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 ...
Apr 11, 2025•37 min
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 wri...
Apr 10, 2025•28 min
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 stor...
Apr 09, 2025•51 min
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 wrecki...
Apr 04, 2025•33 min
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 Sm...
Apr 03, 2025•27 min
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...
Apr 02, 2025•41 min
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, soulf...
Apr 01, 2025•37 min
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 fe...
Mar 31, 2025•26 min
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 e...
Mar 28, 2025•28 min
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 co...
Mar 27, 2025•30 min
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 Arge...
Mar 26, 2025•19 min
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 ...
Mar 25, 2025•25 min
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—mentall...
Mar 24, 2025•33 min
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 - ...
Mar 21, 2025•36 min
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...
Mar 20, 2025•23 min
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 j...
Mar 19, 2025•29 min
In this episode of Up & Adam, host Adam Montiel brings together two dynamic figures from California's Central Coast: winemaker Michael Brughelli and musician Dan Curcio of Moonshiner Collective. Michael shares insights into his journey from EMT firefighter to vintner, highlighting his latest endeavor, Sacramental Wine , where 100% of the proceeds support the Altadena Community Fund to aid fire victims. Meanwhile, Dan discusses Moonshiner Collective's upcoming performance on March 29, 2025, a...
Mar 18, 2025•55 min
In this episode of Up+Adam, we sit down with Jason and Erica Redman, co-authors of Mission: Invincible Marriage . Jason, a retired Navy SEAL, and Erica, his steadfast partner, open up about how they built a battle-tested, unbreakable marriage despite the overwhelming odds stacked against them. From surviving Jason’s severe combat injuries to navigating the pressures of military life, they share the strategies that kept them together—and thriving. In this conversation, they break down: Why most S...
Mar 17, 2025•20 min
In this episode of Up+Adam, we dive deep into the phenomenon of St. Fratty’s Day—a student-led celebration that has morphed into one of San Luis Obispo’s biggest public safety challenges. What started as a rowdy college tradition exploded into viral chaos, with moments like the infamous 2015 roof collapse that injured nine people, rooftop raves, and students dangling from power lines. This year, for the first time ever, SLO County has declared a Mass Casualty Incident before the event even begin...
Mar 14, 2025•38 min
What do professional tennis and stand-up comedy have in common? More than you think. In this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with comedian, The Daily Show senior correspondent, and former pro tennis player Michael Kosta. His new book, Lucky Loser: Adventures in Tennis and Comedy, is a brutally honest and hilarious deep dive into what it takes to chase a dream, fail at it, and find success in an entirely different world. Kosta opens up about the mental game behind both careers, the toughest lo...
Mar 13, 2025•38 min
Chances are, if you’ve ever had a night out in Paso, SLO, Morro Bay, or Atascadero over the last 20+ years, you’ve seen ‘The Flower Girl’. Dressed to impress, basket in hand, weaving through bars, restaurants, and packed patios, Christine Minkkinen has been making the rounds, selling flowers, and adding a little unexpected romance to the night. But have you ever stopped to wonder—who is she? How did she get started? And how has she kept this gig going for 25 years? It all started with a classifi...
Mar 12, 2025•35 min
In today's #TrueCrimeTuesday edition of Up+Adam, we revisit, 'The Rachel Cancer Scam' with its creator, Harry. This podcast exposes the intricate lies and manipulation alleged of a local woman named Rachel, who is alleged to have faked cancer, pregnancies, and professional credentials, leaving a trail of emotional devastation. Harry, once romantically involved with Rachel, has turned his painful experience into one of the most talked-about true crime podcasts in the country. He joins Adam to dis...
Mar 11, 2025•35 min
In this episode of Up+Adam, we chat with the dynamic Anna Francese Gass , a chef, cookbook author, and culinary influencer who is redefining Italian cuisine for the modern home cook. You’ve seen her on Good Morning America, TODAY show, and more - Born in Italy and raised in the U.S., Anna's deep-rooted passion for Italian flavors shines through in her innovative approach to traditional dishes. Her latest venture, the cooking series Instant Italian, premieres TONIGHT on FYI at 9:30 PM ET/PT, offe...
Mar 10, 2025•23 min
Up + Adam: Cab Franc Masters, Pet of the Week, & Weekend Events Paso Robles is gearing up for Cab Franc Masters, a two-day event celebrating one of the most intriguing and underrated varietals in the wine world. Today, Adam sits down with Neeta Mitral of LXV Wines and Damian Grimley of Brecon Estate to talk about why Cab Franc is having a moment, what makes this grape so special, and why this event is a can’t-miss for wine lovers. Plus, it’s Friday, so that means a check-in with Robin Colema...
Mar 07, 2025•36 min
For one night only, Booker Vineyard is flipping the script and transforming its tasting room into a full-service restaurant—and at the helm of this culinary takeover is none other than Chef Rachel Ponce . Known for her bold, inventive, and interactive dishes, Rachel is teaming up with Micah Park, Booker’s hospitality and events mastermind, to create a dining experience like Paso has never seen before. Happening March 22nd, this special event is unlike your typical winemaker dinner. Instead of a ...
Mar 06, 2025•39 min
In this episode, Adam sits down with Josh Klapper, owner and winemaker at Timbre Winery, along with Kyle Hollenbeck and Lyla Fernandez, students from Cal Poly's Advanced Experiential Marketing class. They discuss the upcoming event, "Timbre Winery: A Melody of Flavors," happening this Sunday, March 9, at Timbre Winery's production facility in San Luis Obispo. This FREE event is entirely student-led, bringing together live music, wine tastings, games, and a raffle, all in support of Jack's Helpin...
Mar 05, 2025•31 min
It’s True Crime Tuesday, and we’re keeping it local today on Up+Adam! While the big networks are busy covering far-off scandals, we’re digging into a case happening right here in San Luis Obispo. Former probation officer Fallyn Rollins is accused of embezzling over $100,000 from her own union. The DA went public with his frustration over how her bail was handled, throwing accusations of special treatment into the mix. Now? A gag order has been issued, meaning neither side can say a word. But cri...
Mar 04, 2025•38 min
Special Publishing of The Pour with Adam Montiel here for the Up+Adam community while in Santa Barbara for World of Pinot Noir. On this episode of The Pour with Adam Montiel, we’re coming to you straight from the 25th Anniversary of the World of Pinot Noir at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara—where the pours are deep, the wines are rare, and the conversations go where no tasting notes can take you. This one’s stacked: Dan Kosta—a legend in Pinot Noir—joins The Pour for the first time to break down his nex...
Mar 01, 2025•1 hr 4 min
CHECK OUT OUR WOODS HUMANE PET OF THE WEEK! ******** 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 ******** ******* Get your tickets to SLO COMEDY FESTIVAL HERE! ***...
Feb 28, 2025•14 min
In this episode, Adam sits down with Molly Clark, Director of Cal Poly Arts, to talk about the business of performing arts and what it takes to curate a show-stopping season. Molly shares behind-the-scenes insights into booking performances, balancing financial wins with artistic risks, and why some acts resonate while others take time to find their audience. They also discuss the surprising show that sold out for the first time in 14 years, the challenges of securing Broadway-level productions ...
Feb 27, 2025•40 min
