Spun Today with Tony Ortiz
by Tony Ortiz
Looking for a podcast that will take you on a thrilling ride of creativity and exploration? Look no further than the Spun Today Podcast which is anchored in Writing but unlimited in scope. Hosted by Tony Ortiz, this show is a celebration of the art of writing, and so much more. With an endless range of interests and topics, Tony invites you to join him on a journey through the world of movies, books, TV shows, stand-up comedy, politics, current events and beyond. Whether you're a fan of the written word or just looking for an exciting new podcast to add to your playlist, the Spun Today Podcast is the perfect choice. So why wait? Give it a whirl today and experience it for yourself!
Episodes
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#310 – Elevator (Audio Book): Finding Inspiration and Creativity in Everyday Encounters (Re-Release)
This episode is the audio book version of the Short Story; Elevator. If you want to read along with the audio book, please visit: http://www.spuntoday.com/shortstories/elevator. *Original Release Date: January 26th, 2017* The Spun Today Podcast is a Podcast that is anchored in Writing, but...
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#309 – Micro Transformations and Big Lessons Writing Takeaways from Louis C.K.'s Ingram (Free-Writing Session)
Welcome to episode 309 of the Spun Today podcast. In this episode, Tony Ortiz dives deep into the craft of storytelling, sharing the inside baseball of his own creative process—complete with writing stats, recent experiments with AI-powered ads, and a practical tool recommendation for overcoming...
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#308 – Voices of 9/11: Recounting Stories from New Yorkers on the Day (Re-release)
Welcome to a special re-release of the Spun Today podcast, episode #308: "Voices of 9/11: Recounting Stories from New Yorkers." In this episode, we journey back through the eyes and words of everyday New Yorkers as they recount their vivid, personal memories of September 11th, 2001. These are not...
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#307 – Unpacking Shrinking Season 3 Creative Tools and Writing Lessons for Storytellers PLUS and addition to our GOATs List!
Welcome to another episode of Spun Today, the only podcast anchored in writing but unlimited in scope. I'm your host, Tony Ortiz, and in today's episode, I'll be breaking down Season 3 of the acclaimed series Shrinking through the unique lens of a writer. We'll dig deep into the character arcs…
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#306 – Writing Lessons from Daredevil Born Again Season 2: Complexity, Conflict, and Creative Takeaways PLUS a new addition to our GOATs doing GOAT Sh*t list!
Welcome to another episode of Spun Today, the podcast dedicated to exploring creativity and storytelling through the lens of writing. In this episode, the conversation focused on the second season of Daredevil: Born Again, diving deep into its morally complex characters, political intrigue, and…
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#305 – A Night Out – AUDIO BOOK (Re-Release)
Welcome to another episode of Spun Today, where we explore the creative process and the world of storytelling through the eyes of a writer. In this episode, we dive into "A Night Out," the latest short story to come from the Spun Today vault—a thriller born from a vivid dream shared by my…
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#304 – Staying Present as a Writer: Learning by Living and Wisdom from Anne Lamott (Free-Writing Session)
Welcome to episode 304 of the Spun Today podcast, where we dive deep into the creative life—its challenges, joys, and moments of breakthrough. In this free writing session, Tony Ortiz shares his latest writing stats, practical tips for writers, and an honest look into the ways presence and…
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#303 – Living with MS: Personal Stories and Insights for World MS Day
Welcome to Episode 303 of the Spun Today Podcast—your home for honest conversations about writing, creativity, and the journeys that shape us. I'm your host, Tony Ortiz, and today we're releasing a truly special episode to honor World MS Day. In this heartfelt conversation, I sit down with my…
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#302 – Turning Misunderstanding into Creative Fuel: Story Construction from Black Mirror's Eulogy and Mark Normand's Standup
Welcome to another episode of Spun Today, where writing and creativity fuel our exploration of stories across media. I'm Tony Ortiz, your host, inviting you to view each topic through the lens of a writer's craft. In this episode, we dive deep into the writing lessons hidden within Black Mirror's...
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Bonus: Five Actionable Writing Lessons from Shrinking Season Two (Companion to Ep. 300)
Welcome back to Spun Today! In this bonus episode, Tony Ortiz explores what writers can learn from Season 2 of "Shrinking." Through a breakdown of five actionable takeaways, you'll discover how to craft flawed, believable characters, turn emotional growth into concrete action, and write conflicts...
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#301 – Highlight the Possibilities: Writing Motivation from Jay Z, Creative Marketing, and Trust by Hernan Diaz (Free-Writing Session)
Welcome to another episode of Spun Today, where writing is both our anchor and our gateway to a universe of creativity. I'm Tony Ortiz, and in this episode, I take you deep into my own writing journey — breaking down my day-to-day habits, the victories and setbacks in sticking to a writing...
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#300 – Writing Lessons from Shrinking Season 2: Character Growth, Accountability, and Full Circle Storytelling
Welcome to the Spun Today Podcast, where creativity, storytelling, and personal growth are always at the forefront. In this milestone 300th episode, Tony Ortiz dives deep into the writing, character arcs, and creative lessons of Shrinking Season 2. Through the lens of writing, Tony explores how…
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#299 – Finding Creative Gold: Writing Advice Inspired by Shrinking and Tires
Welcome back to the Spun Today Podcast! In this milestone 299th episode, host Tony Ortiz dives deep into the creative engines behind two unconventional, standout shows: "Shrinking" on Apple TV+ and "Tires" on Netflix. Through a writer's lens, Tony unpacks what makes these series resonate—not just...
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#298 – Legendary Moves: When Greats Go Beyond - From Songwriting, Comedy Clubs, to Philanthropy - GOATs doing GOAT $hit Mashup #2
Welcome to another episode of the Spun Today Podcast! In this inspiring mashup episode—number 298—Tony continues the beloved "GOATs Doing GOAT Shit" segment, spotlighting creative minds and industry giants who go above and beyond in their respective fields. From insightful stories about savvy...
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#297 – Fueling Your Creative Fire: Stats, Strategies, and Celebrating Writing Wins (Free-Writing Session)
Welcome to episode 297 of the Spun Today Podcast! I'm your host, Tony Ortiz, and in this free writing session, we're diving into the intersection of motivation, creativity, and the craft of writing. In this episode, I'll share my own writing journey, including detailed stats on how I've been...
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Bonus: Five Essential Writing Lessons from HBO's Succession (Companion to Ep. 243)
In this special bonus episode, we're exploring the brilliant—and often brutal—writing lessons behind HBO's Succession. Host Tony Ortiz digs deep into the series' power struggles, betrayals, and psychological dysfunction, offering five key takeaways that can sharpen your storytelling craft.…
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#296 – Breaking Down Black Mirror's Playthings and Creative Lessons for Writers and GOATs Doing GOAT $hit
Welcome to the Spun Today Podcast! In this episode, host Tony Ortiz dives deep into the world of creativity, storytelling, and relentless artistic dedication. Through a writer's lens, Tony breaks down the Black Mirror episode "Playthings," exploring how subtle worldbuilding, understated…
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#295 – When Survival Becomes a Subscription: Writing Lessons from Black Mirror's Common People and GOATs Doing GOAT $hit
Welcome to episode 295 of the Spun Today Podcast, In this episode, Tony Ortiz dives deep into the world of storytelling by breaking down the Black Mirror episode, "Common People." He explores how great speculative fiction doesn't invent new emotions—it amplifies the ones we already know all too...
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#294 – 2025 Spun Today Wrap-Up Show
Welcome back to the Spun Today Podcast—the show anchored in writing, but unlimited in scope. In this episode, host Tony Ortiz celebrates the start of a new year with a reflective journey through personal creative goals and the highlights of 2025. After the longest hiatus in the podcast's history,...
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Bonus: Writing Lessons from Gotham's Underworld (Companion to Ep. 278)
In this special bonus episode, we return to the shadowy corners of Gotham to unpack The Penguin — the gritty, character-driven follow-up to The Batman. Colin Farrell's Oswald Cobblepot is a study in power, loyalty, and moral decay — and in this breakdown, I explore five key writing lessons from…
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#293 – Writing Lessons from Off-Broadway: The Other Americans, NYC Mayoral General Election Pick and GOATs Doing GOAT $hit
Welcome to episode 293 of the Spun Today Podcast, hosted by Tony Ortiz—the show where writing is the anchor, but the content knows no bounds. In this episode, Tony dives into the creative heart of John Leguizamo's latest Off-Broadway ensemble play, "The Other Americans," unpacking the…
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#292 – Motivation for Writers: Tracking Progress and Learning from Noir Fiction
Welcome to Episode 292 of the Spun Today Podcast! In this episode, host Tony Ortiz dives deep into the writing life, inviting listeners into another motivating free writing session. Tony shares his latest writing stats and candidly discusses the ups and downs of creative consistency, including…
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#291 – Crafting Horror and Humanity: Behind the Scenes with The Night Visitor's Blu Topalli and Peter Stass
On today's episode of Spun Today, host Tony Ortiz sits down with the powerhouse creative duo Blarime 'Blu' Topalli and Peter Stass—veteran writers, filmmakers, and the minds behind the atmospheric new horror podcast, The Night Visitor. Together, they dive deep into the art of collaboration,...
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Bonus: Daredevil's Writing Lessons (Companion to Ep. 288)
Daredevil isn't just a great superhero story — it's also packed with lessons for writers. In this bonus episode, I pull together key takeaways from our Episode 288 breakdown and frame them as quick, standalone insights you can apply to your own creative work. And don't miss the free companion…
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#290 – Building the Lucas Literacy Lab: One Writer's Journey from Home Classroom to School Founder
Welcome back to the Spun Today podcast! In this inspiring episode, host Tony Ortiz sits down with returning guest Amanda Lucas—educator, writer, and now founder of her very own microschool, the Lucas Literacy Lab. Amanda shares her incredible journey of resilience, starting from homeschooling her...
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#289 – Voices of 9/11: Recounting Stories from New Yorkers (Re-release)
Welcome to Episode 269 of Spun Today, where we dive deep into personal stories of resilience, reflection, and creativity in the face of one of the most transformative events in modern history—the 9/11 attacks. Today, we are honored to have a plethora of voices sharing their firsthand experiences,...
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#288 - Daredevil's Gray Morality and Emotional Hooks: Storytelling Insights for Writers
Welcome to Episode 288 of the Spun Today Podcast with Tony Ortiz, where creativity takes the spotlight and storytelling is always at the heart of the conversation. In this episode, Tony dives deep into the writing brilliance of the Daredevil TV series, exploring seasons one through four and...
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#287 – Creative Accountability, AI Tools for Writers, Insights from Ta-Nehisi Coates and More! (Free Writing Session)
Welcome back to the Spun Today podcast! In this episode, Tony Ortiz dives deep into the creative process, taking you behind the scenes of his own writing journey. This is a special "free writing session" episode, where Tony shares his candid writing stats—celebrating the progress, confronting the...
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#286 - Finding Inspiration Through Loss, Pandemic Reflections and Honoring Pablo
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, the late, great, Pablo...
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#285 – Turning Real Life into Art: Writing Takeaways from Standup, Storytelling, and Politics
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...
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#285 – Turning Real Life into Art: Writing Takeaways from Standup, Storytelling, and Politics
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...
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#284 - Sinners: Creativity, Symbolism, and Storytelling Insights from Ryan Coogler's Latest Film
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...
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#283 – Cycles of Life, Loss, and Stories: Honoring Friendship and Remembering Pablo Mosquera Jr.
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.…
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#282 – Journey from Freelance Writing to Teaching: Insights from Amanda Lucas
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...
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#281 - Crafting Suspense: From Writing Exercise to Short Story
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…
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#280 – From Kendrick Lamar's layered messaging at the Super Bowl to Beast Games: A Creative Journey
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...
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#279 - Charlie Munger's Wisdom and Writing Tips for Aspiring Creatives (Free Writing Session)
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....
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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
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....
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#277 – 2024 Spun Today Wrap-Up Show
Welcome to Episode 277 of Spun Today, your creative sanctuary where writing meets inspiration! I'm your host, Tony Ortiz, and today's episode is a special year-in-review recap of 2024, packed with reflections, achievements, and lessons learned. We'll revisit some of the most monumental deals in…
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#276 – Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Tom Papa's Comedy & GOATs doing GOAT $hit
Welcome back, Spun Today listeners! I'm your host, Tony Ortiz, and you're tuning into episode 276—our final episode of 2024. Today we've got a jam-packed show celebrating creativity, ethical influence, and a look back on some standout moments from the past year. First up, we'll also journey into...
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#275: Unleashing Creativity: Tips, Tricks, and Motivations from Fellow Writers
Welcome to Episode 275 of the Spun Today Podcast! I'm your host, Tony Ortiz, and today, we're diving back into the archives for a throwback to Episode 175, packed with creative tips and insights to fuel your writing journey. This episode is designed to motivate and inspire writers dealing with...
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#274 – Psychological Thrills, Financial Drama & Stand-Up Comedy
Welcome to Episode 274 of the Spun Today Podcast! I'm your host, Tony Ortiz, and in this episode, we're diving deep into the intricate web of relationships, drama, and personal evolution presented in "Industry Season 3" and the psychological exploration of dual identity in "Joker Folie à Deux."...
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#273 – Reflecting on the 2024 Election: How Third-Party Votes Shape Long-Term Change in Politics
Welcome to another episode of the Spun Today Podcast! I'm your host, Tony Ortiz, and today we're diving into the hotly debated 2024 US presidential election in Episode 273. We'll reflect on the election outcome, as Donald Trump secures victory against Kamala Harris, and I'll share my personal...
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#272 – "Industry's" High-Stakes World of Finance (Season 2), Twin Lights Ride Reflections and GOATs doing GOAT $hit!
Welcome to Episode 272 of the Spun Today Podcast! I'm your host, Tony Ortiz, and in today's show, we dive into a rich mix of topics guaranteed to spark your creativity and fuel your passion for writing. We kick things off with some political speculation, pondering how our political landscape…
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#271 – Bully (Audio Book) (Re-Release)
Welcome back to another episode of Spun Today! In this special re-release, we dive into Episode 271, featuring the audiobook version of my short story "Bully." Join me, your host Tony Ortiz, as I take you on a nostalgic journey through the trials and triumphs of schoolyard drama set in a Queens...
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#270 – "Industry's" High-Stakes World of Finance, Joe Rogan's Comedy Special and the current Political state in the U.S.
Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of Spun Today, where we fuse the art of writing with the pulse of current events, pop culture, and creative inspiration. In Episode 270, we're diving deep into the compelling narratives of HBO's "Industry," exploring the multifaceted characters...
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#269 – Voices of 9/11: Recounting Stories from New Yorkers (Re-release)
Welcome to Episode 269 of Spun Today, where we dive deep into personal stories of resilience, reflection, and creativity in the face of one of the most transformative events in modern history—the 9/11 attacks. Today, we are honored to have a plethora of voices sharing their firsthand experiences,...
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#268 – Free-Writing Session (Embracing Self-Evolution and Nurturing Big Ideas – Reflecting on Get Honest or Die Lying by Charlamagne Tha God)
Welcome to Episode 268 of Spun Today, the podcast that dives deep into the world of writing, creativity, and the stories that both inspire and challenge us. I'm your host, Tony, and in this episode, we're exploring a rich tapestry of thought-provoking topics, from the emotional connections we…
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#267 – The Art of Cooking: Chef Papi's Creative Process and Entrepreneurial Spirit (Re-Release)
Welcome to Episode 267 of the Spun Today podcast! I'm your host, Tony, and today we have an extraordinary guest joining us - Stephen Rodriguez aka Chef Papi, also known as. Chef Papi's journey is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and the importance of embracing the process of...
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#266 – Finding Hope in Uncertainty: Zoila Ortiz on her Battle with Breast Cancer and Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Welcome back to another episode of the Spun Today podcast! It's your host Tony here, and today we have a very special guest and topic to discuss with you. In this episode, we're going to be sharing the incredible story of my wife Zoila and her recent battle with breast cancer. Zoila, underwent a...
About this show
Looking for a podcast that will take you on a thrilling ride of creativity and exploration? Look no further than the Spun Today Podcast which is anchored in Writing but unlimited in scope. Hosted by Tony Ortiz, this show is a celebration of the art of writing, and so much more. With an endless range of interests and topics, Tony invites you to join him on a journey through the world of movies, books, TV shows, stand-up comedy, politics, current events and beyond. Whether you're a fan of the written word or just looking for an exciting new podcast to add to your playlist, the Spun Today Podcast is the perfect choice. So why wait? Give it a whirl today and experience it for yourself!
Hosted by
Tony Ortiz