The Playbook With David Meltzer

In today’s episode, I sit down with the legendary chef and restaurateur Wolfgang Puck to talk about the joy and purpose behind a life’s work. He shares how finding passion, not chasing money, has been the foundation of his success, and why quality, hospitality, and making people feel good are non-negotiables in creating lasting experiences. Wolfgang reflects on the defining moments that shaped his career, from France to founding Spago in Los Angeles, and the lessons his mother instilled that still guide him today. At 75, he remains energized by his craft, showing why joy is the ultimate ingredient for longevity.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Rob Riggle, a Marine Corps veteran turned actor, comedian, writer, and producer whose career spans from Saturday Night Live and The Daily Show to blockbuster films. Rob shares how his time in the Marines built the discipline, resilience, and fear-conquering mindset that have shaped every chapter of his life. We talk about the realities of chasing opportunities, why action matters more than shortcuts, and how giving yourself permission to fail is the real key to growth. Rob’s stories, from stand-up’s nerve-wracking beginnings to life’s unexpected detours, offer a candid reminder that hard work and consistency win every time.

In today’s episode, I sit down with serial entrepreneur Amrinder Kamboj, CEO of Kamboj Ventures, who built a 14-company, $300 million empire after his first business went bankrupt. Amrinder opens up about the lessons he drew from his father’s struggles as an immigrant, the mindset shift that came from failing young, and how he now evaluates companies for scalability, culture, and leadership before making acquisitions. We talk about the balance between technology and people, the importance of building leaders within an organization, and why true legacy is measured by purpose and impact rather than profit alone.

In today’s episode, I sit down with two of the greatest running backs to play the game, Steven Jackson and Austin Ekeler. We talk about what it means to live out a dream that has a natural expiration date, and how identity shifts once a playing career ends. Steven shares the symbolic act of cutting his long hair at retirement to embrace a new version of himself, while Austin reflects on treating life as chapters, each with its own opportunities. Together, we explore the balance between loyalty and business in football, the realities of short NFL careers, and building meaningful ventures beyond the field.

Dushyant Sharma, the visionary Founder and CEO of Paymentus, shares insights from transforming bill payment systems for utilities, insurers, and governments. He discusses how to turn customer frustration into a smoother experience, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and clarity. Discover how aligning payment solutions with real customer needs not only slashes service calls but also boosts collections. Dushyant highlights the culture that keeps Paymentus agile, and why focusing on overlooked clients paved the way for massive growth.

In this engaging chat, Tony Smith, CEO and Co-founder of Restaurant365, shares insights from revolutionizing the restaurant industry. He discusses the creation of the Restaurant Transformation Festival, emphasizing community and authentic connections. Tony reflects on the resilience of hospitality workers during the pandemic and how innovation is reshaping the field. He also explores the promising role of AI in operations and training while celebrating the emotional connections food fosters, all guided by the principle of loving good food.

In today’s episode, I shared how true success starts from within. It’s not just about making money or chasing milestones; it’s about building the mindset, habits, and consistency that create lasting growth. I talked about the difference between earning money and engineering wealth, the importance of getting 1% better every day, and why taking intentional pauses is often the key to clarity and progress. My goal is to help you align your actions with your values so you can build not only success, but a life filled with purpose and fulfillment. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today’s episode, I sit down with Aneesh Lal, founder of The Wishly Group, where he helps creators and small businesses build modern revenue engines rooted in trust and alignment. Known as the “Jerry Maguire of LinkedIn,” Aneesh has built a reputation for representing clients with an uncommon commitment to values, turning down $40 million in deals that didn’t fit their missions. We talk about why a small, engaged LinkedIn audience can outperform millions of TikTok views, how his three C framework—credibility, character, and charisma—guides every partnership, and why mission always comes before commission. Aneesh proves that meaningful success is never just about the money.

In today’s episode, I sit down with John Assaraf, a two-time New York Times bestselling author known for teaching people how to strengthen the brain’s “neuro muscles” through his concept of Innercise. John shares his personal transformation from a troubled teen to a committed student of personal growth after one life-changing question from a mentor. We explore how small, consistent actions can rewire thought patterns, build empowering habits, and unlock greater potential. John explains why visualization works, how habits form in the brain, and why reducing goals to the smallest possible steps creates lasting change. His story shows what’s possible when commitment replaces mere interest.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Victoria B. Lozano, Executive Vice President of Brand Marketing at Crayola, to talk about how creativity shapes our lives across generations. She shares how Crayola’s mission has always gone beyond crayons, focusing on wellness, education, and inspiring simple creative moments every day. We explore how creativity improves problem solving, critical thinking, and emotional well-being—not just for children, but for adults seeking stress relief and joy. Victoria also discusses Crayola’s Campaign for Creativity, the evolving role of digital tools, and how the brand continues to innovate while staying true to its purpose of making humans more human.