

The Playbook With David Meltzer
David Meltzer, Entrepreneur.com
Welcome to The Playbook, hosted by entrepreneur, CEO, author and keynote speaker David Meltzer. On the podcast you’ll find a mix of interviews, Q&A, fireside chats, keynotes, and exclusive conversations with the most influential CEO’s, sports icons, and successful entrepreneurs who share their personal and professional play-by-play of the “what”, “why”, and “how” to achieve anything you set your mind to.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 24, 2025 • 32min
Fear Is a Time Traveler
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 You’ll hear why canceling outdated patterns, clearing subconscious interference, and connecting to your deeper truth are critical steps in shifting from fear to faith.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.

Aug 23, 2025 • 22min
The Long Game That Builds Unshakable Success
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.

Aug 22, 2025 • 25min
Lessons You Can’t Learn Without Losing
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.

Aug 21, 2025 • 32min
The Power of Asking Uncomfortable Questions
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.

Aug 20, 2025 • 28min
Why Openness Creates Better Outcomes
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.

Aug 19, 2025 • 16min
Daymond John on Building a Life That Lasts
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.

Aug 18, 2025 • 53min
I Am as a Service: Turning Identity Into Impact
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

Aug 17, 2025 • 34min
The Hidden Multiplier of Success
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.

Aug 16, 2025 • 21min
When Authenticity Becomes Your Greatest Advantage
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.

Aug 15, 2025 • 21min
How Two Entrepreneurs Are Reshaping Real Estate
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.