The Playbook

In today's episode, I sit down with entrepreneur Amanda Ortega, founder and CEO of Beyond Bottleshop, to talk about the fast-growing non-alcoholic and functional beverage space. Amanda shares how her hospitality background and early wine education led her from a small Midwest boutique to building a business centered on adaptogens, botanicals, and ritual-driven alternatives to alcohol. We talk about inclusivity at social and corporate events, why functional mocktails are gaining traction, and how drinks designed for clarity, focus, mood, and energy are changing behavior across business and culture. It's a grounded look at innovation, timing, and building something meaningful where demand is finally catching up.

In today's episode, I break down why your frequency shapes your reality and why truth and potential vibrate faster than fear or distraction. I share how meditation shifted my awareness, how attention and intention create coincidence, and why most people stay busy instead of abundant. I explain the difference between discipline and devotion, the math behind luck, and how knowing your what, who, how, now, and why shortens resistance. I also open up about losing everything, rebuilding with wisdom and faith, and learning that abundance already exists when you stop interfering with it.

In today's episode, I share the six lessons behind the meaning of the past and why we do not suffer in the present. Reality is neutral and meaning is assigned, so I show how past stories drain energy, distort decisions, and create fear through projection. I explain how thoughts are signals, not commands, why we are rarely upset for the reasons we think, and how presence beats prediction when execution matters. I walk through cancel, clear, and connect as a repeatable way to reset, reclaim attention, intention, interpretation, and take the smallest next step aligned with where we want to be or better.

In today's episode, I sit down with Patrick McEnroe, former professional tennis player, longtime broadcaster, and president of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. We talk about what years in elite sports teach you about pressure, patience, and personal growth, especially for young athletes navigating expectations shaped by social media. Patrick shares lessons from coaching kids, parenting teenagers, and competing at the highest level, including how listening changes performance, why small goals matter more than wins, and how to separate identity from outcomes. We also get into how tennis has evolved, what truly separates top players across eras, and why fulfillment comes from pursuing your own potential, not chasing comparisons.

In this episode, I share why most of our suffering comes from living in the past or worrying about the future instead of staying present. When we live where our feet are, we gain clarity, confidence, and momentum. I break down how devotion to daily non-negotiable behaviors, learning from the past without living in it, and taking consistent action creates real progress. Your future isn't built tomorrow; it's created by what you do today. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today's episode, I'm joined by James Maslow and Justin Guarini for an honest conversation about showing up when conditions are far from perfect. We talk about discipline as a daily decision, managing resentment on the road, and why consistency matters more than circumstance. James shares lessons from touring while sick, building multiple businesses, and protecting routine in chaos. Justin reflects on Broadway, identity, and using perspective to serve others at the highest level, even on off days. Together, we unpack prioritization, non-negotiables, and how mindset, health, and preparation shape long-term success across entertainment, entrepreneurship, and life.

In today's episode, I sit down with Leonard Armato to talk about how the sports business has flipped from contract negotiation to full-on architecture. We get into why athletes now function as cultural magnets, how tech and venture opened the door to portfolios, production companies, and equity plays, and why the old agent model is shrinking fast. Leonard shares how he helped Shaq build intellectual property instead of chasing traditional endorsements, plus what it means to be an advisor in a NIL world where everything is public. We also talk core values, ecosystem, and why money amplifies character.

In today's episode, I sit down with Alan Pavlosky, a longtime leader in sports, branding, and community building whose work spans athletes, executives, and families. We talk about gratitude as a daily discipline, why frequency matters more than raw talent, and how faith and humility shape sustainable success. I share the hard lessons that followed losing everything, the mindset that rebuilt my life, and why failure is the common thread behind lasting greatness. Alan and I also explore alignment, non negotiable behaviors, and how building real community creates wealth that lasts across generations.

In today's episode, I sit down with Thomas Edwards, the entrepreneur behind Organic Gorilla, a grassroots brand redefining what functional food can be. We talk about why fueling the body is central to manifestation, performance, and self-mastery, and how clarity in ingredients cuts through a crowded, misleading food industry. Thomas shares his personal journey, including hard lessons, time spent rebuilding his life, and how those experiences shaped his standards for health, business, and relationships. We also unpack why Organic Gorilla bars deliver both clean nutrition and real flavor, challenging the idea that eating well has to feel like punishment.

In today's episode, I sit down with Daniel Mac for a wide-ranging conversation on building wealth, investing with intention, and staying grounded as success scales. We talk about interviewing nearly 10,000 people, asking for help as a career shortcut, and why betting on people often matters more than betting on ideas. I share how I made my first million in nine months during the early internet days, what real estate, secured assets, and calculated risk look like now, and why technology from crypto to AI changes productivity without changing values. We also cover family, failure, gratitude, and making better decisions that actually last.

In today's episode, I sit down with Sylvester Raymond, founder and CEO of Piñata Digital Marketing, to talk about a radical alternative to ads, pop-ups, and manipulative targeting. Sylvester explains how his patent-pending system monetizes natural buying behavior without interrupting games, apps, streaming, or content. We talk about why people are paying billions to avoid ads, how ethical marketing can actually increase trust and returns, and why closed ecosystems matter for creators, brands, and platforms. We also get into plug-and-play integration, white-label wallets, and what it takes to build something big without losing humility or patience along the way.

In this episode, I explain why your past isn't holding you back—the meaning you give it is. I share six lessons that help you move from interference to alignment by auditing your influences, owning your energy, and reframing old stories into fuel for growth. When you replace blame with accountability, pressure with practice, and regret with learning, momentum returns. Your past becomes leverage when you let go of what drains you and commit to daily, aligned action. Change the meaning, and you change the future you're creating. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today's episode, I sit down with Shaan Rais, a high-integrity brand builder and event creator who understands how energy, intention, and consistency shape real influence. We talk about why brand is not a logo or a tagline, but the ability to capture your essence through skills, knowledge, and desire. I share how community is built through frequency, why 10 percent of people will love you and 10 percent will never align, and how that tension actually strengthens trust. We also cover non-negotiable behaviors, faith as a daily practice, sleep as a performance advantage, and how shortening resistance creates happiness, clarity, and sustainable success.

In today's episode, I sit down with Fran Maier, a serial entrepreneur with three decades of experience and the founder and CEO of BabyQuip. After helping scale Match.com as its first general manager and co founder, Fran turned her attention to a new marketplace built around trust, safety, and real family needs. We talk about how BabyQuip grew from a simple vacation rental problem into a national platform, why empowering women operators matters, and how strong training drives five star experiences. Fran also shares lessons on perseverance, brand building, seasonality, and why customer love and a 90 net promoter score can define long term success.

In today's episode I sit down with Richard Pink, second generation steward of the iconic Pink's Hot Dogs, to talk about how a $50 push cart became an 85 year institution. We cover consistency over trends, building community beyond the counter, and creating experiences people remember long after the meal. Richard shares lessons on employee loyalty, bonuses that matter, word of mouth marketing, licensing without losing quality, and adapting to media shifts while keeping the recipe the same since 1939. It is a practical look at brand, culture, longevity, and leadership built one customer at a time.

In today's episode, I sit down with entrepreneur and Ambigram founder Lee Brett, a creator turning language, identity, and emotion into wearable art. Lee shares how a brutal trademark battle and personal setbacks led him to build Ambigram, a fashion brand rooted in transformation and perspective. We talk about Ambigrams as design tools, the emotional power of sports branding, and how technology and AI could make personalized words and meanings scalable across industries. Lee also opens up about resilience, refusing to quit when the odds are overwhelming, and how belief, momentum, and purpose carried him through years of uncertainty while building something entirely new.

In today's episode, I break down why attention is the engine, monetization is the transmission, and brand is the fuel that makes both go farther for less. I explain why spreading content everywhere weakens results, how to rank platforms by attention density, and why one or two primary channels outperform five distracted ones. I walk through aligning native monetization paths with where people already watch, save, share, and act, instead of promising to monetize later. I also cover the go no go plan, reducing friction inside the platform, and using rapid feedback loops to systemize what works. The focus is clarity, concentration, and building a repeatable system that compounds attention into revenue.

In today's episode, I sit down with entrepreneur David Royce, Founder and Chairman of Aptive, to talk about building scale without losing control. We go back to his broke college days, the early lessons around equity, and the first year when rapid growth nearly put his business under. We break down how he built four companies over two decades, why cash flow can be more dangerous than failure, and the people strategies that matter when you want to keep ownership. We also get into hiring and firing, emotional expense, why passion is overrated, and how getting good at something can create its own momentum.

In this episode, I share six lessons that show why presence always beats performance. Rooms don't respond to titles—they respond to energy, clarity, and service. I walk through how intention sets the tone, why the first moments matter, and how asking better questions creates alignment without force. I explain why breathing before speaking creates confidence, how to say less and mean more, and why combining data, stories, and lessons builds trust. When you close with certainty instead of worry, you don't just lead the room—you elevate it. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today's episode, I share a lesson about lessons: don't hoard notes, capture only what truly resonates, and store it in a searchable system. From there, I frame leadership as intelligent followership: mentor, teacher, and coach. I break down the energy crisis between who you are and who you want people to think you are, then shift into abundance. Ask for help, find open minds, and create value by giving people more of what they want or less of what they don't. I cover perceived value, knowing your bottom line, go no go plans, and the three no rule, plus how brands like Apple turn customers into lifelong advocates.

In today's episode, I'm joined by Steev Hodgson, certified ADHD coach and founder of DOSE, an app built to support how an ADHD brain actually works. We talk about why ADHD is so often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or ignored, and how that confusion shows up in emotional regulation, executive function, and rejection sensitivity. Steev shares his own late diagnosis, how coaching thousands of clients sharpened his self awareness, and why real time tools matter when emotions spike. We also unpack RSD, practical techniques for regulating reactions, and how awareness can turn what feels like a weakness into a measurable advantage at work and at home.

In today's episode, I sit down with Gary Stokan, president and CEO of Peach Bowl, Inc., to talk about leadership, longevity, and building something that lasts in big time sports. We cover his 47 years across coaching, brand marketing, and bowl season growth, including the frameworks he used to scale the Chick fil A Peach Bowl into a New Year's Six mainstay. Gary breaks down relationship capital, smart risk taking, and why he put his job on the line for people he trusted. We also talk repurposing after retirement, storytelling as a teaching tool, and how staying kind compounds over time in business and life.

In today's episode, I sit down with Danny Cortenraede, founder and managing partner of InStudio Ventures, to talk about what actually matters when you are building a company and trying to raise capital. We get real about the myth of overnight success, the grind behind it, and why relationships, resilience, and alignment matter more than flashy ideas. Danny shares how he evaluates founders, how deal flow really works in sports and entertainment, and why most pitches fail before they ever start. We also unpack timing, access, and what to do when the answer is not at this time, while staying focused on becoming the person who earns the next yes.

In today's episode, I sit down with Tim Storey, a globally known inspirational voice who has helped millions across 78 countries, from business leaders and entertainers to everyday families, find momentum through adversity. We talk about acting like the champion you already are, shaped by gratitude, discipline, and choosing the right people. I share how my mother's standards formed my mindset, why success and failure both arrive slowly then all at once, and how time becomes a competitive advantage. Together we cover non negotiables, presence, mastering a skill, and building teams that elevate rather than drain, with practical stories from sports, business, and life.

In today's episode, I talk through why comfort becomes a trap and how non negotiable behaviors create momentum when life feels heavy. I share how stacking small wins around sleep, movement, breathing, nutrition, and family clears interference and restores clarity. We get into lowering the bar during desperate seasons, creating immediate income before chasing big dreams, and why faith is a predisposition while intention drives results. I also explain accountability, the paperclip test, and why you can't want change more than someone wants it for themselves. The through line is simple discipline, humility, and giving meaning to hardship that keeps you moving forward.

In this episode, I share the six mindset shifts I see in high achievers who create momentum without waiting to feel ready. I explain why progress beats protection, how imperfect action builds belief, and why curiosity outperforms fear every time. We'll talk about replacing excuses with solutions, building a growth identity through daily practice, and using simple systems to turn challenges into lessons. This is about taking bold, consistent action, learning fast, and aligning your beliefs with who you're becoming. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today's episode, I break down why consistency alone eventually stalls progress, and how growth actually comes from evolving the behaviors underneath it. I talk through the idea of overnight success taking 17 and a half years, why progress feels painfully slow before it suddenly accelerates, and how most people quit far earlier than they realize. We get into non negotiable behaviors, intentional daily minimums, and why two focused minutes a day can outweigh two distracted hours once a week. I also share how vulnerability requires discernment, when a story is truly yours to tell, and how protecting others matters just as much as personal truth.

In today's episode, I sit down with James Crook, founder and president of BlinC Games, a universal platform built to organize any game, anywhere, anytime. We talk about how sports, competition, and fatherhood shaped James's resilience, leadership, and long-term vision. James shares the real story behind building BlinC from the ground up, from sleeping on floors and driving Uber to creating a system that empowers organizers, players, venues, and partners alike. We also get into building community through games, aligning incentives in a two-sided marketplace, and why patience matters when you are committed to something bigger than quick wins.

In today's episode, I break down how to stop fighting bad habits and start understanding them. We are not broken people, we are patterned people, and habits live inside loops of triggers, behaviors, and perceived rewards. I walk through how to map that loop, master the pause when fear and uncertainty hit, and replace low yielding behaviors with ones aligned to where you want to be or better. We talk about devotion over discipline, awareness over perfection, and why small non negotiable behaviors win the present. When you shorten the distance of resistance, you free energy, restore focus, and build momentum that compounds over time.

In today's episode, I break down how to stop fighting bad habits and start understanding them. We are not broken people, we are patterned people, and habits live inside loops of triggers, behaviors, and perceived rewards. I walk through how to map that loop, master the pause when fear and uncertainty hit, and replace low yielding behaviors with ones aligned to where you want to be or better. We talk about devotion over discipline, awareness over perfection, and why small non negotiable behaviors win the present. When you shorten the distance of resistance, you free energy, restore focus, and build momentum that compounds over time.

In today's episode I share how early morning meetups turned boredom into service and why curiosity beats being interesting. I talk about capturing what resonates and what irritates you then building a simple system to revisit it until the lesson reveals itself. We get into faith and entrepreneurship and why progress takes a thousand steps even when evidence says quit. I explain perceived value versus bottom line how preparation builds confidence and how fear never leaves but your response can change. I also cover non negotiables like sleep and an unwinding routine that sets tomorrow up tonight with practical stories from live questions around money time and purpose.

In today's episode, I sit down with entrepreneur Bobby Parrish, founder of FlavCity and the Bobby Approved app, to talk about how a passion for real food turned into a community-driven brand. Bobby shares how 13 years of slow, intentional content building led to products shaped directly by audience feedback, from supplements to his new cafe division. We get into why clean ingredients matter, how confusing food labels became the norm, and how trust and common sense can scale into real impact. This conversation centers on community, authenticity, and using food to support health rather than work against it.

In this episode, I share why celebrating everything celebratable is one of the simplest ways to create unity, empathy, and real connection. When we focus on gratitude, light, family, and shared joy, we find common ground across every culture, belief, and tradition. I explain how appreciating differences—not forcing equality—builds stronger communities and a true mindset of abundance. By honoring non-negotiable values while staying flexible in how we celebrate, we create environments where people feel seen, respected, and connected. That's how celebration becomes a bridge—and a legacy. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today's episode, I explain why time is my real love language and why 24 hours is the one guarantee we all share. I walk through how lessons get forgotten and recovered, and how the meaning you assign to your past can either cap your self image or push you toward “where you want to be or better.” From there, I lay out five daily practices: knowing what you want today, knowing who you can help and who can help you, knowing how to get things done with non negotiables, prioritizing to avoid overwhelm, and using consistency to compound results. I also share the bankruptcy moment that changed my perspective.

In today's episode, I sit down with Mohammad Adib, CEO and co-founder of Titan Dynamics, a serial entrepreneur with multiple exits before 20 and deep roots in software, robotics, and defense technology. We talk through his path from building mobile apps as a teenager to creating additive-manufactured drone systems now deployed by the Department of Defense. Mohammad breaks down the integrator mindset, why customer empathy matters more than raw ideas, and how passion-driven experimentation turned into real-world impact. We also cover prioritization as a founder, organic growth during COVID, rapid traction in defense contracts, and how Titan scaled to nine-figure valuation territory without losing focus.

In today's episode, I sit down with Dan and Andrew Olson, the entrepreneurial minds behind Hook Hand Rum. We talk about why great taste alone is never enough, and how community, storytelling, and experience drive modern brands forward. Dan and Andrew explain their direct-to-consumer approach, the Original Crew membership model, and why building loyalty before scale changes everything. We also get into premium spirits, smart distribution, data driven marketing, and how adventure plays a role in creating lifelong brand advocates. This conversation breaks down what it really takes to build something people want to belong to, not just buy.

In today's episode, James Maslow and I welcome Aloe Blacc for a conversation about intention, community, and the real work behind creative success. Aloe shares how losing his corporate job pushed him toward music full time after years of quietly building his craft. We talk about the importance of marketing, the power of purpose, and why longevity requires more than talent. James adds his own perspective from years onstage, and together we explore why connection, discipline, and genuine curiosity shape a sustainable career in any field.

In today's episode I talk about why mindset and non-negotiables sit at the center of every outcome. Strategy matters, but behavior is what moves your life forward, especially when you accept that certainty isn't real. I explain how sleep, daily priorities, and consistent action open doors you couldn't plan for, and how meaning shapes your self-image more than any past mistake ever could. I also address expanding dreams for kids, navigating friendships as your frequency rises, and using gratitude, empathy, and accountability to remove the resistance you create for yourself. This conversation captures how discipline and perspective build a life aligned with who you want to become.

In today's episode I sit down with Christopher Rognstad, the inventor and CEO behind THC Grow Systems and the Horticulture Camera. We talk about how a simple need for peace of mind during the pandemic pushed him toward building a remote control platform for indoor growers, powered by time-lapse imaging and real problem detection. He shares how he protects his ideas, why crowdfunding fits his mission, and how his ADHD became a strength that fuels persistence and curiosity. We also explore the early inventions he abandoned too soon and the lessons that now guide his approach as he raises capital and brings his vision to life.

In this episode, I share why service is the foundation of real success—and why it starts with taking care of yourself first. When you fill your cup, you serve with clarity and consistency, rather than burnout. I explain how surrounding yourself with purpose-driven communities, setting boundaries, and developing others multiplies your impact. When you give and receive with intention and choose alignment over noise, you create sustainable success and a lasting legacy. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today's episode, I share the lessons that reshaped my understanding of money, purpose, and the way giving truly works. I talk about growing up with a single mom in Akron, Ohio, building extreme wealth, losing it all, and realizing that generosity doesn't create automatic financial return unless you learn how to receive. I explain the “dummy tax,” the trap of confusing survival instincts with a healthy relationship to abundance, and why asking for help is part of real growth. This conversation centers on gratitude, humility, and the infinite loop of giving that allows you to build a lasting financial legacy without losing yourself.

In today's episode, I sit down with Kwame Christian, the founder and CEO of the American Negotiation Institute, for a conversation about what negotiation really is and why most people misunderstand it. We talk about recognizing when you're actually negotiating, knowing your timing and risk tolerance, and understanding the difference between convincing and conveying your value. Kwame shares how he built his confidence from being a people pleaser to becoming a leading voice in the field, along with a powerful story about protecting his bottom line during a major media deal. His perspective on fairness, leverage, and long-term reputation reframes negotiation entirely.

In today's episode, I sit down with Dave Schell, a former NFL player turned founder whose work in digital electricity is reshaping how mission critical power is built for the future. We talk about his journey from the gridiron to the energy sector, the fifteen-year path that led him to innovate inside an industry that hasn't changed in a century, and why AI factories and data centers are now at the center of his focus. Dave shares how niche expertise, clear communication, and real humility shaped his comeback after years of ups, downs, and reinvention.

In today's episode, I sit down with Matthew Mills, the CEO and chairman of Med-X, a company built on replacing toxic pesticides with natural, science-driven solutions. Matthew shares how years of research, agricultural licensing, and real-world testing helped his team create commercial grade products that reduce everyday exposure to harmful chemicals found in schools, parks, hospitals, and even our homes. We talk about the global demand for safer options, the early resistance they faced, the growth of Nature-Cide, and how MedX is expanding into lifestyle products without taking on debt. This conversation offers a clear look at innovation, persistence, and a mission centered on long-term well-being.

In today's episode, I talk about why frequency drives every choice I make and how purpose becomes the filter for everything from my work to my relationships. I share why consistency always outperforms sporadic effort and how the extra mile traps so many people in short bursts of motivation. I explain the power of small daily commitments, the way energy accelerates and compounds over time, and what it feels like to live in the empty mile where few people are willing to show up. I also open up about my work with the Unstoppable Foundation and why service anchors everything I do.

In today's episode, I sit down with entrepreneur Troy Smith, CEO and co-founder of Chop Chop, to talk about a delivery model built to actually support restaurants, drivers, and customers. I walk through why so many restaurants lose money using traditional platforms, and Troy breaks down how his flat-fee, no-commission system restores control to the people doing the work. We get into the razor-thin margins he experienced as a young McDonald's franchisee, the broken incentives that push fees higher, and why communities benefit when restaurants can serve their own customers again. It's a straightforward approach focused on fairness, transparency, and long-term sustainability.

In this episode, I break down six lessons that have shaped how I approach my own inputs and outcomes. With 80% of our 40,000 daily subconscious thoughts leaning negative, I've learned how important it is to stay intentional about the energy and information I let in. I share why many of your clients may be breaking you even, why the holidays have been my best window for big deals, and how my Triple-A Strategy turns worry into productive action. I'll also show you why presence beats pitch and how to stop confusing hard work with real value. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today's episode, I sit down with Rhonda Kich, the powerhouse founder of EquityFirst and a trusted voice in financial literacy. We talk about the lessons that shaped my newest book, the role toxicity played in my past, and the hard reset that came after losing everything. I share how my wife's push for accountability changed my path, the balance between being fed and being bled, and the frameworks I use to mentor others through growth. Rhonda and I also explore the realities of outgrowing relationships, building aligned teams, and raising kids with clarity, consistency, and values that support long-term happiness.

In today's episode, I sit down with Alli Covington and Sebastian Hidalgo, the co-founders behind BOD Care, a health operating system built to improve performance rather than offer another box-checking perk. We talk about why most wellness programs fall flat, why engagement is the missing piece in corporate health, and how one-to-one coaching and daily accountability shift long-term behavior. Alli walks through the BOD System's approach to thoughts, feelings, hormones, and actions, while Sebastian explains how a healthier workforce reduces chronic disease, boosts culture, and saves companies real money. Their vision is simple: create workplaces where people feel supported, connected, and genuinely healthier.

In today's episode, I sit down with entrepreneur Jonathan Destler, founder and CEO of Opti-Harvest, to talk about how light and data are reshaping the future of agriculture. Jonathan shares how decades of scientific research turned into a simple but overlooked solution that helps growers boost yields, cut costs, and reduce environmental impact. We get into why big ag is at a crisis point, why sunlight has been agriculture's biggest blind spot, and how Opti-Harvest aims to make more food from the same land. We also talk about mission versus profit and what it takes to build technology that actually scales.

In today's episode, I sit down with entrepreneur Adalbert De La Cruz, the founder of Clarity, to talk about the pressure, indecision, and mental clutter so many of us battle while trying to get things done. We get into how voice-first tools can cut through overwhelm, help us organize our thoughts, and turn scattered ideas into a doable plan. Adalbert shares how his own experience shaped Clarity's focus on emotional grounding, creativity, and keeping people moving forward without rigid systems. We also explore the role of timing, risk tolerance, and learning to stop, breathe, and reset when fear pushes us off course.