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.
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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 writer’s block. Through a detailed breakdown of Louis C.K.’s debut novel, Ingram, Tony Ortiz explores how character growth stems from small, meaningful lessons and how supporting characters, symbolic objects, and well-timed revelations fuel emotional storytelling. He also shares an inspiring writing tip from Steven Pressfield that invites creators to protect their work with the dedication of a parent. Plus, Tony Ortiz wraps up with a motivational free writing piece that challenges listeners to seize the present moment and move deliberately toward their creative goals. If you’re a writer or creative looking for motivation, craft insights, and that extra push to get your words on the page, this episode is for you.
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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 the polished soundbites of newscasters or politicians, but unfiltered, honest recollections from people just like you—students in classrooms, office workers downtown, and families scrambling to reconnect across a city thrown into chaos.
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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 and narrative choices, extracting motivational and creativity-fueling takeaways to inspire your own storytelling journey. From psychological concepts like the "field" and the "shadow self," to lessons about character scars, growth, and the necessity of letting your creations remain human, there’s a wealth of creative insight to unpack. Plus, stick around for our favorite segment, "Goats Doing Goat Shit," where we shine a light on those making a positive difference in their communities. Whether you're a fellow wordsmith, a fan of Shrinking, or just on the hunt for inspiration, this episode is guaranteed to ignite your creative spark and encourage you to keep pursuing your dreams, one word at a time.
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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 the ways fiction can feel uncomfortably close to reality. A key theme that emerged was how great writing leverages gray areas—challenging black-and-white morality by making both sides question their own actions. The discussion explored writing techniques like escalating conflict, crafting characters with conflicting identities, and building dramatic irony, all while reflecting on why narrative momentum matters more than just narrative quantity. The episode also highlighted an inspiring "Goats Doing Goat Shit" inductee, in the segment where we celebrate those who go above and beyond in altruism. Stick around for a thoughtful blend of creative insight, pop culture analysis, and motivational energy—perfect for fueling your own creative journey.
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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 brother, David Ortiz.
It’s been a while since the last short story release, and I reflect on the challenges of carving out time for writing amidst life’s whirlwind of big changes—reminding all writers to defend their creative time as they would any other responsibility. We pull back the curtain on how this story was conceived, from the initial dream spark to the slow unwinding of resistance and procrastination, all the way to a finished piece that unfolds like a cinematic experience.
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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 mindful living can fuel the creative process. This episode explores inspiration from Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird, actionable advice on tackling writer’s block, and the value of noticing the world like a child. Tony Ortiz also introduces a bite-sized writing tool for overcoming stuck points, breaks down actionable writing tips from social media, and spotlights a personal freewriting piece about embracing life’s constant transitions. Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or just starting out, this episode is packed with creative motivation, strategies for productivity, and reminders to keep writing—one bird, one story, and one moment at a time.
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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 wife, Zoila Ortiz, to share her powerful story of living with multiple sclerosis. We dive deep into her first symptoms, the uncertainty of diagnosis, and the emotional and physical challenges that come with MS. Zoila walks us through her search for information, the importance—and dangers—of online self-diagnosis, and the strength found in community.
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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 “Eulogy,” examining how memory shapes narrative and the power of withheld information. Then, we break down Mark Normand’s razor-sharp Netflix special, “None Too Pleased,” pulling out tools for punchy, impactful writing—whether you’re crafting jokes or stories. And in our recurring GOATS DOING GOAT SHIT segment, we celebrate the creative generosity of Tyler Perry. Whether you’re a writer, a storyteller, or just seeking creative motivation, stick around for insights and inspiration to help you better tell your own story.
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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 where both sides feel justified. Whether you’re a seasoned storyteller or just getting started, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips to fuel your creative process—reminding you that the best writing comes from digging deep into the real, messy parts of being human.
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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 schedule, and the lessons learned along the way. I’ll share actionable tips, including a powerful insight from Jay Z’s creative process and how even a single well-chosen word can completely shift the meaning of a story.
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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 the show masterfully brings trauma and accountability front and center—not just for the characters, but for creators looking to fuel their own work. This episode is packed with insightful breakdowns on making emotional concepts concrete, the importance of maintaining a consistent voice, and how true character change begins with accountability. Whether you’re a fellow writer, a fan of great storytelling, or simply looking for creative motivation, join Tony as he celebrates growth—imperfect but intentional—and uncovers the powerful writing techniques behind Shrinking’s emotionally resonant second season.
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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 as entertainment, but as studies in authentic storytelling, sharp dialogue, and the beautiful messiness of life.
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From insightful stories about savvy business moves—like Kevin Hart’s multi-million dollar company deal and Jay-Z’s unwavering stand for his intellectual property—to heartfelt tales of generosity and mentorship, such as Joe Veras empowering a young songwriter and Timbaland refusing to take publishing rights he didn’t earn, this episode is packed with motivational anecdotes to fuel your creative journey.
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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 keeping up with my writing goals—even amid holidays and life’s curveballs. I'll talk about the process of revamping and self-publishing my first book, "Make Way for You," and discuss the labor—and breakthroughs—of translating it into Spanish using cutting-edge AI tools.
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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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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 technology, and obsessive innovation can drive a narrative that lingers long after the credits roll. He shares actionable writing takeaways, like infusing big ideas through passion—not prophecy—and harnessing ambiguity to keep your audience engaged.
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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 well. Tony discusses how everyday anxieties like money, health, and love become the heartbeat of compelling narratives, especially when survival itself is transformed into a subscription service and love is put under extreme pressure.
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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, Tony Ortiz dives into a wrap-up of the top five Spun Today episodes from the past year, sharing the stories, lessons, and memories that shaped the journey, including heartfelt tributes to friendships, deep-dive breakdowns of TV and movies through a writer’s lens, and insightful interviews with fellow creatives.
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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
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