The Playbook With David Meltzer

In today’s episode, I sit down with the legendary Linda Cohn, the longest-tenured anchor in ESPN history and a true trailblazer in sports media. Linda shares what it was like breaking into the industry as one of the only women in the room, the personal toll it took, and how she powered through early rejection with a mix of grit, humor, and love for the game. We talk about the pressure of live TV, her adrenaline-fueled nights on SportsCenter, and what keeps her coming back after more than 30 years. From crying behind closed doors to calling the shots on-air, Linda made history by simply refusing to quit.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Kevin O’Leary to talk about what separates true entrepreneurs from wannabes. He explains why passion, not profit, is the real driver of success, and why most of his top-performing investments have come from founders who treat time like their most precious asset. Kevin shares why honesty beats politeness when giving feedback, how he spots resilience in a pitch, and what most people get wrong about financial freedom. We also talk about his views on work-life balance, the dangers of debt, and the surprising power of saving early and consistently. His candor is sharp, but it comes from experience—and results.

In this episode, I shared the “Flow Formula,” a simple yet powerful approach to success that centers on intention, rest, and trust. Too often, we get caught up in the idea that working harder is the only way forward, but real progress comes when we stop forcing outcomes and start aligning with what truly matters. Flow isn’t about doing less—it’s about showing up with clarity, letting go of resistance, and allowing things to unfold with purpose. Whether you're seeding a new idea, getting quality rest, solving problems with patience, or surrendering to timing, this formula helps you move forward with ease and impact. Be kind to your future self—stay present, stay consistent, and let your actions reflect your values. That’s where fulfillment begins. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today’s episode, I sit down with Sam and Dee Taggart, the couple behind the Taggart Xperience and authors of Eat What You Kill, to talk about the real work behind building both a business and a marriage. We unpack how they navigate shared goals, set clear boundaries, and design a relationship where support doesn’t mean sacrifice. From co-parenting in a blended family to working together while honoring each other’s roles, they break down the mindset shift from compromise to intentional collaboration. If you’ve ever wondered how to grow with your partner without losing your identity, this conversation offers a lived-in, unfiltered perspective.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Joel Puthoff and Leo Adams, co-founders of Linxy, a location-based app built to make real-world connection as intuitive as checking your phone. They share how their “social DNA” system helps users find people on the same wavelength by syncing interests, values, and goals in real time. We talk about the challenges of building community in a post-Covid world, the power of frequency in creating meaningful collaboration, and how trust fuels their long-term partnership. From professional networking to authentic belonging, this conversation is about creating tools that bring people together when it matters most.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Sharon Lechter, financial literacy expert, bestselling author, and co-author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, to talk about fear, legacy, and taking control of your money. We discuss the power of Napoleon Hill’s Outwitting the Devil, how fear influences our decisions, and what it takes to shift from scarcity to abundance. Sharon opens up about leaving a global brand, redefining success for women, and teaching others to build income-producing assets. We also look at why high earners often remain financially insecure and how small changes in mindset and language can lead to real financial freedom.

In today’s episode, I sit down with entrepreneur, speaker, and medical practice growth expert Kevin St. Clergy to talk about ownership, reinvention, and what it means to build a purpose-driven life. Kevin shares how mentorship from Russell Brunson and Jack Canfield shaped his journey, from scaling and selling his business to embracing personal setbacks as opportunities for growth. We unpack the value of structuring your day around non-negotiables, how to create momentum through aligned decisions, and why asking for help is a powerful act of faith. If you're navigating transition or aiming higher, this conversation offers clarity, perspective, and a path forward.

In today’s episode, I sit down with transformational facilitator Bucky O’Neill to talk about what it really takes to shift patterns, change your life, and serve at the highest level. We get into the spiritual foundation behind human transformation, how generational trauma gets inherited and broken, and why the most impactful work starts within. Bucky shares his approach to building powerful, in-person experiences that interrupt old ways of thinking and give people a clear path to what's possible. Whether you're leading a remote team or passing a legacy to the next generation, Bucky explains how clarity, presence, and internal work fuel lasting change.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Jim Tananbaum, founder and CEO of Foresite Capital, to talk about how a background in medicine and math can shape the future of healthcare. He explains how early research exposure at Harvard and MIT led to a strategy that connects long-term vision with measurable impact. We get into why sequencing all 20,000 genes is more useful than collecting endless data, and how AI is helping tailor healthcare without overcomplicating it. Jim also shares how purpose, persistence, and the right partnerships have guided his decisions across decades of transformation in biotech, venture capital, and personal health.

Sleep is one of the most powerful tools we have—but it’s also one of the most overlooked. In this session, I shared how treating rest with the same discipline as business or athletics can create real, lasting results. The truth is, you can’t give what you don’t have. When you show up tired, you show up at half your potential. But when you prioritize sleep with intention, you increase clarity, energy, and emotional control. I broke down the simple habits that have helped me sleep better and live better—because how you go to bed determines how you show up tomorrow. Sleep isn’t a reward for grinding hard. It’s a responsibility to your future self. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com