The Playbook With David Meltzer

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.