The Playbook With David Meltzer

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.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Jay Abraham, one of the most influential strategic marketing minds in the world and a pioneer in business growth strategy. Jay shares how he built a $250 million seminar business through partnerships, strategic alliances, and relational capital—without spending heavily on traditional advertising. We explore why understanding value from the customer’s perspective is the key to gaining a real competitive edge, and how to align that value with purpose, culture, and communication. Jay also shares the philosophy that’s guided him for decades: you're rewarded in life by the consistency and quality of the problems you solve for others.

In today’s episode, I respond to real questions from entrepreneurs navigating pricing, purpose, and growth. One speaker shares his journey from jail to building a 400-person trading community, asking how to make money and get on stages without overcharging. I talk about using proximity as a business model, how credibility connects to guarantees, and why post-production content matters more than the speech itself. I also answer questions on scaling niche businesses, attracting high-level clients, and maintaining quality without burning out. From relationship dynamics to redefining happiness, I break down how consistency, clarity, and audience awareness can turn challenges into lasting opportunities.

In today’s episode, I share how I’ve come to understand the common patterns that interfere with our potential—personally, professionally, and spiritually. After speaking with people in hundreds of cities each year, I’ve found that most of us are blocking the same infinite power we already have access to. I break down how aligning time, faith, and priorities can bridge the gap between what we want and what’s actually happening. I explain how commitment—measured not just by desire but by faith—can carry us through when the evidence says otherwise, and why most people quit before they ever see what’s waiting on the other side of discomfort.

In today’s episode, I unpack the key distinctions between coaches and mentors, breaking down how each role accelerates growth in different ways. Drawing from Napoleon Hill’s 17 Principles of Success, I explain how mentors share experience, relationship capital, and lessons from the “dummy tax,” while coaches focus on daily accountability, consistency, and emotional intelligence to bring out your best. I share how applying structure, purpose, and aligned relationships can help overcome fear-based thinking and interference. This session is rooted in the power of collaboration, clarity, and actionable support that gets you where you want to be or better faster and with fewer setbacks.

Life is full of contradictions, the more we push for success, the more resistance we face. The more we act with kindness, the more we may be questioned. In this session, I explored how embracing these paradoxes can fuel personal and professional growth. Instead of letting doubt, criticism, or external expectations derail us, we can use them as opportunities to strengthen our purpose, commitment, and resilience. By staying true to our values, navigating skepticism confidently, and recognizing that success and challenges go hand in hand, we create a life filled with meaning and impact.To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today’s episode, I sit down with Craig Siegel and relationship expert John Gray, the author of Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus. We break down the science behind how men and women communicate, why listening without problem-solving strengthens emotional connection, and how subtle shifts in conversation can transform relationships. John shares the latest research on mirror neurons, stress responses, and the biological differences that shape the way we connect. Whether in marriage, friendships, or professional relationships, understanding these dynamics can lead to stronger, more fulfilling connections.