A podcast from Justin Strawn about his life as told through the stories of the films he loves
Reel to Real
Claim This Podcastby Justin Strawn
5.0(1 reviews)
17 episodes
Updated Daily
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Podcast Overview
A podcast from Justin Strawn about his life as told through the stories of the films he loves
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
3/19/2026
1 verified contact email on file for Reel to Real
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Recent Episodes
July 20, 2026
Episode 18: The Odyssey (2026) - The Long Journey Home
<p>Christopher Nolan brings one of history's greatest stories to the big screen with a breathtaking adaptation of The Odyssey. This week on Reel to Real, we discuss the film's stunning visuals, unforgettable performances, and the timeless themes that have resonated for nearly three thousand years. More importantly, we explore what Odysseus' long journey home teaches us about character, wisdom, temptation, and the daily choices that define our lives.</p><p><strong>(0:00)</strong> – <strong>Review and Recap</strong><br>Our spoiler-filled review of Christopher Nolan's epic adaptation, the standout performances, and why this timeless story continues to resonate with modern audiences.</p><p><strong>(13:18)</strong> – <strong>"Do Unto Others": Zeus's Law</strong><br>Hospitality, kindness, and respect for others are at the heart of The Odyssey. We examine Zeus's law of hospitality and why treating people with dignity remains one of the foundations of a healthy society.</p><p><strong>(23:25)</strong> – <strong>Intelligence Beats Strength</strong><br>Odysseus survives not because he is the strongest warrior, but because he thinks before he acts. We discuss why wisdom, humility, and problem-solving often accomplish what brute force cannot.</p><p><strong>(28:54)</strong> – <strong>The Temptation to Lose Yourself</strong><br>From the Lotus-Eaters to Circe and Calypso, Odysseus faces constant temptations to abandon his purpose. We explore how distraction, comfort, and immediate gratification can slowly pull us away from the people and goals that matter most.</p><p><strong>(33:10)</strong> – <strong>Faithfulness Is a Daily Choice</strong><br>Loyalty isn't a single grand gesture—it's built through countless everyday decisions. We discuss what Odysseus and Penelope teach us about commitment, perseverance, and choosing the people we love every single day.</p><p>If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who loves movies that inspire meaningful conversations. Follow <strong>Reel to Real</strong> for more discussions about the films we love and the life lessons hidden within them.</p><p>Time Stamps</p>
July 14, 2026
Episode 17: The Sheep Detectives (2026) - The Stories that Shape Us
<p>Sometimes the most profound stories come wrapped in the most unexpected packages. This week on Reel to Real, we dive into The Sheep Detectives, a charming mystery that becomes an exploration of grief, community, curiosity, and the stories that shape who we become. Along the way, we also take a moment to remember the incredible career of Sam Neill and the impact he made on generations of movie lovers.</p><p><strong>(0:00)</strong> – <strong>Review and Recap (with a Memorial to Sam Neill)</strong><br>A look at The Sheep Detectives, why the film works so well despite its unusual premise, and a tribute to the legendary Sam Neill and his remarkable legacy in film.</p><p><strong>(7:22)</strong> – <strong>Stories Shape the People We Become</strong><br>The stories we consume influence our values, beliefs, and the way we see the world. We discuss why storytelling is one of the most powerful forces in our lives and why the stories we choose matter.</p><p><strong>(11:45)</strong> – <strong>Grief Can't Be Avoided</strong><br>Loss is an unavoidable part of life. The film reminds us that healing doesn't come from avoiding grief but from learning to walk through it with honesty and hope.</p><p><strong>(16:31)</strong> – <strong>Community Makes Us Smarter</strong><br>No one has all the answers. We explore how wisdom grows through relationships, why we need people who see what we miss, and how community helps us navigate life's biggest challenges.</p><p><strong>(21:56)</strong> – <strong>Curiosity is Better than Certainty</strong><br>The best detectives ask questions before jumping to conclusions. We talk about the importance of humility, listening well, and remaining curious in a world that often rewards certainty over understanding.</p><p>If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves movies that have more to say beneath the surface. You can also follow <strong>Reel to Real</strong> for more conversations about the films we love and the lessons they teach us about living well.</p><p>Time Stamps</p>
June 30, 2026
Episode 16: Supergirl (2026) - Finding Hope After Trauma
<p>Episode 16: Supergirl (2026) - Finding Hope After Trauma</p><p>What does it mean to remain hopeful after experiencing profound loss? In this episode of Reel to Real, we explore Supergirl (2026) and discuss how Kara Zor-El's journey differs from her famous cousin's, why trauma shapes us in unexpected ways, and the people who help pull us back toward hope when we lose ourselves.</p><p><strong>(0:00) Review and Recap</strong><br>We share our overall thoughts on Supergirl (2026), discuss Milly Alcock's performance as Kara Zor-El, and examine how the film fits into the new DC Universe while standing on its own as an emotional character study.</p><p><strong>(10:11) What it Means to be Good</strong><br>Supergirl challenges us to think about the difference between being powerful and being good. We discuss morality, empathy, and why choosing compassion can often be more difficult than choosing vengeance.</p><p><strong>(18:00) Why Supergirl Isn't Superman</strong><br>Although they come from the same world, Kara and Clark have very different relationships with loss, identity, and hope. We explore how trauma shapes Supergirl's worldview and why her journey resonates so deeply.</p><p><strong>(25:54) The People Who Pull Us Out of Ourselves</strong><br>Sometimes healing doesn't happen alone. We discuss the relationships that help us recover from our darkest moments and the people who teach us that hope is still possible, even when we've lost sight of it ourselves.</p><p><strong>(30:14) Justice, Revenge, and What We Really Want</strong><br>Revenge promises closure, but does it ever truly deliver? We explore the film's examination of justice, vengeance, and the difficult truth that what we think we want is not always what we actually need to heal.</p><p>If you've ever struggled to move beyond your past or wondered how to hold onto hope after disappointment and loss, this episode is for you.</p>
17 total episodes available
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- What is Reel to Real?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
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This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
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No, this podcast does not typically feature guests.
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