Meaningful Stories | A Votary Films Podcast
51 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingHosted by Mike Palumbo and Cody Wambolt, the Meaningful Stories podcast covers movies, culture, philosophy, and wouldn’t be complete without the occasional tangent. Quite regularly, our third chair will be filled by creatives, filmmakers, entertainers, and members of our Votary Collective where they bring in a film that they want to discuss.
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Episodes
Episode 46: NOPE review (spoilers)
August 19, 2022 19:46 - 1 hour - 56.8 MBMike, Luke, Falin and Cody talk about NOPE, the new film by Jordan Peele (Get Out, Us, Key & Peele). Topics include the crazy violent monkey subplot, what's up with that shoe standing up, what the movie may be commenting on in Hollywood, using the bathroom after going to the movies, if the movie was scary, and our thoughts on the ending. Follow for more! Follow us on instagram as well - https://www.instagram.com/votaryfilms/?hl=en
Episode 45: Everything Everywhere All at Once
July 26, 2022 19:59 - 1 hour - 65.3 MBMike, Falin, Ghreg, & Jamin discuss the new A24 movie: Everything Everywhere All At Once. Join us as we talk about alternate realities, family relationships, and hotdog fingers in this episode of the Votary Podcast.
Episode 44: Jeen-Yuhs (A Kanye Trilogy) Review
April 30, 2022 03:21 - 1 hour - 71.5 MBMike, Luke, Cody, & Jamin, talk about Kanye West, his music, mental health, and public persona in this episode of the Votary Podcast.
Episode 43: The Batman (2022) Review
April 13, 2022 20:09 - 1 hour - 70.4 MBBatman's story has been retold many of times in many different ways, but is Robert Pattinson's Batman the most accurate? Find out on this weeks review of "The Batman" (2022) with Jamin, Luke, Jai, & Mike.
Episode 42: The Tinder Swindler
March 28, 2022 19:07 - 1 hour - 79 MBMike, Emma, Cody, and Jamin talk about the Netflix Doc: The Tinder Swindler. Let's talk about the horrors of dating apps, relationships, and con-artists.
Episode 41: Nightmare Alley Review
February 25, 2022 20:57 - 1 hour - 71.7 MBMike, Luke, Falin, and Jamin discuss Guillermo del Toro’s remake of the film: Nightmare Alley. We dive into Guillermo’s directing style, brilliant cinematography, and the moral compass of his main character played by non other than Bradley Cooper.
Episode 40: Licorice Pizza Review
February 03, 2022 21:24 - 1 hour - 71.9 MBOn our 40th episode of the Votary Podcast, Luke, Jamin, Graci, and Mike talk about Paul Thomas Anderson's new film: Licorice Pizza. We analyze the style and substance of this film and talk about it's structure ( or lack of? ) it's theme, it's romance, it's name, and more. If you enjoy please share, and follow :) Follow our journey at www.instagram.com/votaryfilms Find out more about us at www.votaryfilms.com
Episode 39: Don't Look Up review
January 19, 2022 21:36 - 1 hour - 72.3 MBMike, Jamin, Cody, and Falin discuss the recent movie "Don't Look Up" giving their take on the movie and its commentary on our society. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro shenanigans 08:49 - Don't Look Up overview 20:06 - Don't Look Up review 45:05 - Mark Zuckerberg/rich people rant 01:06:17 - Other misanthropic movies See full episode here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSxcZZCIn5g
Episode 37: Don't Look Up review
January 19, 2022 21:36 - 1 hour - 72.3 MBMike, Jamin, Cody, and Falin discuss the recent movie "Don't Look Up" giving their take on the movie and its commentary on our society. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro shenanigans 08:49 - Don't Look Up overview 20:06 - Don't Look Up review 45:05 - Mark Zuckerberg/rich people rant 01:06:17 - Other misanthropic movies See full episode here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSxcZZCIn5g
Episode 38: 2021 Movie Recap ( Pig, Lamb, and the dreaded Matrix 4 )
January 14, 2022 18:15 - 1 hour - 63.9 MBMike and Cody reflect on 2021 and go over some of the best (and worst) films of the year. From "Pig" to "Stillwater" and the atrocious "Matrix Resurrections" - check out this last year in review. Watch full episode here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LULOryE25HU Follow us on instagram - instagram.com/votaryfilms Learn more at www.votaryfilms.com
Episode 37: THE VOTARY CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
December 23, 2021 22:44 - 1 hour - 62.1 MB'Tis the season at Votary Films! Mike, Luke, Cody, and Jamin put on their Santa hats and discuss the best (and the worst) Christmas movies. This episode also goes into Santa Claus, Christmas songs, and other holiday themes. Happy holidays! Watch the full episode here at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kl9FGRtk-Zw
Episode 36: DUNE review
December 16, 2021 21:58 - 1 hour - 69.2 MBThis episode is all about DUNE. Today, the Votary team finally sits down to give a long anticipated review for the recent film Dune. Listen to hear an in-depth discussion about the movie with Mike, Luke, Falin, and Jamin. Watch full episode here at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GA2Psb3m14 Check out our work at www.votaryfilms.com Follow us on instagram at www.instagram.com/votaryfilms
Post Covid Movie Catch - Up | Votary Podcast Episode 35
December 10, 2021 22:07 - 1 hour - 78.9 MBIn today's episode, Mike comes out of quarantine recovering from COVID-19 to talk with Luke, Jamin, and Falin about all the movies he watched during his lockdown.
Episode 35: Post Covid Movie Catch - Up
December 10, 2021 22:07 - 1 hour - 78.9 MBIn today's episode, Mike comes out of quarantine recovering from COVID-19 to talk with Luke, Jamin, and Falin about all the movies he watched during his lockdown. Watch full episode on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCLZHosmgok SUBSCRIBE IF YOU ENJOY :) Follow us on instagram - instagram.com/votaryfilms Learn more about us here - www.votaryfilms.com
Episode 34: Goodbye Tori & Berlin :(
November 30, 2021 17:32 - 1 hour - 66.7 MBTori is a very talented all around filmmaker who initially interned with us and worked with our team for years. Berlin came to us with little filmmaking experience and extensive photography skills, and became a great producer and filmmaker as well as took most of our photos you see from us the last couple years. They both recently moved on so we thought we'd have one last hurrah on the podcast! Check out Tori's work here - https://www.instagram.com/toriweeks24/?hl=en Check out Berlin's wo...
Episode 33: SQUID GAME review
November 15, 2021 20:36 - 1 hour - 138 MBThis episode is about SQUID GAME - a Netflix show many people are talking about and already has many award nominations. Mike, Falin, Luke, and Jamin all talk about the story, themes, message, and more. Follow us on instagram for a behind the scenes look at our film company instagram.com/votaryfilms Watch full episode on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwJcABkgiCI Please subscribe if you enjoy!
Episode 32: Finding your voice as a Filmmaker w/ Mark Aiello
November 02, 2021 20:49 - 1 hour - 59.5 MBMark Aiello is a freelance filmmaker who is a part of our talented Collective of crew. He focuses on gritty subjects including tattoo artists, fitness professionals, sword-makers, etc. Mike, Luke, Jamin, and Mark talk about having particular visions as a filmmaker and how to find your own voice while still creating video content in this era and making a living. See Mark's work here! https://www.markaiellofilms.com/reel If you're a filmmaker who wants to join our Collective click here F...
Episode 31: Mark Metry on Overcoming Social Anxiety, Nutrition, and Mental Health
October 22, 2021 14:48 - 1 hour - 91.2 MBMark Metry is the host of the Social Anxiety Society Podcast which has been ranked in the top 100 podcasts where he interviews scientists, doctors, nutritionists, billionaires, etc a New York Times Bestselling Author of Screw Being Shy, and a Forbes Featured TEDx keynote speaker. Visit his website here - https://mark-metry.mykajabi.com/ Watch his podcast here - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZGN3HtOtgZpUQhnvETpuMg Listen here - https://open.spotify.com/show/0aM0ADxpbW2qLzJB7nBIxX S...
Episode 30: THE GREEN KNIGHT ( movie review w/ spoilers )
October 14, 2021 15:28 - 1 hour - 68.9 MBSir Michael returns from a solitary mountain quest, and has since witnessed THE GREEN KNIGHT within a quant theatre amidst the villages. Thus, Sir Jamin and Sir Cody accompanies him in an exchange of dialogue and malts to confront the heart of this ancient tale. Does thou believe in a story which can both corrupt and set free? Is such a story great? Why greatness, is goodness not enough? What else ought there be? Witness the full video version here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1mvCmP...
Episode 29: We know cameras, not cars!
October 06, 2021 20:05 - 48 minutes - 45.3 MBSome of Votary's talented film crew - Luke, Berlin, Tori, and Falin all tell memorable stories from their lives which end up being stories involving cars breaking down, hitting a deer, finding your bearings in a small Scottish town, and trying to fit the maximum amount of people possible in a bus bathroom. Watch full episode and subscribe on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDCVuULhSjQ www.votaryfilms.com Instagram.com/votaryfilms
Episode 28: Is College Worth it?
September 30, 2021 16:00 - 57 minutes - 52.8 MBCody, Tori, Berlin, and Jamin talk about the different levels of education in our workplace and whether college was worth it. Some of us are self-taught creatives, and others learned more traditionally, and some have a mixture of both. This has become an increasingly relevant subject in this day and age, especially in the creative fields. Watch full episode on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfnyrq_rsGg What do you think? Was college worth it in your experience? Are you...
Episode 27: The Greatest Films that Don't Exist ( and some that do )
September 22, 2021 14:35 - 1 hour - 78.1 MBThe Votary crew ( Mike, Luke, Berlin, and for the first time on an episode - Falin ) talk about movies that they wish existed but don't...yet! We also discuss story and film themes that attract each of us, serial killers, Rogue One and Star Wars, Kill Bill, Outlaw fantasies, Westerns, Creepiness in old movies, Historical Figures that deserve their own movie, Sad endings, Spoon-feeding an audience, Horror films, Interacting with strangers, and other fun stuff. Please like and subscrib...
Episode 26: Our Founder wrote a book! | FLY : 7 Steps of Story Acceleration
September 01, 2021 20:53 - 1 hour - 80.5 MBStory is as vital to our existence as breathing, and like breathing, most of us take it for granted, floating from one day to the next, simply surviving, wishing we could make faster progress. We're living inside stories everyday, for our whole life, and people are watching. In this episode we dive into Jed's book, writing process, why he wrote the book, and who it is for, as well as go on some usual rabbit holes. Jed's book is written to empower entrepreneurs and individuals with a power...
Episode 25: Fatherhood, Memories, and why Jono is leaving Votary!
August 25, 2021 15:50 - 1 hour - 70.9 MBThe 25th episode is another Nostalgia fest where we talk about memories throughout the years at Votary Films, Jono becoming a first time father, and why he's moving on from our team. As always there are a lot of subjects that come up and we go on some tangents and have a great time, even though we're sad to see our talented friend go. Please join the crew by following and subscribing on YouTube :) Follow us at instagram.com/votaryfilms www.votaryfilms.com Thanks so much for tuning...
Episode 24: Do dreams have meaning?
August 10, 2021 19:46 - 1 hour - 60.4 MBSometimes we have conversations in our office that we wish we recorded. In this case, some of us were discussing dreams on podcast day so we decided to continue talking about them and record it. The episode features Mike, Berlin, Tori, and for the first time our team member Trevor is on the podcast. We get a bit philosophical and hippie-dippie on this one folks, but have a great time talking about something that basically takes up half our life: dreams. What do you think? Let us know in ...
Episode 23: Creativity, Filmmaking, and Detective work with DAN ROSARIO
July 30, 2021 19:17 - 1 hour - 97.5 MBDan Rosario is a local filmmaker, artist, musician and Police Detective in Worcester, MA with the best teeth in the biz. Votary has collaborated with him on a number of projects including short films, commercials, and some of us have been in music videos he's directed as well. He's an amazing director, DP, Visual effects artist, and has an acute knowledge of gear and technical film language. We're always curious about his Police work as it's a very unique dual career life that he leads. ...
Episode 22: Yeah No Yeah For Sure w/ BEN FARBER ( former Votary producer )
July 19, 2021 15:30 - 1 hour - 73.1 MBBen Farber is a former salesperson at Votary Films and is a producer, filmmaker, and post-production supervisor at Sugaton.io He moved to LA to live the dream, and we have missed him dearly. When he mentioned he'd be in town, he had to have him on the podcast, and it was as if no time had passed. Ben has a knack for eloquent descriptions of life's many nuances, thoughts on movies and the film industry, and is in genuinely fun to be around. We basically just laugh at stuff, compare MA ...
Episode 21: Bo Burnham's INSIDE review
July 07, 2021 15:40 - 1 hour - 61.6 MBBo Burnham's special INSIDE on Netflix made a bit of a splash on the internet and within our circles, so we decided to talk about it on the podcast. It's both comedy special, musical, satire, pandemic art, docu-film, and overall an interesting watch. We had a lot of thoughts on it, especially in regards to his mental health which he talks about a lot, as well as the variety of visuals he captured within a year timespan in one room. Watch full episode here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i...
Episode 20: Andrea Ajemian | Film Producer of Honest Thief, I CARE A LOT, Slenderman, and more
June 25, 2021 18:59 - 1 hour - 60.3 MBIn this episode, Jed's long time friend Andrea Ajemian discusses her background in film and how it eventually led to her producing independent and big budget movies. Coincidentally, in episode 10 we talked about the film I CARE A LOT which Andrea was the executive producer on, and is available on Netflix. Andrea also grew up in our home of Worcester county and has helped bring a lot of the film industry to our area. Watch the full episode on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/wa...
Episode 19: Josiah, Jamin, and Jed Burdick
June 18, 2021 18:06 - 1 hour - 61.2 MBThe Burdick Boys ( Jed, his brother Josiah, and nephew Jamin ) discuss film, storytelling, and Josiah's projects in this special Votary Podcast Episode. Watch full episode here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdVzM8qdOP0 Follow us on social - https://www.instagram.com/votaryfilms/?hl=en
Episode 18: Sea Turtle, College, and an old Italian woman
June 09, 2021 20:22 - 1 hour - 133 MBIt's story time in this episode - Berlin, Tori, Cody and Mike discuss significant memories each of us have. These seem to range from first time college visits, to buying furniture on craigslist from an old woman, to going scuba diving and getting seasick. Watch full episode on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYH9KDAel44 Follow us on instagram - https://www.instagram.com/votaryfilms/?hl=en
Episode 17: NOMADLAND
June 02, 2021 16:13 - 1 hour - 138 MBThe Votary crew ( Luke, Jed, Jamin and Mike this episode ) talk about the recent hit indie film directed by Chloe Zhao NOMADLAND. The simplistic style, use of non-actors and raw performance in the film created a unique slice-of-life experience and even won this movie the oscar for best picture, and 137 nominations. Each of us talk about what we felt was the meaning behind the story, or if there was one. Watch full episode here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II0pg0J7UIo Get in to...
Episode 16: Story Structure ( our first structured episode )
May 14, 2021 17:59 - 1 hour - 88 MBWatch the full video version here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDNMCnBddAs Jed, Mike, Cody and Jamin all talk STORY STRUCTURE. ( Opening, Conflict, Initiation, Journey, Resolution, and ending ) Why is it important? What are some memorable beginnings and endings and middles, etc. *****SPOILERS AHEAD***** for Breaking Bad The Revenant The Game Simon Birch You were never really here We had a lot of fun on this one and we hope you have fun listening. Want to be a guest...
Episode 15: Our Sales Story
May 07, 2021 17:39 - 55 minutes - 100 MBIn the first two episodes and randomly throughout this podcast, we've told a bit of our origin story, why we do what we do, where we are now, and where we want to go. This conversation is a bit of a continuation of those episodes with us discussing our experience with semi-traditional sales methods. After 2020, it seemed that the whole process changed for many of us, and it certainly did for us. These conversations are completely candid and have off-the-cuff opinions, lots of interruptio...
Episode 14: Books VS Movies - Which is better?
April 29, 2021 16:53 - 1 hour - 88.5 MBThis episode features Mike, Cody, Graci, and Jono talking about movies and books, which they prefer for different types of stories and why, and the strengths of one medium over the other. We apologize for some of the audio snafus with a mic stand, and for interrupting each other so much. We end up discussing Kurt Vonnegut, C.S. Lewis, a bunch of movies we didn't know were books first, and what books we hope never get made into movies or shows. We have full video episodes and clips availabl...
Episode 13: What Inspires us? w/ the women of Votary
April 16, 2021 18:54 - 1 hour - 74 MBEpisode 13 of the Votary Podcast features Nicole, Tori, Berlin, and Graci ( and Mike ) talking about what Stories have inspired them most in their lives, women in film, artistic pursuits, and a lot more. Follow Votary Films on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/votaryfilms/?hl=en Follow the women of Votary https://www.instagram.com/toriweeks24/?hl=en - Tori https://www.instagram.com/berlinphoto_/?hl=en - Berlin https://www.instagram.com/a508joint/?hl=en - Nicole https://ww...
Episode 12: NOSTALGIA
April 08, 2021 20:27 - 1 hour - 74.5 MBJono starts getting into a film photography, and opens up about his father getting Covid. We talk about the power of nostalgia, and whether or not it can be helpful and beautiful in our lives or slightly depressing. We laugh, we tear up, we connect, and a camera dies. We hope you enjoy. Watch the full episode on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1idYBTSvMj0
Episode 11: Film Directors
March 31, 2021 19:23 - 1 hour - 147 MBJed, Jamin, Cody, and Mike talk about different directing styles, our favorite film directors, and the movies that shaped us. This leads into some of our personal directing experience in documentaries, commercials, short films, and independent movies. The video versions of full episodes and clips are available on our YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoha3ZuWlKvdROBwNcprAgQ We'd appreciate it immensely if you subscribe and follow and all that jazz :) Follow us on instag...
Episode 10: I CARE A LOT: Movie Discussion
March 19, 2021 21:18 - 58 minutes - 67.2 MBContinuing our conversation from last week's episode about The Anti Hero, I CARE A LOT is a Netflix film with an intriguing concept about a con-woman who dupes old people out of their money. It sparked a conversation at Votary about motivation in main characters. How important is it that we understand a character's motives? Why do they do what they do? In this episode Jono, Jamin, Cody, and Mike talk about the film and it's many confusing themes, interesting or ridiculous characters, it's a...
Episode 9: The Anti-Hero
March 09, 2021 17:38 - 1 hour - 67.6 MBCody, Jono, Mike, and Berlin talk about the concept of the Anti-Hero in TV and film. This ends up leading down the path of social media, celebrities, cancel culture, phone addiction, and morality. Cody's wife Malia calls in and ends up being an impromptu guest call-in. Next week's episode will continue the Anti-Hero discussion with a review of the film I CARE A LOT See our website at www.votaryfilms.com If you choose to stay plugged into the system as we reluctantly do ourselves, please ...
Episode 8: Andi Lipo
January 27, 2021 22:36 - 45 minutes - 85.3 MBAndi Lipo is a director, screenwriter, and an overall talented filmmaker from Worcester. He's worked on countless music video, commercial, documentary, and short films in LA and New England. We've recently got to know him and are stoked to have him be our first guest for 2021. In this episode we discuss his background, hear a bit of his story, why he's pursued this as a career, and what he's working on now. Check out his stuff at http://www.andilipo.com/ Want to be a guest? Have questions...
Episode 7: Story's impact on your life
December 08, 2020 20:11 - 53 minutes - 99.9 MBIn this episode Jed, Cody, Jono, and Mike talk about the state of the job market and about Jed's new book that finished moments before recording the episode. So many people are desperately looking to be employed and hopefully pursue something that is meaningful to them. Here we talk about how using basic methods of storytelling can be helpful in being mindful, learning from conflict, and pursuing the career and life you want. Jed shares some of what he covers in his book, and we bat them aro...
Episode 6: Mikel Wisler
December 02, 2020 22:33 - 54 minutes - 101 MBEpisode 6 of the Votary Podcast features Mikel Wisler - a long time Votary crew member, author, filmmaker, editor, science fiction lover, and host / creator of the Exploring Tomorrow Podcast. In this episode we basically all end up riffing on sci-fi that we love, why it tends to have some stigma around it as a genre, and what we can learn from great science fiction stories. Listen to his podcast here - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exploring-tomorrow-meaningful-science-fiction-l...
Episode 5: Meaningful work in 2020
November 18, 2020 16:52 - 56 minutes - 104 MBCody, Jed, Jamin and his wife Graci all discuss the craziness of 2020 and the current political, social, and creative climate we live in. The episode was recorded in the midst of the election limbo which was sparking even more dissension around us than usual. This got us thinking about what our role as creatives, storytellers, and filmmakers is currently. We hope that you enjoy.
Episode 4: Charbel Najem
November 09, 2020 22:40 - 1 hour - 142 MBCharbel Najem is an entrepreneur, multiple business owner, Lebanese immigrant, war survivor, and much more. In this interview he tells his story of growing up in Lebanon and why he moved to America, how he started out, and where he is now.
Votary Films Podcast Episode 3: SPOILING TENET
October 21, 2020 15:48 - 54 minutes - 102 MBSPOILER ALERT as they say! If you haven't watched the film Tenet yet, then I don't recommend listening to this episode. The team at Votary get pretty excited for new movies that come out from notable directors, so naturally we all had to see Tenet in theaters when they finally opened back up. Not only was it strange to be in a theater without anybody in there, but it was also strange to experience a movie that was so over hyped and so underwhelming simultaneously. Each of us have differing o...
Episode 3: SPOILING TENET
October 21, 2020 15:48 - 54 minutes - 102 MBSPOILER ALERT as they say! If you haven't watched the film Tenet yet, then I don't recommend listening to this episode. The team at Votary get pretty excited for new movies that come out from notable directors, so naturally we all had to see Tenet in theaters when they finally opened back up. Not only was it strange to be in a theater without anybody in there, but it was also strange to experience a movie that was so over hyped and so underwhelming simultaneously. Each of us have differing o...
Episode 2: Why we're doing this
October 12, 2020 19:50 - 44 minutes - 83 MBJed, Mike, Cody, and Jono talk about what Votary does, why we do it, why people are obsessed with authenticity, and discuss the pandemic and how it has affected us.
Votary Films Podcast Episode 2: Why we're doing this
October 12, 2020 19:50 - 44 minutes - 83 MBJed, Mike, Cody, and Jono talk about what Votary does, why we do it, why people are obsessed with authenticity, and discuss the pandemic and how it has affected us.
Votary Films Podcast Episode 1: Origin
October 02, 2020 14:38 - 1 hour - 205 MBJed, Jono, Cody, and Mike all talk about their experiences starting off at Votary Films. Jed talks about the struggles of starting a small business, especially during a recession. Jono talks about his desire to be a creative filmmaker in a largely corporate environment. Mike makes noises into the mic and talks about quitting his long term career of making sandwiches in order to pursue something deeper. Cody talks about texting while driving in order to send the most important email of his li...