The Playbook With David Meltzer
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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How to Prioritize When Everything Matters
<p>In today’s episode, I sit down with Tim Kennedy, bestselling author of Scars and Stripes, along with being a Green Beret, UFC fighter, and entrepreneur, to talk about prioritization, purpose, and turning pain into fuel. We break down how he structures his time, why he refuses to ever say “I know,” and how constant learning shapes everything he does. Tim shares how trauma, failure, and physical hardship became a foundation for growth, not limitation. We also get into the importance of family, faith, and community, along with his mission to rethink education and empower the next generation through real-w...
The Simpler Path to Starting a Nonprofit
<p>In today’s episode, I sit down with Christian LeFer, founder and CEO of InstantNonprofit, who has helped launch nearly 5,000 nonprofits by removing the friction that stops people from acting on their purpose. We talk about why so many well-intentioned founders quit, how time and uncertainty kill momentum, and how he reduced a 50-hour process into something that can take under 30 minutes. Christian shares how his upbringing shaped his mission, why nonprofit work is about spirit over structure, and how AI can free us to better listen, connect, and serve. This conversation centers on turning intention into action at sc...
Your Feelings Are Not Your Identity
<p>In today’s episode, I sit down with Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX and author of Be Yourself at Work, to talk about emotional awareness and what it really means to show up authentically. We discuss why feelings should be treated as information instead of identity, and how recognizing them quickly can improve clarity and action. Claude shares the moment that helped her break patterns of self-sabotage and take ownership of her mindset. We also get into a candid conversation about authenticity in the workplace, exploring how to balance being yourself with maintaining boundaries and building stronger co...
Why Fear and Excitement Are the Same Thing
<p>In today’s episode, I sit down with Asi Wind, an award-winning magician and mentalist, to talk about what makes magic feel real even when the outcome is already set. We get into how suspense is created, why uncertainty is the key to connection, and how knowledge can actually change your experience of wonder. Asi shares stories from live performances where unexpected moments created something unforgettable, along with his perspective on the difference between magic and mentalism. We also talk about fear versus excitement, preparation, and why the best moments happen when you are forced to respond in real ti...
True Momentum Has No Breaks: The Power of Daily Consistency
<p>In this episode, I remind you that true momentum isn’t built in big moments—it’s built in consistency. It’s about showing up every day and not breaking the chain. I share why small actions compound and how managing your energy keeps you consistent. Most importantly, momentum doesn’t come from motivation—it comes from identity. You show up because of who you believe you are. When you stay consistent and aligned, you create momentum that doesn’t stop—and that’s what creates real freedom.</p> <p>To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltz
How to Rebuild After Losing Everything
<p>In today’s episode, I sit down with Andrew Wilson to talk about faith, gratitude, frequency, and the long road back after losing everything. I share how my mom and my wife helped me stay grounded when I went bankrupt after losing over $100 million, and how that season reshaped my values, my daily practices, and my purpose. We talk about the difference between discipline and devotion, the power of surrounding yourself with the right people and ideas, and why kindness, accountability, and intention matter in business, family, and life. It’s a conversation about rebuilding from pain and creating a le...
Using AI Without Breaking Compliance
<p>In today’s episode, I sit down with Josh Newman, founder and managing partner at Clatter, to talk about turning zero to one into a competitive advantage. We get into how automation transforms disorganized marketing assets into fast, usable outputs while still protecting brand and compliance. Josh explains why his team focuses on using AI for intelligence and search instead of generation, and how guardrails create trust inside large organizations. We also talk about handling rapid technological change without chasing every new tool, and why staying the course matters. Finally, we get into culture, flexibility, and why work should su...
Why Most People Quit Too Soon
<p>In today’s episode, I break down why most people quit and how it has nothing to do with talent. I talk about how slow progress, discomfort, and uncertainty get misread as failure when they are actually signs of growth. I explain why comparing your beginning to someone else’s middle creates unnecessary pressure, and how overthinking leads to inaction. We also get into the illusion of control, and why focusing on effort, attitude, and consistency matters more than outcomes. Finally, I share how staying connected to your purpose keeps you moving when things get difficult, and why persistence come...
What It Really Means to Follow Through
<p>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 stage, the habits he’s changed to perform at a higher level, and the mental shift that freed him from comparing himself to others. We also talk about fath...
The Power of Consistency Over Intensity
<p>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 shift helped me get back on my feet at my lowest point. I also explain why gratitude, forgiveness, accountability, and faith keep me centered, and how daily habits, recovery, and community shape lo...
