

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

Mar 15, 2024 • 6min
The Art of Remembering Lessons
In today's episode, I discuss the method I use to remember lessons that resonate deeply with me. I detail my approach to capturing these insights, whether they come from conversations, media, or personal experiences, and the importance of organizing them into relevant categories such as leadership, marketing, and mindset. Every Sunday is dedicated to reflecting on these lessons, ensuring they remain an active part of my growth. By associating each lesson with a story and categorizing them by topic, I efficiently recall and apply these lessons across various aspects of life, enhancing my journey towards personal and professional excellence.

Mar 14, 2024 • 27min
The Magic Behind Effective Communication with Oz Pearlman
Today's episode revisits a conversation I had with Oz Pearlman, President at Magic of Oz Inc. and a master of mentalism. From discovering magic at 13 to becoming an Emmy-awarded celebrity, Oz shares his journey into the art of perception and its powerful impact on engaging audiences. We explore the intricate relationship between mentalism and effective communication, revealing how nonverbal cues can deeply connect us to others. Oz also opens up about personal challenges and how they shaped his path. This throwback episode not only uncovers the magic behind Oz's craft but also offers invaluable insights into creating memorable moments and building genuine relationships in any field.

Mar 13, 2024 • 19min
The Art of Digital Storytelling with Shawn Walchef
In today's episode, I chat with Shawn Walchef, the force behind Cali BBQ Media, tracing the shift from a simple barbecue restaurant to a leading media company. Shawn discusses the pivotal role of storytelling and digital hospitality at the core of his business model. We also explore the development of my enterprise, stressing the importance of articulating value and the effective use of media to connect, inspire, and cultivate a community of support. Insights on the power of adaptable relationships and the influence of media in contemporary entrepreneurship are revealed, providing a nuanced perspective on achieving success in today's digital landscape.

Mar 12, 2024 • 22min
The Rhythm of Success with Walker Hayes
In today's episode, I sit down with the multi-talented Walker Hayes during NBA All-Star Weekend. Not only is Walker known for his Grammy-nominated hits, but he also surprises as an all-star in the celebrity basketball game. We explore his journey from aspiring musician to country pop sensation, the influence of family and faith on his career, and the unique blend of humility and drive that propels him forward. Walker shares insights into his creative process, his approach to balancing the demands of fame with family life, and how his deep-rooted faith shapes his perspective on success and failure. Join us for an inspiring conversation that spans music, sports, and the power of a positive mindset.

Mar 11, 2024 • 57min
Crafting Success in Competitive Landscapes
In today's episode, I tackle a wide range of questions from an exciting group of athletes, celebrities, and up-and-coming entrepreneurs. We dive into how to grow your business when the economy keeps changing, look closely at how to set your prices, and discuss how market trends can affect your plans to expand. I highlight the importance of figuring out your costs and the value you bring, stressing the need for a good look at the market and strong confidence in your pricing. Through these conversations, we offer practical advice and insights to help you grow and succeed in the business world, making complex ideas easier to understand.To join future Free Friday Training sessions, register at: https://free.dmeltzer.com/friday-training-1

Mar 10, 2024 • 7min
Transforming Pressure into Productivity
In today's episode, from a Chicago meetup, I explore the entrepreneur's journey, emphasizing growth, pressure, and the transformative effect of an abundance mindset. Sharing personal successes and challenges, like leading several ventures while balancing family life, I provide practical strategies for prioritizing, conquering fear, and fostering gratitude. This discussion acts as a guide to turning anxiety into productive action, highlighting that abundance offers opportunities and a duty to respond positively. It's a deep look into managing the complexities of success and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook amidst entrepreneurial growth.

Mar 9, 2024 • 4min
The Quiet Power of Not Reacting
In today's episode, I share insights into navigating life's challenges through personal reflection. We often react to fear, anger, and frustration without understanding the root causes, spending valuable time and energy in counterproductive ways. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, I discuss the power of self-questioning, specifically, "Have I done this before?" This simple yet profound inquiry not only fosters self-awareness and forgiveness but also guides us towards not reacting negatively to external influences. By embracing this approach, we unlock our potential for personal development, forgiveness, and achieving a more harmonious state of being.

Mar 8, 2024 • 11min
The Formula for Fundraising Success
In today's episode, inspired by TAG's themes of Transparency, Acceptance, and Growth, we unpack the transformative power of raising funds and its monumental impact across various aspects of life. Sharing my journey, I highlight the significance of clearly articulating value to exceed expectations and the critical role of pinpointing your bottom line. Through stories like engaging with the Boy Scouts of America, where I transformed a speaking engagement into a significant fundraising opportunity, I showcase how understanding perceived value and adept negotiation can transcend the realm of public speaking. Emphasizing the seamless integration of timing and risk tolerance into our strategies demonstrates their fundamental importance in navigating success, and how mastering these elements is essential for impactful achievements and contributions to broader causes.

Mar 7, 2024 • 17min
From Despair to Advocacy with Kevin Hines
In today's episode, I'm honored to welcome Kevin Hines, a best-selling author, global public speaker, award-winning documentary filmmaker, and suicide prevention advocate, to share his billion-dollar story of struggle, survival, and the transformative power of asking for help. At 19, Kevin faced a life-altering moment on the Golden Gate Bridge that led him to a profound realization about the value of life and the importance of vocalizing our struggles. Through his journey from deep despair to inspiring millions, Kevin and I discuss how the simple act of reaching out for help can be a lifeline in our darkest moments.

Mar 6, 2024 • 6min
Building Success One Ask at a Time
Today’s episode is from a TAG talk on Transparency, Acceptance, and Growth where I explore a simple yet powerful practice that has significantly influenced my path to success: the art of asking. This episode brings together lessons from my own experiences and the collective wisdom of speakers from diverse backgrounds, underlining the crucial role of asking in both personal and professional realms. I discuss the importance of making asks across different contexts—from face-to-face conversations to digital communications—and how this habit can forge networks of support and open up so many amazing opportunities.