

The Playbook With David Meltzer
David Meltzer, Entrepreneur.com
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 2, 2025 • 37min
Breaking Free from Negative Mental Loops
In today’s episode, I share how shifting your consciousness can break you out of old loops and help you solve problems faster. I talk about the subconscious running most of your day, how to train it with intention, and why truth and repetition are the real tools of impact. I explain why manifestation isn’t magic. It’s the process of materializing what already exists by tuning your awareness to the right frequency. From building a foundation of learning to capturing those “aha” moments as they happen, this episode covers how to raise your thinking, shorten resistance, and access the cheat codes that turn challenges into opportunities.

Jul 1, 2025 • 19min
How Competition Fuels Success Beyond Sports
In today’s episode, I sit down with Super Bowl champion, former NFL MVP, and longtime broadcaster Joe Theismann. We talk about his passion for golf and his role in the American Century Championship, where top athletes, entertainers, and business leaders compete while raising millions for charity. Joe explains why quarterbacks and pitchers often excel at golf, shares what keeps him motivated after football, and reflects on moments that shaped his career on and off the field. We also get into his work as a motivational speaker, his approach to storytelling, and how a simple thank-you letter from two young fans left a lasting impact.

Jun 30, 2025 • 57min
The Simplicity Edge: Why the Basics Still Win
In this episode, I shared why simple actions are often the most powerful tools for transformation. From saying “thank you” every day to setting clear boundaries in relationships, it’s the small, intentional choices that create the biggest results over time. We talked about mindset shifts, the importance of consistency, and how reframing setbacks can lead to growth. Success isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters, every single day, with purpose and clarity.
To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

Jun 29, 2025 • 33min
The Hidden Cost of Taking Things Personally
In today’s episode, I break down the emotional patterns that shape how we respond to fear, stress, and setbacks, often without realizing it. I explain why our feelings aren’t always true, how to spot what they’re really signaling, and how reframing those reactions helps create more clarity, peace, and direction. I share strategies for building emotional resilience in business and in life, starting with one simple shift: stop reacting and start responding with intention. Whether it’s a delay, disappointment, or misstep, I show how to turn emotional interference into fuel for better decision-making, stronger relationships, and a more aligned, purpose-driven path forward.

Jun 28, 2025 • 18min
Closing The Funding Gap For Women Entrepreneurs
In today’s episode, I sit down with Evelyn Y. K. Lee, founder of Vine Ventures, international investor, mentor, and private equity expert. Evelyn shares why she backs entrepreneurs who demonstrate consistency, integrity, and a deep commitment to their mission. We discuss the persistent funding gap facing women, especially women of color, and why investing in these founders often leads to stronger long-term outcomes. Evelyn also shares why companies like Rocket Plan, which simplify outdated industries with scalable solutions, stand out in a crowded market. Legacy, impact, and execution remain at the center of her approach as she empowers founders building businesses that create real change.

Jun 27, 2025 • 13min
How Early Struggles Shape Great Entrepreneurs
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Joe Tolzmann, entrepreneur, founder, and CEO of RocketPlan Technologies, for a conversation with Christine Tsai, Founding Partner and CEO of 500 Global. Christine shares how watching her mom program punch cards sparked a lifelong connection to technology and entrepreneurship. We talk about what it takes to succeed outside the typical startup hotspots, why investing in underrepresented founders matters, and how early rejection helped shape breakout companies like Canva. Christine also reflects on why entrepreneurship still holds the key to solving the world’s biggest challenges.

Jun 26, 2025 • 19min
What the Hootsuite CEO Learned from Interviewing 500 Gen Z Workers
In today’s episode, I sit down with Irina Novoselsky, CEO of Hootsuite, to talk about what leaders are getting wrong about Gen Z. After interviewing more than 500 members of the generation, Irina shares what’s really driving their decisions, including their preference for social-first communication and their shifting definition of success. We break down how anxiety, remote work expectations, and evolving relationships with authority shape their priorities. Irina explains why traditional sales tactics fall flat, how companies can actually reach Gen Z buyers, and what they really mean when they say they want flexibility. It’s not entitlement. It’s a different rulebook entirely.

Jun 25, 2025 • 18min
What to Do When Your Brain Tries to Stop You
In today’s episode, I sit down with my high performance coach and longtime friend John Assaraf to talk about how to train the brain for sustainable success. John explains how our thoughts activate specific neural circuits and how to interrupt the negative ones before they take over. He walks through his signature “innercise” method and shares a simple morning practice that rewires the brain with repetition, not willpower. We talk about the neuroscience of fear, motivation, and identity, and the real reason most people do not trust their training when it counts. From visualization to blueprinting goals, this conversation covers the mental fitness needed to perform at the highest level.

4 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 24min
Why Traditional Search Is Dead (And How Exa.ai is Replacing It)
Will Bryk, co-founder of Exa.ai and former robotics lead at Harvard, delves into the future of search technology. He explains how traditional search methods are becoming obsolete as AI begins to prioritize meaning over keywords. Will shares insights on how Exa.ai enhances information retrieval with its unique semantic understanding. The conversation explores how blending physics with AI can unravel complex mysteries and empower entrepreneurs, revolutionizing decision-making in both personal and professional realms.

Jun 23, 2025 • 34min
Shake Up Your Perspective
In this episode, I talk about one of the most underrated tools for growth—your perspective. I share why the way you see things often shapes what you get from them, and how small mindset shifts can lead to big changes in results. From the power of intentional disruption to the REFRAME method I use to reset and refocus, this conversation is about breaking patterns, getting clear on what matters, and moving forward with purpose. When we lead with gratitude and curiosity, everything starts to look different—and so do the outcomes we create.
To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com


