Storytellers Only

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?

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 sho...

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...

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 consume...

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 corpora...

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 fin...

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 & Con...

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 timel...

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 voi...

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 pr...

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't go over your head like a "military stealth plane" - where you can'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 holid...

We open up this week with Will Smith talking about the difference between good and great, the difference between a "B" grade and an "A" 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 "greatness" is. It reminds me of an early interview we had on REL & Friends with Cheryl Del Rosario...

REL & 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...

In this episode of REL & Friends, we want you to eat your L's like they're vitamins. We're all gonna take L's on this journey, it's really about how you handle them. A Tribe Called Quest gets into the Rock n' 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 & Friends i...

In this episode of REL & 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'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 & Friends is brought to you by...

In this episode of REL & Friends, we want you to mush "they"! All the doubters, the naysayers, the "give up on your dream" haters...just mush them in the face. Boots Riley has a new film coming out called "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 N...

In this episode of REL & Friends, we want you to claim it! Manifest your aspirations, goals and dreams...speak into existence the things that you want. Eve, The Lox & 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 & Friends is brought to you by Art of Storytelling, a New York-bas...

In this episode of REL & Friends, we want you to stop comparing yourself to others. Find out what makes you unique as a creative person...because that's where you'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 & Friends is brought to you b...

In this episode of REL & Friends, we want you to kill it in your V2s. When your clients hit you with notes and feedback, don'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's C80 camera, we unpack Adobe's Firefly AI model and more! REL & Friends is brought to you by Art of Storytelling, a Ne...

Just DO YOU! (also...happy birthday REL!) In this episode of REL & Friends, RED's Komodo-X camera hits a major price drop, Eddie Huang's new film "Vice Is Broke" makes noise at the Toronto International Film Festival, Apple's new iPhone 16 might just be your next camera...and more! REL & Friends is brought to you by Art of Storytelling, a New York-based production agenc...

In this episode of REL & Friends, a legendary hip hop producer creates ringtones for Apple, Jeff Staple and the Staple Brand are celebrating 25 years in the game with a new NYC flagship store, and the new Ol Dirty Bastard documentary, A Tale of Two Dirtys, by Sam and Jason Pollard premieres...and more! REL & Friends is brought to you by Art of Storytelling, a New York-based production agen...

In this episode of REL & Friends, Tyler the Creator has very strong opinions about new artists, Procreate CEO has very strong opinions about AI, PolarPro releases three new lenses to give you very strong control over light leaks...and more! REL & Friends is brought to you by Art of Storytelling, a New York-based production agency that provides creative solutions for visual content. The pro...

In this episode of REL & Friends, REL sits down with Mitch Chang, a Bay Area-based digital media producer. His started at CNET/CBS Interactive as a freelance editor and eventually worked his way up to becoming Senior Producer. Today, he's the Digital Media Producer at St. Francis High School in Mountain View, CA. In this conversation, REL and Mitch reminisce on their times working together...

In this episode of REL & Friends, we listen to photographer Jeff Cobb talk about shooting the Olympics, Bay Area legend emcee Richie Rich pops out...his knee in LaRussell's backyard, why a 2017 MacBook does not cut it for video editing...and more! REL & Friends is brought to you by Art of Storytelling, a New York-based production agency that provides creative solutions for visual conte...

In this episode of REL & Friends, REL sits down with Kyle Standiford, a Bay Area-based cinematographer, beatmaker and content specialist. He is currently the project manager and senior editor for Warriors Studio, the production arm of the Golden State Warriors, and has previously held roles at Lucasfilm, Luckyshot Digital, and the San Francisco Giants. Before these stops, he began his career a...