The Playbook With David Meltzer

In todays episode, I discussed why prioritization is one of the most important skills we can develop. It’s not just about getting more done—it’s about making the right decisions based on what matters most. I talked about building effective frameworks, the impact of emotional intelligence, and how managing our time with intention can lead to greater clarity and fulfillment. When we choose purposefully, we create more peace and progress in every area of life.To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Chad Sanschagrin, founder of Cannonball Moments and author of Keep Telling Yourself, a book that challenges the inner script holding so many of us back. Chad opens up about the lies we repeat in our heads, the impact of growing up without a father, and how he replaced old beliefs with new truths. We talk about the difference between feel-good encouragement and real growth, the importance of walking your values, and why leadership sometimes means pulling the car over to interrupt someone's self-sabotage. Chad's message is clear. If you change what you tell yourself, you change what's possible.

In today’s episode, I sit down with a bestselling author, teacher, and lifelong truth seeker whose work has helped millions define success on their own terms. From his early years teaching underprivileged students to building a global brand with Chicken Soup for the Soul, he shares the mindset and marketing moves that helped him turn 144 publisher rejections into nearly half a billion books sold. We get into what drives his obsession with personal growth, why he believes most human conflict starts with thought, and how he's managed to stay rooted in compassion, curiosity, and self-responsibility through it all.

In today’s episode, I sit down with legendary speaker and author Les Brown, whose voice has inspired millions for more than four decades. At 80 years old and cancer free, Les opens up about what the disease taught him about purpose, momentum, and legacy. He shares how his start in door-to-door sales sharpened the resilience that carried him through rejection, labels, and the odds stacked against him. From radio to arenas, Les has stayed ahead by constantly evolving, mentoring others, and surrounding himself with strong communities. His message is clear: know your why, work with the difficulty, and never let go of the promises you make to yourself.

In today’s episode, I break down why you can’t grow your impact or your business by keeping your value a secret. Fear, perfectionism, and worrying about others’ opinions are the real roadblocks, not your product or service. I talk about how confidence, clarity, and communication become your foundation when paired with repetition and real feedback. You'll hear why practicing your pitch every day, getting comfortable being seen, and becoming familiar to your audience are key to long-term trust and success. Selling is never just about a transaction. It’s about service, consistency, and showing up as your full self without interference.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Jason Marc Campbell, author of Selling with Love and a powerful voice in reshaping the way businesses operate. We unpack how toxic sales habits like manipulation and overpromising nearly cost me everything, and how shifting toward value-based selling helped me rebuild my life and career. Jason and I explore the difference between perceived value and actual value, how to build credibility without overselling, and why allowing people to change their minds is a sign of strength, not weakness. This is an honest conversation about ethics, growth, and what it takes to sell with both conviction and compassion.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Noah Kerner, CEO of Acorns, to talk about how great companies are built by prioritizing talent, fostering accountability, and rejecting the illusion of fast success. We get into the value of in-person energy in a remote world, and why a good sense of humor is his top hiring trait. Noah shares how Acorns encourages personal agency and long-term thinking, offering tools designed to help people grow wealth slowly and responsibly—no get-rich-quick gimmicks, no shortcuts. Just simple, consistent steps rooted in discipline and clarity around timing and risk tolerance.

Many of the limitations we experience aren’t caused by external factors but by the way we perceive ourselves and the world around us. In this session, I shared how judgment—both our own and the assumptions we make about others—can cloud our clarity and hold us back. Instead of seeking validation, we can shift our focus to what truly matters: living by our values, embracing the joy of missing out (JOMO), and making gratitude a daily habit. Real growth comes from small, consistent changes that align our actions with our purpose. By prioritizing what brings us fulfillment and surrounding ourselves with the right community, we create a clearer path to success.To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today’s episode, I talk about the most expensive mistakes of my life, what I call the dummy tax, and how losing more than a hundred million dollars forced me to rethink everything. I also share what my mom’s recent passing taught me about humility, grief, and what it really means to be prepared. From there, I explore how faith and consistent action help us push through moments when life doesn’t make sense. When you understand the purpose of your human experience, you can start to see setbacks as part of a bigger plan. Progress, not perfection, is what moves us forward.

In today’s episode, I sit down with actor, musician, and entrepreneur James Maslow to talk about what it really takes to build a sustainable career in the spotlight. James shares the mindset required to navigate early missteps, the importance of having enough capital to weather uncertainty, and how fame can be a stepping stone rather than the finish line. We break down the idea of timing and risk tolerance, how long it actually takes to see real results, and why the “overnight success” myth still fools so many. James brings a grounded perspective on fame, fortune, and building a future that lasts.