
The Playbook With David Meltzer
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.
Latest episodes

Apr 17, 2025 • 27min
The Power of Purpose-Driven Leadership
In today’s episode, I sit down with David Abeles, the CEO and President of TaylorMade Golf, to explore the core values driving one of the most loved companies in sports. We unpack how originality, competitiveness, relatability, and a made-up word, “golftimistic,” have shaped TaylorMade’s identity and fueled its innovation. David shares how these principles are embedded in every hiring decision, every product launch, and every moment with his 2,200-person team. We talk about what it means to lead with intention, how he manages expectations in a dream job setting, and why staying grounded in purpose has helped TaylorMade thrive across decades of transformation.

Apr 16, 2025 • 16min
The Infinite Loop of Giving
In today’s episode, I talk about what it means to actually walk the walk—not just in business, but in faith, giving, and leadership. I break down the idea of the “infinite loop of giving” and why asking for help is just as important as giving it. I share how losing $100 million was the greatest form of protection I could’ve received and why true faith means trusting the process even when the evidence looks like a setback. If you’ve ever felt guilty for asking or unworthy of receiving, this is the message. Giving only works if you’re open to receiving too.

Apr 15, 2025 • 16min
Breaking Free from Burnout
In today’s episode, I sit down with Mikael Brandrup, a Copenhagen-born artist who left behind the golden handcuffs of corporate design to find freedom through expression. We talk about what happens when your supposed passion starts to drain you, and the difference between building for others versus creating from within. Mikael shares how burnout forced him to reset everything, leading to a risky move to LA, two distinct painting styles, and a mission-driven career that now supports environmental causes and younger artists alike. His journey is emotional, chaotic, and deeply creative—and it all started when he chose to stop following rules and trust his instincts instead.

Apr 14, 2025 • 36min
The Never-Ending Chase: Why ‘More’ Will Never Be Enough
In this episode, I shared why chasing “more” often leaves us feeling empty, no matter how much we achieve. The finish line keeps moving when we base our happiness on the next goal. Real fulfillment doesn’t come from accumulation—it comes from clarity, gratitude, and alignment with our values. By redefining what “enough” means and shifting from scarcity to abundance, we begin to experience peace in the present, not just hope for it in the future. You already have everything you need—the key is removing what’s getting in the way.To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me atdavid@dmeltzer.com

Apr 13, 2025 • 15min
Redefining Success on Your Own Terms
In today’s episode, I sit down with Josh Luber, the co-founder of StockX and Fanatics Collectibles, to talk about what it really means to build a third act after creating two major successes. Josh shares how financial freedom and a grounded home life have shifted his relationship to pressure and how Ghostwrite, his latest venture in collectible toys, reflects a more personal vision. We talk about creating culture through scarcity, the evolution of the “hype economy,” and the strange power of nostalgia in shaping billion-dollar ideas. Josh also opens up about doing it solo this time, and why control—not capital—is what really fuels him now.

Apr 12, 2025 • 17min
How to Chase Big Goals Without Burning Out
In today’s episode, I sit down with Tom Bilyeu, co-founder of Quest Nutrition and creator of Impact Theory, to talk about what it really takes to sustain success without losing your sense of purpose. Tom opens up about building a billion-dollar brand while knowing it wasn’t his ultimate calling—and how he stayed grounded by focusing on the people he loved. We explore his personal transformation, the power of identity shifts, and how he learned to break negative thought loops through discipline and intentional habits. Tom also shares his views on urgency, skill-building, and what it means to chase progress at a pace that actually matters.

Apr 11, 2025 • 23min
The Power of Purpose Over Perfection
In today’s episode, I sit down with David Abeles, CEO of TaylorMade Golf, from the tour truck at Augusta National. We talk about what it really takes to lead through uncertainty, how work ethic sets the tone, and why self-awareness and feedback are essential for growth. David shares how his team’s relentless pursuit of great ideas like the new QI 35 driver and Spider ZT putter keeps TaylorMade ahead of the curve. He opens up about the lessons that only come with time, why bad plans aren’t always failures, and how staying anchored to purpose can turn any challenge into momentum.

Apr 10, 2025 • 17min
Why Tough Bosses Build Strong Founders
In today’s episode, I sit down with Ray Hespen, CEO and co-founder of Property Meld, a fast-growing software company transforming how property maintenance is managed. With roots in manufacturing and a mindset shaped by lean margins and tough bosses, Ray shares how he built a platform that now serves over 730,000 rental units. We talk about conviction, leadership, and the uncomfortable truths of entrepreneurship. Ray opens up about the moments he nearly walked away and what kept him going. His journey is built on clarity, pressure, and a relentless push to create something better in one of the most essential industries in America.

Apr 9, 2025 • 32min
Why Discipline Beats Motivation
In today’s episode, I break down the idea of having a clear purpose and why it’s the starting point for everything you want to achieve. Pulling from Napoleon Hill’s timeless teachings, I share how intentionality transforms anxiety, procrastination, and overwhelm into momentum. I talk through actionable strategies to stay consistent in the pursuit of your potential, especially when evidence feels thin or setbacks pile up. From managing your calendar with purpose to replacing fear with faith, this is about building daily habits that compound over time. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling, it all comes back to knowing your “why” and living it with discipline.

Apr 8, 2025 • 48min
Why Perception Isn't Your Problem
In today's episode, I talk about the early days of hosting free meetups and the simple promise that built a global community: show up and I’ll help. I share how dedicating one hour in every city turned into something much bigger, from spiritual-business integration to leading the Napoleon Hill Institute. I answer questions on handling failed partnerships, reputation hits, and how misperceptions can protect your path. We also get into mentorship vs. coaching, curating the right community, and what entrepreneurs really need in today’s tech-heavy world. Whether it’s a meetup or a private network, it’s always about people helping people.
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