The Playbook With David Meltzer

In today’s episode, I share why relationship capital is one of the most valuable assets we can build to create passion, purpose, and profitability. I explain how to strengthen trust through faith, give value before asking for anything, and be more interested than interesting. Most importantly, I share how removing interference, consistently investing in meaningful relationships, and approaching every interaction with gratitud...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Colleen Joyce, CEO of Lawyer.com and children’s author, to talk about balancing entrepreneurship, motherhood, creativity, and personal identity. Colleen shares how traveling for work inspired her to write a children’s book with her daughter and why the project became something meaningful they could build together. We also discuss the growing importance of personal brand, choosin...

In today’s episode, I sit down with James Maslow to talk about building EveryBody EveryDay, a supplement company inspired by his demanding life on the road. James shares how constant travel led him and his fiancée, Caitlin, to create a simple daily product focused on hydration, supplementation, and convenience. We discuss using AI during early product development, working with experienced scientists to refine the formula, and...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Lamè Kinikini, Founder and CEO of Elk Ridge Investments, to talk about how short term rentals can become a powerful tax strategy for high net worth investors. Lamè shares how Elk Ridge evolved from property management into an investment model built around maximizing the tax advantages available through real estate. We discuss the importance of understanding tax incentives, why traditional a...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Noelle Russell, founder of the AI Leadership Institute, bestselling author, and expert in responsible AI, to talk about what it takes to build AI systems that actually work for your business. Noelle explains why leaders need to take ownership of how AI operates, from defining the human role to creating clear instructions, examples, and constraints. We discuss why treating AI like a vending ...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Todd Ricketts, co-owner of the Chicago Cubs and co-founder of FreeSpoke, to talk about sports, technology, and the importance of informed conversation. Todd shares how his family approached rebuilding the Cubs around winning, preserving Wrigley Field, and supporting the Chicago community. We also discuss how FreeSpoke presents information from different political perspectives while prioriti...

In today’s episode, I sit down with UFC Hall of Famer Forrest Griffin to talk about the lessons he learned through fighting, retirement, and figuring out what comes next. Forrest shares the moment he decided to go all in on The Ultimate Fighter, why professional athletes need to prepare financially for life after competition, and how becoming a father changed his perspective on success. We also talk about finding purpose when...

In today’s episode, I share how strategic alliances and meaningful relationships can accelerate your business and expand your opportunities. I explain how to create transferable trust, find the right people to serve, and build mutually beneficial relationships that create exponential growth. Most importantly, I share why removing interference, staying aligned with your divine direction, and focusing on serving others can turn...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Mel Owens, an 11-year NFL veteran, attorney, entrepreneur, and star of The Golden Bachelor. Mel shares how spending 26 straight years playing football shaped his identity and prepared him for life after the NFL. We talk about taking advice, staying curious, and saying yes to opportunities that can send your life in unexpected directions. Mel also reflects on raising his sons, building a car...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Lorenzo Payman to talk about faith, purpose, leadership, and the lessons that came from losing everything and rebuilding my life. I share how my mother’s response to my bankruptcy changed the way I viewed God, why asking for help became one of the most powerful habits in my life, and what mentors taught me about humility, self image, and intelligent leadership. We also talk about the ...

In today’s episode, I sit down with wealth advisor, tax attorney, and entrepreneur Nik Agharkar for a conversation about resilience, identity, and building a life around who you want to become. I share how losing everything forced me to confront the person I had become and reconnect with the values my mom taught me. We talk about separating yourself from influences that interfere with your potential, expanding your capabiliti...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Dylan Bloyed, host of the Business Leaders of America Podcast and an experienced leader in distribution and manufacturing. We talk about the choices that shaped my path from technology into sports and entertainment, the warning signs I ignored before losing everything, and the values that helped me rebuild. I share why personal branding is really about building community, why showing up in ...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Darren Prince, founder and CEO of Prince Marketing Group, to talk about recovery, discipline, relationships, and building a life around service. Darren shares why sobriety remains his top priority, the daily practices that keep him grounded, and how difficult moments create opportunities for growth. We discuss protecting your energy, taking inventory of the people around you, and staying co...

In today’s episode, I share how humility, gratitude, giving, and receiving have shaped my approach to life and success. I reflect on losing more than $100 million, telling my mother I had lost everything, and learning to see adversity as an opportunity for growth. I explain why simple daily practices can create lasting change, how our thoughts and perceptions influence our behaviors, and why asking for help is an expression o...

In today’s episode, I share six lessons for solving the right problems by creating clarity before taking action. I explain how to separate facts from assumptions, identify root causes, find the highest-leverage constraint, and continuously adjust without emotional interference or ego. Most importantly, I share why alignment, action, and adjustment are essential to making better decisions, creating greater value, and achieving...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Alli Webb and Michael Landau, the sibling entrepreneurs behind Drybar and co-CEOs of Messy, to talk about building businesses, working with family, and learning from experience. Alli and Michael share how their early challenges as business partners prepared them to build Drybar together, along with the complementary skills that helped turn a simple idea into a national brand. We discuss rec...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Sam D’Arc, automotive retail leader and COO of Zeigler Auto Group, to talk about leadership, culture, sales, and building teams that can perform in a changing business environment. I share why cultures depend on clear values, daily practices, consistent communication, and leaders who understand what their people need to succeed. We discuss mentorship, knowing how to articulate value, ...

In today’s episode, I sit down with David Rubenstein, co-founder and co-chairman of the Carlyle Group and principal owner of the Baltimore Orioles, to talk about leadership, sports ownership, humility, and giving back. David shares why he views owning the Orioles as a philanthropic investment in Baltimore and what he has learned from some of the most successful owners in professional sports. We discuss the relationship betwee...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Sugar Ray Leonard to discuss the mindset, resilience, and humility that shaped his life inside and outside the boxing ring. Sugar Ray shares how determination and hard work helped him overcome more experienced opponents, while surrender and openness helped him confront personal pain, addiction, and difficult experiences from his past. We talk about losing our fathers, the strength that come...