The Playbook

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this week's training, I shared one of the most valuable lessons I've learned: consistency will always outperform perfection. Too many people wait for the perfect time, the perfect plan, or the perfect feeling before they start—and that's exactly why they stay stuck. The truth is, success is built through small, consistent actions done every day, not through flawless execution once in a while. When you focus on showing up instead of showing off, you build momentum, confidence, and clarity that compound over time. Remember, it's not about doing everything right—it's about doing the right things consistently. Start where you are, stay steady, and let time and repetition do their work. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today's episode, I'm joined by Wade Reed, a financial coach, entrepreneur, husband, and father whose faith and family fuel his purpose. We talk about the journey from scarcity to abundance — and how losing everything can sometimes be the best teacher. I share the story of building wealth, losing over $100 million, and discovering that happiness doesn't come from what we earn, but from who we become. Together, we explore what it means to “engineer” wealth, how to stop living in the “I'll be happy when” mindset, and why real success starts with gratitude, purpose, and faith.

In today's episode, I sit down with Miguel Martinez, the founder and CEO of ThatsSmoooth Luxury Men's Grooming, to talk about how personal experience and purpose can fuel innovation. As an Afro-Latino entrepreneur from Harlem and former stockbroker, Miguel built a natural grooming brand designed for men with textured hair and melanated skin—born out of his own struggles with irritation and razor bumps. He shares how his mother's influence shaped his relentless mindset, why persistence became his greatest tool, and how representation and community impact guide his mission to create high-quality products that go beyond grooming to inspire confidence and better health outcomes.

In today's episode, I sit down with world-renowned brain coach and bestselling author Jim Kwik, whose book Limitless has inspired millions to expand what they believe is possible. After a childhood brain injury left him struggling to learn, Jim turned that experience into a mission to teach others how to reprogram their minds for growth. We talk about why 40% of daily behavior runs on autopilot, how environment shapes lasting habits, and how mindset, motivation, and method define personal success. From improving memory and focus to building mental resilience, Jim shares practical strategies from Limitless for training your brain to perform at its best.

In today's episode, I sit down with Ryan Newburn, founder and CEO of JuriCon.ai, an AI-powered legal tech platform helping clients find the right lawyer in seconds. Drawing from his experience as a corporate attorney and general counsel, Ryan explains how his company uses plain language and artificial intelligence to match clients with lawyers who have the exact expertise they need—saving time, money, and emotional stress. We talk about the costly mistakes people make when hiring the wrong attorney, how specialized legal work is more affordable than most realize, and how verified reviews will transform the legal industry.

In today's episode, I sit down with Amber Mikesell, Founder of Suivera, a nonprofit uniting 1.3 million members across 113 countries in heart-centered transformation. Together we explore how aligning the heart and mind can create a ripple effect that touches countless lives. I share the origin of my mission to empower over a billion people to be happy, including the moment that reshaped my definition of success and service. We also talk about practical ways to shift fear, uncover our true frequency, and live each day with intention, making room for consistent happiness and purpose in the human experience.

In today's episode, I sit down with an NBA player who redefined greatness through faith and purpose. From sharing a bank account with his mom in college to signing his first major contract, he learned that money alone doesn't bring peace or fulfillment. After injuries threatened his career, he found clarity through his faith, leading him to create UNITUS, a faith-driven apparel and footwear brand known for the JUDAH sneakers—the first NBA signature shoes with visible Bible verses. We talk about discipline, perspective, and how real greatness comes from walking in faith, not chasing fame, wealth, or validation.

In this week's session, I shared how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we grow and lead in business. Technology is advancing faster than ever, but success isn't about keeping pace—it's about using these tools with purpose. When we let AI handle the repetitive work, we free ourselves to focus on what truly matters: creativity, empathy, and human connection. The goal isn't to replace people, but to empower them to do more meaningful work. The future belongs to leaders who scale smarter, not harder—those who use technology to serve people better, build stronger relationships, and create lasting impact. 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 professional skateboarder turned entrepreneur Greg Lutzka. Greg shares how chasing his dream meant leaving home, facing burnout, and rebuilding his love for the sport that defined his life. From the highs of becoming a two-time X Games champion to the lows of homesickness and self-doubt, he explains how consistency, mentorship, and staying open to new opportunities shaped both his career and his mindset. We also talk about turning passion into business, the importance of financial literacy, and what it really means to learn to love what you don't like.

In today's episode, I sit down with Tamara Lucas, the founder and CEO of My PANDA, short for Personal Assistant Next Door App. As a single mom, Tamara turned her own need for support into a nationwide solution that connects people with trusted, local help for everyday tasks. From folding laundry to handling online scheduling, My Panda has grown into both a hyperlocal and virtual village built on community trust. Tamara shares how her team carefully vets service providers, how she's scaling through business partnerships, and why building human connection remains at the heart of her mission.

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.