The Playbook With David Meltzer

In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Jeremy James, founder of GolfForever, to talk about how his work helping professional athletes and chronic pain sufferers evolved into a revolutionary golf training program. We explore the connection between biomechanics, longevity, and performance, and how GolfForever pairs movement education with a swing trainer to keep players strong, healthy, and improving at any age. Dr. James shares how partnerships with PGA stars like Scottie Scheffler and Justin Leonard helped scale his vision and why the program’s benefits extend far beyond golf. From back pain relief to added distance off the tee, the results speak for themselves.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Anthony Scaramucci, investor, author, and founder of SkyBridge Capital, for a conversation about decision making, resilience, and the value of kindness in business. Anthony shares how insecurity shaped his early career, why being decent to a server led to a $35 million opportunity, and how falling off the ladder revealed who was really in his corner. We talk about equity of opportunity, the pressures facing young men today, and what led him to co-create The Lost Boys podcast. He also gives a preview of what’s ahead at this year’s SALT Conference in Jackson Hole.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Brian Swift—coach, author, and podcast host—whose nickname, “The Quad Father,” only scratches the surface of his resilience. After a spinal cord injury left him paralyzed at 17, Brian rebuilt his life around service, strength, and showing up for others. We talk about asking for help, handling fear in high-stress situations, and how faith and accountability fuel his mindset. Brian shares how football continues to shape his values and why self-induced discomfort helps him stay grounded. His presence reminds me that consistency beats perfection and that purpose is best shared through action.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Michael Chandler, a three-time Bellator Lightweight World Champion and one of the UFC’s most respected fighters. We talk about what it takes to build a career fueled by grit, resilience, and humility both inside and outside the cage. Michael shares how he balances the demands of fighting at the highest level with fatherhood, marriage, and faith. He opens up about setbacks that shaped his mindset, his plans beyond the octagon, and why relentless consistency is his greatest advantage. This conversation gives an unfiltered look at discipline, purpose, and the power of showing up every day.

In this episode, I share my Stage Theory—a simple, repeatable approach to turning everyday moments into real brand value. We don’t need perfect content or viral moments to grow; we just need to show up consistently and capture what’s real. I will guide you through organizing your thoughts, tailoring your message for each platform, and creating a content ecosystem that continues to work for you over time. When we lead with authenticity and stay consistent, we build more than just reach—we build trust and legacy, one moment at a time. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today’s episode, I sit down with internationally recognized speaker and relationship coach Dr. Paul Kellogg to talk about the real meaning of excellence and how it ties into self-worth, growth, and service. We unpack the shift from scarcity to abundance, from trading to giving, and the role faith played in rebuilding my life after losing everything. Paul and I get honest about the fears that stop people from leveling up, especially the fear of success. We explore how reframing the past can reshape our self-image and why learning to love what others resist is key to rising in excellence—personally, spiritually, and professionally.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Amanda Lemmage, a wellness and longevity expert passionate about helping people unlock their true potential. We talk about shifting from chasing success to recognizing what we already have and removing what blocks us from living fully. I share the lessons I’ve learned from losing everything, rebuilding my life, and learning to align intention and attention to create real outcomes. We cover how to stop reacting to fear, why giving only works when paired with receiving, and how a simple habit like practicing gratitude every morning and night can change everything. The smallest shifts often lead to the biggest results.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Bill Reed, CEO of Herman Science and a New York Times bestselling author with a background as a U.S. Navy diver and Harvard-trained neuroscientist. We break down why trust and stress are the two most overlooked metrics driving performance, engagement, and even cybersecurity risk. Bill explains how predictive behavior analytics can help companies identify high-risk employees before costly mistakes happen, and why understanding the individual brain profiles of team members is the future of leadership. We also cover why outdated leadership models are failing, how boredom is contributing to the engagement crisis, and why truly knowing who you’re managing changes everything.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Vincent La Iacona, a scientist-turned-entrepreneur who’s challenging everything we think we know about oral care. After years working inside the industry, he realized dentists often focus too narrowly on brushing and flossing, ignoring the broader connection between oral health and whole-body wellness. Vincent breaks down how his company Aura Flora combines hyaluronic acid, microbiome-balancing prebiotics and postbiotics, and innovative flavors like yuzu-peppermint to create a full-mouth system that supports gut, brain, and sleep health. We also get into the leadership shift required to move from big corporate structures to fast-moving startups and what it takes to keep learning as a CEO.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Mark Papadas, author, coach, and founder of I AM 4 Kids, to talk about building self-identity early in life. After years of coaching adults, Mark realized real change starts with kids, teaching them to control their own "I Am" statements before negative self-talk takes root. We break down how children pick up damaging beliefs without anyone intentionally teaching them, and why phrases like "I'm fat" or "I'm stupid" become internalized far too young. Mark shares how persistence, curiosity, and ingenuity come naturally to kids, and how keeping those traits alive can transform their confidence for life. His work combines entertainment, education, and family coaching to rewire how kids view themselves.