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, soulful, and refreshingly unafraid to challenge the genre from the inside out.

Plus, is evil something you’re born with - or just a product of circumstance? What’s one crime we should all be talking about a lot more? Mary Kay’s got some thoughts…

Her new book drops this June - we’ll absolutely have her back for that. In the meantime, get to know Mary Kay. You’ll be better for it.

Find Mary Kay McBrayer:

• The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told → Listen on iHeart
• Website → www.marykaymcbrayer.co
• Instagram → @marykaymcbrayer
• Book on Stephanie St. Clair drops June 2025 — follow for updates and pre-order info!



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BEATS & BRASS: AT RIATA RANCH SUPPORTING MUSIC EDUCATION AT SLO HIGH AND LAGUNA MIDDLE SCHOOL. 

Connect with SLO High School Band:

Website: SLO Tiger Band

Instagram: @SLOIMBA 

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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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Moonshiner Collective – Live Performance 3/29

• 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

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CHECK OUT OUR WOODS HUMANE PET OF THE WEEK!

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ADAM’S TEDX VIDEO IS HERE!

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FOLLOW ADAM ON INSTAGRAM

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