The Playbook

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.

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.