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Reel Poets

Reel Poets

Written by: Scottt Raven and Renzo Del Castillo
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About this listen

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.Copyright 2026 Scottt Raven and Renzo Del Castillo Art Entertainment & Performing Arts
Episodes
  • Reel Poets The Refrain Part 2: Necessary and Awl-Encompassing
    Jan 8 2026

    Part 2 of the getting to know our hosts and their poetic influences. Renzo asks Scottt who would be in your Dead Poet's Society?

    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.

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    28 mins
  • Reel Poets: The Refrain for DPS and Talking Shop Part 1`
    Jan 1 2026

    Part 1 of 2 for Reel Poets: The Refrain, where we revisit Dead Poets Society, but mostly we talk shop and name drop a few poems and poets.

    Here's a few more from Scottt: List of poetic influences in no particular order, contemporaries and hopeful future guests without looking up.

    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, 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, Bob Dylan, Steve Martin, Salvador Dali, Alejandro Jodorowsky.

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    56 mins
  • Reel Poets Episode 003: DEAD POETS SOCIETY (feat Debbie Wanninkhof)
    Dec 18 2025

    After a heart, heart, heartfelt multi-voice rendition of O Captain! My Captain! by Walt Whitman recited by Renzo, Scottt and our guest, we have a wide ranging discussion with mother, poet, educator, musician, and head inspirer of the Kb Poetry Share, Debbie Wanninkhof, whose work centers on presence, encouragement and a steadfast belief that poetry belongs to everyone.

    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.

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    1 hr and 17 mins
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