Up + Adam with Adam Montiel

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Maria Garcia: Why Pop Culture Matters | Muy Excited | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 13:07:11 -0400

Maria Garcia knows the stuff we call “pop culture” is rarely just pop culture.

On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel sits down with the award-winning journalist, storyteller, and Executive Editor of Futuro Studios to talk about her new podcast, Muy Excited with Maria Garcia, a show that takes the songs, celebrities, movies, memories, and wonderfully random cultural moments we carry around with us and asks a deceptively simple question: why did this matter to us? Each week, Maria picks apart a piece of nostalgic or contemporary culture with humor, reporting, and curiosity, looking at what it reveals about who we were then and who we are now.

Adam and Maria get into the strange power of nostalgia, including the way time can soften the edges of the past while also making us forget what was actually happening around us. Maria shares how an upcoming Britney Spears episode caused her to reconsider the media culture of the early 2000s through the eyes of a 41-year-old mother, and why revisiting those moments can reveal just as much about us today as they do about the past. They also talk Ricky Martin, what happens when the icons that defined one generation mean absolutely nothing to the next, and Maria's belief that even the things dismissed as silly, frivolous, or “lowbrow” culture deserve serious curiosity.

Maria also opens up about a turning point in her own storytelling career. While making the acclaimed Anything for Selena, she realized that telling the most truthful version of a story sometimes meant acknowledging her own place inside it. That philosophy has stayed with her through My Divo and now Muy Excited. Her goal is not just to tell you what happened. She wants you to come away understanding something more about people, memory, storytelling, and why certain things stay with us long after the moment itself is gone.

And ultimately, that may be the widest invitation of Muy Excited. Maria tells Adam that specificity can create universality. A story can come from one person's very particular experience and still hit something recognizable in somebody halfway across the world. In a time when so much content feels automated, disposable, and engineered for attention, Maria makes a pretty compelling case for following our curiosity and remembering that storytelling is still one of the most human things we do.

Listen, watch, and follow Maria:

• Muy Excited with Maria Garcia on iHeart: Listen here

• Muy Excited on Spotify: Listen here

• Muy Excited on Apple Podcasts: Listen here

• Maria Garcia on Instagram: @maria_is_muy_excited

• Futuro Media: Learn more about Maria and Futuro Studios

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Entertainment Journalist Thea Glassman: The Untold History of New Girl | Back Inside Apartment 4D | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:30:28 -0400

Some television shows entertain us, some define an era, and a select few somehow become a place we keep going back to. On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with entertainment journalist Thea Glassman to talk about her new book, Who’s That Girl: The Untold, Definitive History of New Girl, a behind-the-scenes look at the beloved Fox comedy and the creative chaos that made Apartment 4D feel like home. Glassman, whose work has appeared in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, Architectural Digest, and Rolling Stone, spoke with creator Liz Meriwether, Zooey Deschanel, Jake Johnson, Max Greenfield, Lamorne Morris, Hannah Simone, and members of the writers, directing, design, and production teams to trace the show from its unlikely beginnings to its life as a streaming-era comfort classic.

Adam and Thea get into what made New Girl different from the traditional network sitcom, the chemistry that emerged during casting, the relentless pursuit of the perfect joke, the Nick and Jess kiss that almost happened much sooner, the wonderfully baffling creation of True American, Prince walking into the New Girl universe, and the final season that nearly did not happen. But underneath all of it is a bigger conversation about why certain shows become cultural shorthand, why we return to fictional friends during very real moments in our lives, and how a comedy that once fought for its place on network television found an entirely new generation through streaming. Whether New Girl is already one of your comfort shows or this conversation sends you toward Apartment 4D for the very first time, this one is for anybody fascinated by how television magic actually gets made.

Who’s That Girl: The Untold, Definitive History of New Girl is available now from St. Martin’s Press in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook.

• Thea Glassman: theaglassman.com

• Instagram: @theaglassman

• Who’s That Girl at St. Martin’s Press: Book details and purchase options

• Amazon: Who’s That Girl by Thea Glassman

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Director Daniel Stamm: Inside Lockbox, The Last Exorcism and the Psychology of Horror Films | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 11:29:04 -0400

Director Daniel Stamm joins Adam Montiel for a fascinating trip inside the craft, psychology, and very human heart of horror.

Daniel is the filmmaker behind The Last Exorcism, Prey for the Devil, 13 Sins, and the new supernatural thriller Lockbox, starring Carla Gugino, Lou Taylor Pucci, and Katharine Isabelle. Inspired by a story from Soren Narnia’s cult audio series Knifepoint Horror, Lockbox follows Ellen, a grieving woman whose attempt to rebuild her life is shattered when an otherworldly force begins hunting her severely traumatized cousin, Winthrop. The film is now available to rent or buy digitally.

But even for listeners who do not usually reach for horror, this conversation opens a much wider door. Daniel explains why a frightening scene cannot work until the audience cares about the person trapped inside it, why love and compassion can make a character both stronger and more vulnerable, and how being believed can stabilize someone whose entire reality is falling apart.

Adam and Daniel also explore the creative challenge of taking Knifepoint Horror from audio to screen. The podcast leaves empty spaces where the listener’s imagination can build its own monster. A movie has to preserve that unease while also delivering a satisfying conclusion. Daniel shares why Lockbox would succeed or fail on its third act, and how screenwriter Justin Yoffe helped transform Soren Narnia’s haunting original story into a complete cinematic experience. Knifepoint Horror identifies Lockbox as an adaptation of one of its 2019 stories.

The conversation gets deeply personal as Daniel discusses living with narcolepsy, the disturbing nightmares in which he is often the perpetrator instead of the victim, and his fascination with the loneliness and secrecy surrounding evil. He also reveals how a year spent studying Buddhist psychology forced him to ask why making horror movies was a worthwhile use of his life.

His answer is unexpectedly beautiful. Horror gives audiences the chance to survive something safely. It creates catharsis, reminds us that we are still alive, and can make the ordinary problems waiting outside the theater feel a little less terrifying.

Daniel also talks about the responsibility he feels when viewers give him ninety minutes of their finite lives, why character must never take a backseat to spectacle, why Psycho remains the most frightening movie he has ever seen, and how Snickers bars help carry him through the anxiety of directing a film set.

This is a conversation about horror, but it is also about empathy, grief, faith, denial, human blind spots, and the darkness that grows wherever we refuse to shine a light.

• Watch the Lockbox trailer: YouTube

• Find where to watch Lockbox: JustWatch

• Explore Lockbox: IMDb

• Follow Daniel Stamm: Instagram

• Explore Daniel Stamm’s films and television work: IMDb

• Listen to Knifepoint Horror: Apple Podcasts

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Dan Curcio & Elyse Black: Under the Moon at Dairy Creek | Moonshiner Collective | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 14:02:13 -0400

Dan Curcio and Elyse Black join Adam for a conversation about music, homecoming, and one of the Central Coast’s most beloved live concert experiences. Dan takes us inside Moonshiner Collective’s Under the Moon series, where the night begins with intimate songs that invite people to really listen, then builds into the kind of full-send dance party longtime fans know and love.

Elyse, fresh from graduating from Berklee College of Music, talks about returning to the Central Coast, finding her voice as an independent artist, and building a set that feels right for the warmth and energy of an Under the Moon crowd. She also shares what she learned from leading bands, arranging music, and preparing to release new original songs more consistently.

The August 14 Under the Moon concert at Dairy Creek is sold out, but the next concert is already on the calendar for Friday, October 2, 2026, and tickets are available now. Keep up with Moonshiner Collective for ticket information, upcoming performances, and new music.

• Moonshiner Collective Official Website

• Moonshiner Collective on Instagram

• Listen to Moonshiner Collective on Spotify

• Under the Moon Tickets and Upcoming Events

• Elyse Black Official Website

• Elyse Black on Instagram

• Listen to Elyse Black on Spotify

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Resting Pitch Face: How Nightsky Camps Brings Suite Dreams to Tented Nights Under the SLO CAL Stars | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 12:16:54 -0400

Two Australians meet in California, discover one of San Luis Obispo’s most striking landscapes, and decide to build a hospitality experience that works with the land instead of over it. Adam welcomes Nightsky Camps co-founders David Smith and Anatoly “Toly” Mezhov for a conversation about the 45 elevated tented suites taking shape at Dairy Creek, where the comfort of a boutique hotel will meet the silence, space, and adventure of the outdoors.

David and Toly share how their different backgrounds in hospitality, finance, design, and development came together around a shared vision for what they call “hotel meets campground.” They explain why Nightsky is designed less around a particular age or type of traveler and more around a mindset: people looking to disconnect from the chaos of modern life and reconnect with nature, each other, and SLO CAL. The conversation also explores their partnership with San Luis Obispo County, the value of restraint in development, dog and family-friendly accommodations, and why the surrounding landscape is not simply the backdrop. It is the experience.

Adam also gets the story behind Marcerro, the restaurant already open at Dairy Creek Golf Course. With seasonal coastal California cooking, cocktails, local wine, and an approachable menu led by Chef Trey, Marcerro is designed to serve golfers, travelers, and locals looking for anything from a casual Tuesday meal to a memorable SLO CAL night out. Plus, David makes the case for the burger, Toly stands firmly behind the Cobb salad and tuna tartare tacos, and Adam attempts to determine whether the in-room teepee belongs to a child, a dog, or whichever one claims it first.

Nightsky Camps is currently slated to open in Fall 2026. Guests interested in booking early can join the Stargazer program with a $50 deposit for priority access to the reservation calendar and eligibility for an opening discount of up to $200.

• Explore Nightsky Camps

• Join Nightsky Stargazer Early Access

• Learn About Nightsky Sustainability

• Follow Nightsky Camps on Instagram

• Explore Marcerro

• View the Marcerro Menu

• See Marcerro Events and Happenings

• Follow Marcerro on Instagram

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Steven Herring: Pt 2 Local Serial Entrepreneur on Discipline, Leadership, and Systems Shape Better Leaders | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 12:13:31 -0400

Local serial entrepreneur Steven Herring returns for Part 2 of his conversation with Adam Montiel, and this time the focus shifts from the systems behind the business to the discipline behind the person.

Steven explains why he starts his weekdays around 4:00 a.m. with a 39-degree cold plunge, not because he enjoys it, but because voluntarily choosing discomfort helps him face the rest of the day with more control. From there, Adam and Steven get into physical and mental self-care, consistency, personal accountability, and the challenge of taking care of yourself when work, family, and responsibility are all demanding your attention.

The conversation also goes inside Gain Station Gym, the Atascadero fitness facility Steven built with his wife. Steven shares the vision behind creating something different from a traditional big-box gym, including 24-hour access, childcare, recovery services, cold plunges, saunas, red-light therapy, full locker rooms, and even a dedicated posing room. He also talks about entering the gym business after watching COVID reshape the local fitness industry.

But Part 2 is about more than workouts and willpower. Adam and Steven explore the role communication plays in leadership, marriage, and company culture. Steven discusses using personality assessments and AI tools to help managers understand how different employees need to receive feedback. Instead of simply “laying the hammer down,” the goal is to communicate in a way that gives the other person a real chance to hear the message.

That same work follows Steven home. He reflects on more than two decades with his wife, their decision to finally build a business together after years of saying they never would, and the constant effort required to understand how your partner communicates. The result is a candid conversation about leadership in its most human form, including discipline, trust, partnership, family, discomfort, and learning how to show up in a way that works for more than just you.

This episode is for entrepreneurs, managers, spouses, parents, gym people, cold-plunge people, and anyone trying to carry a full life without letting the weight of it flatten them.

• Learn more about Legacy Leadership Consulting: legacyhq.io

• Follow Steven Herring on Instagram: instagram.com/stevenherringofficial

• Explore Gain Station Gym: gainstationgym.com

• Learn more about All About Events: allaboutevents.com

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Paso Robles Distillery Trail Weekend: Whiskey Business, Coffee Liqueur and a Spirited Escape | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 16:36:14 -0400

Paso Robles wine country has another side worth sipping, and it is coming out in full force for Distillery Trail Weekend. Adam welcomes Steve Glossner, owner and distiller at Pendray’s Distillery, and Ron Panno, distiller at Willow Creek Distillery, for a spirited conversation about the creativity, persistence, and collaboration driving Paso Robles craft spirits.

Steve shares the unlikely story behind Pendray’s coffee liqueur, a project he nearly abandoned before returning to the recipe and turning it into the distillery’s number-one tasting room seller. He explains the challenge of capturing rich coffee flavor without overwhelming bitterness, along with the vanilla bean and cacao nibs that help bring the final spirit into balance. Ron weighs in on the craftsmanship inside the bottle, introduces Adam to the Boulevardier, and shares why the collaborative nature of the Paso Robles Distillery Trail makes the entire region stronger.

They also preview Distillery Trail Weekend, happening August 7 through 9, 2026. Pendray’s will welcome visitors for a closer look at the still and serve liqueur floats featuring selections such as coffee, plum, orange, and amaro. At Willow Creek Distillery, guests can compare single malt whiskey aged in French oak and second-use American oak, spin a prize wheel with an eligible purchase, and enjoy special food offerings.

No event ticket is required. Guests can pick up a trail map, plan their own route, and visit the participating boutique distilleries. Visit at least six locations, collect a stamp at each stop, and earn a free limited-edition Paso Robles Distillers shot glass. The 2026 Copper Card adds even more to the experience, including one complimentary tasting at each participating distillery, access to select tours, demonstrations, and events during Trail Weekend, plus exclusive discounts. Copper Cards do not expire, so cardholders can continue exploring the trail at their own pace.

This conversation is a celebration of what Paso Robles does best: talented makers with distinct points of view choosing to work together, welcome people in, and create something larger than any single bottle.

Explore and plan your visit

• Paso Robles Distillery Trail

• Distillery Trail Weekend details

• Pendray’s Distillery website

• Pendray’s Distillery on Instagram

• Willow Creek Distillery website

• Willow Creek Distillery on Instagram

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Naushad Huda: Inside Grape Night’s 'Sip & Dink' - Wine and Pickleball Tournament | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 11:30:42 -0400

What happens when ten wineries trade the tasting room for the pickleball court? Naushad Huda, founder of Grape Night, joins Adam to preview Sip & Dink, the first wine and pickleball tournament of its kind, happening Saturday, August 1, 2026, at the Tennis & Pickleball Club at Newport Beach. Sixty players will compete across winery teams representing regions from Paso Robles and Napa to Washington, New Zealand, and beyond, followed by an awards ceremony and grand tasting featuring all ten participating wineries.

Naushad shares how the unlikely pairing came together, why wine lovers and pickleball players may have more in common than anyone realized, and how guests can play alongside winemakers or cheer from the sidelines as spectators. He and Adam also explore a bigger idea at the heart of Grape Night: people often connect with the people, places, and stories behind a bottle before they connect with the wine itself. For Naushad, growing the wine community is not simply about making wine more approachable. It is about making wine more human.

The conversation also uncorks what is next for Grape Night, including intimate winemaker pop-ups, an expanding Insider Club designed to connect travelers with vetted wineries and tasting experiences, and Naushad’s hope of bringing Sip & Dink to more cities. Plus, Adam discovers the wonderfully unexpected truth about the pickleball game of the man organizing the entire tournament.

• Sip & Dink tickets and event details: grapenight.com/sip-n-dink-wine-pickleball-tournament

• Explore Grape Night: grapenight.com

• Follow Grape Night on Instagram: @grapenight_social

• Learn more about Naushad Huda: Monarch Wine profile

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Local Serial Entrepreneur Steven Herring: From All About Events to All About Letting Go | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 15:18:00 -0400

Local and serial entrepreneur Steven Herring joins Adam Montiel in the SLO CAL Studios for Part 1 of a wide-ranging conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, systems, and the danger of becoming indispensable inside the company you created.

Steven shares how his entrepreneurial instinct showed up early, from selling mistletoe and Pogs as a kid to starting Party Partners Rental with a small collection of tables, folding chairs, and a trailer parked in the Atascadero Vons lot. That side hustle eventually merged with All About Table Tops and became All About Events, now one of the Central Coast’s most recognizable event rental companies.

But this is not simply an entrepreneurial victory lap. Steven explains why the owner is often the biggest bottleneck in a growing company, why everything living inside the founder’s head eventually becomes a liability, and why documented systems, standard operating procedures, clear chains of command, and consistent accountability must be established before a business can truly scale.

Adam and Steven also talk about learning to accept someone else performing a job at 90 percent of the owner’s personal standard, the difference between delegation and abandonment, and why assigning a task without follow-up creates frustration instead of freedom. Steven shares how he uses task-management systems and leadership structures to oversee six companies while remaining focused on the larger operation rather than every daily decision.

The conversation also explores the devastating impact of 2020 on All About Events. Steven had invested heavily in inventory ahead of what was expected to be a record wedding season, only to watch events disappear almost overnight. He discusses the financial pressure, the demand for returned deposits, the community-minded Dining in the Park effort, and how rebuilding leaner taught him to read the story hidden inside a company’s financials.

Part 1 closes with the mission behind Legacy Leadership Consulting. Steven is not interested in collecting consulting fees from owners who will not implement change. He wants to work with disciplined business owners who are prepared to be held accountable, become stronger leaders, and create a trickle-down effect by developing leaders throughout their organizations.

In Part 2, Adam and Steven get into discipline, 4:00 a.m. cold plunges, Gain Station Gym, company culture, communication styles, AI in business, working alongside your spouse, and the personal habits behind Steven’s professional philosophy.

• Legacy Leadership Consulting: legacyhq.io

• Steven Herring on Instagram: instagram.com/stevenherringofficial

• All About Events: allaboutevents.com

• Gain Station Gym: gainstationgym.com

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

SLO County Tea Sommelier Explains Living Tea | My Favorite Winemaker & I Learn the Way of Tea | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 15:14:00 -0400

What if tea was more than something you drink when you’re sick, sleepy, or trying to be “healthy”? What if it could be a way to taste place, slow down, gather with people, and pay attention to the world around you?

On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with Jennifer de Tréglodé, founder of Inari Tea & Art Experiences and SLO County’s Tea Sommelier, for a conversation that opens tea up in a completely new way. Jennifer reached out with the idea that in a region so deeply connected to wine, tea can offer another beautiful lens into terroir, ritual, ecology, craftsmanship, sensory experience, land, culture, and community. She introduces Adam to Chado, the Way of Tea, and shares how tea can become a practice of presence, comfort, curiosity, and connection.

Joining the conversation is Adam’s dear friend Jordan Fiorentini, winemaker and Director of Winemaking at Epoch Estate Wines, who helps connect the dots between tea and wine in a way that makes the whole subject easier to understand. Together, Adam, Jennifer, and Jordan talk about how tea and wine are both grown from the earth, shaped by place, influenced by temperature and extraction, and experienced through aroma, texture, tannin, flavor, and feeling. They also get into the everyday stuff: why water temperature matters, why loose leaf tea can be a game changer, why some teas become bitter, what “living tea” means, and how a really good cup of tea can feel surprisingly alive.

This episode is for tea lovers, wine lovers, coffee people, sober-curious listeners, food lovers, wellness seekers, Central Coast locals, and anyone who has ever wanted a simple ritual that makes life feel a little less rushed. You do not need to know anything about tea to enjoy this conversation. In fact, that’s part of the fun. Adam comes in curious, Jordan comes in with a winemaker’s palate, and Jennifer brings a whole world of tea, ceremony, farming, flavor, and presence to the table.

Links:

• Inari Tea & Art Experiences: https://www.inariteaart.com

• Sacred Mountain Teas: https://www.sacredmountainteas.com

• Jennifer on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inariteaandart

• The Art of Tea Class at Sichuan Kitchen: https://www.sichuankitchenslo.com/store/p151/The_Art_of_Tea_-__2_Day_Class.html#/

• Yunnan Tea Journey: https://deyi-living.com/en/offers/education/yunnan-tea-journey-november-2026/

• Epoch Estate Wines: https://epochestatewines.com

• Epoch on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epochwines/

• Danube River Cruise with Adam and Jordan: https://adammontiel.com/cruise

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Laetitia and Woods Humane Society Uncork 'SparkJoy' | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:22:40 -0400

What happens when every sip gives back? On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel welcomes Kasey Helt, Director of DTC Sales at Laetitia Vineyards & Winery, and Robin Colman of Woods Humane Society to share the story behind SparkJoy, a new wine series created to bring together joy, community, and purpose.

Inspired by the meaning of Laetitia, which is “joy” and “happiness,” SparkJoy features light, lively, and approachable wines designed for life’s everyday celebrations. For 2026 and 2027, a portion of the proceeds from every SparkJoy bottle sold will benefit Woods Humane Society, an independent nonprofit supporting homeless dogs and cats throughout San Luis Obispo County through adoption services, spay and neuter programs, humane education, training, and other community resources.

Kasey and Robin also preview the first annual SparkJoy Celebration, happening Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:30 PM at the Laetitia Estate House. Guests can enjoy Laetitia sparkling and still wines, culinary bites from an impressive lineup of Central Coast chefs and restaurants, live music by IMVA, and prize drawings throughout the evening, including a three-night stay at the Laetitia Estate House.

It is a beautiful summer evening with an even more meaningful purpose: helping Woods Humane Society continue creating a happier, healthier, and more compassionate community for local animals and the people who love them.

SparkJoy Celebration tickets are $160 per person and $150 for Laetitia Club members. Summer cocktail attire is encouraged.

• Purchase SparkJoy Celebration Tickets

• Learn More About SparkJoy

• Visit Laetitia Vineyards & Winery

• Follow Laetitia on Instagram

• Visit Woods Humane Society

• Follow Woods Humane Society on Instagram

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Kendyl Berna: Shark Week Is Just A Regular Week Here | Biggest Mako on Earth | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 11:58:53 -0400

It is Shark Week, but here on California’s Central Coast, Shark Week can feel a whole lot like regular week. We live in a place where drone footage captures sharks cruising just beyond the break, surfers share the water with animals they may never see, and the Pacific is always reminding us whose house this really is.

Marine conservationist and documentary filmmaker Kendyl Berna joins Adam to dive into Discovery’s Biggest Mako on Earth. For decades, fishermen have told stories of enormous mako sharks, possibly 15 to 20 feet long, moving through the waters off Southern California. Now, a striking photograph and a Shark Week expedition are turning that ocean lore into a serious scientific question: Could the largest mako on Earth be hunting near Catalina?

Kendyl takes us behind the scenes of the expedition, where Shark Week follows the scientific “what ifs” that traditional research funding may be unable to chase. She shares the moment a massive shark appeared so late in the day that the excited crew nearly forgot to film, and explains what really happens when the scientist, the filmmaker, and the awestruck human all meet the same animal at once.

Adam and Kendyl also get into the delicate balance between making thrilling television and respecting sharks as wild animals that never volunteered to become entertainment. Kendyl explains why Shark Week’s suspense can still serve a larger conservation purpose, even when hours of peaceful shark behavior never make the final cut.

The conversation eventually comes home to the Central Coast, where Adam has spoken with surfers carrying bite-marked boards and previously welcomed renowned shark investigator Ralph Collier. Kendyl discusses how coastal communities can hold two truths at once: sharks deserve understanding and protection, and the fear people carry into the water is real. Her message is not that people will ever stop being afraid, but that sharks are present far more often than we realize, usually without incident.

Beyond television, Kendyl is the co-founder of Beyond The Reef, a nonprofit working throughout the British Virgin Islands. Its projects include shark tagging, cetacean research, ghost-fishing-gear removal, coral monitoring, artificial reefs, youth swim programs, coastal cleanups, and community science outreach. She is also the creator of Report The Reef, an app that helps boaters report marine incidents, record wildlife sightings, and become active participants in protecting the waters around them.

Biggest Mako on Earth premieres Monday at 10 PM ET/PT on Discovery, with an encore at 11 PM ET/PT.

Learn more and follow Kendyl:

• Kendyl Berna Official Website

• Kendyl Berna on Instagram

• Beyond The Reef

• Kendyl’s Beyond The Reef Projects

• Report The Reef

• Discovery Shark Week

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

https://pasorobleswhitewineguild.com/

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

The Pour | Making White Wine Serious in Paso Robles | White Wine Invitational 8/1 @ Rava

Adam Montiel — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 19:52:15 -0400

Paso Robles may be best known for bold reds, but some of the region’s most thoughtful and exciting work is happening with white wine.

In this episode of The Pour, Adam Montiel sits down with Natalie Brown of Willow Creek Wine Co., Dave McGee of Monochrome Wines, and Ryan Pease of Paix Sur Terre for a conversation about the White Wine Invitational and the growing movement behind serious white wine production in Paso Robles.

Recorded at SLO CAL Studios in San Luis Obispo, the conversation explores what it takes to become part of the Paso Robles White Wine Guild, why membership is not automatic, and how the group is working to raise expectations for white wine across the region.

This is not simply a collection of wineries that happen to make a white wine. The Guild brings together producers with a demonstrated commitment to the category, and prospective members must meet established standards before being considered.

White Wine Invitational

The White Wine Invitational brings together dedicated producers for an event focused entirely on the range, quality, and future of white wine in Paso Robles.

Learn more about the Paso Robles White Wine Guild:

Get tickets to the White Wine Invitational:

https://www.exploretock.com/willowcreekwineco/event/592534

Join Adam on the Danube

Adam is also heading to Europe in November 2027 for a Danube River cruise with Cork & Cruise, Epoch Estate Wines, and LXV Wine.

For cruise details, visit:

https://www.adammontiel.com

Click the Cruise tab for the complete itinerary and reservation information.

Sponsored by:Tin City Distillery: Join the Private Barrel Club and craft your own custom whiskey. The Pour has its own barrel - you can too! Check it out here: tincitydistillery.com/club/private-barrel-club.Follow Adam:

Instagram: @adamontheair
Website: adammontiel.com – Find episodes, giveaways, and more.
Podcasts: Up & Adam, Where Wine Takes You, and The Pour with Adam Montiel—stream wherever you get your podcasts.

Pop the cork and join the conversation—this is one pour you don’t want to miss!

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For info on Tin City Distillery’s Private Barrel Club Click Here

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The Pour is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as Where Wine Takes You . To connect with Adam, learn more, or for Spotify or other pod links, visit AdamMontiel.com

About ‘The Pour with Adam Montiel’:

In 2010, Radio Host Adam Montiel combined his longtime love for broadcasting with his, then, new love for wine. He created and produced, ‘The Cork Dorks’. The show was hosted with Adam and his good friend Jeremy West. It was the first of its kind. It began focusing on central coast wineries but as the show grew, so did their ability to travel and meet other winemakers they found everywhere from Napa to Bordeaux that adopted that same Central Coast quality of people willing to share their wines, and their stories.

As the area’s producer’s grew, soon Adam’s interview’s covered everything from spirits, craft beer, cider, cuisine, hospitality, and more. Fast forward to today, the spirit and enthusiasm cultivated with the award winning show, is reborn as The Pour with Adam Montiel, this time independently, and unfettered by corporate authority leaving it even more free to share the journey of making wine more approachable and fun for everyone.

Here, We Taste It. We Spill It. We Leave it All On the Table. This is ‘The Pour’ with Adam Montiel.

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Sincere Thanks to those who support The Pour. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music, ‘Come Alive’ by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Follow Adam on Instagram HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Timothy White: Life Through My Lens and the Art of Photographing Life's Icons | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 12:57:00 -0400

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

For more than four decades, legendary celebrity photographer Timothy White has helped define how we see pop culture. His lens has captured Brad Pitt, Harrison Ford, Aretha Franklin, Angelina Jolie, Whoopi Goldberg, Jay-Z, Michael Jackson, Dolly Parton, Julia Roberts, Robin Williams, and hundreds more across magazine covers, movie posters, album artwork, advertising campaigns, and fine-art collections.

But this conversation is not a celebrity roll call of “What was Brad Pitt like?” Adam goes beneath the famous faces and into the psychology of the photograph. Timothy explains why he rarely looks through the lens, how he reads a subject’s eyes and body language, how he cuts through vanity without bruising an ego, and how he creates something uniquely his from a face the world already thinks it knows. He also shares his philosophy for navigating creative control: “One for you, one for me.”

Timothy’s new memoir, Life Through My Lens, turns that same focus inward. The two explore the relationship between his extraordinary career and personal life, the mortality check created by his father’s health struggles, and the crumpled note beneath his keyboard reminding him that “this could be the last time.” Timothy opens up about presence, human connection, and why he believes the truth inside a photograph ultimately belongs to the image maker.

Life Through My Lens is available for preorder through Timothy White’s official website and Storyteller Media. The memoir is scheduled for publication on July 21, 2026.

• Preorder Life Through My Lens from Timothy White

• Preorder Life Through My Lens from Storyteller Media

• Explore Timothy White’s photography

• Follow Timothy White on Instagram

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Drilling by Day, Shapeshifting by Night: Author Emily Renk Hawthorne Talks Dentistry, Stealing Magic, and the Dream She Couldn’t Ignore | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:07:16 -0400

What happens when a dentist with a stable career, a family, and a very responsible life realizes there is also a fantasy author living inside her who wants to write about shapeshifters, stolen magic, secret societies, and Chinese mythology?

San Luis Obispo author Emily Renk Hawthorne joins Adam to talk about the creative dream she could not shake and the work it took to finally let it out. Emily shares how her Taiwanese heritage and California upbringing helped inspire the Of Mountains and Seas series, why shapeshifting became the perfect way to explore identity and belonging, and how a childhood spent loving fantasy eventually led her to create the kind of world she once wished she could see herself in.

They also get into the less magical side of writing a book: building a habit, writing when inspiration disappears, finding accountability at a local café, balancing creativity with dentistry and motherhood, and discovering an unexpectedly supportive literary community on the Central Coast. Emily opens up about her dream of becoming a full-time author, the genres she wants to explore next, and what she would do if Netflix or HBO ever came knocking.

Plus, Emily is signing a copy of Of Mountains and Seas for one Up+Adam listener. Go to AdamMontiel.com, hit the Connect tab, and be the first person to send: “I heard Emily. I would love this book.” Adam’s got it for you.

• Learn more about Emily: emilyrenkhawthorne.com

• Explore and purchase the Of Mountains and Seas series: Amazon

• Purchase From the Depths: Amazon

• Follow Emily on Instagram: @emilyrenkhawthorne

• Follow Emily on TikTok: @erenkhawthorne

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Ryan Weiss: From Wicked to Waking Up with Ryan | Emotional Fitness | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 15:40:21 -0400

Ryan Weiss Is Waking Up to What Was Already There

What happens when a coach who has spent 17 years connecting with people one-on-one suddenly has to speak into a camera and trust that somebody is listening?

Ryan Weiss joins Adam Montiel for a deeply personal conversation about the creation of Waking Up with Ryan, his new weekday podcast from iHeartPodcasts and The Lighthouse. Each concise episode offers one idea, music, and a guided practice designed to help listeners pause before the demands of the day begin. Rather than giving people more inspiration to consume, Ryan wants to create a daily ritual they can actually feel, practice, and carry with them.

Ryan shares why his confidence disappeared the first time he sat alone in the recording studio, how picturing one person on the other side of the camera helped him find his voice, and why speaking directly to one human being can ultimately reach everyone. He and Adam explore the contradiction of building a demanding daily media operation while teaching people to slow down, release control, and stop outrunning themselves.

Adam also opens up about feeling stuck in his own body while preparing for his wedding. Ryan responds with a powerful reminder that self-improvement does not have to begin with self-rejection. His invitation is simple: acknowledge reality, remember that you are already worthy of love and belonging, and become willing to be shown the next step instead of believing you must solve everything alone.

Ryan’s path has included performing in Wicked, working behind the scenes in entertainment, and building a coaching practice centered on emotional intelligence, relationships, spirituality, and personal transformation. Now, with Waking Up with Ryan, he is turning years of private work into an accessible public practice, one morning and one listener at a time.

Listen, follow, and learn more:

• Listen to Waking Up with Ryan on iHeartRadio

• Explore Sanctuary with Ryan Weiss

• Follow Waking Up with Ryan on Instagram

• Connect with Ryan Weiss on LinkedIn

• Read the official iHeartPodcasts announcement

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Lisa Deyo: Making All the Right Moves While Charging Absolutely Nothing | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:45:08 -0400

What happens when someone takes a family inheritance and turns it into a gift for an entire community?

On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel welcomes Lisa Deyo, artistic director of Deyo Dances, for a conversation about creativity, generosity, family legacy, and the beautiful chaos behind producing a fully professional dance performance. Lisa shares why she stopped charging admission, how the money left to her by her parents helped make these productions possible, and why keeping the performances free has introduced new audiences to the arts.

This is a story for far more than dance lovers. It is about betting on an idea, honoring the people who came before you, trusting a community to show up, and bringing artists from New York, Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Luis Obispo together to create something meaningful. Lisa also takes Adam behind the curtain, where dancers are learning their roles separately, sleeping throughout her house and backyard, and preparing to assemble the entire company for the first time just before opening night.

Deyo Dances presents two free performances at the Alex and Faye Spanos Theatre at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo:

• Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 7 p.m.

• Sunday, July 19, 2026 at 2 p.m.

The program features the return of “Non Troppo,” inspired by Beethoven, family dynamics, and the idea of finding “just enough”; “What the Hell, Jacques?,” Lisa’s evolving portrait of more than 40 years of marriage and family life; and the world premiere of “Ro-Sham-Beau,” a playful rock-paper-scissors encounter that takes a dramatic turn before the gods of Mount Olympus intervene.

Admission is free, but reservations are strongly encouraged. The performances have already drawn significant interest, and seating is general admission.

• Reserve free tickets through Eventbrite

• Visit Deyo Dances

• Follow Lisa Deyo on Instagram

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Raising the Bar for 35 Flipping Years | SLO CAL is Head Over Heels for Central Coast Gymnastics | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 12:16:41 -0400

What does it take to turn ten students, a rented room, and a big idea into a SLO CAL institution?

Mimi Phene-McKellar joins Adam to celebrate 35 years of Central Coast Gymnastics and reflect on a journey built through persistence, community support, and a deep belief in what movement can unlock in a child. Mimi shares how she started the program in 1991 with almost no equipment, how it grew into a thriving 16,000-square-foot facility, and why the lessons learned inside a gym reach far beyond cartwheels, trampolines, and competition.

This conversation is also about motherhood, courage, inclusion, and possibility. Mimi tells the remarkable story of her daughter, Maddie, who was born with cerebral palsy and faced devastating medical predictions. Through years of therapy, determination, and time spent around the gym, Maddie learned to walk and eventually competed in trampoline alongside other athletes. It is a powerful reminder that progress does not always look the way we expect, and that the right environment can help a person discover abilities others may not yet see.

Adam and Mimi also discuss raising active kids in a screen-heavy world, why gymnastics can create a foundation for nearly every other sport, and how a local business becomes part of the family history of an entire community.

Central Coast Gymnastics will celebrate its 35th anniversary on Saturday, July 18, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at 21 Zaca Lane in San Luis Obispo. The free community event includes performances, giveaways, refreshments, and open gym for children ages 2 through 16. Families are encouraged to pre-register online. An enrollment promotion also offers $40 in savings when enrolling on or before July 18.

• Central Coast Gymnastics official website

• Pre-register and explore classes, camps, and programs

• Follow Central Coast Gymnastics on Instagram

• Address: 21 Zaca Lane, San Luis Obispo, California

• Phone: 805-549-8408

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Local Distillers, Big Statewide Fight: Who Decides Whether Customers Have the Freedom to Buy Direct? | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 05:28:00 -0400

Alex Villicana of RE:FIND Distillery and Aaron Bergh of Calwise Spirits join Adam for a local conversation with statewide consequences. California’s temporary direct-to-consumer shipping privileges for craft distillers are set to expire at the end of 2026, and both guests say losing them could be devastating for small, independent producers.

Alex explains that direct shipping represents roughly 30 percent of his revenue and that losing it overnight could be a backbreaker. Aaron says many distillers now depend on shipped club packages and online orders for at least a quarter of their business. For these local producers, shipping is not simply a convenience. It has become part of how they remain viable.

They break down California’s three-tier alcohol system, the power of major distributors, and the frustrating position small brands find themselves in. They can be too small to earn meaningful attention from the largest wholesalers, yet still be legally restricted from reaching customers on their own.

Alex shares his experience with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, including the unforgettable story of being so small within its enormous portfolio that the company apparently did not realize RE:FIND had already left. Aaron discusses industry consolidation, Reyes Beverage Group, and why he believes California’s distribution structure has created government-protected gatekeepers.

The conversation also exposes a larger contradiction. California promotes agriculture, tourism, entrepreneurship, and regional products, yet visitors who discover a local spirit in Paso Robles may soon be unable to reorder it once they return home.

Alex and Aaron explain why direct shipping is not an effort to eliminate distributors. It is a limited path that allows small producers to build customer relationships, grow their brands, and potentially become valuable distribution partners in the future.

And because this is Up+Adam, the bottles come out too.

Alex introduces RE:FIND Distillery’s limited watermelon spirit, made with 1,000 pounds of watermelon, and shares updates on the distillery’s limoncello, whiskey program, and upcoming locally grown single malt. Aaron pours Calwise’s Wild Blueberry Whiskey and explains how the bottle connects California creativity, Minnesota family history, and the moonshining legacy behind his Axe Hole Whiskey brand.

This is a conversation about spirits, but the real issue is ownership.

Who owns the relationship between a maker and a customer? The small business that earned it, the distributor controlling access, or the customer who simply wants another bottle?

Take Action

• Take ten seconds, click this link, and make a difference. It is super quick.

Learn more

• RE:FIND Distillery: refinddistillery.com

• RE:FIND Distillery on Instagram: @refinddistillery

• Calwise Spirits: calwisespirits.com

• Calwise Spirits on Instagram: @calwisespirits

• Aaron Bergh: aaronbergh.com

• American Craft Spirits Association: americancraftspirits.org

• California Craft Spirits Association: cadistillers.org

Article discussed (Read this)

• Out-of-State Billionaires vs. California Small Businesses: The Rigged System Blocking Local Craft Spirits

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Billy West: The Voice of Bugs Bunny, Futurama, Ren & Stimpy, Doug (Basically Your Childhood) is Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 13:10:53 -0400

Billy West has spent decades hiding in plain sound. He is the voice behind Bugs Bunny in Space Jam, Doug Funnie, Ren and Stimpy, and a packed house of Futurama favorites, including Philip J. Fry, Dr. Zoidberg, Professor Farnsworth, and Zapp Brannigan. He also helped define one of the most unpredictable eras of The Howard Stern Show, where impressions, characters, and live-radio chaos could become comedy history before breakfast.

In this episode of Up+Adam, Billy joins Adam Montiel to talk about the strange road from Boston morning radio to Howard Stern, Nickelodeon, Space Jam, and the 31st century. They get into what Howard recognized in Billy, the chemistry that made the Stern studio so dangerous and electric, and how a mind that did not always fit traditional systems found its natural home behind a microphone.

Billy’s new memoir, Voice-A-Versa: Finding My Voice(s) Behind the Mic, goes far beyond the famous characters. It is a funny, candid, and deeply personal account of childhood trauma, neurodivergence, addiction, survival, reinvention, and the imagination that helped him endure. The voices made millions of people laugh, but this conversation introduces us to the human being who had to live before any of them could exist.

• Buy Voice-A-Versa from Abrams Books

• Buy Voice-A-Versa on Amazon

• Visit Billy West’s official website

• Follow Billy West on X

• Listen to the Billy West Podcast on Apple Podcasts

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Woods PSA: 100% of Kittens Will Turn Into Cats | Pink Drank | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 14:01:02 -0400

Pink Drank is back, and Adam catches up with Robin from Woods Humane Society to talk about why this poolside party has become one of the most fun ways to do good on the Central Coast. Happening this Saturday, July 11 from 2 to 6 PM at SLO Elks Lodge 322, Pink Drank brings together local wine, cocktails, beer, cider, bites, music, swimming, raffles, prizes, and plenty of pink for a summer event with serious purpose.

This year, proceeds support animals in need at Woods Humane Society, along with the Elks National Foundation, scholarships, and youth activities. Adam and Robin also talk Pet of the Week, featuring two adorable kittens looking for their forever home, because honestly, what pairs better with pink drinks than helping pets find people?

Use promo code PINK to save $10 on tickets.

• Pink Drank Tickets and Info: pinkdrank.org

• Pink Drank Instagram: @pinkdrank_poolsocial

• Woods Humane Society: woodshumanesociety.org

• Adoptable Pets at Woods: woodshumanesociety.org/adoptions

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Josh Baker & Jason Fullmer: Mercenary Premier Takes a Big Swing in Edna Valley at the Old DAOU Facility | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 13:19:59 -0400

Josh Baker and Jason Fullmer of Mercenary Premier join Adam for a bigger-than-wine conversation about where the beverage business is headed and how two Central Coast operators are building for what comes next. Mercenary Premier recently acquired the old DAOU facility in Edna Valley, the former Baileyana Winery facility you may have read about in the paper, and they’re turning it into a full production home for winemakers and beverage brands looking for custom crush, vinification, packaging, canning, bottling, storage, and support heading into Harvest 2026.

This episode gets into the real back-of-house world most wine drinkers never see: tanks, trucks, timing, packaging pressure, bottling day chaos, and the trust it takes to hand someone your vintage. Josh brings decades of winemaking and custom crush leadership, while Jason built Mercenary from a mobile canning operation into a serious packaging partner across California. Together, they talk about taking a big swing, the changing consumer, RTDs, wine cocktails, bag-in-box, smaller formats, lighter packaging, and why this moment in wine might be less about panic and more about reinvention.

For winemakers, beverage producers, entrepreneurs, or anyone with an idea that needs help getting from concept to shelf, Mercenary Premier is building a place for that conversation.

• Learn more about Mercenary Premier: mercenarypremier.com

• Connect with Mercenary Premier for production, packaging, custom crush, and Harvest 2026 services: mercenarypremier.com

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

The Great American Melodrama Cast: The Saga of Roaring Gulch Rides Into Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 05:28:00 -0400

Up+Adam welcomes Hunter Oehlschlager, Ava Lovelace, and Annabelle “Annie” Oglesby into SLO CAL Studios for a rip-roaring conversation about The Great American Melodrama’s current production, The Saga of Roaring Gulch. Since 1975, The Great American Melodrama in Oceano has been a Central Coast treasure, serving up musicals, comedies, classic melodrama, vaudeville, audience participation, and the kind of live theater chaos you simply cannot fake. In this episode, Adam sits down with three performers who bring PCPA roots, local theater heart, and serious comedy chemistry to the stage.

This conversation goes beyond the show itself and into what makes Central Coast theater so special. The cast talks about finding their people through theater, what it feels like to be part of the Melodrama’s long history, the unsung hero pressure of being an understudy, why every performance can feel different, and how a great comedy cast learns to trust, listen, and play. If you love live theater, local talent, western mayhem, saloon-style laughs, and performers who are clearly having as much fun as the audience, saddle up for The Saga of Roaring Gulch at The Great American Melodrama.

Links:

• Tickets and show info: The Great American Melodrama

• Instagram: @tgamelodrama

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Drink Pink, Do Good | Pink Drank Pool Social at Elks Lodge 322 | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 05:28:00 -0400

WIN TICKETS TO PINK DRANK HERE

Pink Drank is back, and this one has become one of Adam’s favorite summer events in SLO CAL. Nancy Lewelling, Secretary of Elks Lodge 322, joins Up+Adam to talk about the fifth annual Pink Drank, happening this Saturday, July 11 from 2 to 6 PM. Think local wine, poolside DJ, grazing table greatness, pink outfits, raffle moments, a wine pull, silent auction goodness, and one of the best pool party settings around.

But Pink Drank is more than just a very good excuse to wear pink and sip something delicious by the pool. It is a party with a purpose, supporting community causes connected to the Elks, youth activities, local sports, the Elks National Foundation, Woods Humane Society, and the kind of local giveback that makes this event feel so good to be part of. Adam and Nancy also get into why Elks Lodge 322 is such a special gathering place, how this event has helped introduce new people to the Elks community, and why this newly remodeled Pink Drank website deserves a little love too.

Use promo code PINK to save $10 on tickets. Seriously, where else are you getting into a summer wine pool social like this for around $65?

• Pink Drank Website: pinkdrank.org

• Pink Drank Instagram: @pinkdrank_poolsocial

• Elks Lodge 322: elks322.org

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Molly Clark: Cal Poly Arts Dir on New Season, the Art of the Bet, and Bringing the World to SLO | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 05:28:00 -0400

Molly Clark, Director of Cal Poly Arts, joins Adam for a behind-the-curtain conversation about what it really takes to curate a season of live performance on the Central Coast. From Broadway crowd-pleasers like Beetlejuice, Six, and A Beautiful Noise, to global music, National Geographic Live, family programming, contemporary dance, and unforgettable nights at the Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo, Molly shares how Cal Poly Arts builds a season that feels both world-class and deeply local.

This episode gets into the art of the bet. How do you know when to trust your gut on an artist? What happens when a show surprises everyone and sells out? What does it mean to bring the world to a community like San Luis Obispo, especially in a time when live, shared experiences feel more important than ever? Adam and Molly also talk about the magic of Kishi Bashi at Sensorio, why the PAC is such a gem for artists and audiences, and how Cal Poly Arts continues to invite people into rooms where something real can happen.

Whether you are a Broadway loyalist, a live music lover, a dance fan, a curious first-timer, a Cal Poly student, or someone who simply wants to feel connected to something bigger than your streaming queue, this conversation is your invitation to look at the Cal Poly Arts season and pick the show that just might change your night.

• Cal Poly Arts website: calpolyarts.org

• 2026/27 Cal Poly Arts Season: calpolyarts.org/20262027-season

• Tickets and Cal Poly Arts events at PACSLO: pacslo.org/calpolyarts

• Box Office info: calpolyarts.org/boxoffice

• Student tickets: calpolyarts.org/students

• Cal Poly Arts Instagram: instagram.com/calpolyarts

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Lee Greenwood on God Bless the U.S.A., the Fourth of July, and Singing Through History | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:22:28 -0400

Lee Greenwood joins Adam right before the Fourth of July, and the timing couldn’t be better. The Grammy-winning country icon behind “God Bless the U.S.A.” talks about the life of that song beyond the charts: writing it on the back of a tour bus in 1983, watching it become something much bigger than a single, and learning how to sing it differently depending on the room, the moment, and the meaning. From Yankee Stadium after 9/11 to a USO performance on the Nimitz in the Persian Gulf, Lee reflects on the places that still stay with him and why the song continues to evolve every time he steps up to the mic.

Adam and Lee also talk about “Start the World Over Again,” Lee’s song from REAGAN: Songs Inspired by the Film, and Lee clears up the story behind the writing of it, including how Ronald Reagan and Mike Curb factored into the track. They get into California roots, family history, and the line in “God Bless the U.S.A.” that traces back to his grandparents losing their farm in Sacramento. If you’ve ever wondered how a song becomes part anthem, part memory, part national soundtrack, this one’s worth your time.

Links

• Lee Greenwood official website

• “Start the World Over Again” on Apple Music

• Lee Greenwood on YouTube

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

MC Jin: Hip-Hop, Healing & Laugh But Not Least | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 13:53:37 -0400

What happens when the dream you've spent your whole life chasing doesn't turn out the way you imagined?

Actor, rapper, comedian, and podcast host MC Jin joins Adam for one of the most honest conversations we've had on Up+Adam. From making history on BET's Freestyle Fridays to navigating career setbacks, rebuilding his life, and discovering that some of our greatest disappointments can become our greatest teachers, this conversation is about far more than music.

Together, Adam and Jin explore identity, resilience, faith, family, and why the hardest chapters of our lives often become the stories we laugh about later. They also dive into Jin's new podcast, Laugh But Not Least, where humor, vulnerability, and unforgettable storytelling remind us that healing doesn't always happen in spite of our struggles. Sometimes it happens because of them.

Whether you're a fan of hip hop, comedy, great storytelling, or simply trying to make sense of your own journey, this episode is for you.

Learn more and connect with MC Jin:

• Laugh But Not Least podcast: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-laugh-but-not-least-335585055

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iammcjin/

• Laugh But Not Least Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laughbutnotleastpod/

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Lou Diamond Phillips: Gangland, Indigenous Storytelling, and Four Decades of Craft | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 13:10:08 -0400

Lou Diamond Phillips joins Adam Montiel on Up+Adam to talk about his new film Gangland, a gritty crime thriller arriving in theaters and on digital July 10. Lou plays Teddy Sharp, a weathered tribal police officer trying to hold the line when a ruthless fugitive returns to a rural Indigenous reservation and exposes secrets that could ignite a violent gang war. In this conversation, Adam and Lou dig into the storm inside Teddy, the real tribal cop who wrote the script, the influence of Longmire advisor Marcus Red Thunder, and why Lou says this film is “artisanal” and something he is personally hand-carrying to audiences.

From La Bamba, Stand and Deliver, and Young Guns to Longmire, Broadway, directing, writing, and more than 150 credits, Lou Diamond Phillips has built one of the most enduring and versatile careers in Hollywood. But this conversation is not about nostalgia. It is about craft, legacy, Indigenous representation, mentorship, resilience, and a performance in Gangland that is already earning serious buzz. Lou brings heart, humor, honesty, and that unmistakable lived-in presence to a role that feels weathered, human, and deeply worth watching.

Links:

• Watch the Gangland trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCyY4DKq9dY

• Gangland on Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/gangland_2025

• Gangland on Fandango: https://www.fandango.com/gangland-2026-246205/movie-overview

• Gangland on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28263483/

• Lou Diamond Phillips on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officiallou_diamondphillips/

• Lou Diamond Phillips on X: https://x.com/LouDPhillips

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Ronnie Johnston: Allegretto, Set, Go! Paso Robles Hospitality with Heart | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 12:37:39 -0400

Ronnie Johnston, Food and Beverage Director at Allegretto Vineyard Resort in Paso Robles, joins Adam for a warm check-in on one of the Central Coast’s most beautiful hospitality destinations. Allegretto is more than a resort. It is an art-filled, Tuscan-inspired Paso Robles escape with Cello Ristorante & Bar, Allegretto Wines, Spa Allegretto, social hour, staycation offerings, and a whole lot for both locals and visitors to enjoy. Ronnie shares what makes the food and beverage program feel true to the property, from seasonal menus and local farmer’s market finds to a wine list that celebrates the Central Coast while still making room for Italian inspiration. The conversation also touches on Allegretto’s growth, its community spirit, and why locals should feel just as welcome dropping in for lunch, a cocktail, a spa treatment, or happy hour as travelers do booking a full wine country getaway.

Adam also checks in with Robin Coleman from Woods, and meets Cider (our POTW) and recap the Woods Pet Gala with her.

• Learn more about Allegretto Vineyard Resort: https://www.allegrettovineyardresort.com/

• Follow Allegretto on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allegrettovr/

• Explore Cello Ristorante & Bar: https://www.allegrettovineyardresort.com/the-resort/cello-ristorante-bar

• Learn more about Spa Allegretto: https://www.allegrettovineyardresort.com/the-resort/spa

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Paul Solotaroff: What Happens When Everyone Looks the Other Way & Certainty Kills the Truth? | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:35:52 -0400

What happens when a community becomes so desperate for answers that it embraces the wrong ones?

In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with veteran Rolling Stone investigative journalist Paul Solotaroff, host of the gripping true crime podcast The Devil's Quarry. What begins as the story of two teenagers wrongfully convicted in the murder of a 12-year-old girl unfolds into something far more disturbing. A predator hiding in plain sight. A justice system that may have failed the very people it was supposed to protect. And a decades-long search for truth that is still unfolding today.

Paul has spent more than 30 years exposing corruption, uncovering institutional failures, and helping free the wrongly convicted. In this conversation, he shares how The Devil's Quarry became more than an investigation. It became a mission. Adam and Paul explore the danger of certainty, why humans are often willing to accept the wrong answer in exchange for closure, and what happens when the official story turns out not to be the true story.

They also discuss the emotional toll of investigative journalism, the survivors who haunted Paul long after the reporting ended, and why, despite spending a career staring into some of humanity's darkest corners, he still considers himself an optimist.

If you're fascinated by true crime, wrongful convictions, investigative journalism, criminal justice reform, and the psychology of human behavior, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Links:

• The Devil's Quarry Podcast:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/105-hit-man-45764628/episode/introducing-bone-valley-season-5-the-devils-quarry-336437918

• Paul Solotaroff at Rolling Stone:

https://www.rollingstone.com/author/paul-solotaroff/

• Lava for Good:

https://lavaforgood.com

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

The Maestro, the Cellist, & America's 250th Birthday | Stars, Stripes & Strings with Opera SLO | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:35:08 -0400

A world-class cellist plays a 175-year-old instrument on todays show.

No, seriously.

On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with Opera SLO Artistic Director Brian Alhadeff and acclaimed cellist Megan Chartier ahead of Opera SLO's upcoming America Turns 250: Patriotic Pops & Veterans Tribute.

We talk about the power of live music, why the Central Coast continues to attract incredible artistic talent, and what happens when an orchestra becomes something bigger than the sum of its parts. Megan shares stories about performing on a cello built in the 1850s, raising a two-year-old future musician, and the fascinating way she sees colors while memorizing music.

Plus, she performs live in the studio.

It's a conversation about art, community, passion, and why some experiences can only happen when real people gather together to make something beautiful.

Learn more:

Opera SLO

Tickets, upcoming performances, educational programs, and everything happening with Opera San Luis Obispo.

https://operaslo.org

Clark Center for the Performing Arts

Venue information, event details, and tickets for America Turns 250: Patriotic Pops & Veterans Tribute.

https://clarkcenter.org/shows/america-turns-250/

Megan Chartier

Megan's official website featuring her performance career, recordings, teaching work, and professional biography.

https://www.meganchartier.com

Opera SLO on Instagram

Behind-the-scenes content, performance announcements, artist spotlights, and upcoming events.

https://www.instagram.com/operaslo

Megan Chartier on Instagram

Follow Megan's life as a professional cellist, performer, educator, and musician.

https://www.instagram.com/meganchartier.cellist/

Inkermezzo on Instagram

Megan's visual art account featuring her original illustrations inspired by classical music, musicians, and music education.

https://www.instagram.com/inkermezzo

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Jamison Firestone: A New York Kid, a Russian Mafia, and a Front Row Seat to History & Author of Rules of Lies | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:38:20 -0400

What happens when a kid raised around con men, mobsters, loan sharks, and chaos decides to start over... and accidentally lands in the middle of one of the most consequential stories of the last 35 years?

On this True Crime Tuesday episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with Jamison Firestone, author of Rule of Lies: My Wild Ride Through Chaos, Corruption, and Murder in Putin's Russia. What begins as the story of a young American lawyer chasing opportunity in post-Soviet Russia quickly becomes something much bigger. Firestone shares how he built the first independent foreign-owned law firm in Russia, negotiated with mafia bosses, witnessed the rise of Vladimir Putin, and found himself at the center of some of Russia's most explosive corruption scandals.

Along the way, he reflects on the courage of Sergei Magnitsky, the dangers of a justice system turned into a weapon, the role humor played in surviving impossible circumstances, and what honesty looks like when everything is on the line. This conversation is part true crime, part history lesson, part political thriller, and entirely human.

In this episode:

• Growing up around criminals in New York

• Why he moved to Russia after law school

• Negotiating with Russian mafia groups

• The moment he realized Putin's Russia was changing

• The story of Sergei Magnitsky

• The difference between criminals and criminals with governments

• Why humor became a survival tool

Whether you're fascinated by true crime, geopolitics, history, human resilience, or stories that sound too wild to be true, this episode delivers.

Learn more about Jamison Firestone:

• Find Rule of Lies on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Rule-Lies-Through-Corruption-Murder-ebook/dp/B0FS7TDR19

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Chef Anna Francese Gass: Instant Italian Season 2 and the Recipes That Keep Family Close | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 12:45:45 -0400

Food has a funny way of keeping people close.

Chef Anna Francese Gass returns to Up+Adam to celebrate Season 2 of Instant Italian on FYI, but this conversation quickly becomes about much more than recipes. Adam and Anna explore the emotional power of food, the family recipes worth preserving, the memories hidden inside a plate of pasta, and why the kitchen might be the most vulnerable room in the house.

Along the way, Anna shares stories from her family's roots in Calabria, explains how she turned her love of storytelling into a culinary career, reveals the simple kitchen hacks every home cook should know, and offers a refreshingly honest perspective on success, gratitude, and learning to enjoy the mountain you're standing on instead of constantly chasing the next one.

Whether you're a passionate home cook, someone looking to feel more confident in the kitchen, or simply someone who understands how a meal can transport you back to a person or moment you miss, this episode is packed with heart, wisdom, and a few practical tricks you'll use tonight.

Learn more:

• Anna Francese Gass: https://annafgass.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annafgass

• Instant Italian on FYI: https://www.fyi.tv/shows/instant-italian

• New York Times Cooking: https://cooking.nytimes.com

Listen. Subscribe. Share.

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Personal Finance Advice for Real Life: Mandi Woodruff-Santos of Brown Ambition Is Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 12:34:23 -0400

What does wealth actually look like?

For years, Mandi Woodruff-Santos thought the answer might be financial security, a bigger paycheck, or climbing the career ladder. After being laid off just three months into a dream job in New York City, she made a promise to herself: never again would she feel financially vulnerable. That promise launched a remarkable journey that led her from journalism to becoming one of the most respected voices in personal finance.

Today, Mandi is the co-host of Brown Ambition, the award-winning podcast helping people build wealth, navigate careers, negotiate better opportunities, and create financial freedom on their own terms. In this conversation, Adam and Mandi dive into money shame, career setbacks, financial planning, entrepreneurship, motherhood, mental health, and the surprising lessons that come from rebuilding after life throws a curveball.

They also explore why so many people tie their self-worth to their financial accomplishments, what those of us in our 30s and 40s should be doing right now to strengthen our financial futures, and the moment Mandi realized the financial decisions she'd made years earlier had given her something more valuable than money: options.

Learn more about Mandi Woodruff-Santos:

• Website: https://www.mandimoney.com

• Brown Ambition Podcast: https://brownambitionpodcast.com

• Listen on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-brown-ambition-31122656/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandimoney/

Listen to Up+Adam wherever you get your podcasts and subscribe for more conversations that are inquisitive, clever, engaging, and thoughtful.

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Mighty Cap Mushrooms, The Groves on 41 & Leo Leo Talk Open Farm Days This Weekend | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 15:52:37 -0400

Open Farm Days 2026: Olive Oil, Mushrooms, Gelato & the Faces Behind SLO County Agriculture | Up+Adam

What happens when olive farmers, mushroom growers, and artisan gelato makers all sit down at the same table?

You get a conversation about much more than food.

On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam welcomes Jennifer Tallent of The Groves on 41, Chris Batlle of Mighty Cap Mushrooms, and Niccolo Lekai of Leo Leo Gelato ahead of the 6th Annual Open Farm Days Weekend presented by FARMstead ED and the SLO County Farm Trail.

The three share what visitors can expect during this year's event, how their businesses have evolved, and why more people than ever want to connect with the people growing, raising, crafting, and producing the food and products we enjoy every day.

From olive oil tastings and mushroom farm tours to watching gelato made in real time, Open Farm Days offers a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes and experience agriculture firsthand. Along the way, the conversation explores entrepreneurship, family businesses, agritourism, sustainability, community, and the passion required to build something meaningful from the ground up.

Whether you're a lifelong local, a curious visitor, a foodie, a farmer, or someone who simply enjoys learning how things are made, this episode is a celebration of the people helping make San Luis Obispo County one of the most vibrant agricultural communities in California.

Participating Open Farm Days locations include:

• 46 Ranch

• AmByth Estate

• Boccabella Farms

• Camp Funny Farm

• Cavalli Estates

• City Farm SLO

• DW Farms Native Plant Nursery

• Giving Tree Family Farm

• GreenLove

• Hambly Lavender Farm

• Harris Stage Lines

• Jack Creek Farm

• Kiler Ridge Olive Farm

• Leo Leo Gelato

• Margarita Adventures

• Mighty Cap Mushrooms

• Olea Farm

• Our Global Family Farm

• Sierra Honey Farm

• Talley Farms

• Templeton Olive Oil

• The Groves on 41

Learn more and register:

• https://farmsteaded.com

• https://www.instagram.com/farmsteaded/

Follow today's guests:

• The Groves on 41

https://thegroveson41.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thegroveson41/

• Mighty Cap Mushrooms

https://mightycapmushrooms.com/

https://www.instagram.com/mightycapmushrooms

• Leo Leo Gelato

https://www.leoleogelato.com/

https://www.instagram.com/leoleogelato/

No Farms. No Food. No Clothing. It's really that simple.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Santino DeFranco: Discipline, Fear, and the Psychology of Performance #FightReady | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 12:52:02 -0400

What does it mean to be truly fight ready?

With the UFC back in the headlines and combat sports once again part of the national conversation, Adam sits down with one of the sport's most respected minds: Santino DeFranco. A former professional MMA fighter, Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, elite UFC coach, former college English teacher, and now author of Fight Ready, Santino has spent decades helping athletes prepare for the biggest moments of their lives. But as you'll hear in this conversation, his lessons extend far beyond the cage.

Together, Adam and Santino explore the difference between discipline and self-destruction, why fear is often misunderstood, how confidence changes the way we move through the world, and why recovery may be more important than hustle. They discuss the psychology of elite performers, the danger of burnout disguised as ambition, the power of habits, the importance of sleep, and why the toughest opponent many of us will ever face is staring back at us in the mirror.

Whether you're training for competition, building a business, navigating a setback, or simply trying to become a stronger version of yourself, this episode offers practical wisdom, hard-earned perspective, and a refreshing reminder that success isn't built on hacks, gimmicks, or overnight transformations. It's built one decision, one habit, and one day at a time.

As Santino says, being fight ready isn't really about fighting. It's about being prepared when life demands your very best.

In This Episode

• Why habits matter more than motivation

• The difference between discipline and self-destruction

• How learning to fight can teach you not to fight

• Why fear is necessary for growth and performance

• The hidden dangers of overtraining and burnout

• Sleep, recovery, and sustainable success

• The power of self-belief and "healthy delusion"

• What it means to be fight ready outside the gym

• Why the person in the mirror is often our toughest opponent

• Lessons from coaching UFC champions and elite athletes

Links & Resources

• Fight Ready by Santino DeFranco

• Santino DeFranco Official Website

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

The People Behind Your Plate Are Closer Than You Think | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 13:50:06 -0400

Spring in Paso Robles means olive oil tastings, lavender in the air, and one of the most beloved traditions on the Central Coast returning to Downtown City Park. Adam sits down with Gina Hambly of Hambly Farms ahead of the annual Paso Robles Olive and Lavender Festival, happening Saturday, May 9, 2026. From the calming power of lavender to the artistry behind steam distillation, Gina shares how a single plant can create connection, community, and a full sensory experience.

The conversation explores Paso Robles agriculture beyond wine, the emotional pull people have toward lavender, and why events like this festival continue to capture the heart of the Central Coast. Plus: lavender honey gelato, copper still demonstrations, and a reminder that sometimes the simplest things in nature leave the biggest impression.

Whether you’re a longtime Paso local, a lavender lover, or planning your next Central Coast getaway, this episode is pure springtime Paso energy.

• Paso Robles Olive and Lavender Festival

Saturday, May 9, 2026

Downtown City Park

9 AM to 4 PM

Free Admission

• Learn more about Hambly Farms:

Hambly Farms

• Paso Robles Olive and Lavender Festival details:

Paso Robles Olive and Lavender Festival

• Downtown Paso Robles Main Street Association:

Downtown Paso Robles Main Street Association

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Mayor Erica A. Stewart: State of SLO Is Stronger, But the Work Isn't Done | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:39:02 -0400

San Luis Obispo Mayor Erica A. Stewart is back on Up+Adam, and this conversation covers a lot more than an election announcement.

Fresh off announcing her re-election campaign, Erica joins Adam for a candid discussion about the state of San Luis Obispo, what she's proud of, what still keeps her up at night, and why she believes there's more work to be done. From housing and homelessness to downtown parking, local business support, public safety, bike lane debates, and the city's newest parking structure, this is a wide-ranging conversation about where SLO is today and where it's headed next.

Along the way, Adam and Erica talk about some of the little things that often tell the biggest stories. The graffiti that keeps reappearing at a major gateway into town. The businesses investing in free parking for customers. The Ask SLO app that empowers residents to help improve their neighborhoods. The growth of housing inventory. The challenge of balancing community character with future needs. And yes, they even spend a little time discussing the science of a good hair day.

Whether you're a longtime resident, a new arrival, a local business owner, or simply someone who loves San Luis Obispo, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at the opportunities and challenges shaping one of California's most beloved communities.

In this episode:

• Erica's decision to seek another term as mayor

• The future of housing and affordability in San Luis Obispo

• Progress and challenges surrounding homelessness

• Downtown parking, business support, and the new parking structure

• Public safety, e-bikes, and transportation conversations

• Why community participation matters more than ever

• The Ask SLO app and how residents can help improve the city

• The importance of listening, collaboration, and local leadership

Learn more:

• City of San Luis Obispo: https://www.slocity.org

• Ask SLO: https://www.slocity.org/services/how-do-i/report-an-issue

• Mayor Erica A. Stewart: https://www.slocity.org/government/mayor-and-city-council

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericaastewart

Listen. Subscribe. Share.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

CITIZEN The Artist & Grace Bennett on Fame, Creativity, Relationships & Going Viral Again | Part 2 Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:33:27 -0400

Independent artist. Viral filmmaker. Creative architect. But who actually is CITIZEN The Artist once the cameras stop rolling?

In Part Two of Adam’s conversation with CITIZEN The Artist, also known as Phineas Peters, alongside creative collaborator and partner Grace Bennett, the conversation shifts from strategy and social media into something much deeper: identity, recognition, artistry, relationships, and what happens after you “crack the code” online.

After spending Part One unpacking the mechanics behind the viral “TIME” phenomenon, this chapter explores the human side of building a massive independent creative brand in real time. From the meaning behind the name “Citizen,” to navigating fame as a couple, to deciding between New York, Los Angeles, or staying rooted on the Central Coast, this episode becomes a thoughtful look at ambition, creativity, and the emotional realities of visibility in the digital era.

Adam, Phineas, and Grace talk about:

• The deeper meaning behind the name “Citizen The Artist”

• Getting recognized in public for the first time

• Why intentional world-building matters

• The psychology of creating memorable visual identities

• Life as a creative couple online and offline

• East Coast vs West Coast creative culture

• Why weather and seasons inspire artistry

• Building an artistic future beyond social media

• Dreams of filmmaking, feature films, and larger storytelling

• Whether success changes the relationship with creativity itself

• What comes after virality

There’s also something really refreshing about hearing young creators openly discuss the balance between art, business, identity, and humanity in a world increasingly driven by algorithms.

This is Part Two of Adam’s conversation with CITIZEN The Artist and Grace Bennett.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

• Follow CITIZEN The Artist on Instagram: @citizen_theartist

• Follow CITIZEN The Artist on TikTok: @citizen_theartist

• Follow Grace Bennett on Instagram: @grace.norah.bennett

• Listen to CITIZEN The Artist on Spotify: CITIZEN The Artist Spotify

• Watch on YouTube: CITIZEN The Artist YouTube

• More links and music: CITIZEN The Artist Beacons Page

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

CITIZEN The Artist: Rare Interview with Phineas Peters & Grace Bennett - Building a Viral Independent Music Empire (From SLO) | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 05:08:00 -0400

Independent artist. Viral filmmaker. Social media strategist. Modern-day storyteller.

On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with CITIZEN The Artist, also known as Phineas Peters, alongside creative collaborator and partner Grace Bennett, for a fascinating conversation about what it really takes to build a music career independently in 2026.

From the viral success of “TIME” and the now-iconic reverse-edit trend flooding social media, to the psychology behind audience engagement, visual storytelling, filmmaking, music production, and life without a label, this conversation goes deep into the creative machine behind one of the internet’s fastest-growing independent artist brands.

Adam and CITIZEN talk about:

• Building a loyal audience organically

• Why “No label, just me” became a philosophy

• The intentional rejection of AI-generated content

• The strategy behind creating trends fans actually WANT to recreate

• Balancing music, filmmaking, editing, touring, and branding

• The emotional reality of visibility and internet fame

• Why storytelling matters more than ever in music

• The relationship dynamic behind the videos millions of people watch online

• Whether radio still matters in the streaming, digital, and new media era

There’s also a full-circle moment as Grace Bennett, once an Up+Adam intern, shares what it’s like becoming part of one of social media’s most recognizable creative duos.

This is Part One of a two-part conversation.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

• Follow CITIZEN The Artist on Instagram: @citizen_theartist

• Follow CITIZEN The Artist on TikTok: @citizen_theartist

• Follow Grace Bennett on Instagram: @grace.norah.bennett

• Listen to CITIZEN The Artist on Spotify: CITIZEN The Artist Spotify

• Watch on YouTube: CITIZEN The Artist YouTube

• More links and music: CITIZEN The Artist Beacons Page

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Jimmy Paulding, SLO Supervisor is Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 18:56:21 -0400

As Adam has said, there are some family transitions that have kept Adam off the air a few days, but he wanted to get this pre recorded interview from late last week on the show.

Jimmy Paulding joins Adam for a candid conversation about leadership, growth, and the future of South San Luis Obispo County as he seeks reelection to the SLO County Board of Supervisors.

From the rapid growth of Nipomo and infrastructure improvements across District 4 to homelessness, public safety, Diablo Canyon, energy policy, and the realities of running in a highly contested race, Jimmy shares where he believes the county has made progress and where the work is far from finished. Adam also digs into some of the headlines surrounding the campaign, including political action committees, campaign finance questions, and the increasingly challenging balance between local government and national politics.

Whether you're a voter, a community advocate, or simply someone who cares about where San Luis Obispo County is headed, this is an insightful look at the issues affecting everyday life on the Central Coast. Based on Jimmy's conversation with Adam, topics include homelessness reduction efforts, the future of Diablo Canyon, public safety investments, Oceano improvements, Nipomo's growth plans, and the importance of maintaining a nonpartisan approach to local government.

Learn more:

• Jimmy Paulding Campaign: https://jimmypaulding.org/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimmypaulding/

• SLO County Board of Supervisors: https://www.slocounty.ca.gov

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Slo County Supervisor Race | Michael Erin Woody on Public Trust & SLO CAL Issues | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Wed, 27 May 2026 12:42:56 -0400

In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with SLO County Supervisor candidate Michael Erin Woody for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about the future of the Central Coast.

Michael brings a unique perspective to the table as a civil engineer, Harvard graduate, tribal council member, former elected official, and longtime Central Coast local with deep family roots tied to Morro Bay and the Salinan tribe.

Together, Adam and Michael discuss:

• Offshore wind energy and the future of the coastline

• Battery storage projects and concerns after the Moss Landing fire

• Diablo Canyon and California’s energy future

• Homelessness, growth, and infrastructure challenges

• Public trust, community voice, and local government

• Protecting the character and identity of the Central Coast

But beyond policy, this episode becomes something more personal, a conversation about legacy, belonging, and what it means to protect a place you love while still preparing for the future.

This conversation is part of Up+Adam’s ongoing effort to invite SLO County Supervisor candidates into the studio for respectful, long-form conversations centered on ideas, perspective, and community.

Also coming soon, a conversation with supervisor candidate Jimmy Paulding.

For more on Michael Erin Woody, visit https://www.woodyforsupervisor.com/

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Greek Festival SLO 2026: Inside the Bigger-Than-Ever Celebration in San Luis Obispo | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Tue, 26 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

The Greek Festival is back in San Luis Obispo and somehow bigger, louder, warmer, and even more soulful than before. On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with Eric and Ninon Atwood, two of the passionate forces behind Greek Festival 2026, happening May 30 and 31 at the Madonna Expo Center. What starts as a conversation about gyros, baklava, lamb shanks, and dancing quickly turns into something deeper about culture, hospitality, family, and why Greek traditions still matter in a hyper-digital world starving for connection.

This episode is packed with stories about the emotional power of food, the meaning behind Greek dancing, the concept of “agape,” and why the Greeks may have mastered celebration thousands of years ago. Eric and Ninon talk about the completely revamped 2026 festival experience, live music, cultural storytelling, Cal Poly dance groups, vendors that recreate an old-world bazaar atmosphere, and the community partnerships helping make the event possible, including support for the Noor Foundation and the SLO Food Bank. There is laughter, there is history, there is ouzo, and yes, there is a serious discussion about the importance of cheese pie.

If you’ve ever wanted to experience Greece without leaving the Central Coast, this episode is your invitation. Come hungry. Come curious. Come ready to dance.

• Greek Festival SLO: Greek Festival SLO

• Tickets: Get Tickets Here

• Instagram: @greekfestslo

Event Details:

• May 30 and May 31, 2026

• Madonna Expo Center, San Luis Obispo

• Live Greek music and dancing

• Authentic Greek food and desserts

• Family-friendly

• Kids 12 and under free

• Free parking

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

SLOFreeParking | Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Pinot & Paella Returns to Templeton Park for Paso Robles Youth Arts | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Fri, 22 May 2026 13:38:13 -0400

Pinot Noir, paella, live music, and one of those Central Coast afternoons that just feels right.

On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with Barby Wunsch, Executive Director of Paso Robles Youth Arts, to talk about the return of Pinot & Paella happening June 7th at Templeton Park. They get into why this event has become such a staple over the last 21 years, the insane lineup of wineries and chefs this year, and how the festival directly supports arts education for local kids right here on the Central Coast.

But this conversation goes deeper than wine and food. Adam and Barby talk about why the arts matter so much for young people right now, especially in a post-COVID world where connection, confidence, and creative outlets are more important than ever. From music and theater to culinary arts and media programs, Paso Robles Youth Arts is giving kids a place to express themselves, build friendships, and discover what they’re capable of.

Also in this episode:

• Why Pinot Noir “opens a door” for wine lovers

• The chefs Adam is most excited about this year

• The new state-of-the-art culinary kitchen at PRYA

• Why nonprofits are feeling the squeeze more than ever

• Paella burritos… yes, really

• And why this event feels more like a community gathering than a fundraiser

Get tickets for Pinot & Paella:

• Pinot & Paella Festival Tickets

Learn more about Paso Robles Youth Arts:

• Paso Robles Youth Arts Center

Follow along:

• Paso Robles Youth Arts Instagram

• Pinot & Paella Instagram

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Molly Kern: Inside the SLO Food Bank’s Summer Hunger Fight | Open House 2026 | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Thu, 21 May 2026 16:29:23 -0400

Summer break is supposed to feel carefree. But for a lot of families across San Luis Obispo County, it also means losing access to school breakfasts and lunches, stretching grocery budgets even thinner, and quietly trying to figure out how to make it all work. On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with Molly Kern from SLO Food Bank for a conversation about what food insecurity really looks like on the Central Coast, and how the community continues to show up for one another in powerful ways.

Molly shares how the food bank is now serving more than 52,000 people every month, why summer creates extra pressure for working families, and how their upcoming Open House is designed to pull back the curtain on the incredible operation happening inside the warehouse every single day. Adam and Molly also get into the wildly competitive Summer Breakfast Bag Build-Off finals, volunteer culture in SLO County, raising kids with a spirit of service, and why food is about so much more than what’s on the plate. It’s community. It’s dignity. It’s connection. And yes, Adam will be out there emceeing the event too.

If you’ve ever wondered how the SLO Food Bank actually works, who it helps, or how to get involved, this episode gives you a real look inside one of the most important organizations on the Central Coast.

• Learn more about the SLO Food Bank:

SLO Food Bank Official Website

• RSVP for the Open House:

SLO Food Bank Open House RSVP

• Follow the SLO Food Bank on Instagram:

@slofoodbank

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Leonard Cohen: La Esquina, Free Parking & the Future of Downtown SLO | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Wed, 20 May 2026 12:31:42 -0400

Downtown San Luis Obispo has its characters. Its storytellers. Its lifers. And then there’s Leonard Cohen.

On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with the longtime restaurateur behind La Esquina Taqueria, Cioppino’s, and the legendary Old Port Inn for one of those conversations that only happens when two people genuinely love where they live.

This episode starts with tacos and free parking… then spirals beautifully into the history of Port San Luis, the psychology of hospitality, modern tipping culture, World War II storytelling, hidden Central Coast history, and the surprisingly emotional origin story behind those iconic glass tables over the water at Old Port Inn.

Leonard opens up about the brutal impact downtown parking issues had on local businesses over the last few years and why he decided to offer free parking at La Esquina to help bring people back downtown. He also talks about the upcoming release of his new memoir and recipe collection, By The Glass, which blends family stories, restaurant history, recipes, local lore, and the experiences that shaped his life as a businessman, father, community advocate, and accidental historian.

You’ll also hear:

• Why Leonard believes hospitality should feel generous, not restrictive

• His brutally honest take on modern tipping culture

• The return of beloved Cioppino Nights

• How a childhood memory with his dad inspired a dining experience locals still talk about decades later

• The behind-the-scenes role he quietly played during the Unocal years in Avila Beach

• The unbelievable true story inspiring his next World War II-based novel

• What happened when the real Leonard Cohen called the restaurant from Australia

This is one of those deeply local conversations that somehow becomes universal. Funny, opinionated, nostalgic, thoughtful, and wildly SLO CAL.

• Check out Restaurant: La Esquina Taqueria

• Cioppino Nights return regularly at La Esquina (5/31 next one)

• Free parking available in the new downtown parking structure when dining at La Esquina

• Follow on Instagram: @laesquinaslo

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Actor Michael Chiklis (The Commish/The Shield) on Saving the Arts for Children | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Tue, 19 May 2026 11:20:09 -0400

Michael Chiklis has played some of television’s most unforgettable characters, from Vic Mackey on The Shield to Tony Scali on The Commish and Ben Grimm in Fantastic Four. But this conversation with Adam Montiel goes somewhere deeper than Hollywood.

In this episode of Up+Adam, Michael Chiklis opens up about the very real moment that changed the course of his life: a regional theater in Massachusetts, a National Endowment for the Arts grant, and a 14-year-old kid discovering storytelling for the first time. What followed became a moving conversation about why arts funding matters, how creativity shapes young minds, and why Chiklis is now advocating alongside The Creative Coalition to protect artistic expression and opportunities for future generations.

There’s also a hilarious detour involving his dog “Tom Brady,” reflections on The Shield and The Commish, and one of those rare interview moments where a guest stops sounding like a celebrity and starts sounding deeply human.

This one’s about storytelling, advocacy, creativity, and the life-changing power of being given a chance.

• Learn more about The Creative Coalition: The Creative Coalition

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Adam Verdin: Political Newcomer Takes on an Incumbent in the SLO Supervisor District 4 Race | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Mon, 18 May 2026 13:44:36 -0400

San Luis Obispo County politics gets personal on this episode of Up+Adam as Adam Montiel sits down with District 4 County Supervisor candidate Adam Verdin for a conversation that goes far beyond campaign mailers and party labels.

Verdin opens up about what pushed him into the race against incumbent Jimmy Paulding, the emotional reality of running for office for the first time, and why he believes local government should operate with more common sense and less political tribalism. From owning Old Juan’s Cantina and flying professionally as a pilot, to navigating campaign controversies, endorsements, and “dark money” headlines, this episode digs into the human side of public service.

Adam and Adam also tackle some of the biggest issues facing the Central Coast right now, including homelessness, affordable housing, Diablo Canyon, workforce struggles, economic pressure on middle-class families, and whether young people can realistically build a future in SLO County anymore. There’s humor, tension, vulnerability, and a few moments where the conversation feels more like neighbors talking than politicians debating.

Whether you’re deeply political, politically exhausted, or just trying to understand the future of the SLO CAL, this is one of those conversations built to make you think a little deeper.

Links:

• Campaign Website: VerdinForSupervisor.com

• SLO Chamber Candidate Profile: SLO Chamber Candidate Profile – Adam Verdin

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Próxima Parada with SLO Symphony at Cal Poly PAC 5/21 | T-Minus 7 Days with Nick Larson | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Thu, 14 May 2026 11:47:41 -0400

Próxima Parada is days away from one of the most ambitious performances in Central Coast music history. Lead singer Nick Larson returns to Up+Adam as the band prepares for their one-night-only collaboration with the San Luis Obispo Symphony at the Cal Poly Performing Arts Center. What started as a bold idea is now fully in motion. The music has been written, every orchestral part has been handed off, and rehearsals are about to begin with a full symphony bringing SLO-born songs to life on stage.

This conversation goes beyond the performance. Adam and Nick dive into what it feels like when the pressure becomes real, the community rallies behind you, and something bigger than the band starts to take shape. From local organizations stepping up to support the show, to fans traveling across the country, to a live stream and full film production capturing it all, this is more than a concert. It is a moment for San Luis Obispo, for the arts, and for anyone who believes in building something meaningful from the ground up.

• Get tickets for Próxima Parada with the SLO Symphony

https://www.pacslo.org/events/detail/proximaparada

• Watch the livestream and learn more

https://www.proximaparadamusic.com/

• Follow Próxima Parada

https://www.instagram.com/proximaparada_music/

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Jake Steinfeld: Body By Jake Radio, Rebuilding After the Palisades Fire & the Power of “Don’t Quit” | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Wed, 13 May 2026 13:55:41 -0400

Fitness icon. Motivational force. Fire survivor. Reinvention architect.

On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with Jake Steinfeld, better known to generations as “Body By Jake,” for a conversation that goes far beyond workouts and weight loss. From creating the modern personal training industry and pioneering fitness television, to launching the brand-new Body By Jake Radio with iHeartMedia and Universal Music Group, Jake opens up about purpose, perseverance, and why movement may be the most underutilized antidepressant we have.

But this conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Jake reflects on losing his home in the Palisades fire after 31 years, the emotional toll of rebuilding, and what happens when the man behind the iconic “Don’t Quit!” mantra is forced to live those words in real time.

Adam and Jake also dive into:

• Why Body By Jake Radio was created during Mental Health Awareness Month

• The connection between music, mindset, and motivation

• The first small steps people can take when they feel overwhelmed physically or emotionally

• Why exercise should never feel like punishment

• The recent passing of Ted Turner and his role in Jake’s media journey

• The poem that changed Jake’s life forever

• How routine and movement helped Jake survive grief and shock after the fire

• Why hope is a muscle too

This one’s about resilience. About momentum. About getting back up when life knocks you sideways.

And yes… it’s 72 and sunny every day at Body By Jake Radio.

Listen to Body By Jake Radio on the iHeartRadio app:

iHeartRadio

Learn more about Body By Jake:

Body By Jake Official Website

Follow Jake Steinfeld on Instagram:

@officialbodybyjake

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Ben Arona Part 2: More Than a Pizza Place | Benny’s & Community | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Tue, 12 May 2026 13:20:26 -0400

Part 2 of Adam’s conversation with Ben Arona moves beyond the pizza and into something deeper: how a restaurant becomes a gathering place.

This chapter of the conversation gets into the identity behind Benny’s Pizza Palace & Social Club and the intentionality behind building a space people actually want to stay in. Ben talks about preserving pieces of the old Pepe Delgado’s building, creating a patio that feels lived in instead of overdesigned, and why he wanted Benny’s to feel welcoming to everybody. Construction workers, elected officials, families, first dates, grad parties, random Tuesday night hangs. The goal was never just food. It was connection.

Adam and Ben also get into the entrepreneurial side most people do not think about once a place becomes successful. Systems versus personality. Building a business that can operate without being fully dependent on one person. The pressure of growth. Hiring. Scaling. And the quiet mental routines that keep everything moving when nobody’s watching.

There is also a great stretch about what Ben actually eats at his own restaurant, the menu items people overlook, and the morning walks through the Mission that help him process business, relationships, stress, and life. It is thoughtful, grounded, and surprisingly reflective for a conversation that starts with Detroit-style pizza.

This is the human side of entrepreneurship. The side after the opening hype wears off. The part where a business starts becoming part of the fabric of a town.

• Website: https://bennysppsc.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bennyspizzaslo/

• Happy Hour: Monday through Friday • 4:30PM–6:30PM

• Detroit-style pizza • Patio space • Grad parties • Corporate events

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

This Weekend’s Olive & Lavender Festival in Paso Robles with Gina Hambly of Hambly Farms

Adam Montiel — Fri, 08 May 2026 14:52:07 -0400

Whether you’re a longtime Paso local, a lavender lover, or planning your next Central Coast getaway, this episode is pure springtime Paso energy.

• Paso Robles Olive and Lavender Festival

Saturday, May 9, 2026

Downtown City Park

9 AM to 4 PM

Free Admission

• Learn more about Hambly Farms:

Hambly Farms

• Paso Robles Olive and Lavender Festival details:

Paso Robles Olive and Lavender Festival

• Downtown Paso Robles Main Street Association:

Downtown Paso Robles Main Street Association

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Why Up+Adam was Mentioned in Very First Question of Sheriff's Kristin Smart Press Conference - Adam's Complete Coverage from Presser

Adam Montiel — Fri, 08 May 2026 14:41:56 -0400

Up+Adam had correspondent Alex Farrington at the Kristin Smart Presser today, and we were surprised that the VERY FIRST QUESTION WAS ABOUT OUR show!

Here is the Q&A from the presser with commentary from Adamm then a conversation with Alex Farrington after presser concludes.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParking.com

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Exclusive: Sheriff Ian Parkinson Speaks As New Kristin Smart Search Warrant Unfolds in Real Time only to Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Thu, 07 May 2026 05:22:56 -0400

A case that has lived in the heart of the Central Coast for nearly three decades took another step forward and Up+Adam is bringing you inside it in real time, exclusively.

In this exclusive Up+Adam conversation, Sheriff Ian Parkinson joins Adam Montiel as a new search warrant is actively being served in the case of Kristin Smart. At the time of this interview, Up+Adam was the only platform speaking directly with the Sheriff as the search unfolded.

Even after the 2022 conviction of Paul Flores, one truth remains: this case is not over until Kristin is brought home.

Sheriff Parkinson speaks candidly about what led investigators back to the Arroyo Grande property belonging to convicted killer Paul Flores’ mother, Susan Flores, how evolving technology like ground penetrating radar and advancements in science are shaping the search, and why his team continues to pursue every lead no matter the time or cost. This is not just about evidence. It is about persistence, patience, and a promise to a family that has waited far too long.

As the search unfolds, the Sheriff makes it clear: this work continues until there are answers.

• This episode is for anyone who has followed the Kristin Smart case

• For listeners interested in real time law enforcement insight

• For a community still holding its breath

Listen in for a grounded, thoughtful, powerful, and exclusive conversation that reminds us this is not just a case. This is a person. And a family waiting.

• Official statement from San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office

• LA Times Coverage

• KSBY Coverage

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

BREAKING: Search Warrant on Susan Flores House in Kristin Smart Case

Adam Montiel — Wed, 06 May 2026 12:51:52 -0400

Sweet Stakes & Small-Town Pride: SLO Pastry Chef Heads to Finale of Food Netowrk's Ultimate Baking Championship | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Mon, 04 May 2026 14:00:49 -0400

*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Adam opens this episode with something real and personal. After being off the mic for a couple of days, he shares why. His dad, they call him Opa, was unexpectedly hospitalized, and what initially seemed like back pain turned into something far more serious. In true Up+Adam fashion, Adam brings listeners into that moment with honesty, gratitude, and heart, reflecting on family, community, and the overwhelming support that shows up when life shifts without warning.

From there, the show turns toward something equally powerful in a different way. From San Luis Obispo to the national spotlight, this is one of those stories that feels bigger than the moment itself. Florencia Breda, co-owner of Breda in downtown SLO, joins Up+Adam on the day of the finale of Food Network’s The Ultimate Baking Championship. After competing against 16 of the country’s top pastry chefs, she’s now one of the final three, navigating high-stakes challenges that demand precision, creativity, and endurance at the highest level.

In this conversation, Florencia opens up about the surreal nature of seeing herself on a show she grew up watching, the emotional weight of keeping the outcome a secret for weeks, and the powerful role community has played in her journey. From hosting watch parties at her shop to hearing from world-renowned pastry chef Antonio Bachour, this moment is about more than competition. It is about growth, gratitude, and the realization that years of hard work are paying off in real time.

Whether you are a foodie, an aspiring chef, or someone chasing a dream, this episode captures what it feels like to be in the arena when everything is on the line.

• Learn more about Breda: https://www.breda-slo.com/

• Follow Florencia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breda_slo/

• Watch The Ultimate Baking Championship on Food Network: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/the-ultimate-baking-championship

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

From Underground Pizza to Local Staple | The Benny’s Pizza Story w/ Ben Arona | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:50:35 -0400

*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

In Part 1 of this conversation, Adam sits down with Ben Arona, the mind behind Benny’s Pizza Palace & Social Club, and gets into the version of the story most people never see. Before the packed patio, before the social club energy, before it became a go-to spot in San Luis Obispo, this was one guy making dough in the morning, selling pizzas through Facebook, and trying to figure out if the whole thing would even work.

They talk about the underground days, building a business out of a former chain pizza space, and what it actually looks like to scale something from nothing. There is a raw honesty here about the grind. Early mornings, long days, doing everything yourself, and slowly building systems that can hold the weight of growth. Ben breaks down how he went from making a couple pizzas at a time to running a full operation, and why structure and process became just as important as the product itself.

Why Detroit style pizza? How he developed the sauce over years without changing it once it clicked.

There is a moment in this episode where the conversation shifts from passion to pressure. Break-ins, unexpected costs, and the real numbers behind running a restaurant. What it actually takes to keep the doors open, and why entrepreneurship is a lot less glamorous than it looks from the outside. It is honest, it is unfiltered, and it is something anyone thinking about starting a business needs to hear.

This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Part 2 picks up with the space, the community, the vibe, and the human side of what Benny’s has become.

• Website: https://bennysppsc.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bennyspizzaslo/

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Terrie Bannish on Atascadero’s Flavor Run | Tamale Fest Turns 10 in a Town That Refuses to Sit Still | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:55:38 -0400

• https://www.atascaderotamalefest.com/

Atascadero is having a moment and if you’ve been paying attention, you can feel it. On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with Terrie Bannish from the City of Atascadero to talk about the 10th annual Tamale Fest and how it’s grown from a local event into one of the Central Coast’s biggest, most talked-about weekends. We’re talking tens of thousands of tamales sold in a single day, vendors coming in from all over California, and a community that continues to show up in a big way year after year.

This conversation goes beyond the event itself. Adam and Terrie get into what’s really happening in Atascadero right now. The growth, the energy, the restaurants, the events calendar that just keeps rolling. From Fiesta Friday, which gives locals a chance to actually enjoy the vendors without the massive crowds, to Saturday’s full-scale takeover with live music, folklórico dancers, tamale competitions, and yes, the pet costume contest that Adam will be right in the middle of. There’s something for everyone here whether you’re coming for the food, the culture, or just a great day out on the Central Coast.

• 10th Annual Tamale Fest in Atascadero

• Fiesta Friday 5pm to 9pm with live music and early vendor access

• Main event Saturday with 20 plus tamale vendors and 40,000 to 50,000 tamales expected to be sold

• Pet costume contest hosted by Adam Montiel

• Live performances including mariachi, folklórico dancers, and Brass Mash

• Family friendly activities including bounce houses, rock climbing wall, and more

• Proceeds from beverages support the Central Coast Zoo

Want to go? Here’s everything you need:

• https://www.visitatascadero.com/

Follow along and stay connected:

• https://www.instagram.com/visitatascadero/

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Eve Plumb: Life After Jan Brady | The Brady Bunch & Happiness Included | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:46:57 -0400

https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/9780806545035/happiness-included/

Eve Plumb joins Up+Adam for a conversation that goes far beyond the nostalgia of The Brady Bunch. Best known as Jan Brady, Eve reflects on what it really meant to grow up on camera, and how that experience shaped her understanding of identity, work, and fulfillment. Her new memoir, Happiness Included: Jan Brady & Beyond, pulls back the curtain on a life that looked picture-perfect from the outside but was, in reality, built on discipline, strong parenting, and a commitment to craft over celebrity.

In this episode, Eve opens up about the surprising truth behind fame, why she believes being good at what you do matters more than being recognized for it, and what it took to finally share more of her private world. From soundstages and windowless classrooms to a six-decade career across television, film, theater, and painting, this is a conversation about longevity, perspective, and redefining what happiness actually looks like.

• Happiness Included: Jan Brady & Beyond (Book)

• Eve Plumb Official Website

https://eveplumb.tv

• Follow Eve Plumb

https://www.instagram.com/theeveplumb

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Sarah Tomasetti: Wine 4 Paws Founder on 18 Years of Giving Back | Woods Humane Society | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 13:43:53 -0400

*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

What happens when you mix a passion for wine, a love for animals, and a community that shows up year after year? You get something like Wine 4 Paws, a Central Coast tradition that’s been quietly (and now loudly) changing lives for 18 years. Founder Sarah Tomasetti joins Adam to share how a simple idea at 21 years old turned into a full-scale movement with more than 80 participating wineries, restaurants, and local businesses. The concept is beautifully simple: go out, enjoy the best of the region, and a portion of what you spend goes directly to helping homeless animals.

This conversation taps into the heart of what makes the Central Coast special, the collaboration, the generosity, and the shared purpose. Sarah walks us through the evolution of the event, the energy behind this year’s weekend, and why Woods Humane Society continues to be the perfect partner, placing thousands of animals into loving homes each year while expanding services like microchipping and spay and neuter clinics. Whether you're mapping out your tasting route, bringing your dog along for the ride, or just looking for a meaningful way to spend your weekend, this episode is your invitation to be part of something bigger.

• Learn more: https://www.wine4paws.com

• Follow along: https://www.instagram.com/wine4paws

• Support Woods Humane Society: https://woodshumanesociety.org

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Tommy Dorfman: One Promoter vs The Monopoly | Live Nation, Ticketmaster, Power & Price of Music | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 05:08:00 -0400

*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Tommy Dorfman’s story hits differently when you place it next to what’s happening right now in live music.

In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with promoter and entrepreneur Tommy Dorfman, who went from building a nightlife empire to taking on Live Nation Entertainment and Ticketmaster in a legal fight that’s stretched over a decade. What started as a collapsed festival deal turned into something much bigger. Dorfman claims he was pushed out of the industry and has spent years trying to bring what he believes is a broken system into the light.

This conversation lands at a moment when Live Nation and Ticketmaster are facing intense national scrutiny. Recent reporting and legal action have raised major questions about monopoly power, ticket pricing, and control of the live entertainment pipeline. From federal and state challenges to public debate around whether meaningful change is actually coming, the conversation is no longer theoretical. It is happening now.

• Rolling Stone perspective on the Live Nation verdict and what it means for fans and the industry

Read here

• Good News Network coverage of the antitrust ruling calling Live Nation and Ticketmaster an exploitative monopoly

Read here

• The New Yorker on whether the Ticketmaster monopoly verdict is real change or a mirage

Read here

Whether you follow the business of music or just wonder why concert tickets feel out of reach, this episode connects one man’s story to a much larger question about power, access, and the future of live events.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Robert “Kool” Bell: Kool & The Gang, Celebration, and Music Legacy | Kool Kids Foundation | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:13:47 -0400

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Robert “Kool” Bell doesn’t just make music. He’s part of the rhythm of our lives. In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel chats with the co-founder of Kool & The Gang to go beyond the hits and into the heart behind them. From the unexpected rise of “Celebration” to the legacy of a sound that’s been sampled across generations, Kool reflects on a career that has shaped weddings, dance floors, and defining life moments around the world.

But this conversation hits deeper. Kool opens up about the songs he wishes he had recorded, shouting out legends like Marvin Gaye and Prince, and shares the origin story of the Kool Kids Foundation, inspired by his late wife and built to bring music education back to young people. There’s even a wild, full-circle moment involving the group Color Me Badd that started with a chance encounter and turned into music history.

Follow and learn more

• Kool & The Gang: https://www.koolandthegang.com

• Kool Kids Foundation: https://koolkidsfoundation.org

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koolandthegang

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Alexia Jayy: 'The Voice' Season 29 Winner on Finding Herself | Rent Free | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:46:44 -0400

https://www.instagram.com/alexiajayy__/

Alexia Jayy didn’t just win The Voice Battle of Champions. She found herself in the process.

In this episode of Up+Adam, Alexia sits down with Adam Montiel for a conversation that goes beyond the stage and into the shift that changed everything. From earning that triple-chair turn to delivering a finale performance of One and Only that moved coaches to tears, Alexia opens up about the moment she stopped chasing perfection and finally chose presence. And here’s the twist. She held onto that life-changing win without even telling her son, all while quietly processing a new version of herself that had just arrived.

Now with her new single Rent Free out and a future that feels wide open, Alexia shares what she is protecting most in this next chapter, how she stays grounded, and why she is no longer going back to perfection.

follow alexia jayy

listen on spotify

https://open.spotify.com/artist/ (search “Alexia Jayy” and follow her official artist page)

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Alexia Jayy: The Voice Season 29 Winner on Finding Herself | Rent Free | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:21:59 -0400

https://www.instagram.com/alexiajayy__/

Alexia Jayy didn’t just win The Voice Battle of Champions. She found herself in the process.

follow alexia jayy

listen on spotify

https://open.spotify.com/artist/ (search “Alexia Jayy” and follow her official artist page)

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

#1 NYT Bestselling Author Mark Greaney Talks The Hard Line and Writing the Gray Man

Adam Montiel — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:30:12 -0400

What happens when the hunter becomes the hunted?

On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with #1 New York Times bestselling author Mark Greaney, the mastermind behind the wildly popular Gray Man series, to talk about his latest release, The Hard Line. Whether you're a longtime thriller fan or someone just looking for your next page turner, this conversation opens the door to the power of fiction to reflect the real world in ways that feel urgent, intense, and deeply human.

Mark shares how he flipped the script on his iconic character Court Gentry, turning an apex predator into prey and introducing one of his most personal and complex villains yet, a man driven by loss, legacy, and revenge. The conversation dives into the psychology behind great antagonists, the emotional weight of writing about family and generational cycles, and how today’s chaotic world influences the stories he tells. As heard in the interview, Greaney leans into the tension between fiction and reality, drawing from a world where “Americans don’t trust Americans” and building narratives that feel eerily close to home.

Adam and Mark also get into the craft, what it takes to write 15 books in a series without losing originality, the chaos behind the creative process, and how something like “maladaptive daydreaming” can evolve from a childhood challenge into a storytelling superpower. It’s a conversation about discipline, imagination, and the responsibility of writing characters that live in moral gray areas but still earn our loyalty.

• Learn more about Mark Greaney: https://markgreaneybooks.com

• Buy The Hard Line: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593954815

• Follow Mark on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markgreaneybooks/

• Listen, subscribe, and stay curious, more conversations like this at Up+Adam

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Emmanuelle Chriqui: From 'Entourage' to Her Latest Film, 'A Love Like This' | Candid Chat | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:29:55 -0400

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Some guests make you feel something the moment they start talking. Emmanuelle Chriqui (pronounced eh-MAN-yoo-EL Shree-Kee) is exactly that kind of guest. You know her as Sloan from HBO's Entourage, the role that introduced her to the world and never really let go. You know her as Lana Lang from the CW's Superman and Lois. But this conversation goes somewhere deeper than a highlight reel. Adam and Emmanuelle talk about what it really means to love someone in the gray space, what producing her new film unlocked in her creatively, and what happens when the script disappears on set and something completely real takes over. She also opens up about standing up as a proud Jewish woman in the loudest, most divided moment of recent memory, and why she had no choice but to speak. Her new film A Love Like This, in which she stars alongside Hayes MacArthur and also produces, releases April 24th.

Emmanuelle is incredibly disarming, and the chemistry in this conversation is immediate. Like, by the end of it Adam is already pitching her and her boyfriend on a trip to Paso Robles wine country and she is saying yes. That kind of rapport. Do not sleep on this one.

Watch the A Love Like This trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3Vv5WiLdDA
Follow Emmanuelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmanuellechriqui

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

Check out Adam on People Pints & Possibilities

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Corey Jordan: Inside Paso Robles Jazz Fest, Libretto’s Intimate Music Culture & AMSTRDM Breaking News | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:32:46 -0400

*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Paso Robles is evolving and this conversation proves it. Adam sits down with Corey Jordan, founder of Libretto, to talk about the inaugural Paso Robles Jazz Fest and how a 50-seat listening room turned into a full-scale cultural movement. What started as intimate, unamplified performances inside a historic 1919 space has grown into a three-day experience that blends world-class jazz, Paso wine country, and human connection in a way that feels both elevated and deeply local.

They get into the real origin story of the fest, how a visiting New York artist sparked the idea, and why Corey believes Paso is ready for a “culture injection” at exactly the right moment. There’s something powerful happening here, where jazz, wine, and community all intersect, and this festival is designed to showcase that harmony in a way that feels intentional, immersive, and a little bit magical.

Adam and Corey also go deep on what makes Libretto different, from its no-amplification philosophy to the rare Steinway “unicorn” piano that’s played by some of the best musicians in the world. Plus, they break news on major expansion plans with Amsterdam Coffee House, including a full kitchen takeover and new partnerships that are about to level things up in a big way.

And then there’s the finale. A nine-foot concert grand piano brought out to Sensorio, overlooking the Field of Light, with Grammy-level talent performing as the sun sets. It’s not just a show, it’s a moment.

If you care about music, Paso, or just being part of something special before everyone else catches on, this is the episode.

• Paso Robles Jazz Fest official site: https://www.pasoroblesjazzfest.com/

• Libretto Paso: https://www.librettopaso.com/

• Libretto Jazz Fest page: https://www.librettopaso.com/pasoroblesjazzfest

• Libretto Conservatory: https://www.librettopaso.com/conservatory

• Amsterdam Coffee House: https://www.amstrdmpaso.com/

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Andy Stumpf: Former Navy SEAL on Failure, Fear, and Bing 'Drownproof' | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:26:08 -0400

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What if the hardest battle you ever fight isn’t out there… but in here?

On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel sits down with former Navy SEAL Team 6 operator Andy Stumpf, author of Drownproof: Eight Life Lessons to Keep Your Head Above Water. But this conversation goes far beyond the battlefield. Andy opens up about the moments that nearly broke him, including a divorce that tested him more than combat ever did, and the internal fight that comes when your own mind turns against you.

This is a conversation about ownership, identity, and learning how to move forward when life feels insurmountable. Andy shares how he reframed failure as “tuition,” why integrity cannot be outsourced, and how breaking life into the smallest possible steps can help you survive even the darkest days. It is not about being a Navy SEAL. It is about being human, and learning how to stay afloat when everything feels like it is pulling you under.

• How to break overwhelming moments into manageable steps

• Why failure might be the most valuable investment you ever make

• The difference between thrashing and floating in life

• What it really means to take ownership of your actions

• How to build resilience before life forces you to

Whether you are navigating a tough season, chasing a goal, or just trying to keep your head above water, this episode delivers real tools and perspective you can actually use.

Listen in. Lean in. And maybe… breathe a little easier.

• Buy the book: HERE → https://www.amazon.com/Drownproof-Eight-Lessons-Above-Water/dp/125037961X

• Andy Stumpf Podcast Cleared Hot: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cleared-hot/id1241768787

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andystumpf212/

• Website: https://andystumpf.com/

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

I Will Be Fine Filmmakers | Filmmaking Under Pressure but with Purpose and Local Heart

Adam Montiel — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 13:34:00 -0400

Up+Adam for April 11 2026 Sponsored by The Mountain Air

What happens when you only have five days to create something meaningful and everything is on the line? In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with Central Coast filmmakers Bettina Someros-Ching, lead actor and producer Steven Charles Ching, and actress and associate producer Angela Alarcon to talk about their powerful short film I Will Be Fine, created for the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge.

Shot right here on the Central Coast and led by Atascadero local Bettina Someros-Ching, this project is more than just a film. It is a community effort built with heart, trust, and an all-in creative sprint. From last-minute edits under pressure to deeply personal moments behind the story, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to create something honest. Angela brings a global perspective to a deeply local production, while Bettina and Steven reflect on telling a story rooted in real people, real relationships, and real purpose.

• Created in just five days for the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge

• Shot on the Central Coast with a local and regional team

• A story centered on resilience, community, and asking for help

• A behind-the-scenes look at the emotional and creative process

• Why “I will be fine” means more than we think

If you have ever pushed through something, leaned on others, or needed a reminder that you are not alone, this one is for you.

WATCH + FOLLOW + SUPPORT THE FILM:

• Watch on YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Wfd7RZ_MAV0&ra=m

• Watch on Facebook: https://fb.watch/Gh0nCvHMLB/?mibextid=wwXIfr

• Angela Alarcon: https://www.instagram.com/angelaalarcon

• Steven Charles Ching: https://www.instagram.com/zhatdude

• Bettina Someros-Ching: https://www.instagram.com/je_suis_bettina

• Film Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iwillbefine.mp4/

• Easterseals Disability Film Challenge: https://disabilityfilmchallenge.com/

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Jack’s Helping Hand Turns 20: Bridget Ready | Soup n’ Syrah Paso Robles Event | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:33:02 -0400

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This one’s about heart, community, and what happens when people decide to show up for each other.

Adam sits down with Bridget Ready, co-founder of Jack’s Helping Hand, Leslie Orradre, Executive Director and CEO, and Alex Raissipour, organizer of the inaugural Soup n’ Syrah event. What starts as a conversation about a local fundraiser quickly turns into something much deeper. A story of loss that turned into purpose. A nonprofit that began with helping one child and now supports over 600 families across the Central Coast. And a reminder that even in the hardest moments, there’s a path forward and sometimes it starts by helping someone else.

Bridget shares how returning to the classroom helped heal her after losing her son, and how that same spirit of service became the foundation for Jack’s Helping Hand. Leslie reflects on growing the organization from a grassroots effort into one of the most respected nonprofits in the county, built on trust, transparency, and showing up for families when they need it most. And Alex brings it all together with Soup n’ Syrah, a brand-new event blending Paso wine culture with community impact, all benefiting local children and families.

• 20 years of Jack’s Helping Hand and how it all began

• The moment the mission became bigger than anyone imagined

• What families actually need when facing medical hardship

• Why community support matters more than ever right now

• Soup n’ Syrah: wine, food, and giving back this Sunday

• How you can get involved, donate, or simply show up

If you’re local, this is an easy yes. Great wine, incredible food, and a chance to support one of the most impactful organizations on the Central Coast. Use promo code VTR to save 35% on tickets.

• Soup n’ Syrah Event Info & Tickets: https://castorocellars.com/events/club/soup-n-syrah

• Event Site: https://soupnsyrah.wixsite.com/soup

• Jack’s Helping Hand: http://jackshelpinghand.org/

As always, thanks for being here.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Joe from Meta: Inside Instagram on a Real Consultation Call | Growth, Reels, Algorithm | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:11:29 -0400

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What happens when you get real, unfiltered access to someone inside Instagram? Not a headline. Not a hack. A real conversation.

In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam brings you along for a recorded call with Joe from Meta, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the platform actually works right now. This isn’t theory. This is straight from the source.

They break down what truly drives growth on Instagram today, including why consistency matters more than perfection, how posting three reels a week can signal the algorithm, and why short-form video continues to dominate. Joe also shares how creators can use the Professional Dashboard and Inspiration tools to spot trends, why “trial reels” are one of the most underused features for testing content, and how captions, hashtags, and watch time all work together to help the system understand who you are and who should see your content.

For businesses and creators alike, one of the biggest takeaways is this: Instagram is still one of the most powerful free tools available. But it rewards clarity, consistency, and curiosity. From using open-ended questions to drive engagement, to creating content that sparks curiosity instead of giving everything away, this episode is packed with practical insights you can actually use.

Whether you are running a winery, building a brand, hosting a podcast, or just trying to figure out why your posts are not landing, this conversation gives you a clearer path forward.

• Follow Instagram’s Creator Account for trends: https://www.instagram.com/creators/

• Learn more about Instagram tools and features: https://about.instagram.com/

• Explore your Professional Dashboard inside the Instagram app

Listen. Learn. Then go try something.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

The Mountain Air on Life, Love, and Not Selling Out | Josh and Lindsey Haring are Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 12:20:41 -0400

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Some love stories start over candlelit dinners. Josh and Lindsey Haring's started over a rack of Patagonia sports bras and a sales pitch that Lindsey never saw coming. And somehow, that moment on Marsh Street in September 2005 led to the two of them becoming the owners of one of San Luis Obispo's most beloved institutions: The Mountain Air.

Founded in 1975 by Wayne Patterson, The Mountain Air has been outfitting Central Coast adventurers for more than 50 years. Josh came up through the store, working alongside Wayne for nearly two decades before taking the keys in January 2020. Lindsey brought seven years at the Chamber of Commerce and a run at Cal Poly to the table, and together they've built something that goes way beyond retail. They're raising three sons here. They're running PEAK, a 501c3 that has raised nearly $94,000 in six years to fund extracurricular activities for local kids. They do custom embroidery for wineries and businesses across the county. They install car racks better than anyone from LA to San Francisco, by their own humble estimation. And Brandon Ammerman, their lead ski tech with 28 years in the shop, will make your beat-up skis look like they just came off the factory floor.

Then there's The Switchback, their sister shop just two doors down, where used outdoor gear finds its next chapter. Skis, snowboards, backpacks, boots, apparel, kids gear that still has three seasons left in it. You can sell your stuff for cash or store credit and use it at either shop. Josh put it best: they give gear the life it deserves.

This is what local advertising is supposed to feel like. Real people. Real community. Real dollars staying right here at home.

The Mountain Air: themountainair.com
The Switchback: theswitchback.com
The Mountain Air on Instagram: @themountainair
Up+Adam with Adam Montiel on Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/up-adam-with-adam-montiel/id1508232984
Up+Adam on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4Gnkhv5b8EQFIQ9X3guf7n

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Happy Friday | Pet of the Week with Woods Humane Society

Adam Montiel — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 11:08:39 -0400

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Are You Daughtering? The Invisible Work of Adult Daughters with Dr. Allison Alford | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:20:32 -0400

Dr. Allison Alford is a communication researcher, keynote speaker, and the founder of Daughtering 101 and her debut book Good Daughtering gives a name to something millions of women have been doing their entire lives without ever getting credit for it. Daughtering is the invisible labor, the emotional heavy lifting, the crisis management, the deep breath before you answer the phone and the even deeper one after you hang up. It's the planning, the worrying, the checking in, the smoothing over. It's just Tuesday. But Tuesday has a cost.

In this episode, Adam and Dr. Alford get into the messy middle, the space where you love your family deeply and it's still complicated. They talk about the internal "enoughness" meter that never quite shuts off, why daughters protect their parents' feelings at the expense of their own needs, how siblings can hold completely different memories of the same parent and both be right, and what it actually looks like to reclaim your role without blowing up your relationships. If you have ever felt stretched thin, unseen, or quietly exhausted by the weight of being the one who holds it all together, this episode was made for you.

Buy Good Daughtering: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/good-daughtering-allison-m-alford
Dr. Allison Alford's website: https://www.daughtering101.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daughtering101
Substack: https://www.substack.com/@daughtering101

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KB OF IMVA Talks the Resurgence of Michael Jackson: The Movie and a Night of Tribute Live at Libertine in SLO | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:04:28 -0400

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Some guests come on to promote something. KB came on to confess something. Kahonukai Boro, lead singer of IMVA, has been living inside the world of Michael Jackson since before he could explain it. Fedora to elementary school. Gold compilation CDs on repeat in the Honda CRV. A 12-minute mock rock performance at the Paso Fairgrounds that ended in cardiac arrest. And then, on the table at Children's Hospital LA, waiting for surgery, he looked up and saw Michael Jackson's signature on artwork donated to the very walls around him. That is not a coincidence. That is a calling.

In this conversation, KB and Adam dig into what it actually takes to build a living as a musician on the Central Coast, how IMVA learned the power of saying no, and what it means to dedicate an entire night of music to one artist with zero originals, zero safety nets, and everything on the line. KB also performed "Butterflies" live in the studio, and honestly, clear your schedule because you are going to want to rewind it. Michael: A Night of Tribute happens Friday, April 24th at Libertine in San Luis Obispo. Tickets are just $5 in advance and $10 at the door. This is the kind of night the Central Coast was made for.

Grab your tickets here: Michael: A Night of Tribute at Libertine
Follow IMVA on Instagram: @imvamusic
Follow KB on Instagram: @kboro143
Win tickets + more at: adammontiel.com

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Rider Strong: Boy Meets World, The Red Weather, and the Truth About '90s Nostalgia | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 13:25:02 -0400

Up+Adam for March 31, 2026 Sponsored by Portabidet

What happens when you stop telling a story… and start questioning it?

In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with Rider Strong, best known as Shawn Hunter from Boy Meets World, to talk about his bold new podcast The Red Weather, and what unfolded was a genuine, wide-open conversation about memory, storytelling, nostalgia, and what we owe the people whose stories we decide to tell. Rider grew up in the redwoods of Northern California, surrounded by communes and communities he didn't fully understand until he was well into his 40s. That curiosity became the engine behind The Red Weather, an eight-episode autofiction series from iHeartPodcasts that blends a fictional 1995 cold case with real documentary-style interviews featuring his actual family, his childhood best friend Ocean, and his own unfiltered past.

They go deep on the ethics of true crime storytelling and who gets to be the hero of someone else's tragedy. They unpack the "cracked nostalgia" of the 90s, the warm glow we all feel, and the casual misogyny, homophobia, and blind spots hiding inside it. Rider gets real about why he stopped acting, what it felt like to be a teen idol he never wanted to be, and why playing himself in The Red Weather felt more freeing than playing any fictional character ever did. Adam also brings his own story to the table, his connection to the Jimmy Farris case, a real conversation with the man convicted of his friend's death, and the two find common ground in what it means to carry a story that belongs to someone else.

Oh, and Rider Strong's name. They go there. Boogie Nights, laser discs, and all.

The Red Weather on iHeartRadio: The Red Weather Podcast
Rider Strong on Instagram: @rider_strong
Pod Meets World (Rider's Boy Meets World rewatch podcast): Pod Meets World

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Ben Higgins of The Bachelor: From Final Rose, Full Disclosure, and a Franchise in Freefall | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 11:52:10 -0400

Up+Adam for March 30, 2026 Sponsored by Portabidet

If you've ever felt like there has to be more to the story, yours, someone else's, or the one playing out on your screen right now, this episode is for you. Adam sits down with Ben Higgins, the man America met on Season 20 of The Bachelor, and what unfolds is something far more interesting than a rose ceremony recap. Ben opens up about what vulnerability actually taught him on national television, how imposter syndrome doesn't care how famous you are, and why the moment fame stopped filling him up became one of the most important moments of his life.

They get into Ben's podcast If You Can Hear Me, a show built on the belief that the secular and the sacred can sit in the same room and have an honest conversation, and what he has learned from guests walking through grief, loss, and the kind of pain that doesn't have a clean ending. Ben also pulls back the curtain on Generous Coffee Company, a business where every dollar of profit goes straight to social good, and why radical transparency is the only way a purpose-driven brand earns real trust.

And then there is The Bachelor franchise. Ben was there when the show was about love. He watched it become about drama. And now, with Taylor Frankie Paul's Bachelorette season pulled just days before its premiere amid multiple domestic violence investigations, the conversation about what the franchise has become and what it cost is one Ben is uniquely positioned to have. This one goes there.

Ben Higgins on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/higgins.ben
If You Can Hear Me Podcast on iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-if-you-can-hear-me-319562960
Generous Coffee Company: https://www.generouscoffee.com

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Actor Paul Rust: Love, Comedy, and The Napa Boys | Woods Pet of the Week | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:26:58 -0400

Up+Adam for March 27, 2026 Sponsored by Portabidet

Paul Rust is one of those actors you know. You have seen him. You have felt his work. Maybe in ‘Inglourious Basterds’, maybe in ‘Love’ on Netflix, maybe somewhere else where he quietly stole the scene. And then you realize he is not just funny. He is thoughtful. He is a little uncomfortable in the best way. The kind of storyteller who makes you laugh and then makes you sit with something real.

In this episode of Up+Adam, we get into it. Paul joins us to talk about his new film The Napa Boys, a wild, self-aware comedy that plays like the fourth installment of a franchise that does not even exist. But underneath the absurdity, there is something deeper. We talk about how comedy can be a disguise for the things that scare us, what he learned working with Judd Apatow about vulnerability, and why relationships on screen feel more honest when they are a little messy. We also get into wine culture, performance, and that feeling that maybe all of us are acting just a little bit whether we are dating, creating, or sitting at a tasting bar trying to sound like we know what we are talking about.

This is one of those conversations that starts fun and ends somewhere real. Exactly where we like it.

• Watch the trailer for The Napa Boys: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DV80S8rZy4

• Follow Paul Rust on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulrust

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

• Register for the 2026 THS Athletic Boosters Golf Tournament

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Driving Support for THS Athletics: Templeton Boosters Launches More Than a Golf Tournament

Adam Montiel — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:58:15 -0400

March 26, 2026 Up+Adam Sponsored by Portabidet

Templeton High School athletics gets the full community treatment in this conversation with Jessie Yates and Joe Farley, two people helping power the THS Athletic Boosters and rally support for student-athletes across the campus. They join Adam in the LoBro Studios to talk about the THS Athletic Boosters Golf Tournament at Hunter Ranch Golf Course in Paso Robles on May 3, a day built around golf, community spirit, sponsor support, a silent auction, prizes, and a whole lot of Eagle pride. This is one of those events that makes it easy to see how much can happen when a town decides its kids matter.

Jessie and Joe break down how the tournament brings people together beyond the fairway, with ways to participate whether you are golfing, sponsoring, donating, bidding in the auction, or just showing up to support. There is real fun built into this one too, from special on-course moments to reception tickets and community energy that feels very Templeton. And yes, as heard on Up+Adam, businesses that jump in as sponsors of at least $1000 for this event can score a month of free advertising on the show.

LINKS

• Tournament packages, sponsorships, singles, twosomes, and foursomes

• Templeton High School Athletic Boosters website

• Become a Booster

• Contact the THS Athletic Boosters

• Instagram: @thsathleticboosters

• Facebook: Templeton High School Athletic Booster Support Club

• Email: thsathleticboostersclub@gmail.com

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

https://www.pacslo.org/events/detail/proximaparada

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Próxima Parada x SLO Symphony: The Overture of Something Bigger | Nick Larson is Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:57:18 -0400

March 25, 2026 Up+Adam Sponsored by Portabidet

Próxima Parada’s Nick Larson returns home for something far bigger than a concert. This is a full-circle moment rooted in San Luis Obispo. From busking downtown and playing local coffee shops to stepping onto the stage at the Cal Poly Performing Arts Center, the band is reimagining their original, SLO-born music alongside the San Luis Obispo Symphony for one night only. What makes this even more powerful is that the band is writing every orchestral part themselves, turning their songs into something entirely new while staying true to where they came from.

In this conversation, Adam and Nick get into the emotion behind the moment, the creative risk, and the reality of what it takes to pull off something this ambitious. There is humility, a little imposter syndrome, and a deep love for the community that helped shape the band. Not just a performance, but a love letter to SLO, a celebration of growth, and a reminder of what can happen when artists bet on themselves and bring their people along for the ride.

• Get info for Próxima Parada with the SLO Symphony

• Event tickets (Eventbrite)

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/proxima-parada-with-the-slo-symphony-tickets-1985106519036

• Follow Próxima Parada

https://www.instagram.com/proximaparada_music/

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

• Lumina Nights takes place May 1 and May 2

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Jeanette Trompeter: Still Anchored in Community, Now Moving in Purpose with Lumina Alliance | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:54:07 -0400

March 24, 2026 Up+Adam Sponsored by Portabidet

If you’ve lived on the Central Coast for any amount of time, you know Jeanette Trompeter as the trusted voice from KSBY. But this conversation goes far beyond the anchor desk. From a devastating ski accident that nearly cost her leg to rediscovering her body, her voice, and her purpose, Jeanette opens up in a way that’s raw, real, and deeply human.

Now, she’s stepping into a new spotlight, dancing in Lumina Nights in support of Lumina Alliance, an organization doing critical work for survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence right here in San Luis Obispo County. This isn’t just an event. It’s an experience. One that will make you feel, reflect, and hopefully act.

Adam and Jeanette talk about identity after leaving broadcast news, the evolution of storytelling in an AI-driven world, and why some of the strongest people we know are often carrying stories we never see. They also get real about fear, fundraising, and doing things that scare you just enough to grow.

• Saturday is sold out at the time of recording, but Friday tickets and sponsorships are still available

• This event supports life-saving services including a 24-hour hotline, therapy, advocacy, and shelter

If you’ve ever wondered how to support something meaningful in your own community, this is it.

Get involved. Show up. Or support from wherever you are.

• Lumina Alliance: https://luminaalliance.org/

• Lumina Nights Tickets and Info: http://event.auctria.com/c6a79f2b-d5cb-4aba-af37-705368183285/

• Lumina Thrift Store: https://luminaalliance.org/thriftstore

• Follow Jeanette on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shellbeachgirl/

• Follow Jeanette: https://www.facebook.com/jeanettemedia/

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/the-ultimate-baking-championship

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Local Chef Florencia Breda of Breda SLO on Food Network’s Ultimate Baking Championship | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:51:01 -0400

Up+Adam for March 23, 2026 Sponsored by Portabidet

Florencia Breda is one of those stories that feels both unexpected and completely meant to be. A Michelin-trained pastry chef who never originally planned to pursue pastry, she followed a path that took her from Argentina to Italy and eventually landed her right here on the Central Coast.

In this conversation, Adam sits down with Florencia to talk about the journey behind the craft. From early influences shaped by family and culture, to starting over in California just before the pandemic, to building a business without a safety net, this is a story about resilience, artistry, and trusting your instincts. Florencia shares how community support in San Luis Obispo played a defining role in her decision to stay and build something here, and why that connection continues to shape everything she creates.

Now, she is stepping onto a national stage as a competitor on Food Network’s Ultimate Baking Championship. With high-pressure challenges that test precision, creativity, and endurance, Florencia opens up about what it feels like to perform under the lights, represent her family across continents, and rediscover her love for the craft through competition.

This episode is about more than pastry. It is about identity, risk, and what happens when you fully step into what you are meant to do.

• Watch Florencia on Food Network’s Ultimate Baking Championship

• Visit Breda in downtown San Luis Obispo

https://www.breda-slo.com/

• Follow Breda on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/breda_slo/

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-wayfinder-life-changing-t-303344067

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Meet Florencia Breda of Breda SLO on Food Network’s Ultimate Baking Championship

Discover Life-Changing Travel and Get Lost on Purpose with Wayfinder | Featuring Daniel Scheffler | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 13:15:41 -0400

Up+Adam March 20, 2026 Sponsored by Portabidet

What if the best parts of travel aren’t the ones you plan… but the ones that completely unravel the plan?

On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with Daniel Scheffler, host of Wayfinder: Life-Changing Travel, to explore what it really means to move through the world with curiosity, instinct, and openness. From a childhood moment of loss that quietly shaped his lifelong pursuit of meaning, to getting stranded in unexpected places and turning those detours into connection, Daniel shares why the “blunders” often become the most beautiful parts of the journey.

They get into redefining luxury as space, time, and freedom… how putting your phone away can lead to your most meaningful experiences… and why a simple coffee shop can unlock the soul of a city. The conversation also turns local, as Adam invites Daniel to reflect on California’s Central Coast, world-class wine country, and what truly makes a destination feel alive. This is not about checking boxes. This is about feeling something real.

• Listen to Wayfinder: Life-Changing Travel

• Learn more about Daniel Scheffler

https://danielscheffler.com/

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

It’s Pushing 100 Today: Why Heat Might Actually Be Good for You with Science Journalist Bill Gifford | Hotwired | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 12:07:14 -0400

March 19, 2026 Up+Adam Sponsored by Portabidet

It is hot on the Central Coast right now. Like push 100, step outside and instantly sweat kind of hot. And instead of just complaining about it, we decided to lean all the way in.

Adam sits down with science journalist Bill Gifford, author of Hotwired: How the Hidden Power of Heat Makes Us Stronger, for a conversation that completely flips how we think about heat. This is not about surviving summer. This is about understanding why your body might actually need it. From global sauna culture to cutting edge heat labs to the surprising connection between sweat and mental health, Bill breaks down how modern life has disconnected us from something deeply human.

This episode moves between science and story in a way that feels personal. You will hear why comfort might be costing us more than we realize, why hydration has been misunderstood, and why something as simple as sitting in heat could improve resilience, performance, and even happiness. There is also a local hook that hits home, tying sauna culture to the Central Coast lifestyle and community.

If you are sweating today, this one is for you. And by the end of it, you might not be so quick to escape the heat.

• Listen if you are curious about health, performance, or longevity

• Listen if you have ever questioned cold plunges, saunas, or wellness trends

• Listen if you just walked outside and said “it is hot”

Links and Resources

• Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Hotwired-Hidden-Power-Makes-Stronger/dp/0063448025

• Bill Gifford articles and work: https://www.outsideonline.com/byline/bill-gifford/

• Follow Bill Gifford (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/billgifford/

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

https://www.ticketweb.com/event/legion-of-groove-the-slo-brew-rock-tickets/14156214

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Inside the SLO Hip Hop Scene: How Gehrig Kniffen Is Changing the Sound of SLO CAL

Adam Montiel — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 14:26:33 -0400

March 18, 2026 Sponsored by Portabidet

Hip-hop on the Central Coast does not always have a clear lane and that is exactly where Gehrig Kniffen is finding his voice.

In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with Gehrig to talk about building a hip-hop presence in a region known more for acoustic sets and winery gigs than late-night bars and rap shows. From his early days freestyling with friends to developing a sound with his crew The Green Room, Gehrig shares what it really takes to carve out space, find your audience, and stay authentic while doing it.

They get into the creative process behind his ‘Bubble Gum Alley’ project, how working with producer Tommy de Silva shapes his sound, and why having someone in the room who will say “I don’t believe you” might be the most important part of making great music.

There is a real sense of perspective here too. Gehrig talks about being self-aware in the genre, staying true to who he is, and making music that reflects both the competitive edge of hip-hop and the reality of being a guy from Cambria chasing something bigger.

If you have ever wondered what it takes to build something creative from the ground up in your own backyard, this one hits.

• Live Show

• Music + Info

https://greenroomboys.com/gehrig-kniffen

• Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HnUvdbEyzKUi5I2ql64p9

• Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/gehrigkniffen/

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

https://rosethesloway.com/

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Rosé the SLO Way Returns | Hotel SLO’s Pink Party Supporting Woods Humane Society | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:47:19 -0400

March 17, 2026 Sponsored by Portabidet

Rosé season is arriving on the Central Coast, and one of the most joyful spring events in San Luis Obispo is back. Adam sits down with Rebekah Francher of Hotel SLO and Robin Coleman of Woods Humane Society to talk about the return of the 5th Annual Rosé the SLO Way, happening Sunday, April 19 from 1–4 pm at Hotel SLO’s Garden Courtyard.

This pink-themed celebration brings together more than 25 Central Coast rosé producers, an impressive lineup of chefs, music, fashion, and a curated mini marketplace featuring local businesses. Guests will enjoy bites from Executive Chef Ryan Fancher’s team at Ox + Anchor and Piadina, along with special guest chef Dustin Valette from Sonoma and other Central Coast culinary standouts. Expect oysters, caviar, desserts, and a whole lot of rosé.

But behind the fun is a powerful mission. The event raises funds for Woods Humane Society, which has been serving San Luis Obispo County for more than 70 years, and Hotel SLO’s Uncork Potential Scholarship Fund at Cal Poly, supporting students pursuing careers in wine, viticulture, and hospitality.

Robin also shares a moving story about a puppy named Sled, who required life-saving heart surgery after arriving at Woods with congenital heart failure. Stories like Sled’s are exactly why community events like Rosé the SLO Way matter. They help provide the resources needed for Woods Humane Society to rescue animals, support pet owners, run youth education programs, and perform thousands of spay and neuter surgeries each year.

Along with incredible wine and food, guests can explore a mini marketplace of local vendors, compete for best dressed in pink, and spend time at the beloved Woods Humane Society Cuddle Corner filled with adorable puppies and kittens.

It is one of the most joyful afternoons on the Central Coast. Great wine, great food, great people, and a cause that truly makes a difference.

• Tickets and event info

• Rosé the SLO Way on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/rose_the_slo_way

• Woods Humane Society

https://woodshumanesociety.org/

• Hotel SLO

https://www.hotelslo.com/

• Learn more about the Uncork Potential Scholarship Fund

https://www.hotelslo.com/uncork-potential

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-doubt-the-case-of-lucy-le-321229564/about

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Amanda Knox is Up+Adam | When Certainty Goes Wrong: From Wrongful Conviction to Criminal Justice Advocate

Adam Montiel — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 13:10:26 -0400

Up+Adam March 16, 2026 Sponsored by Portabidet

What happens when the world decides your story before the truth has a chance to catch up?

In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with Amanda Knox for a conversation about certainty, conviction, and the stories we tell when we desperately want answers. Knox spent four years in an Italian prison and nearly a decade fighting to clear her name after being wrongfully convicted in a case that captured global headlines. Today she’s an author, journalist, public speaker, and advocate for criminal justice reform who studies how media narratives and public opinion can shape the pursuit of justice.

Her latest project, Doubt: The Case of Lucy Letby, examines one of the most shocking criminal cases in the United Kingdom involving former neonatal nurse Lucy Letby. In the podcast, Knox revisits the evidence and asks a difficult question that many people are afraid to explore: is the case truly as open and shut as the world believes? Drawing from her own experience of wrongful conviction, Knox looks at how institutional pressure, media narratives, and the human desire for simple answers can sometimes overpower complexity.

Adam and Amanda dive into the psychology of certainty, why people instinctively want to pin guilt on someone when tragedy strikes, and how easy it is for investigations and headlines to take on a life of their own. They also talk about something unexpected in Knox’s story: her success in stand-up comedy. For Knox, humor has become a way to reclaim her narrative and process the absurd situations she still finds herself in. As she explains in the conversation, sometimes the choice in dark moments is simple. You can cry about the absurdity of it all, or you can laugh and keep moving forward.

• Listen to the podcast Doubt: The Case of Lucy Letby

• Amanda Knox official website

https://www.amandaknox.com

• Amanda Knox book FREE: My Search for Meaning

https://www.amandaknox.com/writing.html

• Follow Amanda Knox on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/amamaknox

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

https://www.operaslo.org/

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

SLO CAL Opera and Dance Leaders Respond to Timothée Chalamet’s “No One Cares” Comment on Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 11:13:38 -0400

Up+Adam March 13, 2026 Sponsored by Portabidet

A single comment from Hollywood sparked a global arts conversation. When actor Timothée Chalamet joked that “no one cares about opera or ballet anymore,” the remark landed hard for artists who have dedicated their lives to those very forms. On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with two Central Coast creatives who know the reality behind the headlines: Brian Asher Alhadeff, General and Artistic Director of Opera San Luis Obispo, and Lisa Deyo, Artistic Director of Deyo Dances.

The conversation goes far beyond celebrity sound bites. Brian and Lisa share what it felt like to hear those comments as lifelong artists, why opera and ballet still hold profound emotional power, and what happens when audiences experience live performance for the first time. From the challenge of competing with modern entertainment to the magic of a live orchestra vibrating through a theater, they explore how these centuries-old art forms remain deeply human and relevant today. As Lisa beautifully puts it, opera and dance are not about “getting it right.” They are about feeling something.

Adam also dives into the local angle: what it takes to keep these art forms thriving right here on the Central Coast. The answer involves creativity, community, and constantly finding new ways to invite people into the experience. Because once someone steps into the theater and lets the performance wash over them, chances are they will want to come back again.

If you have ever been curious about opera, ballet, or live performance but felt intimidated, this conversation might be your invitation.

• Learn more about Opera San Luis Obispo

• Learn more about Deyo Dances

https://www.deyodances.com/

• Follow Opera SLO on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/operaslo/

• Follow Deyo Dances

https://www.instagram.com/deyodances/

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

https://www.instagram.com/labigapasorobles/

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Marino Monferrato: Hell’s Kitchen Star and Paso Robles Neighbor Opens La Biga Pizza | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 13:08:52 -0400

Up+Adam Sponsored by Portabidet

On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with one of the most recognizable faces in restaurant television who just happens to be right here in our own backyard. Marino Monferrato, the longtime Maître d’ on Hell's Kitchen, joins the show alongside his lovely better-half Michelle Monferrato to talk about hospitality, marriage, pizza philosophy, and why Paso Robles has become home.

For fourteen seasons Marino has stood beside Gordon Ramsay managing the dining room chaos of Hell’s Kitchen, while also serving as VP of Hospitality at DAOU Vineyards. But the latest chapter of the Monferratos’ story is something much more personal. Together they’ve opened La Biga, an authentic Neapolitan-style pizzeria in Paso Robles’ Paso Market Walk built around a living dough starter known as “the mother.” It’s traditional Italian pizza rooted in culture and craft… just, as Marino jokes, “not as droopy.”

In this conversation Adam and the Monferratos dive into Marino’s path from hospitality school in Italy to high-end restaurants in Los Angeles, the unexpected phone call that landed him on Hell’s Kitchen, and what it’s really like working with Gordon Ramsay when the cameras are rolling and when they’re not. They also talk about the philosophy of Italian cooking, the beauty of simple ingredients, the discipline behind great pizza dough, and the real heartbeat behind La Biga.

Michelle also shares what it’s like supporting a hospitality career for more than thirty years, helping build the business behind the scenes while pursuing her own path in nursing. The result is a conversation about partnership, community, and why great hospitality is less about food and more about how people feel when they walk through the door.

And yes, the show settles one very important debate: pineapple pizza, ranch dressing, and the one test Marino says determines whether a pizzeria is truly great… the classic Margherita.

If you're in Paso Robles, you can experience La Biga for yourself at 1803 Spring Street, open Wednesday through Sunday starting at 4 PM.

Learn more and follow along:

• La Biga Paso Robles Website

https://labigapaso.com

• La Biga Paso Robles Instagram

• Marino Monferrato Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/marino.monferrato/

• Hell’s Kitchen (Marino profile)

https://hellskitchen.fandom.com/f/t/Marino%20Monferatto

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

https://dombenavidez.com/

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Bob Voglin: Surfing for Hope Founder on Cancer Survival, Surf Culture, and Riding the Wave of Hope | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 13:16:23 -0400

Redemption, Recipes, and the Kitchen That Saved Her: Central Coast Chef Dominique Benavidez | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:35:25 -0400

Up+Adam March 10, 2026 Sponsored by Portabidet

Chef Dominique Benavidez joins Adam for one of the most honest and revealing conversations we’ve had on Up+Adam. What begins as a conversation about food quickly becomes something deeper. Dominique shares the story behind her culinary journey. From leaving school at a young age to care for her father, to navigating loss, addiction, and ultimately finding healing and purpose through cooking. It’s a powerful reminder that the people creating the meals we love often carry stories far beyond the plate.

She’s now bringing that philosophy to a special Domingo Mexican-inspired brunch pop-up happening in downtown San Luis Obispo. Guests can expect a three-course experience with two menu options, fresh juices, and a relaxed Sunday morning vibe. Seating is limited, making it an intimate way to experience Chef Dominique’s cooking and the story behind it.

• Learn more about Chef Dominique Benavidez

• Reserve tickets for Domingo Brunch

• Follow along for upcoming pop-ups, private dinners, and events

Website

Domingo Brunch Tickets

https://dombenavidez.com/events

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/chef.benavidez/

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

https://www.nikkimammano.com

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

From Waikiki Underworld to PTA Mom | Breaking Good with Nikki Mammano | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 13:57:16 -0400

Up+Adam March 9, 2026 Sponsored by Portabidet

What does rock bottom really look like? And more importantly, what does it take to climb back from it?

On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with Nikki Mammano, author of Breaking Good: A Memoir, for a conversation that is as raw as it is hopeful. Nikki’s life story reads like something straight out of a crime drama. She arrived in Hawaii at twenty years old hoping for a fresh start and college life at the University of Hawaii. Within just a few years, addiction and survival pulled her into Waikiki’s drug underworld where she went from a struggling young woman to someone people called “boss” in a dangerous scene fueled by meth, money, and power.

In this conversation with Adam, Nikki reflects on the version of herself who once stared into a motel mirror wondering how her life had unraveled, the unexpected leadership instincts that helped her survive in a dangerous world, and what it means to live a completely different life today raising two daughters and telling her story publicly for the first time.

• Learn more about Nikki Mammano

• Buy Breaking Good: A Memoir

https://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Good-Memoir-Nikki-Mammano/dp/B0FP5JX13F

• Follow Nikki Mammano on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/nikki_mammano/

• Support RYSE Hawaii, the nonprofit Nikki mentions helping youth experiencing homelessness

https://www.rysehawaii.org

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Sign of the Times: Rob Rossi on the Fremont Theatre and Whether the Iconic Sign Has to Come Down

Adam Montiel — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 14:25:06 -0500

March 6, 2026 Rob Rossi is Up+Adam Sponsored by Portabidet

The Fremont Theatre is more than a building in downtown San Luis Obispo. It is a landmark layered with memories. First dates. Film Festival nights. Legendary concerts under glowing neon. And lately it has been the subject of one big question echoing across town: what is going on with the Fremont?

After a powerful winter storm knocked a portion of the historic sign loose, the iconic 1940 art deco theater was temporarily closed while engineers evaluate the structure and determine the safest path forward. The moment immediately sparked concern across the community, and according to longtime owner Rob Rossi, he could not go anywhere in town without someone asking about it.

So he reached out.

In this episode of Up+Adam, developer, architect, and visionary Rob Rossi joins Adam Montiel to talk openly about the current state of the Fremont Theatre. Rossi explains what actually fell during the storm, what engineers are discovering inside the 80+ year old structure, what restoration might look like, and why preserving the historic character of the building matters so much to him and the community.

They also talk about the Fremont’s history, why the building has been such an important cultural anchor for downtown San Luis Obispo, and what reopening night might feel like when the marquee lights up again.

For Rossi, the goal is simple: make it safe, restore what makes it special, and make sure the Fremont Theatre continues to serve the community for the next hundred years.

• Learn more about the Fremont Theatre: https://www.fremontslo.com

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Rob Morrow: From Northern Exposure to Creative Disclosure | The Gray House | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:03:36 -0500

Up+Adam March 5, 2026 Sponsored by Portabidet

Actor Rob Morrow joins Adam Montiel on Up+Adam for a conversation that moves from television history to American history. Many listeners know Morrow as Dr. Joel Fleischman from the beloved series Northern Exposure, the role that turned a young working actor into a household name almost overnight. In this conversation, Rob reflects on that moment. He talks about landing the role without realizing it would become a cultural landmark, the complicated reality of sudden fame, and how success in Hollywood can be both a gift and a double-edged sword.

The conversation also turns to his latest project, The Gray House, a sweeping limited series that tells the true story of four women who built a secret espionage network inside the Confederacy during the Civil War. The show uncovers a chapter of American history that rarely made it into the history books and, as Rob explains, its themes of division, courage, and humanity feel strikingly relevant today. Adam and Rob also discuss the challenge of portraying real historical figures, the creative discipline required to stay relevant in Hollywood, and why Rob continues to write, make music, develop projects, and chase creative ideas even decades into his career.

• Rob also shares what he learned from directing television, and how sitting in the director’s chair made him a more generous actor on set

• The surprising connection fans keep pointing out between Rob Morrow and Bruce Springsteen

• The creative hustle that keeps him writing music, developing projects, and even working on a novel

If you grew up with Northern Exposure, love great storytelling, or enjoy hearing how artists sustain long creative careers, this conversation delivers.

Learn more and watch The Gray House:

• Official series page: https://www.thegrayhouse.tv

• Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebU0IQkcAiY

Follow Rob Morrow:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialrobmorrow

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

https://www.805coastalkitchen.com

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

A Menu Like an Album: Building Sunday's Untamed Dinner with At Her Table

Adam Montiel — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:34:54 -0500

March 4, 2026 Sponsored by Portabidet

Food, wine, creativity, and a little bit of magic. That is exactly what the Untamed Dinner is bringing to the Central Coast this weekend.

On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with Chef Candace Custodio, executive director of At Her Table, and Chef Katie Prescott, the culinary mind behind this year’s Untamed Dinner happening Sunday at Ella’s Vineyard in Creston. The dinner is part of the monthlong At Her Table celebration, a Central Coast movement dedicated to elevating and celebrating the women shaping the region’s food, wine, and hospitality industries.

This year’s Untamed Dinner takes a slightly different approach. Instead of multiple chefs contributing individual courses, Chef Candace handed the entire culinary story to one chef. Enter Chef Katie Prescott, a self taught chef whose path to the kitchen includes 14 years in dentistry before discovering her creative home in the wine and culinary world of the Central Coast. Her menu will unfold like an album, with each course designed to be interactive and sensory driven, paired with wines from some of the region’s standout producers.

During the conversation, the chefs also share some exciting news. Chef Candace Custodio has officially stepped into a major new role as Executive Chef at Cass Winery, bringing her culinary voice to one of Paso Robles’ most beloved winery kitchens.

From dumplings and miso broth to playful takes on trending desserts, the Untamed Dinner promises an evening of storytelling through food, wine, and experience.

• Tickets and event details for Untamed Dinner

https://athertable.com

• Chef Candace Custodio

https://chefcandice.com

• Chef Katie Prescott | 805 Coastal Kitchen

• Cass Winery

https://www.casswines.com

If you love the Central Coast food and wine scene, this conversation is a must listen.

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

https://my805tix.com/e/mcalbumrelease?fbclid=IwdGRjcAP42CVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeHRUoCEe5LTnlPeCEnOwNlBcduBP2SsSosqKenSEDFcjkcTh7yHHBUex2iO0_aem_pkzg_kuj3PQ7mOfdQemHIg

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

High Tide, Higher Intentions: Moonshiner Collective Brings New Music to Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 11:49:26 -0500

Up+Adam with Adam Montiel - March 3, 2026 - Sponsored by Portabidet

Local Americana rock with heart, history, and just the right amount of swagger.

On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with Dan Curcio of Moonshiner Collective to talk about the band’s brand-new EP, Power of Now, and what it means to revisit songs written 20 years ago with a little more life lived and a little more space between the notes.

From recording in Los Angeles during the chaos of the fires to mixing at Sonic Milk in Cambria, Dan shares how this six-song project became both a creative reset and a full-circle moment. They dig into what it’s like to rework Still Time favorites like “High Tide,” how intentionality changes with age, why leaving space in music matters, and how collaboration with Nick Larson of Proxima Parada and local favorite Kate Armstrong helped shape the new sound.

Dan also performs two brand-new songs live in studio, “End of the Sunset” and “Falling,” and gives us a preview of what to expect March 20 at SLO Brew Rock. Carbon City Lights open the night, Visit SLO CAL will be filming across the Central Coast, and every ticket purchase includes a free download of the EP before its official release.

This is more than an album release. It is a celebration of community, growth, and the power of being present.

• Moonshiner Collective Album Release Show

March 20

SLO Brew Rock

All Ages

Doors 6:00 PM

Show 7:00 PM

Tickets $20 advance / $25 at the door

Free EP download with ticket purchase

Get tickets here:

While you are planning your Central Coast calendar, here is another one to circle:

Learn more about Moonshiner Collective:

https://www.moonshinercollective.com/

Follow Moonshiner Collective on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/moonshinercollective/

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*PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

• Wine You Want to Listen To: Find Your Genre

Presented by Timbre Winery and Libretto Studios

Happening Sunday

Timbre Event with Cal Poly EIM Students Info HERE

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Actress Gina Gershon is Up+Adam Talking Grit, Glitter, and Gut Instinct

Adam Montiel — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 13:15:49 -0500

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Gina Gershon has spent over four decades navigating Hollywood, Broadway, music stages, and cultural mythmaking without ever fitting neatly into a box. You know her from Showgirls, Bound, The Insider, Face/Off, and a long list of roles that challenged power, sexuality, and perception. But in this episode of Up+Adam, we go deeper than film credits.

Her new memoir, AlphaPussy: How I Survived the Valley and Learned to Love My Boobs, is funny, wild, self-aware, and unexpectedly profound. It is not a gossip book. It is a survival manual. Gina opens up about growing up in the porn-saturated San Fernando Valley, navigating predators and power dynamics, trusting her gut over career advice, and what it truly costs to hold your autonomy in rooms that expect you to give it away.

This conversation moves beyond the “sex symbol” narrative and into something far more interesting. Identity. Instinct. Self-trust. And the discipline of not blinking first.

If you care about women owning their narrative, Hollywood behind the curtain, or what it means to survive without becoming bitter, this one is for you.

What we cover:

• Growing up in a hypersexualized culture and finding agency

• The real story behind Showgirls and the male gaze

• Why trusting your gut can cost you work but save your soul

• The misconception about Gina she never bothered correcting

• What becoming an “AlphaPussy” actually requires

• And the question that stopped her cold at the end

Buy the book:

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/AlphaPussy-Survived-Valley-Learned-Boobs/dp/1636142818/

Publisher

https://www.akashicbooks.com/catalog/alphapussy/

Follow Gina Gershon:

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/ginagershon

IMDb

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000153/

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PORTABIDET: UP+ADAM IS AN OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR PORTABIDET - USE THIS LINK FOR UP+ADAM LISTENERS TO LEARN MORE AND GET YOURS!

Timbre Event with Cal Poly EIM Students Info HERE

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

• https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-welcome-to-the-family-wit-303353348/

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Family Matters: TV Icons Telma Hopkins & Kellie Williams (Aunt Rachel & Laura Winslow) Are Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 12:43:49 -0500

For years, Friday night meant TGIF, pizza on the table, and the Winslows in the living room. On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel sits down with Telma Hopkins, who played Aunt Rachel Crawford, and Kellie Shanygne Williams, who played Laura Winslow, on the iconic sitcom Family Matters. Together, they revisit the legacy of a show that became more than television. It became part of America’s family ritual.

Now reunited for their iHeartPodcast, Welcome to the Family, Telma and Kellie are rewatching every episode in order and inviting listeners behind the curtain. In this conversation, they reflect on the 35-year legacy of Family Matters, the lightning-in-a-bottle magic of Steve Urkel, what it was like being part of TGIF at its cultural peak, and the very real awkwardness of growing up under studio lights. Telma shares how her grandmother once told her no one would ever pay her to “act silly” and the full-circle moment when that prediction flipped. Kellie opens up about navigating adolescence on national television and the joy of seeing generations still connect to the same loving feeling the writers intended.

This is nostalgia with depth. It is about representation, humor, growing up in public, and the kind of cast chemistry that still feels like family decades later.

Listen to Welcome to the Family with Telma and Kellie

Follow Telma Hopkins

• https://www.instagram.com/telma_hopkins

Follow Kellie Shanygne Williams

• https://www.instagram.com/kellieswilliams

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

SLO Funny or Die Trying: 40 Legit Comics, 20 Shows, 4 Wild Days – SLO Comedy Fest

Adam Montiel — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:26:41 -0500

Forty comics. Nearly twenty shows. Four days of straight-up laughter on the Central Coast. The SLO Comedy Festival is back and it is taking over SLO Cal in a big way. On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with festival creator Eric Shantz along with comics Kris Rubio and Mark Fry to talk about how this thing went from a bold idea to a full-scale comedy movement. We get into what it really takes to wrangle 40 stand-up comedians, how you build a comedy community in a wine country town, and why live stand-up still hits different in a world that lives online.

If you love comedy, live events, or just need a reason to get out and laugh with other humans, this one is for you. Whether you are a longtime fan of the festival or hearing about it for the first time, this conversation gives you the inside look at the hustle, heart, and humor behind one of the Central Coast’s most entertaining four-day takeovers.

• Official Website: https://www.slocomedyfest.com

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slofest

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wine-you-want-to-listen-to-find-your-genre-tickets-1982032005082

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Learn by Doing… and Sipping: Timbre Winery Collabs with Cal Poly EIM

Adam Montiel — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:03:00 -0500

On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with Cal Poly Experience Industry Management (EIM) students Rylee Rust, Collette Madden, and Delaney Grau to talk about “Wine You Want to Listen To” happening Sunday, March 8 from 2 pm to 4 pm at Timbre Winery’s winemaking facility inside The Lobro Studios in San Luis Obispo.

This is not just a class project. It is a fully produced, professionally executed wine tasting experience built from the ground up by the next generation of event leaders. From marketing strategy and brand alignment to production logistics and immersive experience design, these students are applying Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy in real time. The result is a complimentary wine tasting event featuring live music from Cal Poly band Penny Jar, light bites, intentional ambiance, and a seamless guest journey from RSVP to final pour.

We talk about what really goes into producing an event like this, how post COVID audiences crave connection, and why word of mouth still beats every algorithm in the room. If you care about wine, live music, hospitality, tourism, or the future of experiential marketing, this conversation will leave you inspired.

Event Details

• Sunday, March 8

• 2 pm to 4 pm

• Timbre Winery Winemaking Facility at The Lowbro Studios

• 770 Capitolio Way, San Luis Obispo

• Complimentary event

• RSVP required

Reserve your spot here

Learn more about Timbre Winery

https://timbrewinery.com

Follow along on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/timbrewinery/

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

https://www.aetv.com/shows/storage-wars

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Lights, Camera, Auction! Laura & Dan Dotson from A&E’s Storage Wars Are Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 13:18:56 -0500

Dan and Laura Dotson have been calling the shots on Storage Wars since day one, but this conversation goes far beyond what you see on television. On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam connects with the fast-talking, faith-led duo behind American Auctioneers for a conversation about grit, integrity, California roots, and what really happens when the locker door rolls up.

From Laura’s Thousand Oaks upbringing and that wild Agoura Hills connection, to the now-legendary $500 storage unit that reportedly contained $7.5 million in cash, Dan and Laura pull back the curtain on risk, ethics, and the human side of the auction world. They talk about why auctioneers cannot buy units themselves, how Storage Wars changed the industry, why most newcomers are not built for the dust and sweat, and the quiet work they do helping reunite families with personal items after a loss. This is about more than bidding. It is about belief, rhythm, and reading a room.

Storage Wars returns February 28 with back-to-back one-hour episodes on A&E. If you have ever wondered what it really takes to command a crowd and move money with integrity, this episode is your front-row seat.

• Watch Storage Wars on A&E

• Dan and Laura Dotson official site

https://www.americanauctioneers.com/

• Storage auctions nationwide

https://www.storageauctions.net/

• Follow Dan and Laura on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/DanAndLauraDotson/

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

https://www.libertinebrewing.com

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Sound Check at City Hall: The Libertine Movement to Keep Downtown SLO’s Music Alive

Adam Montiel — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 12:31:23 -0500

Downtown San Luis Obispo is having a moment. And right at the center of it is Libertine Brewing Company on the corner of Broad and Pacific.

In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with John Pranjaic, Events Manager at Libertine, to unpack the noise complaint controversy that has made headlines in local media. But this is not just a recap. This is a deeper conversation about permits, enforcement, small business realities, and what kind of downtown SLO we actually want to build.

Libertine has evolved into a 200 to 300 person live music venue that many see as filling the void left by the Garden Street era. In 2025 alone, the venue paid out more than $125,000 to local musicians and entertainers. It hosts weekly jazz jams, open mic comedy, line dancing, salsa nights, touring bands, and community fundraisers including Adam’s Breaking and Entering Christmas Jingle Jam.

Now, after a year of complaints from a nearby resident and multiple reviews with the city, Libertine’s use permit is under administrative review.

Public Hearing Details:

• February 23 at 2:30 pm

City Hall

990 Palm Street

San Luis Obispo, CA

Community members may attend and speak. You can also submit written comments to Assistant Planner Mallory Patino:

• mpatino@slocity.org

If you choose to participate, please be respectful. City staff, neighbors, and business owners are all part of the same community. Thoughtful, constructive input carries far more weight than outrage.

Learn more and support Libertine:

• Libertine Brewing Company Website

• Libertine Brewing Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/libertinebrew/

• Libertine Coffee Bar Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/libertinecoffeebar/

If you care about local music, small business, and the future of downtown San Luis Obispo, this conversation matters.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Board-of-Supervisors.aspx

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Hard Work, Hard Questions: SLO Supervisor Candidate Jim Dantona Steps Into the LoBro Studios

Adam Montiel — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 13:08:06 -0500

What happens when the President and CEO of the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce decides to step out from behind the advocacy desk and run for County Supervisor?

In Part One of this two-part conversation, Adam sits down with Jim Dantona, candidate for San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors District 2, for a wide-ranging and surprisingly candid discussion about local leadership, energy policy, housing, homelessness, and what it actually means to serve the Central Coast.

They dive into:

• What it was like leading the SLO Chamber through COVID, inflation, and labor shortages

• The Bruce Gibson endorsement and what that signals to voters

• The reality of campaign fundraising and whether money creates pressure

• Offshore wind and its impact on fishing and marine life

• Battery storage after the Moss Landing fire and the Morro Bay debate

• Keeping Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant open

• The 'Homelessness is a housing issue' tale versus a mental health and addiction crisis

• Affordable housing in SLO County and who it is really for

• Balancing growth with preserving the coastline and open space

• Why this race is nonpartisan and how the June 2026 primary works

This is not a surface-level political interview. It is a thoughtful, go-a-mile-deep-but-fun conversation about responsibility, common sense, and the future of San Luis Obispo County.

Part Two drops next week.

Learn more about Jim Dantona and his campaign:

https://jimdantona.com/

San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors information:

https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Clerk-Recorder/Elections-and-Voting.aspx

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Love Story on FX: Actor Noah Fearnley on Playing the Man Before JFK Jr. | Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:10:53 -0500

Noah Fearnley joins Adam for a layered, honest conversation about stepping into one of the most complicated roles in modern pop culture. In the new FX series Love Story, executive produced by Ryan Murphy, Noah portrays Michael Bergin, the model turned actor who dated Carolyn Bessette before her whirlwind romance with John F. Kennedy Jr. became American mythology. But this episode goes far beyond headlines. Noah opens up about the responsibility of portraying a real person with respect, what it meant to read Bergin’s memoir The Other Man, and how eerily parallel their Connecticut to New York modeling journeys really were.

The conversation also dives into Noah’s grind in the micro drama world with more than 50 films shot in relentless 12 to 14 hour days, his transition into prestige television, and his theatrical debut in Mercy alongside Chris Pratt. Most powerfully, Noah speaks candidly about mental health, anxiety, imposter syndrome, and why he believes soul matters more than surface. This one moves from Hollywood to human fast, and it is exactly the kind of ICET conversation Up+Adam was built for.

Watch Love Story beginning February 12 on FX and streaming on Hulu.

Follow Noah Fearnley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noahfearnley

Watch the official trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw2RakWShdE

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Meathead Movers in the Headlines: Aaron Steed Unfiltered on The Fight You Didn’t See

Adam Montiel — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 05:08:00 -0500

What does it feel like when your life’s work is on the line?

In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel sits down with Aaron Steed, co-founder of Meathead Movers, for a candid conversation about the federal investigation that began in 2017, the lawsuit filed in 2023 by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the settlement that could total up to $6 million.

But this episode goes far beyond the headline.

Aaron opens up about the emotional weight of years under scrutiny, flying to Washington, D.C. to meet directly with EEOC leadership, fighting to protect the company he started at 17 years old, and what it cost him personally and professionally. He talks about sleepless nights, the impact on his family, the role of jiu jitsu in keeping him grounded, and why he says this was the fight of his life.

Learn more:

• Meathead Movers https://www.meatheadmovers.com

• Meathead Storage https://www.meatheadmovers.com/storage

• Lumina Alliance https://luminaalliance.org

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

From Amadeus to The White Lotus: Oscar Winner F. Murray Abraham Is Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 12:32:09 -0500

Academy Award winner F. Murray Abraham joins Adam Montiel on Up+Adam for a short but powerful conversation about legacy, memory, and the emotional heartbeat behind his latest film, Bookends. From his iconic performance in Amadeus to his recent work in The White Lotus, Abraham has built a career exploring the deepest corners of the human condition. In Bookends, he portrays Saul, a Holocaust survivor facing early dementia, in a story that examines generational love, role reversal, and the fragile beauty of memory.

In just six and a half minutes, this intimate conversation touches on aging, artistry, and what it means to be remembered. We also note there were minor audio difficulties during the recording, but the heart of the exchange shines through. Sometimes short and sweet carries the most weight.

Whether you are a film lover, a theater devotee, or someone navigating the shifting roles within your own family, this episode invites you to slow down and reflect on the time we share with the people who shaped us.

Learn more about F. Murray Abraham and Bookends:

• Official Bookends website: https://bookendsthemovie.com/

• F. Murray Abraham on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000719/

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Don’t Bring Donuts to Buckingham: What Really Happens Behind the Palace Curtains with Omid Scobie & Robin Benway

Adam Montiel — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:49:46 -0500

In this episode of Up+Adam, broadcaster Adam Montiel sits down with Omid Scobie and Robin Benway, two powerhouse authors who’ve teamed up to deliver Royal Spin, a sharply funny, satirical, and wildly entertaining look at life behind palace walls.

Scobie, known for his fearless royal reporting (Finding Freedom, Endgame), brings over a decade of frontline journalism into his first work of fiction. Benway, a National Book Award winner and beloved voice in YA literature, joins forces with Scobie to tell the story of Lauren Morgan, a young American politico dropped into the chaos of Buckingham Palace PR just as the monarchy is mid-scandal.

Together, they reveal the real-life inspirations behind the fiction, the chemistry of co-writing, and how the press-palace dance is messier and more human than you think. Whether you're a royal watcher, a fiction lover, or just into juicy behind-the-scenes intel, this convo hits.

• Grab Royal Spin here: https://www.amazon.com/Royal-Spin-Novel-Omid-Scobie/dp/0063424800

• Follow Omid on Instagram: @scobiesnaps

• Follow Robin on Instagram: @robinbenway

Rate, review, and share the show with someone who needs this episode in their life, and don’t forget to subscribe to stay Up+Adam.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Sip Happens for Locals Only: Act Now #PasoWineFest

Adam Montiel — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 14:10:30 -0500

Paso Wine Fest is back May 15 through 17, and if you live in San Luis Obispo County, your moment is now.

On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with Krista Smith, Marketing and Communications Director for Paso Wine, to talk about the return of Paso Wine Fest and the limited-time Locals Only ticket pricing that’s turning heads. SLO County residents can purchase $99 General Admission tickets for the Grand Tasting before prices climb to $165 and eventually $175. It is Paso Wine’s way of saying thank you to the community that lives and works here.

But this weekend is more than just a tasting. We are talking about 100 plus wineries pouring under one roof at the Paso Robles Event Center, interactive brand activations, chef-driven culinary bites, winery-hosted dinners, Paired Paso’s food and wine competition, and Sparkling Paso brunch to close it all out. It is a full transformation of the space and a celebration of what makes Paso Wine Country one of the most exciting regions in California right now.

Krista also shares insight into the evolution of the festival, the culture of collaboration among Paso wineries, and the growing national attention the region continues to attract. If you love wine, community, or simply watching a region rise together, this conversation is for you.

• Locals Only tickets must be purchased in person with proof of SLO County residency

• Available at the Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce and San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce

• Offer valid through February 28

Learn more and view the full schedule at:

https://pasowine.com

Follow Paso Wine for updates:

https://www.instagram.com/pasowine

https://www.facebook.com/PasoWine

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

• Sign up for Casey’s FREE singles database here

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

No Swipes, Just Sparks: Off the Apps and Into a Local Match w/ Casey Galli

Adam Montiel — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:52:01 -0500

If dating apps feel like a desert, you’re not alone. In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel sits down with professional matchmaker Casey Galli, founder of Found Matchmaking, to talk about why modern dating feels broken and what can actually help fix it.

From dating app burnout to why even attractive, successful singles are struggling to get matches, Casey brings real talk and real solutions. She shares who’s using her service, who’s struggling the most to connect, and how her process is helping people of all ages find real chemistry again, no swiping required.

We also dig into what’s different about love on the Central Coast, how regional matchmaking works, and why people are craving in-person connections now more than ever.

Whether you're single, dating, or just fascinated by the wild world of modern romance, this episode is packed with insights, “aha” moments, and even a little hope.

• Learn more at: foundmatchmaking.com

• Follow Casey on Instagram: @foundmatchmaking

• Use promo code ADAM50 for 50 percent off her next singles event (THIS THUR) at Region SLO

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

How to Think Like a Champion, Even If You’re Not in the NFL #DRIVE

Adam Montiel — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 12:28:44 -0500

When was the last time a seminar actually changed your life?

On today’s episode of Up+Adam, I sit down with Amanda Wittstrom Higgins, Central Coast leader, community builder, and the creator of DRIVE, a half-day professional development experience that doesn’t just hype you up. It hands you the tools to execute. No fluff. No filler. Just a proven roadmap to clarity, accountability, and real results.

We talk about why so many "rah-rah" events fall flat, how DRIVE flips the script with tactical action and a 90 percent success rate, and why this isn’t just for wine industry folks. From NFL speakers like Bear Pascoe to college rodeo coaches and nonprofit execs, if you're ready to stop spinning your wheels and finally move the needle, this one is for you.

Whether you’re in wine, education, entrepreneurship, or just trying to find your next gear, this episode will make you want to get out of your own way and start showing up with purpose.

• Learn more and register for DRIVE 2026: https://www.fullcupsolutions.com/fullcupsolutionscom/drive

• Follow Amanda’s nonprofit: https://www.dreambigdarling.org

• Explore Full Cup Solutions: https://www.fullcupsolutions.com

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

https://www.instagram.com/zootoyouanimals/

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

The Rescue Zoo That Rescued Us #ZooToYou

Adam Montiel — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 11:19:55 -0500

In Part 1, we met the animals. In Part 2, we meet the why.

David and Lisa Jackson of Zoo to You are back for the second half of this unforgettable conversation, recorded live at the LoBro Studio in San Luis Obispo. If you thought holding a baby kangaroo was cool, wait until you hear what it means to actually connect with one. This episode takes us beyond the surface into the instincts, body language, and unspoken trust that make human and animal relationships truly powerful.

Whether you are a parent looking to spark curiosity in your kids or just someone craving more awe in your life, this episode offers deep perspective, surprising stories, and one powerful truth. Animals can feel your energy, so what are you putting out into the world?

To learn more, book your own encounter, or stay overnight inside their rescue zoo:

https://www.zootoyou.org

This conversation was recorded at LoBro Studio in San Luis Obispo. If you enjoyed it, leave a review, follow the show, and share this with someone who needs a little wild in their life.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

https://www.instagram.com/zootoyouanimals/

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Monkey Business and Kangaroo Calm with Zoo to You!

Adam Montiel — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 13:20:52 -0500

What happens when a spider monkey, an armadillo, and a baby kangaroo walk into the LoBro Studio? You get one of the wildest, most heartfelt conversations ever to hit Up+Adam.

In this special two part episode, Adam welcomes David and Lisa Jackson, the powerhouse duo behind Zoo to You, a nonprofit rescue zoo based in Paso Robles that has been connecting humans with animals for over 36 years. From training marine mammals for the Navy to working alongside Jack Hanna and even bringing animals to The Tonight Show, these two have stories that will floor you. More than that, they have built something deeply meaningful. An animal experience that is as much about the heart as it is about the habitat.

Whether you are an animal lover, a parent, an educator, or just someone who believes in connection, this episode will move you.

• Want to meet a capybara

• Pet a porcupine

• Sip wine under the stars while kangaroos graze nearby

Book your own private encounter or overnight stay here:

https://www.zootoyou.org

This episode of Up+Adam was recorded live at the LoBro Studio in Paso Robles.

If you loved this conversation, leave a review, share the episode, and send it to the animal lover in your life.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Stick With It: Hwy 101 Smoke Signals from Shekamoo Grill

Adam Montiel — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 11:12:26 -0500

Guest: Sina Shakerian | Owner, Head Chef & Grill Master, Shekamoo Grill

From Cal Poly engineering student to Central Coast kabob king, Sina Shakerian’s journey is what the American dream tastes like: char-grilled, saffron-slicked, and straight from the soul. In this episode, Adam sits down with the man behind Shekamoo Grill, the Persian food sensation that’s lighting up San Luis Obispo with flame-grilled tradition, family-rooted recipes, and an unwavering love for community.

Sina shares how a promise made at the SLO Farmers Market in 2009 became a thriving culinary vision, fueled by faith, sweat, and a little something called shallot yogurt. He opens up about what it means to honor his father’s cooking, collaborate with his powerhouse wife Lindsey, and carry the spirit of Iran on every skewer, all while navigating the emotion of watching his home country in turmoil from thousands of miles away.

This conversation is delicious, human, and quietly revolutionary, just like Shekamoo itself.

Visit Shekamoo Grill:

• In-person at SLO Ranch Farms & Marketplace — 811 Froom Ranch Way, Suite 140, San Luis Obispo, CA

• Every Thursday night at the Downtown SLO Farmers Market

• Private events, weddings, and catering available

Connect with Shekamoo Grill:

• Website: shekamoogrill.com

• Instagram: @shekamoogrill

Hungry yet? Yeah, us too. Press play.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

The Secrets in the Sand With the Real Indiana Jones, Dr. Zahi Hawass

Adam Montiel — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 11:22:49 -0500

He’s been called the real-life Indiana Jones, and after this conversation, you’ll understand why.

In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel sits down with world-renowned Egyptologist Dr. Zahi Hawass ahead of the global release of his new documentary, The Man with the Hat. From crawling 60 feet underground to uncover a sealed tomb just days ago, to the mystery chambers still hidden inside the Great Pyramid, Dr. Hawass shares discoveries that sound too wild to be real. And yet, they are.

Adam and Dr. Hawass explore what it feels like to be alone with the Sphinx, the emotional toll of protecting a civilization’s legacy, and why, despite everything he’s already uncovered, he believes Egypt is still hiding its greatest secrets. This is more than an interview. It is a journey through time, passion, and purpose.

Whether you're a history buff, a documentary lover, or someone who’s just always been captivated by the pyramids, this conversation is for you.

• Learn more about Dr. Hawass and his work: www.hawasszahi.com

• Watch the documentary The Man with the Hat: www.zahifilm.com

• Follow Dr. Hawass on Instagram: @zahi_hawass

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Music Is Therapy: Acclaimed DJ & Therapist Shares What Your Favorite Song Says About Who You’re Becoming

Adam Montiel — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 10:24:16 -0500

What if the song you can’t stop playing isn’t just a banger... but a breadcrumb?

In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with DJ Hesta Prynn - internationally acclaimed DJ, licensed therapist, and host of the iHeart podcast Music is Therapy. This is not just a conversation about music. It’s about identity, nostalgia, grief, healing, reinvention - and how the songs we return to are often pointing us toward something deeper.

Hesta opens up about how music from her teen years shaped her identity, what losing her entire CD collection in college taught her about personal transformation, and how playlists can help us move through grief and joy alike. From Tori Amos and Beastie Boys to the healing power of a perfect transition, this one is packed with insight, energy, and soul.

If you’ve ever used a mixtape to get over someone... or found yourself looping one track on repeat for days... you’re going to love this chat.

Listen to Music is Therapy on

iHeart

Spotify

or wherever you get your podcasts

Follow Hesta Prynn on Instagram: @hestaprynnmusic

Explore the podcast directly at: hestaprynn.com/musicistherapy

Learn more about Hesta, her work, and upcoming projects: hestaprynn.com

Music is Therapy. Your session starts now.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

• https://www.visitslo.com/restaurantmonth

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Born to Schnitzel: The Magic of Beda’s Biergarten #SLORestaurantMonth

Adam Montiel — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 11:42:00 -0500

HURRY — RESTAURANT MONTH ENDS THIS WEEK

Savor exclusive menus and special offers at your favorite local spots, including Beda’s Biergarten, during SLO Restaurant Month. It runs through the end of January, so now is the time to taste something unforgettable.

In this episode of Up + Adam, broadcaster Adam Montiel sits down with Beda Schmidthues, founder of Beda’s Biergarten in San Luis Obispo and one of the most beloved local figures on the Central Coast.

After losing his art publishing business during the Great Recession, Beda didn’t rebuild with bitterness. He rebuilt with bratwurst. What started as backyard dinners with friends turned into a full-blown German biergarten where the schnitzel is homemade, the beer is imported, and the sense of belonging is absolutely real.

In this heart-filled and often hilarious conversation, Beda shares how starting over led him to his true calling, why a raised German flag once signaled the best dinner party in town, and how community, not capital, built everything he has today. From stories of his childhood in Duisburg to the birth of BedaFest, this is the kind of conversation that sticks to your ribs in the best way.

Learn more about Beda’s Biergarten, check out their events, or rent the iconic beer bike at:

• https://bedasbiergarten.com

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bedas_biergarten/

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

• prekindle.com/event/53994-brass-mash-san-luis-obispo

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Brass to the Future: The Band That's a Mash Made in SLO

Adam Montiel — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:20:19 -0500

If you know, you know. And if you don’t…welcome to Brass Mash.

This week on Up+Adam, Adam sits down with three members of the Central Coast’s most electrifying live band: founder and fearless leader Colin Dean, saxophone slayer Anna Wilson, and trumpet powerhouse Ben Kerr. Together, they break down the method behind the musical madness. How mashups become dance floor anthems. How they craft shows that cross generations. And why their upcoming March 6 show at the Fremont Theater is their most important gig yet.

More than a band, Brass Mash is an experience. Think Britney Spears meets Black Sabbath. Lorde with Dre. Daft Punk colliding with ZZ Top. This is a group that should be playing to 20,000 people a night, and for the first time, they’re stepping into a major venue to prove it.

If you’ve ever seen them live, or even just heard the buzz, this is your chance to support something homegrown, one-of-a-kind, and on the verge of something massive.

Grab tickets now for their Fremont show on March 6:

Learn more about the band and upcoming shows:

• brassmash.com

• Follow on Instagram: @brassmashband

This is the band your favorite band wishes it could be. Tap and play and get ready to mash it up.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Seasoned with Soul: Phil Lang Passes the Bon Temps Baton

Adam Montiel — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 13:48:22 -0500

What happens when one of SLO’s most iconic restaurants changes hands quietly, without fanfare, but with deep emotion and mutual respect? On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel sits down with Phil Lang, the founder and original owner of Bon Temps, and George Parsons, the new owner stepping into some very seasoned shoes alongside his wife.

In this candid, heartfelt conversation, Phil opens up about what it really felt like to let go of the restaurant he built from scratch, what made him say yes to George, and what it meant to feel so seen and celebrated by the community during the handoff. George shares what it’s like to take on a beloved legacy, the delicate dance of honoring what came before while evolving into what’s next, and how he and his wife are bringing new heart into the kitchen.

This is not just a story about food. It’s about trust, timing, stewardship, and two people connected by something bigger than business.

• Follow Bon Temps on Instagram

• Visit Bon Temps online

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Kiko Restaurant’s 2026 Restaurant Month Specials:

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Pisco, Passion, and a Peruvian Dream: Kiko’s Flavor Story #SLORestaurantMonth

Adam Montiel — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 11:57:00 -0500

Up+Adam is proud to partner with the City of San Luis Obispo for Restaurant Month 2026, highlighting the chefs, storytellers, and flavor-makers who are feeding the Central Coast in more ways than one. Today, we sit down with one of the most passionate, purpose-driven restaurateurs in town: Kiko Pomalaza, owner of Kiko Peruvian Restaurant & Pisco Bar.

What started as a dream in a rundown café space at the Mission Mall has become one of the most soulful, unforgettable dining experiences in San Luis Obispo. Kiko shares how his childhood in Peru, years in luxury hospitality, and love for human connection all come together in every plate, every cocktail, and every conversation inside his restaurant.

• Three appetizers from a special menu – $35

• Two appetizers and two Pisco drinks – $45

• A three-course dinner experience – $50

Whether you're a longtime fan or have never tried Peruvian food, this episode will make you hungry, inspired, and maybe even rethink what hospitality really means.

Visit the restaurant:

• Website: https://kikorestaurantslo.com

• Location: Mission Mall, San Luis Obispo

• Instagram: @kikorestaurantslo

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Shedding Light & Finding Home Again : The Next Chapter for Ebony SLO

Adam Montiel — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 12:20:39 -0500

When a local business you love is suddenly in transition, the headlines don’t always tell the whole story. In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with Feben Teffera, co-owner of Ebony, the beloved Ethiopian restaurant in downtown San Luis Obispo that’s been a cultural and culinary anchor for the community.

With Ebony now looking for a new home, Feben joins the show to talk about what’s really happening behind the scenes. She opens up about the emotions of this moment, what she wants the community to understand, and how she’s thinking about the future of Ebony. This is the conversation that brings clarity with empathy, honesty, and heart.

• Visit Ebony online: https://www.ebony-slo.com

• Follow Ebony on Instagram

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Humanity Over Headlines: Reporting War at 25 Without Pretending to Understand It

Adam Montiel — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 16:48:15 -0500

What happens when a 25-year-old journalist says yes to a war zone... before he even knows where it is on the map?

In this gripping episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel sits down with NewsNation correspondent Robert Sherman, author of Lessons From the Front, a raw, unflinching book that takes us inside the emotional realities of covering war in Ukraine and the Middle East. But this isn’t your typical war reporter memoir. Robert doesn’t pretend to have the answers. He invites you into his questions. And in doing so, he offers something rare: perspective born from humility.

Together, they talk about the first rocket, the mother who called Russian soldiers "goblins" to protect her daughter’s mind, and the deep, complicated meaning of the word “home” after witnessing a world torn apart. This conversation isn’t about headlines. It’s about heartlines. It's about what war teaches you when you stop reporting and start listening.

Whether you’re a fellow journalist, a student of storytelling, or just someone trying to understand the world a little better, this one’s going to stay with you.

• Grab Robert’s book: Lessons From the Front

• Explore more of Robert’s work: robertshermantv.com

• Follow Robert on Instagram: @robertshermantv

• Watch his dispatches and reports via NewsNation: newsnationnow.com/author/robert-sherman

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

How Far Is Too Far? Comedy, Cancel Culture, and Lenny Bruce at the Clark Center

Adam Montiel — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 13:35:00 -0500

Adam Montiel connects with actor, playwright, and director Ronnie Marmo, the powerhouse behind the critically acclaimed one-man show I’m Not a Comedian... I’m Lenny Bruce. Touring the country and now coming to the Clark Center in Arroyo Grande, the show brings the infamous comic and cultural disruptor Lenny Bruce back to life with sharpness, heart, and unflinching honesty.

Directed by Tony Award winner Joe Mantegna, Ronnie’s performance dives deep into Lenny’s court battles, his biting satire, and his unapologetic push for freedom of speech. In this episode, Adam and Ronnie explore what it means to portray someone who was once arrested for language and how that conversation still echoes today in an era of cancel culture and cultural overcorrection.

They talk legacy, language, vulnerability, and the risks artists take when they decide to tell the truth on stage, in comedy, and in life.

• Tickets to I’m Not a Comedian... I’m Lenny Bruce at the Clark Center: https://clarkcenter.org/shows/lenny-bruce/

Socials and Links for the Guest + Show Team:

I’m Not A Comedian... I’m Lenny Bruce

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamlennybruce/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IAmLennyBruce/

Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/iamlennybruce

Ronnie Marmo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronniemarmo/

Facebook (Actor Page): https://www.facebook.com/RonnieMarmo.Actor

Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/ronnie.marmo

Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/realronniemarmo

Joe Mantegna

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joemantegna/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joemantegna

Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/joemantegna

Janelle Gaeta Marmo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janellegaeta/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janellegaeta

Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/janellegaeta

#IAmLennyBruce

#GeneralHospital

#CriminalMinds

#FreeSpeech

#TheMarvelousMrsMaisel

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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https://www.visitslo.com/restaurantmonth

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Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

In Crust We Trust: Mike from My Friend Mike’s is Up+Adam! #SLORestaurantMonth

Adam Montiel — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 11:52:33 -0500

In a town like San Luis Obispo, where pizza spots are on every block and every menu claims to be the best, one name keeps rising to the top: My Friend Mike’s. In this episode, Adam sits down with owner Mike Radakovich, the low-key craftsman behind one of SLO’s most beloved wood-fired pizza joints. They talk about how My Friend Mike’s got its name, why his menu reads more like a love letter than a checklist, and what it takes to stand out in a town already full of great pies.

Mike opens up about his creative process, how he balances technique with instinct, and what it feels like when a customer tells you your pizza changed their night. He’s also one of the standout participants in SLO Restaurant Month, and he’s offering a deal you don’t want to miss.

Whether you're a pizza fan, a small business dreamer, or just someone who appreciates food with soul, this episode is for you.

learn more about slo restaurant month and see all participating restaurants:

explore my friend mike’s menu, story, and hours:

https://www.myfriendmikes.com

follow my friend mike on instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/myfriendmikes

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

How to Deal With - and Quit - a Toxic Boss (From an Organizational Psychologist)

Adam Montiel — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 12:02:13 -0500

What if the biggest threat to your well-being at work isn’t the workload but your boss?

In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett — an award-winning organizational psychologist, author, and workplace culture expert — for a raw and revealing conversation on how to identify, survive, and escape toxic leadership. Dr. Laura’s latest book, I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss, isn’t just eye-opening. It’s a lifeline.

Together, they unpack the eight toxic boss personas (yes, you’ve met one), how to protect your sanity when you can’t walk away, what to say in the moment without risking your job, and how to heal from years of verbal abuse and manipulation. Whether you’re still stuck, just got out, or leading a team yourself and wondering if you might be the problem — this one’s for you.

• Learn more about Dr. Laura: drlaura.live

• Listen to her podcast Where Work Meets Life: drlaura.live/podcast

• Get the book on Amazon: I Wish I’d Quit Sooner (Paperback & Audiobook)

• Follow her on Instagram: @drlaura.live

If this episode hit home, share it with someone who’s been quietly surviving at work when they deserve to be thriving.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Stargazing & Starships: Actor Casey Biggs Beams Back to Paso for a New Moon at CASS

Adam Montiel — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 11:46:15 -0500

On today’s episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel sits down with actor and performer Casey Biggs for a conversation that’s equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and filled with stardust. Known for his iconic role as Damar on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Casey shares stories from the set, the stage, and his life off the screen. From acting alongside legends to living part-time in Europe with his wife, author and chef Bridget Binns, Casey brings depth and insight to every story.

The two talk about the fragility of life, what it means to live like there’s “an inch left,” and how a single line on a sheet of paper changed Casey’s entire approach to time. They also dive into Cass After Dark, a new winter event at Cass Winery in Paso Robles happening Saturday, January 17. With live Americana and folk music, fire pits, mulled wine, and stargazing with Cal Poly’s Astronomical Society, this is not your average night in wine country.

Casey shares behind-the-scenes stories about Star Trek, Shameless, Criminal Minds, and even his time on seven Star Trek cruises. A little wine talk, a little Hollywood talk, this episode has it all.

Links:

• Cass After Dark Tickets

• Event Info from Paso Wine

• Paso Daily News Article

• Casey Biggs on Wikipedia

• Startrek.com Interview

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

SLO RESTAURANT MONTH IS HERE

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Some Say This Local Tri-Tip Smashburger Beats In-N-Out! #SLORestaurantMonth

Adam Montiel — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 12:37:16 -0500

If you’ve ever had that smoky crispy melt-in-your-mouth tri-tip from Old San Luis BBQ, you know exactly why Matt Pearce is in a league of his own. On this episode of Up+Adam, Matt joins Adam Montiel to talk about how he traded civil engineering for fire and flavor, building one of the Central Coast’s most beloved barbecue brands from the ground up.

From his catering roots to a growing BBQ empire with three locations, Matt shares the origin story behind Old SLO, the family recipes that fuel it (yes, including that granny cake), and what it means to honor the traditions of Santa Maria-style barbecue while still innovating the menu with local love.

This month, as part of SLO Restaurant Month, Old San Luis BBQ is rolling out an absolutely stacked special: a Tri-Tip Smash Burger featuring double the ground tri-tip, double cheese, fries, and a drink for just $15. Matt puts it like this: “I put it up against In-N-Out any day.” Come hungry.

Expect sizzling stories, local flavor, and a behind-the-grill look at what it takes to turn smoke and oak into something unforgettable.

• Learn more about Old San Luis BBQ: oldsanluisbbq.com

• See all the SLO Restaurant Month specials and participating spots: visitslo.com/restaurantmonth

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Buy The Last 15 on Amazon

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Losing Weight Without Losing Yourself: NYT Best Selling Dr. Ian K. Smith is Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 16:01:21 -0500

In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel sits down with Dr. Ian K. Smith, number one New York Times bestselling author, physician, and nationally recognized health expert, to talk about what it really takes to lose the most stubborn weight... and more importantly, what you gain in the process.

Dr. Ian’s new book, The Last 15: Say Goodbye to Those Most Stubborn Pounds, is not just another quick-fix diet. It is a seven-week metabolic reset rooted in science, strategy, and sustainability. And even though it is written for the last 15 pounds, this episode is especially for you if you are still staring down your first. Whether you are feeling stuck, plateaued, or just plain overwhelmed, this conversation is your permission slip to start again with less shame and more strategy.

We talk metabolism myths, emotional weight, why the final stretch is often the most revealing, and what it really means to build an identity rooted in discipline, not deprivation. Adam asks the questions no one else is asking, and Dr. Ian responds with the kind of wisdom that does not just change bodies, it changes minds.

•••

GET THE BOOK:

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. IAN:

Website: www.doctoriansmith.com

Instagram: @doctoriansmith

Facebook: Dr. Ian K. Smith

Twitter/X: @DrIanSmith

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Why Does Everyone Suddenly Care About Greenland? Someone Who's Been There Chimes In

Adam Montiel — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 10:53:55 -0500

Greenland is in the headlines—military talks, rare earth minerals, foreign influence—and on today’s episode of up+adam, we’re going way beyond the headlines.

Adam sits down with award-winning journalist Kenneth R. Rosen, whose new book polar war: submarines, spies, and the struggle for power in a melting arctic is already being called one of the most urgent reads of the year. rosen spent years reporting from the frontlines of the arctic—embedded with coast guards, scientists, navy seals, and even inside the shadowy corners of espionage in the far north.

together, they explore why Greenland and the arctic are now center stage in a new cold war. We talk radar bases, Russian incursions, rare earth elements, and why this once-frozen frontier could determine the balance of global power for decades to come.

This conversation is cinematic, real, and chilling in the best way.

• buy the book: Polar War by Kenneth R. Rosen

• learn more: kennethrrosen.com

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

LA Fires 1 Year Ago Today: $100 Million Raised, Victims Still Waiting — Anyone Accountable?

Adam Montiel — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 12:10:52 -0500

On the one-year anniversary of the Palisades Fire, Up+Adam marks the moment with a conversation that burns deep.

Jacob Soboroff is a New York Times bestselling author, an award-winning journalist, and a familiar face on MSNBC and NBC News. But when the deadliest wildfire in LA history came for his childhood neighborhood, he didn’t just report the story. He lived it. His new book, Firestorm: The Great Los Angeles Fires & America's New Age of Disaster, is part memoir, part frontline reporting, and part reckoning with the world we’re heading into if we don’t change course.

Adam and Jacob go ICET-deep on the failures that led to the fire, the silence after the smoke cleared, and why this fire wasn’t an act of God but a symptom of something we’re still not ready to face. They talk hometown heartbreak, political accountability, the psychology of disaster, and what it means to raise kids in a place you’ve watched burn.

A must-listen for anyone who loves Los Angeles or lives somewhere that could be next.

• Get the book: Firestorm on Amazon

• Follow Jacob on Instagram: @jacobsoboroff

• Follow Jacob on X: @jacobsoboroff

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

See all SLO Restaurant Month participants

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Crust Funded: How Benny’s Pizza Rose from the Underground Up #SLORestaurantMonth

Adam Montiel — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 14:18:53 -0500

What do you get when you mix Detroit-style deep dish, a scholar with an Oxford mind, and a passion for community? You get Ben Arona, owner of Benny’s Pizza Social Club in downtown San Luis Obispo. In this episode, Adam sits down with Ben to talk about how Benny’s evolved from a one-man underground kitchen hustle to one of the most beloved pizza joints on the Central Coast.

We dig into the vibe, the dough, and the deep love Ben has for the old-school soul of his space, formerly Pepe Delgado’s. He shares the genius behind his famous frozen lasagna (the ultimate gift hack), why sauce placement matters more than you think, and how he’s celebrating SLO Restaurant Month with a $49.99 dinner-for-two deal. Ben is not just serving pizza, he’s serving history, heart, and heaping portions of gratitude to the community that helped build him.

Check out Benny’s, and don’t miss the other restaurants participating in SLO Restaurant Month at the link below.

Links from this episode:

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

January is SLO Restaurant Month! Novo & Luna Red are Up+Adam!

Adam Montiel — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 12:35:33 -0500

On today’s episode of Up+Adam, we sit down with Samantha Payette, the powerhouse Director of Operations for the Blue Mango Restaurant Group, the team behind SLO favorites like Novo, Luna Red, and Robin’s in Cambria. But Sam isn’t just keeping restaurants humming. She’s also helping lead the charge on civic culture and community engagement through her role on the City of San Luis Obispo’s Promotions Coordinating Committee, where she’s been instrumental in bringing SLO Restaurant Month to life.

Adam and Sam go deep on what really happens behind the scenes of a big restaurant initiative, what January means for the people working in hospitality, and what it takes to keep both diners and city leaders excited about local food. They also talk shop on leadership, local love, and why vibe is something you can’t train... but you can absolutely cultivate.

Support local. Eat well. Tip good.

• Check out SLO Restaurant Month (menus, deals, and full list of participating restaurants): https://www.visitslo.com/restaurantmonth

• Learn more about the Blue Mango Restaurant Group: https://www.bluemangorestaurants.com-=[

• Novo: https://www.novorestaurant.com

• Luna Red: https://www.lunaredslo.com

• Robin’s Restaurant (Cambria): https://www.robinsrestaurant.com

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

SLO-Cal’s Big 4 NYE Options: Where to Ring in 2026 Tonight!

Adam Montiel — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 12:29:09 -0500

Ready to send 2025 out in style? On this episode of Up+Adam, we’re counting down the most exciting ways to ring in the New Year right here on the Central Coast. From family-friendly fireworks to funk-fueled dance floors and intimate live shows, there’s something for every vibe—and we’ve got the inside scoop.

Adam welcomes Ryan Orr, Entertainment Director for SLO Brew Rock, and Dan Curcio of Moonshiner Collective for a high-energy conversation on what makes a great NYE party, how their teams are leveling up this year’s experiences, and why live music just hits different when the clock strikes midnight. We also surprise the winner of our Up+Adam NYE Paso Staycation, live on air.

Whether you're eyeing a classy night at the Opera or ready to raise a glass in the heart of downtown Paso Robles, this episode gives you four unforgettable ways to celebrate. Let’s pop the cork, set the vibe, and get your plans locked in.

New Year’s Eve Events Featured in this Episode:

• Paso Robles City Park Celebration (Hosted by Adam!)
➤ prcity.com/New-Years-Eve-2025

• SLO Brew Rock: Funk Bizarre ft. Pimps of Joytime
➤ slobrew.com/NYE-2026

• Moonshiner Collective Live at Club Car Bar, Templeton
➤ Get Tickets

• OperaSLO Super Gala at PAC SLO (Family-Friendly!)
➤ pacslo.org

Follow Our Guests:

• SLO Brew Rock – slobrew.com | @slobrew
• Moonshiner Collective – moonshinercollective.com | @moonshinercollective

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

https://www.pacslo.org/events/detail/nye25

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Broadway, Baritones, and the Best Kind of New Year’s Eve with Opera SLO

Adam Montiel — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 12:19:40 -0500

Ringing in the New Year does not have to mean staying out late or forgetting the night entirely. In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel sits down with the creative team behind the Opera SLO New Year’s Eve Super Gala to talk about a different kind of celebration. One rooted in live music, community, and that feeling you only get when a full orchestra hits the room and you realize you are part of something shared.

At the center of it all is conductor and Opera San Luis Obispo General Director Brian Asher Alhadeff, whose vision for the Super Gala is simple and bold. Make it welcoming. Make it joyful. Make it unforgettable. Brian describes the night as “dessert music,” a sampler of Broadway favorites, classical showstoppers, iconic movie moments, and large ensemble pieces that feel familiar even if you have never been to an opera before.

Joining the conversation is Grammy Award winning baritone Gabriel Manro, whose career spans opera, Broadway, film, television, and major international stages. Gabriel talks about growing up on the Central Coast, finding his voice, and why live, unamplified music still matters in an age dominated by screens and algorithms. You also hear from stage director Justine Prado Manro and Children’s Chorus Manager Luana Gerardis, who share how Opera SLO’s youth programs and citywide collaborations keep the arts alive and accessible for families.

The Opera SLO New Year’s Eve Super Gala takes place December 31 at 7 pm at the Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo. The show is family friendly, features children on stage, and wraps up early enough to be home for the ball drop. It is a true Central Coast collaboration with multiple local arts organizations sharing one stage for one night only.

If you are looking for a meaningful, memorable way to close out the year and start the next one feeling connected and inspired, this conversation explains why this night is different.

• Opera SLO New Year’s Eve Super Gala

• Tickets and information

https://www.pacslo.org/events/detail/nye25

805-756-4849

• Opera San Luis Obispo

https://www.operaslo.org

• Brian Asher Alhadeff

https://www.operaslo.org/about/artistic-director.php

https://www.instagram.com/maestroalhadeff

• Gabriel Manro

https://www.gabrielmanro.com

https://www.instagram.com/gabriel_manro

• Justine Prado Manro

https://www.justineprado.com

https://www.instagram.com/nymphatic

• Luana Gerardis and Opera SLO Children’s Chorus

https://www.operaslo.org/about/staff.php

https://www.instagram.com/luanagerardis/

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

UNCLE BANANA CHILDREN'S BOOK - CHRISTMAS LESSONS - PROCEEDS BENEFITTING BREAKING & ENTERING CHRISTMAS

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Up+Adam's 12th Breaking & Entering Christmas is Here!

Adam Montiel — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:38:07 -0500

Today’s Up+Adam is one of the most meaningful episodes we do all year.

This is Breaking & Entering Christmas.

Each holiday season, we quietly and anonymously select one local family who has been carrying more than their share, and we show up. Not with pity. With people. With dignity. With a community that decides to say yes.

This episode centers on the family selected this year, chosen from weeks of heartfelt nominations. The letter that nominated them is shared exactly as it was written, with names changed to protect the family. Their story reflects the reality many families face quietly every day. Three generations living in low-income field-worker housing. Grandparents sleeping on the floor so the kids can have a room. A father working long shifts, even on Christmas. A grandmother recovering from breast cancer and collecting recyclables each morning to help the family get by.

What happens next is the heart of this episode.

More than 25 people walk through the door. Movers. Volunteers. Local businesses. Media partners. Listeners. A sleeper sofa replaces the floor. A Christmas tree arrives. Presents are stacked. A broken garbage disposal gets fixed. The house breathes again.

This episode captures the sounds, moments, and emotion of a community showing up in real time. It is not about charity. It is about dignity. It is about service. It is about a Christmas this family never saw coming and the one they deserve.

With Gratitude to Our Community Partners and Supporters

Meathead Movers

Libertine Brewing Company

Sinor-LaVallee Wine

North County Copy & Parcel

General Store Paso Robles

Mr Putters Mino Golf

Author Rob Vold and his wife Jenny of Uncle Banana book series

Red Oak Security

Andy’s Awesome Arcade

Spark’l Bands

Salinas River Ranch

Perfetto Cafe

SLO Town Studios

WiLD 106.1 FM

KSBY

95.3 The Beach

KPIG Radio

The Grade Country

Dimes Media Corporation

And to the listeners of Up+Adam who continue to show what community really looks like.

Thank you for being part of the 12th Annual Breaking & Entering Christmas.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

UNCLE BANANA CHILDREN'S BOOK - CHRISTMAS LESSONS - PROCEEDS BENEFITTING BREAKING & ENTERING CHRISTMAS

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Showing Up When It Matters Most: The Salvation Army SLO's Christmas Story

Adam Montiel — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 12:30:22 -0500

Up+Adam’s Breaking & Entering will air tomorrow 12/23!

In this episode of Up+Adam, we sit down with Pastor Juan and Major Nancy from The Salvation Army San Luis Obispo Corps, a ministry rooted in faith and service dedicated to meeting the needs of individuals and families across the Central Coast through programs like food distribution, utility assistance, shelter support, and year-round community care. With a mission “heart to God, hand to man,” the Salvation Army brings hope and practical help to those facing hardship and works tirelessly to uplift our neighbors in Jesus’ name. Learn how their work intersects with the spirit of Breaking & Entering Christmas and how you can connect or get involved. For more information or to reach the San Luis Obispo Corps, visit them at 815 Islay Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, call (805) 544-2401, or email Juan.Argumedo@usw.salvationarmy.org to connect directly with their team this season.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

UNCLE BANANA CHILDREN'S BOOK - CHRISTMAS LESSONS - PROCEEDS BENEFITTING BREAKING & ENTERING CHRISTMAS

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Reality Checked: Tommy Habeeb on His Show 'Cheaters' & 'To the Rescue'

Adam Montiel — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 12:20:16 -0500

In this heart-opening holiday episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel sits down with veteran television host and producer Tommy Habeeb, the creator and star of the nationally syndicated series To the Rescue. Airing on over 200 stations across the country, the show follows real-life animal rescues and the incredible people behind them—first responders, shelter workers, and families who open their hearts and homes to animals in need.

But Tommy’s journey is more than just puppies and happy endings. He opens up about his time as the original host of Cheaters, what that chapter taught him about human behavior, and how it shaped the deeply empathetic lens he brings to his work today. Together, Adam and Tommy explore the emotional terrain of second chances, what animals can teach us about healing, and why "adopt, don't shop" is more urgent now than ever.

Whether you’re an animal lover, a fan of Tommy’s past work, or someone looking for some unexpected inspiration this season, this is a conversation that will stay with you.

• Watch To the Rescue: https://totherescue.tv

• Follow Tommy Habeeb on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tommyhabeeb

• Subscribe to To the Rescue on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVucVLlcH4vCUwadflUeIyw

• Find a shelter near you: https://theshelterpetproject.org/shelters

• Support Woods Humane Society: https://www.woodshumanesociety.org

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

UNCLE BANANA CHILDREN'S BOOK - CHRISTMAS LESSONS - PROCEEDS BENEFITTING BREAKING & ENTERING CHRISTMAS

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Hollywood, Hyde, and Healing with Actor Hunter Doohan

Adam Montiel — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 14:12:52 -0500

Today’s Guest: Hollywood star Hunter Doohan!

Hunter Doohan is on fire. From his breakout role in Netflix’s Wednesday to haunting performances in Your Honor and Daredevil: Born Again, Hunter is proving he’s not just rising. He’s redefining what it means to show up in this industry with depth, drive, and zero fear of the dark.

In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel sits down with Hunter to talk about his newest project, The Wilderness. It’s a chilling new indie film based on the real-life trauma of “wilderness therapy” programs. As both actor and producer, Hunter opens up about what it was like to be on a set where the director was reliving his own story, and how telling it changed the way Hunter thinks about power, control, and survival.

But this convo goes deeper. Hunter gets real about losing his dad to ALS, the private grief behind public success, and the moments in his career that felt less like big breaks and more like emotional reckonings. He also shares what it's like moving between monsters and mentors, playing Hyde, working with Bryan Cranston, teaming up with Aaron Paul, and why being behind the camera might just be where his truth lives next.

This one’s raw, real, and packed with perspective. If you want to see what happens when a guest doesn’t just show up, they show out, this is it.

Watch Hunter in The Wilderness – now in select theaters and available on digital and on demand December 16

Watch the trailer

Follow Hunter on Instagram

instagram.com/hunterdoohan

Learn more or donate to Project ALS

projectals.org

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR BREAKING & ENTERING CHRISTMAS FAMILY HERE

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Learn About Our Breaking & Entering Christmas Family & How You Can Help

Adam Montiel — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 11:10:38 -0500

JINGLE JAM TICKETS HERE - DOZEN LOCAL ARTISTS PLAY XMAS MUSIC FOR A GREAT CAUSE, OUR BREAKING & ENTERING CHRISTMAS

UNCLE BANANA CHILDREN'S BOOK - CHRISTMAS LESSONS - PROCEEDS BENEFITTING BREAKING & ENTERING CHRISTMAS

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

JINGLE JAM TICKETS HERE - DOZEN LOCAL ARTISTS PLAY XMAS MUSIC FOR A GREAT CAUSE, OUR BREAKING & ENTERING CHRISTMAS

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Family land, Disney Trains, Santa, and the real story of Christmas at the Ranch with Steve Rossi Up+Adam & We Meet Our Breaking & Entering Family

Adam Montiel — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:09:54 -0500

UNCLE BANANA CHILDREN'S BOOK - CHRISTMAS LESSONS - PROCEEDS BENEFITTING BREAKING & ENTERING CHRISTMAS

Steve Rossi | Christmas at the Ranch, Family Legacy, and Making Holiday Magic in Wine Country

DESCRIPTION:

What happens when you mix 14,000 acres of ranchland, a few snow machines, and a guy with big holiday vision? You get Christmas at the Ranch. Today’s guest is the man behind it.

Steve Rossi grew up surrounded by story and legacy. Son of Central Coast developer, architect, and visionary Rob Rossi, Steve has stepped into his own lane with purpose, heart, and some seriously cool ideas. In this episode, Adam sits down with Steve to talk about growing up on the ranch, carving out his own voice in the Rossi family legacy, and building one of the most magical holiday events on the Central Coast.

They get into the real behind-the-scenes of what it takes to create Christmas at the Ranch. From the family dynamics (Let’s be real, its all his wife Shelly!), to the new additions this year, to why they said yes to something this bold in the first place.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to bring joy to thousands of strangers and still make it feel personal, this one’s for you.

• Christmas at the Margarita

• Visit the event page on Travel Paso

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

JINGLE JAM TICKETS HERE - DOZEN LOCAL ARTISTS PLAY XMAS MUSIC FOR A GREAT CAUSE, OUR BREAKING & ENTERING CHRISTMAS

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Pop-Up With Purpose: SLOCALLY MADE is Crafting a Community - One Maker at a Time

Adam Montiel — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 14:33:51 -0500

UNCLE BANANA CHILDREN'S BOOK - CHRISTMAS LESSONS - PROCEEDS BENEFITTING BREAKING & ENTERING CHRISTMAS

It’s more than a pop-up. It’s a handcrafted movement rooted in the heart of San Luis Obispo.

On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel sits down with Sadie Moss and Kerry Long, the creative forces behind SLOcally Made, a seasonal artisan collective and holiday marketplace that has become a downtown SLO tradition. Born from a simple idea and a shared love of craft, Sadie and Kerry built something truly special: a collaborative space that showcases over 80 local makers, from potters and jewelers to painters and leatherworkers.

Also joining us is Gina Hambly, core member of this year’s pop-up and the heart behind Hambly Farms, where she and her husband grow, harvest, and bottle small-batch lavender products that bring beauty and calm to homes across the Central Coast.

We talk about how SLOcally Made began, what it takes to curate 85 vendors into a seamless shopping experience, and how handmade goods carry intention, story, and soul. It’s a conversation full of laughter, inspiration, and the kind of community spirit that reminds you why shopping local matters.

Visit SLOcally Made in person this season at

877 Monterey Street in Downtown San Luis Obispo

Explore more or shop online

• slocally-made.com

Support Gina and Hambly Farms

• hamblyfarms.com

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

JINGLE JAM TICKETS HERE - DOZEN LOCAL ARTISTS PLAY XMAS MUSIC FOR A GREAT CAUSE, OUR BREAKING & ENTERING CHRISTMAS

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Up+Adam Breaking & Entering Wine-Country Christmas Market

Adam Montiel — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 09:46:07 -0500

UNCLE BANANA CHILDREN'S BOOK - CHRISTMAS LESSONS - PROCEEDS BENEFITTING BREAKING & ENTERING CHRISTMAS

This holiday season, a brand-new event is bringing that signature SLO CAL spirit to Paso in a way only the Central Coast can.

In this episode, Adam is joined by Meghan Ball of Vinlumia and Rob Tredway of McPrice Myers, who also co-founded Unhinged Craft Candles with his husband. Together, they share the story behind the Wine Country Christmas Market, a holiday event born from a studio brainstorm and brought to life in less than two weeks.

Hosted at the stunning new McPrice Myers tasting room, the market is free, family-friendly, and full of local soul. With more than a dozen artisans, boutique wineries, small-batch food vendors, and even adoptable pets on site, this is more than a place to check off your gift list. It's a celebration of community, connection, and contagious generosity.

All proceeds and donations support Breaking & Entering Christmas, Adam’s beloved tradition where one local family gets the full magic of the holiday season after a year of hardship. This event makes it possible. You sipping wine and grabbing a handmade candle or bar of artisan soap? That’s part of the magic too.

Event Info

• Sunday, December 7, 2025

• 1 PM to 4 PM

• McPrice Myers, 3525 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles, CA

• Free to attend

• Family and dog friendly

Guests and Links

• Meghan Ball – @vinlumia

• Rob Tredway – @unhinged.cc | unhingedcc.com

• McPrice Myers Winery – mcpricemyers.com

To RSVP or donate to Breaking & Entering Christmas:

• adammontiel.com

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

JINGLE JAM TICKETS HERE - DOZEN LOCAL ARTISTS PLAY XMAS MUSIC FOR A GREAT CAUSE, OUR BREAKING & ENTERING CHRISTMAS

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Western Charm, Italian Soul, SLO-Cal Swagger: Nathan Long of Nate’s on Marsh Builds Food & Vibes from Scratch

Adam Montiel — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 11:00:07 -0500

UNCLE BANANA CHILDREN'S BOOK - CHRISTMAS LESSONS - PROCEEDS BENEFITTING BREAKING & ENTERING CHRISTMAS

Nathan Long, Owner of Nate’s on Marsh

What happens when you take a San Luis Obispo native, run him through the fires of San Francisco’s culinary scene, hand him a blank canvas on Marsh Street, and tell him, “Build something unforgettable”? You get Nate’s on Marsh. It’s a restaurant that feels like your grandma’s house if she had a decorator with excellent taste, a thing for cowboys, and maybe just a splash of chaos.

In this episode, Adam sits down with Nathan Long, owner, operator, and low-key vibe architect, to talk about how Nate’s became more than a restaurant. It’s a neighborhood anchor. A local love letter. A place where the pasta’s local, the playlist’s curated, and the bar’s always stocked with conversation.

They dive into the real behind-the-scenes. What it takes to build a team that moves like a band. How to create a space that feels like home but looks like a Western art film. And why Nathan refuses to sell out to frozen-food culture or Sysco-style shortcuts. This conversation explores what makes a restaurant matter, not just to your stomach, but to your soul.

Also, Adam asks the question nobody’s asking about the state of food right now. Why does everything taste the same? Nathan’s answer is personal, passionate, and sharply on point.

Pull up a seat. This one’s layered. Soulful, surprising, and just the right amount of spicy.

Links from the show:

• See the space and book your table: natesonmarsh.com

• Follow for the food, the vibe, and the chaos: @natesonmarsh

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

GET YOUR TICKETS TO JINGLE JAM

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Glow Big or Go Home: Behind the 3 Million Lights of Cambria Christmas Market with its General Manager Mike Arnold!

Adam Montiel — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 12:02:52 -0500

LEARN ABOUT OUR B&E WINE COUNTRY XMAS MARKET

Welcome to a holiday edition of Up+Adam that glows a little brighter. Adam sits down with Mike Arnold, General Manager of the Cambria Christmas Market, to take you behind the scenes of one of the most magical events in SLO CAL. What started as a modest stroll for hotel guests has exploded into a nationally recognized winter wonderland with over 3 million lights, more than 30 local vendors, live music, wood-fired pizza, mulled wine, and selfie spots for days.

In this episode, Mike opens up about what it takes to pull off an event of this scale. From year-round planning and tree-trimming in August to coordinating 16 shuttles and keeping hotel guests happy, the operation is both massive and deeply thoughtful. We also dive into the German roots of the market, the evolution of the event, the challenges of logistics in a mountain neighborhood, and yes, the spicy little controversy of being named one of the most overcrowded Christmas markets in North America.

Plus, Adam gets the scoop on the secret to wrapping Christmas lights like a pro (seriously, life-changing), the story behind their crowd-favorite Glühwein, and why the Cambria Christmas Market is so much more than just lights. It is a love letter to the holidays, community, and the wonder of SLO CAL in December.

Want to go? Better act fast. Tickets sell out and rooms go quick.

• cambriachristmasmarket.com

• @cambriachristmasmarket on Instagram

Bring your jacket, your camera, and your sense of wonder. This one is worth the drive.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

GET TICKETS TO THIS YEARS JINGLE JAM 12/11 LIBERTINE DT SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Black Friday Shop to This: Jingle Jam 2024 (The Live Performances)

Adam Montiel — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 11:41:36 -0500

Enjoy last year's Breaking & Entering Christmas Jingle Jam live performances and,

A Night of Music, Magic, and Local Holiday Heart

Join broadcaster Adam Montiel and an all-star lineup of SLO CAL artists for a holiday concert that makes a real difference. Jingle Jam is the live benefit show that fuels Up+Adam’s Breaking & Entering Christmas, a 12-year tradition where Adam and his crew quietly deliver a full Christmas for a local family who has faced an impossible year. It is 100 percent local and handled with total dignity.

This Year’s Lineup:

Confirmed artists (in order of confirmation):

DAMON CASTILLO BAND
KB OF IMVA
DAN CURCIO OF MOONSHINER COLLECTIVE
JOSH ROSENBLUM
JON MILLSAP
MICHAEL VENIA OF CARBON CITY LIGHTS
BRIANNA LEE AND JOSH BARRETT FROM B AND THE HIVE
KENNY TAYLOR

(Additional artists will be announced soon as more confirmations roll in.)

Last year’s Jingle Jam was called “the Avengers of local musicians” by KSBY and featured a dozen local favorites. The energy was incredible, and the generosity was contagious.

GET TICKETS TO THIS YEARS JINGLE JAM 12/11 LIBERTINE DT SLO

Deck the Plaza: Inside Downtown’s Holiday Glow-Up & Christmas Parade

Adam Montiel — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 08:08:00 -0500

GET TICKETS TO JINGLE JAM HERE!!

COME TO OUR FREE WINE COUNTRY CHRISTMAS MARKET HERE

Downtown SLO is more than just a charming slice of San Luis Obispo. It’s a living, breathing experience. In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel sits down with LaBren Harris, CEO of Downtown SLO, and Events Manager Maggie Kovach. They are two of the visionary minds responsible for making downtown feel like a true community stage. From the Thursday night Farmers’ Market that draws over 10,000 people each week to the concerts that soundtrack our summer to the legendary Holiday Parade that lights up the season, they are behind it all.

Together, they pull back the curtain on what it takes to activate culture in real time. They talk about the passion, the partnerships, and yes, even the parking, as they continue to evolve downtown with fresh energy and big heart. You'll hear about the Buy Local Bonus, how Santa’s House opens the holidays in Mission Plaza, and why this year’s Christmas Parade (Candy Cane Lane edition) is not to be missed.

• Learn more about all things Downtown SLO: https://downtownslo.com

• Volunteer or check out holiday events: HERE

• Details on the Buy Local Bonus: https://slocity.org

• Follow Downtown SLO on Instagram: https://instagram.com/downtownslo

• Santa’s House info and photos HERE

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

GET TICKETS TO JINGLE JAM!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Last Chance to Nominate a Family for Breaking & Entering Christmas | Get Jingle Jam Tickets | B&E Wine-Country Christmas Market

Adam Montiel — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 11:38:50 -0500

LEARN MORE ABOUT BREAKING & ENTERING CHRISTMAS

NOMINATE A FAMILY

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

The Truth Is Out — and So Is Dan Farah: The Age of Disclosure Hits Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 11:09:05 -0500

Is humanity ready to hear the truth? In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel welcomes Dan Farah, the director and producer of the groundbreaking new documentary The Age of Disclosure. This isn’t your average UFO conversation. This is testimony from 34 insiders across the U.S. Government, military, intelligence community, and even the Senate floor - names like Rubio, Gillibrand, Clapper, Mellon, and Fravor, speaking on the record about what they know, what they’ve seen, and why the time for secrecy is over.

Dan shares what it was like to make this film in complete secrecy for over three years, the shocking truths uncovered, and what disclosure really means for the future of humanity. With high-level access, bipartisan voices, and verified government witnesses, The Age of Disclosure reframes the UAP conversation from fringe speculation to urgent public awareness. This episode goes deep into the cultural, scientific, and spiritual implications of what it means to finally admit… we are not alone.

The Age of Disclosure is now streaming worldwide on Prime Video and playing in select theaters in New York City, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C.

• Official site: www.theageofdisclosure.com

• Follow on Instagram: @ageofdisclosure

• Follow on TikTok: @ageofdisclosure

• Watch trailers on YouTube: The Age of Disclosure on YouTube

• Facebook: facebook.com/ageofdisclosure

This conversation is one for the books. Listen in. Think big. And maybe… look up.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

LEARN MORE AND GET YOUR TICKETS TO JINGLE JAM HERE!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Meet the Cast: Celebrating the 50-Year Tradition at The Great American Melodrama

Adam Montiel — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 11:43:46 -0500

Today on Up+Adam, we’re stepping behind the curtain and straight into the holiday magic.

In celebration of The Great American Melodrama’s 50th anniversary, Adam sits down with four of the vibrant performers lighting up the stage this season: Joshua Kenebrew, Anjewel Lenoir, Rollins Mosley, and Kelly Brown. From backstage bloopers to standing ovations, this episode dives into what makes TGAM’s Holiday Extravaganza so iconic, so heartfelt, and so hilariously human.

You’ll hear what it’s like performing for packed holiday crowds, what goes wrong behind the scenes and how they save it, and why the Melodrama continues to be a beloved Central Coast tradition after half a century. Whether you’re a theater kid, a comedy fan, or just someone who needs a dose of joy this season, you’ll find it here.

• Catch The Holiday Extravaganza now playing at The Great American Melodrama in Oceano

• Showtimes, tickets, and info: https://americanmelodrama.com

• Follow TGAM on Instagram: @tgamelodrama

Want more behind-the-scenes stories like this? Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Thanks for listening, and happy holidays from all of us at Up+Adam.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

• Rocky Horror: Behind the Scenes of a Cult Classic (HarperCollins)

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Fifty Years of Rocky Horror, Told by the Woman Who Was There

Adam Montiel — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 13:06:11 -0500

Even if you've never seen a frame of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.

Adam sits down with Pati Rock, the wife, creative partner, and now legacy-keeper of the legendary rock photographer Mick Rock. Mick captured some of the most iconic images in music history — Bowie, Queen, Iggy, Lou Reed — and was the only photographer given full access during the filming of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025.

In this intimate and unforgettable conversation, Pati shares what it was like to walk beside a man whose lens defined an era, how the new book Rocky Horror: Behind the Scenes of a Cult Classic came to life, and the powerful, creative ways she stays connected to Mick through her own art.

This isn’t just a look back. It’s a living, breathing love story wrapped in art, music, and the magic of cultural history.

Preorder the book

Follow and learn more

• MickRock.com

• @MickRock on Instagram

Make sure to follow, rate, and share the show. Every listen helps us tell more stories that matter.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

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Life Elements

City of SLO

https://thanksgivingforpasorobles.com

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

From Shiftin’ Gears to Shifting Lives & Sharing Meals: How Paso Serves Its Community for Thanksgiving

Adam Montiel — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:13:13 -0500

Every Thanksgiving in Paso Robles, something extraordinary happens long before most people sit down to eat. Centennial Park transforms into a full-service restaurant complete with hosts, servers, menus, and real plates for anyone who needs a warm, dignified meal. No judgment. No questions. Just hospitality, humanity, and a whole lot of turkey.

On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel welcomes two community pillars: David Kudija, who has been carving turkeys and leading the steering committee for decades, and Jimmy Purdy, local business owner and host of Gearhead Radio on KPRL. Together, they help anchor an effort that now serves over 1,500 meals every year. What started with one woman, Mildred Wilkins, her pots and pans, and a simple belief that "The Lord will provide", has grown into one of the most beautiful grassroots traditions on the Central Coast.

We talk about legacy, leadership, service, and the deeper meaning of Thanksgiving. Plus, Jimmy shares what it is like running an auto repair shop that puts values first and why showing up for your team and your town matters more than ever.

Want to support, volunteer, or order delivery if immobile for Thanksgiving for Paso Robles?

Learn more about Jimmy and his business:

https://www.shiftngears805.com

Listen to Jimmy on Gearhead Radio:

KPRL AM 1230 | Saturdays

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
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LEARN MORE ABOUT BREAKING & ENTERING CHRISTMAS HERE!

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Jingle Jam, Surf and Storms and Saving Thanksgiving

Adam Montiel — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 13:33:40 -0500

In this episode of Up+Adam:

Breaking & Entering Jingle Jam lineup and details for December 11 in downtown SLO

A deeper look at LA’s Palisades Fire and the questions still hanging over it

Pismo Beach’s Surfing for Hope Longboard Classic and how it supports local cancer patients

Nipomo’s new bronze memorial honoring the real "Migrant Mother" and her story

Central Coast rain outlook to start the week

Thanksgiving timing tips, stomach saves, and how not to be the problem at dinner

This one is a full holiday plate. Adam kicks things off with breaking news on this year’s Breaking & Entering Jingle Jam, happening Thursday, December 11 at Libertine Brewing in downtown San Luis Obispo. He walks through the lineup so far - Damon Castillo Band, KB of IMVA, Dan Curcio of Moonshiner Collective, Josh Rosenblum, Jon Millsap, Michael Venia of Carbon City Lights, and Brianna Lee and Josh Barrett from B and the Hive - and how the night ties into making Christmas magical for a local family who really needs it.

From there, we hit a run of Lofi Headlines that start heavy and land right here at home. Adam breaks down new scrutiny over how the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history really started and whether it could have been stopped days earlier. Then it is straight to the pier as top longboard surfers roll into Pismo for the Surfing for Hope Longboard Classic, chasing World Surf League spots and raising money for local families fighting cancer, with Adam talking about why this crew is so close to his heart. We wrap that block in Nipomo, where the community just unveiled a bronze memorial to Florence Owens Thompson, the woman in Dorothea Lange’s famous "Migrant Mother" photo, and what it means to literally anchor that story in local soil.

Because it is that kind of week on the Central Coast, Adam also runs through your rain pattern for the next few days so you know when you are dodging showers and when you might actually see the sun. Then we get into Thanksgiving damage control: when to actually serve the meal if you want to sleep that night, why skipping breakfast backfires, and a rapid fire list of "do not be that person" moves at dinner. From showing up empty handed and hovering in the kitchen to serving lukewarm sides and running out of wine, this episode gives you a cheat sheet for keeping the food hot, the vibes warm, and the group text calm.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
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YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Breaking & Entering Jingle Jam Announced | Woods Humane Pet of the Week

Adam Montiel — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 13:24:37 -0500

Jingle Jam Announced

Thursday December 11, 2025 at Libertine Brewing, Downtown SLO

Listen to the show for the first wave of artists announced.

Tickets on sale soon!

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Ain’t Trying to Be Tim McGraw’s Nepo-Nephew: Timothy Wayne on Breaking Out Without Breaking the Bloodline

Adam Montiel — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 12:46:29 -0500

This episode of Up+Adam features rising country artist Timothy Wayne, whose new single “Good Ole Boys Girl” is already gaining traction. He carries a famous last name and a powerful connection. His uncle is country icon Tim McGraw, but the conversation goes beyond music and into what it means to build a career under the weight of legacy.

More than just a country story, this episode explores what it’s like to have an "in" that can open doors but also raise questions. When someone comes from a high-profile family, the assumption is often that success was handed to them. This conversation dives into what happens when the pressure isn't less, it's more. It is about proving yourself, showing up with soul, and earning every step. Country fan or not, this is a story anyone can connect with.

• Listen to “Good Ole Boys Girl” on Spotify, Apple Music, or any streaming platform

• Watch the official music video: YouTube Link

• Website: www.timothywaynemusic.com

• Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @timothywayne

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Rob Rossi on How a Trashed Frat House Turned Into Dreams, Deeds, and Disney Trains

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Rob Rossi | Part Two: Regrets, Ranches, and the Realest He’s Ever Been

Adam Montiel — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 13:43:38 -0500

In this special follow-up episode of Up+Adam, Rob Rossi is back, and this time, we go deeper.

If you thought Part One showed you who Rob Rossi is, Part Two shows you why.

This is not just real estate. It is personal, reflective, and unfiltered.

ICYMI:

Listen to Part One first — the origin story, from frat houses to Disney trains:

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Veterans Day: The Last Watch - Dick Grantham’s Final Story

Adam Montiel — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 12:04:11 -0500

Happy Veterans Day!

Met Richard “Dick” Grantham in 2021 when I hosted a Veterans dinner at the Elks. He stood up, shared his WWII story, and left the whole room in awe. He served in the Navy, survived some of the fiercest battles in the Pacific, and was awarded a Purple Heart after a kamikaze strike hit his ship.

Nearly a year later, his daughter reached out. Dick was home, frail, and in hospice care, but wanted to sit down with me and tell his story in full. I spent over an hour with him at his kitchen table. His voice was weak, but his memory was sharp. We talked, we laughed, we cried.

A few hours after I left, I got a text:

“My dad went to heaven to be with my mom. He loved you.”

I’ll never forget it. On his final day, he chose to share that time with me, and I’m forever honored.

Today on Up+Adam, I’m sharing that interview again with new reflections so his story, his bravery, and his voice can continue to be heard.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

The Rewatch You Didn’t Know You Needed — Ugly Betty Stars are Up+Adam #VivaBetty

Adam Montiel — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 11:39:08 -0500

What happens when two of the most unforgettable characters from Ugly Betty sit down to relive the show that made being different feel like a superpower? You get Viva Betty, a rewatch podcast that is heartfelt, hilarious, and loaded with behind-the-scenes gold.

In this episode of Up+Adam, Ana Ortiz and Mark Indelicato, aka Hilda and Justin Suarez, join Adam for a conversation that goes far beyond nostalgia. From representing communities and culture on primetime to the moments on set that changed them forever, this one pulls back the curtain on the impact Ugly Betty had and why it still matters.

Stream the Viva Betty podcast now on:

• iHeart Radio

• Spotify

• Apple Podcasts

Follow the show and the hosts:

• Viva Betty on Instagram → @vivabettypodcast

• Ana Ortiz → @therealanaortiz

• Mark Indelicato → @markindelicato

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Tapped In and Turned Up in AG - The Arroyo Grande Beer & Wine Fest This Weekend!

Adam Montiel — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 05:08:00 -0500

In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam shines a spotlight on the heart and soul of Arroyo Grande with three local legends making waves in wine, beer, and hospitality. He’s joined by Josh Klapper, the winemaker behind Timbre Winery and owner of LoBro Studios (where this very show is recorded), Laura Beth Amy of Humdinger Brewing, a dual-threat in AG and SLO, and Mindy Calmenson, general manager of Rooster Creek Tavern and a pillar of the Village scene.

Together, they preview the 4th annual Arroyo Grande Beer and Wine Festival, happening this Saturday, November 8, at Heritage Square Park. Expect 30+ craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries, food trucks, live music, and that unmatchable AG energy. Whether you're in it for the pours or the people, this episode serves up all the flavor of the fest and the Village with a whole lot of heart.

Tickets and event info:

my805tix.com

Follow the guests:

• Timbre Winery → timbrewinery.com

• Humdinger Brewing → humdingerbrewing.com

• Rooster Creek Tavern → roostercreektavern.com

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Rob Rossi On How a Trashed Frat House Turned Into Dreams, Deeds, and Disney Trains! | Up+Adam Exclusive

Adam Montiel — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 05:08:00 -0500

Rob Rossi isn’t just a developer - he’s a straight-up architect of identity on the Central Coast. In Part One of this two-part interview, Adam sits down in the Timbre LoBro Studios with the man behind some of San Luis Obispo’s most iconic buildings, boldest bets, and most emotional preservation projects.

From buying a trashed frat house out of college to rescuing original Disneyland train cars... from shaping downtown SLO to reviving the world’s first motel - this is a rare, real conversation with one of the most quietly influential people this area might have ever seen.

And you better believe we’re just getting started.

He talks about the $5,000 loan that launched it all, what it was like to bring four original Disneyland coaches to Santa Margarita Ranch, and what the real vision is for places like the Motel Inn and Avila Golf Resort, and a LOT more.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

The New Face (and Publisher) of SLO Life Magazine: Meghan Burkhardt is Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 11:43:50 -0500

What does it take to step into the spotlight of a legacy brand while holding a toddler’s hand and carrying new life inside you? In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with Meghan Burkhardt, the new publisher of SLO Life Magazine, for a conversation about bold pivots, personal purpose, and the stories that make this Central Coast community so rich.

Meghan shares the moment she knew she had to own the magazine, what keeps her up at night (besides a toddler), and how she is redefining what makes a story cover-worthy. You will also hear the hilarious behind-the-scenes tale of the time Adam pitched himself to the old publisher to get on the cover. Yes, that happened. And how the new energy Meghan is bringing might just change the game for local storytelling.

This is a conversation about vision, reinvention, and what happens when someone says, “I’ll do it. I’ll be the one.” Whether you are a local, a creative, a parent, or someone just waiting for a sign to go for it, this one is for you.

Connect with Meghan and SLO Life Magazine:

• SLO Life Magazine Website

• Instagram @slolifemagazine

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Conviction & Convictions: Local Activist Zoe Rosenberg on Her Felony Conspiracy Sentencing, and Oh Yea, Meat #TrueCrimeTuesday

Adam Montiel — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 05:08:00 -0500

On this True Crime Tuesday, Adam sits down with Zoe Rosenberg, an animal rights activist from San Luis Obispo who’s no stranger to headlines. From being tackled on an NBA court to getting arrested at Cal Poly at just 15, Zoe’s activism has been bold, controversial, and now convicted.

In her first exclusive local interview, Zoe talks about the felony charges she just caught for taking chickens from a Petaluma poultry facility. She calls it a rescue. Prosecutors called it theft. Either way, the jury found her guilty. But Zoe doesn’t flinch, not even when Adam asks her straight up, “Do you think people should have the right to eat meat?” Her answer: “I don’t.”

No matter where you stand, this is a fair and honest conversation. Zoe answers every question, and Adam doesn’t hold back. They talk about DxE’s tactics, the blurred lines between civil disobedience and criminal conduct, and the real-life consequences of activism taken to the edge.

Hit play. You’re not going to want to miss this one.

• Zoe Rosenberg's sanctuary: Happy Hen Animal Sanctuary

• Follow Zoe on Instagram: @zoe.rosenberg

• Learn more about Direct Action Everywhere: directactioneverywhere.com

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Confessions of a Catholic School Survivor: Actress/Author Marianne Leone Has Range From The Sopranos to the Saints

Adam Montiel — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 12:39:00 -0500

Today on Up+Adam, we’re joined by powerhouse actress and author Marianne Leone. You may know her as Joanne Moltisanti on The Sopranos, or from working with legendary directors like Martin Scorsese, John Sayles, and Nancy Savoca. But today, she’s with us as the author of one of the most irreverent, heartfelt, and hilarious novels to come my way in a long time.

In this episode, Marianne opens up about her new book, Christina the Astonishing, a coming-of-age tale set in 1960s Boston where sainthood, sarcasm, immigrant grit, and Catholic guilt all collide. It’s fiction, yes, but it’s rooted in real truth, real grief, and real girlhood. Adam and Marianne go deep on what it means to write through pain, the sacred power of humor, and why rebellion can be holy when it comes from the heart.

This one’s for the readers and the rebels, the mothers and the misfits, and for anyone who’s ever tried to be “good” in a world that made them feel wrong.

• Get Christina the Astonishing: Buy on Amazon

• Read Marianne’s memoir Knowing Jesse: Buy on Amazon

• Visit Marianne Leone’s website: marianneleonecooper.com

• Follow her on Instagram: @strega54

• Learn more about the Jesse Cooper Foundation: jessecooperfoundation.org

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Halloween Therapy: Guidance vs. Gaslighting - Amy Hargreaves & Landry Bender, Stars of 'SELF-HELP' (In Theatres Today) are Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 13:18:49 -0400

On this Halloween episode of Up+Adam, Amy Hargreaves and Landry Bender drop in with a thriller built for tonight. Self-Help follows a young woman who goes undercover inside a self-actualization community to pull her mother away from its dangerously charismatic leader. We talk about power, persuasion, and the thin line between guidance and gaslighting. Amy and Landry open up about the scenes that rattled them, what they protected as co-creators, and why this story sticks to you on the ride home. Self-Help is only in theaters today, October 31, 2025.

• Official trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMADDlO0Utg

• Showtimes and tickets: https://www.fandango.com/self-help-2025-242828/movie-overview

• Rotten Tomatoes page: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/self_help

• Amy Hargreaves on Instagram

• Landry Bender on Instagram

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Toes, Tutus, and Telling Stories (Without Words): Ballet Theatre SLO is Up+Adam for #Artober

Adam Montiel — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 10:56:08 -0400

What does it mean to tell a powerful story with no words? In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel sits down with Theresa Slobodnik and Blair London, the powerhouse duo behind Ballet Theatre San Luis Obispo (BT-SLO). Theresa, a lifelong choreographer and artistic director, and Blair, a retired engineering professor turned ballet teacher, are proving that ballet isn't just an art form. It’s a soulful, emotional experience that can move audiences of all ages.

From honoring mentors and pushing creative boundaries to empowering dancers young and old, Theresa and Blair open up about how their studio and performances create connection, beauty, and real human moments. Whether you're a ballet lover or a total newcomer, this episode will have you seeing dance in a whole new light.

Catch BT-SLO’s Upcoming 2026 Season

All shows take place at the BlackBox Theatre at Ballet Theatre San Luis Obispo

• Feb 21 and 22 – Romantic Moments

• Mar 14 and 15 – Youth Showcase: La Boutique Fantasque and The Joy of Musical Theatre

• May 23 and 24 – Gems of the Classics

• Oct 10 and 11 – Autumn Dances

• Dec 12 and 13 – Holiday Delights

To learn more, get tickets, or sign up for a class, visit

• bt-slo.org

• 3566 S Higuera St #207, San Luis Obispo

• 805-440-1439

• info@bt-slo.org

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

https://centralcoastbride.com/san-luis-obispo-fall-wedding-expo/

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Vows and Wows: Inside Central Coast Bride & the SLO Fall Wedding Expo (This Sun | Madonna Expo)

Adam Montiel — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 13:11:19 -0400

In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel welcomes Karla Langner, owner of Central Coast Bride and the creative powerhouse behind the San Luis Obispo Fall Wedding Expo. Whether you're newly engaged or just deep in the Pinterest-scroll phase, this conversation is your permission slip to breathe. Karla breaks down why this isn't just a wedding expo. It’s an experience.

From VIP swag bags to signature cocktails, from meeting the region’s top florists and DJs to scoring exclusive deals you won’t find anywhere else, this event brings all your “big day” dreams under one roof. Karla shares how this year’s expo on Sunday, November 2 at the Madonna Expo Center is shaping up to be their most curated, inspiring, and helpful yet.

We talk trends, tips, and the real secret to planning a wedding without losing your mind (or your bank account). It’s wedding planning made simple and stylish.

• Get tickets and info:

Use promo code MONTIEL at checkout to get 25% off your tickets.

• Follow Central Coast Bride:

Instagram: @centralcoastbride

Facebook: Central Coast Bride

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Be Water, Be Human: From Immigrant to Icon, What This Well Known Actor Taught Us About Power & Pride

Adam Montiel — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 13:29:24 -0400

In this episode of Up+Adam, we welcome award-winning author and cultural historian Jeff Chang for a powerful conversation about his upcoming book, Water Mirror Echo: Bruce Lee and the Making of Asian America.

This isn’t just about Bruce Lee the legend, it’s about the human behind the icon. The immigrant. The artist. The man navigating masculinity, identity, and expectation in a world that demanded he be a symbol before he could even be himself. Drawing from never-before-seen letters, intimate interviews, and rare archives, Jeff’s new book paints a bold, deeply emotional portrait of Bruce Lee, and the rise of Asian America alongside him.

Adam and Jeff talk about what Bruce Lee still teaches us about power, softness, representation, and why his legacy feels even more relevant today than it did in 1973. If you’ve ever felt the tension between who you are and what the world wants you to be, this conversation’s for you.

• Get the book: Water Mirror Echo: Bruce Lee and the Making of Asian America (HarperCollins)

• Follow Jeff on Instagram: @zentronix

• Learn more about Jeff’s work: https://www.jeffchang.net

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Adam will be leading a live workshop on The Art of the Interview at this year’s Central Coast Writers Conference, happening September 26–27, 2025 at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo. For details and registration, visit cuesta.edu/writers-conference

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

• Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist - Buy it on Bookshop.org

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Genius Is a Team Sport (Just Ask Lin-Manuel Miranda) or his Biographer | Pet of the Week

Adam Montiel — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 13:48:34 -0400

What do you get when you think you're interviewing Lin-Manuel Miranda… but instead end up with the scholar who might know him even better?

In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel sits down with Daniel Pollack-Pelzner - New Yorker contributor, Shakespeare scholar, and author of Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist. Daniel spent years talking with over 150 people from Lin’s world, his family, mentors, collaborators, and Lin himself - to unpack how a sweet, curious kid from Washington Heights became the most transformative voice in modern musical theater.

This conversation isn’t just about Lin, it’s about genius as a slow build, creativity as collaboration, and what it really takes to find your artistic voice. Whether you're a theater geek, a Miranda superfan, or just someone trying to turn inspiration into something real, this one hits deep.

Check out Daniel’s book, available now:

Follow Daniel:

• Twitter/X: @dpppollack

• Instagram: @danielpollackpelzner

• More about Daniel’s work: danielpollackpelzner.com

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

What Rocket Science Taught Me About Making People Laugh: Artober, Improv, and the Central Coast Comedy Theater

Adam Montiel — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 13:08:52 -0400

What do you get when you combine aerospace engineering with live comedy? You get Dane Larkin. As Director and founding board member of the Central Coast Comedy Theater, Dane is helping to shape a community where laughter isn’t just entertainment, it’s healing. From designing rocket thrust-vectoring systems in college to now teaching improv two nights a week, Dane brings left-brain brilliance and right-brain heart to the local arts scene.

In this special Artober edition of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel dives deep with Dane about how the Theater is using comedy to support mental health, what it takes to build a nonprofit from the ground up, and yes, we even get into his Cal Poly engineering days for a surprising, nerdy, and fun moment.

• Learn more about Central Coast Comedy Theater: https://centralcoastcomedytheater.com

• Support or donate to the nonprofit: https://centralcoastcomedytheater.com/support-us

• Follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centralcoastcomedytheater

• Explore Artober with the City of SLO: https://www.slocity.org/government/department-directory/parks-and-recreation/artober

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

The Creston Effect: Small Town, Big Pours - Grenache Takes Over the Loading Chute

Adam Montiel — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 13:17:37 -0400

Grenache Giddy-Up at The Loading Chute Barn

Creston is calling. One grape in three colors - Paso powerhouses pouring in Creston. One grape in three colors inside the Loading Chute Barn. Meghan Ball and Kristen Parker join Adam to talk why Grenache hits in white, rosé, and red, who is pouring, what to pair with a Chute bite, and how that barn turns into a Sunday afternoon party.

Event details

Sunday, October 26, 2:00 to 4:30 p.m.

The Loading Chute Barn, 6350 Webster Rd, Creston, CA 93432

Tickets: Grenache Passport $45, General Admission $20, Kids $10, under 3 free

Sample pour list

Adelaida, Alta Colina, Booker, Caliza, Dilecta, End of the Day, Hawks Hill Ranch, Justin, Shale Oak, Site, Zanoli, Zobèto, Ruakh, and more.

Make it a night

Pick up bottles at the event, then head into The Loading Chute for dinner after.

Links

Event info and tickets: Loading Chute Events (Select PICK UP) - (they are using their to go order platform to sell tickets)

Venue Instagram: @loadingchute

Meghan Ball Instagram: @vinlumia

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Delta Force to Bestseller: The Gray Zone Is Real. Brad Taylor’s Been There. #TrueCrimeTuesday

Adam Montiel — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 11:47:25 -0400

Delta Force to Bestseller: The Brad Taylor Debrief

In this episode of Up+Adam, we step into the shadows with Brad Taylor, former Delta Force commander and New York Times bestselling author whose thrillers hit harder because they come from real-world experience. With 21 years in the Army, including eight inside the elite and secretive 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment–Delta, Brad knows exactly how modern conflict moves… quietly, strategically, and often without headlines.

His newest novel Into the Gray Zone drops us into modern-day India (pretty damn timely if you ask me), where a lavish wedding turns into a targeted massacre and where terrorism might actually be a high-level play for economic dominance. Through Pike Logan, the relentless Taskforce operator at the heart of the series, we’re pulled through cyber sabotage, rare earth conflicts, and the dark politics of separatism. This is where war lives now…in the space between diplomacy and disaster.

We talk about the origin of Pike, the real stories behind Brad’s fiction, and how close we really are to the chaos his novels predict. Spoiler: closer than you think.

Into the Gray Zone is out now:

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Unfinished Business and Other Beautiful Wrecks with Jonathan Goldstein of Heavyweight!

Adam Montiel — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 13:53:11 -0400

On today's episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with Jonathan Goldstein, the creator and host of the acclaimed podcast Heavyweight. Known for helping real people revisit the moments that still weigh on them—lost friendships, family fallouts, the apology that never happened—Jonathan brings his signature mix of humor, depth, and emotional precision to a conversation that’s part storytelling masterclass, part human excavation.

They talk about the origins of Heavyweight, the ethics of revisiting pain, the stories that still haunt him, and how silence can sometimes say more than any scripted line. This episode is for anyone who’s ever stayed up late thinking, What if I had just said something back then...?

If you’re new to Heavyweight, consider this your sign to dive in. And if you’re already a fan, you’re going to love hearing the man behind the mic get a little reflective himself.

• Listen to Heavyweight: https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/heavyweight

• Follow Jonathan on Instagram

• More about Jonathan’s work: https://www.pushkin.fm/hosts/jonathan-goldstein

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-made-for-this-mountain-po-273843630/

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

You Were Made for This Mountain - Encouragement for the Weekend & Beyond!

Adam Montiel — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 11:29:23 -0400

What if the mountain in front of you wasn’t meant to break you, but to build you?

On today’s episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel sits down with Joshua Rosa, a nationally recognized speaker, author, and the voice behind the powerful podcast Made For This Mountain. Joshua shares his journey through trauma, redemption, and obedience, inviting listeners into a deeper understanding of faith, failure, and healing.

Raised in New Jersey by a proud Dominican mother, Joshua has become a force in the space where authenticity meets ministry. With nearly a million followers across platforms, his message is clear and raw: your scars don’t disqualify you, they qualify you. This conversation dives into manhood, generational cycles, self-betrayal, the spiritual weight of healing, and the cost of choosing purpose over comfort.

If you’ve ever felt stuck at the bottom of your own mountain, this episode will remind you—you were made to climb.

Connect with Joshua Rosa:

• Made For This Mountain Podcast:

• Book – Choosing to Do Wrong, Failing to Do Good:

https://www.amazon.com/Choosing-wrong-Failing-good-Joshua/dp/B0D4B15QS8

• Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/_joshuarosa/?hl=en

• YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmnIP09gWXqdvB6CX8lRUNg

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Life Elements

City of SLO

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Through the Lens of Chaos: Jill Furmanovsky on Oasis and the Art of Mayhem

Adam Montiel — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 13:09:17 -0400

She’s photographed the gods of rock, from Pink Floyd and Bob Dylan to Amy Winehouse and Leonard Cohen, and somehow, in the eye of Britpop’s loudest storm, she captured the rise and fall of Oasis like no one else ever could.

In this episode of Up+Adam, award-winning music photographer Jill Furmanovsky joins Adam to talk about her stunning new book, Oasis: Trying to Find a Way Out of Nowhere, created in collaboration with Noel Gallagher. Featuring over 500 never-before-seen images and raw backstage commentary, this is more than a photography book. It’s a visual memoir of chaos, brotherhood, ego, and art.

Even if you weren’t a die-hard Oasis fan, this conversation opens up a world of creative tension, trust, and the magic that happens when a camera becomes a passport into cultural history.

Whether you’re a music lover, a photography nerd, or just someone who remembers what “Wonderwall” felt like in the ‘90s, this one’s for you.

GET THE BOOK

• Oasis: Trying to Find a Way Out of Nowhere: Buy on Amazon

Follow Jill Furmanovsky

• Instagram: @jillfurmanovsky

• Official Archive: rockarchive.com

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

One-Legged Trainers, Drunk QBs, and Civil Rights: The Team the NFL Tried to Erase

Adam Montiel — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 13:45:10 -0400

What happens when a football team becomes a time capsule for a country on the edge of change? In this episode, Adam sits down with award-winning journalist and author David Fleming to unpack A Big Mess in Texas, the jaw-dropping, hilarious, and deeply human true story of the 1952 Dallas Texans.

You don’t have to know a first down from a fumble to love this story. Whether you're a sports fan or not, this one grabs you with its chaos, characters, and cultural crossroads.

From drunken halftime quarterbacks and elephant-dung-covered fields to civil rights standoffs and Klan bombings, this isn’t just the most dysfunctional season in NFL history, it’s a forgotten American epic. David takes us behind the scenes of his years-long research journey, the characters too wild for fiction, and why this story had to be told now.

This episode is for the football fan, the history buff, the curious soul, and anyone who knows that sometimes the biggest messes leave the deepest marks.

Guest: David Fleming

• Book: A Big Mess in Texas: The Incredible True Story of the Dallas Texans

• Learn more: https://www.abigmessintexas.com

• Order the book: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Mess-Texas-Incredible-Dysfunctional/dp/1250374305

• Follow David: https://twitter.com/FlemFile

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Inside the Cartel: The Double Life of Martin Suarez - who’s been called the greatest undercover agent in FBI history

Adam Montiel — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 13:24:16 -0400

In this #TrueCrimeTuesday episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel goes deep Inside the Cartel with former FBI Special Agent Martin Suarez, the man known inside the Bureau as its most prolific undercover operative in FBI history, and Ian Frisch, the acclaimed journalist who helped him bring his untold story to life.

For 23 years, Suarez lived as “Manny,” infiltrating a Colombian narco empire, smuggling $1 billion in cocaine, and laundering $50 million, all in the name of justice. Now, living with ALS, he’s breaking his silence about the double life that cost him almost everything.

Together, Martin and Ian pull back the curtain on the high-stakes world of undercover espionage, the failures of the War on Drugs, and the emotional toll of a life lived in shadows. This is not just a true-crime story; it’s a human one: about identity, faith, family, and the courage it takes to keep telling the truth, even when your voice is fading.

Buy the book: Inside the Cartel on HarperCollins
Follow Ian Frisch: @ian_frisch

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

UP+ADAM LISTENERS — FOR THE NEXT 48 HOURS, GET SLO OPERA TICKETS FOR JUST $25!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Artober Gets Operatic with Opera SLO: Not Your Grandma’s Hansel and Gretel

Adam Montiel — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 12:05:11 -0400

USE PROMO CODE: HANSEL25

THIS IS MAJOR SAVINGS — SOME TICKETS ARE USUALLY $50, OTHERS UPWARDS OF $100 DEPENDING ON SEATING.

DON’T MISS THIS LIMITED-TIME DEAL TO EXPERIENCE WORLD-CLASS OPERA FOR A FRACTION OF THE PRICE.

Continuing with Artober coverage on Up+Adam, we’re diving into the whimsical and slightly wicked world of Hansel and Gretel, but not the bedtime story version. Opera San Luis Obispo is pulling out all the stops for their grand production of Engelbert Humperdinck’s beloved opera, featuring a full 60-piece orchestra, massive two-story woodland sets, vivid costumes, and a talented cast of international stars and local youth.

Adam sits down with mezzo-soprano Mandi Barrus (Hansel), soprano Amy Goymerac (Gretel), Children’s Chorus Manager Luana Gerardis, and County Superintendent of Schools Dr. James Brescia, who also serves on the OperaSLO board. Together, they talk about the magic of bringing opera to families, why it’s perfect for October and Artober in SLO, and the role of arts in education. Oh, and yes, Adam definitely tries his hand at opera himself in an improvised mini-opera you won’t want to miss.

This episode is full of laughs, love for the arts, and a whole lot of talent. Whether you’re an opera lover or totally new to it, Hansel and Gretel is your gateway into something unforgettable.

And remember - for the next 48 hours only, Up+Adam listeners can grab tickets for just $25 when you use the promo code HANSEL25 at checkout. Regular ticket prices range from $50 to upwards of $100 depending on your seat, so this is a rare and major opportunity to experience live opera with huge savings.

• Get your tickets:

https://www.pacslo.org/events/detail/hanselandgretel25

• Learn more about Opera San Luis Obispo:

https://www.operaslo.org

• Show dates:

October 18 & 19 at the Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Curse of: America’s Next Top Model on iHeartRadio

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Reality Check: The True Cost of America’s Next Top Model | Woods Pet of the Week

Adam Montiel — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 14:48:15 -0400

What happens when the dream of reality TV becomes a nightmare? In this episode of Up+Adam, broadcaster Adam Montiel sits down with award-winning journalist and podcast host Bridget Armstrong to talk about her hit investigative series, Curse of: America’s Next Top Model.

Bridget takes us behind the scenes of one of the most iconic and controversial shows of the early 2000s, peeling back the glamorous facade to reveal a world of contracts, control, body-shaming, and emotional manipulation. From interviews with former contestants and producers to questions about Tyra Banks’ role in the show’s legacy, this conversation doesn’t hold back. If you grew up watching ANTM, or just want to understand how entertainment shapes culture, this episode is a must-listen.

• Listen to the podcast:

• Learn more about Bridget Armstrong:

Muck Rack Bio

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

downtownslo.com/events/artober

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Conduct Unbecomingly Brilliant: SLO Symphony’s Andrew Sewell on Music, Memory, and Mastery

Adam Montiel — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 12:55:58 -0400

Part of our month-long ARTober on Up+Adam series

This week on Up+Adam, Adam welcomes Andrew Sewell, the visionary conductor and Music Director of the San Luis Obispo Symphony, for a rich and revealing conversation about the power of music, the art of conducting, and the emotional undercurrent of performance. From the magic of the baton to the subtle skill of knowing when to disappear into the music, Andrew shares what it really takes to lead an orchestra, not with ego, but with empathy.

You’ll hear why the best conductors don’t just keep time, they make moments. Adam also gets a surprise conducting lesson, a front-row breakdown of what musicians actually watch for, and a thoughtful dive into how music carries memory, legacy, and even grief. As part of our ARTober series celebrating arts and culture in San Luis Obispo, this episode offers a backstage pass into a world where timing, trust, and truth come together in sound.

• San Luis Obispo Symphony

slosymphony.org

Explore concerts, events, education programs, and ticket info.

• ARTober in SLO

slocity.org/ARTober

Find live performances, public art installations, studio tours, music, theater, and more.

• Experience ARTober Downtown

Incentives, pop-ups, and everything happening in the heart of downtown SLO.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Soap Royalty: Days of Our Lives Legend Deidre Hall Comes Clean

Adam Montiel — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 13:08:28 -0400

She’s been possessed, kidnapped, cloned, and married more times than we can count, and we’ve loved her for every second of it. On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel sits down with the incomparable Deidre Hall, the woman behind one of television’s most iconic characters: Dr. Marlena Evans of Days of Our Lives.

As Days celebrates its upcoming induction into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame, Deidre reflects on her nearly 50-year journey on the show, how it shaped her, and how she’s shaped it in return. We talk legacy, vulnerability, real-life motherhood through surrogacy, and the emotional moment that made even her stop in her tracks. This isn’t just a conversation. It’s a love letter to daytime, to presence, and to a woman who helped redefine what it means to be a TV legend.

Support Deidre’s causes:

All proceeds from her Days of Our Lives merchandise benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

• deidrehall.com

You can also shop her hand-painted greeting cards, with proceeds going to Wounded Warriors, on the same site.

Follow Deidre Hall on Instagram

• @deidrehall_official

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

When DNA Doesn’t Lie: Elin Lantz Lesser on America’s Crime Lab #TrueCrimeTue

Adam Montiel — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 11:24:23 -0400

In this #TrueCrimeTuesday episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel sits down with Elin Lantz Lesser, award-winning producer, former clinical psychologist, and host of the powerful new podcast America’s Crime Lab.

Together, they explore the heartbreak and humanity behind unsolved crimes, and the revolutionary forensic science giving victims and families a voice—sometimes decades after the fact. From the gut-wrenching case of 9-year-old K Rogers to the surprising role of genealogy websites in solving murders, Elin opens up about the emotional toll of telling these stories, how her psychology background shapes her work, and the quiet moments that still echo long after the mic is off.

They also dig into:

LEARN MORE

Listen to America’s Crime Lab: iHeart Podcast Page

Elin’s Website: ElinLantzLesser.com

Minimalism & Simple Living YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElinLesser

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

@LindseyEats is Up+Adam on Cooking by Feel, Nose, & Gut

Adam Montiel — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 12:15:01 -0400

Adam chatted with Lindsey Baruch of Lindsey Eats, a creator with over 1 million followers across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and her blog, about her debut cookbook Something Delicious: 100 Recipes for Everyday Cooking (Ten Speed Press, releases September 30, 2025). They dive into cooking with all five senses, how to build confidence fast with low-fuss techniques, and why “delicious beats pretty” every time. Expect crunchy-creamy eggplant, a legit 30-minute chicken move, wedge salad theater, a pepper mill splurge Adam can’t stop raving about, and easy entertaining pairings that make weeknights feel like an invitation. If you’re cooking today, you’ll walk away with quick wins, pantry power ups, and a couple of sauces you’ll steal immediately.

Links & resources:

Website: https://lindseyeatsla.com/

Cookbook hub (all retailers): https://lindseyeatsla.com/cookbook/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindseyeats/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/lindseyeats

Buy the book, Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/059383545X

Buy the book, Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/something-delicious-100-recipes-for-everyday-cooking-lindsey-baruch/22174598

Publisher page, Ten Speed Press / PRH: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/743700/something-delicious-by-lindsey-baruch/

Target listing: https://www.target.com/p/something-delicious-by-lindsey-baruch-hardcover/-/A-94491961

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Connection, Culture & Community — It's ARTober in SLO | Pet of the Week with Woods!

Adam Montiel — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 12:39:07 -0400

In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with Robin Wolff, committee member of the City of San Luis Obispo’s Promotional Coordinating Committee, to talk about ARTober, SLO’s month-long celebration of arts and humanities held every October. Robin breaks down what ARTober is, how the city activates public art and performances (think: Piano in the Plaza, gallery openings, theater, open studios, public art displays), and how local residents and visitors can get involved. We discuss how the city partners with nonprofits, how the program has evolved, and where she hopes ARTober will go next.

Key resources & links:

City of SLO — ARTober page: slocity.org/ARTober slocity.org

Experience ARTober Guide (how-to, events listing) Visit SLO

Downtown SLO “Experience ARTober” info (participation & incentives) downtownslo.com

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Raised by Rickles: Don Rickle's Daughter, Mindy Shares Stories Like Never Before, is Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 12:55:07 -0400

She’s not just the daughter of comedy legend Don Rickles. Mindy Rickles is a sharp, hilarious, and deeply human storyteller who’s carving out a voice all her own. In this episode, Mindy joins Adam for a one-of-a-kind conversation about growing up in the house that comedy built, the moments Don Rickles did (and didn’t) turn it off, and why her new podcast “Mindy, Ed & Don Rickles” is more than a tribute. It’s a time capsule of family, fame, and fearless funny.

This one’s got laughs, heart, and stories you haven’t heard anywhere else.

Listen to Mindy’s new podcast:

Mindy, Ed & Don Rickles on Apple Podcasts

Mindy, Ed & Don Rickles on Spotify

Follow Mindy Rickles:

Instagram: @mindyrickles

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Beyond the Dong-Dong: The Law & Order podcast is real, and it’s raw as hell #TrueCrimeTuesday

Adam Montiel — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:25:15 -0400

On this True Crime Tuesday, former Brooklyn homicide prosecutor Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi (pretty positive you’ve seen one of her many shows on TV too!) joins Up+Adam for a gripping conversation that pulls back the curtain on the real-life cases that shaped America’s approach to terrorism. As the host of Law & Order: Criminal Justice System, Anna-Sigga shares stories that go beyond the headlines and into the hearts of survivors, investigators, and communities forever changed.

To learn more:

• Listen to Law & Order: Criminal Justice System → iHeart Podcast

• Subscribe to Anatomy of Murder → Official Site

• Watch True Conviction on ID → Show Page

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Learn by Brewin’: Nick Firestone on Craft, Campus, and Cal Poly Gold

Adam Montiel — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 13:42:27 -0400

Today on Up+Adam, we’re sitting down with Nick Firestone, CEO of Firestone Walker Brewing Company and one of the most respected names in craft beer. With the brewery just announcing a multi-year extension of its partnership with Cal Poly, we dive deep into what this collaboration means not just for beer, but for the community, for student-athletes, and for the future of brewing talent coming out of San Luis Obispo.

Nick shares what the past year has brought, rom new beers and behind-the-scenes pivots to the legacy milestones brewing ahead of Firestone Walker’s 30th anniversary. We talk about the resurrection of cult-favorite beers, the emotional weight of retiring a label, and how Cal Poly Gold became more than just a beer. It became a symbol. Oh, and yes, there may or may not have been a beer pong challenge thrown down on-air.

LINKS FROM THE SHOW:

Firestone Walker Official Site

Learn more about Cal Poly Gold

Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing Approach

Find Firestone Walker Beers Near You

Follow Firestone Walker on Instagram

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

• YES Cocktail Co. 10-Year Event Info + Tickets

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Zero-Proof, All Passion: The Power of Yes! Happy 10 Years to Yes! Cocktail Co. | Pet of the Week with Woods

Adam Montiel — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 11:41:14 -0400

What happens when two theater kids say "yes" to flavor, passion, and building a cocktail empire from the ground up?

In this episode, Adam welcomes Lauren Butler into the Timbre LoBro Studios, the co-founder of Yes Cocktail Co., as she pours out the story behind one of Paso Robles' most exciting and nationally celebrated brands. From their early days slinging small-batch syrups at Farmers’ Market to landing features in Oprah Daily, USA Today, and the Good Food Awards, Lauren and her husband Brandon have turned their love of mixology into a movement. This is a great local story about a great local business.

Now celebrating their 10th anniversary, Yes Cocktail Co. is inviting fans to join them for a special mixology class and celebration on Saturday, October 4th at their Paso tasting room, complete with exclusive cocktails, zero-proof mocktails, bites, stories, and a whole lot of YES energy.

Plus, we dive into motherhood, small business ownership, the art of showing up every damn day, and the future of alcohol-free spirits on the Central Coast.

Want to celebrate with them?

• 2915 Union Road Suite A, Paso Robles, CA 93446

• October 4, 2025 | 3PM (Mixology Class) | 5PM (Anniversary Bash)

Learn More:

• Website: yescocktailco.com

• Instagram: @yescocktailco

• Join the “Drink At Home” Club: yescocktailco.com/club

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Princesses, Frogs, and Fresh Princes: The Stories of Screenwriting Icon Rob Edwards & Him Coming to SLO CAL

Adam Montiel — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 11:13:39 -0400

What do Disney’s The Princess and the Frog, Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World, and TV classics like Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, In Living Color, Full House, and A Different World all have in common? Writer Rob Edwards. For more than 40 years, Rob has been shaping the way we laugh, cry, and see ourselves on screen. In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel sits down with Rob to talk about surviving Hollywood with “Detroit hustle,” why Disney and Marvel story rooms are more alike than you’d think, and what it means to close out this year’s Central Coast Writers Conference with what he calls “a full tank of chicken soup for the writer’s soul.”

Don’t miss the special screening of The Princess and the Frog + Live Q&A with Rob Edwards, happening tomorrow, September 25th, at the Palm Theatre in San Luis Obispo. The evening begins with a 5pm reception, the family-friendly screening at 6pm, followed by a conversation with Rob himself. Tickets are just $10–$12.

Rob will also be delivering the keynote address at the 41st Annual Central Coast Writers Conference, September 26–27 at Cuesta College.

Learn more and grab tickets:

Central Coast Writers Conference: centralcoastwritersconference.com

The Princess and the Frog Screening + Q&A Tickets: Palm Theatre Event Info

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

• https://www.pacslo.org/events/detail/renevaca25

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Disney Adults & Dirty Truths with Comic René Vaca who's Coming to the PAC in SLO!

Adam Montiel — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 09:27:56 -0400

Comic René Vaca Is Up+Adam

Comedian René Vaca joins Adam Montiel ahead of his upcoming show at the Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo on Wednesday, September 25. From growing up in Van Nuys to winning StandUp NBC and performing with the likes of Bill Burr and Ken Jeong, René shares how comedy became his therapy, his hustle, and his way through it all.

In this candid conversation, the two talk about growing up just outside of LA, collecting rare Disney art, calling out Hollywood in a meeting that actually led to traction, and what it’s like to jump into stand-up the same way Adam Lockwood jumps off the Eiffel Tower. No net. Just guts.

Note: This was a virtual interview, and the last few minutes were lost due to a cloud upload glitch after René exited the call. But what we did capture is absolutely worth the listen.

Follow René Vaca

• Website: https://renevaca.net

• Instagram: @renevacacomedy

Tickets to the PAC Show

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Happy Friday and More + Pet of the Week with Woods Humane Society

Adam Montiel — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 13:43:42 -0400

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

https://www.moonshinercollective.com/under-the-moon-concert-series

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Under the Moon and Into the Moment: Moonshiner Collective Ready for a Full Send Performance Under the Stars

Adam Montiel — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 11:29:18 -0400

In this episode, Adam sits down with the always soulful and ever-authentic Dan Curcio, frontman of Moonshiner Collective, to talk about the final Under the Moon concert of the season, happening Saturday, September 20th at Marcerro at Dairy Creek Golf Course in San Luis Obispo. These shows have become iconic on the Central Coast, blending music, memory, and the kind of open-air, magic-hour energy that just hits different.

Dan opens up about what makes this setting so special, how the band curates not just a setlist but a vibe, and why sharing the stage with The Silent Comedy this year brings things full circle. From parenting to presence, performance to purpose, this isn’t just another show. It’s a season finale under the stars.

• Get Tickets & Info:

• Follow Dan + Moonshiner Collective:

Instagram: @moonshinercollective

Website: https://www.moonshinercollective.com

Bring a blanket, a friend, and a little glow-in-the-dark magic. This one's gonna be special.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vM7rt_0-VoQ

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Shame, Screenshots, and Justice: Inside the Mind of Bully Hunter Dr. James McGibney

Adam Montiel — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 11:47:44 -0400

In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam chats with Dr. James McGibney, the former U.S. Marine turned digital justice warrior, to talk about what it takes to take down cyberbullies, online predators, and the shadow networks that traffic in shame.

You’ve seen him in the Netflix doc The Most Hated Man on the Internet. You’ve seen his work on VICE, Dr. Phil, and now on A&E’s brand-new special Bully Hunter, premiering Tuesday, September 23rd at 10pm. But this conversation isn’t just about the mission. It’s about the man behind it. From the day he tricked Hunter Moore into handing over a revenge porn empire, to the stories of survivors that still haunt him, McGibney opens up about the emotional toll, the wins no one sees, and what it really means to reclaim power online.

Whether you’re a parent, a victim, or just someone who wants to believe in digital justice, this one is required listening.

Watch the trailer for Bully Hunter:

Learn more about James’ work:

• Bullyville.com

• Instagram: @bullyville

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Local #TrueCrimeTuesday: When the System Fails, Parents Don’t Quit

Adam Montiel — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 13:49:51 -0400

On this episode of Up+Adam, broadcaster Adam Montiel sits down with William and Mary Jane Jodry, the parents of Thomas “Tommy” Jodry, a 21-year-old man who died after falling from a San Luis Obispo parking structure under deeply suspicious circumstances. While officials quickly closed the case, the Jodrys have spent nearly six years piecing together what really happened that night, facing roadblocks, redacted timelines, and a man of interest whose presence raises more questions than answers.

Also joining the conversation is clinical and forensic psychologist Dr. Leslie Dobson, whose trauma-informed lens brings clarity and conviction to the emotional fog surrounding this story. First, we listen in on a powerful one-on-one between Dr. Dobson and the Jodrys, an excerpt from a longer conversation featured on her podcast, Intentionally Disturbing. Then, Adam steps in to ask what’s next — legally, emotionally, and publicly.

LINKS & RESOURCES:

Justice for Thomas Jodry: justiceforthomas.com
Dr. Leslie Dobson’s Podcast: Intentionally Disturbing
Listen: [link to podcast feed or Spotify/Apple if available]
Dr. Leslie Dobson on Instagram: @drlesliedobson

Media Coverage:

• Mustang News
• Atascadero News

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

thesefistsbreakbricks.com

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

These Fists Break Stereotypes: How Martial Arts Films Changed Pop Culture, Hip Hip, Film, and Who Kids Saw as Heroes

Adam Montiel — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 12:22:55 -0400

What do Bruce Lee, Saturday morning cartoons, bootleg VHS tapes, and the birth of hip hop all have in common?

Today on Up+Adam, we go full roundhouse into the cultural explosion that was the kung fu movie craze, and the two men who’ve written the definitive, illustrated, and absolutely jaw-dropping story behind it. Adam is joined by Grady Hendrix, bestselling author and co-founder of the New York Asian Film Festival, and Chris Poggiali, film historian and editor of the legendary Temple of Schlock, to talk about their new book: These Fists Break Bricks.

From CIA-funded karate flicks to 10th-grade Black belts starring in Hong Kong films, from Enter the Dragon to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, this convo is equal parts history lesson and nostalgic joyride. Even if martial arts movies weren’t your thing growing up, trust us, this one will hit you somewhere surprising. We talk pop culture, identity, myth-making, and the hidden heroes who helped build an entire genre, one flying kick at a time.

• Grab the Book:

These Fists Break Bricks – Revised & Expanded Hardcover Edition (2025)

• Follow the Authors:

Grady Hendrix: @gradyhendrix

Chris Poggiali: Temple of Schlock Blog

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

TV Inside-Out: Career TV Announcer Randy West Exposes Showbiz Dysfunction From Inside the Studio

Adam Montiel — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 12:49:26 -0400

You’ve heard his voice for decades on The Price is Right, Deal or No Deal, Supermarket Sweep, and so many more. But Randy West has seen more than just the shiny side of television. In his new book TV Inside-Out, this 30-year TV veteran takes us deep backstage into the chaos, feuds, and unforgettable moments that shaped the medium we thought we knew. From Johnny Carson’s dark family drama to wild nights at The Price is Right, Randy has been there, and now he is telling it all.

In this conversation with Adam, Randy shares the stories that shocked even him, the lessons that still stick with him, and why success in Hollywood often comes with a steep price. It is funny, it is raw, it is human, and it is a side of television you have never seen before.

• Learn more about Randy at randy-west.ueniweb.com

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WE ALSO TALK TO ROBIN COLEMAN FROM WOODS SO CHECK OUT OUR WOODS HUMANE PET OF THE WEEK!

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

No Rope. No Permission. No Fear: Just the Eiffel Tower and our Friend Adam Lockwood

Adam Montiel — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 13:08:54 -0400

In this episode of Up+Adam, broadcaster Adam Montiel chats with urban free climber Adam Lockwood, known around the world as Nuisance. You’ve probably seen one of his videos without even realizing it was him: scaling towers, cranes, and high-rises barefoot, no ropes, no permission, and somehow, no fear. But behind every climb is something deeper.

Recorded before his jaw-dropping jump off the Eiffel Tower (yes, that one), this conversation captures the raw heart of why Adam climbs, what it feels like to be alone hundreds of meters above a sleeping city, and how one Polaroid at a time, he’s turning risk into art and adrenaline into awareness.

They talk about what it means to flirt with death, to move through trauma, and to make peace with silence at altitude. And just wait until you hear the story behind the Shard climb, the train surfing in Paris, and why fear isn't his fuel, focus is.

Follow & Support Adam Lockwood

Instagram: @nuisance69_
YouTube: youtube.com/@Nuisance69

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Is It True Crime? Is It Comedy? Yes. Wisecrack Debuts at #1 - The Creators Join Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

What do you get when a stand-up comedy set crashes headfirst into a real-life murder? On this True Crime Tuesday, we sit down with comedian Edd Hedges and Emmy-nominated producer Jodi Tovay, the duo behind Wisecrack, a genre-bending true crime podcast that’s part comedy, part nightmare, and completely real.

Edd returned to his hometown for a charity show, only to find himself at the center of a horrifying true crime story involving a childhood bully turned killer, a terrified woman at the foot of his bed, and a moment that would change everything.

Jodi was on vacation in Scotland when she ducked into Edd’s set to avoid the rain and walked out knowing she’d just found her next big story. Together, they created Wisecrack, a 6-part series that’s already being called the next Baby Reindeer, but this time, it’s not fiction.

• Listen to Wisecrack: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-wisecrack-288632921/

• Follow Edd Hedges on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eddhedges

• More on Tenderfoot TV: https://www.tenderfoot.tv

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Men… Explained? Finally? Tom Sturges Cracks the Code on the Male Mind

Adam Montiel — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 12:33:01 -0400

Why are men the way they are? Why do they forget birthdays but remember every detail of their first crush? Why do they seem stuck at 14... even when they’re 54? Legendary music executive Tom Sturges has worked with icons like Foo Fighters, Outkast, and 50 Cent, but his newest project may be his most revealing yet. His book Men Explained, Finally is a laugh-out-loud, startlingly wise, and surprisingly tender collection of essays that crack open the male mind and help us all make a little more sense of it.

In this conversation, Tom joins Adam for a heartfelt, funny, and thought-provoking look at why men do what they do, how to love them without trying to fix them, and why understanding the "14-year-old boy" inside every man might just be the key to better relationships. Whether you’re a man, love a man, or gave up on one, this episode is for you.

• Buy the Book: Men Explained, Finally

Amazon – Available Now

• Follow Tom on Instagram: @TomSturgesIdeas

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Looking Through Water – Trailer (YouTube)

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Born Into Fame, Built for Redemption: Actors Cameron Douglas & David Morse are Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with two powerhouse talents, Cameron Douglas and David Morse, to talk about their new film Looking Through Water, a stirring new drama about estranged fathers and sons reconnecting during a fishing competition in Belize.

Cameron Douglas, actor, author, and the son of Michael Douglas and grandson of screen legend Kirk Douglas, shares how his deeply personal journey from addiction and incarceration to clarity and purpose prepared him for this role. His bestselling memoir Long Way Home revealed the truth behind the tabloid headlines, and now, in Looking Through Water, he steps fully into his own as a performer and storyteller.

David Morse, known for unforgettable work in The Green Mile, The Hurt Locker, World War Z, House, and Escape at Dannemora, joins the conversation to reflect on the quiet power of restraint, the characters who have stayed with him, and what continues to draw him toward projects about pain, repair, and redemption.

Together, they explore the layers of legacy, the weight of silence, and the unspoken beauty of second chances.

Watch the Official Trailer:

Cameron Douglas

Memoir: Long Way Home → Buy on Amazon
Instagram @CameronDouglas

It’s Time to Write the Damn Thing - Central Coast Writers Conference is Here to Help!

Adam Montiel — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

If you’ve ever told yourself, “One day I’ll write that thing…” this is that day. Adam chats with Meagan Friberg, writer, journalist, and director of the Central Coast Writers Conference, now celebrating its 41st year. This year’s theme? “It’s Time.” And it is.

After a few years of pandemic pivots and Zoom fatigue, the conference is back live and in person at Cuesta College. Two full days of keynotes, workshops, master classes, and creative electricity. Meagan shares how this isn’t just an event for writers. It’s a space for courage, for belonging, and for finally hitting “go” on that thing you’ve been putting off.

Adam will be there too, hosting a live session on the art of the interview. Come for the craft, stay for the community.

Wanna go? Here’s everything you need:

• Website and registration: centralcoastwritersconference.com

• Dates: September 26 and 27, 2025 at Cuesta College

• Special event: The Princess and the Frog screening with screenwriter Rob Edwards

• Keynotes, master classes, teen program, and more

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-betrayal-weekly-95632727/

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Gaslight, Ghost, Repeat: The Psychology of Betrayal with Best Crime Podcast Winner Andrea Gunning

Adam Montiel — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 12:23:00 -0400

On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel sits down with Andrea Gunning, the voice behind the hit true crime podcast Betrayal Weekly. From fake cancer scams to shocking double lives, Andrea isn’t just telling wild stories, she’s exploring what happens when trust breaks so badly, it redefines reality.

A Best Crime Podcast Winner, she will dig into some of the most jaw-dropping cases from the show, how betrayal hits differently than true-crime, and what it really takes for someone to tell the truth after living a lie. Andrea also opens up about the emotional cost of producing stories like these, how the show’s affected her personal life, and why betrayal is the most intimate kind of devastation.

Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday

Listen to Betrayal Weekly:

Watch the Stacey & Tyler limited-run series now streaming on Hulu, from ABC News Studios:

https://abcnews.go.com/US/discovery-hidden-camera-revealed-doctors-dark-secrets/story?id=124846612

Follow Andrea Gunning:

Instagram: @itsandreagunning

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Gen Z Puts Ice in their Beer | Labor Day Weekend Ahead | Pet of the Week

Adam Montiel — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 13:41:35 -0400

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Pier Pressure: How Pismo Beach Zoned Out, Now Closing the Pier Eatery That's Been There for Years

Adam Montiel — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 11:24:08 -0400

Few restaurants capture the SLO CAL vibe like Sunsets at Pismo. For six years, Brian Appiano’s shiny silver Airstream on the Pismo Pier has been serving up tacos, fish and chips, and margaritas with one of the best views you’ll find anywhere. But now, because of a decades-old zoning technicality, the City of Pismo Beach has voted to phase out commercial food vendors on the pier, and Sunsets will close in October 2025.

In this conversation, Adam talks with Brian about what this decision means for his family, his staff, and the community that rallied around Sunsets from day one. Brian also shares what’s next, from his work at Rib Line and The Switch in San Luis Obispo, to the catering business that’s feeding everything from weddings to major concerts. It is a story about resilience, community, and what it means to keep moving forward when the rules suddenly change.

Support Brian and his restaurants:

Follow along on Instagram:

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Obstacles Are Just Training: NBC's ANW Champion Kai Beckstrand on Recent Win, Firefighting, & T1D

Adam Montiel — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 12:41:32 -0400

On this episode of Up + Adam, we’re joined by Kai Beckstrand, the 18-year-old champion of NBC’s American Ninja Warrior Season 17. Known as the fastest ninja on the planet, Kai has broken records with his speed and precision, hitting buzzers and making history alongside his brother and father. But his story runs deeper than the highlight reel. Kai is also a certified EMT and firefighter, dedicating his life to running into danger when others can’t, and he does it all while managing Type 1 diabetes.

In this conversation, Adam digs into the love of competition that drives Kai, the invisible math and strategy of balancing blood sugars mid-run, and the discipline it takes to live a life defined by grit and resilience. With insights shared from Wendy Theis Sell, a passionate advocate for T1D awareness, this episode explores not just the obstacles on the course but the ones we don’t always see.

Kai Beckstrand is more than a champion. He is a role model for every kid with Type 1 diabetes, and for anyone who has ever been told they “can’t.”

Follow Kai online:

• Instagram: @kai_beckstrand

• Watch his runs on American Ninja Warrior: nbc.com/american-ninja-warrior

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

This Podcast Could Free Her Mother: Maggie Robinson Katz | Hands Tied Podcast is Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 12:08:01 -0400

What happens when true crime gets personal? When the mystery isn’t something you binge in your earbuds, but something you’re suddenly living inside? On this True Crime Tuesday, Adam sits down with award-winning journalist Maggie Robinson Katz, the host of the gripping new podcast Hands Tied, an original series from BBC Studios and iHeartPodcasts.

The show follows Lizz Melgar Rose, whose mother was found bound in a closet and whose father, Jim Melgar, was murdered. The tragedy shocked their Houston community. But it’s what happened after the crime that makes this story unforgettable. With her mother now serving time, Lizz believes the wrong person was convicted. Maggie, known for her deeply human approach to storytelling, takes listeners inside a case where the pursuit of justice is anything but straightforward.

In this conversation, Adam and Maggie dive into the emotional weight of telling someone else’s story, the unique challenge of reporting on an ongoing case, and why Hands Tied goes beyond true crime to become something much more powerful.

• Listen to Hands Tied

• Apple Podcasts

• iHeart Podcasts

• Follow Maggie Robinson Katz

• Instagram: @maggierobinsonkatz

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• Adam will be leading a live workshop on The Art of the Interview at this year’s Central Coast Writers Conference, happening September 26–27, 2025 at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo. For details and registration, visit cuesta.edu/writers-conference

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

• https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-you-vs-you-w-lex-borrero-278703875/

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

You vs You: Lex Borrero on Winning the Inner War

Adam Montiel — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 12:26:43 -0400

What happens when the man behind some of the biggest names in music, like Bad Bunny, J Balvin, and Justin Bieber, starts asking the real questions of himself?

In this powerful episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with Lex Borrero, the visionary co-founder of NEON16 and host of the podcast You vs You. Together, they dive deep into the mindset behind meaningful success, the internal battles that continue even at the top, and why redefining hustle might just be the secret to true peace. Lex opens up about imposter syndrome, building a legacy in Latin music and culture, managing Will Smith during a comeback like no other, and how facing his own fears became the most important project of his life.

We also talk about the creative discipline it takes to be vulnerable, how AI is reshaping the future of entertainment, and why every artist and every person has a version of themselves they’re still trying to outrun.

Listen, share, and get inspired to face the person in the mirror.

LISTEN TO "YOU VS YOU"

FOLLOW LEX BORRERO

• Instagram: @0260lifestyle_

LEARN MORE ABOUT NEON16

• https://www.neon16.com/

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Happy Friday! Creston Bloody Mary Battle Tomorrow | Woods Pet of the Week

Adam Montiel — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 14:15:42 -0400

We talk to Robin Coleman from the Woods Humane Society about our Pet of the Week

Today’s episode runs a little shorter than usual — Adam got rear-ended (he’s okay!), and he’s got to take care of the necessary things.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

• Such Great Heights: The Complete Cultural History of the Indie Rock Explosion – Amazon

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Such Great Bytes: How Indie Music Got Cool Before It Counted

Adam Montiel — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 11:38:59 -0400

This morning on Up+Adam, we take it all the way back to when “indie” wasn’t a playlist category—it was a movement. Adam sits down with Chris DeVille, longtime music journalist and Managing Editor at Stereogum, to talk about his incredible new book, Such Great Heights.

From blog rock to Bon Iver, from Phoebe Bridgers to the almighty O.C. soundtrack, this is a nostalgic, clever, and heartfelt conversation about how indie rock didn’t just soundtrack a generation, it defined it. Adam and Chris dive into the hunger of indie artists, the weird brilliance of the LimeWire years, what makes pop music feel so empty now, and why indie rock still offers something real in a world full of filters.

Whether you were burning mix CDs in the early 2000s or just discovered Pavement last week, this episode hits.

Buy the Book:

Follow Chris DeVille:

• Stereogum – Managing Editor

• Twitter / X

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Through the Static: Glam Ham on Fire, Frequencies, and Finding Truth

Adam Montiel — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 12:19:00 -0400

In this episode, Adam Montiel chats with Glam Ham (callsign: NW6S), the truth-seeking ham radio operator and content creator whose viral dive into the San Luis Obispo blackout during the Gifford Fire turned heads across the Central Coast and beyond. From decoding strange signals and fire maps to asking the questions most news outlets won’t, Glam Ham has built a following of nearly 100,000 (Used to have 300K until she got banana’d and had to start over), by turning static into story.

But that’s just one frequency in her life. Before she was on the dial, she was on the stage and screen — an actress, comedian, artist, and even a shoe designer for the movie studios. Today, she’s mixing art with inquiry, humor with hard questions, and even designing Italian-made sneakers like Trust The Media and Bouvet Strong. This is a conversation that jumps from wildfires to waveforms, but never loses its signal.

Connect with Glam Ham:

TikTok (@glamhamr2.0)

Instagram (@glamhamradio)

YouTube (Glam Ham Radio)

Check out her custom shoe designs:

Trust The Media

Bouvet Strong

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-american-history-hotline-273590600/

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Bass Lines to Battle Lines: The Avett Brother Who Fell in Love With the Founders

Adam Montiel — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 12:31:04 -0400

What happens when a rockstar trades the stage for the archives? Bob Crawford, bassist for the Grammy-nominated Avett Brothers and now host of American History Hotline, joins Adam Montiel for a conversation that hits harder than any history class you’ve ever taken. From tales of Founding Fathers dying on the same day to asking if the Constitution can really stop a dictator, Bob’s new podcast is flipping the script on how we connect with America’s past.

In this episode, Bob talks candidly about what studying history for 25 years has taught him, not just about the country, but about us. He shares how he finds rhythm in both music and research, why mythologizing history can be dangerous, and the moment inside the Library of Congress that made him feel more patriotic than ever before. This is a beautiful, thoughtful dive into history, identity, storytelling, and how asking better questions might be the most American thing we can do.

• Listen to American History Hotline

• Submit a Question for the Show

Email: americanhistoryhotline@gmail.com

• Follow Bob Crawford and The Avett Brothers

Website: https://www.theavettbrothers.com/

Instagram: @bobcrawfordbass

Twitter/X: @BobCrawfordBass

• Catch The Avett Brothers on Tour

Tour Dates: https://www.theavettbrothers.com/tour

• Bob’s Upcoming Book

Stay tuned for updates. We'll let you know when it's ready to hit your shelf.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

www.CrestonBloodyMaryBattle.com

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Bloodies, Burritos, and Bovine Bingo: We in Creston, Baby

Adam Montiel — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 11:19:24 -0400

This episode is served spicy, with a splash of community spirit. Adam welcomes Maegen Loring, General Manager of the Long Branch in Creston, and Lisa Miller, President of the Creston Women’s Club, to talk all about the Creston Bloody Mary Battle, a 21+ event that mixes local flavor, homemade Bloody Marys, live music, burritos, beer, wine, and even bovine bingo (yes, cow plop for a cause).

Recorded live from the Timbre LoBro Studios, this conversation dives into how two powerhouse women are bringing their town together for a good time and an even better cause. Proceeds go to scholarships and events that support the community, and trust us, this isn’t your average Sunday brunch.

Whether you’re entering your signature Bloody Mary or just coming to sip, snack, and support, this is the kind of Central Coast event that reminds us why we love where we live.

• Get tickets or sign up to compete:

• Event Details:

Saturday, August 23rd

10 AM – 2 PM

Creston Rodeo Grounds

21+ Event

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Curveball: Don from Los Osos Throws Friday's Show into a Spiral

Adam Montiel — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 12:48:05 -0400

Today we have a curve ball in Don from Los Osos called in as Adam was preparing the show OUT OF NOWHERE - So mix in a little adhd, and you got a Don from Loso Osos (IYKYK) flashback with Robin from Woods along for the ride as well

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Buds, Business, and Breaking Stereotypes: Golden Apple is Cultivating Understanding

Adam Montiel — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 11:38:21 -0400

Today on Up+Adam, we sit down in the Timbre LoBro Studios with Shawn Sherman, owner of Golden Apple Cannabis Company, for a conversation that cuts through the clichés and digs into the real cannabis industry, past, present, and future. Shawn’s been in the game since before legalization, navigating one of California’s most overtaxed and overregulated markets while staying true to his mission: educate the consumer. We talk about why “sativa” and “indica” don’t actually mean what you think, how terpenes are the true drivers of your experience, and why bridging the gap between science, policy, and public perception matters more than ever.

Listeners can score 50% off their delivery with promo code ADAM at goldenapplecannabis.com. Find Golden Apple on Instagram at @goldenapplecannabis.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Yes, And… Colin Mochrie of Whose Line Is It Anyway? on Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 10:30:04 -0400

In today’s episode of Up+Adam, comedy icon Colin Mochrie, whose lightning-fast improv on Whose Line Is It Anyway? has kept us laughing for decades, joins Adam for a conversation that’s as hilarious as it is heartfelt. We talk about his decades-long run on television, his two hit live tours (Asking for Trouble with Brad Sherwood, and HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis with Asad Mecci), and his new film Magnetosphere, a moving story about embracing the quirks that make us unique.

See Colin Live:

• Asking for Trouble Tour – Official Site: https://www.colinandbradshow.com

• HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis: https://hyprov.com

Watch Magnetosphere:

• Official Film Site: https://www.magnetospheremovie.com

Follow Colin:

• Official Website: https://www.colinmochrie.com

• Instagram – @colinmochrie7591: https://www.instagram.com/colinmochrie7591

• Facebook – Colin & Brad Show: https://www.facebook.com/colinandbradshow

All links above are also available in the episode description so you can click through while listening.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

TikTok Video I mentioned talking about solar flare, and HAARP research located to Gifford Fire

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

The Drip Bros: Stringing Together Style, Sports, and Philanthropy

Adam Montiel — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 11:38:52 -0400

Today on Up+Adam, we meet two young entrepreneurs who are redefining what it means to “start early.” Fourth-grade best friends and baseball teammates Jackson Houser and Jackson Judge turned a simple school “mini mall” project into The Drip Bros, a real business making custom, team-colored “drip” necklaces that blend sports style with community spirit. Their first run sold out in 15 minutes, raised hundreds for charity, and set them on a path to keep creating and keep giving back.

They design the necklaces themselves, pack orders after homework, and even donate a % of each sale to Keen USA, a nonprofit empowering youth with disabilities. I’ve got my own custom drip from these guys, and when I wore it to Pink Drank, the compliments didn’t stop. These two have hustle, creativity, and heart, and they’re just getting started.

Shop their full collection: dripbrothers.com
Follow them on Instagram: @thedripbros15
Learn more about Keen USA: keenusa.org

Gifford Fire Updates (KSBY) - HERE

Same Video on Instagram

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Adam Back from Vacay: Hollywood's Lou Diamond Phillips is Up+Adam | Gifford Fire Update

Adam Montiel — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 11:26:07 -0400

Adam’s back from a long vacation and hitting the ground running with a Hollywood heavyweight, Lou Diamond Phillips. From La Bamba to Longmire, Lou’s career has been a masterclass in range, resilience, and reinvention. In this episode, Lou talks about stepping into the role of Brent in his new film ET TU, a darkly funny dramedy about love, betrayal, and the beautiful chaos of live theater. He opens up about imposter syndrome, the mentorship of young actors, and what still connects him to Richie Valens after all these years.

It’s Adam’s first day back, and this conversation is everything you want it to be: smart, funny, and deeply human. You’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories from the set of ET TU, the joy (and madness) of working with Malcolm McDowell, and how Lou’s roots have shaped his life’s worK

Watch the ET TU trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocqgNCIOkHs
See ET TU in theaters now
Follow Lou Diamond Phillips on Instagram: @loudphillips

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Happy Friday - Robin from Woods is back!

Adam Montiel — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 12:22:05 -0400

Adam is on Vacation - Please excuse the scrappy editing - . Robin Coleman returns to the show after many weeks off after she lost her dog. We talk to Woods Humane each week, so if you love dogs, this will touch you. We love Robin, her work, and glad shes back.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Breaking News, Breaking Patterns: A Journalist who Stopped Reporting and Started Revealing

Adam Montiel — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 11:08:47 -0400

Today on Up+Adam, Adam sits down with Emmy-nominated journalist and host of The Bright Side, Simone Boyce. From breaking news to breaking cycles, Simone opens up about her transition from the hard edges of national news to the warmer, deeper spaces of cultural storytelling and soul-level joy.

They get into it all. What it's like leaving legacy media for something more personal. How motherhood rewired her approach to journalism. And why “choosing the bright side” isn’t just optimism. It’s a practice. Simone shares a vulnerable turning point at a trauma retreat, her favorite guest moments, and what it’s taught her about listening, leading, and letting go.

This one’s for the storytellers, the seekers, and anyone who needs a reminder that softness isn’t weakness. It’s power.

Listen to The Bright Side:
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-the-bright-side-149753542/
Follow Simone Boyce on Instagram:
@simoneboyce

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Not Just Long Songs: What the Jam Band Scene Taught the Music Industry by Accident While Speaking to Anyone Feeling Lost in a Crowd

Adam Montiel — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 11:53:57 -0400

What’s the deal with jam bands?

Are they cults? Are they concerts? Are they just… long songs with extra sweat? Turns out, they were something bigger—a full-blown movement with its own rules, rituals, drug codes, and DIY economy that quietly rewired the way we experience music today.

In this episode, Adam sits down with Mike Ayers, veteran music journalist and author of Sharing in the Groove: The Untold Story of the '90s Jam Band Explosion and the Scene That Followed. From Phish to Panic, Spin Doctors to secret acid etiquette, Mike unpacks how a grassroots subculture went from dirt-floor clubs to influencing everything from Bonnaroo to Bandcamp.

Even if you’ve never followed a band cross-country or smelled like patchouli by accident, this conversation will make you feel like you missed out on something... and maybe inspire you to find your own version of it.

Come for the bands • Stay for the philosophy • Leave with your head a little more expanded

LINKS

• Sharing in the Groove (Buy the Book): Amazon Link to Book

• Mike Ayers Website: https://mike-ayers.com/

• Mike on X/Twiter: https://twitter.com/mikeayers

• Mike on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themikeayers/

Not Just Long Songs: What the Jam Band Scene Taught the Music Industry by Accident While Speaking to Anyone Feeling Lost in a Crowd

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Smells Like Local Spirit: Where Wellness Meets Her Maker

Adam Montiel — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 11:53:03 -0400

They’ve shipped over a million handcrafted wellness products around the world, but still fly under the radar in their own hometown.

In this episode of Up+Adam, we sit down with the magnetic duo behind Life Elements, Martha and Curt. Based in Atascadero, these two have been quietly redefining wellness with small-batch, plant-based products that actually work. Their CBD relief sticks are legendary, their deodorants are changing the game, and their magnesium lotion? Let’s just say it’s giving people their sleep and their sanity back.

But this isn’t just about formulas and oils. It’s about grit, generosity, and a whole lot of love. We talk about why their products start as personal solutions, how they develop new ideas with community testers, and what it's like being known worldwide while still earning recognition just down the street. You’ll hear how Martha hand-makes everything herself, often wearing a headnet and a lab smock like a wellness wizard, and why walking into their shop feels more like a warm hug than a retail experience.

This is a conversation about care. About local magic. About two people who truly want to help you feel better, and aren’t afraid to whip something up on the spot to make that happen.

• Visit them in person:

7425 El Camino Real, Suite O, Atascadero, CA

(Fridays 1 to 4pm, back-right corner of the plaza)

• Online: www.lifeelements.com

• Use code ADAM at checkout for 15 percent off

• Instagram: @lifeelements

Support local. Feel better.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Riffs, Regrets, and Redemption: Don Felder of The Eagles Tells All While Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 11:58:23 -0400

In this very special episode, Adam sits down with Don Felder, guitar legend, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, and the man behind one of the most iconic solos in rock history: Hotel California. But there’s a whole lot more to Felder’s story than one song.

We talk about his brand new album The Vault: Fifty Years of Music, a stunning collection of unreleased tracks, reimagined demos, and personal time capsules from a half-century of playing, touring, and living the rock and roll life. Felder opens up about the tracks that almost never saw the light of day, the magic of collaboration, and what it feels like to still fall in love with the guitar after all this time.

Plus: the real story behind Move On, the poetry in Free at Last, and how a treadmill moment turned into a love song. If you're going to the California Mid-State Fair on July 25, this will get you primed for an unforgettable night in Paso.

It’s legacy, it’s storytelling, it’s Felder … unplugged.

Links from the Episode:

Tickets to Don Felder at the Mid-State Fair: MidStateFair.com

New Album – The Vault: Fifty Years of Music: donfelder.com/music

Official Website: www.donfelder.com

Book – Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974–2001): Amazon

Instagram: @donfeldermusic

Catch Don Felder live Friday, July 25 at 7:30 PM at the California Mid-State Fair, Paso Robles.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-absolute-275471765/

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Tased and Confused: The Truth Behind the Shock & The Taser #TrueCrimeTuesday

Adam Montiel — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 12:47:31 -0400

When you hear the word Taser, what comes to mind... safety, control, compliance? But what if behind that word lies a story of unchecked ambition, corporate influence over public safety, and a device that has contributed to the deaths of over 1,000 people in the U.S. alone?

On this episode of Up + Adam, Adam Montiel welcomes award-winning journalist and filmmaker Nick Berardini, the voice and mind behind the powerful new podcast Absolute: Taser Incorporated. From the boardrooms of Axon Enterprises to the streets of America’s most policed neighborhoods, this series pulls back the curtain on a billion-dollar empire born from a brotherhood and fractured by it.

We talk about the Smith brothers who built the Taser business, the whistleblowers who risked everything to speak out, and the questions we should all be asking about the tools we’ve handed to law enforcement. This isn’t just a story about tech. It’s a story about power, accountability, and the blurred line between protection and profit.

If you're into true crime, deep reporting, or journalism that truly holds power to the fire, this conversation will leave you thinking long after it ends.

• Listen to Absolute: Taser Incorporated:

• Watch Nick’s documentary Killing Them Safely (available on multiple streaming platforms)

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

In Pain in the Membrane: The Science & Research of Headaches w/ Science Journalist Tom Zeller Jr.

Adam Montiel — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 11:23:56 -0400

Headaches are universal, but for millions, they’re more than a nuisance. They’re life-altering, misunderstood, and often misdiagnosed. In this episode, Adam sits down with award-winning science journalist and former New York Times reporter Tom Zeller Jr., whose powerful new book, The Headache: The Science of a Most Confounding Affliction, dives deep into the mysterious world of chronic head pain, especially the brutal beast known as cluster headaches.

From the ER to experimental drug trials, to the emotional weight of invisible pain, this conversation blends science, soul, and storytelling in a way only Up+Adam can. If you’ve ever said “I’ve got a headache,” you might want to listen twice.

The Headache is available now! • Buy it here on Amazon

Learn more about Tom’s work and his award-winning science magazine:

Visit: https://undark.org

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Pink Drank Winning and Pet of the Week from Woods Humane Society

Adam Montiel — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 13:12:29 -0400

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

You Wanna Be On Top? - Penguin Random House

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

America’s Next Top Memoir: The First Model to Write a Book on Top Model is Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 13:07:32 -0400

What really happened on America’s Next Top Model? Sarah Hartshorne joins Adam Montiel with the kind of honesty that flips the script on everything you thought you knew about reality TV. A contestant on Cycle 9 and the author of You Wanna Be On Top?, Sarah unpacks the contracts, the calorie limits, the casting manipulation, and the emotional aftermath of living inside a show that was built for drama, not truth.

They talk about how the show shaped her body image, what it was like to be the only plus-size contestant, how the producers crafted characters from real people, and why the model house didn’t even have a microwave. This conversation isn’t about spilling tea. It’s about reclaiming the story from inside the machine.

• Buy the Book:

• Follow Sarah on Instagram and TikTok:

@sarahbhartshorne

• Learn More:

https://www.sarahbhartshorne.com

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

• Pregnancy and Parenting Support of San Luis Obispo County (PPS)

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Diapers, Dignity, and the Real Cost of Parenting: The Sweetest Nonprofit You’ve Never Heard Of

Adam Montiel — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 11:54:55 -0400

Today’s episode is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the smallest items make the biggest impact. Adam sits down with Cami Statler, Executive Director, and Lydia Gong, Bilingual Operations Manager and Lactation Educator at Pregnancy and Parenting Support of San Luis Obispo County (PPS), a nonprofit many are calling “the sweetest on the Central Coast.”

They talk openly about the emotional realities of parenthood, the transformative power of early support, and why something as basic as a diaper can be the difference between a parent staying in school or having to drop out. PPS isn’t just handing out baby gear, they’re nurturing dignity, mental health, and generational impact.

Right now, they’re teaming up with Meathead Movers for the #FillThoseTrucks Diaper Drive to restock the county’s only diaper bank after federal funding was cut. That truck you’re seeing at Target in SLO? That’s the one. And it’s filling up with hope, one diaper at a time.

LIVE TODAY (July 9th):

• Target in San Luis Obispo

• 11990 Los Osos Valley Rd

• 9 AM to 5 PM (OR LATER)

• Stop by, grab some diapers or unscented baby wipes, and help fill the truck for SLO families in need!

Want to help? Here's how:

• Donate diapers (sizes 3–6) and unscented baby wipes through July 10th at Meathead Movers HQ:

3600 S. Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

• Make a monetary donation (just $25 covers a week’s worth of diapers and wipes for a family): ppsslo.org, click the pink “Donate” button

• Venmo: @PPS-SLO

• Spread the word on social using #FillThoseTrucks

Want to donate gently used baby items?

• PPS accepts high-quality gear, clothing, cribs, car seats, and more, all tax-deductible.

This is more than a diaper drive, it’s about investing in futures. Let’s show up, Central Coast.

Learn More:

• cami@ppsslo.org | lydia@ppsslo.org

• 805-541-3367 (Call or Text Line)

• Baby Boutique Location: 1807 Santa Barbara Ave., SLO

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

High on History: The Truth They Didn’t Teach You #TrueCrimeTuesday

Adam Montiel — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 13:39:00 -0400

What do Shakespeare, Steve Jobs, Queen Victoria, and a pope with a taste for cocaine wine have in common? According to historian and viral storyteller Sam Kelly, more than you’d think. In this episode, Adam chats with the author of Human History on Drugs: An Utterly Scandalous but Entirely Truthful Look at History Under the Influence to uncover the hilariously human, shockingly drug-laced past of some of the world’s most iconic figures.

Adam talks psychedelic breakthroughs, presidential dependencies, the birth of AA, mushrooms in power, modern meds like Ozempic, and how history might just be one long, strange trip.

Buy the book: Human History on Drugs on Amazon

Follow Sam on social media: @human_history_on_durgs on TikTok

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

From Mental Roasts to Mental Remedy: Comic Icon Lisa Lampanelli Shrinks the BS and is Up+Adam!

Adam Montiel — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 12:48:35 -0400

From comedy royalty to soul-stirring truth-teller, Lisa Lampanelli is back, but not like you remember her. In this episode, Adam sits down with the iconic “Queen of Mean” turned self-help sage to talk about her powerful (and hilarious) new podcast, Shrink This! Alongside co-host Nick Scopoletti, Lisa tackles listener-submitted problems with the kind of tough love and hard laughs only she can deliver.

In this candid conversation, Lisa opens up about walking away from insult comedy, embracing reinvention, and why authenticity is the new punchline. We talk therapy, self-sabotage, letting go of what hurts us, and the surprising joy of dying alone (yes, really). It’s funny, raw, and full of takeaways that hit harder than any roast.

• Listen to Lisa’s podcast: Shrink This! with Lisa Lampanelli

• Follow Lisa on Instagram: @lisalampanelli

• More from Lisa: https://lisalampanelli.com

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

The Plea. The Fallout. EXCLUSIVE: NYT Best Selling Author Howard Blum on the Kohberger Confession

Adam Montiel — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 12:02:56 -0400

In this gripping follow-up conversation, Adam welcomes back investigative journalist and bestselling author Howard Blum, just one day after Bryan Kohberger, accused in the shocking 2022 Idaho college murders, pled guilty to four counts of first-degree murder. Blum, author of When The Night Comes Falling: A Requiem for the Idaho Student Murders, breaks down what this plea really means for justice, the unanswered questions that still linger, and the emotional fallout for the victims' families.

With Howard’s signature blend of old-school reporting and narrative mastery, this conversation goes beyond headlines, from courtroom strategy to the lingering shadows of the white Hyundai Elantra, this episode is essential listening for anyone following the case or anyone who wants to understand what justice sounds like when it’s unfinished.

• Grab the Book: When The Night Comes Falling on Amazon

• Learn More About Howard Blum: www.howardblum.com

• Follow on Instagram: @howard_blum_author

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Louder Than History: The Wall of Sound and the Freaks Who Engineered Perfection

Adam Montiel — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 12:43:02 -0400

In this episode of Up+Adam, we crank the dial all the way up with journalist and author Brian Anderson, whose debut book Loud & Clear tells the jaw-dropping story of the Grateful Dead’s legendary Wall of Sound. Even if you’ve never spun a Dead record in your life, this conversation is for you. Because it’s not just about the music, it’s about ambition, obsession, and the kind of wild, world-changing creativity that rewrites the rules.

Brian walks us through the rise and wild fall of the Wall. A live sound system so massive and ahead of its time, it bent physics, maxed out bank accounts, and still echoes in everything from concerts to your AirPods. He’s got stories, he’s got heart, and yes, he’s even got a piece of the original Wall in his living room.

• Whether you're an audiophile, a Deadhead, or just curious how the loudest, clearest sound in rock came to be, this one’s got you.

• Grab the book: Loud & Clear: Grateful Dead's Wall of Sound & the Quest for Audio Perfection

• Follow Brian on Instagram: @brandersonian

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

What We See When We Don’t Die: Filmmaker and Host of Alive Again, Dan Bush is Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400

What really happens when we die? Or... what if we don't?

On this episode of Up+Adam, I chat with filmmaker and podcast host Dan Bush, the creator of Alive Again, a gripping series that explores near-death experiences and the people who live to talk about them. These aren’t just brushes with death; they’re deep dives into the stories, sensations, and transformations that follow. We talk about the patterns that show up again and again, regardless of culture, gender, or age, and ask the big questions: Where does skepticism fit in? What happens 10 or 25 years later? Are these visions a trick of the brain or something more?

This one will stop you in your tracks in the best way. Hit play and prepare to feel something.

Listen to Alive Again: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-alive-again-274161390/
Follow Dan Bush on Instagram: @aliveagainproject
Have your own story to share? Email: aliveagainproject@gmail.com

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Soul Food That Speaks Every Language - TV Chef & Best Selling Author Deborah Vantrece is Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 11:58:39 -0400

On today’s Up+Adam, best-selling author and TV chef Deborah VanTrece joins Adam for a rich and flavorful conversation about the universal language of food, the roots of soul cooking, and how she’s blending global influence with deep Southern tradition. From serving up creative twists like Jamaican beef pot pie and adobo ribs on FYI’s Global Soul Kitchen, to redefining airport dining as Executive Chef of the Centurion Lounge at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, Chef VanTrece is a culinary storyteller. She shares the emotional heartbeat behind her dishes, the cultures that inspire her palate, and the one recipe she’s still keeping to herself. Spoiler: it involves sweet potatoes.

Watch Global Soul Kitchen on FYI: fyi.tv/shows/global-soul-kitchen
Grab her best-selling cookbook: The Twisted Soul Cookbook: Modern Soul Food with Global Flavors
Learn more at: www.vantrecehospitality.com
Follow her on Instagram: @chefdeborahvantrece and @twistedsoulcookhouse

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Hollywood Vampires: Johnny Depp, Amber Heard, and the Celebrity Exploitation Machine

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Hollywood Vampires: Feeding the Celebrity Exploitation Machine

Adam Montiel — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 12:02:21 -0400

What happens when justice goes viral? When the courtroom becomes content? And when the story isn't just about two celebrities, but about us?

In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel welcomes journalist and documentarian Makiko Wholey, co-author of Hollywood Vampires: Johnny Depp, Amber Heard, and the Celebrity Exploitation Machine. Makiko takes us behind the scenes of one of the most chaotic, consequential trials in modern celebrity history, revealing what most of us missed while we were scrolling. From overnight fan campouts in Fairfax to the quiet conversations that never made it to YouTube, Makiko unpacks the cultural spectacle, the flaws in our fandom, and why Amber Heard became the symbol of a movement turned inside out.

We explore the power of performance, the danger of viral storytelling, and what this story teaches us about truth in the digital age. Buckle up — it’s raw, real, and unmissable.

• Buy the book:

• Follow Makiko Wholey:

Instagram: @markeck0

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Benevolence with a Buzz: Pink Drank 2025 and the Importance of the Elk's Lodge to our Community

Adam Montiel — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 12:01:24 -0400

Get ready to dive deep with one of the Elks Lodge’s most dedicated leaders, Nancy Lewelling, as she joins Adam Montiel to talk about Pink Drank, a vibrant summer event that’s become one of San Luis Obispo’s most anticipated gatherings. Poolside, dressed in pink, with over 30 of the hottest producers in wine, beer, spirits, and craft cocktails. Add in a live DJ, curated bites, a grazing table, a wine pull, and you've got a celebration that’s as playful as it is purposeful.

Nancy shares what makes this event so uniquely Central Coast, how Elks Lodge 322 continues to serve the community in creative and meaningful ways, and why this isn’t just a party; it’s a purpose-driven celebration benefiting Woods Humane Society and the Elks National Foundation.

We also talk about what it really means to be an Elk today, how the organization has evolved, and why this 130-year-old institution is seeing a new wave of energized members stepping up to serve, support, and build community.

Pink Drank 2025 takes place Saturday, July 12 at the Elks Lodge in San Luis Obispo
General admission is only $65 through July 5, with VIP tickets offering early entry and bonus perks
Come dressed in pink, dive into the poolside scene, and party with purpose

Tickets & Info

Pink Drank: pinkdrank.org

DIRECT LINK TO TICKETS: HERE

Elks Lodge 322: elks322.org

National Elks Foundation: elks.org

Woods Humane Society: woodshumanesociety.org

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Ziggy Marley is Up+Adam Talking Pajamas, Peace, and Papa Marley

Adam Montiel — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 04:08:00 -0400

In this soulful episode, Adam chats with the incomparable Ziggy Marley: eight-time Grammy winner, Emmy winner, musician, humanitarian, and now, bedtime book wizard. Ziggy opens up about Pajammin’, his newest children’s book inspired by his father Bob Marley’s iconic song “Jamming.” But this conversation goes way deeper than pajamas.

Together, they unpack family rituals, the evolution of legacy, and what it means to create joy that outlives you. Ziggy shares the heart behind the pages, how music still guides his fatherhood, and why stories matter more than ever. If you’re looking for a conversation that grooves, glows, and grounds you, this is it.

Get the book: Pajammin’ by Ziggy Marley (HarperCollins)
Ziggy’s official site: ziggymarley.com
Follow Ziggy: Instagram @ziggymarley

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

From Prosecutor to Whistleblower: Why Tanenbaum Walked Away from JFK! #TrueCrimeTuesday

Adam Montiel — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 11:51:40 -0400

What if the story we’ve been told for 60 years… was never meant to hold up? Legendary prosecutor and former Deputy Chief Counsel of the U.S. Congressional JFK assassination probe, Robert K. Tanenbaum, joins Up+Adam for a truth-bomb of a conversation that challenges the official narrative of Dealey Plaza. His new book, That Day in Dallas: Lee Harvey Oswald Did NOT Kill JFK, makes the case—with evidence, not theory—that the assassination was not the act of a lone gunman, but a multilayered cover-up by forces inside our own government.

In this episode:

The five shots fired—not three
The fatal front-shot that destroys the “lone gunman” myth
Why Lee Harvey Oswald was a CIA/FBI contract employee
The HSCA’s sealed, fabricated forensic report
What makes this moment—post-COVID, UAPs, institutional distrust—the right time to finally tell the truth

Tanenbaum has never lost a felony trial—and he’s not about to lose this one. Don’t miss this rare, fearless interview.

HOTLINKS & RESOURCES

Buy the Book

That Day in Dallas: Lee Harvey Oswald Did NOT Kill JFK (Amazon)

Official Website

RobertKTanenbaumBooks.com

More on the State of Texas v. Lee Harvey Oswald Video Series

Watch on YouTube

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

The Sailing of the Intrepid by Montel Williams & David Fisher

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

More Than a Talk Show: Montel Williams Rewrites History and is Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 12:38:11 -0400

Montel Williams is Up+Adam! What happens when a 36,000-ton aircraft carrier gets torpedoed in WWII, its rudder jammed, and it starts spinning helplessly in enemy waters? In most timelines, it’s the end of the story. But in Montel Williams’ new book The Sailing of the Intrepid, it’s just the beginning.

On today’s episode, Adam welcomes Montel…yes, that Montel for a conversation that’s part history, part masterclass in resilience. They dive into the wild true tale of the USS Intrepid, the crew that refused to surrender, and the 3,000-square-foot sail that steered her 3,000 miles home.

Along the way, Montel opens up about his own “rudder jam” moments, from surviving a stroke to reimagining what heroism really means after decades in uniform and under the lights.

Whether you’re a history buff, a military mind, or someone just trying to sail through chaos, this one’s for you.

• Buy the Book

• Follow Montel

Instagram

Twitter/X

Website

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

instagram.com/woodshumanesociety

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Happy Friday! Woods and Pink Drank! First 10 in at AdamMontiel.com Wins Tix to Pink Drank!

Adam Montiel — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 13:01:06 -0400

In this episode, Adam chats with Robin from Woods Humane Society with our Pet(s) of the Week. We say pets, cause…we…got…KITTENS! They are also on the heels of their big Tails gala event this weekend!

Also, rosé all day? Adam is giving away a pair of tickets to Pink Drank, the Central Coast’s ultimate rosé bash. First ten listeners to hit up adammontiel.com get in. No code words. No nonsense. Just go. Buy tickets at pinkdrank.org - But win them from Adam.

Learn more:

woodshumanesociety.org

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Healing Out Loud: Answering the Advocacy Call From Crisis to Courage

Adam Montiel — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 04:08:00 -0400

In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down in the LoBro Studios with Jatzibe Sandoval, Community Impact and Volunteer Director at Lumina Alliance, for a conversation that’s as moving as it is essential. From her own personal journey through challenge and transformation to now leading community advocacy efforts, Jatzibe shares how lived experience becomes powerful leadership.

We talk about the delicate art of trauma-informed care, what real allyship looks like outside of Pride month, and why showing up for survivors takes more than good intentions, it takes commitment. If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to serve, support, and stand beside someone in crisis, this conversation will open your eyes and your heart.

Learn more about Lumina Alliance and get involved: www.luminaalliance.org

Follow Lumina on Instagram: @luminaalliance

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Welcome Life Elements to the Up+Adam family!

Based in Atascadero, Life Elements is a woman and minority owned company making small batch bath, body, and wellness products. Their CBD relief sticks and eco smart deodorants are next level—from luxurious bath bombs to healing creams, tinctures, and oils. Check them out at LifeElements.com or visit their shop Fridays from 1 to 4 at 7425 El Camino Real, Suite O.

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Second Floor Flavor, Ground-Level Soul: John MacKinnon of Todo Bueno (All Good Grill) is Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Today in the LoBro Studios at Timbre, we’re joined by longtime restaurateur and hospitality ninja John MacKinnon, the mind and soul behind two very different but equally beloved spots on the Central Coast: Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill in Cambria and Todo Bueno at the SLO Public Market.

We talk about what it means to build something with intention. From the grind of surviving the pandemic as a restaurant owner, to the obsessive joy of layering a perfect taco or burger. John shares why quesadillas earn respect, what makes a sauce unforgettable, and why hospitality is less about service and more about heart. Plus, we dive into his “upscale fast-casual” approach at Todo Bueno, what it’s like running a second-story kitchen, and how he’s still dreaming big, one tortilla at a time.

Whether you're a foodie, a SLO local, or just someone who appreciates a great story, this one’s for you.

Visit Todo Bueno

Location: SLO Public Market – Upstairs
Website: todobuenoslo.com
Instagram: @todobuenoslo

Visit Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill

Location: 6550 Moonstone Beach Dr, Cambria, CA
Website: moonstonebeach.com
Instagram: @moonstonebeachbarandgrill

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

She Solved a Murder Online. Then Went to Work. The Ladies Behind True Crime Tonight (and Don't F**k with Cats) #TrueCrimeTuesday

Adam Montiel — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 11:34:22 -0400

Today on Up+Adam, Adam chats with Courtney Armstrong and Baudi Moovan, co-hosts of the nightly iHeartRadio podcast True Crime Tonight. Courtney has spent years inside the darkest corners of America’s most haunting cases, from the Piketon massacre to justice with Nancy Grace.

Baudi became a household name after helping crack a murder case online, her story told in Netflix’s Don’t F**k With Cats. Together, they navigate the chaos of true crime headlines, digital manhunts, and human heartbreak five nights a week. In this episode, they talk about the cases that keep them up, the rituals that bring them back to themselves, and the line they refuse to cross when telling someone’s worst day. It’s fast, fearless, and unforgettable.

• Listen to True Crime Tonight HERE

• Watch Don’t F**k With Cats on Netflix HERE

• Follow Baudi Moovan on X HERE

• Follow KT Studios on Instagram HERE

• Learn more about KT Studios HERE

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

We Got the Dirt: Ag Stories You Can’t Make Up - Part 2 with SLO Farm Trail

Adam Montiel — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 11:26:59 -0400

We’re kicking off a part 2 of our Farm Days series that takes you straight into the heart of the SLO County Farm Trail this weekend!. In this first episode, Adam sits down with some of his favorite ag fam to talk about food, farming, friendship, and how passion and product collide right here on the Central Coast.

Joining Adam in Timbre LoBro studio:

Lynette Sonne, the powerhouse behind Farmstead Ed and the SLO County Farm Trail, who’s connecting farmers to farmers and farms to YOU.
Gina Hambly from Hambly Farms, where lavender isn’t just a plant—it’s a lifestyle.
Jennifer Talent of Groves on 41, who’s crafting world-class olive oil and sharing a little piece of heaven on the farm.
Chris Battile of Mighty Cap Mushrooms, who turned a garage-side hustle into a mushroom mecca in Tin City.

They talk shop, they talk skin care, they talk goats, collaborations, and counterfeit olive oil (for real). This isn’t just ag talk, it’s about local love, making things with your hands, and putting faces to the food we eat and the products we use.

And mark your calendars: Open Farm Days 2025 is happening June 20–22, with over two dozen farms opening their gates for one of the most delicious, educational, and hands-on weekends in the county.

LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE

• Farmstead Ed & SLO County Farm Trail: https://www.farmsteaded.com

• Hambly Farms (Lavender): https://www.hamblyfarms.com

• Groves on 41 (Olive Oil & Vacation Stay): https://thegroveson41.com

• Mighty Cap Mushrooms (Tours, Retail & Grow Kits): https://mightycapmushrooms.com

Support local. Eat real. Know your farmer. See you Friday, and this weekend for Open Farm Days!

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

https://davidfoster.com/shows/

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Boop! There It Is: A Legend in the Booth, David Foster is Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 11:27:22 -0400

This is one of those Up+Adam episodes you remember. When a guest like David Foster joins the show, you know you're in for something special. Sixteen Grammys. A career that’s defined the sound of entire generations. And now? He’s scoring Broadway. This is more than a cool conversation. It’s a front-row seat to one of music’s greatest living legends.

What happens when a hitmaker steps into the world of Broadway? You get BOOP! The Musical, a lush, cinematic journey through the world of the iconic Betty Boop, composed by Foster himself. In this episode, Adam connects with the icon over the phone to talk about what made BOOP! one of the most personally satisfying projects of his career, how he approached crafting timeless music you can’t pin to an era, and the magic of working with a full Broadway cast.

They also dive into Foster’s enduring love for R&B, shouting out All-4-One and the unforgettable harmonies of the 90s, and what still keeps “The Hitman” hungry after decades at the top. Plus, a preview of his genre-blending summer tour with trumpet phenom Chris Botti, featuring Katharine McPhee.

BOOP! The Musical Cast Album – Now streaming on:
Spotify
Apple Music

David Foster Summer Tour Dates + Tickets:

Follow David Foster:
Website: https://davidfoster.com
Instagram: @davidfoster
Twitter/X: @officialdfoster

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Batter Up: The Rise of Breadin' Bros and its Local 16 Year Old CEO!

Adam Montiel — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 11:33:55 -0400

In this episode, Adam reunites with a very special guest: Aiden Ponti, the 16-year-old founder of Breadin Bros, a Central Coast culinary brand built from scratch... literally. Two years after their first conversation at the Mid-State Fair, Aiden returns to talk about how his fried chicken obsession turned into a fast-growing business, now in local stores.

We talk product innovation, personal growth, and the wild story behind launching his very own Breadin Bros Racing team in the 24 Hours of Lemons. From meatballs to marketing, boosters to burnout, this is one of those rare interviews that reminds you: entrepreneurship isn’t about age, it’s about energy, intention, and hustle.

Learn more about Breadin Bros:

Website: breadinbros.com
Instagram: @breadinbros
Find Breadin Bros in local stores: Paso General Store, Creston House, J Dusi Wines, Avila Valley Barn
Check out the Breadin Bros gift box collab with: Paso Robles Gifts

If this episode made you crave greatness or crave crispy chicken, share it with a friend and leave us a review. You’re part of what makes this show fly.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

ARTICLE ADAM MENTIONS ABOUT SINGLES USING AI IN DATING UP 300%

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

One Chair, One Chance, One Comeback: NBC's Winner of The Voice Adam David is Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 11:41:12 -0400

What does it sound like when a man sings from the middle of his comeback? On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel sits down with The Voice Season 27 winner Adam David, a soulful rocker whose voice is as textured as his story. From a single-chair turn to an Instant Save that felt more like a divine pause button, Adam’s journey through addiction, recovery, and redemption is nothing short of cinematic.

We talk about the moment music stopped being a dream and started being a lifeline.

This is more than a victory lap. This is what it sounds like when someone finds their purpose… and then wires it into a melody.

Follow Adam David

Website
Instagram
Watch his performances on The Voice YouTube Channel

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

• What Happened to Talina Zar on iHeart

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Sleuths, Secrets, and the Silence of Talina Zar #TrueCrimeTuesday

Adam Montiel — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 12:21:22 -0400

In this episode, Adam chats with award-winning journalist and podcast host Melissa Jeltsen, whose latest true-crime series What Happened to Talina Zar dives deep into one of the most unsettling disappearances in recent memory.

During the early days of COVID lockdown, 50-year-old Talina Zar posted an eerie message online and then vanished. What followed was a search unlike anything we’ve seen: led not by detectives, but by relentless internet sleuths. Melissa walks us through the bizarre twists, the murky ethics of amateur investigation, and the deeply human story at the center of it all.

Adam and Melissa unpack the emotional weight of telling stories about violence against women, the toll of carrying other people’s trauma, and the power of narrative to both honor and expose.

It’s a gripping conversation about journalism, justice, and the gray space in between.

Listen to the podcast:

Follow Melissa Jeltsen:

• X: @quasimado

• Melissa’s wesbite: melissajeltsen.com

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Man of Steel, Heart of Gold: Cain't Knock the Hustle - Actor Dean Cain is Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 10:47:00 -0400

What happens when Superman trades his cape for a clipboard… and ends up coaching a girls’ soccer team full of chaos and heart? In this episode of Up+Adam, Dean Cain joins the show to talk about his brand-new film Little Angels, in theaters now. But this conversation goes well beyond the movie.

They dive into legacy, left turns, writing from the heart, and the real behind-the-scenes grit it takes to create something the whole family can watch...and actually enjoy. Dean shares stories from his Hollywood journey, the projects that still stick with him, and throws out a perfectly unexpected moment by saying Adam looks like him. He said it. It happened. Adam won't shut up about it now.

This isn’t your typical press stop. This is Up+Adam, and this is Dean Cain, unscripted, unexpected, and just plain fun.

• Watch the trailer & find theaters: LittleAngelsMovie.com

• Follow Dean Cain on Instagram: @deuces1966

• Film info & more at: IMDb – Little Angels (2025)

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Where There’s Smoke, There’s 'Meathead': The NYT Best Selling Grillmaster General & Food Scientist is Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 12:34:18 -0400

Where There’s Smoke, There’s Meathead:

Adam chats with one of the most trusted voices in barbecue…Meathead, BBQ Hall of Famer and the mind behind the wildly popular AmazingRibs.com. His latest book, The Meathead Method, isn’t just a cookbook, it’s a myth-busting, flavor-unlocking, science-soaked manual that turns your grill into an instrument of delicious truth.

From the Central Coast to the science lab, Meathead talks about busting BBQ myths, cooking with our own Brigit Binns, and how flavor isn’t just taste, it’s memory, place, and soul. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or just fire-curious, this convo is for anyone who wants to cook with more confidence, curiosity, and damn good taste.

LINKS:

Pre-order The Meathead Method (HarperCollins 2025) HERE
Visit his site: AmazingRibs.com
Join the Pitmaster Club: AmazingRibs.com/pitmaster
Follow Meathead:

X/Twitter: @meathead
Facebook: facebook.com/AmazingRibs

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Locker Room Talk: Kenny Crossley of Storage Wars is Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 12:24:30 -0400

In this episode of Up+Adam, we sit down with the ever-charismatic Kenny Crossley, a standout personality from A&E's hit series Storage Wars. From his early days in New Orleans law enforcement to managing storage facilities in Los Angeles, Kenny's journey to television stardom is anything but ordinary. He shares insights into the upcoming season of Storage Wars, premiering Saturday, June 7th at 9PM ET/PT on A&E, promising more auctions, action, and unexpected treasures.

Kenny opens up about his unique approach to bidding, the lessons he's learned from his mentor Barry Weiss, and the stories behind some of his most memorable locker finds, including what to look for if you ever wanted to get into the game!

Connect with Kenny Crossley:

Instagram: @kenny_crossley Storage Wars - Wikipedia
Official Website: kennycrossley.com
Watch Storage Wars: A&E's Storage War

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

https://www.allegrettovineyardresort.com/

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Where Wine Meets Wow: Cuisine & Hospitality at a Higher Vibration w/ Allegretto Vineyard Resort's Chef Kenny Seliger

Adam Montiel — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 11:36:20 -0400

Chef Kenny Seliger is no stranger to fine dining. After helping In Bloom earn a mention in the Michelin Guide, he’s now stepping into a whole new chapter as Executive Chef of Allegretto Vineyard Resort in Paso Robles. This property is as soulful and intentional as the cuisine he’s now creating. In this episode, Adam sits down with Kenny after a weekend on-site to talk about what it’s like running a kitchen inside a luxury resort, how his mindset has evolved, and why sometimes the perfect omelet matters just as much as a tasting menu.

They dig into the spiritual design of Allegretto, from the sacred geometry to the curated art and global relics collected by resort visionary Doug Ayers, and talk about what it means to create culinary experiences that match that kind of energy. From team culture shifts to food-and-wine synergy (especially now that Paso legend Don Burns of Turtle Rock is making the wines for Allegretto), this is a conversation that hits on food, philosophy, and all the in-between.

Special thanks to GM Rich Verruni, Linda Sanpei, Rory from the Allegretto tasting room, and of course Doug Ayers for their hospitality.

Learn more about Allegretto Vineyard Resort:

Follow on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/allegrettovr/?hl=en

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

How to Bring Down Big Pharma as a Secret Agent for the DOJ Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Kid) #TrueCrimeTue

Adam Montiel — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 12:10:51 -0400

Today on Up+Adam, on a #TrueCrimeTuesday we’re pulling back the curtain on Big Pharma with someone who lived the story from the inside. Lisa Pratta spent over 30 years as a pharmaceutical sales rep, climbing the ranks, crushing quotas, and doing what she thought was helping people. But when she saw her company pushing a powerful drug off-label, jacking up the price from $40 to nearly $30,000 per vial, and putting patients at risk, she couldn’t stay quiet. What followed was a nearly decade-long undercover operation with the Department of Justice, all while raising a special-needs son as a single mom.

Her new book, False Claims: One Insider’s Impossible Battle Against Big Pharma Corruption, is a jaw-dropping, deeply personal account of industry greed, moral reckoning, and what it really means to do the right thing, even when no one’s watching. If you think you know how the healthcare system works, think again.

Buy the Book on Amazon: False Claims by Lisa Pratta
Official Publisher Page: False Claims from HarperCollins
Official Website: www.lisapratta.com
Follow Lisa on Instagram: @lisapratta_official
Follow on Twitter/X: @LisaPratta

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Check Out Our Woods Humane Pet Of The Week!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

A QUIET CAFETERIA: HOW THE SLO FOOD BANK WORKS TO SILENCE THE SOUNDS OF SUMMER HUNGER

Adam Montiel — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 11:08:21 -0400

On Today’s Episode Of Up + Adam, We Sit Down With Molly Kern, Ceo Of The Slo Food Bank, For A Real And Inspiring Conversation About What Food Insecurity Looks Like Right Here On The Central Coast. While Many Of Us Are Easing Into Summer, There’s A Silence Happening In School Cafeterias Across The County That Speaks Volumes, Because When School’s Out, For Thousands Of Local Kids, So Is Their Most Reliable Meal Of The Day.

We Talk About The Power Of A Single Breakfast Bag, What A $1 Donation Can Actually Do, And The Surprising Face Of Hunger In San Luis Obispo County. Molly Shares Stories From The Field, How The Food Bank Went From A Repurposed Ice Cream Truck To Serving Over 46,000 People A Month, And What’s Going Down At This Year’s Hunger Awareness Day…including A Fast-Paced, Flair-Filled Breakfast Bag Build-Off That I Get To Emcee And You’re Invited Too!

Tune In For An Episode That’s Full Of Perspective, Purpose, And A Reminder Of What We Can Do When We Show Up For Our Neighbors.

Learn More, Get Involved, Or Rsvp For The Event At: Slofoodbank.Org

Hunger Awareness Day: Friday, June 6 | 3:30–6 Pm | 1180 Kendall Rd, San Luis Obispo
Sponsor Teams, Warehouse Tours, Breakfast Bag Competition, And More

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Listen To Up+Adam With Adam Montiel:

Official Website: Adammontiel.Com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam On Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam On Spotify
Iheartradio: Up+Adam On Iheartradio
Youtube Music: Up+Adam On Youtube Music

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Adam’s Tedx Video Is Here!

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Follow Adam On Instagram

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Sincere Thanks To The Supporters Of Up + Adam. Please Take A Moment And Visit Them And Thank Them For Supporting Local Broadcasting, And Valuing What We Do Here. Thank You For Supporting Them!

Woodshumanesociety

Original Music By Dan Curcio And Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner On Spotify Here

Please Rate, Review, And Subscribe To The Podcast, And Learn More At Adammontiel.Com

Pet Me, Pour Me, Plate Me: A Weekend of Greek Eats, Craft Beer, and Cat Naps

Adam Montiel — Fri, 30 May 2025 04:08:00 -0400

This episode of Up+Adam is a full-on celebration of community, culture, and connection on the Central Coast.

We kick things off with Ashley White from Firestone Walker Brewing Company, who gives us the inside scoop on the sold-out Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest and the growing list of community events surrounding it. From Friday’s all-day Block Party to Sunday’s “Beers & Brekkie” brunch, it’s more than just a beer fest. It’s a full weekend experience designed to celebrate Paso and its people.

Then we yell a little “OPA!” with Dr. Paul Georghiou, longtime emcee and cultural torchbearer for the SLO Greek Festival. Happening this Saturday and Sunday at the Madonna Expo Center, it’s wall-to-wall Greek food, live music, dancing, wine, and all the ouzo you can handle. For just five bucks, you’re transported to Greece without leaving SLO.

Finally, our favorite feline whisperer Robin Coleman from Woods Humane Society is back with a streetwise sweetheart named Belfast, a black cat ready to trade alley life for a windowsill nap. We also get the scoop on this weekend’s Wine & Whiskers fundraiser and next week’s California Adopt-a-Pet Day, with free adoptions happening Saturday, June 7.

Helpful Links:

Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest

Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

SLO Greek Festival Info & Schedule

Adopt Belfast at Woods Humane Society

Wine & Whiskers at San Antonio Winery – June 1

California Adopt-a-Pet Day – June 7

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

SLO Grown, Soul Grown: Know Your Farmer – Down the SLO Farm Trail We Go!

Adam Montiel — Thu, 29 May 2025 04:08:00 -0400

We’re kicking off a two-part Farm Days series that takes you straight into the heart of the SLO County Farm Trail. In this first episode, Adam sits down with some of his favorite ag fam to talk about food, farming, friendship, and how passion and product collide right here in SLO CAL.

Joining Adam in Timbre LoBro studio:

Lynette Sonne, the powerhouse behind Farmstead Ed and the SLO County Farm Trail, who’s connecting farmers to farmers and farms to YOU.
Gina Hambly from Hambly Farms, where lavender isn’t just a plant—it’s a lifestyle.
Jennifer Talent of Groves on 41, who’s crafting world-class olive oil and sharing a little piece of heaven on the farm.
Chris Battile of Mighty Cap Mushrooms, who turned a garage-side hustle into a mushroom mecca in Tin City.

And mark your calendars: Open Farm Days 2025 is happening June 20–22, with over two dozen farms opening their gates for one of the most delicious, educational, and hands-on weekends in the county.

LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE

• Farmstead Ed & SLO County Farm Trail: https://www.farmsteaded.com

• Hambly Farms (Lavender): https://www.hamblyfarms.com

• Groves on 41 (Olive Oil & Vacation Stay): https://thegroveson41.com

• Mighty Cap Mushrooms (Tours, Retail & Grow Kits): https://mightycapmushrooms.com

Support local.

Eat real.

Know your farmer.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of our farmer chat, dropping next week.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

https://www.littletroublemakerbook.com

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Your Name Deserves a Keychain: NYT Bestseller Luvvie Ajayi Jones on Owning Identity and Telling Your Story

Adam Montiel — Wed, 28 May 2025 12:07:42 -0400

In this episode, Adam chats with the iconic Luvvie Ajayi Jones, four-time New York Times bestselling author, cultural critic, TED Talk powerhouse, and now the author of Little Troublemaker Defends Her Name, a children's book that hits home for anyone who's ever been told their name was "too much."

They talk about what it means to be a “professional troublemaker,” the power of defending your identity, and how our childhood gifts, the ones we often got in trouble for, are usually our true superpowers. Luvvie also shares what it really takes to write and publish your own book, the question she asks all aspiring authors, and why urgency is the secret ingredient to unlocking your story. If you've ever wanted to write a book, this conversation is full of the honesty, encouragement, and practical wisdom you didn’t even know you needed.

Whether you're raising a little truth-teller or trying to become one yourself, this episode is full of bold heart, real humor, and powerful insight on voice, value, and visibility.

Highlights in this episode:

Why your name is a legacy, not a mistake

How to turn a hard school day into a lifelong lesson

The moment Luvvie claimed the title “author” and why you should too

The one question that tells her if someone is ready to write their book

Where to Buy the Book:

Little Troublemaker Defends Her Name by Luvvie Ajayi Jones

Learn More:

The Book Academy, a writing and publishing platform created by Luvvie

https://www.thebookacademy.com

Follow Luvvie:

Instagram and TikTok: @Luvvie

Website: https://www.luvvie.org

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

It’s Everywhere, Even Here in SLO CAL: The Forever Chemical Crisis #TrueCrimeTuesday

Adam Montiel — Tue, 27 May 2025 11:30:47 -0400

They’re called ‘Forever Chemicals’, but the damage they cause could last even longer.

In this episode of Up+Adam, award-winning environmental journalists Sharon Udasin and Rachel Frazin join Adam Montiel to talk about their new book, Poisoning the Well: How Forever Chemicals Contaminated America. With gripping stories, damning internal documents, and emotional accounts from families devastated by PFAS exposure, this interview dives into the disturbing reality of how a class of chemicals, hidden in cookware, cosmetics, even dental floss, ended up in the bodies of 97% of Americans.

Adam and the authors explore the haunting story of Brenda Hampton in Courtland, Alabama, whose community has been ravaged by illness linked to industrial contamination. They connect the dots between corporate cover-ups, government inaction, and local impact, including right here on the Central Coast, where PFAS has tainted private wells near the SLO airport.

This is a story about accountability, injustice, and the everyday people rising up to say: enough.

Listen in. Get informed. Take action.

Buy the Book – Poisoning the Well

Available from Island Press, your local bookstore, or wherever books are sold.

Improvised, Intimate, and In Sync: The Sonic Alchemy of Elysian Moon

Adam Montiel — Fri, 23 May 2025 12:36:00 -0400

In this episode, Adam welcomes Elysian Moon, the magnetic musical duo of Tyson Leonard and Grace Jiia, into the Timbre Winery LoBo studios for an intimate conversation and a live in-studio performance that hits on every frequency. Known for their cinematic, ritualistic sets and hypnotic blend of neoclassical, global house, and sparkly techno, Tyson and Grace don’t just perform - they channel.

From falling in love in a festival bathroom line to composing during moments of relationship tension, their story is as dynamic and layered as the music they make.

We talk artistry, connection, mezcal-fueled rituals, and how music has become both their bond and their offering. And yes, they play live and it’s pure magic.

Experience the spell. Dive into the sound. Meet the Moon.

Listen & Follow Elysian Moon:

Connect on Instagram:

Booking + Press:

Booking inquiries: horizonlineartists@gmail.com

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

https://favchef.com/2025/nicola-allegretta

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Mama's Meatball & Mistura: The Many Lives of Local (but World Renowned) Chef Nicola

Adam Montiel — Thu, 22 May 2025 11:33:32 -0400

In this soulful, laugh-filled, and eye-opening episode, Adam sits down with longtime friend and culinary visionary Chef Nicola Allegretta — the heart behind Paso’s beloved Mama’s Meatball and the bold brilliance behind Mistura, one of the most acclaimed Peruvian restaurants in the country.

From dancing salsa at The Grad to launching his latest Chef’s Table experience (yes, he’s serving kui, beef heart, and alpaca), Nicola shares the story of his culinary fusion, his deep spiritual connection to food, and the risks he’s taken to build something truly special here on the Central Coast.

But this convo goes deeper than cuisine. Nicola is now a finalist in the national Fav Chef 2025 competition, and if he wins, he’s pledged to donate 100 percent of the $25,000 prize to fund a clean water well for an entire community through Charity: Water.

Let that sink in. Food with purpose. Flavor with legacy.

Vote for Chef Nicola - ITS FREE!!!

Support the cause

https://www.charitywater.org/nicolaallegretta

Visit the restaurants

https://www.mamasmeatball.com/

https://www.misturarestaurants.com

https://www.misturacatering.com/about

Follow Chef Nicola on Instagram

Listen, share, and if you’re hungry for something real, this one delivers.

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Sailing with Phoenix Links:

Instagram: @sailing_with_phoenix
PredictWind Tracker: Live GPS Map
MarineTraffic: AIS Vessel Info
GoFundMe: Help Make a Dream Come True

Articles:

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Playing Without a Net: Corey Jordan on Risk, Resonance, and Renaissance in Taking a Coffee Shop to a Conservatory – Libretto in Full Bloom

Adam Montiel — Wed, 21 May 2025 11:12:25 -0400

In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel sits down at the LoBro Studios at Timbre with musician, curator, and Paso Robles native Corey Jordan, co-founder of Libretto Paso, the one-of-a-kind wine and jazz club making serious noise on the Central Coast.

Corey isn’t just talking chords and concerts, he’s building legacy. We go deep on the upcoming May 22 fundraiser for the Libretto Conservatory, a music education program that’s bringing Grammy-level mentorship to young musicians across SLO County, completely tuition-free.

We talk about:

Turning a coffee shop piano into a community movement
What it’s like to jam with a classical cellist and a metal drummer
Why he bought a world-class Steinway instead of a liquor license
What he’d tattoo on his arm (spoiler: it’s a chord in E♭)
The sound he’s chasing and the community he’s building

Support the cause. Hear the music. Join the movement.

May 22, 2025 – Libretto Conservatory Fundraiser at LIBRETTO Paso

www.librettopaso.com

Follow on Instagram: @librettopaso

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Sailing with Phoenix Links:

Instagram: @sailing_with_phoenix
PredictWind Tracker: Live GPS Map
MarineTraffic: AIS Vessel Info
GoFundMe: Help Make a Dream Come True

Articles:

Today’s Interview: What does it mean to build a dynasty…and what does it cost to keep one? On today’s Up+Adam, Adam chats with former ESPN NBA reporter and Dub Dynasty host Israel Gutierrez to unpack the real story behind the Golden State Warriors. Yeah, we talk Steph, Draymond, Kerr, and Durant, buuuuut this convo isn’t just for the basketball heads. It’s for anyone who’s ever been curious about what makes greatness stick.

Even if you haven’t caught a single game this postseason (same), this is one of those stories that cuts deeper than sports. It’s about culture, ego, evolution—and how a franchise known for splash plays quietly became a masterclass in leadership and loyalty. We also dig into LeBron’s late-stage legacy, Luka’s rise, and yes… the weirdest legal take you’ll ever hear about free throws.

Listen to Dub Dynasty → Dub Dynasty on iHeart

Follow Israel Gutierrez on X → @IzGutierrez

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Hambly Farms:

Website: hamblyfarms.com
Instagram: @hamblyfarms

Sunshine Olive Oil:

Website: sunshineoliveoil.com
Instagram: @sunshineoliveoilcompany

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Intentionally Unfiltered: She Can See Right Through You - Dr. Leslie Dobson is Up+Adam #TrueCrimeTuesday

Adam Montiel — Tue, 20 May 2025 12:43:24 -0400

Dr. Leslie Dobson is not your typical psychologist. She's a courtroom expert, a clinical force, and the host of the razor-sharp podcast Intentionally Disturbing. In this episode, Adam and Dr. Dobson dive into the minds of predators, the patterns of trauma, and the uncomfortable truths we tend to look away from. They get into the Diddy allegations, how predators manipulate with power, and what it’s like to read someone’s darkness before they even open their mouth.

This conversation is layered, fearless, and wickedly smart. If you’ve ever wanted to understand what really drives people to harm, or heal…this one goes there.

Links + Resources:

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Sailing with Phoenix Links:

Instagram: @sailing_with_phoenix
PredictWind Tracker: Live GPS Map
MarineTraffic: AIS Vessel Info
GoFundMe: Help Make a Dream Come True

Articles:

Listen to Dub Dynasty → Dub Dynasty on iHeart

Follow Israel Gutierrez on X → @IzGutierrez

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Hambly Farms:

Website: hamblyfarms.com
Instagram: @hamblyfarms

Sunshine Olive Oil:

Website: sunshineoliveoil.com
Instagram: @sunshineoliveoilcompany

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

The Staviary, Part 2: Building a Place That Feels Like You - with Chef Rachel & Eric Ponce

Adam Montiel — Mon, 19 May 2025 16:12:50 -0400

In Part 2 of Adam’s conversation with Chef Rachel Ponce and brewmaster Eric Ponce, we move from the journey… to the juice. This episode dives into the creative heartbeat of The Staviary - their soon-to-open wine, food, and beer experience in downtown Paso Robles. From the chef’s counter to the curated bottle list, every choice is rooted in intention, flavor, and soul.

Eric shares what makes their beer program unlike anything else in town, including international bottles with personal stories behind each label, traditional pouring techniques, and that coveted Czech foam certification.

Follow & Learn More

• The Staviary → www.staviary.com

• Instagram: @staviary_

• Chef Rachel Ponce → www.pairwithchefrachel.com

• Instagram: @pair_with_chef_rachel

• Eric Ponce / Cellar Fermentation → @cellarfermentation

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Sailing with Phoenix Links:

Instagram: @sailing_with_phoenix
PredictWind Tracker: Live GPS Map
MarineTraffic: AIS Vessel Info
GoFundMe: Help Make a Dream Come True

Articles:

Listen to Dub Dynasty → Dub Dynasty on iHeart

Follow Israel Gutierrez on X → @IzGutierrez

******

Hambly Farms:

Website: hamblyfarms.com
Instagram: @hamblyfarms

Sunshine Olive Oil:

Website: sunshineoliveoil.com
Instagram: @sunshineoliveoilcompany

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner ...

Sailing with Phoenix Update - Paso Wine Fest - Pet of the Week -

Adam Montiel — Fri, 16 May 2025 13:52:20 -0400

Pet of the Week - Wine Fest - Sailing with Phoenix Update

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Sailing with Phoenix Links:

Instagram: @sailing_with_phoenix
PredictWind Tracker: Live GPS Map
MarineTraffic: AIS Vessel Info
GoFundMe: Help Make a Dream Come True

Articles:

Listen to Dub Dynasty → Dub Dynasty on iHeart

Follow Israel Gutierrez on X → @IzGutierrez

******

Hambly Farms:

Website: hamblyfarms.com
Instagram: @hamblyfarms

Sunshine Olive Oil:

Website: sunshineoliveoil.com
Instagram: @sunshineoliveoilcompany

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Pairing Dreams with Grit: Chef Rachel & Eric Go All In with The Staviary - A Name You’ve Never Heard, But Will Never Forget

Adam Montiel — Thu, 15 May 2025 12:39:43 -0400

Today on Up+Adam, we’ve got the exclusive first look at The Staviary—a brand new food and beer experience coming to downtown Paso Robles. Chef Rachel Ponce and brewmaster Eric Ponce join Adam to announce their long-awaited concept, opening behind the park in one of the most exciting new developments in town. From Michelin-star buzz to glassware from Belgium, these two are bringing something fresh, personal, and deeply soulful to the Central Coast.

In this first half of their interview, we dig into the origin story of The Staviary—from the made-up name that means everything to them, to how they landed their dream location. We talk concept, menu ideas, and what makes the beer program so unique—plus, Eric and Rachel share stories from Chicago, their travels abroad, and why this project feels like the one they were always meant to build. It’s part one of a majestic two-parter.

Follow & Learn More

The Staviary → www.staviary.com
Instagram: @staviary_
Chef Rachel Ponce → www.pairwithchefrachel.com
Instagram: @pair_with_chef_rachel
Eric Ponce / Cellar Fermentation → @cellarfermentation

Catch them at Pink Drank on July 12 – where Eric will be pouring and Rachel’s known to make a few heads turn.

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Sailing with Phoenix Links:

Instagram: @sailing_with_phoenix
PredictWind Tracker: Live GPS Map
MarineTraffic: AIS Vessel Info
GoFundMe: Help Make a Dream Come True

Articles:

Listen to Dub Dynasty → Dub Dynasty on iHeart

Follow Israel Gutierrez on X → @IzGutierrez

******

Hambly Farms:

Website: hamblyfarms.com
Instagram: @hamblyfarms

Sunshine Olive Oil:

Website: sunshineoliveoil.com
Instagram: @sunshineoliveoilcompany

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Watch 9-1-1 on ABC

Follow Oliver on Instagram: @oliverstarkk

Learn more about the show: 911 on IMDb

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Sailing with Phoenix Links:

Instagram: @sailing_with_phoenix
PredictWind Tracker: Live GPS Map
MarineTraffic: AIS Vessel Info
GoFundMe: Help Make a Dream Come True

Articles:

Listen to Dub Dynasty → Dub Dynasty on iHeart

Follow Israel Gutierrez on X → @IzGutierrez

******

Hambly Farms:

Website: hamblyfarms.com
Instagram: @hamblyfarms

Sunshine Olive Oil:

Website: sunshineoliveoil.com
Instagram: @sunshineoliveoilcompany

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

The Killer Told the Truth. The State Didn’t Listen: When justice gets it backwards with Gilbert King of Bone Valley #TrueCrimeTuesday

Adam Montiel — Tue, 13 May 2025 04:08:00 -0400

What happens when the justice system locks up the wrong man - and leaves the right one walking free? Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gilbert King joins Adam to talk about Bone Valley Season 2, the shocking true-crime series following the decades-long case of Leo Schofield. Convicted of murdering his wife in 1987, Leo still sits behind bars, even after another man, Jeremy Scott, confessed. Gilbert opens up about the emotional weight of investigating this case for over six years, why Season 2 turns the focus to a killer haunted by his past, and how telling stories like these isn’t just journalism, it’s justice. This conversation goes deeper than headlines and hits harder than courtroom drama.

Listen to Bone Valley: Introducing Bone Valley Season 2 – iHeart
Read Devil in the Grove: Buy on Amazon
Read Beneath a Ruthless Sun: Buy on Amazon
More on Gilbert King: The Marshall Project

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Up+Adam gives update on Sailing with Phoenix:

Instagram: @sailing_with_phoenix
PredictWind Tracker: Live GPS Map
MarineTraffic: AIS Vessel Info
GoFundMe: Help Make a Dream Come True

Articles:

Listen to Dub Dynasty → Dub Dynasty on iHeart

Follow Israel Gutierrez on X → @IzGutierrez

******

Hambly Farms:

Website: hamblyfarms.com
Instagram: @hamblyfarms

Sunshine Olive Oil:

Website: sunshineoliveoil.com
Instagram: @sunshineoliveoilcompany

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Off Course, On Purpose: How Sailing with Phoenix Is Capturing Hearts and Leaving Swell Enough Alone

Adam Montiel — Mon, 12 May 2025 12:43:47 -0400

On today’s Up+Adam, we spotlight the incredible voyage of Oliver Widger (aka Sailing with Phoenix), a 29-year-old from Oregon who left his corporate job, bought a used boat, and set sail - solo - to Hawaii. Diagnosed with a rare spinal condition that could one day leave him paralyzed, Oliver decided to stop waiting and start moving. With no offshore experience and only his cat Phoenix for company, he’s now capturing the hearts of thousands online as he documents every challenge, every sunrise, and every brutally honest moment from the open ocean.

Have you heard about this guy? He’s awkward, he’s honest, and he’s doing something most of us only dream about. You can track his progress in real time, drop into his Instagram updates, or support the mission on GoFundMe. This isn’t just about sailing—it’s about bravery, vulnerability, and what it looks like to stop waiting for perfect conditions and just go.

Links:

Instagram: @sailing_with_phoenix
PredictWind Tracker: Live GPS Map
MarineTraffic: AIS Vessel Info
GoFundMe: Help Make a Dream Come True

Articles:

Listen to Dub Dynasty → Dub Dynasty on iHeart

Follow Israel Gutierrez on X → @IzGutierrez

******

Hambly Farms:

Website: hamblyfarms.com
Instagram: @hamblyfarms

Sunshine Olive Oil:

Website: sunshineoliveoil.com
Instagram: @sunshineoliveoilcompany

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Wine Me Up, Paso: In Depth Look into Next Weekend's Paso Wine Fest & Pet of the Week with Woods!

Adam Montiel — Fri, 09 May 2025 13:33:03 -0400

Paso Wine Fest is next weekend, and it's not just another tasting event—it's the moment on the Paso wine calendar. Executive Director of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, Joel Peterson, joins me to walk through what’s new, what’s returning, and what to circle in red on your calendar. With over 100 wineries participating, a Grand Tasting at the Paso Robles Event Center, and four full days of activations, open houses, and after-hours fun, this is Paso showing off. Get the lay of the land straight from the source.

And since it’s Friday, we’re also joined by Robin from Woods Humane Society to meet our Pet of the Week. If you're looking for a little love, and we mean the four-legged kind, you might just fall for today’s featured furball.

Learn more and grab tickets for Paso Wine Fest: pasowine.com/winefest

Adopt or support Woods Humane Society: woodshumanesociety.org

Follow Paso Wine on Instagram: @pasowine
Follow Woods on Instagram: @woodshumanesociety

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Hambly Farms:

Website: hamblyfarms.com
Instagram: @hamblyfarms

Sunshine Olive Oil:

Website: sunshineoliveoil.com
Instagram: @sunshineoliveoilcompany

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Damon Castillo Gets Unplugged and Gets Personal on Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Thu, 08 May 2025 04:08:00 -0400

What do you get when a community treasure steps behind the mic and speaks from the soul? You get Damon Castillo. Today on Up+Adam, Adam catches up with the Central Coast’s own musical mainstay to talk songwriting, inspiration, the stories behind his sound, and what’s next for the Damon Castillo Band. From the studio to the stage, Damon’s blend of groove, grit, and genuine emotion continues to make him one of the most respected and beloved voices around here.

If you’ve ever been to one of his shows, you already know—this man doesn’t just perform, he connects. And speaking of shows, check him out this weekend for a Mother’s Day Concert at Pismo Beach’s Pacific Breeze (May 11, 1PM). Full concert schedule and links below.

Official Site: damoncastillo.com

Listen on Spotify: Damon Castillo

Tour Dates: damoncastillo.com/tour

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Hambly Farms:

Website: hamblyfarms.com
Instagram: @hamblyfarms

Sunshine Olive Oil:

Website: sunshineoliveoil.com
Instagram: @sunshineoliveoilcompany

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Purple Haze & Liquid Gold: Olive the Above - Paso's Free Olive & Lavender Festival

Adam Montiel — Wed, 07 May 2025 04:08:00 -0400

Paso Robles is about to smell a whole lot better. In this episode of Up+Adam, we’re spotlighting the 2025 Paso Robles Olive & Lavender Festival, going down Saturday, May 10th, at Downtown City Park. Adam is joined by Gina Hambly of Hambly Farms and Dominique Lobjois of Sunshine Olive Oil—two makers at the center of this hyper-local celebration of scent, flavor, and Central Coast craftsmanship.

Gina talks about how she and her husband built Hambly Farms from the soil up—harvesting, distilling, and bottling small-batch lavender goods right here on the Central Coast. Dominique shares the story behind her award-winning olive oils and how Sunshine Olive Oil has become a must-stop shop for food lovers across the region. Whether you're looking to taste, touch, or take home a little piece of Paso, this episode has your roadmap.

Hambly Farms:

Website: hamblyfarms.com
Instagram: @hamblyfarms

Sunshine Olive Oil:

Website: sunshineoliveoil.com
Instagram: @sunshineoliveoilcompany

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Justice, Interrupted: The Thomas Jodry Story (Local) & the Silence After the Fall #TrueCrimeTuesday

Adam Montiel — Tue, 06 May 2025 10:43:09 -0400

On September 14, 2019, 21-year-old Thomas Jodry fell from a downtown San Luis Obispo parking structure. The police originally called it suicide. But his parents, William and Mary Jane Jodry, have been living inside the cracks of that story ever since, and they aren’t buying it.

In this emotional and revealing #TureCrimeTuesday episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with the Jodrys to talk about the night everything changed. From the moment they realized something wasn’t right, to the knock at the door from a much older man who had been with their son that night…holding Tommy’s phone, with blood on it - this conversation is not only about grief, but about instinct, patterns, and the pursuit of justice when the system falls silent.

They share what police did and didn’t do, what the courts dismissed, what they still need the public to help uncover, and what ‘Justice for Tommy’ looks like today.

This is about more than just one case. This is about what we owe each other when something doesn’t add up.

Learn more or get involved at:

https://www.justiceforthomas.com
Instagram: @justice4thomas

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Playing Through: The Central Coast Hustle of a Local Singer/Songwriter/Musician

Adam Montiel — Mon, 05 May 2025 10:52:33 -0400

A wrap up on Lumina Nights and Josh Rosenblum is back for Part Two, and this one hits differently. We pick up the conversation mid-stride - talking fatherhood, finding creative flow, and what it really means to grow as an artist. Josh brings the same authenticity and warmth as he did in Part One, but here the conversation loosens up, gets even more revealing, and yes—he picks up the guitar again for some unexpected live moments that’ll stay with you.

If you’ve ever felt caught between the grind and the groove, this one’s for you. Real talk, real music, real Josh. Let’s go.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Here Today, Gone Tamale: Atascadero's Biggest Event is Their Free Tamale Festival (This Weekend)!

Adam Montiel — Fri, 02 May 2025 12:15:13 -0400

What do tamales, tiny dogs in costume, and civic pride have in common? Atascadero, baby. In this episode, we're joined by Terrie Banish, Deputy City Manager for the City of Atascadero, to talk all things Tamale Festival. It's one of the Central Coast's most festive, flavorful, and fur-friendly events of the year. We break down what’s new for 2025, how it’s grown into a regional favorite, and yes, Adam is back to be one of the judges for the legendary Pet Costume Contest. So polish up those paws and starch your sombreros.

Plus, we check in with Robin Coleman from Woods Humane Society, an incredible local organization doing vital work for our four-legged friends. You'll also meet Buddy, a pup who just might steal the show. Whether you're in it for the food, the fun, or the furry parade of adorableness, this one’s a vibe.

More info on the Tamale Festival: AtascaderoTamaleFest.com

Learn more about Woods and how to support them: WoodsHumaneSociety.org

Let’s get spicy.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

SLO CAL Sessions: Breaking Chords & Breaking Through with Singer Songwriter Josh Rosenblum

Adam Montiel — Thu, 01 May 2025 12:56:45 -0400

He’s one of the Central Coast’s most dynamic musical voices, and not just because he plays half the instruments in his band. In this free-flowing, no-rules conversation, Josh Rosenblum joins Adam for part one of a two-part hang where they get into the creative grind, what it means to write music with purpose, and how to stay hopeful without sounding preachy.

Josh talks about growing up in a jazz-rooted family, his thoughts on the state of the world, fatherhood, and why he still believes in the power of music to move people—even when things feel a little dark. From his 8th studio album to playing our Breaking and Entering Christmas Jingle Jam, this is a conversation full of honesty, humor, and heart.

Listen to Josh Rosenblum’s music

Official Website — JoshRosenblumBand.com
Instagram — @joshrosenblumband
Listen to Josh Rosenblum on Spotify

Stay tuned for Part 2 of the convo dropping Fri.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Nun of Your Business: Sister Monica Clare’s Journey from Hollywood to Holy-wood

Adam Montiel — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 11:09:47 -0400

Today on Up+Adam, we’re joined by Sister Monica Clare — nun, author, viral TikTok star, and living proof that sometimes your wildest detours are actually leading you home. Before she was Sister Monica Clare, she was Claudette Powell: a Southern girl with big-city dreams, an improv actor with the Groundlings, and a Hollywood professional — until a deeper calling slowly but surely rewrote the story she thought she was living.

In her brand-new memoir, A Change of Habit: Leaving Behind My Husband, Career, and Everything I Owned to Become a Nun, she shares the deeply human, often hilarious, and incredibly inspiring journey that led her to life at the Community of St. John Baptist. We talk faith, healing, chasing dreams, overcoming imposter syndrome, skincare secrets, and what modern sisterhood really looks like. A must-listen for anyone who's ever wondered if it's too late to change everything — or find what you were truly made for.

Follow Sister Monica Clare on TikTok: @nunsenseforthepeople
Order A Change of Habit here: Buy the Book on Amazon
Learn more about the Community of St. John Baptist: csjb.org

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

From Rock Bottom to Rock Monster: Power, Intimacy, and Owning Your Story with Kristin Casey

Adam Montiel — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 04:08:00 -0400

Today on Up+Adam, we welcome Kristin Casey—author, recovered addict, intimacy coach, and survivor. Kristin opens up about her incredible journey from battling addiction and depression to becoming a certified surrogate partner and intimacy counselor. In this raw and revealing conversation, we explore her powerful new memoir Casey Dancer, her insights into healing and self-acceptance, and the important tie-in to Sexual Assault Awareness Month and organizations like Lumina Alliance.

Kristin also shares reflections from her first best-selling book, Rock Monster: My Life with Joe Walsh, which chronicles her wild years with the Eagles’ legendary guitarist. Her story is one of resilience, grace, and real talk—about intimacy, authenticity, and finding peace without losing your spark.

Learn more about Kristin Casey: kristincasey.com

Buy her new book, Casey Dancer: Casey Dancer on Amazon

Follow Kristin on Instagram: @kristin_casey_writer

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Pouring with Purpose: Inside the History and the Force that is 'Wine-4-Paws'

Adam Montiel — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 10:36:04 -0400

In this episode of Up+Adam, we sit down with Sarah Tomasetti, the driving force behind Wine 4 Paws, an annual unique event that marries the joy of wine tasting with over 80 wineries and more with the mission of supporting homeless animals from Woods Humane Society. Since 2009, Sarah's vision has galvanized the Central Coast community, raising over $700,000 for Woods Humane Society. Discover how this event has evolved over the years, the impact it has made, and how you can be part of this extraordinary weekend and initiative.

Links:

Wine 4 Paws: wine4paws.com
Woods Humane Society: woodshumanesociety.org

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

She’s Got Mash Appeal: Celebrity Chef Poppy O’Toole’s Rise to Potato Queen

Adam Montiel — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 04:08:00 -0400

In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel sits down with Poppy O’Toole, the Michelin-trained chef turned viral TikTok powerhouse behind Poppy Cooks. After losing her job during the pandemic, Poppy leaned into comfort, creativity, and carbs - and in doing so, built a global following obsessed with her signature style of accessible, personality-packed cooking. Known lovingly as “the High Priestess of the Potato,” she’s got over 4.4 million TikTok followers, 1.1 million on Instagram, and a growing catalog of craveable cookbooks that are as cozy as they are clever.

We dig into her brand-new book, Poppy Cooks: The Potato Book, which is nothing short of a starchy, salty, butter-laced bible for spud lovers everywhere. From viral 15-hour potatoes to nostalgic childhood favorites like potato smiles, Poppy’s recipes blend skill and soul in a way that makes everyone feel like a chef. She shares stories of kitchen burnout, starting over, and how the internet gave her a second shot. Whether you love food, stories of reinvention, or just want a hot tip for the crispiest roasties ever, this one’s for you.

Connect with Poppy + Grab the Book:

Website: poppycooks.com
TikTok: @poppycooks
Instagram: @poppy_cooks
Facebook: facebook.com/cookspoppy
Buy the Book (Amazon): Poppy Cooks: The Potato Book

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Are Highways Racist? Yep, We're Going There. Asking Tough Questions to ACLU President Deborah Archer

Adam Montiel — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 12:23:23 -0400

In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with ACLU president and NYU law professor Deborah Archer, who makes a bold claim in her new book Dividing Lines: America’s transportation system hasn’t just failed us—it was designed to divide us.

This conversation doesn’t shy away from the big questions: In a time where everything is being called racist, is labeling roads helpful, or harmful? Do you think there’s a point where everything being framed as racial ends up diluting the very meaning of racism? At what point does a road… just become a road again? Has the ACLU stayed true to its mission of defending all Americans’ rights, even the unpopular ones? It’s a thoughtful, provocative exchange, and a must-listen for anyone trying to understand if inequality is paved in plain sight.

Learn more:

Book: Dividing Lines by Deborah Archer

Website: ACLU.org

Instagram: @aclu_nationwide

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Whiskey & Wiretaps: How an Undercover FBI Agent Out-Outlawed the Outlaws #TrueCrimeTuesday

Adam Montiel — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 04:08:00 -0400

In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam chats with retired FBI Special Agent Scott Payne, the undercover legend dubbed the “Hillbilly Donnie Brasco.” From goat‑blood rituals with neo‑Nazis in a Georgia forest to the basement strip‑search that almost blew his cover, Payne unpacks 25 years inside Outlaw biker gangs, opioid pipelines, and the accelerationist movement plotting a race war, while getting candid about juggling seven burner phones, staying married, and the Safeguard psych checks that finally pulled him back from the edge - all captured in his new memoir Code Name: Pale Horse.

Follow Scott Payne — @scottpaynebigcountry

Grab the Book — Amazon | Simon & Schuster

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Missed Part One? Listen here.

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Sunny with a Chance of Secrets, But Clear Skies Ahead: Dave Hovde, Unfiltered. (Part 2)

Adam Montiel — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 04:08:00 -0400

In Part Two of this exclusive conversation, Adam continues his deep dive with beloved KSBY meteorologist Dave Hovde — picking up where they left off. From the evolution of local media to the emotional weight of walking away, Dave opens up about the regrets that linger, the career highs that surprised him, and the personal clarity he’s found through change. Whether it’s journaling through anxiety, raising kids in the public eye, or deciding not to chase the next big market — this is Dave Hovde raw, reflective, and still forecasting something bigger than weather.

Big thanks to Dave for choosing Up+Adam as the place to have this conversation first.

Follow Dave Hovde:

Instagram: @DavidHovde | @TVDaveHovde

X (Twitter): @TVDave

Facebook: facebook.com/TVDaveHovde

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Forecasting What’s Next: Dave Hovde’s First Interview Since Announcing He's Leaving KSBY-TV

Adam Montiel — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 04:08:00 -0400

After over 20 years as the face of weather on the Central Coast, Dave Hovde is stepping away from KSBY. But he’s not going far. In this first of a special two-part interview, Adam sits down in the Timbre LoBro Studios with Dave for an honest, revealing, and often hilarious conversation about why now was the time to step away, how he’s planning his next chapter, and why connection — not forecast accuracy — might be the true legacy he’s leaving behind. From early days covering explosions in North Dakota to calling shots during the Thomas Fire and Montecito mudslide, Dave shares the heart behind the high-pressure job — and why he’s actually more connected to this community than ever.

…Part Two drops Monday.

Follow Dave Hovde:

Instagram: @DavidHovde | @TVDaveHovde

X (Twitter): @TVDave

Facebook: facebook.com/TVDaveHovde

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Throwin’ Hands, Reppin’ 805: 2 Local Undefeated Rising MMA Stars Share the Grind, Glory, and Grit in Fighting for Something Bigger

Adam Montiel — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 04:08:00 -0400

Two undefeated MMA fighters from Paso Robles — both young, hungry, and ready to throw down. In this episode of Up + Adam, we sit down with Hunter Thompson and Octavio Gonzalez ahead of their April 19th bouts at 559 Fights 113 in Visalia. But this isn’t just for fight fans — it’s a raw, real convo about what it means to chase a dream, train your body and mind, and represent your hometown with pride.

We get into what brought them into the sport, the mental and physical grind of fight prep, and how this path is about more than winning — it’s about pushing limits and showing Paso what’s possible.

Links:

Hunter Thompson → (Tapology)
Octavio Gonzalez → (Tapology)
Hunter on Instagram → @hunterthompson805
Octavio on Instagram → @octavio.gon35
559 Fights → 559fights.com
559 Fights on IG → @559fights

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

The Glow Must Go On: How Sensorio’s FOSO Uses Music & Light to Go from Fiber to Feeling

Adam Montiel — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 04:08:00 -0400

In this episode, Adam welcomes to the Timbre LoBro Studios two creative forces behind Sensorio’s newest and most ambitious exhibit yet—FOSO, the Fiber Optic Symphonic Orchestra, now glowing across 32 towering columns of light in Paso Robles.

Bruce Munro, the internationally acclaimed light artist whose work has transformed landscapes around the world, now has five installations at Sensorio, making Paso home to his largest body of work anywhere. And Nainita Desai, one of the most in-demand composers working today (Emmy winner, Oscar-shortlisted, Ivor Novello nominee), created the original orchestral score that pulses through the piece like a living heartbeat.

This isn’t a conversation about technique. It’s about why we create. What lingers. And what beauty can still do for us when words aren’t enough.

Preach. Run. Pray. Repeat.: Confessions of a Pastor Drug-Running for the Sinaloa Cartel #TrueCrimeTuesday

Adam Montiel — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 04:08:00 -0400

In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel chats with John Lee Bishop, former megachurch pastor, convicted drug trafficker, and now the author of one of the most jaw-dropping memoirs you’ll read: The Church of Living Dangerously.

John Lee Bishop’s story isn’t just a fall from grace—it’s a high-speed nosedive into addiction, crime, prison, and somehow... redemption. From preaching to fifteen thousand people on Easter Sunday to smuggling bricks of weed through the Mexican desert, his life reads like a crime thriller that just happens to be true.

We talk about the blurred lines between redemption and survival, how grief and addiction led to desperation, and what redemption really looks like when you’ve sat across the table from cartel bosses and federal judges alike.

This isn’t about religion. It’s about real-life stakes, real darkness, and a comeback story you won’t forget.

Buy the Book:

The Church of Living Dangerously

Connect with John Lee Bishop:

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

SLO Homeless Man Wins $1Million Dollars From Lotto Ticket Sold at Sandy's Liquor Downtown! SLO Dodges Bullet - Morro Bay Dodges Battery

Adam Montiel — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 13:59:08 -0400

In today’s episode of Up+Adam, Adam breaks down three wild and wildly different stories making waves on the Central Coast:

A homeless man in San Luis Obispo becomes a millionaire after buying a winning scratcher at Sandy’s Liquor downtown. Yeah—that Sandy’s.
Former SLO Mayor Heidi Harmon loses her lawsuit, and the fallout is as telling as it is expensive. Adam dives into the details and what it says about local leadership, accountability, and narrative control.
In Morro Bay, energy giant Vistra pulls the plug on a controversial battery storage facility after major public backlash. What happens now?

PLUS—Adam teases his upcoming interview with artist Bruce Munro and Emmy-winning composer Nainita Desai, the duo behind FOSO, the new immersive experience at Sensorio Paso. That full convo drops Wednesday, but you’ll hear a special sneak preview today.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

From Iceman (X-Men) to Inner Demons: The Evolution of Actor Shawn Ashmore who is Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 12:18:27 -0400

On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam chats with actor Shawn Ashmore, whose face (and voice) you definitely know—even if the name doesn’t hit right away. Shawn has carved out a powerhouse career in film and television, playing everything from superheroes (X-Men, The Boys) to complex, haunted men in cult thrillers like The Following, Devil’s Gate, and Aftermath.

Now, he steps into something even darker in the brand-new horror film It Feeds, opening April 18th. He plays a father desperate to save his daughter from something no one else believes is real. It’s eerie, emotional, and beautifully twisted—and in this conversation, Shawn opens up about how fatherhood shaped his performance, how he processes fear on and off screen, and why some characters never really leave you.

Catch the trailer and experience It Feeds in theaters April 18th. Follow Shawn and his latest projects here: Watch the It Feeds trailer

Instagram: @shawnrashmore

Twitter/X: @ShawnRAshmore

IMDb: Shawn Ashmore

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

From Diagnosis to Defiance - Stacie Athon is Rewriting the Story of What’s Possible

Adam Montiel — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 12:27:23 -0400

Just ten days after her wedding, Stacie was diagnosed with one of the rarest and most aggressive forms of breast cancer: triple negative. She fought through chemo, radiation, surgery, and even clinical trials, only to hear the words no one should ever have to hear: “There are no more options.” But she and her husband Cody refused to accept that. They found hope in a science-backed, integrative cancer clinic, and they found life.

In this episode, Stacie shares her powerful journey, from being written off by the system to becoming tumor-free. We talk about faith, marriage, the real science behind alternative therapies, and how her fourth annual Be Stacie Strong Golf Tournament is helping fund life-saving treatments for others. This one will stay with you.

Learn more, donate, or register for the golf tournament Sunday, June 8th at Hunter Ranch Golf Course, Paso Robles

Always check out and taste the excellent wines from the excellent people at Timbre Winery. Visit TimbreWinery.com to learn more.

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Slo Town, Fast Tech: Can AI Help You Be Musically Creative or is it Cheating? Michael Venia from Carbon City Lights Opens Up

Adam Montiel — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 04:08:00 -0400

What if your favorite song was written... by artificial intelligence? We kick off this episode exploring one of the most buzzed-about topics in music: AI and creativity—how it’s changing the landscape for musicians, and what it means for fans, songwriters, and storytellers alike. Adam welcomes Michael Venia, lead singer of award-winning indie alt-rock band Carbon City Lights, into the LoBro Studios at Timbre Winery in San Luis Obispo for a rich and wide-ranging conversation.

Michael shares stories of growing up in Saudi Arabia, coming to the States, and how his cultural background influences his music. We also dig into his creative process, how he and his wife collaborate musically (and on TikTok), and how tools like AI are becoming part of the songwriting journey. Plus, yes - we get two live performances during the show.

Catch Carbon City Lights live this Saturday, April 12 at Rod & Hammer Rock in SLO, performing with Big Sierra. Expect high vibes, original music, fresh covers, and a few surprises. Thanks to Michael for hanging, and to Timbre Winery for hosting us at their incredible LoBro Studios.

Always check out and taste the excellent wines from the excellent people at Timbre Winery. Visit TimbreWinery.com to learn more.

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LINKS:

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Kristin Smart Scholarship Foundation – www.kristinsmart.org

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Home is Where the Hack Is: Champagne Taste on a Beer Budget with A&E's DIY Icon Kristen Coutts

Adam Montiel — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 11:08:54 -0400

Grit, Glam, & Glue Guns: How Kristen Coutts Became a DIY Icon:

On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with DIY dynamo and A&E’s newest star, Kristen Coutts, host of Beer Budget Reno. Kristen’s story starts on maternity leave, power drill in hand, with no clue she was about to launch a full-blown design empire. Hear how she turned a fixer-upper, some honest Instagram posts, and a whole lotta awkward moments into a career that’s empowering people to transform their homes—without wrecking their wallets.

Hear how she...

– turned necessity into a full-on purpose and brand

– finds beauty because of the budget, not in spite of it

– makes people feel at home, not just live in one

Plus, Kristen opens up about the renovation moment that made her cry, what she’d say to the scared mom watching from home, and what “home” means to her now. If you’ve ever thought, “I could never do that”—this one’s for you.

Catch Beer Budget Reno premiering Saturday, April 5 at Noon ET/PT on A&E.

Follow Kristen Coutts:

Instagram: @kristencoutts

Watch: Beer Budget Reno on A&E

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BEATS & BRASS: AT RIATA RANCH SUPPORTING MUSIC EDUCATION AT SLO HIGH AND LAGUNA MIDDLE SCHOOL. Connect with SLO High School Band:

Website: SLO Tiger Band

Instagram: @SLOIMBA

*******Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Moonshiner Collective – Live Performance 3/29

Moonshiner Collective, the band behind the Up & Adam theme song “Start Again”, will be performing live at Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills on March 29.
Tickets and event info: MoonshinerCollective.com

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Kristin Smart Scholarship Foundation – www.kristinsmart.org

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Tough Streets, Rough Skies & Sunday Sidelines: Undercover Special Agent Larry Wansley's Front Row Seat to History

Adam Montiel — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 04:08:00 -0400

From the frontlines of the Watts Riots to the sidelines of Monday Night Football, from shadowing Whitney Houston on tour to walking Ground Zero after 9/11—Larry Wansley’s life reads like a thriller. In this episode, Adam Montiel sits down with the man behind some of the most pivotal and untold moments in modern American history. Undercover FBI agent, airline security director, Cowboys security chief—Larry’s stories will blow your mind and stay with you long after.

Plus, Adam is joined by Matt Smart, brother of Kristin Smart, to share an update on the Kristin Smart Scholarship—an inspiring initiative that’s creating lasting impact in Kristin’s name. Learn more about the powerful work the foundation has done and how students can apply before this year’s submission deadline.

Buy Larry's book: Tough Streets, Rough Skies & Sunday Sidelines on Amazon
More on Larry Wansley: www.larrywansley.com
Follow Larry on Instagram: @larrywansley

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BEATS & BRASS: AT RIATA RANCH SUPPORTING MUSIC EDUCATION AT SLO HIGH AND LAGUNA MIDDLE SCHOOL. Connect with SLO High School Band:

Website: SLO Tiger Band

Instagram: @SLOIMBA

*******Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Moonshiner Collective – Live Performance 3/29

Moonshiner Collective, the band behind the Up & Adam theme song “Start Again”, will be performing live at Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills on March 29.
Tickets and event info: MoonshinerCollective.com

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Badge of Honor, Heart of Gold: What Trauma-Informed Policing Looks Like in SLO

Adam Montiel — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 04:08:00 -0400

In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel sits down with Detective Hayden Warner of the San Luis Obispo Police Department in partnership with Lumina Alliance, recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Together, they discuss Hayden’s evolution from patrol to detective, his work with survivors, and what trauma-informed policing looks like when someone’s world is falling apart.

They explore the balance between investigator and human being—how to support someone through their worst moment, even when the system doesn’t always deliver. Plus, hear how a conversation about a homeless artist turned into a real-time response from the city, showing the kind of follow-through that defines Warner’s approach to the job. This conversation also nods to Domestic Violence Awareness Month later in the year and the everyday work being done to support survivors.

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BEATS & BRASS: AT RIATA RANCH SUPPORTING MUSIC EDUCATION AT SLO HIGH AND LAGUNA MIDDLE SCHOOL. Connect with SLO High School Band:

Website: SLO Tiger Band

Instagram: @SLOIMBA

*******Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Moonshiner Collective – Live Performance 3/29

Moonshiner Collective, the band behind the Up & Adam theme song “Start Again”, will be performing live at Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills on March 29.
Tickets and event info: MoonshinerCollective.com

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

True Crime w/ a Truer Voice: Writer/Host Mary Kay McBrayer on Storytelling with Curiosity, Empathy, and Edge. #TrueCrimeTuesday

Adam Montiel — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 04:08:00 -0400

On this episode of Up+Adam, we’re joined by someone who doesn’t just tell true crime stories—she reframes them entirely. Mary Kay McBrayer is a writer, researcher, and the host of The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told, a podcast that takes familiar headlines and turns them on their head. Her work blends deep research with big heart.

We talk about why these stories matter, how to tell them with care, and what it means to look into the darkness without letting it stare back. She’s smart, soulful, and refreshingly unafraid to challenge the genre from the inside out.

Plus, is evil something you’re born with - or just a product of circumstance? What’s one crime we should all be talking about a lot more? Mary Kay’s got some thoughts…

Her new book drops this June - we’ll absolutely have her back for that. In the meantime, get to know Mary Kay. You’ll be better for it.

Find Mary Kay McBrayer:

The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told → Listen on iHeart
Website → www.marykaymcbrayer.co
Instagram → @marykaymcbrayer
Book on Stephanie St. Clair drops June 2025 — follow for updates and pre-order info!

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BEATS & BRASS: AT RIATA RANCH SUPPORTING MUSIC EDUCATION AT SLO HIGH AND LAGUNA MIDDLE SCHOOL. Connect with SLO High School Band:

Website: SLO Tiger Band

Instagram: @SLOIMBA

*******Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Moonshiner Collective – Live Performance 3/29

Moonshiner Collective, the band behind the Up & Adam theme song “Start Again”, will be performing live at Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills on March 29.
Tickets and event info: MoonshinerCollective.com

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Naked, Afraid, and Fully Prepared: E.J. Snyder Brings His Survival Swagger to Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 04:08:00 -0400

E.J. Snyder isn’t just a survivalist—he’s a full-on force of nature. You’ve seen him conquer the wild on Naked and Afraid, Dual Survival, and First Man Out. With 206 survival days under his belt and a 25-year Army career behind him, E.J. has walked into jungles with nothing—and walked out with wisdom. Now, he’s using that knowledge to help everyday people prepare for real-world emergencies at home.

In this episode, Adam and E.J. dive deep into what real preparedness looks like in a world that feels increasingly unstable. They talk about Emergency Home Preparedness, E.J.’s powerful new guide for building a safer, more resilient life. From prepping your house and car to knowing your neighbors and staying calm in chaos—this convo delivers insights that are as practical as they are powerful. If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to be ready... this is your episode.

Buy the book: Emergency Home Preparedness on Amazon
Official website: ejsnyder.com
YouTube channel: @EJSnyder333
Instagram: @ejsnyder333
Survival Mastery platform: survivalmastery.co (use code EJ2025 for a discount)

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BEATS & BRASS: AT RIATA RANCH SUPPORTING MUSIC EDUCATION AT SLO HIGH AND LAGUNA MIDDLE SCHOOL. Connect with SLO High School Band:

Website: SLO Tiger Band

Instagram: @SLOIMBA

*******Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Moonshiner Collective – Live Performance 3/29

Moonshiner Collective, the band behind the Up & Adam theme song “Start Again”, will be performing live at Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills on March 29.
Tickets and event info: MoonshinerCollective.com

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Rosé The SLO Way: Caviar Culture for Haute Dogs & Kitten Couture

Adam Montiel — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 11:37:00 -0400

This episode of Up+Adam is everything we love about SLO CAL — community, cuisine, creativity, and a whole lot of heart. Adam sits down with the team behind Rosé The SLO Way — Rebekah Fancher of Hotel SLO, Michelin-starred Chef Ryan Fancher of Ox + Anchor, and Robin Coleman from Woods Humane Society — to talk about what’s quickly become one of the most beloved events in town.

From world-class food and 33+ wineries to fashion contests and a marketplace full of pink sparkle and local flavor, this event is the perfect blend of elevated and approachable. And yes, the Cuddle Corner returns with puppies and kittens ready to steal the show — and your heart. It's the SLO way to rosé, and it’s all for a good cause.

Tickets & info: https://rosethesloway.com
Woods Humane Society: https://woodshumanesociety.org

Socials:

@rosethesloway – instagram.com/rosethesloway

@hotel_slo – instagram.com/hotel_slo

@oxandanchor – instagram.com/oxandanchor

@woodshumanesociety – instagram.com/woodshumanesociety

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BEATS & BRASS: AT RIATA RANCH SUPPORTING MUSIC EDUCATION AT SLO HIGH AND LAGUNA MIDDLE SCHOOL. Connect with SLO High School Band:

Website: SLO Tiger Band

Instagram: @SLOIMBA

*******Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Moonshiner Collective – Live Performance 3/29

Moonshiner Collective, the band behind the Up & Adam theme song “Start Again”, will be performing live at Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills on March 29.
Tickets and event info: MoonshinerCollective.com

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Ghosted, Gaslit, and Going Viral: The Creators of OK Storytime Bring the Drama to Adam

Adam Montiel — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 11:32:24 -0400

Today on Up+Adam, Adam chats with the creators of OK Storytime, the viral comedy advice podcast that’s flipping the script on how we talk about relationships, breakups, and modern love. Hosts Samuel Donner and John Frye have built a storytelling empire from juicy listener confessions, wild Reddit threads, and the simple belief that good advice can absolutely be given goofily.

From fake cancer diagnoses to breakups with babies on the way, no story is too chaotic for these two, along with their cohosts, to unpack—with heart, humor, and a shockingly insightful point of view. In this episode, they drop their wildest “Dump Him” story yet, open up about the emotional weight behind the laughs, and share how they turned a DIY project into a 20-million-views-a-month powerhouse.

Listen to OK Storytime on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you podcast.

TikTok: @okstorytime
Instagram: @okstorytime
Learn more: okstorytime.com

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BEATS & BRASS: AT RIATA RANCH SUPPORTING MUSIC EDUCATION AT SLO HIGH AND LAGUNA MIDDLE SCHOOL. Connect with SLO High School Band:

Website: SLO Tiger Band

Instagram: @SLOIMBA

*******Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Moonshiner Collective – Live Performance 3/29

Moonshiner Collective, the band behind the Up & Adam theme song “Start Again”, will be performing live at Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills on March 29.
Tickets and event info: MoonshinerCollective.com

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdjEXNX1nSA

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

From Tropic Thunder to Tender Moments: Movie Actor Steve Coogan Unfiltered on his New Movie, 'The Penguin Lessons'

Adam Montiel — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 11:55:32 -0400

He’s been Stan Laurel. He’s been Alan Partridge. He’s even been a doomed director in Tropic Thunder. But in The Penguin Lessons, Steve Coogan brings something entirely new to the screen—heart, quiet transformation, and, yes… an actual penguin.

In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel sits down with the Oscar-nominated actor, writer, and comedian to talk about his latest role in the buzz-worthy new dramedy The Penguin Lessons, hitting theaters March 28th. Based on a true story and set during Argentina’s 1976 political crisis, the film follows a disillusioned teacher who rescues an oil-slicked penguin—only to find that this unlikely bond forces him to confront his past and reawaken his sense of purpose.

Steve opens up about the emotional depth of the character, what surprised him most about acting opposite a penguin, and even dives into fan theories around his explosive cameo in Tropic Thunder. It’s witty, thoughtful, and full of those “Wow, great question” moments you expect from Up+Adam.

Watch the trailer for The Penguin Lessons:

The Penguin Lessons hits theaters nationwide on Friday March 28.

Stay connected with Steve Coogan:

Steve Coogan on IMDb

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BEATS & BRASS: AT RIATA RANCH SUPPORTING MUSIC EDUCATION AT SLO HIGH AND LAGUNA MIDDLE SCHOOL. Connect with SLO High School Band:

Website: SLO Tiger Band

Instagram: @SLOIMBA

*******Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Moonshiner Collective – Live Performance 3/29

Moonshiner Collective, the band behind the Up & Adam theme song “Start Again”, will be performing live at Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills on March 29.
Tickets and event info: MoonshinerCollective.com

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Crowd Control Confidential: Up+Adam's Inside Look at NFL Stadium Security with A&E’s 'Stadium Lockup' Star Omar Jufko

Adam Montiel — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 04:08:00 -0400

Ever wondered what really goes down behind the scenes at a packed NFL stadium when fans lose their cool? On today's Up+Adam, Adam welcomes Omar Jufko, Director of Stadium Security for the Cleveland Browns and the face of A&E's gripping new series, Stadium Lockup. Omar shares jaw-dropping stories about managing nearly 1,000 security staff, medics, and law enforcement personnel tasked with keeping 67,000 rowdy fans safe and in line every game day. From real-time monitoring of 500 CCTV cameras to diffusing wild confrontations, heartfelt family reunions, and even dealing with fans who end up in the stadium's holding cells, Omar provides a fascinating peek into the controlled chaos of professional sports security.

Catch Stadium Lockup premiering Wednesday, March 19th at 9pm ET/PT on A&E.

Watch the Promo: Stadium Lockup Official Trailer
Official Series Page: A&E's Stadium Lockup
More about Omar Jufko & the Browns: clevelandbrowns.com

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BEATS & BRASS: AT RIATA RANCH SUPPORTING MUSIC EDUCATION AT SLO HIGH AND LAGUNA MIDDLE SCHOOL. Connect with SLO High School Band:

Website: SLO Tiger Band

Instagram: @SLOIMBA

*******Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Moonshiner Collective – Live Performance 3/29

Moonshiner Collective, the band behind the Up & Adam theme song “Start Again”, will be performing live at Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills on March 29.
Tickets and event info: MoonshinerCollective.com

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

For one night only, Booker Vineyard is turning their tasting room into a full-service restaurant, and Chef Rachel is the Chef! Check out link HERE

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Last Breath, First Class: Big Screen Actor Finn Cole Goes Deep, and Surfaces on Up+Adam

Adam Montiel — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 04:08:00 -0400

In this episode, Adam sits down with the incredibly talented (and ridiculously humble) British actor Finn Cole—best known for his standout roles in Peaky Blinders as Michael Gray and Animal Kingdom as J Cody. But now, he’s front and center in a brand-new thriller that’s got people talking: Last Breath, in theaters now, where he stars alongside Simu Liu and Woody Harrelson in a high-stakes, claustrophobic deep-sea survival drama based on a true story.

Adam and Finn dive into what it takes—mentally and physically—to perform underwater, how to act with only your eyes behind a saturation diving helmet, and what Finn learned from sharing the screen with some of Hollywood’s best. Plus, Adam puts this Londoner’s California accent to the test and finds out what Americans sound like… to the Brits.

It’s a smart, charming, and refreshingly honest convo about storytelling, taking big swings, and why sometimes failing forward is the best kind of growth.

Catch Last Breath in theaters now:

Rotten Tomatoes: LAST BREATH (2025)
Wikipedia:Last Breath Film WIKI
Follow Finn Cole on Instagram: @finn_cole

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BEATS & BRASS: AT RIATA RANCH SUPPORTING MUSIC EDUCATION AT SLO HIGH AND LAGUNA MIDDLE SCHOOL. Connect with SLO High School Band:

Website: SLO Tiger Band

Instagram: @SLOIMBA

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Chef Rachel Dinner 3/22 Info:

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Moonshiner Collective – Live Performance 3/29

Moonshiner Collective, the band behind the Up & Adam theme song “Start Again”, will be performing live at Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills on March 29.
Tickets and event info: MoonshinerCollective.com

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********

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

From Page Six to The Scoop: Inside the Entertainment Gossip Scene with Paula Froelich

Adam Montiel — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Up+Adam, we chat with Paula Froelich, the trailblazing journalist who redefined celebrity news as the deputy editor of Page Six. Now, as the creative force behind The Scoop on NewsNation, Paula continues to deliver unvarnished insights into the world of entertainment. We get into it all—Meghan and Harry, the Snow White disaster, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively’s legal war, and the game Hollywood plays to control its own scandals. Nothing’s off the table, and you already know - Paula’s bringing the real story behind the headlines.

Connect with Paula Froelich:

NewsNation: Paula Froelich on NewsNation
Instagram: @pfro
Facebook: Paula Froelich
Amazon Author Page: Paula Froelich

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For one night only, Booker Vineyard is turning their tasting room into a full-service restaurant, and Chef Rachel is the Chef! Check out link HERE

********

BEATS & BRASS: AT RIATA RANCH SUPPORTING MUSIC EDUCATION AT SLO HIGH AND LAGUNA MIDDLE SCHOOL. Connect with SLO High School Band:

Website: SLO Tiger Band

Instagram: @SLOIMBA

*******

Chef Rachel Dinner 3/22 Info:

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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Moonshiner Collective – Live Performance 3/29

Moonshiner Collective, the band behind the Up & Adam theme song “Start Again”, will be performing live at Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills on March 29.
Tickets and event info: MoonshinerCollective.com

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

For one night only, Booker Vineyard is turning their tasting room into a full-service restaurant, and Chef Rachel is the Chef! Check out link HERE

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

From Chaos to Culture: The Raw History of Lollapalooza with Legendary Rock Writers Tom Beaujour & Richard Bienstock

Adam Montiel — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 12:42:52 -0400

In this electrifying episode of Up+Adam, we dive deep into the untamed history of the 1990s' most iconic music festival: Lollapalooza. Our guests, Richard Bienstock and Tom Beaujour, co-authors of Lollapalooza: The Uncensored Story of Alternative Rock's Wildest Festival, take us on a journey through the festival's inception, its cultural upheaval, and the unforgettable moments that defined a generation.

About Our Guests:

Richard Bienstock: A seasoned journalist whose work has graced the pages of The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and Billboard. He's also the co-author of the New York Times bestseller Nothin' But a Good Time with Tom.

Tom Beaujour: Co-founder and former editor-in-chief of Revolver, Tom has produced and mixed albums for notable bands like Nada Surf and Guided by Voices. Together with Richard, he co-authored Nothin' But a Good Time.

Connect with Richard & Tom:

Purchase Their Book: Lollapalooza: The Uncensored Story of Alternative Rock's Wildest Festival
Richard Bienstock Instagram: @richardbienstock
Tom Beaujour Instagram: @thebeaujour

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BEATS & BRASS: AT RIATA RANCH SUPPORTING MUSIC EDUCATION AT SLO HIGH AND LAGUNA MIDDLE SCHOOL. Connect with SLO High School Band:

Website: SLO Tiger Band

Instagram: @SLOIMBA

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Chef Rachel Dinner 3/22 Info:

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Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

********

Moonshiner Collective – Live Performance 3/29

Moonshiner Collective, the band behind the Up & Adam theme song “Start Again”, will be performing live at Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills on March 29.
Tickets and event info: MoonshinerCollective.com

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********

********

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Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!

BEATS & BRASS: AT RIATA RANCH SUPPORTING MUSIC EDUCATION AT SLO HIGH AND LAGUNA MIDDLE SCHOOL. *******

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com

Beats, Brass & Breaking the Mold: Why Being a Band Kid is a Power Move

Adam Montiel — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 12:40:19 -0400

Why has being in band carried a stigma for so long? And more importantly, how are today’s young musicians proving that being in band isn’t just cool, but a launchpad for creativity, confidence, and success?

In this episode of Up+Adam, we dive into the world of high school band, where talent, passion, and community come together in a big way. At San Luis Obispo High School and Laguna Middle School, the music scene is thriving—and on April 5th, the Beats & Brass fundraiser is set to showcase just how powerful these programs are.

Beats & Brass will be an unforgettable evening of live music, featuring performances from the SLO High jazz ensembles and The Funk Junket. Attendees will enjoy great music, incredible energy, and delicious food from Old SLO BBQ, Beer & Wine—all while supporting music education for young musicians.

Joining us to talk about the event, the power of music education, and what it really means to be a “band kid” are:

Wes Bisheff – Junior, keys player, and rising jazz musician.
Charlie Valadao – Senior, tenor sax, and jazz enthusiast.
Greyson Diringer – Freshman, saxophonist, and next-gen band leader.
Kait Diringer – Passionate band mom with a front-row seat to the impact of music education.
Tom Mendoza – The ultimate hype man and proud band dad.

We’re tackling the stereotypes, celebrating the wins, and highlighting why band is more than just an extracurricular—it’s a life-changing experience.

Event Details:

Date & Time: Saturday, April 5, 2025, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: Riata Ranch, 6180 West Pozo Road, Santa Margarita, CA

Tickets: GET THEM HERE

Connect with SLO High School Band:

Website: SLO Tiger Band

Instagram: @SLOIMBA

********

Chef Rachel Dinner 3/22 Info:

For one night only, Booker Vineyard is turning their tasting room into a full-service restaurant, and Chef Rachel is the Chef! Check out link HERE

********

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Up+Adam on Spotify
iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

********

Moonshiner Collective – Live Performance 3/29

Moonshiner Collective, the band behind the Up & Adam theme song “Start Again”, will be performing live at Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills on March 29.
Tickets and event info: MoonshinerCollective.com

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********

********

*********

Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!