CITIZEN The Artist & Grace Bennett on Fame, Creativity, Relationships & Going Viral Again | Part 2 Up+Adam

Sponsored by The Mountain Air | Sponsored by Benny’s Pizza | SLOFreeParkingIndependent 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 viralityThere’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*********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 HEREListen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:Official Website: adammontiel.comApple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple PodcastsSpotify: Up+Adam on SpotifyiHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadioYouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music********CHECK OUT OUR WOODS HUMANE PET OF THE WEEK!********ADAM’S TEDX VIDEO IS HERE!********FOLLOW ADAM ON INSTAGRAM*********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 ElementsCity of SLOWoodsHumaneSocietyTin City DistilleryOriginal Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner CollectiveMoonshiner on Spotify HEREPlease Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com©2026 Up+Adam with Adam Montiel / LoBro Studios, All Rights Reserved.