The Playbook With David Meltzer

In today’s episode, I sit down with Orlando Brown Jr, an NFL offensive tackle, to talk about what it really means to follow through and lead with intention on and off the field. We get into the value of vulnerability in the locker room, why meaningful conversations matter, and how his priorities have evolved as his career has grown. He shares how visualization helped him stay calm on the biggest s...

In today’s episode, I talk about what it really takes to stay grounded while balancing family, ambition, and personal growth. I share how intentional time with my kids has become one of my biggest challenges as they grow more independent, and why consistency matters more than intensity in every area of life. I break down the difference between motivation and inspiration, and how a simple mindset s...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Moe Jumaa, CEO of Waxii, to talk about building a business by questioning broken systems. At 24, Moe shares how a simple rideshare experience exposed a major gap in the market and led to a platform focused on giving drivers more of what they earn. We discuss his early start in crypto, learning through mentorship instead of traditional education, and why underser...

In this episode, I remind you that most people aren’t living with intention; they’re reacting instead of creating. When you’re not aligned with what you do, say, think, believe, and feel, you drift further from where you want to be. I share why simplicity creates clarity and how daily action, not perfection, keeps you aligned. It’s not about doing more, it’s about focusing on what matters and prot...

In today’s episode, I explain why income starts with identity, not tactics alone. I break down six lessons on how the way we see ourselves shapes the opportunities we pursue, the value we communicate, the habits we build, the communities we enter, the reputation we earn, and the wealth we create over time. I talk about aligning daily behavior with a bigger vision, practicing how we articulate valu...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Christopher Gustave, founder of Oma Mirrors, to talk about how a self-taught Navy veteran turned problem-solving into a breakthrough in beauty tech. What started as a DIY gift for his sister evolved into an AI-enabled smart mirror that blends software, hardware, and culture. We get into his path from military service to coding, the realities of building hardware...

In today’s episode, I join the Behavior Bitches podcast to share the moment my greatest fear came true and how it ultimately reshaped my life. After losing more than $100 million and going bankrupt, I had to confront the ego, habits, and beliefs that led me there. I talk about the lesson my mom taught me in that painful moment, why receiving is just as important as giving, and how community and sh...

In today’s episode, I sit down with entrepreneur Nadia Tedeschi, founder and CEO of Mylo Medical, whose approach to innovation starts with dignity. After witnessing firsthand how outdated medical equipment impacts patients and caregivers, she set out to redesign a system that hasn’t changed in over 400 years. We talk about how her product improves hygiene, reduces labor strain, and lowers costs wh...

In today’s episode, I sit down with former NFL linebacker Shawne Merriman to talk about life after football and what it really takes to carry success beyond the field. We get into how passion drives performance, why so many athletes struggle after retirement, and how to find something that gives you the same fire that once came from the game. Shawne shares lessons on building and protecting a bran...

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Hardik Jagda, entrepreneur and leading AI strategist at Proximity Works, for a conversation recorded from Radio Row at the Super Bowl. We talk about the real challenge facing executives right now as boards demand AI strategies while the technology evolves at breakneck speed. Hardik explains why many leaders get distracted by tools instead of focusing on outcomes,...

In this episode, I remind you that success isn’t one moment; it’s showing up consistently. When you show up with intention, you build trust, create momentum, and put yourself in a position for more opportunities, options, and touches of favor. Confidence and identity aren’t built before action, they’re built by showing up. The days you don’t feel like it are the ones that matter most. Stay consist...

In today’s episode, I’m joined by recurring guest James Maslow and Ryan Walker, founder and CEO of TSMA, for a conversation about what it really takes to build a successful YouTube presence from the ground up. We talk about why so many creators and brands struggle to stay consistent, how Ryan built his own following before helping others scale, and why understanding audience psychology matters jus...

In today’s episode, I sit down with David Gastelum, founder of DASH, an AI-powered platform built to preserve the memories and stories that define a life. After 23 years as a Los Angeles firefighter responding to countless emergency calls, David began asking a powerful question: what happens to someone’s memories after they’re gone? That realization led him to create DASH, a digital legacy system...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Tim Markland, who I first met through a mutual connection after a conference in Washington, DC, to talk about the mindset behind happiness, ambition, and meaningful connection. We discuss the four pillars that guide my approach to life: gratitude, forgiveness, accountability, and effective communication. I explain why attaching your emotions to outcomes can crea...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Eric Quanstrom, VP of GTM Engineering at Apollo.io , to talk about how AI is reshaping the way companies find customers and close deals. We get into the practical side of AI in business, from identifying the right prospects to reach out to, to crafting messaging that actually converts. Eric explains how tools like Apollo help teams prioritize leads, automate fol...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Scott Shapiro, a board-certified cardiologist and nationally recognized physician advocate who helped launch one of the first agencies designed specifically to represent doctors. We talk about the mission behind MD Envoy, a new model inspired by sports representation that gives physicians support beyond the bedside. Our conversation covers physician burnout,...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Devin Hester, former NFL star and widely regarded as the greatest punt returner in football history. We talk about the pressure of being the lone player back to field a punt, the emotional highs and lows that come with big moments, and the lessons football teaches that carry into life and business. Devin shares a story from a coach that changed the way he unders...

In this episode, I talk about how worry is a duplicative negative that interferes with our energy, creativity, and focus. Many people think worry is preparation, but it actually drains the energy we need to solve problems and move forward. I explain how worry distorts risk, delays decisions, and causes us to miss opportunities, options, and touches of favor. When we bring our attention back to the...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Anita Karadalian to talk about faith, frequency, and the power of meaning. I share why kids may not listen but always watch, how losing over $100 million reshaped my perspective, and why gratitude is a skill rooted in finding the light, love, and lesson in every setback. We discuss my five daily practices to elevate awareness, the importance of sleep and non neg...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Maru Kaneko, founder and CEO of VAULTÉ, a platform bringing tokenized luxury assets to the blockchain. We talk about how tokenization opens access to diamonds, jewelry, and other high-end assets that were once limited to insiders, and why major institutions are moving in this direction. Maru shares lessons from building multimillion-dollar companies at a young a...

In today’s episode, I break down why so many of us don’t lack effort, we leak it. We confuse motion with progress, pack our schedules, and still avoid the scoreboard that tells us if we’re actually winning. I share six core lessons on intentional effort, exponential leverage, strategic constraints, reflection, rhythm and rest, and present focused momentum. When your purpose is clear and your non n...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Tre Boston, former NFL safety and current TV host, to talk about faith, frequency, and the mindset that sustains greatness. From his “welcome to the NFL” lowlight against Russell Wilson to the lessons learned through public mistakes, Tre shares how belief, short memory, and gratitude shape resilience. We discuss forgiveness, life after football, and why oppositi...

In today’s episode, I sit down at Radio Row with Zuri Hall, an American TV personality and actress known for Access Hollywood and American Ninja Warrior. We talk about growing up in Toledo, Ohio, and how her father’s belief that anything is possible shaped her self-image and career. Zuri shares how she reconciles the “on camera” brand with who she really is, and why authenticity has become her gre...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Danny Cortenraede, Founder and Managing Partner of InStudio Ventures, and NFL quarterback Jameis Winston of the New York Giants. We talk about what it really takes for athletes to transition from the locker room to the boardroom, and why humility is the ultimate competitive advantage. Jameis shares how faith, stewardship, and disciplined planning shape his appro...

In this episode, I remind you that success isn’t about speed—it’s about allowing opportunities to compound. Most people quit during the slow stages of hype and disappointment, but those who stay aligned long enough start to see opportunity, options, and touches of favor build. I talk about focusing on trajectory instead of comparison, developing emotional endurance, and positioning yourself where...