The Playbook

In today's episode, I sit down with Brian Tran of The Winners Club Podcast to unpack the lessons that shaped me long before I understood how much they would matter. I talk about the early success that convinced me I didn't need help, the ego that pushed me into avoidable mistakes, and the $100 million loss that forced me to rebuild from the inside out. I share why mentorship only works when you seek guidance from people who sit where you want to be, why receiving is just as important as giving, and how non-negotiable habits like sleep, health, faith, and disciplined focus create real freedom.

In today's episode, I sit down with Fabien Auger, a creative strategist, entrepreneur, author, and former boxer whose journey took him from New York nightlife to building Zulni, a reflective journaling app powered by AI and biofeedback. Fabien talks about misunderstanding himself for years, the emotional cost of numbing stress, and the turning point that pushed him toward sobriety and self-awareness. We walk through how his app helps people notice emotional patterns, reset before burnout, and connect physiological signals to real moments in their day. His story shows how small steps, honest reflection, and personal passion can rebuild a sense of clarity and direction.

In this episode, I explain why your environment is the greatest indicator of your future. Every room you enter, every relationship you invest in, and every block of time on your calendar is sending you toward your potential or pulling you away from it. I break down how consistent behaviors—not grand gestures—shape culture, and why mastering your internal state is the foundation for mastering everything else. When you raise the standard of the environments you choose, you raise the standard of your life. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today's episode, I break down how shifting from selling to serving transforms trust, connection, and long-term growth. I walk through the energy behind our words, why pressure creates resistance, and how curiosity, empathy, and reflective listening open the door to real partnership. I explain how time, emotion, and value constantly change and why adjusting to those changes keeps relationships aligned. I also share how intention shapes every outcome, how a go no-go plan removes friction, and why easing off urgency strengthens influence. This is a practical look at turning conversations into collaboration and building a foundation where clients buy with confidence and stay for connection.

In today's episode, I sit down with entrepreneur Noor Fateh, the chief revenue officer at FanBasis, to explore how intention and innovation can reshape an entire industry. Noor shares the story of his family's journey from Pakistan to Los Angeles and how their sacrifices fueled his drive to build something meaningful. We walk through his leap from college to tech startups, the early pivots inside FanBasis, and the speed and clarity that guide his leadership. Noor breaks down the platform's growth, the power of referrals, and the mindset that keeps him steady through rapid change.

In today's episode, I sit down with legendary Argentine sports commentator Andres Cantor for a conversation inside one of the most iconic stadiums on the planet. We talk about what shaped his career, how he's seen the World Cup evolve over 16 tournaments, and why the United States still struggles to convert youth participation into true fandom. Andres shares what makes soccer culture so unique, from the pressure on players to the discipline required to spot talent early. We also explore teamwork, generosity on the field, and why the sport's biggest stars often become its most selfless playmakers.

In today's episode, I break down how the timeless principles of Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich translate into a modern playbook for building real wealth. I share why wealth is created twice, first in your mind and then in the marketplace, and how definiteness of purpose, faith, and specialized knowledge shape that journey. I walk through my ten lessons of wealth, from imagination and organized planning to masterminds, decisive action, and persistent behavior that carries you through resistance and fear. Finally, I explain why money without meaning is malnutrition and how true wealth is the freedom to do what you want, when you want, with who you want.

In today's episode, I break down how I manage my energy, prioritize my nonnegotiables, and keep my life aligned with my divine direction. I share the role sleep, recovery, and intentional routines play in keeping me active instead of merely busy, and why interference drains more potential than any lack of talent. I walk through the lessons I learned from losing everything, the moments when loved ones gave well-meaning but limiting advice, and how defining “for the sake of what” reshaped my purpose. I also explain how timing, risk tolerance, and capabilities determine growth, whether you're building a small business or scaling toward bigger goals.

In today's episode, I break down why time is the most valuable asset we're given and how understanding it changes the way we move through the human experience. I talk about the guarantee of our 24 hours, the role of pain in learning, and how aligning the meaning of the past with where we want to go keeps us from getting stuck in old stories. I share why non negotiable habits around sleep, health, and family anchor me when circumstances shift, and how repetition, consistency, and faith help me access the infinite potential available every day. This framework is what turns uncertainty into momentum and purpose.

In this episode, I explain why your inner circle is one of the greatest indicators of where you're headed. I talk about how leading with gratitude, empathy, accountability, and effective communication attracts the people who support your vision. I share simple ways to set boundaries, protect your energy, and stay aligned with the relationships that move you forward. I also highlight how the right mentors help you accelerate your progress and avoid unnecessary detours. This episode is a reminder that when you surround yourself with people who elevate your standards, you expand your capacity — and your results. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today's episode, I speak to a room of young entrepreneurs about why definiteness of purpose matters more than raw talent, and how to use it to pitch with integrity. I share the five dollar for twenty dollar lesson, the five elements of every great pitch, and why saying “I don't know” builds more trust than any slick deck. I explain my thousand step philosophy of success, the three no rule for protecting your time, and the real role of AI as a servant, not a threat. Along the way, I connect it all back to freedom, faith, and becoming who you must be.

In today's episode, I sit down with Embarc Wines co-founders Adam Lovingood and Richard Garcia to unpack how they built a self-serve wine experience that feels both innovative and familiar. We get into the early days of their partnership, the years of planning that shaped their model, and the moment they realized this concept could scale far beyond a single location. They walk me through the balance of full-time careers and late-night building, the relationships that fuel their wine program, and why creating a warm social environment matters as much as the technology behind it. Their vision for expansion shows just how far this idea can go.

In today's episode, I sit down with Sande Golgart, a global executive known for his people-first leadership and commitment to building high-performing cultures. We talk about fear as a constant companion in the human experience and how recognizing the instant, ego-driven reactions it creates can open the door to better choices. I share how simple tools like stop, drop, and roll guide me back toward my potential, and how non-negotiable habits keep me grounded when circumstances shift. Sande and I explore the impact of mission-driven living, the freedom that comes from removing resistance, and the role faith plays in expanding what's possible.

In today's episode, I break down how daily practice shapes long-term success and why consistent behavior outperforms occasional pushes. I explain the human experience through time, intention, and the lessons our bodies are built to teach us. I share how separating each day into non-negotiable and circumstantial behavior helps me stay aligned with my goals, reduce resistance, and avoid doubling down on the habits that hold me back. I talk about using uncertainty as fuel, managing ego-driven reactions, and building a life rooted in recovery, health, family, faith, and purposeful action. It's a simple framework that turns small commitments into exponential results.

In today's episode, I sit down with James Maslow and UFC Hall of Famer Forrest Griffin, a former Light Heavyweight Champion whose career helped bring the sport into the mainstream. We cover the grind behind his rise, the standards he now upholds as the UFC's Vice President of Athlete Development, and why winning still hits harder than any paycheck. Forrest opens up about work identity, product integrity, and the value of surrounding yourself with people who stay steady when things get chaotic. James and I also break down leadership, teachability, and the pressure that comes with building teams that can thrive under real responsibility.

In today's episode, I sit down with Kaye Doran, a women's leadership coach, shamanic healer, and creator of Inner Expressions, whose work centers on helping women rise from within. We explore the moments that pushed me toward a spiritual shift long before I lost everything, including the warning signs I ignored, the night my wife confronted me, and the painful honesty that forced me to rebuild my life with new values and daily practices. Kaye brings her own perspective on energy and inner guidance, setting the stage for a conversation about what happens when you stop interfering with who you already are and choose to live in alignment.

In this episode, I explain why presence is one of the greatest skills we can build — not just to lead, but to serve. Drawing on the wisdom of Think and Grow Rich, I share how our mindset and energy shape a room before we ever speak. I cover the simple practices that help us guide any environment: leading with intention, winning the first moments, asking meaningful questions, staying centered through breath, and communicating with clarity. Most of all, I highlight that leadership isn't about control — it's about creating the right setting for others to succeed. When we show up with certainty, kindness, and alignment, we raise the room, and with it, the opportunities available to everyone. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today's episode, I talk about why most entrepreneurs already have their why but lose progress by interfering with it. I walk through the beliefs and habits that kept me grounded as a kid in Akron, the painful moment I lost everything including my mom's house, and how that experience reshaped the meaning I gave to my past. I break down the five daily practices that fuel passion, purpose, and profitability, from applying your why to managing fear with a simple stop, breathe, and reset approach. This conversation is about using consistency, intention, and self-honesty to shorten the distance between who you are and who you want to become.

In today's episode, I sit down with Luba Patlakh-Kaplun, the founder of Kidology, a mom of three, speech language pathologist, and dedicated advocate for families navigating IEPs. We talk about the loss that shaped both of us, the waves of grief, and the quiet moments where our parents still feel close. We get into mindset as the bridge between the human and the infinite, why asking for help is an act of faith, and how small, consistent actions create lasting change. Luba shares how she built her business, raised young kids, and learned to trust her own direction while stepping into her next chapter with purpose.

In today's episode, I explain why gratitude, empathy, and accountability form the foundation for real success. I share how mindset and non-negotiable behaviors create outcomes far more reliably than strategy, and why consistent daily actions matter more than perfect plans. From my own bankruptcy to rebuilding everything, I reveal how thanking God for loss reshaped my life and how redefining failure as a “divine detour” restored my purpose. We also explore how to expand dreams instead of ending them, nurture empathy without losing strength, and recognize the meaning we assign to our past as the greatest limiter, or liberator, of our potential.

In today's episode, I sit down with Ed Delgado, the President and CEO of Ecuatoriana Airlines, to talk about reviving Ecuador's iconic national carrier and the opportunity it presents. With over three decades in global aviation, Ed shares why Ecuador's underdeveloped domestic market, where buses remain the main competition, makes it one of the few regions where starting an airline still makes sense. We discuss the strategic plan backed by KPMG, the untapped tourism potential across the country's 14 airports, and how EquAir is positioning itself to reconnect Ecuador through domestic, regional, and eventually international routes built on a legacy brand.

In today's episode, I sit down with Swedish creator and interviewer Theodor Ekstrand to explore the moments that shape who we become. We talk about the early beliefs I absorbed watching my mom raise six kids alone, the pressure to stand out in an academic family, and the rush of making my first million in nine months. I share how success created a deeper emptiness, how I tried to fill it with the wrong things, and how losing everything forced a shift in perspective. We get into the role of work ethic, humility, asking for help, and what it really means to rebuild with a sense of purpose.

In today's episode, I'm joined by James Maslow, a multi-talented actor, singer, producer, and speaker known for Big Time Rush, and Will Weinbach, a music producer, entrepreneur, and athlete. We talk about why authenticity wins online, how sharing your struggles builds stronger communities, and why in-person experiences create lasting business value. Will opens up about his ten-week return to tennis, balancing mindset, stamina, and strategy while developing AI tools that help creators spot trends and craft viral hooks. James shares how he's bringing real-world connection back into brand partnerships through live events and meaningful collaborations that keep creativity grounded.

In today's episode, I shared why reaching your potential isn't about doing more—it's about doing what matters with intention. When you lead with gratitude, focus on one meaningful promise, and build simple systems that keep you consistent, your results start to compound. That's when people mistake preparation for luck. Success comes from aligning what you do, say, think, feel, and believe every day. When your behavior matches your vision, clarity grows, opportunities appear, and your frequency rises. Stay intentional, protect your attention, and let consistency guide your progress. To join my next free Friday Training session, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today's episode, I share the most valuable lesson I keep learning: life is simple, but only if you know how to use your 24 hours. Everything beyond that is uncertain. The key is learning to prioritize what truly matters—what you want, who can help you, who you can help, and how to get it done. I talk about how faith shortens the distance between struggle and resolution, how to engineer wealth through intention, and why non-negotiables like sleep, health, and family time form the foundation of lasting success. Once you master your 24 hours, uncertainty becomes opportunity.

In today's episode, I share how to turn competition into a calling by shifting from comparison to purpose. Instead of measuring yourself against others, measure progress against your own potential through gratitude, service, and consistent action. I break down the AAA strategy—alignment, action, and adjustment—and explain why being a steward of your brand before monetizing it builds lasting trust and value. You'll learn how to transform attention into education, convert lessons into systems, and build a life stack rooted in faith, fundamentals, and financial literacy. When gratitude leads and service follows, pressure becomes a privilege, not a problem.

In today's episode, I join Michael Chernow, founder and host of Kreatures of Habit, to share what I look for before investing in an entrepreneur or a business. I explain why my first priority is always the person—not the product—and how I qualify desire, teachability, and alignment with what's working now and in the future. I also share the “thousand-step” rule that determines whether someone has the persistence to succeed and why culture, not company, is the true investment. Along the way, I reflect on the lessons learned from losing $100 million and how that experience shaped my approach to evaluating risk and leadership.

In today's episode, I sit down with Chris Cruz, founder and chief visionary officer of Creative Resource Consulting and creator of The Power of 3RE. Chris shares how his reset, rethink, and restart framework reshaped his approach to mental toughness, habit-building, and daily renewal. We talk about resilience through repetition, the neuroscience behind positive habits, and how faith anchors his recovery journey and leadership philosophy. From overcoming addiction to rebuilding purpose through discipline and belief, Chris explains why the path to fulfillment begins with conscious resets and unwavering faith. His story is about transformation that starts fresh every single day.

In today's episode, I share how faith alone isn't enough to move us forward without intention and disciplined action. I talk about how comfort can become interference, why small consistent habits protect our purpose, and how non-negotiable behaviors like sleep, movement, and family create a foundation for growth. I explain why faith should be the predisposition and intention the disposition—the driving force that turns belief into aligned action. Through stories of resilience, accountability, and divine timing, I show how lowering the bar, stacking wins, and choosing meaning over fear can reveal progress even when there's no evidence it's possible.

In today's episode, I sit down with Matt Curl, the COO of Apollo.io, to talk about how AI is reshaping the way sales teams work. We explore why the best companies treat their go-to-market process like a tech stack, how Apollo simplifies complex systems, and why the real power of AI lies in augmentation—not replacement. Matt explains how AI assistants can streamline lead management, personalize outreach, and free sales professionals to focus on the human side of closing deals. From cutting wasted time to multiplying results, this conversation unpacks how the future of sales belongs to those who learn to work smarter with AI.

In today's episode, I shared five lessons to help you stop drifting and start leading with intention. Too many entrepreneurs confuse being busy with being productive. Real success doesn't come from doing more—it comes from deciding better. When your actions, thoughts, and beliefs align with purpose, progress becomes natural. From choosing quality over quantity to turning setbacks into setups, the intentional entrepreneur understands that consistency and gratitude compound over time. Success isn't about perfection—it's about persistence, faith, and intention. To join my next free Friday Training session, email me at david@dmeltzer.com.

In today's episode, I sit down with Amber Vilhauer, a visionary entrepreneur who transformed a painful past into a purpose-driven life of service and impact. We talk about resilience, faith, and the mindset that separates those who quit from those who keep going when evidence seems stacked against them. I share how prioritizing intention over attention creates clarity amid chaos, why imagination is essential to seeing what's real, and how non-negotiables like sleep, health, and family anchor true success. Together, Amber and I explore what it means to love the hard parts of life and turn adversity into divine direction.

In today's episode, I sit down with sales coach and behavioral science expert Nick Graz to explore the moments that reshaped my understanding of success, control, and fulfillment. I share how losing over $100 million became the catalyst for rediscovering gratitude, empathy, accountability, and effective communication—and how surrendering control led to intentional living. Nick and I discuss what it means to build happiness through purpose, community, and daily discipline, and how success isn't about arriving somewhere new but about aligning who you are with what you're becoming. This conversation is about humility, faith, and finding meaning through service.

In today's episode, I sit down with Christopher Trocola, CEO and founder of ARC Defense Systems, to talk about what it means to build ethical technology in a world moving faster than its own guardrails. We discuss the current state of AI—how it's being used, abused, and misunderstood—and the urgent need for compliance that protects people, not just systems. Christopher explains how ARC acts as a barrier between human behavior and machine learning, creating a safer space for both to coexist. He also shares how faith, resilience, and personal conviction shape his mission to protect humanity from its own creation.

In today's episode, I sit down with Sage Steele, a world-renowned broadcaster and host who built her career on courage, conviction, and authenticity. Sage opens up about walking away from the comfort of ESPN to create a platform of her own, and how that decision taught her the power of freedom, faith, and resilience. We talk about learning to love what you don't like, finding purpose in adversity, and standing firm when it feels easier to stay quiet. Her story is a reminder that peace comes from self-trust, not approval, and that the real win is living and speaking without fear.

In today's episode, I sit down with Ryan Beckmann, an RV industry veteran with over 25 years of experience leading teams, scaling sales, and co-founding Dealer Backstock—a platform transforming how RV dealers and buyers connect. After building a reputation as a top performer and earning a 40 Under 40 award, Ryan realized that success, money, and recognition couldn't fill what he calls a “God-sized hole.” He opens up about addiction, loss, and the journey to rebuild through faith, service, and the 12 steps. His story is a reminder that fulfillment isn't found in achievement but in purpose, gratitude, and helping others heal.

In today's episode, I share the ten secrets that have shaped my journey as an entrepreneur—from mastering cash flow to building a culture rooted in character, coachability, and consistency. I break down how patience, resilience, and adaptability turn uncertainty into momentum, and why your community, not your ego, defines your legacy. Entrepreneurship isn't about chasing liquidity or perfection; it's about staying present, compounding what works, and leading with values that outlast any paycheck. I explore how humility, gratitude, and faith can transform setbacks into setups and help you create a business and a life that endures beyond profit.

In today's episode, we shared some powerful takeaways about creating real change. True transformation doesn't come from wishing, waiting, or just thinking differently—it comes from taking intentional action every single day. I talked about how consistency, gratitude, and patience build the kind of momentum most people mistake for luck. When your thoughts, words, and actions align, progress becomes inevitable. Remember, change isn't about perfection—it's about persistence, faith, and surrounding yourself with the right people who elevate your frequency. To join my next free Friday Training session, email me at david@dmeltzer.com.

In today's episode, I break down the true meaning of intention and why thinking alone isn't enough to change your life. I share how aligning what you say, do, think, feel, and believe creates a higher frequency that removes interference from your goals. I explain why non-negotiable behaviors—like consistency in health, gratitude, and growth—build lasting success, and why attachment to outcomes only slows progress. I also talk about mercy, humility, and frugality as the cornerstones of an intentional life, how to choose partners with values that match your own, and why paying yourself first allows you to give more and serve better.

In today's episode, I share how living with gratitude, responsibility, and honesty can turn coincidence into purpose and purpose into legacy. From a formula for luck to lessons learned after losing $100 million, I explain why freedom isn't about doing whatever you want—it's about doing what you love for the sake of others. I talk about building communities that thrive on service, where people buy from each other, sell for each other, and grow together. Real success isn't found in followers or likes but in creating a network rooted in truth, humility, and faith that compounds for generations.

In today's episode, I share how my misunderstanding of digital presence led me to one of the biggest lessons of my career. What started as skepticism toward social media evolved into a deeper understanding of community, authenticity, and energy. I explore the difference between followers and true influence, explaining why emotional connection always outperforms logic in marketing and leadership. From “dark social” networks to Apple's effortless brand loyalty, I break down how consistency, honesty, and the right frequency of energy can attract people who not only buy from you but also sell for you—turning your brand into a lasting legacy.

In today's episode, I sit down with Van Carlson, founder and CEO of SRA, to talk about what it really means to engineer wealth. Van's company helps entrepreneurs protect what they've built through strategic risk management, turning potential setbacks into opportunities. We discuss how understanding timing, risk tolerance, and the architecture of wealth can help business owners position their dollars more effectively, especially in times of uncertainty. Van also shares how faith, family, and perspective shape his success—and why facing life's storms head-on is often the smartest move a leader can make.

In today's episode, I share the story of how chasing money and success left me feeling empty, even after I had everything I thought I wanted. From growing up poor with a single mom to becoming a millionaire just a few years out of law school, I believed that financial security would buy love and happiness. It wasn't until losing everything and confronting the limits of success that I began to understand humility, gratitude, and purpose. I talk about learning to love what I don't like, why intuition is timeless, and how fulfillment only comes when your pursuit aligns with who you truly are.

In today's episode, I sit down with entrepreneur and author Kim Perell to talk about her book Mistakes That Made Me a Millionaire and the power of learning from failure. Kim built her first company from a $10,000 loan at her kitchen table and eventually sold it for $235 million, but she's quick to say her real success came from her mistakes. We discuss why confidence must outweigh doubt, how waiting to feel “ready” can hold people back, and why choosing the right partners matters. Kim also shares how mentorship, generosity, and living by clear values create lasting success in business and life.

In today's episode, I shared five techniques to stop overthinking and start taking purposeful action. Overthinking is just interference; it keeps us stuck in fear, mistaking thought for progress. Real growth happens when we align our thoughts, emotions, and actions with purpose. From letting go of what doesn't serve you to acting before doubt creeps in, these tools help you stay in flow and move with faith instead of fear. When you live with gratitude, forgiveness, accountability, and inspiration, clarity replaces confusion, and progress becomes effortless. Stop overanalyzing, start acting with purpose today. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today's episode, I share why community, not clicks, is the foundation of lasting success. I talk about how real marketing growth comes from emotional connection, when people feel your authenticity and choose to buy from you and sell for you for life. By staying consistent, honest, and true to your essence, you create trust that naturally expands through the people you serve. I explain how to capture what makes you unique, refine it for your audience, and build lasting relationships that grow without relying on algorithms or trends. This is about turning authenticity into your greatest advantage.

In today's episode, I sit down with Pace Morby, a real estate investor who built a half-billion-dollar portfolio without using banks, credit, or his own money. Pace shares how a single mentor changed his life by teaching him creative finance, leading him to acquire properties and even a plane through unconventional deals. We talk about turning setbacks into leverage, helping thousands escape the nine-to-five grind, and the mindset that transforms hard lessons into freedom. From his blue-collar roots to his nationwide community, Pace proves that with the right guidance and effort, financial independence is possible for anyone willing to learn and apply it.

In today's episode, I sit down with Gary Surdam, CEO of Bright Start Ed-Tech, whose new mobile app “Illuminate” uses AI to personalize learning for students while empowering parents to become active educators at home. Gary shares how a single “lightbulb moment” in an online class inspired a ten-year journey toward creating a tool that blends emotional intelligence with STEAM education. We talk about his unique approach to building the app with student interns, the global mission behind Funding Hope, and why true learning lasts forever when both children and parents are supported in their growth.

In today's episode, I sit down with Grammy-nominated artist and humanitarian Aloe Blacc to talk about his mission to bring light to a world often fueled by noise and negativity. Through his new album Stand Together, Aloe shares how faith, love, and intention shape his art and connect people across every walk of life. We discuss the ripple effect of lyrics, the power of manifestation, and why he believes love is the strongest gravity that holds us all together. From “I Need a Dollar” to “Live My Life,” Aloe shows how one positive message can outshine a million particles of darkness.

In today's episode, I join Nevaeh Grace of Pain and Revival to talk about redefining happiness, learning from loss, and letting faith guide success. I share how losing everything in 2008, including my mom's house, reshaped my purpose and inspired a mission to empower over a billion people to be happy. We discuss why giving 100% in everything leads to exhaustion, the importance of learning lessons through failure, and how happiness comes from loving what you don't like about what you love. For teens especially, I explain why patience, balance, and doing your best within your daily circumstances matter more than perfection.

In today's episode, I sit down with Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk, one of the greatest players of all time and one of the sharpest minds in business. We talk about what inspired him to return to college football, not just to coach the game but to prepare young athletes for life beyond it. Marshall explains how he's teaching players to “engineer wealth” and build character that lasts longer than a career. From lessons in humility to the importance of keeping your word, this conversation is all about turning success on the field into success everywhere else.