The Playbook With David Meltzer

In today’s episode, I sit down with executive coach, speaker, Ironman athlete, and Iron Mind Advisors founder Kendrick Stoddart to talk about resilience, mental health, and finding purpose after adversity. Kendrick shares how leaving a successful cybersecurity career led him to a calling centered on helping others, and why removing the "Superman cape" became the key to lasting growth. Together, we discuss the dangers of high ...

In this episode, I share why sales has never been about persuasion—it's about service. When you make it easy for the right people to understand the value you provide, you create more opportunities, build trust, and accelerate results. I talk about articulating transformation instead of features, increasing perceived value, reducing risk, and creating offers that people feel confident saying yes to. Most importantly, I explain...

In today’s episode, I’m joined by bestselling author, financial educator, and Rich Dad Poor Dad co-author Sharon Lechter to talk about the mindset behind lasting success. We break down her Personal Success Equation, combining passion, talent, association, action, and faith to create meaningful results. Sharon explains why mentorship shortens the learning curve, how fear can become fuel, and why the greatest wealth trans...

In today’s episode, I’m joined by entrepreneur Clint Betts, CEO of CEO.com and co-founder of Silicon Slopes, for a conversation about leadership, faith, purpose, and the future of AI. I share how losing everything transformed my definition of success, why my mom’s wisdom changed the direction of my life, and how gratitude, forgiveness, accountability, and inspiration became the foundation of my daily habits. We al...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Matt Ebert, founder and CEO of Crash Champions, to talk about the lessons behind building one of the largest collision repair companies in the country. Matt shares how a business that grew slowly for two decades accelerated from 13 locations to more than 650, why thinking bigger is a learned skill, and how family, risk, and early experiences shaped his entrepreneurial mindset. We discuss at...

In today’s episode, I answer audience questions about using AI without losing the human behaviors that create lasting success. I explain why knowledge has become a commodity, while wisdom and faith remain the true differentiators, and why consistent non-negotiable habits matter more than chasing outcomes. I also share why setbacks are often opportunities for growth, how releasing trauma helps us stop repeating the same mistak...

In today’s episode, I sit down with franchise consultant Giuseppe Grammatico to talk about building a business that creates financial success without sacrificing purpose, health, or happiness. We discuss the four values that shape my approach to life: gratitude for perspective, forgiveness for peace, accountability for control, and effective communication for lasting relationships. I also explain the overlap agreement, why no...

In today’s episode, I sit down with high performance coach and Edge founder Raul Villacis to talk about why so many successful men still struggle with purpose, fulfillment, and identity. We discuss the difference between a midlife crisis and what Raul calls a purpose crisis, why achievement alone can leave people feeling empty, and how community, accountability, and asking for help can change everything. Alongside insights fr...

In this episode, I remind you that the results you create begin with what you think, say, do, believe, and feel. When you control your perceptions and the meaning you give to life's challenges, you clear the interference between where you are and where you want to be or better. I share why persistence is more valuable than perfection, how non-negotiable behaviors create consistent, persistent results, and why fear isn't the enemy&m...

In today’s episode, I sit down with actress, entrepreneur, and podcast host Sasha Pieterse to discuss the transition from a successful career in entertainment to building purpose-driven businesses. Sasha shares how her relationship with fans inspired her entrepreneurial journey, the importance of creating products that solve real problems, and why supporting women through health, wellness, and community has become central to ...

In today’s episode, I share the lessons that reshaped my life after losing everything and rebuilding from the ground up. I talk about the four core values that guide my decisions: gratitude, forgiveness, accountability, and effective communication, and how they influence our thoughts, behaviors, and results. I explain why culture is built through values, daily practices, and consistent execution, not motivation alone. I also ...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Alexander, CEO and co-founder of CoreViva, to talk about the power of proactive health through full body MRI scans. We discuss the fear many people have around knowing what is happening inside their bodies, and why early detection can change everything. Dr. Alexander shares how CoreViva has already found cancers in patients, most of them early stage, while creating a fast, comfortable, ...

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Catherine Mattice, founder and CEO of Civility Partners, to talk about workplace culture, toxicity, and the habits that shape both personal and professional success. We discuss why the word “toxic” is often misused, how leaders can identify behaviors that interfere with a company’s mission, and the hidden emotional costs of keeping the wrong people in an organization. ...

In today’s episode, I share what my mom taught me about generosity, faith, gratitude, and the infinite loop of giving. I reflect on growing up with very little, losing everything in 2008, and learning that the more we give, the more we are given. I also talk about why receiving is a skill, why asking for more is an act of faith, and how abundance requires us to move beyond guilt, scarcity, and zero-sum thinking. Through grati...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Super Bowl 50 champion, Pro Bowl running back, entrepreneur, and high school football coach CJ Anderson. After a successful NFL career, CJ chose a path centered on service, mentoring young athletes, and helping shape the next generation through coaching and education. We talk about the impact great coaches have on a young person’s life, why athletes should prepare for life beyond spor...

In this episode, I remind you that desire alone doesn't create results. What you think, say, do, believe, and feel must be aligned with where you want to be or better. I share why feeding your mind with the right ideas, building empowering belief patterns, and taking consistent action create the outcomes you want. I also explain why devotion goes beyond discipline, why faith grows through the promises you keep to yourself, and how ...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Greg Lutzka, two-time X Games gold medalist, entrepreneur, television host, and executive producer, to talk about the lessons that skateboarding teaches far beyond competition. Greg shares how falling hundreds of times while learning tricks prepared him for success in business, investing, and life. We discuss his hit Fuel TV series Next Gen Skateboarding, his mission to create opportunities...

In today’s episode, I sit down for a candid conversation about the reality of entrepreneurial freedom and why it’s far different from what most people imagine. I share lessons from losing more than $100 million, rebuilding my life, and redefining success beyond money, titles, and comparisons to people like Steve Jobs or Bill Gates. We discuss the difference between owning a business and owning a job, the importance of u...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Tilman Fertitta, chairman, CEO, and sole owner of Fertitta Entertainment, which includes Landry’s, the Golden Nugget, and the Houston Rockets. Tilman shares how he turned a $6,000 loan into a multi-billion-dollar empire by protecting his credit, respecting money, and never living outside his box. He talks about taking Landry’s public, buying it back, building a culture that keep...