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

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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©2026 Up+Adam with Adam Montiel / LoBro Studios, All Rights Reserved.

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

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

********

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

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

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©2026 Up+Adam with Adam Montiel / LoBro Studios, All Rights Reserved.

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

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

********

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

• Official Website: adammontiel.com
• Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam 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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Sincere Thanks to the current 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!

Life Elements

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WoodsHumaneSociety

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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

©2026 Up+Adam with Adam Montiel / LoBro Studios, All Rights Reserved.

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

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!

• Official Website: adammontiel.com
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Sincere Thanks to the current 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!

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

©2026 Up+Adam with Adam Montiel / LoBro Studios, All Rights Reserved.

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

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!

• Official Website: adammontiel.com
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©2026 Up+Adam with Adam Montiel / LoBro Studios, All Rights Reserved.

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

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.

********

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

• Official Website: adammontiel.com
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Sincere Thanks to the current 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!

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©2026 Up+Adam with Adam Montiel / LoBro Studios, All Rights Reserved.

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

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.

• 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

• Fight Ready by Santino DeFranco

• Santino DeFranco Official Website

********

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

• Official Website: adammontiel.com
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Sincere Thanks to the current 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!

Life Elements

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©2026 Up+Adam with Adam Montiel / LoBro Studios, All Rights Reserved.

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

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

********

*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

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

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CHECK OUT OUR WOODS HUMANE PET OF THE WEEK!

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Sincere Thanks to the current 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!

Life Elements

City of SLO

WoodsHumaneSociety

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

©2026 Up+Adam with Adam Montiel / LoBro Studios, All Rights Reserved.

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

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

• Official Website: adammontiel.com
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• iHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadio
• YouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music

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CHECK OUT OUR WOODS HUMANE PET OF THE WEEK!

********

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********

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Sincere Thanks to the current 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!

Life Elements

City of SLO

WoodsHumaneSociety

Tin City Distillery

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

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

©2026 Up+Adam with Adam Montiel / LoBro Studios, All Rights Reserved.

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

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

********

*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

• Official Website: adammontiel.com
• 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 OUR WOODS HUMANE PET OF THE WEEK!

********

ADAM’S TEDX VIDEO IS HERE!

********

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Sincere Thanks to the current 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!

Life Elements

City of SLO

WoodsHumaneSociety

Tin City Distillery

Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE

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

©2026 Up+Adam with Adam Montiel / LoBro Studios, All Rights Reserved.