#286 - Finding Inspiration Through Loss, Pandemic Reflections and Honoring Pablo
Release Date: 07/11/2025
#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...
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#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...
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#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...
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#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....
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#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...
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#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...
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#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...
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#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...
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#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...
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#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...
info_outlineWelcome 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 mental health impact of working from home, and our predictions about the ever-evolving work landscape, to our perennial struggles getting to Governor’s Island for a bike ride and, of course, our shared love of breaking the monotony with a little weekday hooky at the beach.
Expect a conversation that ranges far and wide, just like the show itself. We cover road trips, favorite drinks, and the transformative power of routine escapes—plus the creative, life-affirming benefits of unplugging from work and leaning into tradition, even during uncertain times. There’s even a story about a real-life lifeguard rescue and a heap of pop culture moments, from The Sopranos to Patrick Swayze classics, all through the unique lens of creativity, inspiration, and the everyday writer’s perspective.
So whether you’re here for the writing talk, the laughs, or some much-needed motivation, this episode invites you to reminisce, recharge, and most of all, keep spinning creativity into your life—no matter what the world throws your way.
Let’s get into it.
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:
Follow Pablo on Instagram: @pabs711
Fu*k , That's Delicious S04E10 With Action Bronson - Bronx To Farm Cuisine | MUNCHIES & VICE TV: https://youtu.be/cwEjj6dALlk?t=420
Lillo Brancato Jr on 'Bronx Tale', Drug Addiction, Cop Getting Killed, Prison (Full Interview): https://youtu.be/-oqFY7vTEIM
Atlanta: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4288182/
Red Dawn: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087985/
Toy Soldiers: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103112/
The Movies That Made Us: https://www.netflix.com/title/80990849
Point Break: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102685/
Talking Sopranos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDUH23ccuK5a2rhKqE1HcEw
Two dope scenes from True Romance:
1. The Sicilian Scene: https://youtu.be/S3yon2GyoiM
2. Fight scene Part 1: https://youtu.be/VxRpMphMmXM & Part 2: https://youtu.be/2l1hDC34gTc
Listen to episode #283 (re-release of #107 – Beach Day with Pablo):
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/283-cycles-of-life-loss-and-stories-honoring/id924328532?i=1000709665351
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lfWTjGP2JY
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