The Playbook

In today's episode, I sit down with Romont Thomas, CEO of Want Italy Pasta & Go, whose vision is reshaping quick-service dining. After spending eight years in Italy sourcing food, wine, and fashion brands, Romont returned to the U.S. with an idea to bring authentic, high-quality pasta into a fast, flexible business model. He shares how his team delivers four-minute fresh pasta without sacrificing flavor, why using electricity instead of gas makes expansion easier, and how his approach to franchising and real estate keeps costs low. We also discuss his path from testing global brands to creating a scalable restaurant built for growth.

In today's episode, I sit down with Ray Hespen, CEO and co-founder of Property Meld, to talk about how technology is transforming property management. Ray shares how community has become a driving force for growth, creating an environment where operators and residents benefit from shared energy and ease. We explore how preventative systems are replacing reactive maintenance, and how stable data and AI are reshaping the industry by turning complexity into clear, actionable insights. Ray also explains why trades remain vital, what homes might look like when they begin to “fix themselves,” and how the future of property management is moving toward ease, stability, and smarter outcomes.

In today's episode, James Maslow and I sit down with NFL Hall of Fame kicker Nick Lowery for a conversation about resilience, preparation, and purpose. Nick shares how he balanced raw emotion with nerves of steel during high-pressure moments in front of 80,000 fans, and how consistency fueled his success across 18 years in the league. He opens up about a recent near-death experience during surgery that reshaped his perspective on gratitude and love, as well as the powerful mentors and moments that guided his journey. Together we explore how intention, preparation, and values create lasting impact both on and off the field.

In today's episode, I sit down with Dr. Kien Vuu, a physician and longevity expert who once chased external validation through academic achievement and medical success before realizing it was costing him his health. We talk about the lessons he had to unlearn, from the myth that worthiness comes from achievement to the belief that medicine exists only outside of ourselves. He shares how choosing intentional energy, gratitude, and connection can transform health at the cellular level and unlock human potential. We also explore the emotional expense of unaligned priorities and why community may be the most powerful medicine of all.

In this week's training, I shared the parenting advice I wish I had received earlier in life—10 lessons that can change the way we raise our children. I talked about why presence matters more than presents, why love can't be outsourced, and why patience is the true superpower of parenting. I also shared how appreciating each child's uniqueness, asking the right daily questions, and preparing them with values over control can create a launchpad for their future. Parenting isn't about perfection—it's about being purposeful, consistent, and present so our kids grow into confident, resilient leaders of their own lives. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today's episode, I sit down with Metta World Peace, an NBA Champion who has reinvented himself as a tech entrepreneur and venture capitalist. We talk about his decision to walk away from easy opportunities like reality TV and instead immerse himself in coding, digital marketing, and the fundamentals of building businesses. Metta shares how curiosity drove him from the court to classrooms, coffee shops, and coding sessions, where persistence and humility became his playbook. He opens up about mental health, the importance of language in shaping how we approach it, and why reinvention requires sacrifice, focus, and a willingness to start over.

In today's episode, I sit down with Martha Montoya, the CEO and Founder of AgTools, a platform transforming the way agribusinesses manage supply chains. Martha shares how her grandmother's entrepreneurial influence, her background in competitive tennis, and her relentless drive shaped her path. She explains how AgTools uses real-time global data to help farmers, distributors, and analysts make critical decisions in an industry defined by uncertainty. From building resilience during COVID to staying true to her mission of protecting farmers, Martha reveals how she creates certainty where others see chaos and why she believes every success begins with service to the grower.

In today's episode, I sit down with my close friend Bucky O'Neill, an entrepreneur who mentors experts to design transformational events, retreats, and coaching programs that create real impact. We talk about the firewalk experience and how it strips away interference between who we are and who we can become. Bucky shares how these visceral challenges reveal our potential in ways that books or seminars alone cannot. We also explore the balance between teaching and practicing, the role of faith in daily life, and the ways spirituality connects us all. It's a conversation about growth, alignment, and authentic expression.

In today's episode, I sit down with Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk for a powerful conversation on confidence, leadership, and resilience. Marshall shares the story of losing the Heisman Trophy, the lesson his mother taught him that night, and how it shaped his character for life. We talk about his ability to ask boldly in service of others, the mindset that made him one of the smartest players in football, and the preparation that still drives him today. From inspiring young athletes at Colorado to showing up as a true friend, Marshall reveals what it takes to lead with authenticity and purpose.

In today's episode, I share why time and energy are the true currencies of success and how our response to fear often cuts us off from their flow. By learning to clear interference, we can turn minutes into meaningful investments that reflect our values instead of our anxieties. I explain how aligning what we do, say, think, feel, and believe allows us to extend our purpose, protect our energy, and avoid the costly trap of avoidance. Through clarity, measurement, and integration, we can operate like time billionaires, compounding fulfillment, profitability, and joy over the course of our lives.

In today's episode, I sit down with Seymour Segnit, entrepreneur, inventor, and founder of MAGFAST. He shares how building products that feel as good as they perform can transform something as ordinary as a charging cable into a product customers love. Seymour explains why every pixel, every word, and every detail matters in creating an experience that keeps people coming back. From USB-C cables built to last a decade to a charging stand designed for real household use, we discuss the mix of design, performance, and culture that sets MAGFAST apart in a crowded industry.

In today's episode, I broke down how to protect your non-negotiables so you never feel overwhelmed, and why consistent daily practice is the real driver of growth. We also talked about redefining sales as service, creating customers for life instead of one-time transactions, and preparing for a world transformed by AI. The key takeaway is simple: success isn't built on big leaps, it's built on small, repeatable actions that compound over time. Show up, practice with purpose, and stay consistent—your future self will thank you. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today's episode, I join Jack Wagoner of The Grateful Podcast to explore what true fulfillment looks like when success on paper leaves you feeling empty. At 31, I had wealth, fame, and my dream marriage, yet I was missing the consistent pursuit of my potential. Jack and I talk about the paradox of gratitude and ambition, the cycle of giving and receiving, and how abundance comes from perspective rather than possessions. We discuss simple but powerful daily practices like saying thank you, finding light and lessons in struggle, and learning to stop, drop, and roll when fear sets in to get out of our own way.

In today's episode, I sit down with sibling co-founders Lili and Ramon Montes, the team behind Limon, an audio-first travel platform that turns day trips into shareable stories. We talk about how growing up in the same sport shaped their leadership and teamwork, why their first “all in one” concept didn't stick, and how focusing on photos plus voice unlocked a community built on trust. They walk through plans to help creators monetize, the path from a small beta to public launch, and why crowdfunding fits a platform powered by its users. We also explore future AI features to turn raw stories into usable itineraries.

In today's episode, I sit down with Vitor Belfort, the youngest champion in UFC history, whose journey extends far beyond the cage. We talk about the foundation of his success—faith, family, and values—and how protecting his marriage has been the greatest gift he could give his children. Vitor explains why 99 percent effort equals zero, the mindset that pushes him to always reach for that final percent, and how losses become lessons when lived through principle instead of feelings. From discipline in sport to discipline at home, Vitor shows what it means to truly be a champion in life.

In today's episode, I sit down with Katrina Graue, CEO and founder of PawPro and Pawsitive Care Foundation, whose journey began when she refused to give up on her 19-year-old Yorkie, Wally. After being told by multiple veterinarians to prepare for the worst, Katrina leaned on her background in law, economics, and a family of doctors to create a bacteria-based supplement in her own kitchen that restored Wally's health. That breakthrough inspired her mission to educate pet owners, extend the lives of pets through proper nutrition, and build a platform that connects brands, shelters, and communities to improve animal well-being worldwide.

In today's episode, I sit down with Jen Drummond, a world record–holding mountaineer and entrepreneur, to talk about the power of building a life on purpose. I share the story of how my mission to empower over a billion people began—born out of loss, faith, and a conversation with my wife that changed everything. We explore what it takes to create true alignment, from knowing your center to amplifying your frequency across every interaction. Jen and I also discuss consistency, the math behind influence, and how simple practices like cancel, clear, connect can shift energy, break negative cycles, and accelerate growth.

In today's episode, I sit down with Mel Sauder, the CEO of MVP Kids, whose mission is to inspire character and imagination in children through books, curriculum, and animation. With 16 diverse characters at the heart of his work, Mel has built a framework that helps kids develop emotional intelligence, social skills, resilience, and a love of reading. We talk about why imagination is a vital skill for the next generation, how stories help kids see themselves and others more clearly, and the balance between purpose and profit in building a company designed to impact millions of families worldwide.

In today's episode, I shared why the real key to success isn't complicated strategies—it's the simple things we too often overlook. Gratitude, consistent follow-up, caring for our health, and staying committed when progress feels invisible are the habits that create lasting results. The challenge is that what's simple to do is also simple not to do. But if you stay consistent with these small practices, you'll see extraordinary change over time. Success isn't about doing more—it's about doing the simple things, every day, even when most people quit.

In today's episode, I'm joined by James Maslow to sit down with award-winning TV host, author, and entrepreneur Forbes Riley. Known for her billion-dollar success in fitness and infomercials, Forbes shares timeless strategies for pitching, creating desire, and building authentic connections. We discuss the value of showing up, staying disciplined, and treating role model status as a privilege. Forbes opens up about overcoming setbacks, from a near-fatal bus accident to the discipline required for bodybuilding at 64. Together with James, we explore how to create meaningful opportunities, embrace consequence-driven goals, and adopt a “screw it, just do it” mindset to achieve lasting success.

In today's episode, I sit down with Hugo Sanchez, CEO and co-founder of Moti Technologies, to talk about building a business rooted in kindness, patience, and purpose. Hugo shares how Moti solves one of the biggest challenges for professionals—eliminating friction in payments by making transactions seamless, transparent, and fair. He explains how the platform empowers consultants, coaches, and experts to work independently at their own pace while creating opportunity for ambassadors and referral partners. After six years of steady growth, Hugo reveals how his vision goes beyond short-term wins, aiming to build a sustainable global community that benefits professionals and clients alike.

In today's episode, I share a framework that transforms even the most overwhelming challenges into opportunities for innovation. Using the IDEA method—Identify, Detach, Expand, Apply—I explain how to replace paralysis with progress by flooding problems with an abundance of ideas. This approach removes the scarcity mindset, shortens the distance between problem and solution, and creates space for breakthroughs. From Netflix's pivot to streaming, to Dyson's thousands of prototypes, to Disney's boundless imagination, history shows that volume breeds quality. By focusing on possibilities instead of limitations, you can shift from absorbing stress to releasing vision, turning setbacks into setups and the impossible into the inevitable.

In today's episode, I sit down with Blake Kassel, the creator behind Flexicon and a pioneer in modern resistance training. We talk about designing a band-driven system that replicates the feel of free weights while reducing joint stress through linear resistance. Blake explains why training for speed matters, how the machine supports full-body strength, flexibility, and cardio, and why teens, pros, and older adults all feel safer without a spotter. We get into real-world use in my home gym, compact setup and steel build, and the growing library of guided workouts. After three decades of iteration, Blake's vision lands on a smarter path to long-term performance.

In today's episode, I sit down with Jay Abraham, one of the world's leading strategic marketing experts and a mentor whose teachings have shaped countless entrepreneurs. Jay opens up about missed opportunities, from early offers in industries that later exploded to the realization that startups aren't where his strengths lie. Instead, he shares how his focus on multiplying results for established businesses has defined his career. We explore his perspective on mistakes, the lessons of “dummy tax,” and why he views risk through a pragmatic lens. Jay's insights on value creation, probability, and exponential thinking reveal timeless principles for sustainable success.

In today's episode, I share the hard-earned lessons that came from losing over $100 million and the skill that allowed me to rebuild. I break down why humility became my safeguard, how I built non-negotiables around health, and why aligning skills, knowledge, and desire with where you want to be is the key to sustained success. I explain my approach to breaking fear-based patterns, avoiding destructive loops, and focusing on reactions rather than the fear itself. We explore legacy as the energy you pass on through people, not possessions, and why being consistent, honest, and intentional has a greater impact than chasing recognition.

In today's episode, I shared why overthinking is really procrastination dressed up as productivity. Nothing gets done until you move. I broke down how to close the gap between intention and action with a simple system—two lists: what to do now and what to do next. Then Dr. Samantha Harte built on that by showing the hidden costs of waiting—the time, peace, and opportunities we give away when we hesitate. Our message was clear: success isn't about perfection, it's about action. Start today, start small, and let momentum carry you forward. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today's episode, I share how to create real progress by knowing what you want, who can help you, and how to align your past with the direction you're heading. I explain why success depends on playing for the right teams, understanding your role on them, and learning to love what you don't like about what you love. I also talk about the value of being present by focusing on what to do now and next, as well as applying your why when fear shows up. From financial collapse to rebuilding with faith and perspective, these lessons reveal how to make life simpler and more rewarding.

In today's episode, I sit down with Eugenie Addison, CEO of Sensei.Me, whose mission was born from personal loss and years of scientific research into airborne diseases. Driven by a family history of chronic respiratory illnesses, Eugenie turned her postdoctoral research into an innovative solution for healthier indoor air. We talk about her journey from building her first startup in college to creating a nanotechnology-powered device that can detect and mitigate harmful pathogens in under five minutes. Her story shows how purpose, resilience, and strategic thinking can turn tragedy into a mission to save lives and transform global health.

In today's episode, I sit down with Helen Ye Plehn, artist, author, and creator of the Aura Color Wheel system. Helen shares her journey from panic attacks and depression to discovering her true soul purpose, which led her to develop a framework for understanding the colors of our energy fields and how they reflect our gifts, wounds, and lessons. We talk about the connection between aura frequencies and personal fulfillment, the blocks that keep people from fully shining their light, and the importance of collaboration in raising collective vibration. Helen also previews her annual Light on Light event and her new course, Embody Your Light.

In today's episode, I sit down with Dominic Ortiz, CEO and General Manager of Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, and Jamar Jones, the visionary founder of Foureva Media. Dominic shares how he transformed a shuttered property into a thriving regional destination by betting on vision, resilience, and the right people. Jamar explains how his belief in partnerships and creating powerful experiences led him to align with Potawatomi and showcase Milwaukee as more than just a stopover city. Together, they reveal how leadership, community, and collaboration can elevate a project beyond expectations and create impact that resonates far beyond Wisconsin.

In today's episode, I sit down with performance coach Chris Johnson, whose career has spanned from playing professional basketball to shaping some of the biggest names in the NBA. Chris explains why expansion—not transition—is the real key when athletes move from the court to life beyond the game. He shares how routines, habit stacking, and emotional intelligence create the “delta” that separates great players from legends. We talk about the power of presence, confronting bad habits, and why self-discipline is the foundation for success in business, family, and competition alike. Chris also reveals how setbacks became the spark for building his life's mission.

In today's episode, I sit down with former NFL star Shawne Merriman to talk about the lessons that shaped his life on and off the field. From growing up homeless in Maryland to becoming one of the most feared linebackers in the league, Shawne explains how hardship built his character and fueled his drive. We discuss his “Lights Out” persona, the transition from football to entrepreneurship, and how he turned his passion for MMA and media into a thriving business. Shawne also shares how his perspective on money shifted over time, viewing it less as a prize and more as a tool for impact.

In this week's training, I shared why live events and shared experiences have become the true engine for growth in both business and life. It's not the products we remember—it's the moments that shape us, the communities that support us, and the connections that carry us forward. With Mitch Thrower of Events.com, we explored how events create opportunities for lasting transformation, why technology is making them more accessible than ever, and how the real impact begins in the follow-up. At the end of the day, growth comes from showing up, listening, learning, and turning moments into momentum. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today's episode, I sit down with the legendary chef and restaurateur Wolfgang Puck to talk about the joy and purpose behind a life's work. He shares how finding passion, not chasing money, has been the foundation of his success, and why quality, hospitality, and making people feel good are non-negotiables in creating lasting experiences. Wolfgang reflects on the defining moments that shaped his career, from France to founding Spago in Los Angeles, and the lessons his mother instilled that still guide him today. At 75, he remains energized by his craft, showing why joy is the ultimate ingredient for longevity.

In today's episode, I sit down with Rob Riggle, a Marine Corps veteran turned actor, comedian, writer, and producer whose career spans from Saturday Night Live and The Daily Show to blockbuster films. Rob shares how his time in the Marines built the discipline, resilience, and fear-conquering mindset that have shaped every chapter of his life. We talk about the realities of chasing opportunities, why action matters more than shortcuts, and how giving yourself permission to fail is the real key to growth. Rob's stories, from stand-up's nerve-wracking beginnings to life's unexpected detours, offer a candid reminder that hard work and consistency win every time.

In today's episode, I sit down with serial entrepreneur Amrinder Kamboj, CEO of Kamboj Ventures, who built a 14-company, $300 million empire after his first business went bankrupt. Amrinder opens up about the lessons he drew from his father's struggles as an immigrant, the mindset shift that came from failing young, and how he now evaluates companies for scalability, culture, and leadership before making acquisitions. We talk about the balance between technology and people, the importance of building leaders within an organization, and why true legacy is measured by purpose and impact rather than profit alone.

In today's episode, I sit down with two of the greatest running backs to play the game, Steven Jackson and Austin Ekeler. We talk about what it means to live out a dream that has a natural expiration date, and how identity shifts once a playing career ends. Steven shares the symbolic act of cutting his long hair at retirement to embrace a new version of himself, while Austin reflects on treating life as chapters, each with its own opportunities. Together, we explore the balance between loyalty and business in football, the realities of short NFL careers, and building meaningful ventures beyond the field.

In today's episode, I sit down with Dushyant Sharma, founder and CEO of Paymentus, a company valued at over a billion dollars that powers the bill payment systems behind utilities, insurers, government agencies, and more. We explore how Paymentus has transformed a service nobody enjoys into a customer-friendly, cost-saving solution by offering flexibility, clarity, and choice. Dushyant shares how aligning payment processing with customer needs reduces costly service calls, improves collections, and creates a better overall experience. We also discuss the culture that keeps Paymentus nimble despite its scale, and why its growth strategy started by serving the clients everyone else ignored.

In today's episode, I sit down with Tony Smith, CEO and Co-founder of Restaurant365, to talk about the Restaurant Transformation Festival and the community it's bringing together. Tony shares how years of building software solutions for the restaurant industry led him to create an event that blends connection, innovation, and personal growth. We discuss why hospitality professionals operate with a different energy, how resilience shaped the industry during the pandemic, and why AI is set to redefine everything from training to scheduling. Tony also reflects on his company's core value—love good food—and how it fuels both his vision and the festival's spirit.

In today's episode, I shared how true success starts from within. It's not just about making money or chasing milestones; it's about building the mindset, habits, and consistency that create lasting growth. I talked about the difference between earning money and engineering wealth, the importance of getting 1% better every day, and why taking intentional pauses is often the key to clarity and progress. My goal is to help you align your actions with your values so you can build not only success, but a life filled with purpose and fulfillment. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today's episode, I sit down with Aneesh Lal, founder of The Wishly Group, where he helps creators and small businesses build modern revenue engines rooted in trust and alignment. Known as the “Jerry Maguire of LinkedIn,” Aneesh has built a reputation for representing clients with an uncommon commitment to values, turning down $40 million in deals that didn't fit their missions. We talk about why a small, engaged LinkedIn audience can outperform millions of TikTok views, how his three C framework—credibility, character, and charisma—guides every partnership, and why mission always comes before commission. Aneesh proves that meaningful success is never just about the money.

In today's episode, I sit down with John Assaraf, a two-time New York Times bestselling author known for teaching people how to strengthen the brain's “neuro muscles” through his concept of Innercise. John shares his personal transformation from a troubled teen to a committed student of personal growth after one life-changing question from a mentor. We explore how small, consistent actions can rewire thought patterns, build empowering habits, and unlock greater potential. John explains why visualization works, how habits form in the brain, and why reducing goals to the smallest possible steps creates lasting change. His story shows what's possible when commitment replaces mere interest.

In today's episode, I sit down with Victoria B. Lozano, Executive Vice President of Brand Marketing at Crayola, to talk about how creativity shapes our lives across generations. She shares how Crayola's mission has always gone beyond crayons, focusing on wellness, education, and inspiring simple creative moments every day. We explore how creativity improves problem solving, critical thinking, and emotional well-being—not just for children, but for adults seeking stress relief and joy. Victoria also discusses Crayola's Campaign for Creativity, the evolving role of digital tools, and how the brand continues to innovate while staying true to its purpose of making humans more human.

In today's episode, I sit down with Christopher “Chip” Paucek, a visionary entrepreneur and co-founder of Pro Athlete Community (PAC). Chip shares how PAC provides a lifelong locker room for professional athletes, offering mentorship, coaching, and education that help them thrive well beyond their playing careers. We explore the unique challenges athletes face when the lights go out—judgment, isolation, and the struggle to find new purpose—and how PAC helps them channel the same grit and determination that carried them to the top of their sport into building fulfilling futures. Chip's journey also reflects his own drive to keep learning, building, and giving back.

In today's episode, I sit down with Sahil Bloom, investor, writer, and bestselling author of The Five Types of Wealth. We talk about the moment that shifted his perspective on success, when he realized time with loved ones was finite and worth protecting at all costs. Sahil shares how that decision led him and his wife to move across the country to be near family, and how he now views time as the ultimate form of wealth. We also explore compounding investments in health, relationships, and curiosity, the concept of anti goals, and the power of defining a life razor to create clarity in chaotic times.

In today's episode, I sit down with Dave Asprey, entrepreneur, author, and widely regarded as the father of biohacking. We talk about his new book Heavily Meditated and the tools he's developed to help people reset their nervous systems, dissolve stress, and unlock inner peace. Dave explains how triggers are programmed into our bodies and how we can shut off the ones that no longer serve us. He also shares why recovery is often more important than stress itself, the science of sleep and jet lag, and why time as we know it may be an illusion.

In this episode, I share why the habits that have brought me the most success often go against what the world tells us. True growth doesn't come from saying yes to everything, moving faster, or chasing perfection—it comes from small, consistent actions, slowing down to gain clarity, and creating space for what really matters. By learning to say no, trusting the power of compounding behaviors, and permitting yourself to pause, you'll find that success becomes more sustainable and more fulfilling. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today's episode, I explore how fear acts as a time traveler, pulling us into the past with guilt and regret or pushing us into the future with anxiety and doubt. I break down why fear can't exist in the present and how grounding yourself in the now creates space for clarity, ease, and action. You'll hear why canceling outdated patterns, clearing subconscious interference, and connecting to your deeper truth are critical steps in shifting from fear to faith. With practical tools and powerful mindset shifts, I share how to transform fear into fuel and unlock your full potential in every moment.

In today's episode, I sit down with Liz Claman, the number one business news anchorwoman in America, for a conversation on staying grounded in an overwhelming world. Liz shares how she manages the relentless pace of information, her long-game approach to investing, and why disadvantage can be a surprising advantage. We discuss the importance of teaching kids the value of hard work, developing irreplaceable skills in the age of AI, and embracing the uncertainty that comes with building a career. From her early days ripping wire copy at 4 a.m. to thriving on a national stage, Liz's journey is proof that grit never goes out of style.

In today's episode, I sit down with Ross Mandel, a longtime Wall Street executive and entrepreneur, for a conversation about resilience, rebuilding, and the lessons that only come through adversity. Ross shares how losing his father at 16 shaped his worldview and his drive to create lasting impact. We talk about growing up with nothing, recovering from major losses, and why values matter more than appearances. I open up about my early years as a ball boy, my journey through wealth and bankruptcy, and how the teachings of Think and Grow Rich continue to shape my mission to help others stay grounded in intention and consistent action.

In today's episode, I share how faith became my foundation when I hit rock bottom, and why combining it with wisdom creates unstoppable momentum. I break down the dangers of living in a zero sum game, the importance of asking uncomfortable questions, and how trust and vetting can prevent costly mistakes. You'll hear why leading by example influences young people far more than lectures, the three lessons I give my kids, and how to focus on expanding your skills, knowledge, and desires instead of “pivoting.” From building confidence to applying your why with purpose, this conversation is about aligning with what truly moves you forward.