The Playbook With David Meltzer

In today’s episode, I sit down with Ryan Serhant, founder and CEO of SERHANT, to talk about the mindset behind building a successful career, brand, and business. We discuss how manual labor shaped his work ethic, why empathy creates stronger client relationships, and how rejection can become one of your greatest competitive advantages. Ryan shares his approach to handling difficult negotiations, managing expectations, and hel...

In today’s episode, I sit down with former NBA player and Viola founder Al Harrington to talk about the mindset behind building a lasting career long after the final buzzer. Al shares how the same discipline, consistency, and passion that fueled his 16 seasons in the NBA now shape his approach to entrepreneurship, leadership, and health. We discuss learning from setbacks instead of fearing them, leading by example, balancing ...

In today’s episode, I sit down with basketball legend Sue Bird, one of the most accomplished players in the history of the game, to talk about the mindset behind sustained success. We discuss how family expectations shaped her work ethic, why winning becomes an addiction built on daily habits, and the balance between individual achievement and putting the team first. Sue also shares her perspective on authenticity, the confid...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Ronnie 2K, the longtime face of the NBA 2K franchise, entrepreneur, and owner of LEVEL San Francisco, to talk about the story behind his documentary, The Most Hated Man in Gaming. Ronnie shares how growing up as the son of immigrant parents, facing discrimination, and finding confidence through basketball and gaming shaped his perspective on success and criticism. We also discuss building a...

In today’s episode, I sit down with former FBI hostage negotiator, bestselling author of Never Split the Difference, and CEO of The Black Swan Group, Chris Voss, for a conversation about why empathy is one of the most powerful tools in negotiation. We talk about making people feel heard, the neuroscience behind trust, and how listening can lead to better outcomes without compromising your position. Chris also shares practical...

In today’s episode, I sit down with biohacking pioneer Dave Asprey to talk about the future of longevity, health, and human performance. We discuss why personalized health plans powered by AI are replacing one size fits all advice, how to identify the right biomarkers based on your goals, and why nutrition should come before advanced interventions like peptides. Dave also explains the role of functional medicine, the importan...

In this episode, I talk about turning the ideas that resonate with us into daily behaviors that create lasting change. I discuss why God won’t give you an invitation without knowing your limitations, how devotion goes beyond discipline, and why redefining your past can help you move toward where you want to be or better. I also talk about letting life happen without giving up action, creating more ease through recovery, and u...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Anthony Raimo, the 25-year-old entrepreneur behind Trident Corporate Housing and Raimo Renovations, to talk about building a scalable real estate business by serving traveling professionals across the country. We discuss why corporate housing offers a unique opportunity, how rental arbitrage creates growth without requiring property ownership, and why consistent marketing through email, Lin...

In today’s episode, I sit down with entrepreneur, business strategist, and podcast host Adam Strong to talk about what it really takes to build a successful business without tying your identity to the outcome. We explore why surrender is often misunderstood, how non-negotiable daily habits create lasting progress, and the difference between discipline and devotion. I also share the personal story of losing everything, includi...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Daniel Diaz, CEO and Founder of F3 Technologies, to talk about building a business through resilience, leadership, and relentless work ethic. Daniel shares how an unconventional career path, from bartending to healthcare IT and entrepreneurship, shaped his approach to feedback, mentorship, and company culture. We discuss why surrounding yourself with people who keep growing matters, how cal...

In today’s episode, I talk about what really separates ambition from achievement, and why success is built through systems instead of occasional bursts of effort. Alongside Blaine Bartlett, I explore the power of having a clear purpose, creating structure that supports consistent execution, and staying connected to inspiration rather than waiting for motivation. We also discuss how your environment shapes your thinking, why p...

In today’s episode, I sit down with former UFC star and professional boxer Jorge Masvidal, founder of Game Bred Fighting Championships, to talk about what it takes to stay hungry after success. We discuss the mindset that carried him through a long fighting career, the health habits he wishes he had embraced earlier, and the emotional reality of walking away from competition. Jorge also shares why family, faith, and purpose h...

In today’s episode, I sit down with legendary writer, producer, and animation pioneer John Semper, whose work has shaped generations through projects including Spider Man The Animated Series, The Smurfs, Fraggle Rock, and more. We talk about why memorable stories begin with relatable characters rather than spectacle, how fear and personal growth drive meaningful storytelling, and the responsibility that comes with creating co...

In this episode, I talk about why your potential isn't limited by your skills, knowledge, or opportunities; it's limited by the interference created by how you respond to fear. Fear will always be there, but when you stop letting it control your thoughts and behaviors, it becomes one of your greatest teachers. I discuss why building champions starts with building the right daily behaviors, how the AAA Strategy (Alignment, Action, a...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Marc Lore and Jim Kwik to talk about the mindset, leadership, and long-term thinking that drive lasting success. We discuss why raising capital is about creating greater value, how purpose helps you push through setbacks, and why self-image shapes the choices you make every day. Marc shares his philosophy on building mission-driven companies, while Jim explains how learning, curiosity, and ...

In today’s episode, I join Mark Pattison on the Finding Your Summit podcast to talk about the mission of empowering more than a billion people through service, gratitude, and creating a ripple effect of positive influence. I share why saying "thank you" each morning and night became a life-changing habit, the lessons I learned from working alongside legendary sports agent Lee Steinberg, and why kindness creates lasting abunda...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Rob Gill to talk about building wealth that lasts by combining the right mindset with the right financial structure. We discuss why sales and marketing create opportunity, but legal planning, tax strategy, and coordinated financial teams help protect and compound success. Rob shares how overcoming addiction, financial mistakes, and limiting beliefs reshaped his relationship with money, whil...

In today’s episode, I share why the strongest brands are built on purpose, consistency, and emotional connection rather than logos, titles, or marketing tactics. Alongside Blaine Bartlett, I explain how defining your purpose, identifying your natural archetype, and aligning your values with your actions creates lasting trust and loyalty. We also discuss why people remember how you make them feel, how authenticity begins with ...

In today's episode, I sit down with Scott Mahoney, Chairman and CEO of Peter Millar, to talk about building a luxury brand without ever sacrificing quality. We discuss how focusing on better products instead of bigger profits creates long-term growth, why consistent daily improvements compound over time, and how Peter Millar expanded from golf into a complete lifestyle brand. Scott also shares insights on performance fabrics, retai...