ITSPmagazine

Dave Tourjé: You Have to Destroy What You Create to Become FreeWhen Dave Tourjé was two years old, he had a box of wooden blocks. Every day he'd dump them on the floor, stack them into towers of color, admire what he built—then destroy it and start over.That ritual never stopped.Tourjé is a painter, a punk rock musician, a skateboarder, and a founding member of the California Locos—a collective of LA artists who represent the city's raw, multicultural energy. When he sat down with me for Audio Signals Podcast, we talked about survival, rebellion, and what it really takes to stay free as an artist."You have to learn to destroy what you're creating to really become free," Tourjé told me. "Otherwise you're gonna be trapped by your own creation."He calls himself a lucky survivor of the eighties. Born in 1960, raised in Los Angeles, he hit the punk rock scene at 19, got his first skateboard at 7, and was riding swimming pools by the time urethane wheels made it possible. He studied art on scholarship but quit when they asked him to do papier-mâché in college. "That was third grade for me," he said. "I just said, fuck this. I'm outta here."He's the only practicing artist from that program.When galleries started selling his concrete and steel furniture around the world, Tourjé thought they'd embrace his paintings too. Instead, they told him to stick with what was selling. When collectors wanted commissioned work in different colors, he walked away. "I was not built to do it," he said. "So I bowed out."Instead of finding a patron, he built one. A construction company that runs without him—a machine that pays him without requiring him to owe anything to anyone. "It's going to be my patron," he explained. "It's a similar model, but without all the social implications."That freedom let him focus on the California Locos, a collective he assembled around 2011 with friends who were all leaders in their own corners of LA culture—surf, skate, street art, tattoo, photography. "We are basically Los Angeles," he said. "A very honest reflection."Their book, Renaissance and Rebellion, tells the story from the sixties to now. It's published by Drago in Rome and distributed internationally. They're currently showing at the California Surf Museum in Oceanside, with museum shows lined up for 2027 and Spain on the horizon.But the moment that stuck with me came at the end of our conversation. We talked about how musicians destroy as they create—every live performance disappears the moment it's played. "It's like painting a painting that as soon as you put it down and you go to get the next paint, the paint is gone."And when someone looks at his paintings and sees something he never intended? He doesn't correct them. "The story is the painting," he said. "As soon as the artist says what it's about, everybody has to abide by the rules."He refuses to impose meaning. Once he's done, he becomes an observer. The work is no longer his—it's an object from the past. He's already onto the next thing.That's what freedom looks like after a lifetime of rebellion.Stay tuned. Subscribe. And remember—we are all made of stories.-- Marco_______________________________________________________________________________________Audio Signals Podcast 🌐 https://www.audiosignalspodcast.comDave Tourjé 🌐 https://davetourje.com/Marco Ciappelli 🌐 https://www.marcociappelli.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As AI makes it easier for attackers to launch account takeover campaigns at scale, organizations face mounting pressure to protect their customers and their brand. Israel Mazin, Co-Founder and CEO of Memcyco, joins the conversation to discuss how real-time detection and protection capabilities are changing the game.Memcyco is built on four products within a unified platform, each designed to detect and block both traditional and AI-driven attacks in real time. Unlike reactive threat intelligence solutions, Memcyco identifies victims as they interact with fake sites, provides detailed attacker data, and even deploys credential deception to neutralize stolen information before it can be used.With an agentless deployment that takes just minutes to implement, Memcyco delivers more than 10x ROI for customers across financial services, retail, airlines, logistics, and hospitality. The company has achieved nearly 300% year-over-year growth, serving organizations across North America, Latin America, Europe, and beyond.This is a Brand Highlight. A Brand Highlight is a ~5 minute introductory conversation designed to put a spotlight on the guest and their company. Learn more: https://www.studioc60.com/creation#highlightGUESTIsrael Mazin, Co-Founder and CEO of MemcycoOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/israel-mazin-62215b/RESOURCESMemcyco: https://www.memcyco.com/Are you interested in telling your story?▶︎ Full Length Brand Story: https://www.studioc60.com/content-creation#full▶︎ Brand Spotlight Story: https://www.studioc60.com/content-creation#spotlight▶︎ Brand Highlight Story: https://www.studioc60.com/content-creation#highlightKEYWORDSIsrael Mazin, Memcyco, Sean Martin, brand story, brand marketing, marketing podcast, brand highlight, account takeover, ATO fraud, digital impersonation, phishing protection, real-time fraud detection, credential deception, website spoofing, AI-driven attacks, fraud prevention platform, agentless security Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jensen Huang Just Won IEEE's Highest Honor. The Reason Tells Us Everything About Where Tech Is Headed.IEEE announced Jensen Huang as its 2026 Medal of Honor recipient at CES this week. The NVIDIA founder joins a lineage stretching back to 1917—over a century of recognizing people who didn't just advance technology, but advanced humanity through technology.That distinction matters more than ever.I spoke with Mary Ellen Randall, IEEE's 2026 President and CEO, from the floor of CES Las Vegas. The timing felt significant. Here we are, surrounded by the latest gadgets and AI demonstrations, having a conversation about something deeper: what all this technology is actually for.IEEE isn't a small operation. It's the world's largest technical professional society—500,000 members across 190 countries, 38 technical societies, and 142 years of history that traces back to when the telegraph was connecting continents and electricity was the revolutionary new thing. Back then, engineers gathered to exchange ideas, challenge each other's thinking, and push innovation forward responsibly.The methods have evolved. The mission hasn't."We're dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity," Randall told me. Not advancing technology for its own sake. Not for quarterly earnings. For humanity. It sounds like a slogan until you realize it's been their operating principle since before radio existed.What struck me was her framing of this moment. Randall sees parallels to the Renaissance—painters working with sculptors, sharing ideas with scientists, cross-pollinating across disciplines to create explosive growth. "I believe we're in another time like that," she said. "And IEEE plays a crucial role because we are the way to get together and exchange ideas on a very rapid scale."The Jensen Huang selection reflects this philosophy. Yes, NVIDIA built the hardware that powers AI. But the Medal of Honor citation focuses on something broader—the entire ecosystem NVIDIA created that enables AI advancement across healthcare, autonomous systems, drug discovery, and beyond. It's not just about chips. It's about what the chips make possible.That ecosystem thinking matters when AI is moving faster than our ethical frameworks can keep pace. IEEE is developing standards to address bias in AI models. They've created certification programs for ethical AI development. They even have standards for protecting young people online—work that doesn't make headlines but shapes the digital environment we all inhabit."Technology is a double-edged sword," Randall acknowledged. "But we've worked very hard to move it forward in a very responsible and ethical way."What does responsible look like when everything is accelerating? IEEE's answer involves convening experts to challenge each other, peer-reviewing research to maintain trust, and developing standards that create guardrails without killing innovation. It's the slow, unglamorous work that lets the exciting breakthroughs happen safely.The organization includes 189,000 student members—the next generation of engineers who will inherit both the tools and the responsibilities we're creating now. "Engineering with purpose" is the phrase Randall kept returning to. People don't join IEEE just for career advancement. They join because they want to do good.I asked about the future. Her answer circled back to history: the Renaissance happened when different disciplines intersected and people exchanged ideas freely. We have better tools for that now—virtual conferences, global collaboration, instant communication. The question is whether we use them wisely.We live in a Hybrid Analog Digital Society where the choices engineers make today ripple through everything tomorrow. Organizations like IEEE exist to ensure those choices serve humanity, not just shareholder returns.Jensen Huang's Medal of Honor isn't just recognition of past achievement. It's a statement about what kind of innovation matters.Subscribe to the Redefining Society and Technology podcast. Stay curious. Stay human.My Newsletter? Yes, of course, it is here: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7079849705156870144/Marco Ciappelli: https://www.marcociappelli.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this Brand Highlight, we talk with Denny LeCompte, CEO and Co-Founder of Portnox, about how identity and access control are changing as AI-driven agents and synthetic identities become active participants inside enterprise environments.Passwords still sit at the root of many security failures, which is why the conversation starts with the fundamentals: controlling who can access data, from where, and under what device and policy conditions. Certificate-based authentication emerges as a practical way to reduce password dependency while keeping enforcement tied to managed devices and policy compliance.The discussion then shifts to what is changing for security leaders. CISOs may feel more confident managing traditional cyber threats, but uncertainty rises quickly when AI-generated and non-human identities enter the picture. Agentic AI turns automation into an entity that touches networks and applications, making access control a first-order requirement rather than an afterthought.A clear theme emerges throughout the conversation: synthetic identities are not hypothetical. They appear anywhere autonomous agents require permissions to act, from software development to workflow automation. Applying the same discipline used for human identities, including least privilege, scope limitation, and policy enforcement, becomes essential to maintaining control as AI adoption accelerates.Note: This story contains promotional content. Learn more.GuestDenny LeCompte, CEO and Co-Founder of Portnoxhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dennylecompte/ResourcesLearn more about Portnox: https://www.portnox.com/Are you interested in telling your story?Full Length Brand Story: https://www.studioc60.com/content-creation#fullBrand Spotlight Story: https://www.studioc60.com/content-creation#spotlightBrand Highlight Story: https://www.studioc60.com/content-creation#highlightKeywords: sean martin, denny lecompte, portnox, identity, access, zero trust, passwordless, certificates, agentic ai, synthetic identities, brand story, brand marketing, marketing podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Across dozens of conversations centered on the CISO experience, one reality keeps surfacing: the role no longer exists to protect systems in isolation. It exists to protect the business itself.Today’s CISO operates at the intersection of operational risk, executive decision-making, and organizational trust. The responsibility is not just to identify threats, but to help leadership understand which risks matter, when they matter, and why they deserve attention. This shift changes what success looks like. It also changes how pressure is felt.During the early years of this transition, CISOs carry accountability without authority. They are expected to influence outcomes without always having control over budgets, priorities, or timelines. That tension forces a new skill set to the forefront. Technical knowledge is assumed. The differentiator becomes communication, translation, and relationship-building across the business.As organizations mature, the conversation evolves again. Security stops being framed around individual threats and starts being framed as an operational discipline. CISOs focus on prioritization, tradeoffs, and clarity rather than coverage for everything. This requires judgment more than tooling.The role also becomes deeply human. Fear shows up quietly. Fear of pushing too hard. Fear of slowing the business. Fear of being seen as the blocker. CISOs who succeed do not eliminate that fear. They learn how to manage it while building credibility with executive peers.AI enters the picture not as a replacement, but as a force multiplier. Automation supports scale, but judgment remains human. Security programs increasingly deny by default and permit intentionally, which demands a deep understanding of how the business actually works. That understanding cannot be automated.What emerges is a clearer definition of modern security leadership. The CISO is no longer a gatekeeper. This is a risk advisor, a translator, and a strategist who helps the organization focus its limited resources where they matter most.The role has not become easier. It has become more meaningful.Read the full article: TBA________This story represents the results of an interactive collaboration between Human Cognition and Artificial Intelligence.Enjoy, think, share with others, and subscribe to "The Future of Cybersecurity" newsletter on LinkedIn: https://itspm.ag/future-of-cybersecuritySincerely, Sean Martin and TAPE9________Sean Martin is a life-long musician and the host of the Music Evolves Podcast; a career technologist, cybersecurity professional, and host of the Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast; and is also the co-host of the On Location Event Coverage Podcast. These shows are all part of ITSPmagazine—which he co-founded with his good friend Marco Ciappelli, to explore and discuss topics at The Intersection of Technology, Cybersecurity, and Society.™️Would you like Sean to work with you on a topic/series to help you tell your story? Visit his services page to learn more: https://www.seanmartin.com/servicesWant to connect with Sean and Marco On Location at an event or conference near you? See where they will be next: https://www.itspmagazine.com/on-locationTo learn more about Sean, visit his personal website.Keywords: sean martin, marco ciappelli, steve katz, tim brown, jessica robinson, rob allen, rohit ghai, rich seiersen, steven j speer, chris pierson, mark lambert, jim manico, robin bylenga, redefining cybersecurity, cybersecurity podcast, redefining cybersecurity podcast, ciso, risk, leadership, ai, resilience, strategy Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Show NotesMusic placement has quietly become one of the most powerful engines shaping how audiences discover new artists. In this episode of Music Evolves, host Sean Martin speaks with Chris SD, music producer and founder focused on connecting independent songwriters with film, television, and media opportunities, about how music moves from personal creation into shared cultural moments.The conversation centers on sync licensing not as a shortcut, but as a parallel creative economy. Chris SD explains that music supervisors, the professionals responsible for sourcing music for screen, are not looking for imitation or trend chasing. They are listening for authenticity. Songs that already exist, written without a brief or a pitch in mind, often resonate more deeply because they carry emotional truth rather than calculated intent.Why Indie Music Wins Screen TimeIndependent artists play a critical role in modern film and television. Budget realities often make major label catalogs impractical, while independent creators offer flexibility, ownership clarity, and creative alignment. This shifts the opportunity structure. Artists who control their masters and publishing are easier to work with and faster to license, which matters in production schedules driven by speed.Exposure matters as much as payment. A single placement can introduce an artist to millions of viewers in a context that builds emotional association rather than passive listening. That connection often leads to discovery, touring opportunities, and long-term audience growth.Technology as a Tool, Not the AuthorThe episode also addresses the growing conversation around AI in music creation. Chris SD draws a clear distinction between technology as a production aid and technology as a replacement for human authorship. Current legal frameworks and copyright realities prevent fully AI-generated music from being licensed for film and television. More importantly, the emotional nuance required for storytelling still depends on human experience.The message is consistent throughout the discussion. Music that endures is not built on novelty or automation alone. It survives because it reflects something real. Sync licensing rewards that honesty rather than undermines it.For artists navigating visibility, rights, and sustainability, this conversation reframes placement not as selling out, but as participation in a larger storytelling ecosystem.GuestChris SD, Musician, Producer, and Founder of Sync Songwriter | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-sd/HostSean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine, Studio C60, and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/ResourcesAttend The Sync Songwriter Music Supervisor Panel: https://www.syncsongwriterprograms.com/a/2148209544/Z3BHNXLzMore From Sean MartinMore from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcastMusic Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtWMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Line of Sight Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7400591548452667392/ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazineBe sure to share and subscribe!Keywordssean martin, chris sd, sync, licensing, music, film, television, independent, supervisors, creativity, art, artist, musician, music evolves, music podcast, music and technology podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Across 152 conversations this year, a set of recurring patterns kept surfacing, regardless of whether the discussion focused on application security, software supply chain risk, AI systems, or creative work. The industries varied. The roles varied. The challenges did not.One theme rises above the rest: visibility remains the foundation of everything else, yet organizations continue to accept blind spots as normal. Asset inventories are incomplete. Build systems are poorly understood. Dependencies change faster than teams can track them. The issue is not a lack of tools. It is a willingness to tolerate uncertainty because discovery feels hard or disruptive.Another pattern is equally consistent. Integration matters more than novelty. New features, including AI-driven ones, sound compelling until they fail to connect with what teams already rely on. Security programs fracture when tools operate in isolation. Coverage looks strong on paper while gaps quietly expand in practice. When tools fail to integrate into existing environments, they create complexity instead of reducing risk.Security also continues to struggle with how it shows up in daily work. Programs succeed when security is embedded into workflows, automated where possible, and invisible until it matters. They fail when security acts as a gate that arrives after decisions are already made. Teams either adopt security naturally or route around it entirely. There is no neutral middle ground.Context repeatedly separates effective leadership from noise. Risk only becomes meaningful when it is framed in terms of business operations, delivery speed, and real tradeoffs. Leaders who understand how the business actually functions communicate risk clearly and make better decisions under pressure.Finally, creativity remains undervalued in security conversations. Automation should remove repetitive tasks so people can focus on judgment, problem solving, and design. The same mindset that produces elegant guitars, photographs, or products applies directly to building resilient security programs.These five patterns are not independent ideas. Together, they describe a shift toward security that is visible, integrated, contextual, workflow-driven, and human-centered.Read the full article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/five-patterns-from-152-podcast-episodes-2025-changed-i-martin-cissp-st1ge________This story represents the results of an interactive collaboration between Human Cognition and Artificial Intelligence.Enjoy, think, share with others, and subscribe to "The Future of Cybersecurity" newsletter on LinkedIn: https://itspm.ag/future-of-cybersecuritySincerely, Sean Martin and TAPE9________Sean Martin is a life-long musician and the host of the Music Evolves Podcast; a career technologist, cybersecurity professional, and host of the Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast; and is also the co-host of the On Location Event Coverage Podcast. These shows are all part of ITSPmagazine—which he co-founded with his good friend Marco Ciappelli, to explore and discuss topics at The Intersection of Technology, Cybersecurity, and Society.™️Would you like Sean to work with you on a topic/series to help you tell your story? Visit his services page to learn more: https://www.seanmartin.com/servicesWant to connect with Sean and Marco On Location at an event or conference near you? See where they will be next: https://www.itspmagazine.com/on-locationTo learn more about Sean, visit his personal website. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Show NotesMusic careers are often discussed through the lens of performance, technology, or commercial success. Less visible is the connective tissue that sustains those careers: community, advocacy, and long-term support systems. In this episode of Music Evolves: Sonic Frontiers, the conversation centers on how structured networks and intentional recognition shape opportunity across the music industry.Laura Whitmore, Founder of The Women’s International Music Network and Senior Vice President of Marketing at Positive Grid, shares how the organization was created to address a simple but persistent issue: women working across music often operate in parallel, rarely connected despite facing similar challenges. The network focuses on bridging that gap by creating shared spaces for visibility, mentorship, and collaboration across roles including artists, executives, engineers, marketers, and legal professionals.A central anchor of that effort is the She Rocks Awards, now in its fourteenth year. The awards, taking place during The NAMM Show 2026, highlight women contributing across all layers of the industry, not only those on stage. The emphasis is on storytelling and presence, giving space for honorees to speak openly about career paths, obstacles, and resilience. That visibility has a ripple effect, normalizing leadership diversity and encouraging others to see themselves as part of the industry’s future.The discussion also addresses how technology fits into this ecosystem. From AI-assisted music tools to digital platforms that broaden access, innovation plays a role when it amplifies creativity rather than replacing it. The focus remains on preserving human expression while using technology to remove friction and expand reach.Another recurring theme is generational continuity. Younger creators and professionals bring new perspectives on consumption, creation, and community. Engaging them early, listening closely, and building inclusive pathways ensures the industry remains relevant and sustainable.This episode frames music not only as art or business, but as a shared cultural system. Networks like this one reinforce that progress does not happen automatically. It is built through intentional connection, recognition, and sustained effort.GuestLaura Whitmore, Founder of The Women’s International Music Network and Senior Vice President of Marketing at Positive Grid | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurabwhitmore/HostSean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine, Studio C60, and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/ResourcesThe Women's International Music Network: https://thewimn.com/2026 She Rocks Awards: https://sherocksawards.com/The NAMM Show 2026 is taking place from January 20-24, 2026 | Anaheim Convention Center • Southern California — Coverage provided by ITSPmagazine — Follow our coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/cybersecurity-technology-society-events/the-namm-show-2026The NAMM Show 2026: https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/attendMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Keywordssean martin, laura whitmore, women’s international music network, she rocks awards, positive grid, namm, music advocacy, music marketing, women in music, music leadership, music, creativity, art, artist, musician, music evolves, music podcast, music and technology podcastMore From Sean MartinMore from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcastMusic Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtWMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/On Location with Sean and Marco: https://www.itspmagazine.com/on-locationITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazineBe sure to share and subscribe! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Title: The Right Model for the Right Security Task | A Brand Highlight Conversation with Michael Roytman, Co-Founder and CTO of Empirical SecurityIn this Brand Highlight conversation, Michael Roytman, Co-Founder and CTO of Empirical Security, joins Sean Martin to discuss why choosing the right AI model for the right task is essential for effective cybersecurity.Michael Roytman explains how Empirical Security takes a data-driven, Moneyball-style approach to preventative security. The company builds and maintains an ensemble of models, including the open EPSS model used by over 100 vendors, global models for vulnerability exploitation forecasting, and local models tailored to each customer's unique environment.The conversation explores a critical finding: LLMs perform poorly at predictive security tasks. Michael Roytman shares research he published in Forbes comparing EPSS to LLMs from Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic. While LLMs excel at summarization and classification, they struggle to predict future exploitation events. Purpose-built models like XGBoost consistently outperform LLMs for probability forecasting.Empirical Security positions itself as a data science company operating on security data rather than a traditional security vendor. With two-thirds of the founding team holding data science backgrounds, the company trains models from scratch and continuously retrains them as environments and threat landscapes evolve.This is a Brand Highlight. A Brand Highlight is a ~5 minute introductory conversation designed to put a spotlight on the guest and their company. Learn more: https://www.studioc60.com/creation#highlightGUESTMichael Roytman, Co-Founder and CTO of Empirical SecurityOn LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-roytman/RESOURCESLearn more about Empirical Security | https://www.empiricalsecurity.comAre you interested in telling your story?▶︎ Full Length Brand Story: https://www.studioc60.com/content-creation#full▶︎ Brand Spotlight Story: https://www.studioc60.com/content-creation#spotlight▶︎ Brand Highlight Story: https://www.studioc60.com/content-creation#highlightKEYWORDSEmpirical Security, Michael Roytman, data-driven security, vulnerability management, EPSS, risk-based vulnerability management, AI in cybersecurity, machine learning security, LLM limitations, predictive security models, XGBoost, local models, global models, preventative security, Moneyball security, cybersecurity AI, threat intelligence, security data science, model retraining, ITSPmagazine, Brand Highlight, Studio C60 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Where has Santa Claus gone?Once upon a time there was Santa Claus's Village — but Santa Claus wasn't there. He had been missing for days and days… actually for months. Who would prepare and deliver gifts to the children as they did every year?That part of the North Pole which was usually very busy had become strangely silent — not an Elf could be seen around, no sounds of bells, the sleighs were covered in snow and all the reindeer dozed about confused.If you looked into his house you couldn't see a trace of life. The fireplace cold, the rocking chair covered in cobwebs, an empty cup on the wooden table and a candle stub burnt out long ago.Many were the rumours that had spread about Santa Claus's absence. Some said he was on another planet in a far, far away galaxy, some on the Moon, some on the vast oceans — and someone even said he had opened a bakery in Buenos Aires.The mystery was thick. Nobody could make sense of it and everything was silent and still.Meanwhile, many miles away, in the Southern Seas, a group of seagulls who spent their days fluttering above the bay spotted a small sailing boat in the distance. There was only one sailor on board who was hoisting the main sail up the creaking mast.The eldest seagull couldn't believe his eyes. He did a couple of acrobatics in the air, pulled out his spyglass, looked more carefully and said: "But I know him! That sailor comes from distant lands!"Turning to the other seagulls he told them: "One day, during one of my long journeys, I lost my way and found myself on the frozen rooftops of a village at the North Pole. I landed right on the house of that long-bearded man you see on the boat. He heard me calling for help, came to fetch me, fed me and told me about his work. I think this meeting has something magical about it. Our next adventure is about to begin."Gliding down, they headed towards the boat and all landed on the bow. The seagull and the sailor greeted each other like old friends.Shortly after, a group of dolphins arrived near the sailing boat, curious. They swam in circles around the boat, jumping out of the water.The youngest dolphin noticed something strange. "Look! Wood shavings are coming out of the hold and floating! And you can see little lights below deck."The long-bearded sailor smiled. "Come," he said in a warm voice, "I'll show you what I've done all these months."He opened the hatch to the hold and inside, by the light of two swaying lanterns, you could see a floating workshop full of wonders. With a sharp plane he had worked pieces of wood recovered from the sea, transforming them into toys — and he had done the same with shells, coconuts, cork stoppers, glass bottles, starfish and golden threads that had arrived from who knows where."I travelled to learn new ways of bringing joy," the sailor explained. "But there's so much work to do and Christmas is coming. Would you help me finish?"And so they all set to work together. The dolphins brought special shells from the bottom of the sea. The seagulls gathered coloured feathers. The objects transformed into gifts were placed in large canvas sacks.The days passed quickly.On the first of December the captain, wearing his red warm hat with his pipe in his mouth, looked at the starry sky and said: "It's time to leave."The dolphins lifted the sailing boat until it rose above the waves. The sails filled with wind and it took flight, whilst the flock of seagulls guided it through the clouds following dreams. Together they continued the journey heading north, flying through the endless blue.Night fell quickly and in the sky full of stars one shone brighter than all the others. It was the North Star which with its light accompanied the sailing boat's descent to earth.By magic, as it approached the village, the sailing boat transformed into a sleigh loaded with gifts. The presents built in the hold arrived in the workshop to be delivered together with all the other parcels.When it landed on the roof of his house, a tinkling of bells was heard in the distance. The Elves looked out of their doors and shouted: "It's him! It's him! It's Santa Claus! He's back!"The red-nosed reindeer woke up suddenly and began polishing the sleighs, decorating them with bows and coloured pine cones.Life in the village awakened all at once. The tree branches shook as if they were being tickled. A group of penguins, who had arrived at the North Pole to lend a hand, sliding on the ice sheets at great speed, ended up inside snowdrifts and came out like bouncing balls.“You are so funny! We'll hang you on the Christmas tree as decorations!" the village animals shouted.But the penguins, freeing themselves from the snow, ran towards Santa Claus's house to help with the preparations.In the village absolutely everyone got moving. The reindeer rushed to the Post Office and filled the sacks with letters, then carried them to the workshop. The Elves with the help of the penguins were ready for work.That morning, when the bells rang out in celebration, foxes, squirrels, hares and bears came running from every corner of the forest to celebrate Santa Claus's return. There was so much to do for the joy of all the children in the world.The air smelt of fir trees and homemade biscuits. The Christmas trees sparkled with icicles like stars. The animals chased each other happily with their noses turned upwards.The preparations began in earnest. Throughout the month of December they worked together — saws that sang, hammers that played, coloured paper that flew. Santa Claus told stories of his journey whilst he hammered and sanded.And when the 24th of December arrived, everything was ready. The presents were loaded onto the sleigh and Santa Claus set off on his most important journey.The seagulls flew away towards new horizons, leaving their footprints on the snowy rooftops.Since that Christmas it is said that Santa Claus never left the North Pole again."What if it was only a tale? Is it true, or not? The final decision is yours!" — Written by Lucia & Marco CiappelliFor the Italian version and many more stories to read and listen to: https://www.storiesottolestelle.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.