On today’s episode of Up+Adam, we sit down with

Ready to send 2025 out in style? On this episode of Up+Adam

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 Galahttps://www.pacslo.org/events/detail/nye25• Tickets and informationhttps://www.pacslo.org/events/detail/nye25805-756-4849• Opera San Luis Obispohttps://www.operaslo.org• Brian Asher Alhadeff

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

UNCLE BANANA CHILDREN'S BOOK - CHRISTMAS LESSONS - PROCEEDS BENEFITTING BREAKING & ENTERING CHRISTMASToday’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 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_IEFPnFGAc)Watch the trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_IEFPnFGAc)Follow Hunter on Instagram instagram.com/hunterdoohan (http://instagram.com/hunterdoohan)Learn more or donate to Project ALS

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR BREAKING & ENTERING CHRISTMAS FAMILY HEREJINGLE JAM TICKETS HERE - DOZEN LOCAL ARTISTS PLAY XMAS MUSIC FOR A GREAT CAUSE, OUR BREAKING & ENTERING CHRISTMASUNCLE BANANA CHILDREN'S BOOK - CHRISTMAS LESSONS - PROCEEDS BENEFITTING BREAKING & ENTERING CHRISTMAS********Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:* Official Website: adammontiel.com* 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!

JINGLE JAM TICKETS HERE - DOZEN LOCAL ARTISTS PLAY XMAS MUSIC FOR A GREAT CAUSE, OUR BREAKING & ENTERING CHRISTMASUNCLE BANANA CHILDREN'S BOOK - CHRISTMAS LESSONS - PROCEEDS BENEFITTING BREAKING & ENTERING CHRISTMASSteve Rossi | Christmas at the Ranch, Family Legacy, and Making Holiday Magic in Wine CountryDESCRIPTION: 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. • (https://www.christmasatthemargarita.com)Christmas at the Margarita (https://www.christmasatthemargarita.com) • (https://www.travelpaso.com/event/christmas-at-the-santa-margarita-ranch/5631/)Visit the event page on Travel Paso (https://www.travelpaso.com/event/christmas-at-the-santa-margarita-ranch/5631/)********Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:* Official Website: adammontiel.com* Apple Podcasts:

JINGLE JAM TICKETS HERE - DOZEN LOCAL ARTISTS PLAY XMAS MUSIC FOR A GREAT CAUSE, OUR BREAKING & ENTERING CHRISTMASB&E FREE WINE-COUNTRY XMAS MARKET THIS SUNDAYUNCLE BANANA CHILDREN'S BOOK - CHRISTMAS LESSONS - PROCEEDS BENEFITTING BREAKING & ENTERING CHRISTMASIt’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 ObispoExplore more or shop online • (https://slocally-made.com)

JINGLE JAM TICKETS HERE - DOZEN LOCAL ARTISTS PLAY XMAS MUSIC FOR A GREAT CAUSE, OUR BREAKING & ENTERING CHRISTMASB&E FREE WINE-COUNTRY XMAS MARKET THIS SUNDAYUNCLE BANANA CHILDREN'S BOOK - CHRISTMAS LESSONS - PROCEEDS BENEFITTING BREAKING & ENTERING CHRISTMASThis 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 friendlyB&E FREE WINE-COUNTRY XMAS MARKET THIS SUNDAYGuests and Links • Meghan Ball – @vinlumia (https://www.instagram.com/vinlumia/) • Rob Tredway – (https://www.instagram.com/unhinged.cc)

JINGLE JAM TICKETS HERE - DOZEN LOCAL ARTISTS PLAY XMAS MUSIC FOR A GREAT CAUSE, OUR BREAKING & ENTERING CHRISTMASB&E FREE WINE-COUNTRY XMAS MARKET THIS SUNDAYUNCLE BANANA CHILDREN'S BOOK - CHRISTMAS LESSONS - PROCEEDS BENEFITTING BREAKING & ENTERING CHRISTMASNathan Long, Owner of Nate’s on MarshWhat 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: (https://www.natesonmarsh.com)natesonmarsh.com (https://www.natesonmarsh.com) • Follow for the food, the vibe, and the chaos: @natesonmarsh (http://instagram.com/natesonmarsh)********Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:* Official Website:

GET YOUR TICKETS TO JINGLE JAM (https://my805tix.com/e/jinglejam-25/tickets)LEARN ABOUT OUR B&E WINE COUNTRY XMAS MARKET (https://adammontiel.com/wine-country-christmas-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. • (https://www.cambriachristmasmarket.com)cambriachristmasmarket.com (https://www.cambriachristmasmarket.com) • @cambriachristmasmarket (https://www.instagram.com/cambriachristmasmarket/) on InstagramBring your jacket, your camera, and your sense of wonder. This one is worth the drive.********Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:* Official Website: adammontiel.

Enjoy last year's Breaking & Entering Christmas Jingle Jam live performances and, GET TICKETS TO THIS YEARS JINGLE JAM 12/11 LIBERTINE DT SLO (https://my805tix.com/e/jinglejam-25)A Night of Music, Magic, and Local Holiday HeartJoin 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 (https://my805tix.com/e/jinglejam-25)

GET TICKETS TO JINGLE JAM HERE!! (https://my805tix.com/e/jinglejam-25/tickets)COME TO OUR FREE WINE COUNTRY CHRISTMAS MARKET HERE (https://adammontiel.com/wine-country-christmas-market)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)https://downtownslo.com (https://downtownslo.com) • Volunteer or check out holiday events: HERE (https://downtownslo.com/events/holidays) • Details on the Buy Local Bonus: https://slocity.org (https://slocity.org) • Follow Downtown SLO on Instagram: https://instagram.com/downtownslo (https://instagram.com/downtownslo) • Santa’s House info and photos HERE (https://downtownslo.com/events/holidays/holidayplaza/santas-house)********Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:* Official Website: adammontiel.com* Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts* Spotify:

GET TICKETS TO JINGLE JAM! (https://my805tix.com/e/jinglejam-25)

Is humanity ready to hear the truth? In this episode of Up+Adam

LEARN MORE AND GET YOUR TICKETS TO JINGLE JAM HERE!

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 • (https://www.harpercollins.com/products/rocky-horror-mick-rocktim-mohr?variant=43813469028386)Rocky Horror: Behind the Scenes of a Cult Classic (HarperCollins) (https://www.harpercollins.com/products/rocky-horror-mick-rocktim-mohr?variant=43813469028386)Follow and learn more • (https://www.mickrock.com/)MickRock.com (https://www.mickrock.com/) • @MickRock on InstagramMake sure to follow, rate, and share the show. Every listen helps us tell more stories that matter.********Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:* Official Website: adammontiel.com* Apple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple Podcasts* Spotify:

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, s...