The Playbook With David Meltzer

In today’s episode, I sit down with Laura Ann Lamando, founder and CEO of FanGirl Fashionista, to talk about the real gap in sports merchandise for women and why no one’s addressed it until now. Laura shares how years of industry inertia and bulk-buying habits have kept women sidelined from gear that actually fits, feels good, and reflects their fandom. We get into the licensing hurdles, manufacturing timelines, and what it takes to break through in a space most fashion brands won’t touch. We also unpack why women speaking up, buying less, and asking for what they actually want could be the key to a more inclusive and profitable future in sports.

In today’s episode, I sit down with mortgage strategist, martial arts coach, and LFG Society founder Arjun Dhingra to talk about real estate, financial literacy, and the emotional weight behind major life purchases. Arjun shares how a canceled coffee meeting almost ended his career, and how vulnerability, education, and authenticity helped him build trust in a fear-driven industry. We break down why some people shouldn’t buy a house yet, how marketing shifts alongside public sentiment, and the real reason financial shame keeps so many stuck. Arjun also opens up about losing everything in 2008—and what that taught him about resilience and responsibility.

In today’s episode, I sit down with coach, author, and Penn State board member Jay Paterno to talk about the pressure, politics, and possibilities shaping the future of college athletics. We break down how NIL deals, revenue sharing, and media money are forcing universities to rethink what it means to support student-athletes—especially those outside of football and basketball. Jay shares personal stories from life on and off the field, including how mental health, identity, and leadership are being reshaped in real time. We talk about the impact of Title IX, the lessons passed down from his father Joe Paterno, and why building a team matters more than ever.

In today’s episode, I break down why AI is more than just a tool for automation. It’s the future of connection, community, and brand growth. I explain how to use AI not just to find leads but to match with people who resonate with your values, essence, and mission. I share the three skills I believe everyone must develop to stay relevant: reading, cold calling, and practicing AI the right way. We move beyond volume and vanity metrics to focus on building relationships that last. The search engine of the future isn’t just about search. It searches for you by feeding relevance back to the right people in real time. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today’s episode, I share the lessons that only failure can teach, starting with the pressure to succeed in a household where doctor, lawyer, or failure were the only options. I break down how losing over $100 million forced me to rethink everything—from chasing validation to reclaiming the meaning of success. I talk about loving what you don’t like, using faith when there’s no evidence, and choosing commitment when 98% of people would quit. From food stamps to fake wealth, from overselling to owning the truth, this is about the cheat codes that come from facing discomfort head-on and remembering who you really are.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Minnesota Timberwolves co-owner and serial entrepreneur Marc Lore for a conversation about mindset, failure, and how we prepare the next generation. We talk about growing up under pressure, the flawed messages baked into our education system, and why curiosity matters more than certainty. Marc reflects on raising kids to think independently, while I share why asking for help is one of the most important skills we can teach. From navigating trial and error to embracing purpose over perfection, we look at how gratitude, empathy, and openness can shape better leaders and stronger communities.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Marshall Faulk, one of the greatest running backs in NFL history and a current coach at the University of Colorado. We talk about the influence his mother had on his unshakable identity, the difference between self-confidence and ego, and how humility has shaped his life off the field. Marshall also opens up about his post-career health journey, explaining how it took two full years for his body to recover after retiring. We discuss how high performers often neglect their own wellbeing, what finally pushed him to make a change, and what it really takes to enjoy the life you've built.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Kass and Mike Lazerow, married co-founders behind Golf.com, Buddy Media, and now a book that tells the truth about what building a business actually looks like. We talk about the emotional cost of entrepreneurship, fighting well in business and in marriage, and why brutal honesty is the glue that’s held their personal and professional lives together. They share the real story behind their billion-dollar exit, how they made big pivots without losing each other, and the cheat codes they swear by for surviving startup life without burning out or breaking up. It’s funny, raw, and full of earned wisdom.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Chris Calleri, a former top Vegas DJ who walked away from nightlife, toured the world on cruise ships, studied risk management, and eventually bought a 75-year-old family-owned jewelry business with his wife. We talk about what it really means to be an “overnight success,” how to pivot when life demands it, and why emotion, not just utility, drives value—whether you’re selling tacos or timepieces. Chris shares how storytelling, consistency, and connection have helped Huntington Jewelers thrive in a digital age, and how the right watch can say more about someone’s values than any smart device ever could.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Al Guido, President of the San Francisco 49ers and President and CEO of Elevate, to talk about vision, pressure, and purpose at the highest level of sports and entertainment. Al opens up about launching the Guido Family Foundation, the impact of his upbringing, and why running a marathon helped clarify what really matters. We talk Super Bowl and World Cup prep, balancing ambition with presence, and how he defines harmony in a life that demands sacrifice. Whether it’s managing Levi’s Stadium or being a father to three daughters, Al brings clarity, conviction, and humility to everything he does.