The Playbook With David Meltzer

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, anxiety, trauma, and the concept of the “invisible cage” that can keep people stuck in familiar behaviors. Genea also offers practical ways to reconnect with your authen...

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 with where you want to be, or better. Confidence comes from preparation, repetition, and consistent action. Most importantly, I discuss the power of purpose and faith. When your mission...

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 communication, leading with love, and creating meaningful influence at any scale. Alongside questions from Forrest Griffin, Bill Walsh, and Dr. Stefano Sinicropi, this conversation offers practical wisdom on overcoming limitations, embracing opportunities, and turning life’s challe...

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 challenges, while Virgil explains how self-belief, controllables, and steady improvement shape long-term success. We also explore overcoming limiting beliefs, building confidence through preparation, and why small daily wins often create the biggest breakthroughs.

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 ways to reconnect with intuition, faith, and purpose. We also talk about decision making when evidence is incomplete, the power of asking for help, and the lessons that setbacks, mistakes, and challenges can teach whe...

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Blaine Bartlett for a conversation on the difference between dreamers and builders. We break down why execution is the true separator between ideas and results, and how habits, discipline, accountability, and clarity create momentum. Blaine shares insights on developing a professional mindset, building systems that support consistent action, and staying focused on the deeper purpose behind your goals. We also discuss the importance of scheduling priorities, avoiding perfectionism, embracing progress, and adopting an identity rooted in growth. Together, we explore practical ways to turn vision into measurable results through daily execution and...

In today’s episode, I share a lesson that reshaped how I think about generosity, receiving, and abundance. Inspired by my mother’s example of selfless giving, I reflect on why some of the kindest and most generous people struggle financially and how many of us misunderstand the relationship between giving and receiving. I explain why giving value, kindness, love, and forgiveness creates far more impact than simply giving away money, and why learning to receive is one of the greatest gifts we can offer others. I also explore faith, gratitude, and the belief that we live in a worl...

In today’s episode, I sit down with entrepreneur and collectibles pioneer Josh Luber, the co-founder of StockX, former Fanatics Collectibles executive, and founder of Ghostwrite. We discuss how he built multiple billion-dollar businesses by understanding the relationship between supply, demand, culture, and commerce. Josh shares why expertise and passion matter when building a company, how authentic scarcity differs from artificial scarcity, and what entrepreneurs can learn from markets ranging from sneakers and trading cards to luxury goods. We also explore the role of cultural relevance in creating demand, the lessons behind successful collectible brands, and how Ghostwrite applies pr...

In today’s episode, I share why leaders build cultures, not just companies. I break down the values that shaped my life, from gratitude and forgiveness to accountability and effective communication, and explain why great leaders must be honest, repetitive, and even a little annoying. I reflect on losing everything, including my mom’s home, and how that pain became protection, promotion, love, and a lesson. I also share the daily practices that keep culture alive, including knowing what I want, who I can help, how I spend my time, what matters now, and why I am doing it.

In today’s episode, I sit down with longevity expert Sanjiv Lal to discuss the growing noise surrounding health, peptides, stem cells, and regenerative medicine. After a severe battle with long COVID left him facing serious kidney complications, Sanjiv began searching for alternatives beyond traditional treatment paths, leading him into the world of longevity medicine. We talk about the importance of physician-guided care, personalized diagnostics, and why following influencer health advice can create more confusion than clarity. We also explore self-healing, ownership of personal health, and the foundational habits of breathing, hydration, nutrition, movement, and sleep that support a lo...

In today’s episode, I speak with an entrepreneur navigating a major life transition after closing a salon business she spent 13 years building and ending a long-term relationship in the same season. We discuss the fear that comes with leaving behind an identity tied to past success, the challenge of facing uncertainty, and the mindset shift from seeing setbacks as losses to viewing them as opportunities for expansion. I share why pain can serve as valuable feedback, how difficult seasons often point us toward growth, and why healing starts within. We also explore purpose-driven work, community impact, and the po...

In today’s episode, I share the hidden law of long-term success and explain why most people misjudge time, not opportunity. Success is rarely an overnight event. It grows through compounding cycles that often take years before results become visible. I break down how impatience, comparison, and emotional attachment to short-term outcomes can interfere with progress, while consistency, discipline, and strategic patience create inevitability. I also cover the importance of focusing on behaviors instead of immediate results, adopting a long-term mindset, financing sustainable growth over hype, and building the emotional endurance needed to stay committed long enough for compounding to...

In today’s episode, I sit down with entrepreneur Dylan Conroy to talk about the journey from growing up with financial insecurity to building wealth, losing it all, and finding a greater purpose through faith and service. I share lessons learned from my time with Lee Steinberg, stories about negotiating major sports deals, and a memorable conversation with Ray Lewis that changed how I think about desire and commitment. We also discuss the lasting influence of Napoleon Hill, why wisdom matters more than ever in the age of AI, and how relationships, experiences, and persistence create opportunities that money al...

In today’s episode, I sit down with acclaimed writer, producer, and director Angelo Pizzo, the creative force behind Rudy, Hoosiers, and many other unforgettable films. We talk about Indiana University’s remarkable football season, why he believes its story is best told as a documentary, and the projects currently on his horizon. Angelo also shares how he approaches storytelling, from finding emotional truth in a character to allowing stories to evolve in unexpected ways during the writing process. Along the way, he reflects on turning a Notre Dame underdog story into a classic film, skipping the Oscars for Indi...

In today’s episode, I sit down for a candid conversation about the lessons that shaped my life, from growing up in a single-parent household and chasing financial success to losing everything in 2008 and rebuilding with a new perspective. I share how my mother, wife, and closest friends helped me recognize the difference between achievement and fulfillment, why scarcity thinking held me back, and how faith changed the way I approach business and life. We also talk about mentorship, coaching, personal accountability, the power of consistency, and how raising your awareness can help you recognize opportunities, overcome setbacks, and pu...

In this episode, I remind you that the biggest results in life come from doing great things while they’re still small. Small actions and consistent habits aggregate, accelerate, and compound into extraordinary outcomes. I talk about becoming a student of your calendar, creating non-negotiable behaviors around sleep, health, family, faith, and finances, and why attachment to timing creates resistance. Real growth happens when you stay devoted before the evidence appears. Most importantly, I discuss the power of humility, faith, and consistency. When you stay aligned with where you want to be or better and keep showing up every da...

In today’s episode, I sit down with entrepreneur, speaker, and bestselling author Stephen Scoggins to talk about identity, leadership, and the personal growth that comes from facing hard truths. We discuss why vulnerability creates stronger connections, the difference between authenticity and living from your essence, and how the words “I am” can reshape the way you approach success. Stephen shares lessons from homelessness, business growth, and life after a major exit, while I offer practical frameworks for building trust, evaluating relationships, managing time, and creating a life rooted in purpose rather than hustle. Together, we explore service, devotion, presen...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Blaine Bartlett to discuss the paradoxes that shape business, leadership, and personal growth. We talk about why doing hard things now often makes life easier later, how discomfort fuels growth, and why patience is essential when progress feels slow. We also explore the relationship between knowledge and awareness, the difference between discipline and devotion, and how resistance can keep us stuck. Along the way, we unpack the power of asking better questions, staying present, and understanding what truly matters. We finish with a conversation about giving, receiving, worthiness, and the abundance th...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Joe Hart, President and CEO of Dale Carnegie, to talk about leadership, fear, conflict, and the challenges facing younger generations. Joe shares why personal growth is still the best investment we can make, how preparation builds confidence, and why fear loses power when we confront it directly. We also talk about constructive conflict, the danger of unresolved tension, and why young people need stronger communication, identity, and interpersonal skills in a world full of distraction. Joe’s insight brings Dale Carnegie’s timeless principles into today’s conversations around parenting, leadership, and show...

In today’s episode, I share why giving isn’t about money, but about creating value and allowing others the opportunity to help. I talk about losing over $100 million, why that experience became one of the greatest gifts of my life, and how every problem already contains a solution waiting to be discovered. We discuss shortening the distance between setbacks and resolutions, learning from mistakes, and getting back to center when life knocks you off course. I also answer audience questions about receiving help, making meaningful introductions, handling opportunities without fear, and pursuing your potential with devotion instead of rely...

In today’s episode, I’m sharing the mistakes, red flags, and hard-earned lessons that shaped who I am today. I talk about growing up with a single mom, building wealth, losing over $100 million, filing bankruptcy, and realizing that my greatest setbacks were actually protecting, promoting, loving, and perfecting me. I break down the “dummy tax” I paid, the warning signs I ignored, and why asking for help is one of the greatest gifts we can give others. I also share how faith, forgiveness, gratitude, sleep, and consistency help us stop interfering with the potential already within us.

In today’s episode, I share why time is my love language and why how we use it reveals what we value most. Blaine Bartlett joins me for a conversation on treating time as an asset, using the calendar as a truth teller, and separating what is urgent from what truly matters. We talk about clarity, prioritization, daily discipline, and the compounding effect of small actions done consistently over time. I also share why awareness, gratitude, and service make life easier when we stop interfering with abundance and start aligning our attention, intention, and behavior with what we say we...

In this episode, I share the AAA Strategy—Alignment, Action, and Adjustment—and how it helps you turn setbacks into momentum. When your values, energy, and daily behaviors are aligned with where you want to be, or better, you create more opportunities, options, and touches of favor. I talk about building a foundation rooted in gratitude, empathy, accountability, and effective communication, while surrounding yourself with the right people and environments that accelerate your growth rather than interfere with it. I also explain why action creates progress, why adjustment is intelligence in action, and why the shift from “I’ll be happy...

In today’s episode, I sit down with acclaimed speaker, writer, and life coach Tim Storey to talk about acting like the champion you already are. We talk about the ways shame, guilt, ego, and past setbacks can conceal the greatness God put inside of us, and how revelation, conviction, and action help bring it forward. I share how losing everything forced me to confront who I had become, while Tim opens up about playing through his own wounds and helping others reset after pain. We also talk about asking for help, receiving with humility, and shortening the time be...

In today’s episode, I talk about the ways we unknowingly limit ourselves by assigning meaning to past failures, setbacks, and defining moments. I share why feeling stuck is often a sign of growth, how pain acts as a communicator instead of something to avoid, and why learning lessons is the key to finding resolution. I also break down the difference between intelligence and intuition in decision-making, including why gut feelings require patience and proper vetting instead of impulsive action. We also discuss giving with intention, building purpose-driven communities, mentorship, and the difference between discipline and devotion when it co...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Sequel co-founders Matt Smith and Alex Macdonald, who bring together the worlds of professional sports, entrepreneurship, and early-stage investing. Matt shares how discipline, devotion, and constant self-improvement carried him from the lower levels of English football to the top tier, while Alex talks about building companies through rejection, resilience, and relentless curiosity. We discuss why the best athletes and entrepreneurs are often the first ones in and the last ones out, how identity can shift after success, and why fulfillment comes from the pursuit itself rather than the outcome. It’s a co...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Blaine Bartlett to talk about the psychology, philosophy, and physiology behind effective marketing in a world where attention spans are shorter than ever. We break down why people buy on emotion before logic ever enters the picture, how identity and storytelling create loyalty, and why credibility is the foundation of influence. I also share why clarity strengthens your signal, how repetition shapes belief systems, and why value-driven service will always outperform transactional marketing. From viral moments to community building, this conversation is about creating resonance that lasts far beyond the first im...

In this episode, I remind you that time shouldn’t control you—you should control your time. The key is becoming a student of your calendar and learning how to be productive, accessible, and gracious every day. I talk about non-negotiable behaviors around sleep, health, family, finance, faith, and studying your time. Small actions done consistently create momentum, compound results, and remove the interference that creates stress. When you give attention and intention to your day, you put yourself in a position for more productivity, more accessibility, and more gratitude. That’s how you become a well-oiled machine.

To j...

In today’s episode, I sit down with entrepreneur and marketing strategist Kim Walsh Phillips alongside singer, actor, and American Idol breakout Justin Guarini to talk about the real difference between fame, celebrity, and authority in today’s business world. We break down how visibility creates opportunity, why authenticity only works when it’s consistent, and how the right relationships open doors that applications and cold pitches never will. We also discuss the dangers of chasing attention without delivering value, how social media rewards personality as much as expertise, and why protecting your reputation matters more than quick money. Along...

In today’s episode, I sit down with business broker, entrepreneur, and What’s Your Deal? host Matt Uhler for a conversation about faith, accountability, coaching, and the habits that shape a meaningful life. We talk about the difference between mentors, teachers, and coaches, why non-negotiable time changed my perspective on health and family, and how fear and uncertainty interfere with our energy and decision-making. I also share lessons from losing over $100 million, rebuilding my life with faith, and creating a mission centered around helping others make a lot of money, help a lot of people, and have a lot...

In today’s episode, I talk about why asking for help is one of the greatest gifts you can give another person and how ego quietly interferes with our potential. I share the mindset shifts that carried me through losing over $100 million, the lessons my mother taught me about faith, and why every problem already contains its own solution. We also talk about shortening the distance between mistakes and growth through wisdom, accountability, and feedback. From mentors and coaches to gratitude and forgiveness, this conversation is about staying connected to purpose, trusting the process, and learning how to keep mo...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Parker Graham, former pro athlete and Founder and CEO of Vestible, to talk about democratizing sports ownership and creating access beyond billionaires and private equity. Parker shares how his single mother’s grit shaped his drive, why education became his foundation, and how his background in wealth management led him into FinTech. We also talk about building real community through in-person relationships, email, loyalty, and shared ownership. From European soccer clubs to secondary markets, Parker explains how Vestible is giving everyday fans a new way to participate in the business of spor...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Blaine Bartlett to talk about why big results are built through small, repeatable actions instead of massive breakthrough moments. We discuss how consistency creates momentum, why forgiveness matters when we fall off track, and the difference between chasing motivation versus building true devotion to a purpose. Blaine shares insights on discipline, focus, and the power of aligning daily habits with a bigger vision, while I break down how small adjustments can create massive long-term change. We also explore why overthinking creates resistance, how momentum reduces overwhelm, and why success is ultimately sh...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Scott Ryan, Founder and CEO of Investature, to talk about the surprising connection between climate solutions, personal finance, and everyday banking decisions. Scott explains how something as simple as switching banks or rethinking investments can create real impact while also improving financial outcomes. We discuss why entrepreneurs and innovators are essential to solving large-scale problems, the challenge of getting people out of autopilot with their money, and how intentional action creates momentum in both business and life. Scott also shares why sustainability is a present-day issue, not just something to leave fo...

In this episode, I remind you that your belief patterns shape your reality. What you do, say, think, feel, and believe every day matters. I talk about why it’s never too late to change, why your identity matters, and why waiting for the perfect moment keeps you stuck. Progress comes from doing what you can do now and next—not from trying to be perfect. I also share how alignment, action, and adjustment help you stay connected to your potential. When you stop focusing on limitations and start focusing on lessons, growth, and possibilities, you put yourself in a po...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Jay Abraham, founder and CEO of The Abraham Group and one of the most trusted strategic minds in modern business. Jay shares how he is preserving decades of marketing wisdom through books, free training, partnerships, and even an AI-powered version of himself built from his proprietary body of work. We talk about legacy, free market capitalism, the power of strategic alliances, and why entrepreneurs need to stop thinking in terms of customers and start treating people like clients. Jay also shares how purpose, service, and better questions can shape stronger cultures an...

In today’s episode, I sit down with acclaimed speaker, writer, and life coach Tim Storey for a conversation about faith, wisdom, purpose, and the mindset required to overcome limitations. We talk about the difference between knowledge and wisdom, why preparation creates conviction, and how fear, worry, and comparison interfere with growth. Tim shares his perspective on finding your unique assignment instead of chasing somebody else’s success, while I reflect on forgiveness, service, and the importance of protecting your mindset through your “eye gate” and “ear gate.” We also discuss recovery, leadership, and why the right preparation allows people to pe...

In today’s episode, I share why coaches, mentors, and teachers can speed up your journey, but they can’t do the inner work for you. I talk about getting from A to B, finding people who already sit where you want to be, and using their guidance to avoid unnecessary pain, wasted time, and expensive lessons. I also break down the difference between scheduled time and non-time, why giving away your best hours can cost you, and how small daily commitments create lasting success. True growth starts within, but the right people and systems make the path easier.

In today’s episode, I sit down with billionaire entrepreneur and Magna International founder Frank Stronach to talk about his journey from arriving in Canada with $200 to building a global automotive empire with 180,000 employees and billions in revenue. Frank shares how profit sharing transformed his business, why treating employees like partners created explosive growth, and how his experiences with poverty, war, communism, and capitalism shaped his worldview. We also talk about economic freedom, the future of entrepreneurship, the importance of purpose later in life, and why he believes stronger middle classes and fair enterprise systems are essential to creating a...

In today’s episode, I reflect on the lessons my mom taught me simply through the way she lived. After raising six kids on a second grade teacher’s salary, she showed me what resilience, humility, kindness, and service really look like. I share stories about growing up in Akron, Ohio, carrying those lessons into my career, and the impact teachers and parents have on shaping lives long after the classroom is gone. From funny moments with my kids and social media to an emotional encounter at LAX with one of my mom’s former students, this conversation is about...