Moises “MO” Santizo Introduces a New Way to Experience Interviews Through Vinyl

Moises “MO” Santizo is building something intentionally different at the intersection of spoken word, storytelling, and physical media.

Best known as the creator and host of the UNSHUT Podcast, MO is now introducing a format that blends long-form interviews with collectible vinyl releases, a concept that has not previously existed in the podcast or spoken-word space.

Born in Guatemala and raised in Los Angeles after immigrating to the U.S. as a child, MO’s journey has been shaped by resilience and adaptability. From selling food on the streets of LA at a young age to navigating language barriers, family challenges, and immigration limitations, his early experiences laid the foundation for a career built through persistence rather than access.

After graduating from high school, MO faced a major setback when his college applications were denied due to immigration requirements, despite holding legal work authorization. Instead of pausing his ambitions, he pursued opportunities in coaching and choreography, quickly establishing himself as an award-winning choreographer.

Over the next nine years, he built a career that took him across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, eventually leading him to Las Vegas, where he founded a performing arts company and partnered with the City of Las Vegas on recreational and consulting programs. His company was also one of the first to implement virtual choreography feedback through a digital platform.

During the pandemic, MO temporarily stepped away from the performing arts industry, using the time to explore other business ventures. In 2022, he officially retired from that chapter of his career and revisited a long-standing goal: hosting and on-camera storytelling. In October 2023, he launched UNSHUT, a podcast focused on in-depth conversations with artists, creatives, and public figures.

Since its launch, UNSHUT has reached listeners in 44 countries on Spotify and featured a wide range of guests, from Grammy-winning and multi-platinum artists to independent creatives and comedians.

MO’s latest project expands the podcast into physical form with a vinyl-exclusive spoken-word interview featuring former Disney child actor Chez Starbuck. Hosted by MO and Starbuck, the interview reflects on Starbuck’s breakout role as Disney’s first live-action merman, his experiences working with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen and Christy Carlson Romano, and the personal challenges that followed early fame, including substance abuse, family dynamics, and parenthood.

The vinyl release is designed as a limited collector’s item and includes:

• A limited-edition double-sided vinyl

• An alternate ending exclusive to the record

• A QR code granting access to an extended video version of the interview

• Access to original photos from the project
  

The project was recorded in MO’s home in Austin, Texas, and pressed locally by Gold Rush Vinyl. Credits include production by Dan Smith, artwork by Matthew Marniella, camera and audio by Angel Santizo, and additional camera and behind-the-scenes work by Vincent Carino, all collaborators connected through previous UNSHUT episodes.

MO describes his approach as focused on long-term impact rather than scale, emphasizing that innovation does not require celebrity or virality. His goal is to demonstrate how creative formats can evolve when artists and hosts think beyond traditional distribution models.