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.

This one's a long one but worth its weight in golden - as it k pops off the podcast platform of your choice into your ears and ears of corn canals.

Our first husband and wife duo who work in different mediums is rooted in the same instinct, capturing what most overlook.

if good will is what your hunting for listen up and keep it reel!

@sashalifelists whose work explores identity womanhood and belonging

@blvdlabs focuses on the everyday with a sharp eye and full heart

Savor the conversating and stay for the POEMS.

Sasha and Zay will their way to some poignant pieces on the movie you will indubitably enjoy.

@renzodelcastillo boldly reflects on the film with a banger and some mash.

@ScotttRaven drops MOPS where he riffs and rips it on what seems like an homage to janitorial services but plays more like a response to the Affleck Damon vehicle, The RIP. Shout out Honk Kong Phooey and those sweeping unsung heroes to celebrate outside the dust but more directly praise be all those first responders fighting the good fight and truly serving to protect and respect.

Thank you to all who have supported this podcast so far. Please like subscribe and comment on our page along with this and older episodes. We strive to keep it reel and are always open to respectful conversations with our fans and connecting on any of the poems or stories shared on our show. Message us at ReelPoets@gmail.com or @ReelPoetspod on Instagram.

Please consider supporting any of our wonderful past guests or our illustrious hosts by attending their events, purchasing their books or by simply engaging with them and their work here or online.

There are said to be 613 seeds in a pomegranate corresponding to the number of mitzvot in the Torah.

The only way to truly palm a granite would be shrouding your phone in a brittle , weighty case of quartz, and mica.

Rich in antioxidants, vitamin A, C and K these seeded apples might get the doctor to come your way- as they are sometimes seen as symbols of fertility. They are also associated with good heath and good luck.

Whereas Renzo's poem is more straightforward speaking directly to the movie's incredible art and use of tableaus, my poem came out of a writer's conference near Syracuse, NY held at Colgate University I hope to return to one day. Long before I had published much of anything, I found some of the workshops quite intimidating and have always viewed many aspects of academia claustrophobic in their approach, but as I look back on it now I recall being heavily influenced by two wonderful professors during my visit- Peter Balakian known for his riveting talks and works surrounding the Armenian Genocide along with J Robert Lennon whose book - Pieces for the Left Hand indirectly inspired Stay At Poem Dad as I remember him saying (back in 2008 or so) how he was still able to write, while holding his newborn baby in his other hand. He was also very kind during an evening open-mic during an off the cuff performance of my poem Bored of Education.

I'd like a pomegranate tree. Or a bush. Yeah, a bush would be quite all right with me. Keep it Reel.

Apologies if the audio isn't up to snuff, but new mics are bought and after a few more backlogged recordings all future episodes will be most pristine.

The annual east village HOWL FEST in NYC stopped operating in 2013-2014. Let's start one up in Miami!

For pictures of Dalai Llama rides by Dentz Design see Instagram or Facebook and contact Reel Poets if you were ever involved with a Howl Fest, took one of these rides or were ever affiliated with SLAMCHOPS to appear on a future episode ( BEN. JUSTIN. Michelle. St. Pat, DMD)

5 quick Parodies of HOWL

"I saw the best felines of my generation destroyed by catnip"- from Pets are Poets with the O by Mayhem Poets

"I saw the best AI minds of the future generation destroy the mad ones..." from the STILL I RISE OF THE MACHINES by Scottt Raven

"I saw the best blinds of my generation annoy a bunch of cats" - Anonymous

" I saw the best bird brains of my generation..." stick around to hear the poem after the credits.

Check out Alan Kaufman’s anthology of counter cultural voices: The Outlaw Bible of American Poetry. A key early performance poet.

And also check out BOB Kaufman the Beat Poet who took a vow of silence following the assassination of JFK.

Some Movies mentioned in this episode: Trainspotting now in its 30th anniversary

Books mentioned- Batman: The Ultimate Evil;

A Pun Also Rises —

,Define: Odnoznachnost single meaningness an opposite of Glasnost or free speech.

TV shows mentioned. Black Mirror Prime Minister

Other Poems Mentioned:

LINSANITY

HOWL

Batman Haiku by Andrew Vachss

The Chicken Poem; AKA The Other Side.

Ginsbird

The two gents and the spring Flor free Stiles in their poetic Ledger to discuss how love, language and teen rebellion collide with Shakespearean Wit waxing their way through 10 Things I Hate About You.

You got a favorite Shakespearean Film Adaptation? What should we tackle next? Hamnet?

Who's the most Shakespearean modern Playwright/Filmmaker/TV Writer of today?

Form or formless? Does Iambic Pentameter stress you out or ease those anxieties?

Engage with the conversation, stick around for the poems, support Flor in one or more of her incredible endeavors and please oh please, Keep It Reel!

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Dowload and look out for the poems in upcoming collections:

10 Things

Not My Son

10 Things I Hate About Ewes

The Untamed Shrew

The primary focus of this podcast episode centers on the exploration of the film "10 Things I Hate About You," a cinematic adaptation of Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew." Our esteemed guest, Flor Ana, a multifaceted poet and writer, shares her deeply personal connection to the film, elucidating its themes of love, authenticity, and familial relationships. The conversation delves into the intricate dynamics of sibling bonds and the societal pressures faced by young women, paralleling the film's narrative with Flor's own experiences. This episode serves not only as an analysis of a beloved classic but also as a testament to the enduring power of poetry and its ability to resonate across generations.

Shout out William Carlos Williams and poet Ron Padgett plus some Ginsberg, Dante, Frank Ohara and Shunryu Suzuki, but don't sleep on Chris Pineiro AKA Chris the Poet, a high school English teacher who grew into an MFA creative writing student at FIU, armed with a typewriter and voracious appetite for literature and living, savor his words for the first or last dance and take him to the prompt. He's @christhepoet on insta but a man about town throughout Miami.

If you have anything you want to add to the conversation for this or an upcoming episode email us at ReelPoets@gmail.com with your own poem inspired by the film.

Keep it Reel.

After a brief poem from Scottt (who was away celebrating his 3rd anniversary at the time of recording) 1/2 of the dynamic duo interviews poetic powerhouse, Em Simms, a poet, educator, and public servant whose work lives at the intersection of craft, culture, and conscience to serve, bump and volley on SPIKE's, Do The Right Thing.

An Afro-Latina writer with Dominican roots, her voice carries lineage, responsibility, and lived experience into every line.

A Florida State University alum with a bachelor’s degree in writing and a Full Sail University MFA earned magna cum laude, EM brings both rigor and lyricism to the page. She has taught literature at Florida Atlantic University, guiding students through language, history, and the power of story.

Beyond the classroom, she has served the public for over two decades in federal service and is the mother of two young daughters. Her poetry reflects the layered realities of identity, belonging, and inheritance, weaving personal truth with collective memory.

A poet of legacy. A teacher of attention. A voice shaped by history and care. Most Em-pressive indeed.

So please get engulfed and enveloped by @em_simms_writer_and_creator as she joins

@renzodelcastillo.author (with @scotttraven away) for our Do the Right Thing episode, a special Black History Month conversation on race, power, community, and moral urgency.

When done put your pedals to the metal...detectors to grab some funds and support Em's book, Where The Petals Land HERE to

Keep It Reel.

Scottt's Opening Poem; Do The Write Thing

Em's Poem; Same Old Shit

Renzo's Poem; Boombox

*Bonus Poem After Credits, Where's Brookyln At from 2016

Opening poem from the Spoken Word Play New Street Poets, co-written by Scott Raven Tarazevits from the on the road warrior poet, Spott whose dad drove a 7up truck.

Music, road trips and how easy is it to be an easy writer.

The Open Road and Open Mics.

Waffle House!

Other movies mentioned: Sisu, Will and Harper, Good Fortune, The Matrix and more.

Light in the Dark Festival's mission is to bring socially and environmentally conscious music and art events, including an annual festival to Southeast Florida. These events feature critically acclaimed national acts, rising and local artists ranging from the visual arts to the oratory arts with a focus on themes such as environmentalism and unity.

https://www.lightinthedarkfest.com/

Hey Hey!! Keep it Reel.

In addition to getting to know Crystal better, as a poet and a person, an educator turned administrator, we have a great talk about the film centered on heroism, legacy, and power concluding with an encore of her poem and one from each of our hosts.

Follow Crystal's incredible work in Miami curating @popupoetrymia with the next edition slated for February 21st at the CAMP GALLERY.

And please check out her leg spinning sentence swinging synthesis of words and movement in her wonderful book Paragraphs and Pirouettes.

Shout out to all teachers and admins - those principals of patience who deserve that break for summer vacation.

Keep It Reel.

On today's episode we take out our white coats and microscopes to dig in to the Pan's Lab from the inimitable and imaginative Guillermo Del Toro with our special guest Stella Amador. Raise a glass, toss your toast, its Pan-demonium on today's episode of Reel Poets.

Labyrinth is a fantasy horror film following a young girl named Ofelia escaping her brutal stepfather Captain Vidal through a series of fanciful quests inside an otherworldly experience of fauns and baby eaters. Vidal's the kind of guy who makes Cinderella's stepsisters seem like (step)Mother Teresa and its proving exceedingly more and more difficult for Princess Moana to get back to her castle in tact. What's been your experience with step parents? Let us know in the comments below along with some of your spookiest and absolute favorite fairy tales.

Also if you are up to the challenge send us a reel poem about a Nightmare you recently had.

Before we chop it up on the film, we talk with Stella Amador, an American poet with Nicaraguan roots, an entrepreneur, and a community builder whose work lives where intention meets imagination. As the founder of @bloombystella, she creates tools and spaces that help people grow with purpose and care.

With a background in psychology and two decades of experience across law, construction, and startups, Stella developed the PLANT Framework (Prioritize, Learn, Act, Nurture, Take Care), a philosophy grounded in reflection, sustainability, and real-world momentum.

Check out her PLANT Your Life Planner (Spring 2025) and @wildbloompoetry and catch her LIVE at the Huizenga Park Grand Reopening with our hosts...

Saturday, January 24, 2026 | 10 AM–2 PM

Enjoy the conversation and keep it reel!

In the meantime, enjoy this poetic trailer filmed after hours inside a movie theater by @JaviFilms shortly after watching the incredible SISU: Road to Revenge.

what's your favorite movie with a movie theater scene?

Youtube: @ReelPoets

In 2000 Scottt was interviewed by the Rutgers Local Newspaper The Daily Targum about the open mic he was co-hosting called Verbal Mayhem. After graduating he formed The Mayhem Poets, touring internationally from prisons to playgrounds, park benches to palaces in schools, colleges and theaters around the world. This has gone on for 25 years (and counting) with many of the original members of Verbal Mayhem part of the squad. The article was entitled Live Poets Society and everyone who ever graced the mic or sat in the crowd is welcome to be a part of his Poet's Society for eternity.

Renzo then shares his list including Hemingway, Lewis Carrol and Szymborska. A list of his many influences and inspirations, incoming soon.

Some thoughts on Voice Notes vs. Pen and Paper, Seizing Days or Lazy Lays and the one word to best describe poetry's influence on one's life.

As you listen ask yourself, who would attend your Dead Poet Society and comment below. Also what's the one word you would use for how poetry impacts your life!?

Fishing or satellite dishing...Keep It Reel.

Comment below with your poetic and cinematic influences.

Here's a few more from Scottt: A list of some poetic influences, contemporaries and hopeful future guests without looking any up spelling, in no particular order

Masta Ace, Eminem, Aesop Rock, Gary Glazner, Shihan the Poet, Maya Del Valle, Rives, Watsky, Flowmentalz, Gemini, Mikumari Caiyhe, Big Mike, Broken English, Justin Woo, St. Patrick, DMD, Toney Jackson, Bob Holman, Taylor Mali, Faraji Salim, Jon Sands, Cristin Okeefe Aptowicz, Anis Mojgani, Shappy, Selena Glenn, Saul Williams, Kirk Nugent, JeaneAnne Verlee, George Mckibbens, Rachel Mckibbens, Steven Willis, Taylor Steele, Melissa Lozada Oliva, Joel Gold, Lisa Markuson, Shane Koyscan, Mighty Mike McGee, Barbara Adler, Ginsberg, Baraka, Ted and Anselm Berrigan, John Yau, William Shakespeare, Shel Silverstein, Dr. Seuss, Weird Al, Lorrie Moore, Orson Scott Card, Christopher Moore, Chuck Palahniuk, Mark Z Danielewski, Jasper FForde, Tom Robbins, Kyle Rapps, Mason Granger, Kelsey Kosinski, Leigh Ross, Lindsay Halladay, Justin Woo, RA Villanueva, Omar Holman, Joseph Thomas, Silent Knight, Glenis Redmond, Darian Dauchan, Chad Anderson, Nicole Homer, Nia Calloway, Ariana Lee, PTA, Wes Anderson, Peter Greenaway, Bob Dylan, Steve Martin, Salvador Dali, Alejandro Jodorowsky.

Then we explore how the movie, Dead Poets Society frames poetry as both liberation and risk, how masculinity is shaped by expectation and silence and how creative permission can feel like oxygen in spaces built for obedience. We talk about the teacher as catalyst, the poet as inheritor and the fragile moment when finding your voice means choosing whether or not to use it.

We conclude with a poem by Debbie inspired by the film, 2 poems from Scottt (excerpt from O Capitol! My Capitol) and draft of (Undead Poets Society) ending with Renzo's thrilling Villanelle, Carpe Verbum, Seize the Wheels.

As Always, Keep it Reel.

After an opening group piece by KC and Scottt we get to know Kenny as a writer and a person before delving into the lasting wonders of this classic coming of age jazzy jubilee.

KC PEN and Scottt Raven: Cupid 4 Hire (you don't wanna miss the full poem for it's one of kind wordplay and the surprise ending. Just like and subscribe or show us some love by sending us your own application to reelpoets@gmail.com for the rest.)

Renzo Outro. Intros. Film Talk. Poems.

KennyRhymes.com for more.

Reel Poets — Where the Reel Meets the Rhyme.

Chapters: Opening Poem, Intro, About the Guest, About The Movie, Reel Poems.

For our very first episode, we’re diving into Wim Wenders’s Wings of Desire — a luminous meditation on longing, mortality, language, and the fragile beauty of being human. Joining us for this debut conversation is poet, scholar, and multidisciplinary creative Dr. Daniel Medina (@baxtermnkink), whose new book Moire was released on 10/25/25.

Together, we explore how Wings of Desire turns observation into poetry, how angels become metaphors for distance and desire, and how the film’s whispered monologues blur into something lyrical and otherworldly. From its black-and-white tenderness to its aching questions about love and embodiment, this episode asks: What does it mean to witness a life… and what does it mean to finally live one?

As always, we close by reading original poems inspired by the film, including a new piece by Dr. Medina that reflects the shifting textures and emotional frequencies of Moire.

If you love cinema, poetry, and the places where the two dissolve into each other, start here.

Listen now on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

Explore more at www.reelpoets.com

Follow Daniel Medina: @baxtermnkink

Read his new book: MOIRE (10/25/25)

Hosted and Curated by Poets Scottt Raven STAY AT POEM DAD and Renzo Del Castillo, Award Winning Author of STILL

And always: Keep it Reel.

First Episode drops Thursday, November 20th with Dr. Daniel Medina.