
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

Jul 6, 2025 • 14min
The Hidden Power of Showing Up
In today’s episode, I share the mindset shift that turned frustration into fuel and how a simple mental trick I call the Michael Jordan rule helps me show up when I don’t feel like it. I talk about learning to love what I once hated, redefining abundance by receiving fully, and the importance of asking for what you want without guilt or hesitation. I reflect on why marrying my wife was the best decision I ever made, the pride I feel working alongside my daughter, and how giving only works when you allow others to give to you. Abundance is not a finish line. It is a loop.

Jul 5, 2025 • 25min
The Real Estate Bet That Paid Off
In today’s episode, I’m joined by luxury real estate developer Steve Harbaugh to talk about building a legacy on the crystal-clear shores of Exuma. After years of success in New Jersey, Steve moved his family to South Florida and began developing a high-end resort on an island off an island, where materials arrive by boat and concrete is mixed by hand. We talk about setbacks like the 2008 housing crash, turning failure into a career breakthrough, and why TikTok is now his most effective sales tool. Steve also shares how he manages family life, grief, and business with intention, flexibility, and a little bit of sandbar magic.

Jul 4, 2025 • 39min
Why Most People Quit Right Before It Gets Good
In today’s episode, I reflect on the early habits that cost me more than money, especially how I misunderstood credibility and used manipulation as a shortcut to success. I share the mindset shift that redefined my approach to value, integrity, and how I show up in every relationship. I talk about building real purpose through consistent action, even on days I want to quit, and why faith matters more when nothing is going right. From having good sleep habits to setting daily non-negotiables, I break down how I protect my energy and reframe setbacks as setups. This episode is a raw look at how I align belief with behavior and turn hardship into clarity.

Jul 3, 2025 • 18min
The Power of Simplifying Complex Work
In today’s episode, I sit down with Joe Tolzmann, founder and CEO of RocketPlan, the app transforming property restoration management. Joe shares how he built RocketPlan from a small startup into a global solution by streamlining documentation, reducing labor, and improving cash flow for contractors. We talk about how his simple, user-friendly platform helps businesses get paid faster while reducing stress for property owners after disasters. Joe explains how RocketPlan’s efficiency boosts earnings, attracts private equity interest, and raises company valuations almost overnight. His journey from cleaning up job sites himself to leading a recession-proof tech company proves how powerful the right solution can be.

Jul 2, 2025 • 37min
Breaking Free from Negative Mental Loops
In today’s episode, I share how shifting your consciousness can break you out of old loops and help you solve problems faster. I talk about the subconscious running most of your day, how to train it with intention, and why truth and repetition are the real tools of impact. I explain why manifestation isn’t magic. It’s the process of materializing what already exists by tuning your awareness to the right frequency. From building a foundation of learning to capturing those “aha” moments as they happen, this episode covers how to raise your thinking, shorten resistance, and access the cheat codes that turn challenges into opportunities.

Jul 1, 2025 • 19min
How Competition Fuels Success Beyond Sports
In today’s episode, I sit down with Super Bowl champion, former NFL MVP, and longtime broadcaster Joe Theismann. We talk about his passion for golf and his role in the American Century Championship, where top athletes, entertainers, and business leaders compete while raising millions for charity. Joe explains why quarterbacks and pitchers often excel at golf, shares what keeps him motivated after football, and reflects on moments that shaped his career on and off the field. We also get into his work as a motivational speaker, his approach to storytelling, and how a simple thank-you letter from two young fans left a lasting impact.

Jun 30, 2025 • 57min
The Simplicity Edge: Why the Basics Still Win
In this episode, I shared why simple actions are often the most powerful tools for transformation. From saying “thank you” every day to setting clear boundaries in relationships, it’s the small, intentional choices that create the biggest results over time. We talked about mindset shifts, the importance of consistency, and how reframing setbacks can lead to growth. Success isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters, every single day, with purpose and clarity.
To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

Jun 29, 2025 • 33min
The Hidden Cost of Taking Things Personally
In today’s episode, I break down the emotional patterns that shape how we respond to fear, stress, and setbacks, often without realizing it. I explain why our feelings aren’t always true, how to spot what they’re really signaling, and how reframing those reactions helps create more clarity, peace, and direction. I share strategies for building emotional resilience in business and in life, starting with one simple shift: stop reacting and start responding with intention. Whether it’s a delay, disappointment, or misstep, I show how to turn emotional interference into fuel for better decision-making, stronger relationships, and a more aligned, purpose-driven path forward.

Jun 28, 2025 • 18min
Closing The Funding Gap For Women Entrepreneurs
In today’s episode, I sit down with Evelyn Y. K. Lee, founder of Vine Ventures, international investor, mentor, and private equity expert. Evelyn shares why she backs entrepreneurs who demonstrate consistency, integrity, and a deep commitment to their mission. We discuss the persistent funding gap facing women, especially women of color, and why investing in these founders often leads to stronger long-term outcomes. Evelyn also shares why companies like Rocket Plan, which simplify outdated industries with scalable solutions, stand out in a crowded market. Legacy, impact, and execution remain at the center of her approach as she empowers founders building businesses that create real change.

Jun 27, 2025 • 13min
How Early Struggles Shape Great Entrepreneurs
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Joe Tolzmann, entrepreneur, founder, and CEO of RocketPlan Technologies, for a conversation with Christine Tsai, Founding Partner and CEO of 500 Global. Christine shares how watching her mom program punch cards sparked a lifelong connection to technology and entrepreneurship. We talk about what it takes to succeed outside the typical startup hotspots, why investing in underrepresented founders matters, and how early rejection helped shape breakout companies like Canva. Christine also reflects on why entrepreneurship still holds the key to solving the world’s biggest challenges.