The Playbook With David Meltzer

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...

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 wh...

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 politica...

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 t...

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 focusi...

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 ra...

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....

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 potenti...

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...

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 peop...

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 askin...

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...

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 n...

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 ho...

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 di...

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 fa...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Jill Malandrino, creator and host of Nasdaq TradeTalks, to talk about the intersection of media, markets, technology, and authentic communication. Jill shares how her career evolved from institutional equity trading to financial media, why humility and continuous learning remain essential, and how experience creates wisdom that technology can’t replace. We discu...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Stephanie McMahon to discuss building an authentic brand, connecting with your audience, and creating a legacy that evolves with changing technology. Stephanie shares how WWE listens to its fans, empowers individual personalities, and uses feedback to understand what truly resonates. We talk about the importance of authenticity, star power, and giving audiences...

In today’s episode, I share why curiosity is one of the greatest tools we have to expand awareness and create possibility. I break down how asking better questions, being more interested than interesting, studying your life, observing what others miss, and connecting the dots can accelerate your potential. Most importantly, I share why curiosity must lead to action—and how staying curious and comm...

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 o...

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...

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...

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 als...

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 reflect...

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 g...