The Playbook

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.

In today's episode, I sit down with Amber Vilhauer, a visionary entrepreneur who transformed a painful past into a purpose-driven life of service and impact. We talk about resilience, faith, and the mindset that separates those who quit from those who keep going when evidence seems stacked against them. I share how prioritizing intention over attention creates clarity amid chaos, why imagination is essential to seeing what's real, and how non-negotiables like sleep, health, and family anchor true success. Together, Amber and I explore what it means to love the hard parts of life and turn adversity into divine direction.

In today's episode, I sit down with sales coach and behavioral science expert Nick Graz to explore the moments that reshaped my understanding of success, control, and fulfillment. I share how losing over $100 million became the catalyst for rediscovering gratitude, empathy, accountability, and effective communication—and how surrendering control led to intentional living. Nick and I discuss what it means to build happiness through purpose, community, and daily discipline, and how success isn't about arriving somewhere new but about aligning who you are with what you're becoming. This conversation is about humility, faith, and finding meaning through service.

In today's episode, I sit down with Christopher Trocola, CEO and founder of ARC Defense Systems, to talk about what it means to build ethical technology in a world moving faster than its own guardrails. We discuss the current state of AI—how it's being used, abused, and misunderstood—and the urgent need for compliance that protects people, not just systems. Christopher explains how ARC acts as a barrier between human behavior and machine learning, creating a safer space for both to coexist. He also shares how faith, resilience, and personal conviction shape his mission to protect humanity from its own creation.

In today's episode, I sit down with Sage Steele, a world-renowned broadcaster and host who built her career on courage, conviction, and authenticity. Sage opens up about walking away from the comfort of ESPN to create a platform of her own, and how that decision taught her the power of freedom, faith, and resilience. We talk about learning to love what you don't like, finding purpose in adversity, and standing firm when it feels easier to stay quiet. Her story is a reminder that peace comes from self-trust, not approval, and that the real win is living and speaking without fear.

In today's episode, I sit down with Ryan Beckmann, an RV industry veteran with over 25 years of experience leading teams, scaling sales, and co-founding Dealer Backstock—a platform transforming how RV dealers and buyers connect. After building a reputation as a top performer and earning a 40 Under 40 award, Ryan realized that success, money, and recognition couldn't fill what he calls a “God-sized hole.” He opens up about addiction, loss, and the journey to rebuild through faith, service, and the 12 steps. His story is a reminder that fulfillment isn't found in achievement but in purpose, gratitude, and helping others heal.

In today's episode, I share the ten secrets that have shaped my journey as an entrepreneur—from mastering cash flow to building a culture rooted in character, coachability, and consistency. I break down how patience, resilience, and adaptability turn uncertainty into momentum, and why your community, not your ego, defines your legacy. Entrepreneurship isn't about chasing liquidity or perfection; it's about staying present, compounding what works, and leading with values that outlast any paycheck. I explore how humility, gratitude, and faith can transform setbacks into setups and help you create a business and a life that endures beyond profit.

In today's episode, we shared some powerful takeaways about creating real change. True transformation doesn't come from wishing, waiting, or just thinking differently—it comes from taking intentional action every single day. I talked about how consistency, gratitude, and patience build the kind of momentum most people mistake for luck. When your thoughts, words, and actions align, progress becomes inevitable. Remember, change isn't about perfection—it's about persistence, faith, and surrounding yourself with the right people who elevate your frequency. To join my next free Friday Training session, email me at david@dmeltzer.com.

In today's episode, I break down the true meaning of intention and why thinking alone isn't enough to change your life. I share how aligning what you say, do, think, feel, and believe creates a higher frequency that removes interference from your goals. I explain why non-negotiable behaviors—like consistency in health, gratitude, and growth—build lasting success, and why attachment to outcomes only slows progress. I also talk about mercy, humility, and frugality as the cornerstones of an intentional life, how to choose partners with values that match your own, and why paying yourself first allows you to give more and serve better.

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.