The Spun Today Podcast is a show that is anchored in Writing but unlimited in scope. Join the host Tony Ortiz as he explores various topics and subjects like writing, podcasting, movies, books, TV shows, people, politics, MMA, current events and much more. Give it a whirl.
…
continue reading
Creativepodcast
Are you a CREATIVE? Are you struggling with FEAR? This podcast is for YOU! Interviews with creatives from ESPN, New York Jets, Aflac, and more.
…
continue reading
1
Bonus: Writing Lessons from Gotham's Underworld (Companion to Ep. 278)
5:41
5:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
5:41
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 the series: · How ambition reshapes identity · How set…
…
continue reading
1
#293 – Writing Lessons from Off-Broadway: The Other Americans, NYC Mayoral General Election Pick and GOATs Doing GOAT $hit
48:09
48:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:09
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 storytelling, set design, and family dynamics that make the work…
…
continue reading
1
#292 – Motivation for Writers: Tracking Progress and Learning from Noir Fiction
42:23
42:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:23
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 the struggles of writer's block and the magic of findin…
…
continue reading
1
#291 – Crafting Horror and Humanity: Behind the Scenes with The Night Visitor's Blu Topalli and Peter Stass
1:39:26
1:39:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:39:26
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, exploring how blending backgrounds in gothic fiction, come…
…
continue reading
1
Bonus: Daredevil's Writing Lessons (Companion to Ep. 288)
3:30
3:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
3:30
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 guide that goes along with this episode! The Spun Today …
…
continue reading
1
#290 – Building the Lucas Literacy Lab: One Writer's Journey from Home Classroom to School Founder
1:23:31
1:23:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:23:31
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 daughters during the pandemic to navigating the bure…
…
continue reading
1
#289 – Voices of 9/11: Recounting Stories from New Yorkers (Re-release)
2:23:45
2:23:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
2:23:45
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, each providing a unique lens on that tragic day. Fro…
…
continue reading
1
#288 - Daredevil's Gray Morality and Emotional Hooks: Storytelling Insights for Writers
1:03:49
1:03:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:49
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 unearthing valuable insights every writer and creative can…
…
continue reading
1
#287 – Creative Accountability, AI Tools for Writers, Insights from Ta-Nehisi Coates and More! (Free Writing Session)
51:34
51:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:34
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 setbacks, and reflecting on what it really takes to …
…
continue reading
1
#286 - Finding Inspiration Through Loss, Pandemic Reflections and Honoring Pablo
1:39:53
1:39:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:39:53
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 Mosquera Jr. In this heartfelt installment, we revisi…
…
continue reading
1
#285 – Turning Real Life into Art: Writing Takeaways from Standup, Storytelling, and Politics
1:03:03
1:03:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:03
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 inn…
…
continue reading
1
Navigating the Creative Business Landscape with the CASA DAVKA Team | Passion Behind The Art 196
48:28
48:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:28
In this episode of the Passion Behind the Art Show, host Darold Pinnock engages with Emily Cohen and Hunter Vargas, a mother-daughter duo who run a consulting business called CASA DAVKA. They discuss their unique backgrounds, the evolution of creative businesses, and the importance of communication and relationship building in consulting. The conve…
…
continue reading
1
#284 - Sinners: Creativity, Symbolism, and Storytelling Insights from Ryan Coogler's Latest Film
1:00:33
1:00:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:33
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. B…
…
continue reading
1
#283 – Cycles of Life, Loss, and Stories: Honoring Friendship and Remembering Pablo Mosquera Jr.
1:34:17
1:34:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:34:17
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 epi…
…
continue reading
1
#282 – Journey from Freelance Writing to Teaching: Insights from Amanda Lucas
1:48:44
1:48:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:48:44
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 s…
…
continue reading
1
#281 - Crafting Suspense: From Writing Exercise to Short Story
52:54
52:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:54
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…
…
continue reading
1
The Art of Balancing Client Work and Passion Projects, Lisa Quine | Passion Behind The Art 195
34:58
34:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:58
In this engaging conversation, Lisa shares her journey from being a hand lettering artist to becoming a successful muralist. She discusses the importance of saying yes to opportunities, balancing client work with personal projects, and the significance of building strong client relationships. Lisa emphasizes the power of networking, the mental chal…
…
continue reading
1
#280 – From Kendrick Lamar's layered messaging at the Super Bowl to Beast Games: A Creative Journey
46:18
46:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:18
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,…
…
continue reading
1
#279 - Charlie Munger's Wisdom and Writing Tips for Aspiring Creatives (Free Writing Session)
36:09
36:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:09
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,…
…
continue reading
1
#278 – Unveiling Themes and Characters in The Penguin Series and Perfect Days as well as a GOATs doing GOAT $hit Addition
1:16:37
1:16:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:16:37
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 s…
…
continue reading
1
Building Community Through Creativity with Joanna Waterfall | Passion Behind The Art 194
39:24
39:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:24
In this engaging conversation, Joanna Waterfall shares her creative journey from childhood through her education in art and graphic design, to her current role at Flowdesk. She discusses the importance of community, the challenges she faced in her career, and how she found her identity beyond her professional successes and failures. Joanna also ref…
…
continue reading
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 the creative world, like Issa Rae turning down a multi…
…
continue reading
1
The Art of Branding: Insights from Tom Cox | Passion Behind The Art 193
42:14
42:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:14
In this engaging conversation, Tom Cox shares his extensive journey in branding and design, detailing his experiences from working at Coca-Cola to launching his own book, 'What the Hell is This? Creativity and Brand Growth.' He discusses the importance of understanding the 'why' behind design, the creative process he employs, and how he collaborate…
…
continue reading
1
#276 – Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Tom Papa's Comedy & GOATs doing GOAT $hit
40:04
40:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:04
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 the supernatural with a deep dive into Beetlejuice 2,…
…
continue reading
1
Navigating the Creative Landscape: Tree's Artistic Journey | Passion Behind The Art 192
31:14
31:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:14
In this engaging conversation, Tree shares his multifaceted creative journey, from his early influences in illustration and comic books to his transition into music and the impact of COVID on his artistic direction. He discusses the importance of support systems, the significance of maintaining a sound mind, and his current projects, including a gr…
…
continue reading
1
From Hobby to Profession: Crafting a Unique Style with KDP Letters | Passion Behind The Art 191
50:49
50:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:49
In this conversation, Kristen shares her creative journey in lettering and calligraphy, detailing how her passion for art evolved from childhood to a professional career. She discusses the pivotal moment that sparked her interest in lettering, the transition from traditional to digital mediums, and the importance of finding a unique style. Kristen …
…
continue reading
1
#275: Unleashing Creativity: Tips, Tricks, and Motivations from Fellow Writers
59:05
59:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:05
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 challenges like writer's block. We'll explore responses…
…
continue reading
