Storytellers Only

By Art of Storytelling

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 throug... more

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FAQs about Storytellers Only:

How many episodes does Storytellers Only have?

The podcast currently has 56 episodes available.

Storytellers Only episodes:

May 26, 2025 Boston Dynamics Just Put a Robot on Set
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?
...more
6min
May 09, 2025 Episode 55: Don't Wait For Permission
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'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/storytellersonly
Follow REL -- instagram.com/rel.mov
Follow Jon Reyes -- instagram.com/stankpalmer
...more
35min
April 18, 2025 EP 54: Perfect Practice Makes Perfect
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'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
...more
44min
April 04, 2025 EP 53: Build Community
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'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'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
...more
40min
March 21, 2025 EP 52: Figure It Out
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're building something personal or climbing the ladder in a corporate space.
Some of the latest tools and trends, including the Blackmagic Camera app'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're at with the Storytellers Only event and how we'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'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's note books collection
(42:18) How we're figuring it out
Follow Storytellers Only on YouTube -- storytellersonlynyc
Follow REL -- instagram.com/rel.mov
Follow Jon Reyes -- instagram.com/stankpalmer
...more
47min
March 14, 2025 EP 51: Step by Step
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 & Timestamps:
(00:00) – What “Step by Step” means
(08:30) – How to approach creative contract work in today'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 & 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
...more
41min
March 06, 2025 EP 50: Write Diary Entries
In this episode of Storytellers Only (formerly REL & 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 & 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
...more
45min
February 28, 2025 EP 49: Peaks and Valleys
In this episode of Storytellers Only (formerly REL & 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
...more
52min
February 22, 2025 EP 48: Confidence Comes From Preparation
In this episode of Storytellers Only (formerly REL & 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
...more
43min
December 06, 2024 EP 47: Press Play
This is our last episode of the year! As 2024 is winding down, we're encouraging you to PRESS PLAY in the new year. Press play on your hopes, your dreams, any creative idea that you've been putting off... now is the time to press play. As Marshawn would say, "Press play and let that idea come to life".
In this week'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's New Blue Sun doesn't fulfill his contractual obligations with his record label and we profile Atlanta graffiti artist VAYNE.
REL & 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.
...more
43min

FAQs about Storytellers Only:

How many episodes does Storytellers Only have?

The podcast currently has 56 episodes available.