Explore every episode of the podcast The Value of Values

Rick Rainey, Managing Partner of Forge Cellars shares the realities behind building a small winery — the risk, resilience, and authenticity required to survive and create something meaningful. This conversation explores entrepreneurship, values, discomfort, and why staying human matters in an industry that demands constant evolution.

What happens when leadership stops being about answers — and starts being about listening?

In this conversation with Rudy Racine, Author and founder of HireLearners, we explore burnout, connection, and the small behaviors that define real leadership.

Because feeling heard isn’t a “nice to have.”
It’s everything.

Most organizations say they have core values — but few actually use them.

In this conversation, we unpack what values look like in practice, how they shape decisions, and why they’re the foundation of culture and performance.

Because if values aren’t driving your business… something else is.

What happens when your values get tested all at once?

In this conversation, James Ferguson shares how a cancer diagnosis reshaped his perspective, his leadership, and his definition of culture.

This isn’t theory—it’s lived.
And it forces a harder question: are your values real… or just well-worded?

What does leadership look like when it’s actually tested?

In this conversation, we explore integrity, trust, and the role of core values in shaping how leaders respond—especially in uncertain moments. From professional responsibility to personal grounding, this is a real-world look at leadership through a values lens.

What happens when life forces you to rethink everything—purpose, identity, and how you live each day?

In this conversation, Loraimy Kendall the Executive Director of Dress For Success, Northern NJ shares how loss, motherhood, and personal challenges shaped a deeply values-driven life rooted in presence, family, and peace.

A grounded, honest exploration of what it really means to live your values—not just talk about them.

A conversation on values, alignment, and the cost of staying in the wrong environment.
Bruce Murray from Boundary Breaks Vineyards shares his journey from the corporate world to building a winery in the Finger Lakes.

We explore culture, collaboration, and why authenticity defines great wine—and great leadership.

A conversation about personality, values, and the frameworks we use to understand human behavior.

We explore how personality assessments spark deeper conversations about identity, purpose, and self-awareness—and why truly listening to another person can be a rare and powerful experience.

Dr. Keith Wright shares the mentors and experiences that shaped his core values and leadership philosophy.

Through stories of community, mentorship, and generational impact, we explore why conversation, connection, and giving back remain essential to leadership.

A powerful reflection on values lived in action.

What happens when your values lead you across continents and into a life built around wine, community, and hospitality?

In this conversation, Jen shares her journey from dancer and teacher to innkeeper in the Finger Lakes. We explore core values, wine, travel, and how following joy can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.

Gary shares his journey from high school to leading a data engineering and AI firm while staying grounded in values like integrity, respect, and hard work.

We explore entrepreneurship, the changing workforce, and how AI is shifting the way we think about work.

A thoughtful conversation about resilience, opportunity, and the power of believing in what’s possible.

A second-generation Maryland winemaker shares how terroir, stewardship, and family shape every bottle.

From solar-powered vineyards to low-spray grape varieties, this conversation explores innovation, transparency, and what it truly means to be an agricultural winery.

Terroir. Heart. Family.

A deep conversation on core values, psychotherapy, coaching, and the embodied experience of meaning.

We explore AI-assisted value discovery, internal locus of control, and how emotional moments reveal what truly drives us.

An experiential discussion on awareness, protection, curiosity, and living passionately.

A reflective conversation about values, learning, and honest discussion with Agnese Gintere, No Sediment YouTube Channel, Wine Influencer.

We explore curiosity over credentials, fear of judgment, sustainability, and how wine, nature, and time quietly shape perspective.

Less performance. More understanding.

A reflective conversation on core values, human connection, and personal transformation.

Andrzej Smiech shares how love and responsibility shape his work as a coach—and as a human being.

This episode explores leadership, freedom, and what becomes possible when we meet each other beyond roles and titles.

A reflective conversation on fear, service, and humanity.

Detroit shares how injury, racing, mentorship, and everyday moments reveal the values that quietly guide our lives.

This episode explores connection, vulnerability, and what it really means to live well—with others.

How do you stay human-first in a world changing at breakneck speed?

CEO and Angel Investor Greg Kahn reflects on a career spanning media, advertising, and deep tech — and the values that guided every pivot.

A grounded conversation about curiosity, global perspective, responsibility, and holding your values steady through change.

Part 2 with Daniel Naro dives into transition, responsibility, and rebuilding after structure disappears.

A candid discussion on identity, healing, stigma, and choosing a path forward.

Raw, thoughtful, and real.

My guest on this episode is Daniel Naro a retired Air Force veteran, family man, and deeply thoughtful human — my wife’s cousin. 

I usually end up hanging out with him at family functions – we have some crazy conversations, and I thought he would be a great guest.  I was right!

In Pt 1 of this two-part discussion, we talk about family values versus personal values, what the military gives you (and takes from you), and what it means to rebuild yourself after structure you relied upon disappears.

This is not a polished take. It’s not a debate. It’s a real conversation about agency, responsibility, healing, and choosing a path forward — even when the path isn’t clear yet.

I can’t thank Danny enough for this real conversation!  Catch you in Pt. 2!

What happens when leadership decisions need guidance from core values?

In this episode, we reflect on spirituality, family, and fairness — and how values are tested when leading in uncertain, high-pressure environments.

A candid conversation about culture, responsibility, and revisiting what truly matters.

A grounded conversation on leadership, trust, and values that endure.

Mark Parmerlee from Golden Chick shares lessons from decades in franchising, hospitality, and business—focusing on honesty, collaboration, and reputation.

This episode explores how values-driven leadership creates resilience, longevity, and real impact.

A conversation with the Secretary of Agriculture for New Jersey about the values, opportunity, and momentum behind the state’s wine scene. We explore grape varieties, regional differences, local food pairings, and why wine is really about connection more than complexity. A grounded look at what’s happening in our backyard—and why now is the time to go explore.

A grounded conversation with Jim Quarella of Bellevue Winery on 25 years of wine, family legacy, sustainability, and the joy of sharing a bottle with others. We explore new grape varieties, vintage variation, and why wine is ultimately about connection. A reflective look at land, lineage, and the culture of winemaking.

Thomas sits down with Mike from Beneduce Vineyards to explore passion, land, legacy — and five things most people may not know about wine. They discuss why vintage variation is a feature, not a flaw, why expertise isn’t required to love wine, how quality begins in the vineyard, and why real wine is more story than status. A grounded conversation about soil, seasons, and the craft behind the bottle supported by core values.

Marshall Goldsmith joins me for a powerful, honest conversation on values, generosity, and the daily disciplines that shape a meaningful life.

We explore his six questions, lessons from Drucker, and the practice of helping people live “a little better life.”

A grounded, heartfelt dialogue on purpose, behavior, and what truly matters.

Dustin from Cedar Rose Vineyards joins me for a grounded, honest conversation about terroir, hard work, and the evolution of New Jersey wine.

We explore how a vineyard built from literal scratch—cedar posts, hand labor, and sheer grit—became a values-driven winery focused on authenticity and place.

A story about purpose, perseverance, and the truth that shows up in the bottle.

Jenn Todling returns to share what it really takes to leave stability and step into purpose. We talk about rewiring from urgency to authenticity, trusting your gut, and building a life that reflects your true values. A grounded, honest look at courage in motion.

Dr. Matthew Horkey shares his journey from chiropractor to globe-trotting wine expert and YouTube creator. We talk about travel, purpose, and how core values—especially curiosity—shape the life you build.

A conversation about wine, work, and what truly matters.

Former lawyer turned winemaker Scott Donnini from Auburn Road Vineyards joins to explore how values shape every drop of wine and every act of creation. From Valroir to “Everything Matters,” this is a conversation about art, intention, and living deliberately — both in business and in life.

Olympic dreams, endurance sports, and the inner game of performance. Holly, from Metta Performance, joins me to talk about balancing ambition and compassion, redefining success, and finding fulfillment through values-driven living. A conversation about movement, mindset, and meaning.

A deeply personal reflection on duality, vulnerability, and identity.
I share how my Type 1.5 diabetes diagnosis became a mirror—revealing the tension between control and surrender, polish and authenticity.

An honest reminder that growth begins when we stop performing and start being.

Thomas sits down with Marcia for a powerful, soul-stirring conversation about values, identity, and what it means to be seen. Together they unpack how self-awareness, courage, and curiosity shape our choices, relationships, and sense of purpose—even in an age of AI and constant change.

Executive coach Gina Martin joins me for a heartfelt conversation about values, resilience, and the power of love as a guiding force. From surviving breast cancer to navigating leadership and AI, Gina shares wisdom on living consciously, leading authentically, and staying human in a changing world.

When Ryan build Peaky Hat, he wasn’t just designing hats — he was designing confidence.

This episode unpacks the values behind his brand: quality, experience, and humanity.

A story of craftsmanship, family, and finding meaning in what we create!

We explore the intersection of values, coaching, and technology — from redefining freedom to finding presence in a hyper-connected world.

A grounded conversation on love, growth, and the flight to humanity in the age of AI.

Insightful, real, and refreshingly human.

AI forces us to confront what it really means to be human.

In this episode, Dr. Joanne Ciulla and I explore how philosophy helps us understand morality, agency, and accountability in the age of intelligent machines—and why courage and kindness still matter most.

Mike Whitney left a high-powered corporate career to plant vineyards in Poland, Adoria Vineyards—long before the country was known for wine. In this conversation, he shares what it means to live by values, why quality is non-negotiable, and how humility and mistakes shape real success. From boardrooms to bottling lines, this is a story about grit, family, and building something that lasts.

Luka Pelicarić, historian and tour guide for Free Spirit Tours, shares how humor, honesty, and passion shape his work guiding thousands of people through Croatia. From family influences to deep insights from his work, this episode explores living true to yourself and finding connection across cultures.

Joel’s story takes us from newspaper reporting to improv stages, comedy clubs, and corporate keynotes. In this episode, we explore how following passion, embracing change, and keeping fun at the center can shape a life and career. A heartfelt conversation on values, leadership, and laughter.

Winemaker Dan Bissell of Keuka Spring Vineyards shares his journey to winemaking and why hospitality, teamwork, and place matter as much as science in the cellar. We explore vintage variation, community, and the magic that makes Finger Lakes wines unique.

Aleksandar Zecevic joins me for a thought provoking conversation on PIWI hybrid grapes, wine writing, and the values that shape how—and why—we drink. We unpack the promise of PIWI hybrid grapes, the honesty in tasting notes, and why authenticity matters more than perfection. Also: Hemingway.

Daniel Budmen of Scout Vineyards shares how he and his wife Olivia built a mission-driven winery grounded in community, curiosity, and generosity. From vineyard mentorships to values-based farming, this episode explores the heart behind the Finger Lakes wine region.

https://www.scoutvineyards.com/

@scoutvineyards

A sneak peek into our Value of Values Podcast with Daniel Budman co-founder of Scout Vineyards on the west side of Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes region of New York.

If this doesn’t '“wet your whistle” on what this values journey is all about…well then go listen to another podcast. Who is Daniel referring to in this 1 min and 30 second clip?

Full episode to be released soon…..!

Michele Siekerka, CEO of NJBIA, joins me for a heartfelt discussion on trust, workforce challenges, and the mission-driven spirit of business today. We talk about the real values behind who we are and what we do, the importance of community, and how innovation and education are reshaping the future of work. A grounded and insightful conversation.

Mike and I talk values (without the buzzwords), rebranding a winery, business risk, and why attention to detail might just include how your bottle pourers face when you pour them a taste of wonder. This one’s about business risk…but ultimately explores the meaning and the joy of life.

BTW - I’m forever apologetic to Cameron!!! It was before I was a Toast Tuesday frequent viewed on YouTube (@ToastWineryFLX YouTube Channel)

Links

Toast Winery Websitetoastwineryflx.com

Toast Winery Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php?id=100063974925155

Toast Winery Instagraminstagram.com/toastwineryflx

Toast Winery Tik Toktiktok.com/@toastwineryflx

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, I’m joined by Dana Bernstein — coach, facilitator, and author of It’s the Thought That Counts. We break down values, pillars, and internal conflict: how they differ, how they overlap, and how they show up in our hardest moments.

Part 2 is a live coaching session. But first, we lay the groundwork — with clarity, humor, and plenty of truth.

🎧 Learn more: https://danalynnbernstein.com/

In Part DEUX of our conversation, Dana Bernstein guides me through the Pillar Discovery process from her book It’s the Thought That Counts. We explore how values and conflict interact — and why identifying your pillars brings unexpected clarity and peace.

It’s personal, unfiltered, and full of laughter. Plus: KISS bootleg cassette tapes, mischievousness, and the best use of chicken parm as a metaphor for emotional alignment.

🎧 Learn more: https://danalynnbernstein.com/

Mel Goldman built a vineyard later in life — but the values that shaped it were decades in the making.

In this episode, he shares how service, curiosity, and integrity guided his journey from the Peace Corps to founding Keuka Lake Vineyards. What emerges is a story about legacy, land, and doing work that matters.

🎧 Learn more: klvineyards.com

In this episode, I talk with coach and researcher Gavin Wells about the work of values — why they matter, how they shape behavior, and how coaching can help people uncover what truly drives them.

We also dive into Gavin’s research paper on values discovery, and the surprising insights it revealed about meaning, emotion, and congruence in life and leadership.

🎧 Read the paper: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2023-83189-014

What if your values were the reason your business survived fire, recession, and a global pandemic?

In this episode, I talk with Jimmy Smith — educator, entrepreneur, and founder of Wine with Jimmy — about building a legacy in wine education through trust, accessibility, and care. From teaching in a wine shop at 18 to launching global content platforms, Jimmy’s story is rooted in values that last.

🎧 Learn more: winewithjimmy.com