REL & Friends

In this episode of REL & Friends, REL sits down with Jeff "Silence" Arthur, Founder and Creative Director of Oakland-based Silent Victory Productions. He is also the Innovation Manager at The Clubhouse Network, an international community that provides low-income young people access to technology. In this conversation, REL and Jeff talk about how Jeff transitioned from making music to video production, his first project that ended up in film festivals, and they reminisce on old music collaborations including the summertime bop "Remy and Redbox". You can follow Jeff Arthur on Instagram at @silencedemall and learn more about Silent Victory at https://silentvictoryfilms.com 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.

In this episode of REL & Friends, the guys end Q1 of 2024 with a wrap up episode! Before going on much needed break, REL gives some AI updates, Big 3 hot takes and answers some listener voicemails. Leave us a voicemail at (646) 926-3885‬ or send a voice note to relandfriendspod@gmail.com. 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.

In this episode of REL & Friends, REL sits down with Cliff Washington, a New York-based designer, brand strategist and creative consultant. His company Duke & Jo, is a strategic design consultancy to assist entrepreneurs and small companies scale their business. REL & Friends is proud to be a product of Duke & Jo's work with Art of Storytelling. In this conversation, REL and Cliff talk about Cliff's long-winding creative journey, the importance of branding for businesses and how a miscue with a HOT 97 talent led to his departure from the radio station. You can follow Cliff Washington on Instagram at @knocliff3 and visit Duke & Jo at https://dukeandjo.co/ 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.

In this episode of REL & Friends, REL sits down with Ray Herrera, a New York-based architecture and design professional. In another life, he was the Art Director for the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival and was the Creative Director for the blog-era staple The Couch Sessions. Today, he's a project manager at MKDA, corporate planning and interior design recognized by Interior Design magazine as one of the industry's Top 100 Interior Design Giants. In this conversation, REL and Ray talk about growing up in Puerto Rico in the 80's, how he got involved with the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival and the New York creative scene, and the importance of prioritizing sleep. You can follow Ray Herrera on Instagram at @raidroachkilla 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.

In this episode of REL & Friends, REL sits down with Milan Hawthorne, aka Beats Me, a San Francisco-based DJ and visual artist. Previously a host on the legendary Bay Area hip hop television show Distortion 2 Static, he now produces nightlife events throughout San Francisco and the Bay Area. In this conversation, REL and Beats Me talk reminisce on the days of Distortion 2 Static, the importance of finding joy in your craft, and the random interactions that can occur after last call at the party. You can follow Beats ME on Instagram at @kingbeatsme 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.

In this episode of REL & Friends, REL sits down with Jon Reyes a San Francisco-based DJ, music producer and podcast producer. He's also produces REL & Friends... and enjoys referring to himself in the third person when writing podcast show notes. In this conversation, REL and Jon talk about transitioning to being an independent creative, the nuances of working on projects with friends, and how taking creative risks can unlock unforgettable moments. You can follow Jon Reyes on Instagram at @stankpalmer and listen to his remixes, edits and DJ tools at jonreyes.bandcamp.com. 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.

In this episode of REL & Friends, REL sits down with Wonway Posibul, a San Francisco-based artist whose mediums include DJing, emceeing, and stage. His work has included freestyle battle championships, DJ residencies in New York and Los Angeles, and even a GRAMMY nomination. Currently, he's the prime time weeknight DJ and music presenter at KALW 91.7 FM and is can currently be seen in the San Francisco Magic Theatre's production of Dirty White Teslas Make Me Sad. In this conversation, REL and Wonway talk about the importance of committing to your creative vision, how different creative mediums intersect and the time Wonway battled Dave Chappelle...and won. You can follow Wonway Posibul on Instagram at @wonwayposibul 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.

In this episode of REL & Friends, REL sits down with Robin Park, a Bay Area-based marketing generalist. She's had over a decade in the marketing space, working with companies like Amazon, Lyft and is currently the Product Marketing Lead at the San Francisco software company, Parafin. In this conversation, REL and Robin talk about the internal and external roles of marketers in an organization, the importance of giving specific, constructive feedback, and the integral role that "nightlife" has played in both of their professional careers. You can follow Robin Park on Instagram at @corporate.goon 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.

In this episode of REL & Friends, REL sits down with Trackademicks, a Bay Area-based music producer and creative. With over 20+ years of music industry experience, he's worked with artists such as Kamaiyah, Phonte, and Kid Sister while also remixing the likes of Zero 7, Chromeo and Platinum Pied Pipers. Currently, he's co-owner of the online music streaming platform All Day Play FM. In this conversation, REL and Trackademicks talk about how Oakland's Youth Radio played an integral role for Bay Area artists, Trackademicks reflects on his time working in LA in the studio with major label artists, and Trackademicks breaks down the origin story of the ICONIC Bay Area anthem, the "Tell Me When To Go (Trackademicks Remix). You can follow Trackademicks on Instagram at @trackademicks and listen to his music at trackademicks.bandcamp.com 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.

In this episode of REL & Friends, we get to go shopping with REL! REL walks us through a shopping session on B&H Photo (with the appropriate shopping soundtrack), shares how he got clowned at the new job, and answers the first 2 voicemails we got on the REL & Friends Hotline™. We're taking voicemails and giving away books - CALL 646-926-3885. 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.

In this episode of REL & Friends, REL sits down with Nic Golden Henry, a Denver-based creative producer and video editor. With over 10+ years of content creation and visual storytelling under his belt, his client list includes CNBC, Kaiser Permanente and Epitaph Records. In this conversation, REL and Nic reflect on their time working together at *Jadakiss laugh*, Nic shares experiences from his time as a Thrasher Magazine intern that have served him through his video career, and REL lets Nic know how a touching moment at work got ruined by a dab and the familiar notes of R&B singer Mark Morrison's song of heartbreak. You can follow Nic on Instagram at @drtanlegs and see his work at nicgoldenhenry.com 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.

In this episode of REL & Friends, REL sits down with the charismatic Racks Hogan, a New York-based creative currently in Amsterdam. Most known for his work as on-air talent for Complex Media, he is a creative director/production manager/designer/fashion influencer/rug tufter...but the best description for Racks is his own: Racks Hogan is lifestyle journalist. In this conversation, REL and Racks talk about the importance of humbling yourself enough to remain a student, the importance of staying consistent, and Racks forecasts the next "look" to pop off in the reseller/vintage markets. You can follow Racks on Instagram at @itsracks. 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.

In this episode of REL & Friends, REL sits down with Justin Fleischer, a Los Angeles-based talent manager and videographer. He's held many roles in the music industry but is currently known for his work with Logic - first documenting the rapper's early tours and now working as his manager. When he's not in a business capacity, he's still creating video stories with the project DVD Couture, a platform celebrating the aesthetic of hip hop's DVD mixtape era. In this conversation, REL and Justin talk about what makes being a creative for creatives unique from other client work, he details his long path from public school teacher to talent manager, and he lets us know the best camera gear visual creatives should be using (HINT: it doesn't matter!) You can follow Justin on Instagram at @jflei and at dvdcouture.com 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.

In this episode of REL & Friends, REL sits down with Karis Chandler, aka NY Giant, a Brooklyn based design director and DJ. As a DJ, he's a New York nightlife staple and former Red Bull 3style contestant. Professionally, he's worked with brands like the NFL, Nike and Kiehl's. In this conversation, REL and Karis talk about the idea of being a generalist, the reality behind working for "cool" brands, and how breaking up nightclub altercations is sometimes part of a DJs job description. You can follow Karis on Instagram at @djnygiant and see more of his work at karistotle.com 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.

In this episode of REL & Friends, REL sits down with Justin Herman, an animator, graphic designer and hip hop beatmaker. By day, Justin is a senior creative director at Paramount. By night, Justin fires up his ASR-10 and produces music under the moniker Unjust making music with the likes Tajai (as Rap Noir), Nappy Nina and Rome Streetz. In this conversation, REL and Justin talk about the delicate art of balancing your profession and passion, the importance of approaching creative work as an act of service, and how being the guy making everyone's Myspace page look dope led him down a path of making music with underground hip hop music royalty. You can follow Justin on Instagram at @UNJUST_F3W and see more of his work at justinherman.net 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.

In this episode of REL & Friends, REL and Jon reflect on the first few months of doing the podcast. In this conversation, REL goes into detail on why he started REL & Friends, he shares some of his favorite gems from friends, and reveals the secret playlist he uses to help him power through being a creative professional. 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.

In this episode of REL & Friends, REL sits down with Brian Tong a journalist, and host specializing in the technology space. An OG in the tech creator space, Brian has influenced notable content creators and garnered a significant following through his self-produced YouTube videos on tech and geek culture.  In this conversation, REL and Brian reflect on their time working for *insert Jadakiss laugh here*, leaving the corporate world and going independent and Brian flexes his vocal chops to show us why they call him the "Asian Usher". You can follow Brian and watch his videos @briantong on YouTube. 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.

In this episode of REL & Friends, REL sits down with Jamie Lai a San Francisco-based director, producer and editor. Previously working with REL at *insert Jadakiss laugh*, her experience includes working with professional sports teams, athletes, celebrities and has covered major press events for leading tech companies and has field produced, directed and covered major global conferences. In this conversation, REL and Jamie give tangible numbers for production budgets, "code switching" and struggles of not being accepted in the work environment and how the 1994 Jim Carrey classic "The Mask" influenced her career path. You can follow Jamie and see more of her work at www.jamiewlai.com 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.

In this episode of REL & Friends, REL sits down with Cheryll Del Rosario, a San Francisco-based marketing art director and visual designer. With over 15 years of experience in the gaming industry, she currently serves as the Director of Creative Direction at the mobile game company Pocket Gems. In this conversation, REL and Cheryll talk about their experiences transitioning to a director role, conquering imposter syndrome and how she ended up giving a Powerpoint presentation to her company about the origin and the usage of the word "rizz". You can follow Cheryll on Instagram at @_cheryll 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.

In this episode of REL & Friends, REL sits down with Darius Reily, a photographer and videographer from East Palo Alto, CA. Through the moniker HOUR VOYSES, Darius travels the world and tells stories through the lens of his camera - including a 2019 documentary Betón Je Krásny (Concrete is Beautiful) profiling the street skateboarding community in Prague. In this conversation, REL and Darius talk about the significance of the Million Man March on Darius' relationship to the camera, the first time Darius' photography got licensed for a national campaign, and REL & Darius compare each other's drone flying skills. You can follow Darius and his work on Instagram at @hourvoyses and his website, www.hourvoyses.com 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.

In this episode of REL & Friends, REL sits down with longtime collaborator Halline Overby, a Los Angeles-based multi-disciplinary creative (musician, DJ, graphic design, web design and photography) who is currently the production lead at Idea2Form. In this conversation, REL and Halline talk about identity and the history of his name, how having the "dream job" isn't always what it seems, and the origins of the legendary Bay Area TV Show, Distortion 2 Static. You can follow Halline and his work on Instagram at @hay.low and his website, halline.com 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.

In the debut episode of REL & Friends, REL sits down with Tomás Alvarez III. Tomás is a Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Idea2Form, a BIPOC-led creative studio whose mission is to design solutions that connect, activate, and inspire people to build a more equitable world. In this conversation, REL and Tomás talk about Tomás origins as the founder of Beats, Rhymes and Life - one of the country's first hip hop therapy programs, social entrepreneurship, and the unforgettable moment Tomás created at REL’s wedding.  You can follow Tomás and his work at Idea2Form at idea2form.com. 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.