The Playbook With David Meltzer

In today’s episode, I sit down with Super Bowl champion, former NFL MVP, and longtime broadcaster Joe Theismann. We talk about his passion for golf and his role in the American Century Championship, where top athletes, entertainers, and business leaders compete while raising millions for charity. Joe explains why quarterbacks and pitchers often excel at golf, shares what keeps him motivated after...

In this episode, I shared why simple actions are often the most powerful tools for transformation. From saying “thank you” every day to setting clear boundaries in relationships, it’s the small, intentional choices that create the biggest results over time. We talked about mindset shifts, the importance of consistency, and how reframing setbacks can lead to growth. Success isn’t about doing more—i...

In today’s episode, I break down the emotional patterns that shape how we respond to fear, stress, and setbacks, often without realizing it. I explain why our feelings aren’t always true, how to spot what they’re really signaling, and how reframing those reactions helps create more clarity, peace, and direction. I share strategies for building emotional resilience in business and in life, starting...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Evelyn Y. K. Lee, founder of Vine Ventures, international investor, mentor, and private equity expert. Evelyn shares why she backs entrepreneurs who demonstrate consistency, integrity, and a deep commitment to their mission. We discuss the persistent funding gap facing women, especially women of color, and why investing in these founders often leads to stronger...

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Joe Tolzmann, entrepreneur, founder, and CEO of RocketPlan Technologies, for a conversation with Christine Tsai, Founding Partner and CEO of 500 Global. Christine shares how watching her mom program punch cards sparked a lifelong connection to technology and entrepreneurship. We talk about what it takes to succeed outside the typical startup hotspots, why investin...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Irina Novoselsky, CEO of Hootsuite, to talk about what leaders are getting wrong about Gen Z. After interviewing more than 500 members of the generation, Irina shares what’s really driving their decisions, including their preference for social-first communication and their shifting definition of success. We break down how anxiety, remote work expectations, and e...

In today’s episode, I sit down with my high performance coach and longtime friend John Assaraf to talk about how to train the brain for sustainable success. John explains how our thoughts activate specific neural circuits and how to interrupt the negative ones before they take over. He walks through his signature “innercise” method and shares a simple morning practice that rewires the brain with r...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Will Bryk, co-founder of Exa.ai and former robotics lead at Harvard, to talk about the future of search, the limits of human understanding, and how AI can help us push past them. Will shares how his background in physics led him to build search tools focused on meaning rather than keywords. We talk about what makes Exa.ai different, how it’s helping people surfa...

In this episode, I talk about one of the most underrated tools for growth—your perspective. I share why the way you see things often shapes what you get from them, and how small mindset shifts can lead to big changes in results. From the power of intentional disruption to the REFRAME method I use to reset and refocus, this conversation is about breaking patterns, getting clear on what matters, and...

In today’s episode, I break down the habits, mindset shifts, and uncomfortable decisions that lead to lasting growth. I talk about the importance of narrowing your focus, protecting your energy, and making peace with the fact that not everyone will grow with you. I explain why feeling like a fraud is often a sign you're on the right track, and how burnout happens when you try to serve everyone but...

In today’s episode, I break down what it really takes to move forward when everything falls apart. I talk about the pain of losing over $100 million, the identity loss that comes with failure, and the power of turning rejection into redirection. From firewalks to forgiveness, I share how non-negotiable behaviors and consistent values create long-term stability. I explain why faith matters more whe...

In today’s episode, I break down the habits and mindsets that help turn struggle into strength, focusing on how consistency, clarity, and intentionality create real change. I talk about the difference between helping and enabling, the truth behind non-negotiable behaviors, and why commitment has to outlast circumstances. I explain how I rebuilt after losing everything, what it means to live your l...

In today’s episode, I sit down with NFL legend and Las Vegas native Steven Jackson to talk about what it really takes to sustain excellence, both on the field and in life. Steven shares the story behind his Mount Kilimanjaro climb, the mindset that carried him through pain and pressure, and the importance of putting one foot in front of the other when the path gets hard. We talk about how early mo...

In today’s episode, I share the lessons I’ve learned about giving, parenting, and the power of asking for help. I talk about the eye-roll moments with my kids, the challenge of being generous without feeling worthy of receiving, and how too many kind people live in a zero-sum mindset. I break down what it really means to live in the infinite loop of giving and receiving, and why asking for help is...

In today’s episode, I sit down with UFC Hall of Famer and VP of Athlete Development, Forrest Griffin, to talk about humor, preparation, and why confidence comes from doing the work. Forrest shares how he learned to use humor as a tool, what it means to “fake it till you feel it,” and why getting your mind out of the way is often the best thing you can do under pressure. We talk about setting purpo...

Too often, people blame bad luck for missed opportunities or wait around hoping for a break. In this Friday Training, I shared why luck isn’t something we find—it’s something we build. Superstition might bring comfort, but it also keeps us passive. The real formula for success is grounded in intention, preparation, and meaningful relationships. When we stop relying on chance and start aligning our...

In today’s episode, I break down the difference between toxic charity and transformational giving. It’s not just about helping; it’s about how we help. I share a five-part framework that focuses on clarity, collaboration, contribution, capacity building, and connection. I also talk about why giving without understanding can hurt more than it helps, how we unintentionally strip people of their dign...

In today’s episode, I unpack the relationship between timing, decision-making, and long-term results. I explain why there’s never just one solution to a problem and how reframing your relationship with time can shift everything. I share the simple two-minute rule I use to create 90% of my success, why daily consistency matters more than occasional effort, and how to train your mindset to make fast...

In today’s episode, I sit down with operational growth strategist and author Jack Jackson to talk about the high cost of inaction. Jack shares the origin story behind his book Reaction to Inaction , sparked by a moment of silence that cost a company $20 million and one passionate leader their drive. We get into what real empowerment looks like inside an organization, why janitors should be trusted...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Laura Ann Lamando, founder and CEO of FanGirl Fashionista, to talk about the real gap in sports merchandise for women and why no one’s addressed it until now. Laura shares how years of industry inertia and bulk-buying habits have kept women sidelined from gear that actually fits, feels good, and reflects their fandom. We get into the licensing hurdles, manufactu...

In today’s episode, I sit down with mortgage strategist, martial arts coach, and LFG Society founder Arjun Dhingra to talk about real estate, financial literacy, and the emotional weight behind major life purchases. Arjun shares how a canceled coffee meeting almost ended his career, and how vulnerability, education, and authenticity helped him build trust in a fear-driven industry. We break down w...

In today’s episode, I sit down with coach, author, and Penn State board member Jay Paterno to talk about the pressure, politics, and possibilities shaping the future of college athletics. We break down how NIL deals, revenue sharing, and media money are forcing universities to rethink what it means to support student-athletes—especially those outside of football and basketball. Jay shares personal...

In today’s episode, I break down why AI is more than just a tool for automation. It’s the future of connection, community, and brand growth. I explain how to use AI not just to find leads but to match with people who resonate with your values, essence, and mission. I share the three skills I believe everyone must develop to stay relevant: reading, cold calling, and practicing AI the right way. We...

In today’s episode, I share the lessons that only failure can teach, starting with the pressure to succeed in a household where doctor, lawyer, or failure were the only options. I break down how losing over $100 million forced me to rethink everything—from chasing validation to reclaiming the meaning of success. I talk about loving what you don’t like, using faith when there’s no evidence, and cho...

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Minnesota Timberwolves co-owner and serial entrepreneur Marc Lore for a conversation about mindset, failure, and how we prepare the next generation. We talk about growing up under pressure, the flawed messages baked into our education system, and why curiosity matters more than certainty. Marc reflects on raising kids to think independently, while I share why aski...