The Playbook With David Meltzer - podcast cover

The Playbook With David Meltzer

David Meltzer, Entrepreneur.comcms.megaphone.fm
Welcome to The Playbook, hosted by entrepreneur, CEO, author and keynote speaker David Meltzer. On the podcast you’ll find a mix of interviews, Q&A, fireside chats, keynotes, and exclusive conversations with the most influential CEO’s, sports icons, and successful entrepreneurs who share their personal and professional play-by-play of the “what”, “why”, and “how” to achieve anything you set your mind to.
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Episodes

Learning to Love What You Once Resisted

In today’s episode, I sit down with Michael Oved, founder of the "30 Years in 30 Minutes" podcast, to talk about what it takes to build real success and lasting happiness. I share how chasing money alone led me to lose over $100 million and why reconnecting with gratitude, accountability, and faith allowed me to rebuild a better life. We talk about the importance of asking for help, learning to enjoy what you don't love, and prioritizing daily habits that move you closer to your true potential. ...

May 10, 202520 min

Why Humility Builds Real Success

In today’s episode, I sit down with Dylan Smith, a keynote speaker, educator, and entrepreneur whose journey through adoption, misdiagnosis, and dyslexia shaped his mission to serve others. Dylan shares how overcoming the odds taught him that humility is not a weakness but a strength, especially when building real connections. We talk about the difference between what people do and who they truly are, and how Dylan’s setbacks became the foundation for his leadership and impact. From teaching kid...

May 09, 202516 min

Staying Grounded When No One’s Looking

In today’s episode, I share why purpose-driven leadership goes far beyond titles or strategies. It’s about creating cultures built on humility, clarity, and daily renewal. I talk about how transformation comes not from pressure or ego but from recalibrating your energy and leading through service. You’ll hear how gratitude, forgiveness, and joy can fuel long-term resilience, and why comparison is one of the greatest threats to your calling. From overcoming burnout to blessing your critics, I exp...

May 08, 202535 min

Playing for Something Bigger

In today’s episode, I’m joined by James Maslow and NFL veteran T.Y. McGill Jr., a defensive tackle with a decade-long career and a foundation focused on empowering youth through education and exposure. We talk about the pivotal moment at age eight that shaped his values, his decision to give back through annual camps and charitable work, and how he’s preparing for life after football. T.Y. shares what it means to live with purpose, even in uncertain times, and why staying ready physically, menta...

May 07, 202531 min

Why Most Wellness Plans Miss the Mark

In today’s episode, I sit down with Andrea Marcellus, founder of AND/life and a leader in the world of integrated wellbeing. We talk about why lasting health starts in the brain and how most people approach wellness in disconnected pieces. Andrea explains the problem with chasing goals without clarity, how burnout stems from low energy, and why mindset is more powerful than any meal plan. She shares a practical way to calm stress in just 60 seconds using breath, balance, and movement. We also to...

May 06, 202514 min

The Small Habits That Create Big Results

In this episode, I shared some my top takeaways from the month of April. From starting your day with the right mindset to turning tough moments into empowering stories, and embracing gratitude as a daily anchor, these habits aren’t just easy to do, they’re easy to skip. But those small, consistent choices move us forward the fastest. When we lean into the basics, we build momentum toward the life we want. Keep it simple. Do it every day. And let that be enough to change everything. To join my ne...

May 05, 202532 min

How Consistency Leads to Longevity

In today’s episode, I sit down with Wolfgang Puck, a culinary icon whose restaurants have shaped fine dining around the world. We talk about what it takes to create not just a great meal but an unforgettable experience, from hand-selecting ingredients at the farmer’s market to making every guest feel like the most important person in the room. Wolfgang shares how his mother’s encouragement and his stepfather’s harshness pushed him toward excellence, and why discipline, humility, and consistency ...

May 04, 202522 min

Using Sports as a Platform for Change

In today’s episode, I sit down with Alexis Belton, a World Long Drive competitor and former D1 athlete who’s reshaping the intersection of sports, purpose, and business. Alexis shares how a bet on herself led to a third place world finish, a tour victory, and a new outlook on using golf as a platform for change. We talk mindset, monetization, and what it means to keep going when success alone isn’t satisfying. From building distance through efficiency to teaching golf in the slums of Kenya, Alex...

May 03, 202519 min

How Purpose Fuels Peak Performance

In today’s episode, I sit down with Jon Gordon, best known for The Energy Bus and his work with some of the world’s top athletes, coaches, and business leaders. We talk about what it really means to live your purpose, not just speak it. Jon opens up about the discipline behind a positive mindset, the faith that grounds his work, and how prayer, humility, and selflessness keep him aligned. He also shares how purpose fuels performance, and why understanding mindset at its deepest levels is the key...

May 02, 202516 min

Why Frequency Shapes Your Future

In today’s episode, I unpack how Napoleon Hill’s timeless principles can guide a modern career path rooted in clarity, confidence, and purpose. I break down Hill’s 12 career pillars, from definiteness of purpose to accurate thinking, and explain how they align with vibrational awareness instead of rigid timelines. You’ll hear why imagination matters more than intensity, why motivation gets you started but inspiration keeps you going, and how your frequency shows up in what you believe, feel, and...

May 01, 202537 min

What Ambition Without Limits Really Looks Like

In today’s episode, I sit down with James Maslow and Owen Hanson, a former USC walk-on who once brushed shoulders with Heisman winners and ended up running a multimillion-dollar black-market empire. Owen shares how ambition and access turned him from sports agent to international drug trafficker, and how a stint in federal prison sparked a new kind of hustle. From mop-bucket ice cream experiments to launching the first 20g protein ice cream bar from a halfway house, his story is as surreal as it...

Apr 30, 202540 min

The Mindset That Drives a Champion

In today’s episode, I sit down with Georges St-Pierre, the legendary MMA champion and actor celebrated for his dominance across multiple UFC weight classes. We talk about the mindset that drove his success, his resistance to comfort, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who keep you grounded. GSP opens up about navigating fame, the role of mentorship, and why humility matters more than hype. He shares a vivid memory from one of his toughest fights, where time seemed to slow dow...

Apr 29, 202515 min

How to Build a Culture

In this weeks ‘Friday Training’ episode, I shared why culture, not charisma or short-term wins is the foundation of any great organization. When companies shift from being founder-centric to culture-centric, they build something that can weather change, inspire people, and last well beyond any one leader. We discussed the three pillars of lasting culture: a clear purpose, empowered people, and systems that support shared values. Real impact comes when culture is lived every day, not just posted ...

Apr 28, 202535 min

Giving Back Without Looking Back

In today’s episode, I sit down with Casey Hayward, two-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee and 11-year NFL veteran, to talk about life beyond the field. Casey shares how his parents shaped his values early, why he gave one of the largest donations in Vanderbilt history, and how real estate became his post-football passion. We also talk about learning from mistakes, the importance of mentorship, and why business is a lot like playing cornerback. You need to recover quickly, stay focused, a...

Apr 27, 202518 min

Creating Value Beyond the Event

In today’s episode, I sit down with Amanda Reese, a former Division I athlete turned elite event strategist, to talk about what really makes an event unforgettable. Amanda shares how she designs experiences around emotion, business value, and long-term impact, always keeping content and community at the core. We talk through her approach to matching the right people with the right room, creating moments that feel personal, and turning events into content machines that keep delivering. She also o...

Apr 26, 202514 min

What No One Tells You About Wealth Management

In today’s episode, I sit down with global entrepreneur and wealth strategist Jeremy Wong, who shares how a career-ending gymnastics injury at 18 set him on a path to building more than 20 companies and redefining what legacy means. We talk about the gap between good actors and good practices in wealth management, the value of asking uncomfortable questions, and how his DSL system helps people leverage gold to unlock long-term financial potential. Jeremy also explains why understanding timing an...

Apr 25, 202526 min

The Silent Struggle Behind High Performance

In today’s episode, I sit down with Ace Curtis, a motivational speaker and certified life coach who helps people build momentum through intentional growth. We explore what it means to be confident while also being open to support, especially for men who often feel pressure to figure things out on their own. Ace introduces his G.R.O.W.T.H. framework, a roadmap designed to help people reconnect with their purpose and take action. He also shares how his late mother’s impact as an educator continues...

Apr 24, 202513 min

Breaking Free from Survival Mode

In today’s episode, I sit down with entrepreneur and speaker Chad Sanschagrin to talk about the shift from survival to transformation. Chad shares the personal turning points that helped him break free from victimhood, including the night he met his wife and made a decision to become someone he was proud of. We talk about forgiveness, spiritual alignment, and learning to love yourself when the mirror doesn’t reflect the person you’re becoming. Chad opens up about his journey through faith, disci...

Apr 23, 202525 min

The Truth About Building an Entertainment Empire

In today’s episode, I sit down with music agent and UTA partner Mike G, who represents stars like Lil Wayne, Cardi B, Young Thug, and Rauw Alejandro. We talk about how the agent’s role has evolved beyond just booking shows, and why understanding everything from film and TV to brand deals matters more than ever. Mike shares what it really takes to build an artist’s career step by step, how he keeps talent grounded when things blow up fast, and why empathy matters in an industry that rarely slows ...

Apr 22, 202519 min

Living Without Attachment

In today’s episode, I unpack how releasing attachment to outcomes, validation, and status can clear the path to lasting fulfillment. I share why simplicity isn't about doing less, but about doing what matters with clarity and intention. When we let go of the need to impress, we reclaim energy to innovate, connect, and serve at a higher level. I explore how to reframe goals through the lens of purpose, apply the AAA strategy of alignment, action, and adjustment, and shift from chasing to attracti...

Apr 21, 202531 min

Rules To Guide You Not Rule You

In today’s episode, I break down how to use rules as instruments for growth instead of letting them box you in. From Napoleon Hill to Don Miguel Ruiz, I explore how principles, not rigid systems, shape consistent success. I share the mindset behind bending rules with intention, evaluating motive before action, and asking uncomfortable questions that protect your time, energy, and trust. Whether it’s a team decision or a business deal, clarity and adaptability are the real power moves. When you t...

Apr 20, 202535 min

Why Character Always Wins

In today’s episode, I sit down with former NFL executive and ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum. From his years leading the Jets and Dolphins, Mike shares how he managed the pressure of decisions worth hundreds of millions and why character always determined the ceiling for a player’s success. He reflects on lessons from Curtis Martin, the importance of consistency, and why small daily efforts stack into game-changing results. We also talk about building lasting relationships, staying motivated after ...

Apr 19, 202512 min

When Passion Replaces Profit

In today’s episode, I’m joined by artist and creative entrepreneur Mikael Brandrup, whose journey took him from corporate graphic design in Denmark to the heart of the global art scene in Los Angeles. We talk about burnout, identity, and how personal evolution led him to create without limits. Mikael shares how meditation and mindset work became his foundation, why he stepped away from a profitable business to follow his instincts, and how he built a career on abstract expression. From brand col...

Apr 18, 202527 min

The Power of Purpose-Driven Leadership

In today’s episode, I sit down with David Abeles, the CEO and President of TaylorMade Golf, to explore the core values driving one of the most loved companies in sports. We unpack how originality, competitiveness, relatability, and a made-up word, “golftimistic,” have shaped TaylorMade’s identity and fueled its innovation. David shares how these principles are embedded in every hiring decision, every product launch, and every moment with his 2,200-person team. We talk about what it means to lead...

Apr 17, 202527 min

The Infinite Loop of Giving

In today’s episode, I talk about what it means to actually walk the walk—not just in business, but in faith, giving, and leadership. I break down the idea of the “infinite loop of giving” and why asking for help is just as important as giving it. I share how losing $100 million was the greatest form of protection I could’ve received and why true faith means trusting the process even when the evidence looks like a setback. If you’ve ever felt guilty for asking or unworthy of receiving, this is th...

Apr 16, 202516 min

Breaking Free from Burnout

In today’s episode, I sit down with Mikael Brandrup, a Copenhagen-born artist who left behind the golden handcuffs of corporate design to find freedom through expression. We talk about what happens when your supposed passion starts to drain you, and the difference between building for others versus creating from within. Mikael shares how burnout forced him to reset everything, leading to a risky move to LA, two distinct painting styles, and a mission-driven career that now supports environmental...

Apr 15, 202516 min

The Never-Ending Chase: Why ‘More’ Will Never Be Enough

In this episode, I shared why chasing “more” often leaves us feeling empty, no matter how much we achieve. The finish line keeps moving when we base our happiness on the next goal. Real fulfillment doesn’t come from accumulation—it comes from clarity, gratitude, and alignment with our values. By redefining what “enough” means and shifting from scarcity to abundance, we begin to experience peace in the present, not just hope for it in the future. You already have everything you need—the key is re...

Apr 14, 202536 min

Redefining Success on Your Own Terms

In today’s episode, I sit down with Josh Luber, the co-founder of StockX and Fanatics Collectibles, to talk about what it really means to build a third act after creating two major successes. Josh shares how financial freedom and a grounded home life have shifted his relationship to pressure and how Ghostwrite, his latest venture in collectible toys, reflects a more personal vision. We talk about creating culture through scarcity, the evolution of the “hype economy,” and the strange power of nos...

Apr 13, 202515 min

How to Chase Big Goals Without Burning Out

In today’s episode, I sit down with Tom Bilyeu, co-founder of Quest Nutrition and creator of Impact Theory, to talk about what it really takes to sustain success without losing your sense of purpose. Tom opens up about building a billion-dollar brand while knowing it wasn’t his ultimate calling—and how he stayed grounded by focusing on the people he loved. We explore his personal transformation, the power of identity shifts, and how he learned to break negative thought loops through discipline a...

Apr 12, 202517 min

The Power of Purpose Over Perfection

In today’s episode, I sit down with David Abeles, CEO of TaylorMade Golf, from the tour truck at Augusta National. We talk about what it really takes to lead through uncertainty, how work ethic sets the tone, and why self-awareness and feedback are essential for growth. David shares how his team’s relentless pursuit of great ideas like the new QI 35 driver and Spider ZT putter keeps TaylorMade ahead of the curve. He opens up about the lessons that only come with time, why bad plans aren’t always...

Apr 11, 202523 min
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