The Stunner
By Razel Estrella
Wanna talk about your craft and whatnot? Send The Stunner a message: @stunnerpod on Medium, Twitter, Instagram.
The StunnerAug 31, 2021
Work (success & the power of a line)
When it comes to the theme of work vis-a-vis life, I have probably articulated myself better in a previous blog: https://www.razelibrary.com/2023/01/the-corner-rack.html If you enjoyed the poem, you may read it here: https://www.razelibrary.com/2023/01/poem-14.html
A Good Job (internal rhymes & recognition)
When you're an adult, what do you talk about? Work, family, work, sex, work, the meaning of life, work.
If you enjoyed the poem, you may read it here: https://www.razelibrary.com/2022/12/poem-13-2022.html
FLAMES (prompts & stanzas)
It's nice to be back with fresh (or in most cases "old new / new old") experiences.
If you enjoyed the poem, you may read it here: www.razelibrary.com/2023/08/poetry-prompt-thematic-unity.html
A short break from the poetry laboratory
The Stunner will return in August! In the meantime, please enjoy the show's very first video episode.
Side story: as soon as I stopped recording, I remembered the word: 'constructive criticism'. Yes, I welcome that and I would like to invite you once again to share your thoughts, comments and suggestions. Or just say hello! That would be nice.
Episode chapters:
(00:31) Podcast relaunch
(02:37) Consistency
(04:18) Make better bad poems
(06:30) Benefits of recording yourself
(07:28) Talk to me
Episode afterthoughts: https://stunnerpod.medium.com/video-podcast-number-one-of-many-f152c4ae59da
A Few Good Years (writing habits & what ifs)
When does a writing habit become a bad habit? And what would you do in that very logical scenario where a genie would grant you three wishes?
If you enjoyed the poem, you may read it here: https://www.razelibrary.com/2022/08/poem-9-2022.html
The Missing Day (turning 40 & feeling it)
Spot the bad math in the commentary. Haha!
If you enjoyed the poem, you may read it here: https://www.razelibrary.com/2023/02/poem-15.html
For episode afterthoughts, visit The Stunner Blog: https://stunnerpod.medium.com/editing-spoken-typo-a1524ca7ea88
Birthday Line Breaks (pretentious enjambments & fake profundity)
Another fluff that I'd like to share. If only to prove the importance of conscientious line-cutting.
If you enjoyed the poem and was curious about the actual line breaks, click here: https://www.razelibrary.com/2022/03/poem-3-2022.html
Tooth (losing teeth & somehow losing your mind)
If you enjoyed the poem 'Tooth', you may read it here: https://www.razelibrary.com/2022/09/poem-10-2022.html
As for a more in-depth essay on losing teeth, go this way please: https://www.razelibrary.com/2022/10/losing-teeth.html
The Idea (when you record an idea & it sucks)
Does everything need to be documented?
If you enjoyed the poem, you may read it here: https://www.razelibrary.com/2022/03/poem-4-2022.html
Girl (commanding yourself to sit down & write!)
99% of the time, we produce something between rubbish and mediocre. This poem is one of those fluff finger exercises that I think has potential, has a bit of strange charm — like the person who inspired it.
If you enjoyed the poem, you may read it here: https://www.razelibrary.com/2022/02/poem-2-2022.html
Superboy! (I have a crush & I'll show but won't tell who)
You can take this podcast, as with everything else really, as another work in progress. I'm very slowly easing in to the habit of going script-less and talking openly about the creative process. Lots to learn, lots to practice.
If you enjoyed the poem, you may read it here: https://www.razelibrary.com/2022/06/poem-7-2022.html
Pulse (a musical element & the grand scheme of things)
In this season, I try to be as spontaneous as possible. Go script-less. The drawback is I get too self-conscious about unpolished sentences and fragmented thoughts. Like in the last part of the commentary. I wanted to say that I would like to believe in a force that holds us together from before the beginning of time and till after it ends — which you may have already figured out — but it came out in a different way.
If you enjoyed the poem, you may read it here: https://www.razelibrary.com/2022/10/poem-11-2022.html
Prelude (the new & the cliche)
What an appropriate cliche to start the new season.
If you enjoyed the poem, you can read it here: https://www.razelibrary.com/2022/01/poem-1-2022.html
New Theme (welcome to the brand-new The Stunner)
New theme, new direction. I've decided that in addition to profiles, I'll use this space to test-run my poetry. Hope you'll join the ride!
Pictures to Show (Poem & Commentary)
*
Thanks for listening to The Stunner!
Writer and Host: Razel Estrella
Blog: stunnerpod.com
Twitter, IG: @stunnerpod
Email: hello@stunnerpod.com
Donate: ko-fi.com/thestunner
Anniversary Break
Judith & Appearance
A fashion reflection, featuring the novel, 'Maestra' by LS Hilton.
*
Thanks for listening to The Stunner!
Writer and Host: Razel Estrella
Blog: stunnerpod.com
Twitter, IG: @stunnerpod
Email: hello@stunnerpod.com
Donate: ko-fi.com/thestunner
Jijingi & True Memory
A reflection on documentation and subjective experience, featuring the short story, 'The Truth of Face, the Truth of Feeling' by Ted Chiang.
*
Thanks for listening to The Stunner!
Writer and Host: Razel Estrella
Blog: stunnerpod.com
Twitter, IG: @stunnerpod
Email: hello@stunnerpod.com
Donate: ko-fi.com/thestunner
Season 3 Continuation
(Did I say 2011 in the recording? We all know I meant 2021, right?!)
Murmur (Poem & Commentary)
*
Thanks for listening to The Stunner!
Writer and Host: Razel Estrella
Blog: stunnerpod.com
Twitter, IG: @stunnerpod
Email: hello@stunnerpod.com
Donate: ko-fi.com/thestunner
My Favorite Influencer (Poem & Commentary)
*
Thanks for listening to The Stunner!
Writer and Host: Razel Estrella
Blog: stunnerpod.com
Twitter, IG: @stunnerpod
Email: hello@stunnerpod.com
Donate: ko-fi.com/thestunner
Exhausting the Sky (Poem & Commentary)
What are your favorite sky metaphors?
*
Thanks for listening to The Stunner!
Writer and Host: Razel Estrella
Blog: stunnerpod.com
Twitter, IG: @stunnerpod
Email: hello@stunnerpod.com
Donate: ko-fi.com/thestunner
Oven Toasters (Poem & Commentary)
What's your favorite cooking tool? Your favorite kitchen poem? I would love to hear from you — share your thoughts and experiences, or even ask a question. I would love to talk poetry and appliances.
*
Thanks for listening to The Stunner!
Writer and Host: Razel Estrella
Blog: stunnerpod.com
Twitter, IG: @stunnerpod
Email: hello@stunnerpod.com
Donate: ko-fi.com/thestunner
Season 3 Break
See you all again on June 29th!
*
Thanks for listening to The Stunner!
Writer and Host: Razel Estrella
Blog: stunnerpod.com
Twitter, IG, FB: @stunnerpod
Email: hello@stunnerpod.com
Donate: ko-fi.com/thestunner
Matteo Alacrán & Power (Dis)Play
On power displays, featuring 'The House of the Scorpion' by Nancy Farmer.
*
Thanks for listening to The Stunner!
Writer and Host: Razel Estrella
Blog: stunnerpod.com
Twitter, IG, FB: @stunnerpod
Email: hello@stunnerpod.com
Donate: ko-fi.com/thestunner
Epic
On the epic, the ego, and the everyday, featuring 'Among the fountains of Villa D'Este' by Cirilo F Bautista.
*
Thanks for listening to The Stunner!
Writer and Host: Razel Estrella
Blog: stunnerpod.com
Twitter, IG, FB: @stunnerpod
Email: hello@stunnerpod.com
Donate: ko-fi.com/thestunner
A Fixed Idea
A reflection on expanding our horizons, featuring 'A fixed idea' by Amy Lowell.
*
Thanks for listening to The Stunner!
Writer and Host: Razel Estrella
Blog: stunnerpod.com
Twitter, IG, FB: @stunnerpod
Email: hello@stunnerpod.com
Donate: ko-fi.com/thestunner
Dailiness
The intention was a Mothers' Day episode, the outcome is a reflection on 'the dailiness of life'. Featuring 'Well Water' by Randall Jarrell.
*
Thanks for listening to The Stunner!
Writer and Host: Razel Estrella
Blog: stunnerpod.com
Twitter, IG, FB: @stunnerpod
Email: hello@stunnerpod.com
Donate: ko-fi.com/thestunner
Diane & Partnerships
A reflection on partnerships, featuring the novel 'Happy People Read & Drink Coffee' by Agnès Martin Lugand.
*
Thanks for listening to The Stunner!
Writer and Host: Razel Estrella
Blog: stunnerpod.com
Twitter, IG, FB: @stunnerpod
Email: hello@stunnerpod.com
Donate: ko-fi.com/thestunner
Henrietta Savernake & Grief
A reflection on art and emotion, featuring 'The Hollow' by Agatha Christie.
*
Thanks for listening to The Stunner!
Writer and Host: Razel Estrella
Blog: stunnerpod.com
Twitter, IG, FB: @stunnerpod
Email: hello@stunnerpod.com
Donate: ko-fi.com/thestunner
Season 3 Trailer
Just my way of saying The Stunner is back!
*
Thanks for listening to The Stunner!
Writer and Host: Razel Estrella
Blog: stunnerpod.com
Twitter, IG, FB: @stunnerpod
Email: hello@stunnerpod.com
Donate: ko-fi.com/thestunner
Season 2 Wrap
*
Thanks for listening. Let's stay in touch!
Writer and Host: Razel Estrella
Blog: stunnerpod.com
Twitter, IG, FB: @stunnerpod
Email: hello@stunnerpod.com
Donate: ko-fi.com/thestunner
Edward Monkford & Dominion
A reflection on how our living spaces control us, featuring 'The Girl Before' by JP Delaney.
*
Thanks for listening to The Stunner!
Writer and Host: Razel Estrella
Blog: stunnerpod.com
Twitter, IG, FB: @stunnerpod
Email: hello@stunnerpod.com
Donate: ko-fi.com/thestunner
Audio Drama for Children
In this special episode, we'll talk about audio dramas for children, featuring 'Mga Kuwentong Musmos', a joint project of Room to Read and Tanghalang Pilipino.
Listen to 'Mga Kuwentong Musmos' here.
*
Thanks for listening to The Stunner!
Writer and Host: Razel Estrella
Blog: stunnerpod.com
Twitter, IG, FB: @stunnerpod
Email: hello@stunnerpod.com
Donate: ko-fi.com/thestunner
Nicole Laurel Asensio & The Song Inspired by Social Media
With us is an amazing female voice, literally and figuratively: singer-songwriter Nicole Laurel Asensio. I don't like putting myself so much in these interviews, but I'm particularly excited to speak with Nicole because we're fellow Literature majors. She will talk a little bit about it, as well as loads of other things, such as being self-managed, pinning down her music genre, and thriving (or not) during the pandemic. She will also tell us how she uses social media to her advantage, from being a vital business tool to a source of inspiration for her latest single, 'Love Me or Don't'.
Listen to 'Love Me or Don't' and watch the official music video on Youtube.
Follow Nicole on Facebook and Instagram.
*
Thanks for listening to The Stunner!
Writer and Host: Razel Estrella
Blog: stunnerpod.com
Twitter, IG, FB: @stunnerpod
Email: hello@stunnerpod.com
Donate: ko-fi.com/thestunner
Labor of Love
In the fourth and final installment of our Valentine Special, we will go to where it all begins and where we wish for our love to settle: home. This episode features the poem, 'Those Winter Sundays' by Robert Hayden.
*
Thanks for listening to The Stunner!
Writer and Host: Razel Estrella
Blog: stunnerpod.com
Twitter, IG, FB: @stunnerpod
Email: hello@stunnerpod.com
Donate: ko-fi.com/thestunner
Closed Hearts
In this episode featuring the Tagalog poem, 'Akala Ko' by Rolando Tinio, let's reflect on the heart that won't open itself up to the world.
*
Thanks for listening to The Stunner!
Writer and Host: Razel Estrella
Blog: stunnerpod.com
Twitter, IG, FB: @stunnerpod
Email: hello@stunnerpod.com
Donate: ko-fi.com/thestunner
Valentine's Gift
In the second installment of our Valentine Special, we will reflect on the perfect Valentine's gift with the help of some poetry by Edward Thomas.
*
Thanks for listening to The Stunner!
Writer and Host: Razel Estrella
Blog: stunnerpod.com
Twitter, IG, FB: @stunnerpod
Email: hello@stunnerpod.com
Donate: ko-fi.com/thestunner
What's in a Friend
Welcome to The Stunner Valentine Special. For the entire month of February, we will feature love poems. In this episode, we will read 'What I Like' by Alice Fulton and ruminate on the word 'friend'.
*
Thanks for listening to The Stunner!
Writer and Host: Razel Estrella
Blog: stunnerpod.com
Twitter, IG, FB: @stunnerpod
Email: hello@stunnerpod.com
Donate: ko-fi.com/thestunner
Jamie Rubio & Fangirling
Jamie Rubio is a voice actor, which is cool; but what's really cool is that she has achieved her fangirl dreams. In 2016 she met her favorite band, A1 and has since kept in touch with the boys. She's also a big K-drama fan. What's it like to be up close and personal with your idols? What else is there to dream of?
WARNING: There will be gushing.
*
Thanks for listening to The Stunner!
Writer and Host: Razel Estrella
Blog: stunnerpod.com
Twitter, IG, FB: @stunnerpod
Email: hello@stunnerpod.com
Donate: ko-fi.com/thestunner
He & The Theatre
It seems like we'll still be mostly stuck at home this 2021. Meaning I still can't go to the theatre. Through 'Stage Kiss' by Sarah Ruhl, I try to explain what makes the theatre special for me.
*
Thanks for listening to The Stunner!
Writer and Host: Razel Estrella
Blog: stunnerpod.com
Twitter, IG, FB: @stunnerpod
Email: hello@stunnerpod.com
Donate: ko-fi.com/thestunner
Taks Arguelles & Nine Three Coffee
Joining us in this episode is Taks Arguelles, co-owner of Nine Three Cafe, a small specialty coffee shop in Katipunan. He is also the 2019 Philippine Aeropress Champion, making him our representative in the World Aeropress Championship held in London. He will talk about how their business is holding up in this pandemic, coffee snobbery, and he will also give us some practical home-brewing tips. Coffee lovers, listen in! Order your specialty coffee at ninethreecoffee.com. Follow Nine Three Cafe on Facebook and Instagram.
*
Thanks for listening to The Stunner!
Writer and Host: Razel Estrella
Blog: stunnerpod.com
Twitter, IG, FB: @stunnerpod
Email: hello@stunnerpod.com
Donate: ko-fi.com/thestunner
Thomas Disch & Dressing Well
The New Year calls for new things. This episode delivers the goods as not only is it the season opener but for the first time (definitely won't be the last) we're featuring a poem. Lastly, a special announcement awaits at the end.
*
Thanks for listening to The Stunner!
Writer and Host: Razel Estrella
Blog: stunnerpod.com
Twitter, IG, FB: @stunnerpod
Email: hello@stunnerpod.com
Donate: ko-fi.com/thestunner
Season 1 Wrap
Stats: Ten episodes, four guests, two months, immeasurable joy.
Thank you, everyone. We'll have a holiday break and be back on January 5, 2021.
If you want to stay in touch (I do), find @stunnerpod on social media — yes, I know, I mentioned a different handle on the show, my bad. We're rebranding when we don't even have a brand yet, but that's 2020 for you. Talk to you soon!
The Dwarf & The Mirror
One of my favorite stories to read, or at least remember during Christmas is 'The Birthday of the Infanta' by Oscar Wilde. Here's why.
And what's yours?
PJ Rebullida & Lessons in Dance
With us is choreographer and Galaw.Co Dance Theater founder PJ Rebullida. If you think that we’re going to talk about dance, you’re right. But wrong as well. If art is continuous with life, then this conversation on dance also threads through the many aspects of life, especially life in the middle of a worldwide pandemic.
Contact PJ on Instagram (@PJRebullida), and follow @Galaw.Co on Instagram and @GalawCo on Facebook.
Ren Alcantara & The Games He Plays
Super thrilled to have Ren Alcantara, a tech journalist and one of the hosts of Random Levels Podcast. He's here to tell us a bit about the podcast and a lot about his thoughts on gaming.
Listen to Random Levels on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/4wc6rL6Noey3xcEIUXOdPX) and follow them, @LevelsRandom on Twitter and Facebook.
Play moderately!
Stevens & Banter
"In bantering lies the key to human warmth." This minicast is a mini-reflection on 'banter', featuring one my favorite novels, 'The Remains of the Day' by Kazuo Ishiguro.
Lyra Sanchez & Being Single in Your 40s
Lyra Sanchez is many things — CEO, beauty queen, and jet-setter to name a few — but most of all, she is single, in her forties, and is here to tell us her story.
Get in touch and know more about her on lyrasanchez.ph.
Donna Santiago & The Southies
Joining me in this episode is Donna Santiago, co-founder of South Snippets, which is an online community that serves residents and businesses in South Metro Manila, as well as in the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas. South Snippets provides news, traffic, weather, and event updates to residents; while they offer digital marketing and social media management services to various companies or brands through Snippets Digital, Co.
Donna is here to tell us more about the community, what makes it so special that she is now dedicating her life to it.
Find @SouthSnippets on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.