

The Playbook With David Meltzer
David Meltzer, Entrepreneur.com
Welcome to The Playbook, hosted by entrepreneur, CEO, author and keynote speaker David Meltzer. On the podcast you’ll find a mix of interviews, Q&A, fireside chats, keynotes, and exclusive conversations with the most influential CEO’s, sports icons, and successful entrepreneurs who share their personal and professional play-by-play of the “what”, “why”, and “how” to achieve anything you set your mind to.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 14, 2024 • 35min
I Had 33 Homes in San Diego. Then Lost Everything. The Shocking Truth My Mother Told Me.
In today’s episode, I join Rhett Power and Cynthia Johnson on Best Seller TV to share the journey from owning 33 homes in San Diego to losing everything—and the powerful lesson my mother taught me in the wake of that loss. We discuss the ideas behind my book, Connected to Goodness, focusing on gratitude, resilience, and the importance of being true to yourself, even when the cost seems high. From aligning thoughts, actions, and beliefs to embracing the concept of “I am,” we explore how setbacks reveal the deeper purpose within us. Together, we consider how collective energy, faith, and intentionality can help rebuild a life with meaning and fulfillment.

Nov 13, 2024 • 28min
The Empty Jacket That Changed My Life Forever
In today’s episode, I talk with Ralph Adamo of The Power of Integrity podcast. I reflect on a pivotal moment when a simple empty jacket gifted to me by my father reminded me of what truly matters, leading to a profound shift in how I view success and fulfillment. From reaching extraordinary financial heights to losing everything, I discuss how embracing integrity and authenticity became my foundation. Ralph shares his insights on leading with purpose, and together we dive into the impact of staying true to core values in business and in life. We explore how grounding ourselves in honesty can transform our journeys, relationships, and ultimate sense of purpose.

Nov 12, 2024 • 22min
Silencing the Inner Critic: Michael Chandler's Battle to Believe in Himself and Become a 3-Time MMA World Champion
In today’s episode, I sit down with Michael Chandler, a three-time MMA world champion known for his relentless drive and redemption story. From humble beginnings, Michael shares how his small-town work ethic shaped his journey, allowing him to overcome self-doubt and self-sabotage to become a top UFC lightweight fighter. We discuss his early wrestling days, his faith, and the mindset that fuels him both inside and outside the cage. Michael’s reflections on resilience, fear, and the unending pursuit of excellence reveal what it truly means to embrace purpose and continuously push forward, regardless of setbacks.

Nov 11, 2024 • 33min
Lessons to Teach Our Children
In today’s episode, I share essential lessons to help children thrive, from cultivating inner strength to embracing gratitude. We’ll explore the power of silence, freeing ourselves from external validation, and focusing on possibilities over problems. I discuss how pain can guide us toward growth, the value of meaningful connections, and navigating the “anxiety zone” without losing resilience. Each lesson aims to nurture a mindset of doing our best, learning, and finding joy along the way. Through these principles, I hope to empower young people to develop the courage to be who they truly are and pursue their fullest potential.To join future Free Friday Training sessions, register at:https://free.dmeltzer.com/friday-training-1

Nov 10, 2024 • 27min
The Unexpected Shift That Turned My Life Around (And How You Can Do the Same)
In today’s episode, I share the journey that reshaped my life and outlook. From growing up with financial struggles to reaching immense wealth, I discuss how I lost everything and the pivotal insights that helped me rebuild. I explore how my values evolved, revealing the impact of chasing superficial goals versus pursuing meaningful ones. Joined by Ruben, Darius, and Rob, we dig into the importance of “why” in setting sustainable goals, the future of AI in sales, and the value of investing in one’s skills and desires. Through stories and lessons, I hope to inspire a path toward a life of abundance and purpose.

Nov 9, 2024 • 21min
Finding Self-Worth Beyond Others’ Opinions with NotBasicBlonde
In today’s episode, I sit down with Olyasha Novozhylova, the inspiring creator behind NotBasicBlonde, a lifestyle platform encouraging young women to embrace bold, unique style. We discuss overcoming scarcity mindsets, the journey from self-doubt to confidence, and navigating early entrepreneurial struggles. I share insights on breaking free from a comparison-driven mindset, developing resilience, and finding true purpose through setbacks—including my own financial challenges. We also cover the essential skills and daily practices that every entrepreneur should cultivate, from seeking help to prioritizing meaningful connections. Join us for a deep conversation about abundance, self-worth, and practical steps to stay grounded in business and life.

Nov 8, 2024 • 20min
Turning Speeches into Profit with Shawn Walchef
In today’s episode, I reveal how I made $250K in a single day through speaking in Dubai and share the secrets behind turning speeches into powerful revenue streams. Joined by Shawn Walchef, we dive into the difference between content creation and content capturing, emphasizing how capturing the right moments on stage leads to lasting impact and profit. I share my approach to mastering stage presence, delivering new topics with confidence, and why practice is the key to success. Shawn shares how storytelling has shaped his journey, and we discuss how combining preparation with effective content capturing can transform any speaking opportunity into a major win.

Nov 7, 2024 • 27min
Leveraging Time and Resources for Big Wins with Dan Martell
In today’s episode, I sit down with Dan Martell, entrepreneur, author of Buy Back Your Time, and a leader in personal and business growth. Dan opens up about the wake-up call that drove him to rethink time management after achieving business success at the cost of relationships. We discuss his powerful framework for "buying back" time and creating lasting value through code, content, capital, and collaboration. Dan shares how understanding time as the only true dependent variable lets us make impactful choices, bring our best selves to work, and align our priorities to grow both our businesses and personal lives in meaningful ways.

Nov 6, 2024 • 33min
How to Overcome Life’s Toughest Trials
In today's episode, I dive into the lessons that have shaped my journey, from personal growth to building a resilient mindset. I share insights on why true progress requires faith, the power of knowing who you serve and who supports you, and the importance of intentional daily practices. I explore the valuable—yet sometimes painful—lessons that challenge us to grow, including one of my hardest trials: losing over $100 million. Yet, it’s through setbacks like these that I've learned the value of gratitude, self-discipline, and trust in divine timing. This episode is a blueprint for embracing life’s obstacles as essential steps toward our highest potential.

Nov 5, 2024 • 23min
Faith and Humility in the Face of Adversity with Erik Cabral
In today’s episode, I sit down with Erik Cabral, founder of the Entrepreneur Circle Podcast and an industry leader in branding and content creation. Known for his expertise in guiding Fortune 100 and Inc. 5000 companies, Erik brings unique insights into building trust through vulnerability and gratitude. We talk about the impact of humility, learning through mistakes, and why maintaining faith can transform even the hardest challenges into opportunities. Erik also shares his personal journey in redefining success, reminding us of the power in small actions like gratitude, and why embracing failures can strengthen our path forward.