The Playbook With David Meltzer

In today’s episode, I sit down with UFC Hall of Famer and VP of Athlete Development, Forrest Griffin, to talk about humor, preparation, and why confidence comes from doing the work. Forrest shares how he learned to use humor as a tool, what it means to “fake it till you feel it,” and why getting your mind out of the way is often the best thing you can do under pressure. We talk about setting purpose-driven goals, tracking growth, and trusting the body’s instincts. From training sessions to life lessons, Forrest brings sharp insights, quick wit, and a brutally honest look at what it takes to keep growing.

Too often, people blame bad luck for missed opportunities or wait around hoping for a break. In this Friday Training, I shared why luck isn’t something we find—it’s something we build. Superstition might bring comfort, but it also keeps us passive. The real formula for success is grounded in intention, preparation, and meaningful relationships. When we stop relying on chance and start aligning our actions with our goals, we step into our full potential. Remember: don’t wait for your lucky day—create it. Be kind to your future self, do good deeds, and lead with purpose. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today’s episode, I break down the difference between toxic charity and transformational giving. It’s not just about helping; it’s about how we help. I share a five-part framework that focuses on clarity, collaboration, contribution, capacity building, and connection. I also talk about why giving without understanding can hurt more than it helps, how we unintentionally strip people of their dignity, and why true impact starts with empowering others to stand on their own. From asking for help to creating sustainable systems, this conversation is about moving past emotional rewards and toward measurable, long-term outcomes that actually matter.

In today’s episode, I unpack the relationship between timing, decision-making, and long-term results. I explain why there’s never just one solution to a problem and how reframing your relationship with time can shift everything. I share the simple two-minute rule I use to create 90% of my success, why daily consistency matters more than occasional effort, and how to train your mindset to make faster, more accurate choices. From the power of relativity to the trap of external validation, I break down the internal tools that lead to better outcomes. It all starts with how you see the problem—not how fast you fix it.

In today’s episode, I sit down with operational growth strategist and author Jack Jackson to talk about the high cost of inaction. Jack shares the origin story behind his book Reaction to Inaction, sparked by a moment of silence that cost a company $20 million and one passionate leader their drive. We get into what real empowerment looks like inside an organization, why janitors should be trusted just as much as executives, and how structure can create more freedom, not less. Jack breaks down the framework for building organizations where everyone has a voice, a role in innovation, and the confidence to act with purpose.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Laura Ann Lamando, founder and CEO of FanGirl Fashionista, to talk about the real gap in sports merchandise for women and why no one’s addressed it until now. Laura shares how years of industry inertia and bulk-buying habits have kept women sidelined from gear that actually fits, feels good, and reflects their fandom. We get into the licensing hurdles, manufacturing timelines, and what it takes to break through in a space most fashion brands won’t touch. We also unpack why women speaking up, buying less, and asking for what they actually want could be the key to a more inclusive and profitable future in sports.

In today’s episode, I sit down with mortgage strategist, martial arts coach, and LFG Society founder Arjun Dhingra to talk about real estate, financial literacy, and the emotional weight behind major life purchases. Arjun shares how a canceled coffee meeting almost ended his career, and how vulnerability, education, and authenticity helped him build trust in a fear-driven industry. We break down why some people shouldn’t buy a house yet, how marketing shifts alongside public sentiment, and the real reason financial shame keeps so many stuck. Arjun also opens up about losing everything in 2008—and what that taught him about resilience and responsibility.

In today’s episode, I sit down with coach, author, and Penn State board member Jay Paterno to talk about the pressure, politics, and possibilities shaping the future of college athletics. We break down how NIL deals, revenue sharing, and media money are forcing universities to rethink what it means to support student-athletes—especially those outside of football and basketball. Jay shares personal stories from life on and off the field, including how mental health, identity, and leadership are being reshaped in real time. We talk about the impact of Title IX, the lessons passed down from his father Joe Paterno, and why building a team matters more than ever.

In today’s episode, I break down why AI is more than just a tool for automation. It’s the future of connection, community, and brand growth. I explain how to use AI not just to find leads but to match with people who resonate with your values, essence, and mission. I share the three skills I believe everyone must develop to stay relevant: reading, cold calling, and practicing AI the right way. We move beyond volume and vanity metrics to focus on building relationships that last. The search engine of the future isn’t just about search. It searches for you by feeding relevance back to the right people in real time. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today’s episode, I share the lessons that only failure can teach, starting with the pressure to succeed in a household where doctor, lawyer, or failure were the only options. I break down how losing over $100 million forced me to rethink everything—from chasing validation to reclaiming the meaning of success. I talk about loving what you don’t like, using faith when there’s no evidence, and choosing commitment when 98% of people would quit. From food stamps to fake wealth, from overselling to owning the truth, this is about the cheat codes that come from facing discomfort head-on and remembering who you really are.