The Playbook With David Meltzer

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.

In today’s episode, I break down the power of strategic networking, time management, and the mindset that drives success. I share my approach to hosting meetups in 200 cities, the importance of asking the right questions, and how understanding time and relativity can maximize productivity. I explain why non-negotiables like sleep, family, and financial awareness set the foundation for sustainable growth. I also discuss how prioritization and adaptability create harmony in life, allowing for success without burnout. Through personal experiences, I reveal how mismanaging emotions and reacting poorly to circumstances can derail even the best opportunities and how shifting perspective changes everything.

In today’s episode, James Maslow and I welcome actor, comedian, and musician Stephen Kramer Glickman. Best known for his role as Gustavo Rocque on Big Time Rush, Stephen shares the story of his longtime friendship with James, from childhood gatherings to working together on set. He reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his career, his journey toward better health, and the unexpected ways his faith has influenced his path. We discuss the power of perseverance, the lessons learned from personal transformation, and the mindset shifts that come with experience. Stephen also gives a glimpse into his upcoming tour and what’s next for him in entertainment.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Owen Hanson, a former USC athlete whose ambition took him from the football field to running a multimillion-dollar illegal gambling and drug trafficking operation. He shares how the pressure to keep up with high-profile friends led him down a dangerous path, the moment everything unraveled, and what it was like facing the consequences of his choices. From dealing with one of the world’s most infamous cartels to his eventual arrest and 10-year prison sentence, his story is a stark reminder of how quickly success can turn into downfall. Now rebuilding his life, he reflects on the lessons learned and the mindset shift that changed everything.

In today's episode, I reflect on the moments that reshaped my life, from losing everything in bankruptcy to rebuilding with a new perspective. I share the pivotal lesson my wife taught me about real change, the mindset shift that made loss easier to navigate, and why the people we surround ourselves with shape more than just our success. I also answer audience questions on personal growth, resilience, and redefining self-worth beyond financial achievements. Whether it's navigating setbacks, strengthening relationships, or staying committed to core values, this conversation is about embracing the behaviors that move us toward the life we truly want.