Posts tagged Spun Today Podcast
#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 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 his short story collection, "Melted Cold." Join Tony as he shares insights into the writing process, the challenges of character creation, and the art of storytelling. Plus, don't miss the chance to support the podcast and grab some cool Spun Today merch to keep the creative vibes flowing. Tune in and embark on a journey through creativity and imagination!

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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. This week, we dive deep into the art of free writing, a technique I champion for its cathartic and exploratory benefits.

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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

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 routines and hidden depths of a seemingly simple life. Last but not least, we celebrate another inductee into our Spun Today "Goats Doing Goat Shit" list, spotlighting the remarkable achievements of businessman and philanthropist Charlie Munger.

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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 Spun Today! Join host Tony Ortiz as he speculates on Bernie Sanders' potential impact on politics, reviews HBO's financial thriller "Industry" Season 2, shares his Twin Lights Ride experience, and honors Timbaland in "Goats Doing Goat Things." Tune in for inspiration!

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#168 – Sandra Holtzman (Copywriter, Chief Marketing Strategist, Author)

In this episode I speak with Ms. Sandra Holtzman. Sandra is an award-winning Copywriter and Chief Marketing Strategist at Marketing Cures. She is also an educator who has taught Marketing & Entrepreneurship at FIT, NYU and Kauffman. She is the co-Author of: Lies Startups Tell Themselves to Avoid Marketing: A No Bullsh*T Guide for PhDs, Lab Rats, Suits, and Entrepreneurs.

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#165 – Free -Writing Session

In this episode I share my July, August & September 2020 Writing stats, a writing tip that I picked up along the way and I tell you about the Master Class that I’ve been taking. I share a Spun Today questionnaire response submitted by Attorney & Author Eileen Martinez and finally, I read and reflect on a free-writing piece, which can be found at: spuntoday.com/freewriting.

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#156 – Amanda Lucas (Middle School ELA Teacher, Writer & Podcaster)

In this episode I sit down and speak with Amanda Lucas. She is a Middle School ELA Teacher, a Writer and Podcaster. We delve into her experiences as a teacher, ranging from carefully curating curriculum, to dealing with bullying, managing parent expectations, teaching in a post-COVID world and so much more. We also speak about her going from being a free-lance writer to having a featured article in Parents magazine, while still being an intern! She is also ½ of the hosts of the Podcast Ch! The teaching podcast for teachers who teach.

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#154 – Joe Rogan & Spotify’s $100+ Million Dollar Podcast deal, UFC 249, a Coronavirus update from me and Better Call Saul season 5

In this episode I speak about the Joe Rogan & Spotify $100+ Million Dollar deal, the first live sporting event since COVID: UFC 249, a Coronavirus update from me, and finally watching Better Call Saul season 5.

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#153 – Free -Writing Session

In this episode I share my March & April 2020 Writing stats, a writing tip that I picked up along the way and I tell you about the MasterClasses that I’ve been taking.  Finally, I read and reflect on a couple of my free-writing pieces, which can be found at: spuntoday.com/freewriting.

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#146 – Stephen “Chef Papi” Rodriguez

In this episode I speak with Stephen Rodriguez aka Chef Papi.  He is the creator of the famous Dominican Pizza, which has been featured in many events all over the country and around the world.  He’s also known for tons of other amazing dishes like his longaniza mac-n-cheese and …

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