The 15th annual SLO Comedy Festival is back, bringing 40+ top comedians to 10 venues across four days for an unforgettable weekend of stand-up. In this episode, Adam sits down with festival organizers Eric Shantz & Kris Rubio to discuss what it takes to put on one of the biggest comedy events in California. They share behind-the-scenes stories, what makes SLO audiences unique, and the evolution of the festival over the past 15 years. Listeners also have the chance to win last-minute tickets ...
Feb 26, 2025•31 min
It’s #TrueCrimeTuesday on Up+Adam, and today Adam chats with Leah Rothman, an Emmy-nominated producer, writer, and director who’s worked with A&E, MSNBC, FOX, OWN, Bravo, Lifetime, Universal Pictures, and more. She’s the force behind The Real Killer podcast, a series that takes a hard look at the 1997 murder of Anastasia Whitbols-Fry—a case that seemed closed until new evidence, conflicting witness statements, and forensic surprises cracked it wide open. Was the right person convicted? Is th...
Feb 25, 2025•33 min
In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam chats with bestselling author and award-winning journalist Michael Cannell to discuss his latest book, Blood and the Badge: The Mafia, Two Killer Cops, and a Scandal That Shocked the Nation. The book dives deep into the true story of Louie Eppolito and Stephen Caracappa, two NYPD detectives who worked as Mafia hitmen while on the city’s payroll. It’s a tale of betrayal, corruption, and justice served decades too late. For the first time in forty years, the former...
Feb 24, 2025•35 min
In this episode of Up+Adam, we break down the anatomy of the slam dunk. Adam Montiel chats with bestselling author and award-winning journalist Mike Sielski to talk about his latest book, Magic in the Air: The Myth, the Mystery, and the Soul of the Slam Dunk. It’s more than a sports story - it’s about how the dunk became basketball’s ultimate power move, from being banned by the NCAA in the '60s to becoming the centerpiece of the NBA’s global brand. And here’s the thing - even if basketball isn’...
Feb 21, 2025•34 min
On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with Thomas Reiss, founder of Kraftwerk Design, one of the Central Coast’s top creative agencies. But this chat isn’t just about design—it’s about what it really takes to build a brand that sticks, especially when AI can generate logos, websites, and copy in seconds. Thomas shares how Kraftwerk uses AI as a creative accelerator—not a replacement—and why business owners and entrepreneurs still need human-driven branding to stand out in a crowded marketpl...
Feb 20, 2025•30 min
Today on Up+Adam, I’m joined by the one and only Adam Carolla—podcast pioneer, comedy legend, and one of the biggest names in the game. He’s coming to SLO to perform at the Fremont Theatre on February 28, and we had a chance to chat about everything from the state of podcasting and radio to stand-up comedy and California politics. And here’s the kicker—despite a career that’s spanned bestselling books, TV, movies, and the world’s most downloaded podcast, there’s still something Adam Carolla hasn...
Feb 19, 2025•29 min
In this episode of Up+Adam, legal analyst and best-selling author Jeffrey Toobin joins Adam Montiel for a deep dive into one of the most controversial and consequential powers in American politics—the presidential pardon. With insights from his new book, The Pardon: The Politics of Presidential Mercy, Toobin explores historic pardons, the political weight behind them, and the ethical dilemmas they create. Was Ford’s pardon of Nixon a mistake? How shady was Biden to pardon his whole friggin famil...
Feb 18, 2025•23 min
In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel chats with Elizabeth Vargas, one of the most recognizable names in journalism. She’s spent 15 years as the anchor of 20/20 and co-anchored World News Tonight, delivering some of the most important stories of our time. Now, she’s leading Elizabeth Vargas Reports on NewsNation, which is making a major shift to primetime at 7 PM ET. Adam and Elizabeth dive into the changing landscape of news, what sets her reporting apart, and the biggest challenges facing j...
Feb 17, 2025•24 min
In this episode of Up+Adam, we dive deep into the rich legacy of the Dusi family with Janell Dusi, the dynamic winemaker behind J Dusi Wines, and her brother, vineyard manager Matt Dusi. Celebrating 100 years of farming in Paso Robles this year, the Dusi siblings share captivating stories from their family's history, the evolution of their winemaking practices, and the unique dynamics that come with running a family-owned winery. From the inspiration behind their commemorative 'Cent'Anni' Zinfan...
Feb 14, 2025•28 min
In this episode of Up+Adam, we sit down with Candice Custodio, the Executive Director and Event Curator of At Her Table, a transformative festival in San Luis Obispo County that celebrates and elevates women in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries. Candice shares insights into the festival's rapid growth since its inception in 2022, highlighting how it has become a cornerstone event, drawing visitors from across California and beyond, and the new life she is breathing into the event le...
Feb 13, 2025•31 min
Adam out sick today. Reflect back with these two interviews from years ago. Dateline's Keith Morrison & Comic Tommy Chong ******* Get your tickets to SLO COMEDY FESTIVAL HERE! ******** ADAM’S TEDX VIDEO IS HERE! ******** For more behind-the-scenes moments and additional content, follow Adam on Instagram at @adamontheair HERE . ********* 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 h...
Feb 12, 2025•16 min
In this episode of Up+Adam, we sit down with the dynamic SallyAnn Salsano, the creative powerhouse behind reality TV sensations like Jersey Shore, Party Down South, and Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party. Now, she’s back with the adrenaline-fueled series Police 24/7 on The CW, offering viewers an unfiltered glimpse into the daily lives of law enforcement officers across the nation. . SallyAnn shares insights into her unique storytelling approach, the challenges of capturing raw reality on...
Feb 11, 2025•24 min
Paso Robles thrives on creativity, and in this episode of Up+Adam, we’re chatting with Jordan Fiorentini. Jordan, the winemaker at Epoch Estate Wines and the incoming board president of Studios on the Park, joins the show to talk about Sweet Art 2025, an exciting fundraiser happening at Sensorio. This year, the event is honoring Stacie Jacob, whose influence in Paso wine and tourism has left an undeniable mark. Taking place on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Sensorio, Sweet Art 2025 offers guests...
Feb 10, 2025•17 min
In this episode of Up & Adam, we chat with the members of Take It SLO, Cal Poly’s premier a cappella group celebrated for their dynamic performances and vocal prowess. They share insights into their musical journey, the group’s evolution, and their much-anticipated Valentine’s Day singing telegrams. From February 11th to 15th, you can hire Take It SLO to deliver a heartfelt serenade to your special someone, whether in a classroom or off-campus. It’s an affordable and memorable way to express...
Feb 07, 2025•25 min
Today on Up+Adam, we sit down with Sahil Bloom, entrepreneur, investor, and author of The 5 Types of Wealth. His book isn’t just about money—it’s about building a life that’s truly rich in every sense of the word. We go deep into why most people are climbing the wrong mountain, how to break free from the endless chase for more, and what real financial freedom actually looks like. Plus, if you’re in your 40s and haven’t saved well, Sahil lays out exactly what you need to do today to get back on t...
Feb 06, 2025•36 min
In this episode of Up & Adam, Adam Montiel sits down with Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Chris Myers. With a career spanning over 40 years, Chris has been at the forefront of sports journalism, covering events like the 1989 World Series earthquake and conducting memorable interviews with legends such as Muhammad Ali and Tom Brady. He shares captivating stories from his new book, That Deserves a Wow, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the moments that have shaped sports history. T...
Feb 05, 2025•32 min
True Crime Tuesday On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with legendary journalist and true crime powerhouse, Laura Ingle. If you’ve been following investigative journalism over the years, you’ve seen her work—from her days on KFI in Los Angeles to her tenure as a senior correspondent at FOX, and now at NewsNation. Laura has covered some of the most high-profile true crime cases, including the Gabby Petito investigation, the Long Island Serial Killer case, and the mysterious disappearance o...
Feb 04, 2025•24 min
Untamed Dinner at At Her Table – March 9 Location: Paso Bamboo, 5590 North River Road, Paso Robles Tickets and event info: AtHerTable.com Moonshiner Collective – Live Performance 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 ******** CHECK OUT OUR WOODS HUMANE PET OF THE WEEK! ******* Get your tickets to SLO COMEDY FESTIVAL HERE! ******** ADA...
Feb 03, 2025•12 min
In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel chats with David Roberts, the real-life bodyguard to Whitney Houston, whose professional relationship with her inspired the legendary film The Bodyguard. His new memoir, Protecting Whitney, details his years of protecting one of the greatest voices in history—on stage, in the spotlight, and behind closed doors. Roberts was hired in 1988 for Whitney’s Moment of Truth World Tour, and what started as a professional assignment turned into a deeply personal an...
Feb 03, 2025•21 min
SLO Delicious Week 5 - Celebrating Black Sheep & Café Roma SLO Restaurant Month may have wrapped up, but the celebration of local food never stops! In this episode of SLO Delicious, we reflect on the incredible flavors and stories behind two standout restaurants in San Luis Obispo: Black Sheep and Café Roma. First, we chat with Myriam from Black Sheep, a gastropub that has become a beloved staple in SLO. She shares the restaurant’s history, how it has evolved over the years, and her philosop...
Feb 03, 2025•42 min
In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam Montiel sits down with Paola Pedroza, an actress, TV host, and certified medium, to talk about her podcast Ghost Therapy—where she channels messages from the other side to bring comfort to her guests. Now, Adam’s a skeptic. He’s not looking to be convinced, but he is looking to understand. And that’s exactly what this conversation is about—curiosity without an agenda, respect without the need to agree. Paola shares how her abilities first manifested when she was ...
Jan 31, 2025•28 min
In this episode of Up+Adam, we’re diving deep into the changing world of work with someone who truly knows the hiring game inside and out. Andrew Seaman, Editor-at-Large for Job Search & Careers at LinkedIn and host of Get Hired, joins Adam to discuss the latest Jobs on the Rise report and what it reveals about the future of work. AI-focused roles are taking over, but is AI really the golden ticket? Nearly half of the top-growing jobs didn’t exist 25 years ago—so how do you stay ahead of the...
Jan 30, 2025•22 min
In this episode of Up+Adam, we sit down with Marco Rizzo of Cafe Roma, a restaurant that has been a cornerstone of San Luis Obispo’s dining scene for over four decades. Marco shares the story of his family’s journey, starting with his father’s first restaurant in Los Angeles in 1953 and continuing with the founding of Cafe Roma in 1980. We explore their signature dishes, like house-made ravioli and short rib ragu, as well as Marco’s philosophy on curating a wine list that honors both Italian tra...
Jan 29, 2025•27 min
On this episode of Up+Adam, we’re joined by John Kim, a best-selling author, licensed therapist, and the voice behind The Angry Therapist. We originally had this interview scheduled weeks ago, but the day before our conversation, we got the devastating news that John’s house had burned down in the Eaton Fire. In today’s episode, John shares his reflections on that life-changing event and the raw, emotional journey of starting over. But the heart of our conversation is about his latest book, Brea...
Jan 28, 2025•26 min
In this episode of Up+Adam, we’re joined by Myriam Olaizola, the owner of Black Sheep Bar & Grill in San Luis Obispo. Since opening in 2005, Black Sheep has been a go-to destination for delicious food, signature cocktails, and a cozy pub-inspired ambiance. Black Sheep is participating in SLO Restaurant Month (in its last week). Myriam shares the story behind the restaurant, what makes their insane mac and cheese so unforgettable, and how they’ve become a downtown institution. Plus, we get a ...
Jan 27, 2025•27 min
In this special episode of Up+Adam, Adam and his good friend and fellow colleague Suz, take you behind the scenes at Songs of Solace, a benefit concert happening RIGHT NOW (Sun) at Rod & Hammer Rock to raise funds for wildfire relief. Featuring an incredible lineup of talented musicians, including Moonshiner Collective, The Vibe Setters, Funk Junket, Zongo All-Stars, Chris Beland Band, Ryan Delmore, Carbon City Lights, Max MacLaury, and Mother Corn Shuckers, this event is a powerful testamen...
Jan 26, 2025•25 min
In this episode of SLO Delicious, we’re diving into the fourth week of SLO Restaurant Month, celebrating the incredible flavors and culinary creativity of San Luis Obispo. This week, we highlight two standout dining experiences that capture the magic of local food and culture. Featured Guests: • Feben – Co-owner of Ebony Discover the rich traditions of Ethiopian cuisine with Feben from Ebony. She shares the story behind the restaurant, their signature dishes like injera and doro wat, and the bea...
Jan 25, 2025•34 min
In this episode of Up & Adam, host Adam Montiel sits down with Dan Curcio of Moonshiner Collective to discuss their musical endeavors and the upcoming “Songs of Solace” benefit concert. The event is scheduled for Sunday, January 26, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Rod & Hammer Rock in San Luis Obispo. The concert features a lineup of local talents, including The Vibe Setters, Funk Junket, and Zongo All-Stars, with all proceeds benefiting the California Fire Foundation. Later, Adam chat...
Jan 24, 2025•37 min
Win Tickets from Up+Adam to Paso Wine Fest ********* In this episode of Up & Adam, we sit down with two remarkable figures in the true crime world: Lauren Bright Pacheco, an Emmy Award-winning journalist and seasoned true-crime host, and Bob Motta, a veteran criminal defense attorney and creator of the acclaimed podcast Defense Diaries. Together, they delve into their latest collaboration, Murder on Songbird Road, a gripping podcast series that re-examines the 2020 stabbing death of 11-year-...
Jan 23, 2025•37 min
Win Tickets from Up+Adam to Paso Wine Fest ********* In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with Feben, the inspiring owner of Ebony, San Luis Obispo’s only Ethiopian restaurant. Feben shares her journey of creating a space where culture, community, and cuisine come together beautifully. From the artistry behind injera bread to the unique Ethiopian coffee ceremony, Feben highlights how Ebony is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience. Listen as Feben shares her passion for food made w...
Jan 22, 2025•29 min
