

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

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.

Mar 25, 2025 • 36min
How Coaches and Mentors Shape Success
In today’s episode, I unpack the key distinctions between coaches and mentors, breaking down how each role accelerates growth in different ways. Drawing from Napoleon Hill’s 17 Principles of Success, I explain how mentors share experience, relationship capital, and lessons from the “dummy tax,” while coaches focus on daily accountability, consistency, and emotional intelligence to bring out your best. I share how applying structure, purpose, and aligned relationships can help overcome fear-based thinking and interference. This session is rooted in the power of collaboration, clarity, and actionable support that gets you where you want to be or better faster and with fewer setbacks.

Mar 24, 2025 • 46min
Mother Teresa’s 10 Paradoxical Commandments
Life is full of contradictions, the more we push for success, the more resistance we face. The more we act with kindness, the more we may be questioned. In this session, I explored how embracing these paradoxes can fuel personal and professional growth. Instead of letting doubt, criticism, or external expectations derail us, we can use them as opportunities to strengthen our purpose, commitment, and resilience. By staying true to our values, navigating skepticism confidently, and recognizing that success and challenges go hand in hand, we create a life filled with meaning and impact.To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

Mar 23, 2025 • 26min
Understanding the Secret Language of Relationships
In today’s episode, I sit down with Craig Siegel and relationship expert John Gray, the author of Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus. We break down the science behind how men and women communicate, why listening without problem-solving strengthens emotional connection, and how subtle shifts in conversation can transform relationships. John shares the latest research on mirror neurons, stress responses, and the biological differences that shape the way we connect. Whether in marriage, friendships, or professional relationships, understanding these dynamics can lead to stronger, more fulfilling connections.

Mar 22, 2025 • 22min
How to Make Every Minute Count
In today’s episode, I break down the power of strategic networking, time management, and the mindset that drives success. I share my approach to hosting meetups in 200 cities, the importance of asking the right questions, and how understanding time and relativity can maximize productivity. I explain why non-negotiables like sleep, family, and financial awareness set the foundation for sustainable growth. I also discuss how prioritization and adaptability create harmony in life, allowing for success without burnout. Through personal experiences, I reveal how mismanaging emotions and reacting poorly to circumstances can derail even the best opportunities and how shifting perspective changes everything.

Mar 21, 2025 • 33min
How Faith and Friendship Fuel Success
In today’s episode, James Maslow and I welcome actor, comedian, and musician Stephen Kramer Glickman. Best known for his role as Gustavo Rocque on Big Time Rush, Stephen shares the story of his longtime friendship with James, from childhood gatherings to working together on set. He reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his career, his journey toward better health, and the unexpected ways his faith has influenced his path. We discuss the power of perseverance, the lessons learned from personal transformation, and the mindset shifts that come with experience. Stephen also gives a glimpse into his upcoming tour and what’s next for him in entertainment.

Mar 20, 2025 • 30min
Lessons from a Life on the Edge
In today’s episode, I sit down with Owen Hanson, a former USC athlete whose ambition took him from the football field to running a multimillion-dollar illegal gambling and drug trafficking operation. He shares how the pressure to keep up with high-profile friends led him down a dangerous path, the moment everything unraveled, and what it was like facing the consequences of his choices. From dealing with one of the world’s most infamous cartels to his eventual arrest and 10-year prison sentence, his story is a stark reminder of how quickly success can turn into downfall. Now rebuilding his life, he reflects on the lessons learned and the mindset shift that changed everything.

Mar 19, 2025 • 24min
How I Rebuilt My Life After Losing Everything
In today's episode, I reflect on the moments that reshaped my life, from losing everything in bankruptcy to rebuilding with a new perspective. I share the pivotal lesson my wife taught me about real change, the mindset shift that made loss easier to navigate, and why the people we surround ourselves with shape more than just our success. I also answer audience questions on personal growth, resilience, and redefining self-worth beyond financial achievements. Whether it's navigating setbacks, strengthening relationships, or staying committed to core values, this conversation is about embracing the behaviors that move us toward the life we truly want.

Mar 18, 2025 • 28min
Why Discipline Matters More Than Motivation
In today's episode, I break down the power of consistency, explaining why discipline matters more than motivation. I share my approach to structuring each day with non-negotiable priorities, ensuring progress without relying on changing circumstances. I also discuss accountability, whether it belongs in a calendar or as a core value, and how the meaning we assign to past experiences shapes our future. Plus, I reflect on a recent speech that resonated deeply, the lessons I learned from eulogizing my mother, and why I prioritize investing in women-led CPG brands. This conversation is about maximizing time, removing limitations, and staying committed because success is built one step at a time.

Mar 17, 2025 • 55min
The Art of Closing
Closing a sale isn’t about pressure or persuasion—it’s about creating real value and meaningful relationships. In this session, I shared how shifting from a transactional mindset to a mission-based approach transforms the way we sell. By focusing on emotional connection, understanding client needs, and using the Five to Thrive methodology, we build lasting trust beyond short-term wins. True success in sales comes not from closing deals but from opening doors to deeper relationships, repeat business, and long-term growth.To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com


