What does it mean to train like a human being was built to move?

In this episode of Quality Values, I sit down with Dave Nisbet, firefighter, strength coach, and the founder of Edmonton Stones of Strength. We dive into the world of stone lifting—not just as a physical practice, but as a path to fundamental strength, breathing power, and ancient human movement.

Dave shares how lifting massive stones helped him in his role as a firefighter, how he trains breathing under heavy loads, and why stone lifting is a missing link in modern strength culture. Whether you’re a martial artist, lifter, or movement explorer, this episode will change the way you view strength training.

00:00 – Intro: Dave Nisbet & the art of stone lifting
02:00 – Stone training vs. barbell training: strengths & weaknesses
04:30 – Applying stone strength to firefighting & real-world work
07:00 – Aerobic capacity, trunk training & grappling crossover
10:15 – Transference: Why stone strength transfers to everything
13:00 – Sandbags vs. stones: which is better & why
16:00 – Where to find the right stones + how to “read” them
18:45 – Dave’s Icelandic stone-carry mission explained
20:30 – Breath training under heavy loads (literally!)
23:00 – Carryover from diaphragmatic strength to daily life
26:00 – Fundamentals over flash: timeless training principles
28:00 – History of stone lifting & its ancient global roots
31:00 – Lifting iconic stones across the world
32:40 – Edmonton Stones of Strength: building a global community
35:00 – Social media as a bridge between the old world and new
38:00 – Why stone lifting resonates in modern fitness
42:00 – Creating a timeless strength practice in the digital age
45:00 – Getting started: gear, pads, and recommended loads
48:00 – Where to find Dave, learn more, and join the movement

• 🪨 Follow Dave on Instagram

• 🗿 Learn more about Edmonton Stones of Strength

• 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

• 📸 Follow @YourInstagram

🪨 “Stone lifting taught me more about breath, posture, and power than any barbell ever did.”
In this episode, I talk with Dave Nisbet about building real strength from the ground up—literally.
Watch or listen now on YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts. #StoneLifting #FunctionalStrength #QualityValuesPodcast

functional strengthfirefighter trainingbreathwork under loadEdmonton Stones of Strengthancient strength trainingsandbag vs stone liftingDave Nisbetnatural movementQuality Values Podcaststrongman trainingcarry trainingdiaphragm trainingunconventional fitnessfoundational strengthIceland stone liftingtimeless strength principles

In this episode of Quality Values, I sit down with Zach Loewenberg, an analyst with the Baltimore Orioles, to explore what it's really like working in Major League Baseball.

We dive into:
⚾️ How he broke into one of the most competitive industries in sports
📊 What MLB scouting looks like in the data era
🧠 The balance between analytics, instinct, and human connection
🏟️ The culture that’s powering the Orioles’ recent success
🌍 Why baseball still matters in 2025—and how it connects generations

Whether you're a baseball fan, a data nerd, or someone chasing a dream job in sports, Zach’s story is packed with insight, honesty, and inspiration.

Baseball, Orioles, MLB, analytics, scouting, sports careers, data, athlete development, sports industry, personal growth, teamwork, vision, mentorship, player development, leadership, values, human performance, Zach Loewenberg, Quality Values Podcast

In this episode of Quality Values, I sit down with Daniel Strauss, better known as the Raspberry Ape, to talk about jiu-jitsu, strength, and why the body is best understood as a system—not a set of muscles. Daniel is a BJJ black belt, strength coach, and the creator of the Wrist Strength Program, known for his legendary grip and creative training methods.

We dive into his strength-building journey, his unconventional tools and training style, his views on performance vs. recovery, and his long-term vision for training well into old age—all while staying natty, grounded, and ridiculously strong.

⏳ [00:00] Intro – Discussing a new tool for heel hook resilience
⏳ [01:25] Daniel’s grip strength system & why grip = longevity
⏳ [06:07] From 70kg to 90+kg: building mass without breaking down
⏳ [10:06] His chaotic-but-consistent training style explained
⏳ [13:30] Can anyone match his grip? How he handles elite strength
⏳ [16:35] PEDs in BJJ: Daniel’s natural athlete philosophy
⏳ [18:15] Business, branding & the rise of “The Raspberry Ape”
⏳ [23:16] Values that drive his work: curiosity, creativity, longevity
⏳ [25:09] Training older athletes—what changes and what doesn’t
⏳ [27:30] Nutrition & ingredient quality vs. macro goals
⏳ [30:04] Psychedelics, breathwork & altered states of perception
⏳ [35:14] Grounding routines, dogs, and walking in the woods
⏳ [43:42] The Wrist Program – from performance to recovery
⏳ [51:14] Memory training, nervous system theory & visualization
⏳ [56:16] Building a community & legacy beyond strength
⏳ [01:00:14] Weapons training and new fascinations

• Daniel’s IG: @raspberry_ape

• The Wrist Strength Program

• Daniel’s Podcast: The Raspberry Ape Podcast

• Follow his training library & courses via his link in bio

💬 Whether you’re a martial artist, trainer, or just someone curious about unconventional strength and long-term training, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

👉 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & COMMENT: What’s your favorite unconventional training tool? Let’s talk grip, wrist, and real strength below ⬇️

🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts

#QualityValues #DanielStrauss #RaspberryApe #GripStrength #BJJ #StrengthTraining #WristHealth #JiuJitsu #FunctionalFitness #PsychedelicsAndPerformance #LongevityTraining #StrengthCoach #UnconventionalTraining #PodcastConversation

In this deeply moving episode of Quality Values, I sit down with Kijuan Amey, also known as Kiwi, a military veteran, author, speaker, and mentor. After a life-altering motorcycle accident left him in a coma and blinded him permanently, Kijuan chose to rebuild his life with purpose and vision.

We talk about the values that shaped him, his incredible comeback story, and how he found new purpose in service, storytelling, and mentorship—even after losing everything he thought defined him. Kiwi’s journey is one of radical reinvention, anchored by faith, drive, and the deep desire to catalyze transformation in others.

⏳ [00:00] Introduction – Kiwi’s cold outreach & our connection
⏳ [03:02] Military service, values, and the roots of leadership
⏳ [07:52] The motorcycle accident that changed everything
⏳ [12:44] Waking up blind: the emotional and psychological aftermath
⏳ [20:40] The moment vision replaced sight—and purpose took hold
⏳ [24:56] Processing loss, rebuilding identity, and starting over
⏳ [32:54] How Kiwi found his voice through writing & speaking
⏳ [37:36] Podcasting, mentoring, and becoming a source of strength
⏳ [42:56] Writing a book while blind: process & mindset
⏳ [46:36] Was the accident a catalyst for deeper impact?
⏳ [50:07] Advice for aspiring authors—start messy, stay committed
⏳ [54:36] Publishing tips + the unexpected rewards of authorship
⏳ [01:01:37] Kiwi’s vision for the future and being a "catalyst"
⏳ [01:08:46] Where to find Kiwi & how to support his mission

• Kiwi’s book: [Insert Title] – [Link to Amazon or website]

• Contact Kiwi: [Email or preferred contact method]

• Follow podcast updates on IG: [@YourInstagram]

💬 This conversation is a must-listen if you’re going through a hard season or need to reconnect with your sense of purpose. Kiwi is living proof that vision is more powerful than sight, and that impact doesn’t require perfect conditions—it requires courage.

👉 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & COMMENT: What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to overcome—and what helped you through it? Let’s talk below. ⬇️

🎧 Available now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts

#QualityValues #KijuanAmey #VisionOverSight #BlindAuthor #VeteranStories #Resilience #Inspiration #Motivation #PurposeDriven #PodcastConversation #AuthorLife #TransformationalLeadership

🔥 Episode Timeline📚 RESOURCES & LINKS

In this episode of Quality Values, I sit down with Joe Candido, author of Leadership Selling and a coach to elite sales organizations. We dive deep into how trust, alignment, and empathy are the missing links in most sales systems—and how applying these principles can transform a sales team’s performance.Joe shares what he’s learned from decades in high-level tech sales, how he redefined selling as leadership in action, and how he helps companies go beyond just hitting quotas to creating cultures that win with purpose.

🔥 Episode Timeline

⏳ [00:00] Intro – Who is Joe Candido & what is Leadership Selling?

⏳ [01:37] Defining “leadership selling”: connection over product

⏳ [08:06] Measuring research & preparation—quality vs. quantity

⏳ [14:05] Joe’s sales background & his “aha moment” in the tech industry

⏳ [21:32] How shifting your sales approach builds long-term trust

⏳ [26:16] When does a consultative call turn into a pitch?⏳ [29:17] How to build the abundance mindset early in your sales career

⏳ [34:15] Pipeline building: the secret to confident, customer-first selling

⏳ [41:13] Selling vision, not features – the Home Depot drill bit principle

⏳ [49:04] What clients really want when they hire sales consultants

⏳ [55:32] Aligning company values, team values & customer values

⏳ [57:59] Reflections on Vermont & finding meaning wherever you are

⏳ [1:00:11] Where to find Joe’s book & stay in touch

📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED

=Leadership Selling by Joe Candido — Available on AmazonJoe’s website, book & coaching services — https://leadership-selling.com/

💬 If you want to sell with integrity and build trust-based systems that scale, this conversation is a must-watch

.👉 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & COMMENT: What’s the worst sales tactic you’ve ever experienced?

Let’s talk in the comments.🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts#QualityValues #LeadershipSelling #JoeCandido #SalesPodcast #BusinessLeadership #AbundanceMindset #SalesTraining #TrustBasedSelling #SalesCoaching #CustomerCentric #PodcastConversation

In this episode of Quality Values, I sit down with Neal Conlon—a veteran, entrepreneur, and founder of Pressed Forward—to explore the messy, powerful work of self-mastery, masculinity, and inner discipline in a world that often rewards chaos.

We dive into Neal’s story of transformation, his time in the military and tech world, and how he now guides men through emotional and psychological growth using tools like journaling, brotherhood, and personal accountability.

⏳ [00:00] Introduction – Neal’s backstory and why he does what he does
⏳ [03:45] How the Marine Corps shaped Neal’s foundation of discipline
⏳ [07:12] From tech executive to transformation guide: Neal’s career pivot
⏳ [10:35] What Pressed Forward really means—and why modern men need it
⏳ [14:50] Masculinity, father wounds, and navigating identity in real time
⏳ [20:03] Why Neal journals every single day and how it builds clarity
⏳ [25:48] Self-regulation vs. self-expression: how men process emotion
⏳ [31:10] “Men’s work” isn’t therapy—it’s integration
⏳ [36:42] Building the discipline muscle in daily life
⏳ [41:19] Creating psychological safety for men: what it looks like
⏳ [46:55] Raising boys in a fatherless culture—what young men need now
⏳ [52:33] How Neal blends entrepreneurship with personal development
⏳ [56:12] The intersection of vulnerability, leadership, and values
⏳ [01:00:08] Where to find Neal and get involved in his work

• Pressed Forward - Neal’s organization for men’s development

• Neal’s Instagram: @nealconlon

• Recommended practice: Daily journaling + integration circles

💬 Whether you’re a man looking to step up, a leader searching for clarity, or just someone navigating your identity—this episode is packed with real, grounded insights.

👉 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and COMMENT: What’s one thing you do every day that builds your internal strength? Let’s start a conversation.

🎧 Available now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts

#QualityValues #MensWork #NealConlon #Masculinity #Healing #Entrepreneurship #SelfDiscipline #MentalHealth #Vulnerability #Leadership #PodcastConversation #PressedForward

🔥 Episode Timeline📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED

In this episode of Quality Values, I sit down with M.C. Laubscher, host of the Cashflow Ninja podcast and author of The 21 Most Unique Cashflow Niches. M.C. shares how he helps entrepreneurs and investors build generational wealth using the same strategies as elite family offices—most notably, using life insurance contracts as a personal banking system.

We talk about financial mindset shifts, what people misunderstand about debt, how to create leverage the right way, and how to teach your kids to think like the wealthy from day one.

🔥 Episode Timeline
⏳ [00:00] Intro & how M.C. started the Cashflow Ninja podcast
⏳ [06:25] The power of mastering fundamentals: martial arts, books, & wealth
⏳ [08:28] Becoming your own bank: how to think about debt vs. leverage
⏳ [14:31] Using life insurance contracts to create liquidity & opportunity
⏳ [20:42] Why most people don’t know about these tools
⏳ [24:56] How to distinguish “bad” insurance products from good ones
⏳ [28:22] Breaking down fees, growth, and policy structure
⏳ [32:28] M.C.'s background & how he transitioned to the abundance mindset
⏳ [36:16] When do you feel the shift—not just know it intellectually?
⏳ [41:26] M.C.'s book: The 21 Most Unique Cashflow Niches
⏳ [45:10] How M.C. thinks about risk and mistake-proofing wealth
⏳ [48:02] Political risk, the elite vs. everyday person, and economic structures
⏳ [51:38] Raising kids with an abundance & stewardship mindset
⏳ [54:12] How to start—even if you have debt & limited cash flow
⏳ [56:32] Where to learn more from M.C.

📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED

• The Cashflow Ninja Podcast

• M.C. Laubscher’s Book: The 21 Most Unique Cashflow Niches

• Cashflow Ninja Website
  

💬 If you’re interested in building real wealth and learning how the top 1% operate—this episode is for you.

👉 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and let us know in the comments: Have you ever heard of using life insurance as a personal bank?

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

#QualityValues #CashflowNinja #WealthBuilding #FinancialFreedom #LifeInsuranceBanking #FamilyOffice #GenerationalWealth #Investing #Cashflow #Entrepreneurship #AbundanceMindset

Go to www.chriscornelison.com and use the code qualityvalues to get $5 off and free shipping on Chris's book Super Culture™!In this episode of Quality Values, I sit down with Chris Cornelison, author of Super Culture, business leader, and expert on company culture. We discuss his journey from owning an independent pharmacy to becoming a keynote speaker and leadership consultant. Chris shares his 5-step process for transforming bad work environments into thriving, high-performance cultures.🔥 Key Topics & Timeline:⏳ [00:00] Introduction – Chris Cornelison & his book Super Culture⏳ [00:21] Special discount code for Chris’s book (details in the description)⏳ [01:02] How Chris turned his struggling business around⏳ [02:47] The five-step framework for building a strong work culture⏳ [04:24] How Chris became a keynote speaker and leadership expert⏳ [06:48] The role of emotional intelligence in leadership⏳ [10:26] Red flags of a toxic workplace & how to fix them⏳ [13:09] How the amygdala affects decision-making in high-pressure situations⏳ [17:43] The different leadership styles & when to use them⏳ [27:09] Why praise is the key to high performance (Chris’s mantra: Praise what you want repeated!)⏳ [39:30] Nick Saban, Bill Belichick, and the evolution of coaching leadership⏳ [47:15] The 5 rules of building a great company culture⏳ [55:46] Writing a book & protecting intellectual property⏳ [57:38] What’s next for Chris & how he’s scaling his leadership impact🏆 Whether you're a business owner, coach, or leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights on emotional intelligence, leadership, and team success.🔔 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & COMMENT if you found value in this episode! What’s the best (or worst) work culture you’ve been part of? Let’s talk below! ⬇️📖 Get Chris’s book Super Culture at ChrisCornelison.com – Use the exclusive podcast discount code!🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch the full episode on YouTube.#QualityValues #Podcast #Leadership #CompanyCulture #BusinessSuccess #EmotionalIntelligence #SuperCulture

In this episode of Quality Values, I sit down with Coach Jim Johnson, a legendary high school basketball coach turned leadership speaker, to discuss the power of leadership, service, and perseverance. We dive into his iconic "J-Mac" story, where he gave an opportunity to a player with autism—leading to a viral and unforgettable basketball moment.

Checkout Coach Jim Johnson's Links!Website: https://coachjimjohnson.com/Limitless Leadership Lounge Podcast: https://www.limitlessleadershippodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachjimjohnson/ A Coach and A Miracle Book: https://a.co/d/cKlWa2D

🔥 Key Topics & Timeline:

⏳ [00:00] Introduction – Coach Jim Johnson’s background & values

⏳ [00:18] The incredible story of Jason "J-Mac" McElwain and his historic game

⏳ [07:49] How Jim got into coaching & what drew him to the profession

⏳ [11:06] Advice for young coaches looking to build a career in leadership

⏳ [13:20] Leadership influences – John Wooden, Ron Culberson, & more

⏳ [15:43] Transitioning from coaching basketball to leadership coaching

⏳ [17:41] Inside Coach Johnson’s keynote speeches & workshops

⏳ [22:10] How he turned a losing coaching record into a 23-year winning streak

⏳ [24:20] Talent vs. Team Culture – What truly makes a great player?

⏳ [28:43] Reverse engineering your dreams and making them a reality

⏳ [31:47] What’s next for Coach Johnson – his mission to become a global leader

⏳ [40:06] Podcasting lessons – What he’s learned after nearly 200 episodes

⏳ [46:46] The power of service and why it’s a core part of leadership

⏳ [50:32] What excites him most about the future

🏆 This episode is packed with insights on coaching, leadership, and living a life of purpose. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or someone looking to elevate your leadership skills, you’ll take away valuable lessons from Coach Jim’s incredible journey.

🔔 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & COMMENT if you enjoyed the episode! Who is a coach or mentor that has impacted your life? Let us know below! ⬇️🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch the full episode on YouTube.

#QualityValues #Podcast #Leadership #Coaching #Basketball #Inspiration

In this episode of Quality Values, I sit down with Kristian, a mountain biker, builder, and car enthusiast, to explore the intersection of engineering and creativity. Kristian takes us through the story of his restored Saab, a car he rescued from the wilderness and transformed into a custom-built machine—blending fabrication, artistry, and mechanical precision.🔥 Key Topics & Timeline:⏳ [00:00] Introduction – How we met & why we’re doing this episode⏳ [00:12] Kristian’s background: Mountain biking, building, and engineering⏳ [00:29] The story of the Saab – Acquiring a free car from a stranger⏳ [02:33] The engineering vs. artistic mindset in car building⏳ [03:42] Restoring a car with no prior experience—learning from scratch⏳ [06:09] The importance of quality parts & why taking shortcuts is risky⏳ [10:42] Searching the world for rare Saab parts – From Sweden to Poland⏳ [16:50] The global car community – Learning from others online⏳ [19:17] The mental challenge of a year-long restoration project⏳ [27:18] Why Kristian prefers driving without music – Feeling the machine⏳ [34:34] Comparing learning car mechanics to learning a new language⏳ [42:04] Lessons from mountain bike racing applied to car building⏳ [52:23] The mindset of sending it: Full commitment in racing & life⏳ [53:40] Final thoughts – Pushing past fear and embracing the process🚗 Whether you're into cars, design, engineering, or hands-on projects, this episode is packed with insights on passion, problem-solving, and perseverance.🔔 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & COMMENT if you enjoy these conversations! What’s the biggest project YOU have ever taken on? Let us know below! ⬇️🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch the full episode on YouTube.#QualityValues #Podcast #CarRestoration #Engineering #Creativity #MountainBiking