Spun Today With Tony Ortiz

In this final episode of 2016, I share three separate audio clips that I recorded while on my Honeymoon in Mexico earlier this year. It includes details on the resort we stayed at (Now Sapphire in Puerto Morelos), the restaurants & food, visiting the ancient Mayan ruins in Chichen Itza and much more.     Links referenced in this episode:   Some History about Chichen Itza: http://www.americanegypt.com/feature/sold.htm   Check out some of the Photography from the trip: http://www.spuntoday.com/photography/   Fill out my 5-question survey if you’re passionate about your craft. I’ll share your insight and motivation on the Podcast: http://www.spuntoday.com/questionnaire/   Check out my Book: Make Way for You – Tips for getting out of your own way http://www.spuntoday.com/books/ (e-Book & Paperback are now available).   Order prints of my Photography (Posters, Canvas, Framed):www.crated.com/spuntoday   Shop on Amazon using this link, to support the Podcast: http://www.amazon.com//ref=as_sl_pc_tf_lc?&ta

In this episode I speak about reading The Alchemist again, two Stand-Up Comedy Specials: Joey “Coco” Diaz’s; Sociably Unacceptable & Richard Pryor’s; Live in Concert. The Ultimate Fighter - A Tournament of Champions Finale, UFC 206, and I also read and reflect on some free-writing, which is located at: http://www.spuntoday.com/freewriting/.   Links referenced in this episode: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: https://www.amazon.com/Alchemist-Paulo-Coelho/dp/0062315005/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1480419982&sr=1-1&keywords=the+alchemist   Joey Coco Diaz – Sociably Unacceptable (use Promo Code: JOEY for 2 months free): https://www.seeso.com/view/movie/820059203986   DTFH Podcast Episode with Drew Carey: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/duncan-trussell-family-hour/id350580455?mt=2&i=378400402   The Story Grid Podcast: https://storygrid.simplecast.fm/   Fill out my 5-question survey if you’re passionate about your craft. I’ll share your insight and motivation on the Podcast: http://www

In this episode I speak about watching a bunch of stuff (no wonder I don’t get as much writing as I want done): Bert Kreischer’s stand-up comedy special – The Machine, which aired on Showtime. Michael Che’s stand-up comedy special – Michael Che Matters, which aired on Netflix. Donald Glover’s new TV show on FX; Atlanta, this season of TUF (The Ultimate Fighter), reading The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and finally, listening to The Story Grid Podcast.   Links referenced in this episode:   Bert Kreisher’s Stand-Up Comedy Special: http://www.sho.com/titles/3438319/bert-kreischer-the-machine?s_cid=pse-docs-3680   Bert Kreischer is the Machine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PAtFsJY5q0 Bert Kreischer tells his Tracy Morgan story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDp4ZABoefs   Michael Che’s Stand-Up Comedy Special: https://www.netflix.com/title/80049871   LaKeith Stanfield On Playing Snoop Dogg and His Role in FX's Atlanta: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Nmc0PXzO24   The Story Grid Podcast: https://storygrid.simp

In this episode I speak about the upset (for some), unexpected (for most) victory of President Elect Donald John Trump, who handily defeated Hillary Clinton, the first Woman to be nominated to run by (any major Political Party) the Democratic Party. Here’s my take on where we are, how we got here and where to go from here.       Links referenced in this episode: Secret World of US Election: Julian Assange talks to John Pilger (FULL INTERVIEW): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sbT3_9dJY4   DNC Leaks about Bernie - We can’t start believing our own primary BS:http://www.salon.com/2016/11/03/leaked-email-bernie-needs-to-be-ground-to-a-pulp-clinton-advisor-and-lobbyist-wrote-to-john-podesta/   Citi recommended list of cabinet members:https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2016/10/15/wiki-o15.html   Lobbyists write legislation for some elected officials: http://www.npr.org/sections/itsallpolitics/2013/11/11/243973620/when-lobbyists-literally-write-the-bill   Oops: Florida Republican Forgets To Remove ALEC Missi

In this episode I speak about watching Pete Davidsons’ first hour special; S.M.D., the final two Presidential debates, modified mosquitoes that are slated for release into the wild in early 2017, tailgating at this years Jets vs. Ravens game, the Sausage Party movie, the Amazon video app and finishing Josh Waitzkins’ book; The Art of Learning.   Links referenced in this episode:   Genetically modified mosquitos to combat Zika: http://gizmodo.com/scientists-hope-to-eradicate-disease-with-massive-mosqu-1788379798   The Art of Learning: A Journey in the Pursuit of Excellence: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Learning-Journey-Pursuit-Excellence-ebook/dp/B000QCQ970/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1478085541&sr=1-1&keywords=the+art+of+learning+by+josh+waitzkin   Fill out my 5-question survey if you’re passionate about your craft. I’ll share your insight and motivation on the Podcast: http://www.spuntoday.com/questionnaire/   Check out my Book: Make Way for You – Tips for getting out of your own way

In this episode I speak about UFC 204, UFC 205, watching a childhood favorite movie of mine that I completely forgot existed; Toy Soldiers, starting to watch the USA show; Mr. Robot, a ‘high-road’ way out for Donald Trump and I also read and reflect on some free-writing, which is located at: http://www.spuntoday.com/freewriting/.   Links referenced in this episode: Dan Henderson’s Punch that became his Logo: https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ElcSAhlxbBz3yxK_Ud1HdAmuU_o=/0x61:500x342/1600x900/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/imported_assets/762521/Dan-Henderson-Michael-Bisping-115.jpg Dan Henderson’s Logo: http://fighterxfashion.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/dan-henderson-ufc-173-walkout-shirt.jpg   Toy Soldiers imdb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103112/   Fill out my 5-question survey if you’re passionate about your craft. I’ll share your insight and motivation on the Podcast: http://www.spuntoday.com/questionnaire/   Check out my Book: Make Way for You – Tips for getting out of your own way http://www.spuntoday.com/books/ (

In this episode I speak about season two of the Netflix series Narcos, the first Presidential debate, Central Intelligence; the Movie, getting to watch three Broadway Plays (yes 3: On Your Feet, The Lion King & An American in Paris) within two weeks, and a thought on the Black Lives Matter movement.   Links referenced in this episode: Pablo Escobar death photo, real life vs. Narcos: http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2016/05/03/01/33C1574A00000578-0-image-a-7_1462234237089.jpg   Broadway Ticket Lottery link: https://lottery.broadwaydirect.com/   Based on a True True Story? Scene-by-scene breakdown of Hollywood films: http://www.informationisbeautiful.net/visualizations/based-on-a-true-true-story/   Fill out my 5-question survey if you’re passionate about your craft. I’ll share your insight and motivation on the Podcast: http://www.spuntoday.com/questionnaire/   Check out my Book: Make Way for You – Tips for getting out of your own way http://www.spuntoday.com/books/ (e-Book & Paperback are now available

In this episode I speak about finding my Kindergarten Progress Report (Report Card), a previously unreleased George Carlin comedy special that just came out, reading the Back to the Future screenplay and I also read and reflect on some free-writing, which is located at: http://www.spuntoday.com/freewriting/.   Links referenced in this episode:   GEORGE CARLIN’S SHOCKING PRESCIENCE ON THE NIGHTS BEFORE 9/11: http://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/george-carlins-shocking-prescience-on-the-nights-before-911   Back to the Future Screenplay: http://www.imsdb.com/scripts/Back-to-the-Future.pdf   Fill out my 5-question survey if you’re passionate about your craft. I’ll share your insight and motivation on the Podcast: http://www.spuntoday.com/questionnaire/   Check out my Book: Make Way for You – Tips for getting out of your own way http://www.spuntoday.com/books/ (e-Book & Paperback are now available).   Order prints of my Photography (Posters, Canvas, Framed):www.crated.com/spuntoday   Shop on Amazon us

In this episode I speak about the finale of an HBO mini-series; The Night Of, getting to see The Prophets of Rage, the new TUF season and a message to the new UFC owners.   Links referenced in this episode:   Juliette Lewis Rock Doc: Hard Lovin’ Woman - http://www.redbull.tv/film/AP-1MSJGDHQ51W11/hard-lovin-woman   Fill out my 5-question survey if you’re passionate about your craft. I’ll share your insight and motivation on the Podcast: http://www.spuntoday.com/questionnaire/   Check out my Book: Make Way for You – Tips for getting out of your own way http://www.spuntoday.com/books/ (e-Book & Paperback are now available).   Order prints of my Photography (Posters, Canvas, Framed):www.crated.com/spuntoday   Shop on Amazon using this link, to support the Podcast: http://www.amazon.com//ref=as_sl_pc_tf_lc?&tag=sputod0c-20&camp=216797&creative=446321&linkCode=ur1&adid=104DDN7SG8A2HXW52TFB&&ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.spuntoday.com%2Fcontact%2F   Shop on iTunes using this link, to s

In this episode I speak about UFC 202, an HBO mini-series; The Night Of (yes again. It’s that good!), the Netflix original series; Stranger Things, I finished reading Steven Pressfield’s latest book; Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t, joining my first writing community; Figment and I share a book review-getting tip that has been (slowly) working for me and lastly, a thought on gun control reform.   Links referenced in this episode: Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t by Steven Pressfield: http://shop.blackirishbooks.com/products/nobody-wants-to-read-your-sh-t   Check out the Figment Writing Community: http://figment.com/ Check out the Production company of Joseph Gordon-Levitt: https://www.hitrecord.org/   Actual Innocence Podcast: http://www.actualinpod.com/   Innocence Project: http://www.innocenceproject.org/#causes   Fill out my 5-question survey if you’re passionate about your craft. I’ll share your insight and motivation on the Podcast: http://www.spuntoday.com/questionnaire/   Check out my Book: Make Way for Y

In this episode I speak about the latest HBO mini-series; The Night Of and the Netflix show; Orange is the new Black. I share a quote from Steven Pressfields’ new book; Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t, and a clip from Malcolm Gladwells’ new Podcast; Revisionist History. I also sneak in some Political talk (Hillary, Bernie, DNC, RNC, etc.). I read and reflect on some free-writing, which is located at: http://www.spuntoday.com/freewriting/ and I also read the Spun Today questionnaire response filled out by Amazon Bestselling Fantasy Author Joshua Robertson.   Links referenced in this episode: Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t by Steven Pressfield: http://shop.blackirishbooks.com/products/nobody-wants-to-read-your-sh-t   Malcolm Gladwell’s Podcast – Revisionist History: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/revisionist-history/id1119389968?mt=2&i=373212804   I Side With (Presidential Candidate Quiz): https://www.isidewith.com/elections/2016-presidential-quiz   Joshua Robertson YouTube Channel for Gamers, Writers &

In this episode I speak with my wife about our recent wedding. We discuss what it’s like to get married at City Hall in New York, and how we threw a reception that we were very pleased with, on a reasonable budget. If you’re thinking of walking-the-plank soon, listen in on this episode and see if you can take some gems from our experience to make yours that much better.   Links referenced in this episode: Fill out my 5-question survey if you’re passionate about your craft. I’ll share your insight and motivation on the Podcast: http://www.spuntoday.com/questionnaire/   Check out my Book: Make Way for You – Tips for getting out of your own way http://www.spuntoday.com/books/ (e-Book & Paperback are now available).   Order prints of my Photography (Posters, Canvas, Framed):www.crated.com/spuntoday   Shop on Amazon using this link, to support the Podcast: http://www.amazon.com//ref=as_sl_pc_tf_lc?&tag=sputod0c-20&camp=216797&creative=446321&linkCode=ur1&adid=104DDN7SG8A2HXW52TFB&&r

In this episode I speak about UFC 200, The OJ Simpson documentary; OJ Made in America, getting to see The Book of Mormon on Broadway, a back to the Future Documentary that I saw on Netflix, and the new Steven Pressfield book that I’m reading; Nobody wants to read your Sh*t.   Links referenced in this episode: Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t by Steven Pressfield: http://shop.blackirishbooks.com/products/nobody-wants-to-read-your-sh-t   Philando Castile, 32, shot and killed by Police Officer in Minnesota: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqROP_T5jyM   Fill out my 5-question survey if you’re passionate about your craft. I’ll share your insight and motivation on the Podcast: http://www.spuntoday.com/questionnaire/ Order prints of my Photography (Posters, Canvas, Framed):www.crated.com/spuntoday Shop on Amazon using this link, to support the Podcast: http://www.amazon.com//ref=as_sl_pc_tf_lc?&tag=sputod0c-20&camp=216797&creative=446321&linkCode=ur1&adid=104DDN7SG8A2HXW52TFB&&ref-refURL=ht

In this episode I read and reflect on some free-writing, which is located at: http://www.spuntoday.com/freewriting/. I also speak about my first camping experience, bike riding, watching the Documentary: Meet the Patels on Netflix, and tips from the Book: Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, which I recently finished. Links referenced in this episode: Fill out my 5-question survey if you’re passionate about your craft. I’ll share your insight and motivation on the Podcast: http://www.spuntoday.com/questionnaire/ Order prints of my Photography (Posters, Canvas, Framed):www.crated.com/spuntoday Shop on Amazon using this link, to support the Podcast: http://www.amazon.com//ref=as_sl_pc_tf_lc?&tag=sputod0c-20&camp=216797&creative=446321&linkCode=ur1&adid=104DDN7SG8A2HXW52TFB&&ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.spuntoday.com%2Fcontact%2F 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 Chec

In this episode I speak about UFC 199 (one of the unexpected-best cards I’ve ever seen), and a few documentaries & movies that I’ve recently seen: Citizen Four which is a Biographical Documentary about NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden and when he first reached out to and met Journalist Glenn Greenwald. Where to Invade Next: a Documentary film by Michael Moore, where he ‘invades’ other countries to steal their good ideas in relation to health, education, work, etc. The Martian with Matt Damon where he plays an Astronaut that is accidentally stranded on Mars (yea, the Planet) and has to try to survive with limited food and resources. Lastly, I speak about an epic Benjamin Franklin prank where he passed himself off as a mid aged widow and also about a book I just finished reading (listening to): Mindset by Carol Dweck.     Links referenced in this episode: Link to all the Silence Dogood Letters: http://www.ushistory.org/franklin/courant/silencedogood.htm Growth Mindset [PDF]: https://www.aacu.org/sites/defau

In this episode I speak about my recent east-coast road trip from New York to Philadelphia PA, Myrtle Beach SC, Orlando FL, Savannah GA, Virginia, and back to New York. I also speak about a few Stand-Up Comedy specials that I recently saw for the first time: Jim Gaffigan’s ‘Beyond the Pale’ & ‘Mr. Universe’. Also, Todd Barry’s ‘Crowd Work’. I share my thoughts on the whole male, female, transgender bathroom debate. I recently re-watched the movie: Contact with Jodie Foster, based on the novel by Carl Sagan, and I wrap up the show with my thoughts on that.   Links referenced in this episode: The Wilkes House: http://mrswilkes.com/ Joanna Sloame provides a good video synopsis of the transgender bathroom issue: http://www.popsugar.com/news/Obama-Transgender-Bathroom-Laws-Video-41309669 11 states sue Pres. Obama over transgender bathroom guidance: http://www.msnbc.com/kate-snow/watch/11-states-sue-obama-over-bathroom-guidance-692785731857 Clip from Contact: Jodie Foster's mystical flight: https://youtu.be/7pf

In this episode I speak about President Obama’s final Correspondents Dinner. I also give you a sneak peak into my writing process by reading/going over a portion of the very first draft of a short story I’m writing that isn’t even complete yet! No self-respecting writer ever lets anyone see their first draft notes … good thing I’m a whole different type of weirdo. Stay tuned for the finished short story, which should eventually be published at: http://www.spuntoday.com/shortstories/ on a date yet tbd. Links referenced in this episode: Commedian-in-Chief Obama at 2016 White House Correspondents' Dinner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA5ezR0Kh80 Fill out my 5-question survey if you’re passionate about your craft. I’ll share your insight and motivation on the Podcast: http://www.spuntoday.com/questionnaire/ Order prints of my Photography (Posters, Canvas, Framed):www.crated.com/spuntoday Shop on Amazon using this link, to support the Podcast: http://www.amazon.com//ref=as_sl_pc_tf_lc?&tag=sputod0c-20&c

In this episode I speak about Jon “Bones” Jones’ recent return to the Octagon in UFC 197 and his upcoming rematch with Daniel Cormier to unify the title. Conor McGregors’ recent “power play” and negotiations with UFC executives and a few TV shows & movies that I’ve recently watched (House of Cards on Netflix, Better call Saul on AMC, Barbershop 3, Deadpool and Concussion). Links referenced in this episode: Fill out my 5-question survey if you’re passionate about your craft. I’ll share your insight and motivation on the Podcast: http://www.spuntoday.com/questionnaire/ Order prints of my Photography (Posters, Canvas, Framed):www.crated.com/spuntoday Shop on Amazon using this link, to support the Podcast: www.Amazon.com 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 Check out my Book: Make Way for You – Tips for getting out of your own way http://www.spuntoday.com/books/ (e-Book & Paperback

This is an excerpt from the book: Make Way for You.  Feel free to check it out: http://www.spuntoday.com/books   Avoid a Purposeless Journey I SPENT a large part of my life motivated by the wrong type of motivation. The wrong type of ‘what success meant’. Always falling short of unattainable goals (while in that mind set) because the litmus test to gauge that success was and is a bad indicator. We shouldn’t allow money and materials to dictate our drive … that’s a purposeless journey. Those things are and should always be treated as being an added plus, a byproduct. Aside from the essentials (which to me are a given); Family, health, true Friendships … I’ve found myself realizing what true success is. What it is and means to me. To others it may be different, or not yet realized. Having a positive outlook is key. That’s a prerequisite. Self-awareness and being centered. Knowing yourself, what you want and don’t want and actually acting accordingly … not just going with the flow and waiting for change to come

In this episode I read and reflect on some free-writing, which is located at: http://www.spuntoday.com/freewriting/. I also get into Tesla’s new Model 3 (which is priced at 35K), Space X & Nasa’s historic and successful landing of a rocket at Sea, watching Cosmos with Neil deGrasse Tyson on Netflix, and getting to see Duncan Trussell live at Gramercy Theatre in NYC. Links referenced in this episode: Check out the Tesla Model 3: https://www.teslamotors.com/model3 SpaceX lands historic rocket at Sea: https://www.theguardian.com/science/video/2016/apr/09/spacex-falcon-9-rocket-successfully-lands-on-ocean-platform-video Space X delivers world’s 1st inflatable room for astronauts Article: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_SCI_SPACE_STATION?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Fill out my 5-question survey if you’re passionate about your craft. I’ll share your insight and motivation on the Podcast: http://www.spuntoday.com/questionnaire/ Order prints of my Photography (Posters, Canvas, Framed):