The Playbook With David Meltzer

Latest Episodes:

Why You Must Become Who You Are Meant To Be Apr 11, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with James Maslow and special guest Tai Emery, a former electrician turned Muay Thai fighter and global combat sports personality. We talk about what it takes to pursue an unconventional path, from working male-dominated job sites to fighting for a living. Tai shares how adversity, discipline, and survival instincts shaped her mindset, while we connect those lessons to entrepreneurship, branding, and personal growth. We also break down timing and risk tolerance, and how making consistent decisions under pressure builds confidence. It’s a conversation about resilience, self-belief, and doing what you must to become who you’re meant to be.

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How to Prioritize When Everything Matters Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Tim Kennedy, bestselling author of Scars and Stripes, along with being a Green Beret, UFC fighter, and entrepreneur, to talk about prioritization, purpose, and turning pain into fuel. We break down how he structures his time, why he refuses to ever say “I know,” and how constant learning shapes everything he does. Tim shares how trauma, failure, and physical hardship became a foundation for growth, not limitation. We also get into the importance of family, faith, and community, along with his mission to rethink education and empower the next generation through real-world skills, innovation, and personal responsibility.

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The Simpler Path to Starting a Nonprofit Apr 09, 2026

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In today’s episode, I sit down with Christian LeFer, founder and CEO of InstantNonprofit, who has helped launch nearly 5,000 nonprofits by removing the friction that stops people from acting on their purpose. We talk about why so many well-intentioned founders quit, how time and uncertainty kill momentum, and how he reduced a 50-hour process into something that can take under 30 minutes. Christian shares how his upbringing shaped his mission, why nonprofit work is about spirit over structure, and how AI can free us to better listen, connect, and serve. This conversation centers on turning intention into action at scale.

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Your Feelings Are Not Your Identity Apr 08, 2026

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In today’s episode, I sit down with Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX and author of Be Yourself at Work, to talk about emotional awareness and what it really means to show up authentically. We discuss why feelings should be treated as information instead of identity, and how recognizing them quickly can improve clarity and action. Claude shares the moment that helped her break patterns of self-sabotage and take ownership of her mindset. We also get into a candid conversation about authenticity in the workplace, exploring how to balance being yourself with maintaining boundaries and building stronger connections with the people around you.

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Why Fear and Excitement Are the Same Thing Apr 07, 2026

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In today’s episode, I sit down with Asi Wind, an award-winning magician and mentalist, to talk about what makes magic feel real even when the outcome is already set. We get into how suspense is created, why uncertainty is the key to connection, and how knowledge can actually change your experience of wonder. Asi shares stories from live performances where unexpected moments created something unforgettable, along with his perspective on the difference between magic and mentalism. We also talk about fear versus excitement, preparation, and why the best moments happen when you are forced to respond in real time.

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True Momentum Has No Breaks: The Power of Daily Consistency Apr 06, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, I remind you that true momentum isn’t built in big moments—it’s built in consistency. It’s about showing up every day and not breaking the chain. I share why small actions compound and how managing your energy keeps you consistent. Most importantly, momentum doesn’t come from motivation—it comes from identity. You show up because of who you believe you are. When you stay consistent and aligned, you create momentum that doesn’t stop—and that’s what creates real freedom.

To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

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How to Rebuild After Losing Everything Apr 05, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Andrew Wilson to talk about faith, gratitude, frequency, and the long road back after losing everything. I share how my mom and my wife helped me stay grounded when I went bankrupt after losing over $100 million, and how that season reshaped my values, my daily practices, and my purpose. We talk about the difference between discipline and devotion, the power of surrounding yourself with the right people and ideas, and why kindness, accountability, and intention matter in business, family, and life. It’s a conversation about rebuilding from pain and creating a legacy that lives through others.

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Using AI Without Breaking Compliance Apr 04, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Josh Newman, founder and managing partner at Clatter, to talk about turning zero to one into a competitive advantage. We get into how automation transforms disorganized marketing assets into fast, usable outputs while still protecting brand and compliance. Josh explains why his team focuses on using AI for intelligence and search instead of generation, and how guardrails create trust inside large organizations. We also talk about handling rapid technological change without chasing every new tool, and why staying the course matters. Finally, we get into culture, flexibility, and why work should support life, not the other way around.

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Why Most People Quit Too Soon Apr 03, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I break down why most people quit and how it has nothing to do with talent. I talk about how slow progress, discomfort, and uncertainty get misread as failure when they are actually signs of growth. I explain why comparing your beginning to someone else’s middle creates unnecessary pressure, and how overthinking leads to inaction. We also get into the illusion of control, and why focusing on effort, attitude, and consistency matters more than outcomes. Finally, I share how staying connected to your purpose keeps you moving when things get difficult, and why persistence comes down to how you interpret the process.

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What It Really Means to Follow Through Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Orlando Brown Jr, an NFL offensive tackle, to talk about what it really means to follow through and lead with intention on and off the field. We get into the value of vulnerability in the locker room, why meaningful conversations matter, and how his priorities have evolved as his career has grown. He shares how visualization helped him stay calm on the biggest stage, the habits he’s changed to perform at a higher level, and the mental shift that freed him from comparing himself to others. We also talk about fatherhood, perspective, and building a standard that holds up in every area of life.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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