

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

Apr 4, 2025 • 17min
How to Live a Life That Will Outlive You
In today’s episode, I sit down with legendary speaker and author Les Brown, whose voice has inspired millions for more than four decades. At 80 years old and cancer free, Les opens up about what the disease taught him about purpose, momentum, and legacy. He shares how his start in door-to-door sales sharpened the resilience that carried him through rejection, labels, and the odds stacked against him. From radio to arenas, Les has stayed ahead by constantly evolving, mentoring others, and surrounding himself with strong communities. His message is clear: know your why, work with the difficulty, and never let go of the promises you make to yourself.

Apr 3, 2025 • 30min
You Can’t Sell a Secret
In today’s episode, I break down why you can’t grow your impact or your business by keeping your value a secret. Fear, perfectionism, and worrying about others’ opinions are the real roadblocks, not your product or service. I talk about how confidence, clarity, and communication become your foundation when paired with repetition and real feedback. You'll hear why practicing your pitch every day, getting comfortable being seen, and becoming familiar to your audience are key to long-term trust and success. Selling is never just about a transaction. It’s about service, consistency, and showing up as your full self without interference.

Apr 2, 2025 • 30min
The Path from Deception to Integrity in Sales
In today’s episode, I sit down with Jason Marc Campbell, author of Selling with Love and a powerful voice in reshaping the way businesses operate. We unpack how toxic sales habits like manipulation and overpromising nearly cost me everything, and how shifting toward value-based selling helped me rebuild my life and career. Jason and I explore the difference between perceived value and actual value, how to build credibility without overselling, and why allowing people to change their minds is a sign of strength, not weakness. This is an honest conversation about ethics, growth, and what it takes to sell with both conviction and compassion.

Apr 1, 2025 • 17min
The Power of Long-Term Thinking with Noah Kerner
In today’s episode, I sit down with Noah Kerner, CEO of Acorns, to talk about how great companies are built by prioritizing talent, fostering accountability, and rejecting the illusion of fast success. We get into the value of in-person energy in a remote world, and why a good sense of humor is his top hiring trait. Noah shares how Acorns encourages personal agency and long-term thinking, offering tools designed to help people grow wealth slowly and responsibly—no get-rich-quick gimmicks, no shortcuts. Just simple, consistent steps rooted in discipline and clarity around timing and risk tolerance.

Mar 31, 2025 • 49min
The Joy of Missing Out: Finding Peace in a Noisy World
Many of the limitations we experience aren’t caused by external factors but by the way we perceive ourselves and the world around us. In this session, I shared how judgment—both our own and the assumptions we make about others—can cloud our clarity and hold us back. Instead of seeking validation, we can shift our focus to what truly matters: living by our values, embracing the joy of missing out (JOMO), and making gratitude a daily habit. Real growth comes from small, consistent changes that align our actions with our purpose. By prioritizing what brings us fulfillment and surrounding ourselves with the right community, we create a clearer path to success.To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

Mar 30, 2025 • 11min
Lessons from Losing It All
In today’s episode, I talk about the most expensive mistakes of my life, what I call the dummy tax, and how losing more than a hundred million dollars forced me to rethink everything. I also share what my mom’s recent passing taught me about humility, grief, and what it really means to be prepared. From there, I explore how faith and consistent action help us push through moments when life doesn’t make sense. When you understand the purpose of your human experience, you can start to see setbacks as part of a bigger plan. Progress, not perfection, is what moves us forward.

Mar 29, 2025 • 15min
Why Fame Isn’t the Finish Line
In today’s episode, I sit down with actor, musician, and entrepreneur James Maslow to talk about what it really takes to build a sustainable career in the spotlight. James shares the mindset required to navigate early missteps, the importance of having enough capital to weather uncertainty, and how fame can be a stepping stone rather than the finish line. We break down the idea of timing and risk tolerance, how long it actually takes to see real results, and why the “overnight success” myth still fools so many. James brings a grounded perspective on fame, fortune, and building a future that lasts.

Mar 28, 2025 • 25min
The Power of Strategic Partnerships
In today’s episode, I sit down with Jay Abraham, one of the most influential strategic marketing minds in the world and a pioneer in business growth strategy. Jay shares how he built a $250 million seminar business through partnerships, strategic alliances, and relational capital—without spending heavily on traditional advertising. We explore why understanding value from the customer’s perspective is the key to gaining a real competitive edge, and how to align that value with purpose, culture, and communication. Jay also shares the philosophy that’s guided him for decades: you're rewarded in life by the consistency and quality of the problems you solve for others.

Mar 27, 2025 • 48min
The Brutal Truth About Breaking Through
In today’s episode, I respond to real questions from entrepreneurs navigating pricing, purpose, and growth. One speaker shares his journey from jail to building a 400-person trading community, asking how to make money and get on stages without overcharging. I talk about using proximity as a business model, how credibility connects to guarantees, and why post-production content matters more than the speech itself. I also answer questions on scaling niche businesses, attracting high-level clients, and maintaining quality without burning out. From relationship dynamics to redefining happiness, I break down how consistency, clarity, and audience awareness can turn challenges into lasting opportunities.

Mar 26, 2025 • 32min
The Truth About Purpose and Pain
In today’s episode, I share how I’ve come to understand the common patterns that interfere with our potential—personally, professionally, and spiritually. After speaking with people in hundreds of cities each year, I’ve found that most of us are blocking the same infinite power we already have access to. I break down how aligning time, faith, and priorities can bridge the gap between what we want and what’s actually happening. I explain how commitment—measured not just by desire but by faith—can carry us through when the evidence says otherwise, and why most people quit before they ever see what’s waiting on the other side of discomfort.


