Welcome to Episode 286 of the Spun Today Podcast, the show anchored in writing but truly unlimited in its scope. I'm your host, Tony Ortiz, and today we're diving into something both personal and nostalgic: a throwback tribute episode to my good friend and Spun Today alum, the late, great, Pablo Mosquera Jr.

In this heartfelt installment, we revisit one of our annual beach day recordings—this one taking place on Coney Island during that odd window in the summer of 2020, right in the midst of the COVID pandemic. Pablo and I reflect on everything from the challenges and isolation of lockdown, the mental health impact of working from home, and our predictions about the ever-evolving work landscape, to our perennial struggles getting to Governor's Island for a bike ride and, of course, our shared love of breaking the monotony with a little weekday hooky at the beach.

Expect a conversation that ranges far and wide, just like the show itself. We cover road trips, favorite drinks, and the transformative power of routine escapes—plus the creative, life-affirming benefits of unplugging from work and leaning into tradition, even during uncertain times. There's even a story about a real-life lifeguard rescue and a heap of pop culture moments, from The Sopranos to Patrick Swayze classics, all through the unique lens of creativity, inspiration, and the everyday writer's perspective.

So whether you're here for the writing talk, the laughs, or some much-needed motivation, this episode invites you to reminisce, recharge, and most of all, keep spinning creativity into your life—no matter what the world throws your way.

Let's get into it.

The Spun Today Podcast is a Podcast that is anchored in Writing & Random Rants, but unlimited in scope. Give it a whirl.

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Links referenced in this episode:

Follow Pablo on Instagram: @pabs711

Fu*k , That's Delicious S04E10 With Action Bronson - Bronx To Farm Cuisine | MUNCHIES & VICE TV: https://youtu.be/cwEjj6dALlk?t=420

Lillo Brancato Jr on 'Bronx Tale', Drug Addiction, Cop Getting Killed, Prison (Full Interview): https://youtu.be/-oqFY7vTEIM

Atlanta: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4288182/

Red Dawn: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087985/

Toy Soldiers: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103112/

The Movies That Made Us: https://www.netflix.com/title/80990849

Point Break: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102685/

Talking Sopranos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDUH23ccuK5a2rhKqE1HcEw

Two dope scenes from True Romance:

1. The Sicilian Scene: https://youtu.be/S3yon2GyoiM

2. Fight scene Part 1: https://youtu.be/VxRpMphMmXM & Part 2: https://youtu.be/2l1hDC34gTc

Listen to episode #283 (re-release of #107 – Beach Day with Pablo):

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/283-cycles-of-life-loss-and-stories-honoring/id924328532?i=1000709665351

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/44wHccKC8Jpuu3eYLd1fO5?si=R7EH9dQZSAKFutXeSF80YQ&nd=1&dlsi=e830def4b0bd401c

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lfWTjGP2JY

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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).

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Outro Background Music: https://www.bensound.com

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