The Playbook With David Meltzer

In today’s episode, I sit down with Chris Cruz, founder and chief visionary officer of Creative Resource Consulting and creator of The Power of 3RE. Chris shares how his reset, rethink, and restart framework reshaped his approach to mental toughness, habit-building, and daily renewal. We talk about resilience through repetition, the neuroscience behind positive habits, and how faith anchors his recovery journey and leadership philosophy. From overcoming addiction to rebuilding purpose through discipline and belief, Chris explains why the path to fulfillment begins with conscious resets and unwavering faith. His story is about transformation that starts fresh every single day.

In today’s episode, I share how faith alone isn’t enough to move us forward without intention and disciplined action. I talk about how comfort can become interference, why small consistent habits protect our purpose, and how non-negotiable behaviors like sleep, movement, and family create a foundation for growth. I explain why faith should be the predisposition and intention the disposition—the driving force that turns belief into aligned action. Through stories of resilience, accountability, and divine timing, I show how lowering the bar, stacking wins, and choosing meaning over fear can reveal progress even when there’s no evidence it’s possible.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Matt Curl, the COO of Apollo.io, to talk about how AI is reshaping the way sales teams work. We explore why the best companies treat their go-to-market process like a tech stack, how Apollo simplifies complex systems, and why the real power of AI lies in augmentation—not replacement. Matt explains how AI assistants can streamline lead management, personalize outreach, and free sales professionals to focus on the human side of closing deals. From cutting wasted time to multiplying results, this conversation unpacks how the future of sales belongs to those who learn to work smarter with AI.

In today’s episode, I shared five lessons to help you stop drifting and start leading with intention. Too many entrepreneurs confuse being busy with being productive. Real success doesn’t come from doing more—it comes from deciding better. When your actions, thoughts, and beliefs align with purpose, progress becomes natural. From choosing quality over quantity to turning setbacks into setups, the intentional entrepreneur understands that consistency and gratitude compound over time. Success isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence, faith, and intention. To join my next free Friday Training session, email me at david@dmeltzer.com.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Amber Vilhauer, a visionary entrepreneur who transformed a painful past into a purpose-driven life of service and impact. We talk about resilience, faith, and the mindset that separates those who quit from those who keep going when evidence seems stacked against them. I share how prioritizing intention over attention creates clarity amid chaos, why imagination is essential to seeing what’s real, and how non-negotiables like sleep, health, and family anchor true success. Together, Amber and I explore what it means to love the hard parts of life and turn adversity into divine direction.

In today’s episode, I sit down with sales coach and behavioral science expert Nick Graz to explore the moments that reshaped my understanding of success, control, and fulfillment. I share how losing over $100 million became the catalyst for rediscovering gratitude, empathy, accountability, and effective communication—and how surrendering control led to intentional living. Nick and I discuss what it means to build happiness through purpose, community, and daily discipline, and how success isn’t about arriving somewhere new but about aligning who you are with what you’re becoming. This conversation is about humility, faith, and finding meaning through service.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Christopher Trocola, CEO and founder of ARC Defense Systems, to talk about what it means to build ethical technology in a world moving faster than its own guardrails. We discuss the current state of AI—how it’s being used, abused, and misunderstood—and the urgent need for compliance that protects people, not just systems. Christopher explains how ARC acts as a barrier between human behavior and machine learning, creating a safer space for both to coexist. He also shares how faith, resilience, and personal conviction shape his mission to protect humanity from its own creation.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Sage Steele, a world-renowned broadcaster and host who built her career on courage, conviction, and authenticity. Sage opens up about walking away from the comfort of ESPN to create a platform of her own, and how that decision taught her the power of freedom, faith, and resilience. We talk about learning to love what you don’t like, finding purpose in adversity, and standing firm when it feels easier to stay quiet. Her story is a reminder that peace comes from self-trust, not approval, and that the real win is living and speaking without fear.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Ryan Beckmann, an RV industry veteran with over 25 years of experience leading teams, scaling sales, and co-founding Dealer Backstock—a platform transforming how RV dealers and buyers connect. After building a reputation as a top performer and earning a 40 Under 40 award, Ryan realized that success, money, and recognition couldn’t fill what he calls a “God-sized hole.” He opens up about addiction, loss, and the journey to rebuild through faith, service, and the 12 steps. His story is a reminder that fulfillment isn’t found in achievement but in purpose, gratitude, and helping others heal.

In today’s episode, I share the ten secrets that have shaped my journey as an entrepreneur—from mastering cash flow to building a culture rooted in character, coachability, and consistency. I break down how patience, resilience, and adaptability turn uncertainty into momentum, and why your community, not your ego, defines your legacy. Entrepreneurship isn’t about chasing liquidity or perfection; it’s about staying present, compounding what works, and leading with values that outlast any paycheck. I explore how humility, gratitude, and faith can transform setbacks into setups and help you create a business and a life that endures beyond profit.