Reel Poets

Scottt Raven and Renzo Del Castillo
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Film Reviews

Reel Poets is a bi-weekly podcast where the real meets the rhyme as two real poets interview another real poet or artist of any kind. It's a place where emotional truths blend with bard-nosed facts, an in depth exploration of some of the best poetry films where cinema meets syntax. Every episode culminates in the performance of new poem(s) inspired by the movie viewing, sure to...Keep It Reel.

  1. Aug 26

    Reel Poets Episode 020 Portraits (feat Paul Harris Steward)

    Another Portrait to the gallery of poets - worthy of a thousand words or more's in store- Get ready for Paul Harris Steward. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, Text or Call 988. This episode delves into the profound and often tumultuous intersection of art, mental health, and personal narrative, as articulated by our guest, Paul Harris Steward. He candidly shares his desire to transition away from creating somber poetry, expressing a yearning to write about love and happiness—emotions that elude him due to his struggles with depression. Throughout the discourse, Paul recounts his journey through despair, highlighting the pivotal moments that led him to seek help and ultimately use his voice as a means of healing. The conversation further explores the societal pressures placed upon men to suppress vulnerability, encapsulated in the poignant question of how long a broken vase can remain upright. As we navigate these themes, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the role artistry plays in confronting personal demons and the collective responsibility to address mental health openly. Keep It Reel Links referenced in this episode: www.988lifeline.orgwww.americanfoundationforsuicideprevention.orghttps://www.youtube.com/@phstewardwww.instagram.com @paulharrissteward, @scotttraven Other links JUST DO IT Go Fund Me Support The Gift by Bruce M. Cohen a loving father's reflection on the loss of his son Stay at Poem Dad see poem A Note To Suicide A Note about Suicide *Trigger Warning ; Mature subject matter for a few of the poems. For younger children keep explanations simple and direct. However, talking about suicide doesn’t plant ideas in a person’s head or lead to suicide. It more often helps foster a safe environment where children can ask questions. Don’t avoid a conversation because it is difficult. Let your kids lead a conversation to openly share how they feel gauging how much they have already picked up from outside sources and see how they are processing. Afterwards, express your feelings on the matter. What are some other ways people can deal with pain without harming oneself or ending it all? Make sure the right information is shared from a trusted source. And please reach out to the 988 Suicide and crisis line if you are in immediate distress.

    Reel Poets Episode 020 Portraits (feat Paul Harris Steward)

  2. Aug 14

    Reel Poets Episode 019 Portraits (feat Mikumari Caiyhe)

    Actor MC spoken word poet arts educator and multidisciplinary performer Mikumari Caiyhe Keeps it Reel with Scottt and Renzo in a wide ranging talk that spans the globe from Rutgers New Brunswick to well, the GLOBE theater in London England. Catch Mikumari tonight in Newark @wanpoetry (WRITE ABOUT NOW) at the DoubleTree by Hilton hosted by fellow Mayhem Poet, Mason Granger ____________________________________________ Sometimes says he's NOT a poet but it's the GOD of flow in good ol frozen H20, MC M peror penguins C to it their young are protected M issaries like you C king peace are respected Friendship with you's an M barassment of riches a C 3 p o e t without any glitches an M azing word wizard acting magician a more C soned artist than any spice rack in kitchen my loveliest buddy from a POLONIUS TROY MEPHISTOFELES DAD in KENTUCKEY to BUGSY Try to M press the best with these quick quips by borrowing all of your best kept C -crits You're the best, YADA YADA YADA Mikumar E equals and MC squared, scared of nothing like es NADA The genesis of Verbal Mayhem at Rutgers University was a collaborative effort by poets Scottt Raven, Toney Jackson, and Kyle Rapps, fostering a vibrant open mic scene.Mikumari emerged as a pivotal figure in the poetic community, later touring with the Mayhem Poets, showcasing his multifaceted talents as an emcee and educator.The podcast episode delves into the intricacies of identity and artistic expression, highlighting how personal experiences shape the work of artists like Mikumari.Through discussing the significance of authenticity in performance, Mikumari emphasizes the importance of being genuine in both acting and poetry.The conversation underscores the power of mentorship and collaboration in the creative process, with Mikumari reflecting on his journey alongside Scottt Raven.Mikumari's poetic piece, 'The Study of Trees,' serves as a metaphor for interconnectedness and growth, illustrating the depth of human experience through nature. ___________________

    Reel Poets Episode 019 Portraits (feat Mikumari Caiyhe)

  3. Jul 30

    Reel Poets Episode 018 Endless Poetry

    Starting with the end to begin our homage to Allie Allie Oxen free, Jodo Baggins, - not the Jabberwocky but the one the only the artist, mime, filmmaking, tarot reading, comic book creating, acting, directing, writing, poeticizing avante-guardian of his own galaxy Alejandro Jodorowsky. I've always wanted to meet him. To work with him. To write with him. To learn from him. To have his hands on my shoulders and have him impart some sort of shamanistic soul healing wisdom. But I can safely say his movies, as out there as they might seem to some, have genuinely healed ME, opened my mind to the possibilities of symbols and how living poetically can transform one's life. I still hope to brush shoulders with him literally taking a paintbrush to his shoulders as he mine and then to walk in a straight line with without stopping. ________ As we dip and dive into Endless Poetry I can't help but think about what might bring about an END OF POETRY? AI? The Apocalypse? The shortening of attention spans and the loss of agreed upon shared symbols. However as most metaphors melt away in the abyss of social media and an abundance of short form over stimulating empty videos - will work like Jodorowsky's take on more meaning or less? I'm hoping he still has one more film within , him but his influence has rippled and roared across the lenses of so many other artists and directors. All I can say is watch what he's done, read what he's written and let's talk. Like Alejandro's View of poetry here's a poetic reflection/ acrostic Sconnettt (The Endlessness) on a few other things that are Endless. What am I missing? The word endless is endless the same way Hippopotomonstrosesquipedalian Endlessly progresses as if to say Endless wordplay, endless yang endless ying, Never ending pasta of endless strings- Dividing 1 by 3, 7, and nine, Lines for Godot and infinity rings... Endless summers, endless springs, endless time - So many possibilities singing - Shine. Endless eclipse of endless darkness, Never-ending ellipses are bringing Endless uncertainties that will spark this Suspicious enigma of eternity - Should we survive, what is meant to be will be. I remember being slipped a copy of Holy Mountain and feeling like I had acquired something so potent and dangerous, something that so provocatively and pleasurably lit up my senses. I have shown his films to friends of mine and had two polarizing responses. Most love them like I do and want to see them all. Floored by a master at work. A few are scarred- scared - not ready and are hesitant to ever take another recommendation for a movie by me. Please Go Watch Endless Poetry and than start from the beginning of the end. This Week...Keep it Surreal

    Reel Poets Episode 018 Endless Poetry

  4. Jul 16

    Reel Poets Episode 017 A Quiet Passion

    Don't you hate when you write an incredible introduction and you're computer glitches, skips, skoots, cricks and crashes thereby erasing the wizardry you wrote? Doesn't happen when you're writing with pen or pencil - unless you're near an open window during a storm, or caught in a fire. Inks out, Point breaks and no sharpener in sight. Anyone else awoken abruptly having forgotten a dream you intended to write down? Who out there possesses any quiet passions? What are your loud ones? I like libraries. I also like techno music. You need not shout on the mic for me to hear you. Don't get me right, I like loud ones, quiet ones, ones who whisper and ones who yell. Just be connected to what you say, be imaginative, feel what you feel and no matter how serious things get remember to play. Are you a homebody? If so what would people say about your body of work if they had the chance to hear it? Or are you a poem-body? These days I mostly elect to stay home, eat dinner with my family at around the same time every night, then play with my kids instead of going out to an evening event. Right now this is the right choice for me. I don't think twice about it anymore and feel completely present with them loving every minute---that is until they head to sleep of course. And then - well then I must write. There was a time I would write all day and dream of sharing what I wrote at an evening event. Occasionally I'd get so wrapped up in what I was writing, that the event I intended on attending would pass me by and I'd be left to my own devices, rehearsing what I wrote over and over or muttering to myself in a mirror. I soon learned that going to the event would make me feel better, far better than crossing t's and dotting i's by my lonesome-- regardless of having finished the poem and regardless of getting a chance to perform said poem. I choose to be around the poets. I hope you choose to too. In this episode we engage in a thought-provoking dialogue centered "A Quiet Passion," a biopic that chronicles the life of the renowned poet Emily Dickinson. The episode opens with an exploration of Dickinson's character as portrayed in the film, revealing her struggles with societal expectations and her quest for authenticity. We reflect on the film's depiction of Dickinson's reclusive nature, discussing how her isolation informs her poetry and ultimately shapes her identity as a writer, exploring the tension between her desire for recognition and the constraints imposed by her environment, highlighting the film's nuanced portrayal of a woman navigating the complexities of a patriarchal society. As the conversation unfolds, we delve into the broader themes of creativity and self-expression, particularly in the context of emotional turmoil. I admire the film’s ability to capture the essence of Dickinson's internal struggles, noting how her poetry serves as a vessel for her unvoiced emotions. Renzo examines the significance of artistic expression as a form of resistance against societal norms, underscoring the importance of honoring one's creative impulses despite external pressures. Feel free to reflect on your own creative journeys and the barriers you may face in pursuing your own passions. We discuss the paradox of recognition and isolation, pondering whether posthumous acclaim can compensate for the lack of acknowledgment during an artist's lifetime. Keep it Reel.

    Reel Poets Episode 017 A Quiet Passion

  5. Jul 2

    Reel Poets Episode 016 Wilde

    Its a Wilde one not Olivia but an Olivier award winning one with Renzo and Scottt on the Fry cooking Gilbert gem with Jude Law and Vanessa Redgrave. Oscar Wilde, a figure whose brilliance and audacity continue to resonate with contemporary audiences. We delve into Wilde's life, emphasizing the inherent beauty of living authentically and the often exorbitant costs endured by individuals who dare to love openly. Through a critical examination of the film depicting Wilde's life, we reflect on the interplay of poetry, cinema, and personal identity, celebrating pride while acknowledging the multifaceted layers of Wilde's relationships, particularly with Lord Alfred Douglas. As we explore these themes, we also engage in a poignant discussion about the personal sacrifices and societal challenges associated with expressing one's true self. Join us as we unpack the complexities of Wilde's narrative and its implications for the ongoing dialogue surrounding love, identity, and artistic expression. Keep It Reel.

    Reel Poets Episode 016 Wilde

  6. Jun 19

    Reel Poets Episode 015 Portraits (feat Kyle Rapps)

    Lifelong friend and collaborator of Scottt, its Kyle Rapps!!!! Check out his music on all platforms and support The Mayhem Poets in reaching more schools, universities and theaters around the world. In this episode we riff on many different films and their intersection with poetry and our lives. Thanks to Renzo for his new friendship and keeping these two ramblers on task - who can tangent with the best of them when not tethered to a poem. Shout out to the other incredible Mayhem Poets-- Mason Granger, and Mikumari Caiyhe, We cant wait to have you on the pod. Honorable Mentions in this episode go out to poets Chris FLOWMENTALZ Cook. Check out his incredible poem from Def Poety Jam, They Call Me Drama and Asia Samson of the Asia Project, @theAsiaProject on instagram. We were blown away by your work when we first heard you on a mutual college tour. Let's Connect and please come on the podcast!!! The poem Peace Piece or NBA Peace Piece appears in this podcast off Reverse Birth by the Mayhem Poets ~2006, written by Scottt Raven and Kyle Rapps mixed by Nate Greenberg in Brooklyn. A sequel to the poem was written and recorded in Mexico City ~2016 and is yet to be released, while a third part is now in the works reinspired by the recent NBA finals by these lifelong Knicks fans. Mask Era appears at the end of this podcast and was a poem written by Kyle Rapps and Scottt Raven on behest of a visit to an all girls school in Manhattan NY. It was maybe performed 2 or 3 times total and was also recorded by NG in Brooklyn NY. Many of the references in both these pieces are a little outdated, but are a product of the period in which they were written. Some references and lines are built upon the premise of getting close to the line, toeing the line- maybe even putting one foot that crosses the line in an effort to better articulate and more impactfully make a point by poem's conclusion. Enjoy our conversation with Kyle, true grit is to be swiftly witty and free, Knicks in 53- enjoy the poems and Keep it REEL.

    Reel Poets Episode 015 Portraits (feat Kyle Rapps)

  7. Jun 4

    Reel Poets Episode 014 Neruda

    This podcast episode delves into the cinematic portrayal of the poet Pablo Neruda in the film "Neruda," directed by Pablo Larraín. The discourse reveals the complexities of Neruda's character, focusing on the juxtaposition between his illustrious public persona and the darker facets of his private life. We examine the film's innovative narrative style, which straddles the line between biopic and myth, as it seeks to encapsulate not just the poet's life, but the essence of his legacy and the burdens of his ideals. Through our analysis, we explore the philosophical questions surrounding artistic integrity in the face of personal failings, and how this interplay reflects broader themes of love, identity, and social responsibility. As we navigate these intricate themes, we invite our audience to reflect on the implications of art in the context of historical and contemporary societal issues. Reel Poets cycle through the Poet of the People to bring you Neruda. Tune in Friday for a Bonus Poem by Scottt first performed with Poetic People Power in NYC during a show centered around wealth inequality. Keep it Reel!

    Reel Poets Episode 014 Neruda

  8. May 21

    Reel Poets Episode 013 Big Fish (feat Mey-ling Perez)

    Reel Poets continue to cast our lines and grab our reels and realness for another incredible episode, this time with the inimitable author of Amar, Perder, Y Renacer , Mey-ling Perez. Mey-ling was named for a character in the Bruce Lee Classic, Enter the Dragon - but Scottt knows the name from his favorite Chinese Restaurant he use to go with his family growing up just outside his hometown of Edison in the neighboring Metuchen, New Jersey on Main Street. Even though Mey-ling's family is not of Asian descent, she has found her name to be a portal into a culture she might not have otherwise known, similar to Scottt's experiences with his son Bonzai, poetically named for a combination platter of his mother Bonnie, a Chinese horticultural practice/Japanese term symbolizing long life of 10,000 years and a sc-fi classic across the 8th dimension. Mey-ling means beautiful spirit and true to form she dazzles and charms with her stories, poems and overall vibe. Who of you has used poetic license in telling a story or putting down a poem on paper? When does a kernel of truth pop its way toward a cornucopia of conspiracy? On this episode we tackle Tim Burton's "Big Fish" as our special guest Mei-Ling Perez explores themes of truth versus myth, storytelling as survival, and the balance between creative expression and practical reality. Mey-ling shares how her Cuban heritage and upbringing has influenced her dynamite poetry collection exploring love, loss, and rebirth. The group discusses how the film portrays storytelling as a way to cope with life's challenges, with Edward Bloom's exaggerated tales representing emotional truth over literal facts. We examine the relationship between the protagonist and his son, debate whether the father was faithful to his wife, and consider how myth can serve as a coping mechanism during difficult times. The conversation concludes with the hosts sharing their own poetry, including a piece about the film that Mey-ling has written. Stay for the stories, stick around for the poems. Scott tries out Crowd Work and Mey-ling echoes the film in verse while Renzo makes waves with Everywhere Hello. Shout out Norther Winslow-- where's your Spectre? And comment with a poem about your place of Origin. Hey diddle diddle, follow the riddle. Noside backwards is a circle with Metuchen in the middle. Keep It Reel.

    Reel Poets Episode 013 Big Fish (feat Mey-ling Perez)
See All (25)

Trailers

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Reel Poets is a bi-weekly podcast where the real meets the rhyme as two real poets interview another real poet or artist of any kind. It's a place where emotional truths blend with bard-nosed facts, an in depth exploration of some of the best poetry films where cinema meets syntax. Every episode culminates in the performance of new poem(s) inspired by the movie viewing, sure to...Keep It Reel.

Information

  • Creator
    Scottt Raven and Renzo Del Castillo
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Scottt Raven and Renzo Del Castillo
  • Show Website
    Reel Poets