Up + Adam with Adam Montiel

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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

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 Jun 17, 2026

Show notes

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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*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

Santino DeFranco: Discipline, Fear, and the Psychology of Performance #FightReady | Up+Adam Jun 16, 2026

Show notes

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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*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 People Behind Your Plate Are Closer Than You Think | Up+Adam Jun 12, 2026

Show notes

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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*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

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 Jun 11, 2026

Show notes

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!

Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:

Official Website: adammontiel.com
Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam 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 Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

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!

*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

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 Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

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!

*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

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 Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

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 May 27, 2026

Show notes

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