Spun Today with Tony Ortiz Podcast By Tony Ortiz cover art

Spun Today with Tony Ortiz

Spun Today with Tony Ortiz

By: Tony Ortiz
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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, MMA, 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!Copyright © 2014 - 2025 by Spun Today. All Rights Reserved. Art Social Sciences
Episodes
  • #289 – Voices of 9/11: Recounting Stories from New Yorkers (Re-release)

    #289 – Voices of 9/11: Recounting Stories from New Yorkers (Re-release)
    Sep 11 2025
    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. From David Ortiz witnessing the chaos unfold from his law firm in downtown Manhattan, to Raul Azurdia learning about the attacks from a frantic woman on the street, to Steven Almonte receiving the news during his math class—their stories paint a vivid mosaic of memory, confusion, and eventual understanding. We'll hear from Elaine Almonte, who reflects on the haunting silence of New York City post-9/11, and Janet Velez, who processes her emotions through poetry and faith. Jacey Pascasio recounts the classroom panic and subsequent days filled with fear and uncertainty, while Tony Ortiz examines how these events shaped a generation and altered the cultural landscape forever. Zoila Ortiz recounts being in high school during the attacks while Yudy Azurdia recounts the start to a typical day. Tony’s father reminisces on witnessing the building of the Twin Towers when he first came to the country and sadly seeing them be knocked down. Join us as we explore not only the immediate reactions and long-term impacts of 9/11, but also how these harrowing experiences, foster resilience, and inspire a collective resolve to remember and rebuild. This special episode is a powerful testament to the human spirit's ability to endure and find light, even in the darkest of times. Special thanks to: Jacey Rosa, my Father Segundo Ortiz, David Ortiz, Janet Velez, Yudy Azurdia, Raul Azurdia, Zoila Ortiz, Elaine Almonte & Steven Almonte. The Spun Today Podcast is a Podcast that is anchored in Writing & Random Rants, but unlimited in scope. Give it a whirl. Twitter: https://twitter.com/spuntoday Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spuntoday/ Website: http://www.spuntoday.com/home Newsletter: http://www.spuntoday.com/subscribe Links referenced in this episode: 9/11: TIMELINE OF EVENTS: http://www.history.com/topics/9-11-timeline George W. Bush The Night of 9-11-01: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbqCquDl4k4 Angel in the Rubble: The Miraculous Rescue of 9/11's Last Survivor: https://www.amazon.com/Angel-Rubble-Miraculous-Rescue-Survivor/dp/1451635206/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1504562087&sr=8-1&keywords=angel+in+the+rubble Elaine Almonte’s Facebook Post: https://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10100795821199994&id=26304929&set=a.836445090434.2248017.26304929 Get your Podcast Started Today! https://signup.libsyn.com/?promo_code=SPUN (Use Promo code SPUN and get up to 2-months of free service!) Check out all the Spun Today Merch, and other ways to help support this show! https://www.spuntoday.com/support Check out my Books Make Way for You – Tips for getting out of your own way FRACTAL – A Time Travel Tale Melted Cold – A Collection of Short Stories http://www.spuntoday.com/books/ (e-Book, Paperback & Hardcover are now available). Fill out my Spun Today Questionnaire if you’re passionate about your craft. I’ll share your insight and motivation on the Podcast: http://www.spuntoday.com/questionnaire/ Shop on Amazon using this link, to support the Podcast: https://amzn.to/4km592l Shop on iTunes using this link, to support the Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewTop?genreId=38&id=27820&popId=42&uo=10 Shop at the Spun Today store for Mugs, Notebooks, T-Shirts and more: https://spuntoday-shop.fourthwall.com/ Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Outro Background Music: https://www.bensound.com Spun Today Logo by: https://www.naveendhanalak.com/ Sound effects are credited to: http://www.freesfx.co.uk Listen on: ApplePodcasts | Spotify | Pocket Casts | YouTube | Website
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    2 hrs and 24 mins
  • #288 - Daredevil’s Gray Morality and Emotional Hooks: Storytelling Insights for Writers

    #288 - Daredevil’s Gray Morality and Emotional Hooks: Storytelling Insights for Writers
    Aug 20 2025
    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 appreciate. From the artful mirroring of hero and villain to the series’ thoughtful examination of moral ambiguity, Tony unpacks the narrative craft that elevates Daredevil beyond the typical superhero genre. But that’s not all—Tony also shares his experience attending Jeff Ross’s one-man Broadway show, offering a peek behind the curtain into comedy, resilience, and the importance of seizing the moment. And in his ongoing segment “Goats Doing Goat Shit,” he pays tribute to trailblazers Matt Stone and Trey Parker for their game-changing moves with South Park. Tune in for practical writing takeaways, reflections on character, layered backstories, and the power of authentic detail—all through an inspiring, creative lens. Whether you’re a writer, a lover of great stories, or just someone chasing the next spark of inspiration, this episode is packed with gems to fuel your craft. The Spun Today Podcast is a Podcast that is anchored in Writing, but unlimited in scope. Give it a whirl. Twitter: https://twitter.com/spuntoday Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spuntoday/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spuntoday Website: http://www.spuntoday.com/home Newsletter: http://www.spuntoday.com/subscribe Links referenced in this episode Daredevil: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3322312/?ref_=ttfc_ov_bk Daredevil Born Again: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt18923754/?ref_=ttfc_ov_bk Jeff Ross’s one-man show: https://jeffrossbroadway.com/ Broadway Lottery Site: https://lottery.broadwaydirect.com/ How to get discounted Broadway tickets: https://youtu.be/LAObU8cNceo?si=NaXg1h8Hnh474hJR Matt Stone & Trey Parker deal: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2025-07-21/south-park-creators-reach-breakthrough-in-paramount-deal-talks Wealth Explained Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DMp9lmBIAhC/?igsh=MXM3aHY3N2tuNGhqdg== Get your Podcast Started Today! https://signup.libsyn.com/?promo_code=SPUN (Use Promo code SPUN and get up to 2-months of free service!) Check out all the Spun Today Merch, and other ways to help support this show! https://www.spuntoday.com/support Check out my Books Make Way for You – Tips for getting out of your own way FRACTAL – A Time Travel Tale Melted Cold – A Collection of Short Stories http://www.spuntoday.com/books/ (e-Book, Paperback & Hardcover are now available). Fill out my Spun Today Questionnaire if you’re passionate about your craft. I’ll share your insight and motivation on the Podcast: http://www.spuntoday.com/questionnaire/ Shop on Amazon using this link, to support the Podcast: https://amzn.to/4km592l Shop on iTunes using this link, to support the Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewTop?genreId=38&id=27820&popId=42&uo=10 Shop at the Spun Today store for Mugs, Notebooks, T-Shirts and more: https://spuntoday-shop.fourthwall.com/ Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Outro Background Music: https://www.bensound.com Spun Today Logo by: https://www.naveendhanalak.com/ Sound effects are credited to: http://www.freesfx.co.uk Listen on: ApplePodcasts | Spotify | Pocket Casts | YouTube | Website
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • #287 – Creative Accountability, AI Tools for Writers, Insights from Ta-Nehisi Coates and More! (Free Writing Session)

    #287 – Creative Accountability, AI Tools for Writers, Insights from Ta-Nehisi Coates and More! (Free Writing Session)
    Aug 4 2025
    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 pursue your creative goals. Tony opens up about the challenges of working on his second novel, the importance of letting go of perfectionism, and the power of the so-called “zero-th draft” approach, inspired by N.K. Jemisin’s masterclass on writing. You’ll hear about his ongoing project of translating his book "Make Way for You" into Spanish with a little help from AI, and how tracking writing habits can be both humbling and motivating. This episode also highlights a practical writing tip from Naomi Kanakia, explores key takeaways from his recent read—Ta-Nehisi Coates’ "Between the World and Me"—and offers concrete strategies for building worlds and characters in your own fiction. As always, Tony wraps up with an honest, unfiltered free writing piece from his personal notebooks, inviting you to reflect on missed opportunities and the importance of showing up for your craft. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, this episode is packed with real talk, motivational gems, and creative fuel to help you push past self-doubt and get those words on the page. Stick around—you're bound to leave feeling inspired and ready to tackle your next writing session. Check out all free-writing pieces at: spuntoday.com/freewriting. The Spun Today Podcast is a Podcast that is anchored in Writing, but unlimited in scope. Give it a whirl. Twitter: https://twitter.com/spuntoday Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spuntoday/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spuntoday Website: http://www.spuntoday.com/home Newsletter: http://www.spuntoday.com/subscribe Links referenced in this episode: Writing advice from Naomi Kanakia: The future of fiction | https://post.substack.com/p/the-future-of-fiction?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=737237&post_id=163677104&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=z2d6v&triedRedirect=true Ta-Nehisi Coates Between the world and Me: https://amzn.to/4fkVmYz N.K. Jemisin’s Masterclass: https://www.masterclass.com/classes/n-k-jemisin-teaches-fantasy-and-science-fiction-writing Have you Squandered Opportunities? https://www.spuntoday.com/freewriting/squanderedopportunities Get your Podcast Started Today! https://signup.libsyn.com/?promo_code=SPUN (Use Promo code SPUN and get up to 2-months of free service!) Check out all the Spun Today Merch, and other ways to help support this show! https://www.spuntoday.com/support Check out my Books Make Way for You – Tips for getting out of your own way FRACTAL – A Time Travel Tale Melted Cold – A Collection of Short Stories http://www.spuntoday.com/books/ (e-Book, Paperback & Hardcover are now available). Fill out my Spun Today Questionnaire if you’re passionate about your craft. I’ll share your insight and motivation on the Podcast: http://www.spuntoday.com/questionnaire/ Shop on Amazon using this link, to support the Podcast: https://amzn.to/4km592l Shop on iTunes using this link, to support the Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewTop?genreId=38&id=27820&popId=42&uo=10 Shop at the Spun Today store for Mugs, Notebooks, T-Shirts and more: https://spuntoday-shop.fourthwall.com/ Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Outro Background Music: https://www.bensound.com Spun Today Logo by: https://www.naveendhanalak.com/ Sound effects are credited to: http://www.freesfx.co.uk Listen on: ApplePodcasts | Spotify | Pocket Casts | YouTube | Website
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    52 mins
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