The Playbook

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.

In today's episode, I share how practicing an open mind can transform your approach to challenges, relationships, and success. I explore how cultivating inner calm builds resilience, creativity, and better decision-making in high-pressure situations. You'll learn how curiosity and active listening open doors to collaboration and innovation, while daily practices like gratitude and visualization strengthen your ability to lead with clarity and confidence. This isn't about abandoning ambition—it's about harmonizing drive with tranquility to achieve more with less resistance. By shifting your perspective and embracing feedback, you can unlock exponential growth and create meaningful impact in every area of life.

In today's episode, I sit down with Daymond John, the founder of FUBU and longtime Shark Tank investor, to talk about the values, priorities, and decisions that have shaped his life and career. From turning down a $1.5 billion opportunity to protect his time with family, to setting ambitious six-month goals that keep him focused, he shares how clarity on his “why” drives everything he does. We explore his approach to time management, his disciplined relationship with money, and why small, consistent investments can yield life-changing results. He also opens up about his passion for biohacking, longevity, and building success on his own terms.

In this week's Friday Training, I shared how “I Am as a Service” can turn identity into real impact. “I Am” statements aren't just words—they're commitments that shape how we think, feel, and act. By leaning on intelligence, intuition, and inspiration, and applying my five levels of implementation, we can move from simply collecting information to creating meaningful change. This approach helps us replace uncertainty with clarity, respond with intention, and become a consistent source of value for others. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today's episode, I share how harmony, not balance, serves as the hidden multiplier behind sustained success. True harmony creates alignment in personal, professional, and communal relationships by reducing interference caused by fear, ego, and the need to control outcomes. When I prioritize gratitude, forgiveness, accountability, and collaboration, I watch teams grow stronger, decisions become clearer, and opportunities multiply. Harmony turns setbacks into lessons, detours into direction, and relationships into compounding investments that expand far beyond short-term results. By aligning values, execution, and incentives across self, family, business, and community, I create an environment where growth accelerates naturally and consistently.

In today's episode, I sit down with Andy Frisella, the founder of 1st Phorm and creator of 75 Hard. We talk about the real reason 75 Hard works—not because it's a fitness program, but because it helps people develop the mental strength to stop outsourcing control of their lives. Andy opens up about his own struggles, how simplicity and authenticity build stronger brands, and why leadership starts with setting the example yourself. We also cover the myth of entrepreneurship, the dangers of ignoring your own limitations, and why some people should stop trying to dunk when they're better off coaching from the sidelines.

In today's episode, I sit down with Joe Tolzmann, CEO of RocketPlan, and Thomas Park, CEO of REITIUM, to explore the mindset and strategies behind building recession-resistant businesses. We discuss how their Canadian companies navigate cross-border challenges, embrace long-term real estate plays, and prioritize innovation in industries that are slow to change. I share my own lessons from decades in real estate, including a powerful 1031 exchange strategy for down markets, and how non-negotiable habits create compounding success. Together, we unpack the subtleties that separate average entrepreneurs from exceptional ones while staying grounded in faith and purpose.

In today's episode, I sit down with Nikhil Agharkar, a seasoned attorney and fiduciary advisor, to talk about building lasting wealth and avoiding common financial pitfalls. We discuss why breaking free from traditional career molds can open the door to entrepreneurship, how taxes quietly drain the wealth of high-earning employees, and why business owners and investors often come out ahead. Nikhil shares practical strategies for protecting assets, maximizing tax advantages, and leveraging real estate for generational wealth. We also unpack the emotional toll of financial loss and the importance of setting systems that prioritize your financial security from day one.

In today's episode, I unpack how emotional energy impacts performance, decision-making, and long-term growth. Instead of trying to outthink or suppress emotions like fear, anger, and worry, I share how redirecting that energy through intentional action creates clarity, momentum, and resilience. Whether you are leading a team or managing personal stress, action becomes the most effective reset. I break down why reasoning alone will not resolve emotional turmoil, and how small consistent behaviors like doing, saying, thinking, feeling, and believing build trust, confidence, and alignment with your goals. By treating emotion as energy in motion, we can use it to fuel progress instead of letting it block our potential.

In today's episode, I sit down with Alex Peykoff, a transformational coach and entrepreneur who grew up in the shadow of a multi-billion-dollar family business. Alex shares how he broke free from chasing external validation and built a life rooted in emotional presence and self-truth. We talk about the pitfalls of comparison, the dangers of letting others define your path, and why owning your flaws is the key to authentic success. Alex opens up about family dynamics, personal setbacks, and the discipline it takes to stay aligned with your purpose in a noisy world. His insights challenge the traditional measures of success.

In this episode, which also marked the Season 8 premiere of Office Hours on Apple TV, I was joined by an incredible mix of business leaders, athletes, and innovators to talk about what drives lasting success. The message was clear: success is built, not found. It comes from showing up consistently, surrounding yourself with a strong community, and taking care of your mind, body, and spirit. Whether it's staying disciplined on the hard days, leaning on others for support, or focusing on what truly matters, the path forward is about daily commitments that compound over time. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today's episode, I sit down with Harry Spaight, host of the Sales Made Easy Podcast, to talk about why so many people freeze up when it comes to selling. Harry built his approach around dignity, service, and simplicity, helping people overcome the fear of sounding too “salesy.” I share how gratitude and empathy shape my perspective, and why practicing sales like a craft leads to mastery. We break down the importance of active listening, the power of consistent daily habits, and how being just a little “annoying” through repetition helps sharpen your skills. The goal isn't perfection, it's constant improvement rooted in service.

In today's episode, I break down the shift from chasing money to understanding alignment, gratitude, and service as the real drivers of fulfillment. I share how losing over $100 million forced me to reevaluate my values and build a new life rooted in consistent habits, emotional awareness, and faith in something bigger than myself. From sleeping in cars to leading global meetups, I talk about how prioritizing non-negotiables like sleep, health, and family created more freedom than chasing outcomes ever did. I also share how asking better questions, managing fear, and defining value has helped me guide others toward lives of abundance, joy, and purpose.

In today's episode, I sit down with Holly Skaggs, founder and CEO of Wild Tonic, to explore how she reclaimed her company after being forced out during a critical turning point. Holly shares how she rebuilt her team from the ground up, reduced production costs without sacrificing quality, and turned her Jun-based beverage into a favorite among professional athletes. We talk about her journey from heartbreak to resilience, the strategic reset that transformed Wild Tonic's future, and her mission to create clean energy drinks that support both people and the planet. Her story is a blueprint for leadership through adversity.

In today's episode, I sit down with Rachael McCrary, the renowned lingerie designer and founder of Spice Rack. With decades of experience and four successful lingerie companies under her belt, Rachael shares how she's redefining intimate apparel through innovation, sustainability, and a deep understanding of how confidence begins with comfort. We explore her journey from creating luxury designs to launching a brand that helps women feel empowered in their daily lives. Rachael also opens up about building content-rich experiences that connect emotionally with customers and why fun, intention, and energy are at the heart of everything she creates.

In today's episode, I sit down with Tanner Haas, a four-time founder and CEO of Freedom Chat, to talk about taking back control of our digital lives. Tanner shares why he created a private messaging app designed to eliminate screenshots, block data collection, and protect users from themselves in moments of bad judgment. We explore the false sense of privacy big tech companies sell and how Freedom Chat's approach flips that model by refusing to store user data or monetize personal information. Tanner also opens up about the challenges of going against industry giants and the lessons he's learned building a company on true privacy.

In today's episode, I sit down with attorney and entrepreneur Poonam Bhuchar to talk about resilience, purpose, and creating meaningful change. She shares how her experiences as an immigrant, a family lawyer, and a single mom shaped her approach to overcoming challenges others assumed would hold her back. From building a seven-figure law firm to founding a company that designs stylish, functional wheelchair blankets inspired by her mother's recovery, Poonam proves that passion and persistence can redefine any obstacle. She also opens up about healing decades of personal trauma and why staying aligned with your “why” keeps you moving forward even in the toughest seasons.

In today's episode, I share why intelligence means nothing without service—and how using it to be more interested than interesting creates real human connection. I walk through the moment fear takes over, what it does to our chemistry, and why reaction is instant but response is a choice. I explain how ego creates interference, how to spot it fast, and why the solution to fear is always the same: stop, drop, and roll. We also explore the difference between transition and expansion, how to spot partners worth your time, and why gratitude and awareness shrink the distance between struggle and growth. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today's episode, I sit down with brand architect Jim Wagner to break down the connection between championship coaches and business leaders. We talk about what it really means to lead high-performing teams, why repetition builds trust, and how asking the right questions creates confidence in first-time managers. I share my framework for intentional decision-making, the role humility plays in leadership, and why emotional clarity is essential when priorities shift. Jim also opens up about his MBA students and how he's helping them transition from strong performers into strong leaders. Together, we explore how values, communication, and consistency drive both personal and team success.

In today's episode, I break down how identity and purpose work together to shape everything from our mindset to our results. I share how asking “Who am I? Where am I? When am I? Why am I?” can remove resistance and create alignment in every area of life. You'll hear why most people stay stuck chasing validation, how to define your non-negotiables, and what it really means to trust divine timing. When identity, environment, timing, and purpose harmonize, clarity replaces chaos, and fulfillment replaces burnout. This is about creating flow, not forcing outcomes, so you can pursue your potential with confidence and purpose.

In today's episode, I sit down with Carrie Trabue, a former litigator turned entrepreneur who's redefining the legal industry. After 25 years helping lawyers navigate their careers, she founded LawSphere, an online community designed to bring lawyers and legal vendors together in meaningful ways. Carrie shares how her desire for long-term relationships over transactional ones inspired her platform's unique focus on mental health, mentorship, and holistic support for legal professionals. We also talk about the uphill battle female founders face in raising capital, the role of purpose in midlife reinvention, and why building community is the key to a thriving legal career.

In today's episode, I sit down with Craig Siegel, a coach, entrepreneur, and speaker whose mission is to help people break free from self-imposed limits and step fully into their purpose. We talk about the power of humility, the challenge of releasing defensiveness, and the importance of aligning with something bigger than yourself. Craig shares how studying Kabbalah and A Course in Miracles transformed his mindset and helped him operate from a higher level of consciousness. Together, we explore how faith, awareness, and tough love can unlock lasting personal growth and create a ripple effect that inspires others to do the same.

In today's episode, I sit down with Raul Villacis, the founder of The Next Level Experience, to talk about how high-performing men can regain purpose and avoid drifting through life. Raul shares how he rebuilt his identity after losing hundreds of millions of dollars and why vulnerability, discipline, and faith are essential for lasting success. We unpack the habits that drive consistent growth, the dangers of attaching self-worth to outcomes, and how his EDGE App helps men track their progress and stay accountable. This conversation explores what it takes to reinvent yourself, lead with purpose, and build a life aligned with your highest potential.

In today's episode, I sit down with Yuriy Boyechko, founder of Hope for Ukraine, to talk about the ongoing war and the staggering challenges Ukrainians face daily. Yuriy shares how his organization delivers food, medical care, and emotional support to families living through constant drone strikes and sleepless nights in shelters. We explore the growing number of amputees in Ukraine and how an amputee soccer league is helping veterans rebuild their sense of purpose. Yuriy explains why hope and resilience are keeping the country alive in the face of relentless attacks and what it means to support Ukraine in practical and meaningful ways.