Dear Storyteller,
This podcast was born out of the journey of building Art of Storytelling, a young NYC-based production agency. Storytellers Only shares insights from that perspective—produced through live events, virtual discussions, and in-studio sessions—with help from my friend Jon Reyes, whose audio and event expertise brings it all to life. Each episode offers inspiration and reflection as we explore creative tech, emerging tools, and the culture shaping our work.
This is a space for creators and artists who are chasing ideas, telling stories, and pushing the boundaries of creativity—together.
Thanks for being here.
 Signed,
 REL

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Pulled from Episode 54 of Storytellers Only.Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robot is now working behind the scenes — operating camera rigs and assisting on production sets. It’s a big step for automation in the creative world. But while robots can move the camera, the storytelling? That’s still on us.The future’s moving fast… are we ready for it?

Boston Dynamics Just Put a Robot on Set

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Ava DuVernay once said, “We have to work without permission”—and that reminder has stayed with me. This episode is about letting go of the need for a greenlight and choosing to move, even when things aren’t perfect. I share how I trademarked Art of Storytelling back in 2016 but didn’t launch it until five years later, stuck in a mindset that I needed someone else to say it was time.This theme shows up in a few stories we cover today. Sony’s new 50-150mm G Master lens is a powerful tool for creators who are ready to make their own lane—no permission needed. Adobe’s investment in Synthesia brings up tough questions about what happens when storytelling gets outsourced to AI, especially when the companies involved have a complicated past. And baseball legend Ken Griffey Jr. is now turning heads as a pro photographer—proof that it&#39;s never too late to start a new chapter on your own terms. (00:00) Intro: Don’t wait for permission(09:07) My story: Sitting on a dream for 10 years(12:41) Sony’s new 50-150 G Master lens(17:35) Adobe x Synthesia: The AI ethics dilemma(24:09) Ken Griffey Jr.’s second act behind the camera(28:38) Outro: Set your path, walk it, trust it Follow Storytellers Only -- instagram.com/storytellersonlyFollow REL -- instagram.com/rel.movFollow Jon Reyes -- instagram.com/stankpalmer

Episode 55: Don't Wait For Permission

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Questlove once said the creatives we admire didn’t get there by luck—it was relentless, intentional practice. His dad used to tell him, “Perfect practice makes perfect,” and that mindset is the heart of this week’s episode.
REL gives a quick recap of the recent Vegas trip and why it felt like a defining moment for Art of Storytelling—not just because of the work, but because of how we work. It&#39;s a reminder that service, professionalism, and culture-driven storytelling is what sets us apart.
We also get into the latest from the creative world:

Robots are now being tested to shoot video productions (yes, it’s wild), Sony drops the price on the FX30, Adobe catches backlash for a failed attempt at social media humor, and Flava Flav pops out at Coachella with Yo Gabba Gabba, creating a moment that somehow outshined entire sets.
To close it out, REL shares a personal story of how producing an independent Hip Hop TV show with a weekly deadline taught him discipline, storytelling, and how practice made him the prepared editor he is today.
Timestamps

(00:00) – Questlove on the power of practice
(11:35) – Vegas trip recap and what makes Art of Storytelling different
(15:48) – Robots entering the video production space
(21:10) – Sony FX30 price drop and its impact
(26:53) – Adobe’s failed social media moment
(34:16) – Flava Flav x Yo Gabba Gabba at Coachella
(37:28) – How consistent practice shaped me as a video editor

Follow REL: @REL.mov
Follow Jon Reyes: @stankpalmer
Subscribe on YouTube: @StorytellersOnlyNYC

EP 54:  Perfect Practice Makes Perfect

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Success never happens alone. This week, REL reflects on a powerful quote from Angela Davis—a reminder that real progress is built with community, not in isolation. Every major moment, every breakthrough, is stronger when it&#39;s shared with the people around you.
We also dive into the latest news shaking up the creative world. The DJI Mavic 4 Pro leak signals DJI’s growing takeover of the consumer video camera market. RED just dropped the price of the KOMODO 6K to $2,995, making it more accessible than ever for indie filmmakers. Meanwhile, Runway Gen-4 advances AI video capabilities, but real filmmaking still proves it’s the heart of storytelling. And over in culture news, Warren G is set to perform and compete at the National BBQ Festival on Long Island.
On the personal side, REL shares why he&#39;s headed to Vegas next week for a project that feels like a major turning point for Art of Storytelling, and recaps the first-ever Storytellers Only event that went down in Oakland this past weekend—marking the beginning of something truly special.

(00:00) Angela Davis on the power of community
(09:04) Why my Vegas trip feels like a major shift for Art of Storytelling
(13:46) DJI Mavic 4 Pro leak and consumer camera takeover
(18:06) RED KOMODO 6K price drop: a new era for indie filmmakers
(22:35) Runway Gen-4 and why real filmmakers still matter
(29:15) Warren G at the National BBQ Festival
(33:46) Storytellers Only Oakland recap

Follow REL: @REL.mov
Follow Jon Reyes: @stankpalmer
Subscribe on YouTube: @StorytellersOnlyNYC

EP 53: Build Community

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Sometimes the best way to start is to just start. REL shares how a quote from Tyler, The Creator—about making T-shirts with iron-on prints from Office Max—sparked a conversation on figuring it out as you go. No perfect plan, no fancy setup, just hustle and heart. We talk navigating the creative grind from all angles—whether you&#39;re building something personal or climbing the ladder in a corporate space. 

Some of the latest tools and trends, including the Blackmagic Camera app&#39;s powerful new update and Apple’s fresh Mac Studio release that raises the question: do creatives still need desktops in 2025? Plus, we get into the rumored Canon EOS R6 Mark III, and the controversy surrounding a new T-shirt line inspired by MF DOOM’s notebooks—is it honoring a legacy or capitalizing on it? 

And where we&#39;re at with the Storytellers Only event and how we&#39;re figuring that out in real-time.

(00:00) Tyler, The Creator on figuring it out
(08:55) Strategies for creatives in corporate
(14:56) Blackmagic&#39;s Camera app update
(23:03) Mac Studio - Are desktops needed in 2025?
(30:41) Canon EOS R6 Mark III rumored for May
(37:05) MF DOOM&#39;s note books collection
(42:18) How we&#39;re figuring it out

Follow Storytellers Only on YouTube -- storytellersonlynyc
Follow REL -- instagram.com/rel.mov
Follow Jon Reyes -- instagram.com/stankpalmer

EP 52: Figure It Out

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Inspired by Alicia Keys’ journey, this episode is all about taking things one step at a time—whether it’s building a career, creating art, or innovating in tech. We break down Adobe’s AI-powered Generative Extend and how it solves an old-school editing problem, Netflix’s botched AI upscale of A Different World, the delay of the Sony A7V, and the announcement of a Mac Dre documentary that could finally tell the full story. Plus, I share my own step-by-step journey with Art of Storytelling.
Topics &amp; Timestamps:
(00:00) – What “Step by Step” means
(08:30) – How to approach creative contract work in today&#39;s landscape
(13:45) – Adobe Generative Extend: A game-changer for video editors
(17:38) – Netflix’s AI fail with A Different World
(24:56) – Sony A7V delay—what’s happening?
(28:21) – Mac Dre documentary announced—will it tell the full story?
(33:12) – Closing thoughts &amp; my step-by-step journey with Art of Storytelling

Drop a comment: What’s a moment in your journey where you had to take it step by step?

Subscribe for video: youtube.com/@storytellersonlynyc
Follow Storytellers Only: instagram.com/storytellersonly
Follow REL: instagram.com/rel.mov
Follow Jon Reyes: instagram.com/stankpalmer

Step by Step

EP 51: Step by Step

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In this episode of Storytellers Only (formerly REL &amp; Friends), REL breaks down Rick Rubin’s philosophy on overcoming creative blocks—treat every project like a diary entry. When you stop worrying about judgment, you free yourself from self-doubt and let creativity flow.
We also dive into the newly announced Sigma BF camera, a beautifully simple take on photography, and Sony’s Monitor &amp; Control app update, bringing next-level convenience to Sony camera users.
Plus, we unpack the Amazon x Suno partnership and whether AI-generated music will dilute the art as we know it. And with Snoop Dogg pulling his catalog from Spotify to team up with Tune.fm, we ask—is this a genius move for artists or just a money grab?

Follow REL: @REL.mov
Follow Jon Reyes: @stankpalmer
Subscribe on YouTube: @StorytellersOnlyNYC

Write Diary Entries

EP 50: Write Diary Entries

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In this episode of Storytellers Only (formerly REL &amp; Friends), REL explores Lauryn Hill’s perspective on life’s journey—mastery isn’t a straight path but a cycle of rising, falling, and rising again.
We also dive into the DJI RS4 Mini, Rakim’s Notes platform, and Adobe’s new Media Intelligence Search for Premiere Pro and After Effects—game-changing tools for creators.
Plus, a look at the timeless design of the Nutella logo and the legacy of its late founder.

Follow REL: @REL.mov
Follow Jon Reyes: @stankpalmer
Subscribe on YouTube: @StorytellersOnlyNYC

Peaks and Valleys

EP 49: Peaks and Valleys

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In this episode of Storytellers Only (formerly REL &amp; Friends), REL breaks down Kobe Bryant’s philosophy that confidence comes from preparation — repetition builds mastery.

We also dive into the DJI Osmo Mobile 7, Adobe’s Firefly AI for video, and whether AI is truly ready to change content creation.

Plus, REL shares his thoughts on how Hip Hop once led social conversations but has lost its voice in activism especially as Trump’s re-election looms.

Follow REL: @REL.mov
Follow Jon Reyes: @stankpalmer
Subscribe on YouTube: @StorytellersOnlyNYC

Confidence Comes From Preparation

EP 48: Confidence Comes From Preparation

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This is our last episode of the year! As 2024 is winding down, we&#39;re encouraging you to PRESS PLAY in the new year. Press play on your hopes, your dreams, any creative idea that you&#39;ve been putting off... now is the time to press play. As Marshawn would say, &#34;Press play and let that idea come to life&#34;. 
In this week&#39;s episode, brands are now using AI influencers to push their product...yet they still come up with the cringiest interal corporate bits. Andre 3000&#39;s New Blue Sun doesn&#39;t fulfill his contractual obligations with his record label and we profile Atlanta graffiti artist VAYNE. 
REL &amp; Friends is brought to you by Art of Storytelling, a New York-based production agency that provides creative solutions for visual content. The program is hosted by REL and produced by Jon Reyes.

In this episode of REL & Friends, the rise of AI influencers, Andre 3000 needs to drop bars to make the label happy, and we profile Atlanta graffiti artist VAYNE

EP 47: Press Play

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We open up this show with 3 minutes of straight game from Uncle Earl Stevens. Maybe run it back a few times to make sure the knowledge doesn&#39;t go over your head like a &#34;military stealth plane&#34; - where you can&#39;t see it til later. Someone who could use that game is one Drizzy Drake, who is suing Universal for conspiring against him. 
Some creatives leaked access to Sora AI, more holiday shopping recs for your favorite creator and more in this week&#39;s episode of REL &amp; Friends.
REL &amp; Friends is brought to you by Art of Storytelling, a New York-based production agency that provides creative solutions for visual content. The program is hosted by REL and produced by Jon Reyes.

In this episode of REL & Friends, Drake can't take his L, creatives leak Sora AI, holiday shopping recs...and more!

EP 46: The Grit Don't Quit

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We open up this week with Will Smith talking about the difference between good and great, the difference between a &#34;B&#34; grade and an &#34;A&#34; grade, the difference between 90% and 100%. Not only does it require more work than we realize, but we also gotta be familiar with what &#34;greatness&#34; is. It reminds me of an early interview we had on REL &amp; Friends with Cheryl Del Rosario where her gem was to &#34;consume good work&#34;. How are we supposed to make great work if we don&#39;t keep our standards up?
Apple&#39;s out to take over Adobe&#39;s block, Coca-Cola&#39;s using AI for their holiday ads and we pay tribute to the late Bay Area legend Saafir in this week&#39;s REL &amp; Friends.
REL &amp; Friends is brought to you by Art of Storytelling, a New York-based production agency that provides creative solutions for visual content. The program is hosted by REL and produced by Jon Reyes.

In this episode of REL & Friends, Snoop & Dre are back in the studio, Apple is developing new tools for creators, Coca-Cola's classic holiday commercial gets remixed by AI, and we pay tribute to Saafir

EP 45: Is It Good or Is it Great?

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REL &amp; FRIENDS IS BACK...from a brief hiatus. Jon here, I just got back from Japan and am in full grind mode to close out the year strong. We got two months left, leskeddit! To help us get there, we open the show with game from the one and only Quincy Jones (RIP). REL reminisces over legendary hip hop duos after the new album announcement from Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre. We forecast new Sony camera and MacBook drops in case you need to re-up on gear. We also show love to LA&#39;s Can&#39;t Be Stopped graffiti crew.
And... if you haven&#39;t already... peep the revamped Art of Storytelling website: https://artofstorytelling.co/ REL&#39;s been putting in work during the hiatus and planting seeds for 2025.
REL &amp; Friends is brought to you by Art of Storytelling, a New York-based production agency that provides creative solutions for visual content. The program is hosted by REL and produced by Jon Reyes.

In this episode of REL & Friends, Snoop & Dre are back in the studio, Sony is postponing firmware updates, and we celebrate LA's CBS Graffiti Crew

EP 44: What Would Quincy Do?

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In this episode of REL &amp; Friends, we want you to eat your L&#39;s like they&#39;re vitamins. We&#39;re all gonna take L&#39;s on this journey, it&#39;s really about how you handle them. A Tribe Called Quest gets into the Rock n&#39; Roll Hall of Fame, DJI is dropping a 3D camera, the LA graffiti scene is popping off, Timbaland is experimenting with ayo technology, and more!
REL &amp; Friends is brought to you by Art of Storytelling, a New York-based production agency that provides creative solutions for visual content. The program is hosted by REL and produced by Jon Reyes.

In this episode of REL & Friends, Tribe gets into the HOF, DJI drops a 3D camera and the LA art scene is taking over.

EP 43: Eat Your L's

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In this episode of REL &amp; Friends, we want you to hold those dreams, especially the ones that scare you. We salute the late emcee Ka, aka Kaseem Ryan, the underground legend from Bronxville. Adobe&#39;s generative AI is getting better, Benzino is working on a documentary of the 1995 Source Awards, KAWS is curating an exhibit at The Drawing Center and more!
REL &amp; Friends is brought to you by Art of Storytelling, a New York-based production agency that provides creative solutions for visual content. The program is hosted by REL and produced by Jon Reyes.

In this episode of REL & Friends, we salute Ka, Benzino is working on a documentary about the 1995 Source Awards, Kaws is curating an exhibit at the Drawing Center and more!

EP 42: Real Dreams Scare You

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In this episode of REL &amp; Friends, we want you to mush &#34;they&#34;! All the doubters, the naysayers, the &#34;give up on your dream&#34; haters...just mush them in the face. Boots Riley has a new film coming out called &#34;I Love Boosters, Blackmagic Design is opening up Blackmagic RAW to other camera platforms, Doechii is making waves in the hip hop space and Stussy is opening back up in NYC.
REL &amp; Friends is brought to you by Art of Storytelling, a New York-based production agency that provides creative solutions for visual content. The program is hosted by REL and produced by Jon Reyes.

In this episode of REL & Friends, Boots Riley has a new fil,, Blackmagic Design is opening Blackmagic RAW to other platforms, Stussy is opening up in NYC...and more!

EP 41: Get The F*** Up Out My Way

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In this episode of REL &amp; Friends, we want you to claim it! Manifest your aspirations, goals and dreams...speak into existence the things that you want. Eve, The Lox &amp; Mike Tyson walk into a bar, DJI drops the perfect drone for beginners, upgrade your MacBook Pro, MLB is dropping Nike as their jersey makers and more!
REL &amp; Friends is brought to you by Art of Storytelling, a New York-based production agency that provides creative solutions for visual content. The program is hosted by REL and produced by Jon Reyes.

In this episode of REL & Friends, Eve, The Lox & Mike Tyson walk into a bar, DJI drops the perfect drone for beginners, upgrade your MacBook Pro, and MLB drops Nike

EP 40: Claim It!

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In this episode of REL &amp; Friends, we want you to stop comparing yourself to others. Find out what makes you unique as a creative person...because that&#39;s where you&#39;ll find your superpower. Graffiti artist RAMS bombs NYC skyscrapers, DJI releases a new action camera, Nike has a new CEO, TV/Film company Lionsgate is jumping into the AI space and more!
REL &amp; Friends is brought to you by Art of Storytelling, a New York-based production agency that provides creative solutions for visual content. The program is hosted by REL and produced by Jon Reyes.

In this episode of REL & Friends, graffiti artist RAMS bombs NYC skyscrapers, DJI releases a new action camera, Nike has a new CEO and Lionsgate is jumping into the AI space

EP 39: Nobody Does What You Do

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In this episode of REL &amp; Friends, we want you to kill it in your V2s. When your clients hit you with notes and feedback, don&#39;t take it personal. Take note, and take care of it. We salute Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo aka The Neptunes, we take a look at Canon&#39;s C80 camera, we unpack Adobe&#39;s Firefly AI model and more!
REL &amp; Friends is brought to you by Art of Storytelling, a New York-based production agency that provides creative solutions for visual content. The program is hosted by REL and produced by Jon Reyes.

In this episode of REL & Friends, we salute The Neptunes, we take a look at Canon's C80 camera, and we unpack Adobe's Firefly AI model.

Ep 38: Kill it in V2

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Just DO YOU!
(also...happy birthday REL!)
In this episode of REL &amp; Friends, RED&#39;s Komodo-X camera hits a major price drop, Eddie Huang&#39;s new film &#34;Vice Is Broke&#34; makes noise at the Toronto International Film Festival, Apple&#39;s new iPhone 16 might just be your next camera...and more!
REL &amp; Friends is brought to you by Art of Storytelling, a New York-based production agency that provides creative solutions for visual content. The program is hosted by REL and produced by Jon Reyes.

In this episode of REL & Friends, RED drops their price of the Komodo-X, Eddie Huang pulls the curtain back on Vice, and Apple announces their new iPhone 16

Ep. 37: Do You