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.
Reel Poets Episode 021 La Danza de la Realidad (The Dance of Reality)
Hold me closer Tony Danza de la Realidad as we floss with Who's the Boss in Alejandro Jodorowsky's super surrealist soup of sway.
Who IS the boss? A priest, rabbi, iman or Theosphist? Is it Ibanez or his horse that pulls the strings? Jamie, his dad or is it him?!! All hail the man the imagination the surreality -as it wraps and wrestles, sings and skips with Alejandro's family tree.
Episode 22 parses Alejandro Jodorowsky’s La Danza de la Realidad as an intentional negotiation between memory and imagination. I describe how the film stages memory as a theatrical arena where signs and tableaux carry more emotional force than documental fidelity. We note scenes that blur factuality and invention: the child’s wig and its violent removal, the painted darkness danced with the mother, the sardines erupting into birds, and the failed assassination framed as both tragicomedy and moral parable.
I argue that Jodorowsky sought therapeutic revisioning: he reimagines trauma through symbolic acts to reshape meaning. We treat surreal imagery not as evasion but as method. The film becomes a ritual of remembrance that enacts healing by transmuting pain into emblematic gestures, and we foreground the ethical tension that arises when symbolic reworkings risk literal ambiguity for the viewer.
26 Aug 2026
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.org (https://www.988lifeline.org)
www.americanfoundationforsuicideprevention.org (https://www.americanfoundationforsuicideprevention.org)
https://www.youtube.com/@phsteward (https://www.youtube.com/@phsteward)
www.instagram.com (https://www.instagram.com) @paulharrissteward, @scotttraven
Other links
JUST DO IT (https://www.gofundme.com/f/paulhstewardshortfilm) Go Fund Me Support
The Gift by Bruce M. Cohen (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DS653PR8?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback) a loving father's reflection on the loss of his son
Stay at Poem Dad (https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/228353053-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.
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.
___________________
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
9 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
8 ratings
Contact Reel Poets
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Reel Poets?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
