The Playbook With David Meltzer

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...

In today’s episode, I sit down with William Naylor to talk about the pursuit of happiness, the dangers of external validation, and the lessons I learned after losing everything. I share how building wealth, status, and access to the highest levels of sports and entertainment left me feeling disconnected from who I truly was, and how a complete shift in perspective changed my life. We discuss abundance versus scarcity, the arr...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Blaine Bartlett to explore how our thoughts, emotions, language, and habits shape the reality we experience. We discuss why the subconscious mind is always listening, how repetitive thinking influences behavior, and why emotions turn ideas into powerful instructions. I share practical insights on attention, intention, faith, and consistent action, along with the role repetition plays in bui...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Genea Barnes, career empowerment coach, speaker, and founder of Be The Wolf, to explore how early life experiences shape the decisions we make as adults. Genea shares the powerful Yellowstone wolf story that inspired her work and explains how many of our fears, habits, and patterns stem from what was demonstrated to us before we were old enough to understand it. We discuss self sabotage, an...

In this episode, I remind you that the biggest limitation to your potential isn’t a lack of skills, knowledge, or resources; it’s the interference created by how you react to fear. Fear is part of life, but your response to it determines whether it becomes a teacher or an obstacle. I talk about replacing avoidance with awareness and using the AAA Strategy —Alignment, Action, and Adjustment—to stay aligned wi...

In today’s episode, I sit down with acclaimed life strategist, author, and comeback coach Tim Storey to discuss faith, purpose, resilience, and the power of transformation. Tim shares why he believes God calls “shaky people” to accomplish sturdy projects, how revelation becomes conviction and action, and why collaboration has fueled more than four decades of impact. We also explore the mindset behind effective com...

In today’s episode, I’m joined by actor, singer, and entrepreneur James Maslow and renowned golf coach Virgil Herring for a conversation about confidence, adaptability, and creating harmony in life and business. We discuss why balance is rarely perfect, how non-negotiable habits help manage uncertainty, and the role expectations play in performance. James shares lessons from life on the road and navigating unexpected ch...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Alvaro Nuñez to discuss what separates people who thrive under pressure from those who break under it. We explore the difference between discipline and devotion, why non negotiable behaviors create consistency in uncertain circumstances, and how preparation shapes performance. I share my perspective on burnout, explaining why interference, not effort, drains our energy, along with practical...