Love, Take Two

Love, Take Two has officially hit twenty episodes. To close out Season One, hosts José Rolón and Jaimie Kelton sit down — remotely, glasses slightly broken — for a celebratory recap of everything that got them here.This episode looks back at the show's origin story: how José almost said no, the pitch deck that changed his mind, and the behind-the-scenes scramble to build a podcast from the ground up, including re-recording eight intros after their producer cut them down from fifteen minutes to five.José and Jaimie also run through their Season One superlatives, covering standout moments with guests including Brian McManamon, Dominique Jackson, Bryce Ziskin, Alessandra, Lena Hall, Morena Baccarin, Dana Goldberg, Sophie B. Hawkins, and Drew Droege. From Brian's surprisingly calming real-life presence to psychic medium Bryce Ziskin's reading that still has both hosts thinking about their auras, this episode is a celebration of every guest who shaped Season One.The conversation turns reflective as José and Jaimie talk about what hosting together has taught them — how to listen better, when to step back, and how their on-air chemistry has evolved. They close out with a Pride Month toast, a Father's Day shoutout, and a tease of one very exciting Season Two guest.Key TakeawaysThe origin story of Love, Take Two — and the pitch that sealed the dealBehind-the-scenes growing pains: studios, editors, and the great intro re-recordSeason One Superlatives: Most Surprising Guest, Most Unexpectedly Emotional, and the Guest Who Stopped Them ColdWhy psychic medium Bryce Ziskin's reading still has both hosts talkingWhat co-hosting has taught José and Jaimie about listening and making space for guestsA first look at what's coming in Season TwoSeason One Guests: Drew Droege, Dominique Jackson, Bryce Ziskin, Alessandra, Lena Hall, Morena Baccarin, Dana Goldberg, Sophie B. Hawkins, Brian McManamonIf this episode made you laugh, tear up, or want to binge Season One from the top — share it with a friend and tell them to start with Episode 1.Connect with UsLove, Take Two Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Love, Take Two Tiktok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Love, Take Two Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jaimie Kelton Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jose Rolon Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CreditsEdited by: Jerson BarajasRecorded by: MCM CreativeProduced by: José Rolón and Jaimie Kelton

What’s a childhood moment that quietly shaped who you became?For this week’s guest, Lena Hall, it was sending out invitations to her eighth birthday party and no one showed up.In this episode of Love, Take Two, Lena reflects on how her early experiences with performance, rejection, and identity influenced the trajectory of her career — both the drive that fueled her and the pressure that followed. That once self-described theater kid went on to become a Broadway powerhouse, appearing in major productions including 42nd Street, Tarzan, Dracula, and Kinky Boots, and later taking home a Tony Award. She’s also appeared in television series like Snowpiercer and Your Friends & Neighbors.But success didn’t come without cost.Lena opens up about the unexpected unhappiness she felt at the height of her Broadway career, her pivot into rock music, and how she has processed grief and personal loss through her work. Key TakeawaysGrowing up as theater kids — Lena and Jaimie reflect on their early yearsHow childhood experiences shaped Lena’s career and creative identityThe surprising emotional toll of Broadway successPivoting from Broadway to rock musicProcessing grief and pain through performanceReclaiming joy after burnoutIf this episode resonates, share it with someone who needs a reminder that reinvention is possible and come hang out with us on social! Connect with Us⁠⁠⁠Love, Take Two Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Love, Take Two Tiktok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Love, Take Two Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jaimie Kelton Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jose Rolon Instagram⁠Credits:Edited by: Jerson BarajasRecorded by: MCM CreativeProduced by: Jose Rolon, Jaimie Kelton, and Dianni Hall

José Rolón and Jaimie Kelton sit down with the iconic Dominique Jackson — actress, model, and LGBTQ+ advocate best known for her role as Elektra on Pose — for a conversation about what a real take two looks like.Dominique opens up about her journey, from the debilitating fear she endured under the new administration as a trans woman to being brought back to life by her community. Together, they talk about Dominique’s experiences with domestic violence and her first marriage, what being on Pose was actually like, and the lessons she learned from it, and how she continues to take action as an activist for the trans and LGBTQ+ community.If you’ve ever wondered how Dominique Jackson became the icon she is today, you won’t want to miss this.Connect with Us⁠Love, Take Two Instagram⁠⁠Love, Take Two Tiktok⁠⁠Love, Take Two Youtube⁠⁠Jaimie Kelton Instagram⁠⁠Jose Rolon Instagram

What happens when life doesn’t go according to plan?You take it again.Love, Take Two is a conversation-driven podcast about second acts, fresh starts, and the unexpected turns that lead us to who we’re meant to become. Hosted by José Rolón and Jaimie Kelton, each episode dives into candid, funny, and deeply human stories of love, loss, pivots, and plot twists.From breakups to breakthroughs, Love, Take Two is about choosing yourself, rewriting the narrative, and proving that when it comes to life and love, sometimes the sequel is better than the original.