The Playbook With David Meltzer

In today’s episode, I sit down with Genea Barnes, host of the Be the Wolf podcast, where she empowers leaders, creatives, and change-makers to align with their true identity. I share how my early hunger for money led to a shallow world of scarcity, trading, and chasing status, until personal and financial collapse forced me to face the real source of my unhappiness. We explore the gap between who we are and who we pretend to be, and why true abundance comes from living in the world of more than enough. I break down how gratitude, accountability, and understanding interference unlock both success and fulfillment.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. David Pascal of Pascal Health Institute, known as the Miracle Doctor for his work with Olympic athletes and patients suffering from chronic conditions no one else could resolve. He shares how his unique approach identifies the root cause of pain, combining detailed listening, thorough exams, and treatments that restore the body’s natural vibrations. We explore how trauma gets stored in the body, why traditional medicine often falls short, and how he’s helped people worldwide find relief when they thought it was impossible. His clinic in North Carolina has become a destination for hope and healing.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Jeremy James, founder of GolfForever, to talk about how his work helping professional athletes and chronic pain sufferers evolved into a revolutionary golf training program. We explore the connection between biomechanics, longevity, and performance, and how GolfForever pairs movement education with a swing trainer to keep players strong, healthy, and improving at any age. Dr. James shares how partnerships with PGA stars like Scottie Scheffler and Justin Leonard helped scale his vision and why the program’s benefits extend far beyond golf. From back pain relief to added distance off the tee, the results speak for themselves.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Anthony Scaramucci, investor, author, and founder of SkyBridge Capital, for a conversation about decision making, resilience, and the value of kindness in business. Anthony shares how insecurity shaped his early career, why being decent to a server led to a $35 million opportunity, and how falling off the ladder revealed who was really in his corner. We talk about equity of opportunity, the pressures facing young men today, and what led him to co-create The Lost Boys podcast. He also gives a preview of what’s ahead at this year’s SALT Conference in Jackson Hole.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Brian Swift—coach, author, and podcast host—whose nickname, “The Quad Father,” only scratches the surface of his resilience. After a spinal cord injury left him paralyzed at 17, Brian rebuilt his life around service, strength, and showing up for others. We talk about asking for help, handling fear in high-stress situations, and how faith and accountability fuel his mindset. Brian shares how football continues to shape his values and why self-induced discomfort helps him stay grounded. His presence reminds me that consistency beats perfection and that purpose is best shared through action.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Michael Chandler, a three-time Bellator Lightweight World Champion and one of the UFC’s most respected fighters. We talk about what it takes to build a career fueled by grit, resilience, and humility both inside and outside the cage. Michael shares how he balances the demands of fighting at the highest level with fatherhood, marriage, and faith. He opens up about setbacks that shaped his mindset, his plans beyond the octagon, and why relentless consistency is his greatest advantage. This conversation gives an unfiltered look at discipline, purpose, and the power of showing up every day.

In this episode, I share my Stage Theory—a simple, repeatable approach to turning everyday moments into real brand value. We don’t need perfect content or viral moments to grow; we just need to show up consistently and capture what’s real. I will guide you through organizing your thoughts, tailoring your message for each platform, and creating a content ecosystem that continues to work for you over time. When we lead with authenticity and stay consistent, we build more than just reach—we build trust and legacy, one moment at a time. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today’s episode, I sit down with internationally recognized speaker and relationship coach Dr. Paul Kellogg to talk about the real meaning of excellence and how it ties into self-worth, growth, and service. We unpack the shift from scarcity to abundance, from trading to giving, and the role faith played in rebuilding my life after losing everything. Paul and I get honest about the fears that stop people from leveling up, especially the fear of success. We explore how reframing the past can reshape our self-image and why learning to love what others resist is key to rising in excellence—personally, spiritually, and professionally.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Amanda Lemmage, a wellness and longevity expert passionate about helping people unlock their true potential. We talk about shifting from chasing success to recognizing what we already have and removing what blocks us from living fully. I share the lessons I’ve learned from losing everything, rebuilding my life, and learning to align intention and attention to create real outcomes. We cover how to stop reacting to fear, why giving only works when paired with receiving, and how a simple habit like practicing gratitude every morning and night can change everything. The smallest shifts often lead to the biggest results.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Bill Reed, CEO of Herman Science and a New York Times bestselling author with a background as a U.S. Navy diver and Harvard-trained neuroscientist. We break down why trust and stress are the two most overlooked metrics driving performance, engagement, and even cybersecurity risk. Bill explains how predictive behavior analytics can help companies identify high-risk employees before costly mistakes happen, and why understanding the individual brain profiles of team members is the future of leadership. We also cover why outdated leadership models are failing, how boredom is contributing to the engagement crisis, and why truly knowing who you’re managing changes everything.