The Playbook With David Meltzer

In today’s episode, I sit down with Vincent La Iacona, a scientist-turned-entrepreneur who’s challenging everything we think we know about oral care. After years working inside the industry, he realized dentists often focus too narrowly on brushing and flossing, ignoring the broader connection between oral health and whole-body wellness. Vincent breaks down how his company Aura Flora combines hyaluronic acid, microbiome-balancing prebiotics and postbiotics, and innovative flavors like yuzu-peppermint to create a full-mouth system that supports gut, brain, and sleep health. We also get into the leadership shift required to move from big corporate structures to fast-moving startups and what it takes to keep learning as a CEO.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Mark Papadas, author, coach, and founder of I AM 4 Kids, to talk about building self-identity early in life. After years of coaching adults, Mark realized real change starts with kids, teaching them to control their own "I Am" statements before negative self-talk takes root. We break down how children pick up damaging beliefs without anyone intentionally teaching them, and why phrases like "I'm fat" or "I'm stupid" become internalized far too young. Mark shares how persistence, curiosity, and ingenuity come naturally to kids, and how keeping those traits alive can transform their confidence for life. His work combines entertainment, education, and family coaching to rewire how kids view themselves.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Gregg Majewski, the former CEO of Jimmy John’s and current founder of Craveworthy Brands, along with hospitality icon Jon Taffer. We talk about what it really takes to build and scale restaurant concepts with staying power—everything from team culture and real estate strategy to celebrity partnerships that actually work. Jon explains why he chose Craveworthy for his new concept, Taffer’s Tavern, and how trust and hands-on involvement shaped the deal. Gregg shares the structure that allows him to run 19 brands at once, and how shared models, smart pivots, and the right people make all the difference.

In this episode, I talk about the real engine behind sustainable success: consistency. It’s not about the big wins—it’s about the small things we do every single day when no one’s watching. I share how routines, mindset, and even how you start and end your day can shape everything in between. From embracing the tasks you don't love to staying committed through slow progress, I break down how discipline creates results that compound over time. The truth is, your habits reflect your priorities—so if you want to change your life, start by changing what you repeat. Small hinges swing big doors. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today’s episode, I explain how I maintain energy, peace, and purpose by limiting interference with what already flows through all of us. I talk about why consistency beats intensity, how two minutes a day shapes your subconscious more than two hours once a week, and what it really means to invest in yourself instead of sacrificing. I share the mindset that carried me through loss and recovery, the parenting habit that rewired my relationship with my kids, and why receiving is just another form of giving. It all comes back to asking for help, being intentional with time, and remembering you’re part of something infinite.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Nicholas Fratantonio, a dentist and father who turned his concern for safety into groundbreaking technology. We talk about his invention of a virtually invisible, self-charging tracking device that attaches to a molar, providing continuous safety for children, the elderly, and those with memory care needs. Nicholas explains how this tiny device resists tampering, never needs charging docks, and can store critical medical information for first responders. We explore the challenges of scaling such a cutting-edge product while technology rapidly evolves, and why his solution could redefine how we approach personal safety, prevention, and recovery.

In today’s episode, I share how my meetups turned into an unexpected global research project on human connection, energy, and intention. I talk about the difference between motivation and inspiration, the real value of rejection, and why the people who love us most often hold us back without meaning to. I explain how I prioritize decisions using relativity, association, and what feeds me, even when it drains me. From funding pitches to spiritual alignment, I walk through how to build something meaningful in both the practical and infinite sense, and why asking “for the sake of what?” can reframe your purpose, guide your energy, and keep you grounded.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Kien Vuu, a former interventional radiologist turned performance and longevity expert, to talk about what it really means to feel alive. We get into the connection between identity, inherited beliefs, and disease, and how stress and self-worth are linked to cellular health. Dr. Vuu shares how chasing external success led to his own decline and what he did to reverse it. We unpack why most people are focused on living longer instead of living better, and how real wellness begins with energy, ease, and purpose. It’s not about avoiding death. It’s about creating a life that actually feels worth living.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Bradley Bostic, a longtime healthcare innovator and investor who’s using data, AI, and capital to push the entire industry toward personalization and prevention. Bradley shares how food prescriptions and microbiome testing are already making a real difference in patient outcomes, and why social connection is essential to lasting wellness. We talk about how healthcare tech can identify harmful medication overlaps before they become dangerous, and how his podcast, Boombostic Health, opened unexpected doors for connection and growth. From food deserts to functional medicine, this conversation covers what it really takes to help people feel alive, not just live longer.

In today’s episode, I sit down with former NFL fullback and Yale alum Chris Hetherington, now CEO of Fathead, to talk about the shift from pro sports to entrepreneurship. Chris shares how lessons from the football field like discipline, grit, and team focus helped him revive a legacy brand by leaning into technology, cultural relevance, and smart partnerships. We get into prioritization, staying mentally and physically sharp, and why his mantra is “hell yes or not yet.” Chris also opens up about personal adversity, what it means to surrender without giving up, and how asking for help changed his approach to leadership.