The Playbook With David Meltzer

In today’s episode, I sit down with Casey Hayward, two-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee and 11-year NFL veteran, to talk about life beyond the field. Casey shares how his parents shaped his values early, why he gave one of the largest donations in Vanderbilt history, and how real estate became his post-football passion. We also talk about learning from mistakes, the importance of mentorship, and why business is a lot like playing cornerback. You need to recover quickly, stay focused, and trust your preparation. Casey opens up about his transition out of football and why running track helped launch both his athletic and financial future.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Amanda Reese, a former Division I athlete turned elite event strategist, to talk about what really makes an event unforgettable. Amanda shares how she designs experiences around emotion, business value, and long-term impact, always keeping content and community at the core. We talk through her approach to matching the right people with the right room, creating moments that feel personal, and turning events into content machines that keep delivering. She also opens up about staying grounded in chaos, managing shifting expectations, and how her early experiences in sports helped shape her ability to thrive in high-pressure environments.

In today’s episode, I sit down with global entrepreneur and wealth strategist Jeremy Wong, who shares how a career-ending gymnastics injury at 18 set him on a path to building more than 20 companies and redefining what legacy means. We talk about the gap between good actors and good practices in wealth management, the value of asking uncomfortable questions, and how his DSL system helps people leverage gold to unlock long-term financial potential. Jeremy also explains why understanding timing and risk tolerance is more important than chasing returns, and how the right mindset can turn major setbacks into lasting success.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Ace Curtis, a motivational speaker and certified life coach who helps people build momentum through intentional growth. We explore what it means to be confident while also being open to support, especially for men who often feel pressure to figure things out on their own. Ace introduces his G.R.O.W.T.H. framework, a roadmap designed to help people reconnect with their purpose and take action. He also shares how his late mother’s impact as an educator continues to inspire his work, including the creation of the Ace Collectives, where like-minded individuals come together to grow, support each other, and build stronger communities.

In today’s episode, I sit down with entrepreneur and speaker Chad Sanschagrin to talk about the shift from survival to transformation. Chad shares the personal turning points that helped him break free from victimhood, including the night he met his wife and made a decision to become someone he was proud of. We talk about forgiveness, spiritual alignment, and learning to love yourself when the mirror doesn’t reflect the person you’re becoming. Chad opens up about his journey through faith, discipline, and emotional resilience, and why praying for storms is part of growing stronger.

In today’s episode, I sit down with music agent and UTA partner Mike G, who represents stars like Lil Wayne, Cardi B, Young Thug, and Rauw Alejandro. We talk about how the agent’s role has evolved beyond just booking shows, and why understanding everything from film and TV to brand deals matters more than ever. Mike shares what it really takes to build an artist’s career step by step, how he keeps talent grounded when things blow up fast, and why empathy matters in an industry that rarely slows down. We also get into the emotional toll of fame and the importance of mental health on and off the stage.

In today’s episode, I unpack how releasing attachment to outcomes, validation, and status can clear the path to lasting fulfillment. I share why simplicity isn't about doing less, but about doing what matters with clarity and intention. When we let go of the need to impress, we reclaim energy to innovate, connect, and serve at a higher level. I explore how to reframe goals through the lens of purpose, apply the AAA strategy of alignment, action, and adjustment, and shift from chasing to attracting. Success becomes a byproduct of gratitude, humility, and consistent practice, not a reward for striving or comparison.To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today’s episode, I break down how to use rules as instruments for growth instead of letting them box you in. From Napoleon Hill to Don Miguel Ruiz, I explore how principles, not rigid systems, shape consistent success. I share the mindset behind bending rules with intention, evaluating motive before action, and asking uncomfortable questions that protect your time, energy, and trust. Whether it’s a team decision or a business deal, clarity and adaptability are the real power moves. When you treat rules as tools, not as limits, you give yourself permission to evolve, align with purpose, and own your hustle without apology.

In today’s episode, I sit down with former NFL executive and ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum. From his years leading the Jets and Dolphins, Mike shares how he managed the pressure of decisions worth hundreds of millions and why character always determined the ceiling for a player’s success. He reflects on lessons from Curtis Martin, the importance of consistency, and why small daily efforts stack into game-changing results. We also talk about building lasting relationships, staying motivated after failure, and what young athletes should know if they’re serious about the NFL. Mike’s journey is a reminder that talent sets the floor, but mindset and preparation raise the ceiling.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by artist and creative entrepreneur Mikael Brandrup, whose journey took him from corporate graphic design in Denmark to the heart of the global art scene in Los Angeles. We talk about burnout, identity, and how personal evolution led him to create without limits. Mikael shares how meditation and mindset work became his foundation, why he stepped away from a profitable business to follow his instincts, and how he built a career on abstract expression. From brand collaborations with Nike and Bentley to large-scale public art, his story is a rare look at freedom, resilience, and the power of starting with nothing.