Special Sleep Edition: Today's story, Soft Summer Rain, is a sleepy story that may lull you into a gentle nap or a goodnight's sleep. Today's prompt was inspired by a rainy local authors' event and the drowsiness that came after a day of selling my books to new readers. It's a special story with a softer tone, designed to help you fall asleep. As a…

Welcome to episode #259 of Spun Today. I’m your host, Tony, and in today’s episode, we are joined by Sandra Holtzman, an award-winning copywriter, entrepreneur, and author who has profoundly impacted the marketing world. Sandra will share her transformative journey from aspiring writer and choreographer to becoming a key figure in the realm of mark…

In today's story, Infinity Plus One, two sisters argue over who loves cinnamon toast the most. Today's prompt was loosely chosen based on my use of an infinity strap during a virtual yoga class. It's one of my favorite yoga props, a short cotton strap sewn in the shape of an infinity sign or figure eight. As always, this story was written from the …

Welcome back to Spun Today, the podcast that's rooted in the art of writing, yet boundless in its journey. I'm your guide, Tony Ortiz, and this is episode 258. As we settle into our narrative voyage today, we're diving into the gritty Netflix original series "Griselda," exploring the life of the infamous drug baroness Griselda Blanco. We'll also sh…

In today's story, Tread Softly, a young woman reflects on lessons she learned from her older brother. Today's prompt was inspired by a book of the same title. When I was young, I loved Tread Softly by Corinne Gerson. I recently tracked down a copy and was delighted to read it again. As always, this story was written from the prompt, with no plannin…

Welcome back to the Spun Today podcast where we weave creativity into the everyday fabric of our lives. In this episode for you comedy aficionados we'll dissect the success of stand-up specials like Akaash Singh's "Gaslit" and Fahim Anwar's "House Money," examining the innovative ways these comics are delivering their content directly to fans, bypa…

In today's story, Cake, thoughts of sweets freely ramble Today's prompt is a loose stream of consciousness ramble that begins with sleeping on a bed made of chocolate cake. Or something like that... Sometimes stories have less story and more nonsense. This is one of those times. As always, this story was written from the prompt, with no planning an…

Welcome to the latest episode of the Spun Today podcast! In this episode, host Tony shares his personal writing stats for the past few months and reflects on his creative journey. He delves into the writing tips he has picked up, including an insightful perspective from actor and filmmaker Kevin Smith. Tony also discusses the books he's been readin…

In today's story, Under Where, a fairy finds a career without collecting teeth Today's prompt is a bit of word play based on the phrase "under where" sounding like the word "underwear." Yes, very silly. Sometimes silly is good way to let your imagination flow. As always, this story was written from the prompt, with no planning and very little editi…

In this episode I sit down and speak with my long-time friend Jose De La Rosa. We speak about Jose’s journey to becoming a gold & silver Golden Gloves boxing Champion. We speak about his decision to become one of New York’s Bravest, a FDNY Firefighter and also about his lifelong dedication to fitness and much more! *Original Release Date: August 19…

In today's story, Out For Delivery, a casual conversation finds some feelings Today's prompt came up while I was waiting for a package to be delivered. Tracking information is great until it becomes a distraction you check every few minutes as your delivery get closer. As always, this story was written from the prompt, with no planning and very lit…

In this episode I speak about season 6 of Black Mirror on Netflix, the final season of Jack Ryan on Amazon, the movie American Fiction and another addition to our GOATs doing GOAT $hit segment! 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: …

In today's story, Breathe, life unfolds one breath at a time Today's prompt was inspired by my other job, which is teaching yoga. Breath is a key part of a yoga practice. Breathing practices can help you feel centered and better prepared to handle all aspects of your life. As always, this story was written from the prompt, with no planning and very…

In this episode I share a mashup of the Spun Today GOATs doing GOAT $hit segment, from previous episodes. 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…

In today's story, Clockwork, romance blooms in a clock shop Today's prompt came from a hazy dream of gears moving like clockwork. Today's episode also includes a reintroduction for listeners who are new to Freely Written. As always, this story was written from the prompt, with no planning and very little editing. If you enjoy today's story, please …

In this episode I recap and reflect on the top 5 Spun Today episodes of 2023. I also share some of my writing and podcasting goals for 2024. 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:/…

In today's story, Splitting Hairs, a detective meets the family Today's prompt was loosely inspired by a trip to get my hair cut... which doesn't really have much to do with the expression. The phrase just came to mind, which is enough to make it a writing prompt! As always, this story was written from the prompt, with no planning and very little e…

In this episode I speak with my longtime friend, Christy Medina. Christy completed the Chicago marathon in October of 2021 as well as many others prior and since! We speak about her experiences training leading up to the event, how the marathon went, cool things she did while in Chicago and much more! *Original Release Date: November 11th, 2021* Th…

In today's story, Boxing Day, an American family learns about a new (to them) holiday Today's prompt was inspired by Boxing Day, a holiday celebrated in many countries on December 26th, the day after Christmas. Happy holidays! As always, this story was written from the prompt, with no planning and very little editing. If you enjoy today's story, pl…

In this year-end episode I speak about watching the movies, Leave the World Behind and Old Dads. I also speak about watching Stavros Halkias’ latest stand-up comedy special: Fat Rascal. Lastly, I wrap things up for the year with the final Goats doing GOAT $hit installment of 2023. The Spun Today Podcast is a Podcast that is anchored in Writing, but…

In today's story, Advent, a neighborhood sitter has a very special advent calendar. Today's prompt was inspired by the Christmas season. Do you use an advent calendar to countdown the days to Christmas? Do you have a fun one to share? Let me know through social media or my website (links below). As always, this story was written from the prompt, wi…

This episode is the audio book version of the Short Story; Fly. If you want to read along with the audio book, please visit: http://www.spuntoday.com/shortstories/fly. I also speak about self-publishing my first book and the process that entailed. Happy Holidays to you and yours and may 2016 be the year that finally begins to bring your ambitions a…

In today's story, Leftovers, a post-Thanksgiving breakfast includes pumpkin pie and questions. Today's prompt was suggested by my friend Wendy McMullan in honor of the Thanksgiving holiday. What are your favorite Thanksgiving leftovers? How do you like to celebrate this and other winter holidays? As always, this story was written from the prompt, w…

In this episode I speak about watching Ralph Barbosa’s latest comedy special, Cowabunga. I also speak about the series finale’s of; DAVE, Billions, Better Call Saul and The Chi. 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.inst…

In today's story, Cozy Mystery Club, five friends decide it's time for their book club to investigate a real-life crime. Today's prompt was inspired by some thoughts about book genres. What is your favorite style of book? Do you like cozy mysteries, science fiction, romance, or another genre? Do you read a little of everything? As always, the story…

In this episode I share my Writing stats for August, September and October 2023! I give you an update on my short story collection. I tell you about what I’ve been reading and I share a writing tip that I picked up along the way. Lastly, I read and reflect on a free-writing piece, that can be found at: spuntoday.com/freewriting. The Spun Today Podc…

In today's story, Cuckoo Catfish, Katie tells Cal about chaperoning their son's field trip Today's prompt was based on a recent trip to the National Aquarium in Baltimore. It's a great place to see a wide range of aquatic life. Apparently, it's a good place to get a story prompt, too! As always, the story was written from the prompt, with no planni…

In this episode my boy Abismael Gonzalez joins us. Abi is a Veteran of the United States Army, an active instructor for the US Army Coast Guard, and a Port Authority Police Officer. He enlisted about a month before 9/11, the events of which would irreversibly shape our world. We take a deep dive into his experiences being deployed to Afghanistan fo…

In today's story, The Wash 'N Dryer, Katie's taunting sends Billy on an adventure Since this is the 100th episode of Freely Written, today's story is not written from a random prompt. Instead, it is a story that Susan wrote way back in high school when she was about 16 years old. Enjoy this bit of fiction from the early '90s and our next episode wi…

In this episode I speak about a few things I left out of episode 244 of the Pod, related to how to format, copyright and distribute your own book. I also speak about taking part in the latest Twin Lights Ride in Highlands, NJ by Bike NY. I also speak about this summer’s blockbuster film, Oppenheimer. The Spun Today Podcast is a Podcast that is anch…

In today's story, Second Summer, Hillary overthinks her way to a coffee date Today's prompt was based on the weather. October is my favorite time of year, yet fall is often interrupted by second summer, a time when hot sunny days return for one last gasp before the chill of fall fully sets in. As always, the story was written from the prompt, with …

In this episode I speak all about my journey in writing: Melted Cold, my first Short Story Collection. Listen to hear about how I came up with the ideas for each of the eight stories, what tips and tools I used for writing, editing and publishing. Who I used for cover design and who I used for editing. Also find out my roll out strategy, my marketi…

In today's story, Vacation Mode, Hal is fascinated by his neighbors' smart home Today's prompt was based on my state of mind, since the story was written right before I left for a beach vacation! I'm home now and very glad I had a chance to spend a week with an ocean view and the sound of waves lulling me to sleep each night. As always, the story w…

In this episode I speak about watching two Broadway Musicals: MJ and Back to the Future! I also speak about watching the HBO series, Succession and wrap it up with another addition to our legendary segment “GOATs doing GOAT $hit” where we celebrate the true champions of greatness and highlight the phenomenal achievements of extraordinary individual…