Libsyn Directory

#285 – Turning Real Life into Art: Writing Takeaways from Standup, Storytelling, and Politics

Release Date: 06/22/2025

#286 - Finding Inspiration Through Loss, Pandemic Reflections and Honoring Pablo

Spun Today with Tony Ortiz

Welcome to Episode 286 of the Spun Today Podcast, the show anchored in writing but truly unlimited in its scope. I’m your host, Tony Ortiz, and today we’re diving into something both personal and nostalgic: a throwback tribute episode to my good friend and Spun Today alum, Pablo Mosquera Jr. In this heartfelt installment, we revisit one of our annual beach day recordings—this one taking place on Coney Island during that odd window in the summer of 2020, right in the midst of the COVID pandemic. Pablo and I reflect on everything from the challenges and isolation of lockdown, the...

#285 – Turning Real Life into Art: Writing Takeaways from Standup, Storytelling, and Politics

Spun Today with Tony Ortiz

Welcome to another episode of the Spun Today Podcast with your host, Tony Ortiz—the show anchored in writing and limitless in scope. In this episode, Tony dives deep into the creative process and storytelling power behind Andrew Schulz's latest Netflix comedy special, "Life." You'll hear how Schulz's masterful blend of vulnerability, humor, and innovative production offers rich lessons for writers and creatives alike. Tony also takes us behind the scenes at Ari Shaffir's final live storytelling show, celebrating artistic integrity, perseverance, and the unbreakable bond of creative...

#285 – Turning Real Life into Art: Writing Takeaways from Standup, Storytelling, and Politics

Spun Today with Tony Ortiz

#284 - Sinners: Creativity, Symbolism, and Storytelling Insights from Ryan Coogler’s Latest Film

Spun Today with Tony Ortiz

Welcome back to another episode of Spun Today. In this episode, I dive into a creative review and breakdown of the film Sinners, written and directed by Ryan Coogler. I pull out writing insights, character craft, and the power of blending personal history with big genre themes—sharing lessons any writer or creative can use to fuel their own work. But that’s just the beginning. I also recount the unforgettable experience of seeing comedian, writer, and director Mo Amer live in New York City, and what it meant to meet a creative whose storytelling is as universal as it is personal....

#283 – Cycles of Life, Loss, and Stories: Honoring Friendship and Remembering Pablo Mosquera Jr.

Spun Today with Tony Ortiz

Welcome to Episode 283 of the Spun Today podcast—the only podcast anchored in writing, but unlimited in scope. I’m your host, Tony Ortiz, and in this deeply personal and heartfelt episode, I invite you to join me as I honor the memory of my dear friend and Spun Today alumni, Pablo Mosquera Jr., who tragically passed away earlier this year. This episode is a special re-release of one of my favorite beachside conversations with Pablo, originally recorded on a traditional day off in Coney Island—a ritual we created to escape the grind, share stories, and reflect on life while soaking...

#282 – Journey from Freelance Writing to Teaching: Insights from Amanda Lucas

Spun Today with Tony Ortiz

Welcome to another episode of the Spun Today podcast! In this captivating session, host Tony Ortiz sits down with Amanda Lucas, a middle school ELA teacher with a rich tapestry of experiences in both education and writing. Amanda shares her journey from being an aspiring writer and journalist to embracing her role as an educator. As an insightful storyteller, she dives deep into the nuances of teaching different grade levels, from dealing with classroom management to confronting bullying. Amanda also opens up about the challenges of adjusting to digital teaching in a post-Covid world. As a...

#281 - Crafting Suspense: From Writing Exercise to Short Story

Spun Today with Tony Ortiz

Welcome back to the Spun Today Podcast with your host, Tony Ortiz. In this special throwback episode, we dive into Episode 281, where Tony revisits one of his earlier works, a riveting short story titled "Ball and Chain." Originally recorded as an audiobook and first shared in Episode 14, this tale explores the unique perspective of a female serial killer, a creative twist inspired by a writing exercise from Stephen King's "On Writing." In this re-released version, Tony adds new context and reflections on the story's evolution, inviting listeners to compare it to the polished version found in...

#280 – From Kendrick Lamar’s layered messaging at the Super Bowl to Beast Games: A Creative Journey

Spun Today with Tony Ortiz

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Spun Today podcast, where creativity knows no bounds. I'm your host, Tony Ortiz, and in today's episode, we're diving into the artistic brilliance of Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime performance. We'll explore how Kendrick stayed true to his unique storytelling approach, weaving a narrative of America, oppression, and redemption during one of the biggest stages in the world. We'll also delve into the layered symbolism and thought-provoking artistry that has sparked intense conversation and admiration. But that's not all! I’ll be...

#279 - Charlie Munger's Wisdom and Writing Tips for Aspiring Creatives (Free Writing Session)

Spun Today with Tony Ortiz

Welcome to another episode of the Spun Today Podcast, where writing is our anchor, but our explorations are limitless. I'm your host, Tony Ortiz, and I’m thrilled to have you here for our 279th episode, a free writing session that's as much about personal discovery as it is about crafting prose. This week, we dive deep into the art of free writing, a technique I champion for its cathartic and exploratory benefits. I’ll also share some personal writing updates and a compelling writing tip from the iconic minds of Tim Ferriss and Ryan Holiday, offering insights into the freeing practice of...

#278 – Unveiling Themes and Characters in The Penguin Series and Perfect Days as well as a GOATs doing GOAT $hit Addition

Spun Today with Tony Ortiz

Welcome to Episode 278 of the Spun Today podcast! I'm your host, Tony Ortiz, and if you're into writing, creativity, and uncovering layers of storytelling, then you're in for a real treat. In today's episode, we dive deep into three captivating segments that will both entertain and enlighten you. First off, we're breaking down the fascinating HBO series "The Penguin," exploring the character arcs, narrative devices, and key writing takeaways that make this gritty crime drama a standout. Then we turn our attention to "Perfect Days," a beautiful slice-of-life film that examines the...

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Tony also takes us behind the scenes at Ari Shaffir's final live storytelling show, celebrating artistic integrity, perseverance, and the unbreakable bond of creative community—even in the face of industry setbacks. From learning how to mine personal struggles for resonant stories, to understanding the importance of owning your creative work, Tony distills profound inspiration from comedy, current events, and personal experience.

Plus, he shares his perspective on the upcoming New York City mayoral election, breaks down the legendary Warner Bros deal by Ryan Coogler in the latest "Goats Doing Goat Shit" segment, and, as always, serves up actionable insights for fellow writers, storytellers, and dream-chasers.

So, whether you're looking for writing motivation, creative strategies, or just a fresh take on culture through a storyteller’s lens, you’ve come to the right place. Let's get started!

The Spun Today Podcast is a Podcast that is anchored in Writing & Random Rants, but unlimited in scope. Give it a whirl.

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Links referenced in this episode

The LIFE Tour Comedy Special: https://www.netflix.com/title/81741999

Check out he Flagrant Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialFlagrant

Check out the Brilliant Idiots Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@BrilliantIdiotsPod

Ryan Coogler on Democracy now speaking about his deal: https://youtube.com/shorts/lebChsax1aQ?si=ODBmHu9Tyqj039rW

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Melted Cold – A Collection of Short Stories

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Make Way for You – Tips for getting out of your own way

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