Welcome To The Pioneer’s Approach
A place for continued education, inspiration, and exclusive content by Dan Quiñones and friends.
Artwork by Logan Missner
A Note To The Listeners
Thank you for tuning in to the podcast! I’m proud to share that this project is entirely self-funded and free of third-party advertisements. This choice reflects my belief in creating an uninterrupted listening experience, which I personally appreciate in podcasts and audiobooks.
Additionally, my family and I are passionate about our own brands, and I’d love your support! You can help by exploring FTR Clothing for anyone you think might enjoy it, purchasing printed photographs from Dan Quiñones Prints, and sharing episodes with friends who might appreciate the content. All of these brands are linked above, so please check them out!
Your support truly means the world to me, and I’m grateful to have you as part of this journey. Thank you for listening!
Episodes
Paige Perez & Melissa Kline // Low Back Pain
In April 2024, I suffered a disc bulge in my L4 and L5 discs, which left me bedridden during acute episodes. Four months into recovery, Paige and Melissa joined me on my podcast to discuss the injury and healing process. Combining their insights with additional resources, I’ve completely redefined my lifestyle and approach to fitness into prioritizing core stability via The McGill Big 3 (purchase his book below) and maintaining a Neutral Spine during all activities. While my workouts look different now, this journey has revealed areas of my life that needed attention, patience, and grace.
Recovery is more than just physical—the emotional toll was immense. I completed an 8-week therapy program through Kaiser’s partner, AbleTo, and later received a cherished Human Design Reading by Nicole Ochoa Wilkinson, which I revisit weekly. Books like Becoming a Supple Leopard by Kelly Starrett and Back Mechanic by Stuart McGill have also been key to my progress.
This process has been challenging, but it’s taught me so much about resilience and self-care. I am more aware of the signs that lead up to injury, so I cna attempt to avoid it all together, and I am more aware of proper body position and lifting technique. Thank you to everyone, especially these authors listed below. Knowledge is Power.
Resources that are helping me linked below:
The Drive by Peter Attia with Stuart McGill
Huberman Lab with Stuart McGill HERE
Britt and Dan’s Approach // November
In this episode, we recap about November! November was a mixture of work and play. We went on a family trip to Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, recorded podcasts, and built Brittni her own website page under the same roof as the rest of our brands. Enjoy!
Dan Quinones Prints // Best Sellers
Amanda Brower and Lauren Fremont // Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley
Amanda and Lauren provide us with a little bit of their background stories and how they implement their life experiences to their professional roles within the Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley Association.
Instagram LINKED HERE
Jan and Hendrick Verspecht // Cuver Belgian Brewers in Sonoma County
Jan and Hendrick are a Father and Son and together, they enlighten us on their Belgian Roots and how they bring brewing techniques and culture from their hometown in Belgium to Sonoma County.
Instagram LINKED HERE
Dan and Britt's Approach // October
We talk about the month of October together and recap on wins, losses, cool projects, and answer questions submitted by listeners on instagram.
Pull-Over Hoodie
Mapi Klick // From Spain to Cakes in CA
Mapi is a baker in Sonoma County. In this Episode, she paints a picture of her upbringing in Sevilla Spain, how she brought her two children from Spain to California with her husband. She describes her transition into the American Culture…which has since led her to becoming a well known baker in Sonoma County.
Instagram LINKED HERE
Kevin Gambini // Breakaway Bikes
Kevin Gambini is born and raised in Santa Rosa. In this episode, we talk about his passion for cycling and how that has played a role in his life, which ultimately lead him to owning one of Sonoma County's most reputable, and one of the last independently owned bikes shops in Sonoma County.
Instagram LINKED HERE
Dan and Britt's Approach // September Recap
Britt and I (Dan) get together for the monthly Sub Series called Dan and Britt's Approach where we recap the previous months projects, review the month's wins and losses, and answer questions that listeners submit regarding The Dan Quiñones Brands. To inquire about projects with us, please fill out a form on the PINE Homepage using the link below.
Snap Back Trucker Hats
Bent & Flat Bills
Jeff and Susan Mall // Volo Chocolate
Jeff and Susan talk with me about how their upbringings influenced their individual paths in the culinary world. We also talk about how they met and what life was like as they began to work together, which ultimately leads to their chocolate company called, Volo Chocolate.
Debi Mora // A Quest For Joy
Debi Mora has a wonderful approach to life which prioritizes generosity, kindness, freedom and joy. Together, we unpack what joy means to us, how we find it, and how we share it as frequently as possible in our day to day lives.
Roger Rude // Retired Law Enforcement // Sonoma County Sheriff's Department
Roger Rude shares his journey from driving ambulances in Southern CA at the age of 18 to retiring as a Lieutenant in the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department and everything in between.
Pull-Over Hoodie
Leith Leiser-Miller & Nicholi Ludlow // Psychic Pie
"Psychic Pie is a pizza shop in South Sebastopol, California. Here, we make pizzas a little differently. We serve SOURDOUGH pizza AL TAGLIO with high quality ingredients sourced from CALIFORNIA. Psychic Pie approaches sourcing pizza just as the Italians would. We emphasize what is local and in season when creating our menu, which creates a final product that emulates Italian food while remaining true to our California roots."
Website: https://www.psychicpie.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psychic_pie
Prema Kerollis & Ryan Prichard // Three Sticks Wines
Prema Kerollis is the Co-Founder and Ryan Prichard is the Director of Winemaking for Three Sticks Wines. In this episode, Prema and Ryan join me at the REGION Sonoma tasting lounge which is located in The Barlow in Sebastopol, CA. Together, we introduce the Three Sticks Wine Brand, talk about Prema and Ryan's journeys within the wine industry, and give insight to their 6 estate vineyards which span across the entire Sonoma County wine growing region. From those 6 exquisite sites, Three Sticks makes some incredible Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/threestickswines/
Three Sticks Website: https://threestickswines.com/
Audra Tavelli // Fizz Marketing
Audra Tavelli specializes in marketing, consulting, social media, and influencer events for wineries in the Sonoma County Area. In this podcast, we talk about some of the most effective ways to improve your social media and general online presence in order to increase wine sales and tasting appointments. All of this content can easily be applied to non-wine industry brands.
Instagram: https://instagram.com/audratavelli?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Website: https://www.fizzwinemarketing.com/
Snap Back Trucker Hats
Bent & Flat Bills
Omar Galvan // Galvan's Eatery // Episode 2
Omar Galvan is the owner of Galvan’s Eatery along with his brother, Ivan. Galvans Eatery has officially been voted to have The Best Tacos in Sonoma County in 2023 by The Press Democrat, and was named One Of The Best Restaurants in Sonoma County by SF Chronicle. We talk about the growth of Galvan's over the past two and a half years and reflect on Omars confident approach to business and entrepreneurship.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galvanseatery/
Mariah Harkey // Full Time Filmmaker
Originally from Northern California, Mariah Harkey is an award-winning filmmaker and content creator now based in Venice Beach, California. She has spent the last 7+ years shooting unique short-form social video for Instagram, Youtube, Facebook and now TikTok. Her content style is colorful, quirky and often people focused. In this episode, we talk about Mariah’s world wide traveling excursions, life on a ship for months on end, and her passion for music and event capture at music festivals.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/its.hark/
Daniel Weber // Barrel Brothers Brewing Company
Daniel Weber is a partner in Barrel Brothers Brewing Company. Barrel Brothers is based out of Windsor, CA. In the episode, Daniel walks us through the Barrel Brothers timeline, where they are currently, and where they are headed. To learn more about Barrel Brothers, check them out on Instagram @barrelbrothersbrewing or head over to their taproom for a pint.
T Shirts with a Lightweight - Athletic Feel
50% polyester. 25% combed ring-spun cotton. 25% rayon.
Michael Langhals // Real Estate
Michael Langhals is a real estate agent based out of Windsor, CA. In this podcast, we take a retrospective look at Sonoma County Real Estate over the last 10 years and he goes in depth about market trends as well as buying/selling "take aways" for prospective clients. Michael runs a very interesting Instagram page that shares new listings in Sonoma County and he also promotes other small businesses as well as community related events in Sonoma County. Check him out on Instagram @michael_langhals
Sergio Valencia // Chacho's Catering
“Food is such an important part of Windsor resident Sergio Valencia Trejo’s life that most conversations become filled with memories of traditional dishes or ideas for modern ones. His passion for food and cooking comes from his early childhood experiences in Mexico: helping on his grandfather’s ranch, milking cows, making cheese and cooking with the whole family. Sergio came to the US with his parents when he was ten years old, leaving behind his grandparents and the ranch life. However, the seeds were planted, and would lead to a fulfilling career as a chef.”
Justin Liddell // Definition Films // Pro Motocross to Filmmaker
Justin is a good friend of mine and fellow filmmaker. In this episode, he shares his journey from what seemed to be a promising career in Motocross Racing and how it evolved into owning the leading Film Production Company north of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Website: https://definitionfilms.tv/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/definitionfilms
The Original // Relaxed Feel T Shirt
Just a good old - fashioned 100% cotton T Shirt.
Bobby Ramirez // Nature Pacific Pest Services
Bobby Ramirez owns Nature Pacific Pest Services and they specialize in eco friend pest services as well as general contracting when projects require that.
Website: https://naturepacificpest.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturepacificpest/
Kathleen "Catalina" Mueller // Tienda Salsita
“In 2017 Kathleen, who also goes by Catalina, traveled to Mexico to explore, study Spanish, and live with a close family friend, Tia Nella. She taught her to make Salsa Chile de Árbol in a molcajete. Gracias, Tia. That was the beginning of our salsa journey. Catalina fell more deeply in love with the food, the country, the people, and their language. After returning to the states she continued to make stone ground salsa by hand in her home for her own meals. Friends and family soon started buying salsa from her and in 2018 she organically started a small salsa company out of her home kitchen hand making Salsa Chile de Árbol.
Today, we offer a variety of flavor profiles and heat levels in our salsa line. Our salsa is still stone ground with volcanic hand-carved stones from Mexico in small batches. We hand toast dried chiles and use locally grown produce from small farms in Sonoma County, California using sustainable agricultural practices. We believe strongly in supporting local agriculture and local farmers. Salsa with these chiles can be found all across Mexico. While the ingredients stay consistent, each one is as unique as the person that makes it. Our recipes are based on traditional recipes. They are the flavors of Mexico.
Each jar of Tienda Salsita is made with love. May these salsas brighten your cuisine.” Quoted text from her About Page on her website.
Website: https://tiendasalsita.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiendasalsita/
Robert Nieto // Fleur Sauvage Chocolates
Fleur Sauvage Chocolates (Fleur Sauvage means Wild Flower in French). Fleur Sauvage Chocolates makes custom chocolates for local wineries using seasonal ingredients, sells chocolate treats as well as Espresso drinks, tea, hot chocolate and small beautiful desserts out of their storefront located at 370 Windsor River Rd in Windsor, CA. Over the course of his career, Robert has competed in a myriad of pastry competitions. In 2013, he was selected for tryouts by Bread Bakers Guild of America to compete in Viennoiserie and Artistic Design. In 2015, he competed at Pastry Live in the Chocolate Bonbons, Plated Dessert, and Championship Showpiece categories. That same year, he was selected as a finalist for the Valrhona Chocolate Chef Competition (C3). In 2016, Dessert Professional Magazine selected Robert as one of the Top 10 Pastry Chefs in America. Robert was later selected as a member of Team USA for the Mondial des Arts Sucre international competition in February of 2018 in Paris, France. Robert and his team member came in 5th in the world in this intense and highly competitive competition. In December of 2019 Robert competed on and won the Food Network series, Holiday Wars. Robert has also competed in the following Food Network shows: Candy Land, Beat Bobby Flay, and Cookie Wars.
To learn more about Fleur Sauvage Chocloates, check them on online: https://www.fleursauvagechocolates.com/
Instagram: @fleursauvagechocolates
Pull-Over Hoodie
Marcos Flores // Owner of The Gentlemen's Barbershop
Marcos Flores is the owner of The Gentlemen's Barbershop in Windsor, CA. Marcos and his crew provide a family friendly atmosphere at the barbershop with an emphasis on community and pride to their trade.
Instagram for Barbershop:
https://www.instagram.com/thegentlemensbarbershop/
Instagram for Marcos: https://www.instagram.com/mf_the_smpbarber/
Rea Prince // Prinsley Wines // Regenerative Farming // Wine
Rea Prince is actively involved in studying, implementing, and educating farmers on the topic of Regenerative Farming, with a focus in wine growing. In this episode, Rea defines many vocabulary terms and enlightens us on the importance of soil health. He and his wife, Kim also have their own wine label, Prinsley Wines, where they fulfill their ongoing passion to combat climate change through regenerative farming practices, while creating high-end boutique wines. By shepherding organically grown grapes through spontaneous fermentation and encouraging youthfully intense flavor profiles through natural means, Prinsley Wines are a shining example of what can happen when working harmoniously hand-in-hand with Mother Nature.
To get in touch with Rea to learn more about Regenerative Farming and how he can help, or to try their wines, reach out to him via their website:
Marvin Mckinzy // Marvin's BBQ
Marvin's BBQ serves BBQ, Deli Sandwiches, Craft Beer and Wine out of Sebastopol, CA and specializes in Ribs, Tri Tip and Chicken all smoked in his G Stack Smoker.
Website: https://marvinsbbqanddeli.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marvinsbbqdeli/
Snap Back Trucker Hats
Bent & Flat Bills
Nicole Ochoa Wilkinson // Summer School 4 Teachers // Episode 2
Nicole Ochoa Wilkinson is a social science teacher and instructional coach in West Sonoma County, CA. As a public school educator, she believes they have a moral imperative to learn how to engage historically underserved students in meaningful learning. SS4T is a paid learning and curriculum design workshop for middle and high school level teachers in Sonoma County.
Learn more: https://www.summerschool4teachers.com/
Shane Harlan & Sarah Opatz // Young and Yonder Spirits
Young & Yonder Spirits is a family owned artisan craft distillery located in downtown Healdsburg, California. Crafters of vodka, gin, whiskey, and absinthe for sale to local residents & travelers alike. They also make craft cocktails at their tasting room and offer private tastings and events. To learn more about Young and Yonder, follow them on Instagram and check out their website below:
Website: https://www.youngandyonder.com/home
Captain Greg Holland // Featherdog Outfitters // Hunting and Fly Fishing Guide
Feather Dog Outfitters is here to provide a fantastic experience from start to finish, be it duck hunting, fly fishing, or good ol’ fashioned light tackle fishing. Captain Gregg Holland, captain and guide grew up here in the bay area and will use his 40+ years of experience to give you the trip of a lifetime.
T Shirts with a Lightweight - Athletic Feel
50% polyester. 25% combed ring-spun cotton. 25% rayon.
Cody Ewers and Gary Palmer // Innerstave // Oak Compliments For Wine & Spirits
Innerstave is a long time client of PINE. Together we have produced short documentary films and photography campaigns for their products, which are Oak Complements. Oak Complements are products made from Oak sourced from France and America for beverage producers such as winemakers and distillers. They use Innerstave products to manipulate their beverages during the fermenting and aging processes. In this conversation, Cody and Gary break down many facts about oak regarding it’s role within the beverage industry, what sorts of products they make, how they toast the oak to achieve specific flavor profiles, and how clients use their products.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innerstave/
Cask Cube Link: https://innerstave.com/product/cask-cubes/
Amy and CJ Chenoweth // Chenoweth Wines
Chenoweth Wines is based out of West Sonoma County and they specialize in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This family is now on their 7th generation of farmers, and we talk about their family history, their faming practices and their winemaking philosophy. You can try their wines over at the Region Tasting Room in The Barlow in Sebastopol, or you can visit their website to book the UTV Tasting Tour out on their ranch.
Website: https://www.chenowethwines.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chenowethwines/
Brendan Thielman // Vintage Jewelers & Gifts
Brendan Thielman has been a Jeweler his entire life specializing in custom jewelry design, fine jewelry sales, and jewelry repair. They are located in Windsor, CA and the family business began in 1924. In this episode, Brendan enlightens us on some history within the culture of jewelry, gemology, as well as educates on how his shop helps their customers design and purchase fine jewelry. If you want to get in touch with Brendan and Vintage Jewelers, check out their website and online store.
Vintage Jewelers Website: https://vintagejewelersandgifts.com/
The Original // Relaxed Feel T Shirt
Just a good old - fashioned 100% cotton T Shirt.
Nicole Ochoa Wilkinson // High School Education // Work Based Learning Coach
Nicole Ochoa Wilkinson is a Social Science Teacher and a Work Based Learning Coach and in the episode, she gives some insight on what Work Based Learning is and how it can positively enhance the education system here in Sonoma County. To learn more, contact Nicole via Instagram Message.
Marcus and Garrett Gabaldon // G4 Firearms
Garrett and Marcus are life long hunters and fishermen. Being born and raised with appreciation for the outdoors and ethical hunting/firearm practices, they are both a wealth of knowledge and stories when it comes to the outdoors. If you are interested in purchasing a firearm, firearm safety, or specific training classes, visit the G4 Firearms website. They offer access to shooting ranges and classes. G4 Firearms is their family owned and operated.
Website: https://www.g4firearms.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/g4firearms/
Brad Wilkinson // BW&Co // Real Estate Broker
Brad Wilkinson owns the BW & Co Brokerage and guides his team of 10+ agents in selling homes all throughout Sonoma County. This is not your typical Real Estate team. Their office in Rohnert Park offers a laid back approach to the home buying process, and they pride themselves on the fact that they aren't for everyone. They do things their way which is inviting, and off the cuff, and they are ok with that. To learn more about Brad and the BW & Co Team, visit their Instagram and website below.
Brad’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_bradwilkinson_/
BW & Co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bwcorealestate/
Pull-Over Hoodie
Chris Robitaille // Assistant Cellar Master // William Selyem
Chris Robitaille is the Assistant Cellar Master for William Selyem Winery. Chris started his journey in the Wine Industry when he was around 15 years old and has a wealth of knowledge from the Sonoma State Wine Business Strategies program, and from his work experience at various wineries in Sonoma County.
You can find Chris on instagram: @itsrobitaille_duh
Omar Galvan // Galvan's Eatery // Episode 1
Omar Galvan tells us about how Galvan’s Eatery started and shares how his background in playing team sports, extensive sales training, and the guidance of his family plays a role in the success of the food truck.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galvanseatery/
Jacob Philip Benning // Musician
Jacob Philip Benning is a Sonoma County based musician and friend. In this episode, we expand on Jacobs influences, inspirations and where he is headed in his career as a performing musician. His music can be explored on all streaming platforms and experienced live all over Sonoma County on any given weekend. He is also available to play at private events. Check out his linked Spotify channel below. To follow along with Jacob, visit his website below, subscribe to his news letter, and check him out on Instagram.
Website: https://www.jacobphilipbenning.com/
Snap Back Trucker Hats
Bent & Flat Bills