. But that's just my opinion. I
do like the acts and I do think they're wonderful,
but I don't always agree with who they pick, and
(24:27):
I can't throw things at the TV because that'll break it.
But sometimes I get really angry. But it's fun working
with you, Jacob and seeing who you pick because you
really have more insights into who has the talent than
I do, you know. But they're so fortunate today to
have that show and for people to be on it
(24:50):
and to get selected, because there's no other way to
get the kind of acclaim and attention that they do.
Whether they win or not, they're still on national t
and that makes a big difference to these acts because
it's a hard living.
Speaker 1 (25:04):
You know that it is, you know, I know, I know,
you mean, I'm just very grateful, like I never like
we're talking about got talent and I one of my
favorite memories I've had recently was when Micah Christian, who's
the lead singer of Santa SARAA from season nine, who
(25:24):
came in fourth place, they came to Came City and
I was very fortunate that I was able to get
a ticket to their show and I brought my and
I brought my mom Gloria with me. Shout up mom.
And one of the things I did not expect was
when they when Micah shouted me up to the stage
during the VIP when the VIP moment, because that meant
(25:45):
the world to me. I did not know he was
going to do that, and also being able to say
that being a supporter of that. And then also when
Voices of Service visited to Pete, I'm to Lawrence Kansas
was that it's amazing how many people and like I
met some of my all time favorite acts and they
did not disappoint And it's just amazing how many people
(26:08):
have come up there. And I'm like, yes, American Idol
is great, but like I can't name the acts that
have been on the ABC show that version of it.
I can name several of the acts that were on
all the Blast couple of seasons have got talent.
Speaker 3 (26:24):
Well, I watch it and like I said, some of
it I approve of some of them I don't. But
it's still a great show and I try to get
the most out of it. And it's fun every year
with you. You always beat me, you know you do.
Speaker 1 (26:42):
I think what happens is I look at who I
really like, and I also look at social media as well,
and I try to pick a combination of like, Okay,
who do I believe has it in them to win?
And also their social and asocial and also look at
their social media numbers as well, saying okay, let's see
how they're going to react. And like this year, I
was very grateful that Jessica Santras won because I've been
(27:05):
I was a fan of her since she was on
American Idol way back in twenty twelve, and after seeing
her get robbed from Philip of the win by Philip Phillips,
I was so grateful to know that she came back
and wanted Yes.
Speaker 3 (27:18):
We both picked her. We both picked her, and I
thought she is fabulous. And I've been to Las Vegas
a couple of times and seeing Terry Fader, He's fabulous,
and several other of the performers and musicians, and they
(27:38):
really had to Las Vegas. I'm glad to see them
making it on their own because without America's got talent,
it wouldn't happen or would take so slow to do that.
So it's an opportunity like no other.
Speaker 1 (27:53):
I totally agree, and I'm looking forwards and I think
they haven't and I think they can if they get
it right, to get the right people and also maybe
find new judges or new generation of champions because I
would love to sit at one of the seats.
Speaker 3 (28:10):
Yeah, I think you'd be an excellent judge, and.
Speaker 1 (28:14):
I would like I let's let's let's put that out
in the universe that one day I'll judge.
Speaker 3 (28:18):
Agt Okay, I have my fingers crossed.
Speaker 1 (28:23):
Alright, alrighty, we were done with the America's Got Talent universe.
But before we wind down this interview, I want to
ask you a question about if you have any advice
for people who are listened to this and are thinking
about going after awards like the Stevie Awards, what advice
would to share with them to have a really good
application that could be considered to go and possibly get
(28:47):
a reward or not just the category, win the category,
but maybe but maybe the second or third place.
Speaker 3 (28:54):
Well, I suggest first that you have a winning attitude
with your business and don't be shy and get out
there and tell people how wonderful your business is and
how great your leadership is, and professionally fill out the application.
Don't use AI. I can help you, or I can
(29:15):
recommend other people, or I'm sure there's people in your
city that will help you win the award, and then
build a PR program around it to let people know
all you've achieved, because it's hard running a business and
people need to know all the things that you've done.
And that's how you win an award. And you may
not win it one year, but you might win it
(29:36):
the next. So due diligence, keep trying. If you have
any questions, I can answer them, contact me, or I
can recommend other people who could help you with that.
Speaker 1 (29:50):
That's really good advice, Becky, and everyone please go back
and listen to what Becky said because it's going to
be very useful if you're going to take your business
to the next life. And beck and Becky, this is
the last question.
Speaker 2 (30:03):
Are you ready?
Speaker 3 (30:04):
Yes?
Speaker 1 (30:06):
Where can they find out more about your services that
you've offered?
Speaker 2 (30:10):
Number one? And number two? Where can they connect with
you on social media?
Speaker 3 (30:14):
Okay? My web address is wdspr dot com. If you
go there, you can see stories about my clients and
what we've accomplished. And I'm on LinkedIn, Becky s Wilson,
and I'm on Facebook Becky s Wilson or WDSPR dot
com and I answer they answer the phone nine one, three, three,
(30:38):
six two four or five four one. You have any
questions I'm happy to answer them if I can't. Don't
make it too hard. Though it's a long it's a
long day, you know what I mean. But I'm happy
to be on your podcast, and I think it's fabulous
how you've grown, grown it and got other places to
(31:01):
go and things to do. You're just marvelous, Jacob.
Speaker 2 (31:05):
I mean, thank you so much. Becky.
Speaker 1 (31:06):
I would not be standing for twelve almost fifteen years
and six years without your support, and I truly mean it.
You are an incredible person in my life and I'm
so greatful.
Speaker 3 (31:16):
Thank you at our past crossed Yeah, thank you so much,
and I really enjoyed that. I think this is the
second podcast I've ever been on.
Speaker 1 (31:26):
Well, I'm so grateful that you chose that you that
I'm able to have you here. So, guys, if you
missed an episode of the Jake's Take with Jacob Elishar podcasts,
visit our channels on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, Spotify
and Speaker. It's Jake's Tak with Jacob Elishar JC O
B E O y A c h A R. Now
(31:49):
are you on social media? Because I'm on social media?
Toube Facebook, Instagram, threads Twitter and YouTube. Jacob L A Shar,
j Ac O b E l y A c h
A R. I want to find that see all my
America's Got Talent coverage from over the years. Want to
see my music review, I want to see my podcast. Well,
head to the website that started it all almost fifteen
(32:10):
years ago, Jake's sesh take dot Com. Once getting Jake's
sesh take dot Com, Becky, I am so honored and
through that you took time on your schedule to speak
with me today. I am a light in the city
and an incredible person.
Speaker 3 (32:23):
It was fun. I really enjoyed it.
Speaker 1 (32:25):
Thank you for thinking of me, no problem, guys, thank
you so much for all your support. I really mean it.
And until next time, have a great one everybody.
Speaker 2 (32:35):
Good bye, Okay,
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.