Next Take Podcast

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 Studios. (via Source: Xbox Wire)Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is making headlines for an unexpected passion outside of football: Minecraft. After spending 12 years building an elaborate virtual city, the Super Bowl-winning coach has finally revealed his impressive creation to the world. Featuring skyscrapers, luxury apartments, hotels, and sports stadiums, Tomlin's digital masterpiece showcases a surprising side of the NFL legend. What began as a way to connect with his children eventually became a creative escape from the pressures of professional football. Now, his remarkable project is capturing attention across the sports and gaming communities, proving that his talents extend far beyond the football field. (via Source: CBS News and People News )Check Out: RJ Gaming Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@Wh3r3uatdogStreaming LinksSpotify:https://shorturl.at/4EAYzApple: https://shorturl.at/fyMNZYoutube: https://shorturl.at/fuyJQSocial Media:Website: https://solo.to/nexttakepodcastEpisode Produced By: Mikel MilesUploaded By: Mikel Miles

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.According to a study published in PLOS Biology, female baboons can experience changes in their reproductive environment when mating with genetically similar males. These changes include increased immune responses and higher acidity levels, potentially making it more difficult for certain sperm to survive. (Via Source: Phys.Org )A former Meta employee is at the centre of a criminal investigation after allegedly downloading approximately 30,000 private Facebook photos without authorization.The London-based engineer is suspected of developing a computer program designed to bypass Meta's internal security systems, allowing him to access and download users' private images without triggering detection. (via Source: The Guardian & Sky News )Can physical exercise actually improve your memory? Research suggests that staying physically active does more than strengthen your muscles—it can also support brain health, improve concentration, and help protect memory as we age. From brisk walking and cycling to strength training and aerobic workouts, certain forms of exercise may enhance cognitive performance by increasing blood flow to the brain and supporting processes involved in learning and memory. (via Source: National Institute On Aging )Streaming LinksSpotify:https://shorturl.at/4EAYzApple: https://shorturl.at/fyMNZYoutube: https://shorturl.at/fuyJQSocial Media:Website: https://solo.to/nexttakepodcastEpisode Produced By: TanykaUploaded By: Mikel Miles

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 stop them from becoming immortal.Streaming LinksSpotify: https://shorturl.at/dehuEApple: https://shorturl.at/fyMNZYoutube: https://shorturl.at/fuyJQSocial Media:Website: https://solo.to/nexttakepodcastEpisode Produced By: TanykaUploaded By: Tanyka

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 Super Website and Toei Animation )The Toronto Tempo have officially wrapped up their historic inaugural WNBA season, marking the end of a groundbreaking chapter for professional women's basketball in Canada.Despite finishing with an 11–33 record and missing the playoffs, the Tempo made history as the WNBA's first Canadian franchise. Their debut season featured memorable performances, significant challenges, and injuries to key players. (via Source: Sportsnet )Marvel and WEBTOON are joining forces to introduce a new era of digital comic book reading. Set to launch on November 16, 2026, the all-new Marvel Comics app will feature more than 35,000 digital comics, bringing together classic and modern stories from Marvel, Star Wars, and 20th Century Studios.The platform promises a fresh reading experience with personalized recommendations, improved navigation, traditional comic layouts, and WEBTOON-style vertical scrolling. With two subscription options and faster access to newly released comics, the collaboration aims to make Marvel's legendary stories more accessible to longtime fans and new readers alike. (via Source: WEBTOON )Streaming LinksSpotify:https://shorturl.at/4EAYzApple: https://shorturl.at/fyMNZYoutube: https://shorturl.at/fuyJQSocial Media:Website: https://solo.to/nexttakepodcastEpisode Produced By: Mikel MilesUploaded By: Mikel Miles

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 Hockomock Swamp to the dark legends surrounding Freetown-Fall River State Forest, the Triangle has developed a reputation that continues to fascinate paranormal investigators, skeptics, and locals alike. (via Source: The Boston Globe)Streaming LinksSpotify:https://shorturl.at/4EAYzApple: https://shorturl.at/fyMNZYoutube: https://shorturl.at/fuyJQSocial Media:Website: https://solo.to/nexttakepodcastEpisode Produced By: TanykaUploaded By: Mikel Miles

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.Tony Aka Blyss Social MediaInstagram: https://instagram.com/blysstxTwitter/X: https://x.com/ITSBLYSSBBYStreaming LinksSpotify:https://shorturl.at/4EAYzApple: https://shorturl.at/fyMNZYoutube: https://shorturl.at/fuyJQSocial Media:Website: https://solo.to/nexttakepodcastEpisode Produced By: Mikel MilesUploaded By: Mikel Miles

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 Ontario to adopt a stricter lead limit and pursue more permanent solutions, the findings are renewing the conversation about drinking-water safety in schools and what should be done to reduce children’s exposure to lead. (Via Source: Global News )Decades after donating sperm, one man discovers that his decision helped create a family tree far bigger than he ever imagined. Aaron Long learns he is biologically connected to dozens of children and begins meeting members of this unexpected extended family. His remarkable story raises fascinating questions about DNA testing, donor conception, identity, and what it truly means to be a family. (Via Source: WMNF 88.5 FM )Netflix has been ordered to reimburse customers after a court in Rome ruled that years of subscription price increases in Italy violated the country’s consumer protection laws. The ruling found that Netflix’s contracts allowed the streaming giant to raise prices without clearly explaining a justified reason for those increases.Some longtime subscribers could be entitled to hundreds of euros in refunds, with certain Premium customers potentially receiving around €500. Netflix has pushed back against the ruling and plans to appeal, setting up a legal battle that could have wider implications for how streaming services change their subscription prices. (Via Source: Reuters )Streaming LinksSpotify:https://shorturl.at/4EAYzApple: https://shorturl.at/fyMNZYoutube: https://shorturl.at/fuyJQSocial Media:Website: https://solo.to/nexttakepodcastEpisode Produced By: TanykaUploaded By: Mikel Miles

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 collaboration will also stretch beyond gaming into film and television, marking a significant new chapter for Kojima Productions and Xbox. (Via Source: Xbox Wire )Sony is exploring a new way to make purchases on PlayStation more seamless. A recently published patent describes technology that could allow players to tap a credit card, smartphone, or gift card directly against a PlayStation controller to transfer payment information to the console. The concept could make buying games, DLC, and other digital content faster by reducing the need to manually enter payment details. The technology could also be used for transferring account information and other data between devices. (Via Source: Tom Hardware )Microsoft is exploring a new approach to advertising inside video games. A recently published patent describes a system that could identify natural breaks in gameplay—such as loading screens, completed missions, cutscenes or the end of boss fights—and temporarily pause the experience to display promotional content. Players could then receive additional uninterrupted playtime after viewing an ad. While the patent offers a glimpse at how Microsoft is thinking about ad-supported gaming, it does not confirm that the system will be introduced on Xbox or PC. (via Source: Tech Spot )Just when it looked like Destiny 2 was reaching the end of the road, Bungie has changed course. After previously announcing the end of active development, the studio now says it is “not done with Destiny” and has revealed plans to restore vaulted campaigns, destinations, and raids for all players. (via Source: Bungie )Check Out: RJ Gaming Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@Wh3r3uatdogStreaming LinksSpotify:https://shorturl.at/4EAYzApple: https://shorturl.at/fyMNZYoutube: https://shorturl.at/fuyJQSocial Media:Website: https://solo.to/nexttakepodcastEpisode Produced By: Mikel MilesUploaded By: Mikel Miles

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 grew even darker, with legends claiming she bathed in the blood of young women in an attempt to preserve her youth. However, that infamous detail does not appear in contemporary witness accounts and emerged long after her death. Historians have also questioned aspects of the case against her, including the reliability of testimony and whether political and financial interests played a role.Streaming LinksSpotify: https://shorturl.at/dehuEApple: https://shorturl.at/fyMNZYoutube: https://shorturl.at/fuyJQSocial Media:Website: https://solo.to/nexttakepodcastEpisode Produced By: TanykaUploaded By: Mikel Miles