The Playbook With David Meltzer

In today’s episode, I sit down with Kendrick Stoddart, founder of IronMind Advisors, to discuss identity, transformation, and finding purpose after hitting rock bottom. Kendrick shares how a successful career in cybersecurity left him chasing achievement, acceptance, and the next finish line before recovery changed the direction of his life. We talk about overcoming imposter syndrome, letting go of ego, recognizing your value...

In today’s episode, I sit down with skateboarding legend and entrepreneur Tony Hawk. We discuss how skateboarding taught him to overcome fear, embrace failure, and develop the perseverance required to master something new. Tony shares why determination must be balanced with knowing when to walk away, how he stayed true to himself while facing criticism, and what transformed his name into a global business. He also reflects on...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Sascha Doering, COO of Bugatti of the Americas, to discuss building a brand at the pinnacle of luxury, performance, and innovation. Sascha shares why understanding your audience is the foundation of strong operations and how Bugatti creates lasting value through craftsmanship, exclusivity, and relationships. We talk about perceived value, balancing emotion with logic, and staying true to a ...

In today’s episode, I sit down with former professional racing driver and entrepreneur Danica Patrick. We discuss how she balances the intensity that fueled her racing career with acceptance, gratitude, and a greater sense of purpose. Danica shares what she values in teammates, why honesty and transparency strengthen working relationships, and the challenges of mixing family with business. She also explains the deeper meaning...

In today’s episode, I sit down with legendary chef and restaurateur Wolfgang Puck and his son Byron Puck, President of Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group. We discuss the challenges and rewards of working with family, earning respect across generations, and balancing tradition with a new vision for the future. Wolfgang shares how early adversity shaped his persistence and humility, while Byron reflects on proving himself and lear...

In today’s episode, I sit down with world class tennis champion, investor, and entrepreneur Maria Sharapova to talk about the mindset that fuels lasting success on and off the court. We discuss building high performing teams, balancing fierce competitiveness with humility, and why curiosity is one of the greatest advantages in business. Maria shares lessons from launching Sugarpova, investing in growing brands, mentoring wome...

In today’s episode, I share the system I’ve developed over nearly 29 years of weekly training and why lasting success isn’t about chasing bigger goals; it’s about building better systems. I break down how to define your divine direction, turn possibility into probability, create non-negotiable behaviors, prioritize your time, and manage emotional interference. Most importantly, I share why alignment, action,...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Scott Harrison, Founder and CEO of charity: water, to reflect on 20 years of building a global movement dedicated to bringing clean water to everyone. Scott shares how early ambition gave way to humility, persistence, and a deeper commitment to service as the organization grew. We discuss shifting from accumulation to purpose, learning how to receive as well as give, and why generosity can ...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler and former NFL star Steven Jackson. We discuss the emotional challenge of separating personal identity from football, staying present during a limited playing career, and preparing for the next chapter before the current one ends. Austin and Steven share how athletes balance loyalty with financial security, why contracts affect the players wh...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Ryan Meegan, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing DUDE at DUDE WIPES, to talk about building a billion-dollar brand through humor, authenticity, and relentless creativity. Ryan shares how early reactions to the product gave his team confidence when they had little money or distribution, and how newsjacking helped turn cultural moments into national attention. We discuss staying humble through rej...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Jerry Jones Jr., Chief Sales and Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President of the Dallas Cowboys. Jerry shares how his family transformed a struggling football franchise into a global sports and entertainment brand by embracing risk, association, and emotional connection. We discuss the vision behind AT&T Stadium, The Star, and Formation, an entrepreneurial workspace designed to he...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Captain Glenn Shephard, television personality and longtime superyacht captain best known for Below Deck Sailing Yacht. Glenn shares how an unexpected opportunity brought him to reality television, what it feels like to be recognized, and why the show’s most memorable moments are rooted in real events. We discuss leadership, managing ego, making calculated decisions, and holding firm ...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Jack Canfield, co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and author of The Success Principles, to discuss intention, persistence, and lifelong impact. Jack shares how teaching struggling students introduced him to goal-setting, visualization, affirmations, action, and feedback. We talk about overcoming 143 publishing rejections, creating demand before Chicken Soup for the Soul had ...

In today’s episode, I share six lessons for turning problems into possibilities by creating clarity, removing interference, and focusing on what actually moves the needle. I explain how questioning assumptions, staying curious, learning from others, and testing and adjusting your approach can help you find what works. Most importantly, I share why letting go of the need to be right or in control allows you to move forward wit...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Genetic Lifespan founder and CEO Adam Vincent Gilmer and Tony Drexel Smith, managing director of Micro Venture Capital Fund and managing member of The Stirling Club. We discuss why character, integrity, loyalty, faith, and keeping your word remain essential as technology accelerates business. Tony explains why simplicity, patience, and knowing when to pivot help entrepreneurs survive diffic...

In today’s episode, I sit down with world champion skimboarder and Marshwater founder Austin Keen to discuss the consistency, patience, and intuition behind his success. Austin shares how his blue collar upbringing shaped his work ethic, why mastering any craft requires a willingness to endure setbacks, and how he turned a connection to the Southern marshlands into a growing business. We also talk about building freedom witho...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Barry Oberholzer, an entrepreneur, former intelligence operative, licensed helicopter pilot, and host of The Flying Felon. Barry shares how his experience in prison inspired him to build a platform centered on redemption, accountability, and the lessons found in failure. We discuss how interviewing celebrities in a helicopter encourages vulnerability, helping guests confront fear and speak ...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Brian Rose, an American-British podcaster, political candidate, former banker, and founder of London Real. Brian shares why he walked away from a lucrative banking career to build a media company before podcasting and personal brands became mainstream. We discuss overcoming the fear of other people’s opinions, improving through consistent action, and creating lasting relationships thr...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Dave Portnoy, the American businessman behind Barstool Sports, to talk about building a media company from the ground up. Dave shares how he left a stable sales career, launched Barstool as a free newspaper, and handled nearly every part of the business himself. We discuss hard work, timing, audience loyalty, brand voice, scaling without losing identity, and why criticism can sometimes stre...