The Playbook With David Meltzer

Latest Episodes:

Growing Exponentially Without a Sales Team Jan 31, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Zack Fleishman, CEO and operator behind Shark Wheel and a former pro tennis player ranked No. 11 in the U.S. We talk about how two non engineers used biomimicry and a sine wave design to reinvent the wheel, then turned early chaos into real traction. Zack explains choosing focus over fads, why agriculture became the breakout market, and how Shark Wheel generated more than $15 million in revenue without a sales team. We also cover equity crowdfunding, moving from R & D to sales, and the athlete mindset that carries through long roadmaps, failures, and the push toward a massive 2026 inflection point.

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Functional Beverages and the Future of Social Drinking Jan 30, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with entrepreneur Amanda Ortega, founder and CEO of Beyond Bottleshop, to talk about the fast-growing non-alcoholic and functional beverage space. Amanda shares how her hospitality background and early wine education led her from a small Midwest boutique to building a business centered on adaptogens, botanicals, and ritual-driven alternatives to alcohol. We talk about inclusivity at social and corporate events, why functional mocktails are gaining traction, and how drinks designed for clarity, focus, mood, and energy are changing behavior across business and culture. It’s a grounded look at innovation, timing, and building something meaningful where demand is finally catching up.

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Stop Interfering With Your Potential Jan 29, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I break down why your frequency shapes your reality and why truth and potential vibrate faster than fear or distraction. I share how meditation shifted my awareness, how attention and intention create coincidence, and why most people stay busy instead of abundant. I explain the difference between discipline and devotion, the math behind luck, and how knowing your what, who, how, now, and why shortens resistance. I also open up about losing everything, rebuilding with wisdom and faith, and learning that abundance already exists when you stop interfering with it.

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Your Past Is a Lens Not a Leader Jan 28, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I share the six lessons behind the meaning of the past and why we do not suffer in the present. Reality is neutral and meaning is assigned, so I show how past stories drain energy, distort decisions, and create fear through projection. I explain how thoughts are signals, not commands, why we are rarely upset for the reasons we think, and how presence beats prediction when execution matters. I walk through cancel, clear, and connect as a repeatable way to reset, reclaim attention, intention, interpretation, and take the smallest next step aligned with where we want to be or better.

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Why Small Wins Matter More Than Big Expectations Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Patrick McEnroe, former professional tennis player, longtime broadcaster, and president of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. We talk about what years in elite sports teach you about pressure, patience, and personal growth, especially for young athletes navigating expectations shaped by social media. Patrick shares lessons from coaching kids, parenting teenagers, and competing at the highest level, including how listening changes performance, why small goals matter more than wins, and how to separate identity from outcomes. We also get into how tennis has evolved, what truly separates top players across eras, and why fulfillment comes from pursuing your own potential, not chasing comparisons.

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Live in the Present: The Real Key to Success Jan 26, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, I share why most of our suffering comes from living in the past or worrying about the future instead of staying present. When we live where our feet are, we gain clarity, confidence, and momentum. I break down how devotion to daily non-negotiable behaviors, learning from the past without living in it, and taking consistent action creates real progress. Your future isn’t built tomorrow; it’s created by what you do today.

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

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Showing Up No Matter What Jan 25, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I’m joined by James Maslow and Justin Guarini for an honest conversation about showing up when conditions are far from perfect. We talk about discipline as a daily decision, managing resentment on the road, and why consistency matters more than circumstance. James shares lessons from touring while sick, building multiple businesses, and protecting routine in chaos. Justin reflects on Broadway, identity, and using perspective to serve others at the highest level, even on off days. Together, we unpack prioritization, non-negotiables, and how mindset, health, and preparation shape long-term success across entertainment, entrepreneurship, and life.

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Why Influence Matters More Than Endorsements Jan 24, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Leonard Armato to talk about how the sports business has flipped from contract negotiation to full-on architecture. We get into why athletes now function as cultural magnets, how tech and venture opened the door to portfolios, production companies, and equity plays, and why the old agent model is shrinking fast. Leonard shares how he helped Shaq build intellectual property instead of chasing traditional endorsements, plus what it means to be an advisor in a NIL world where everything is public. We also talk core values, ecosystem, and why money amplifies character.

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You’ll Never Get Rich Until You Understand This Jan 23, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Alan Pavlosky, a longtime leader in sports, branding, and community building whose work spans athletes, executives, and families. We talk about gratitude as a daily discipline, why frequency matters more than raw talent, and how faith and humility shape sustainable success. I share the hard lessons that followed losing everything, the mindset that rebuilt my life, and why failure is the common thread behind lasting greatness. Alan and I also explore alignment, non negotiable behaviors, and how building real community creates wealth that lasts across generations.

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Why Clean Nutrition Starts With Better Standards Jan 22, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Thomas Edwards, the entrepreneur behind Organic Gorilla, a grassroots brand redefining what functional food can be. We talk about why fueling the body is central to manifestation, performance, and self-mastery, and how clarity in ingredients cuts through a crowded, misleading food industry. Thomas shares his personal journey, including hard lessons, time spent rebuilding his life, and how those experiences shaped his standards for health, business, and relationships. We also unpack why Organic Gorilla bars deliver both clean nutrition and real flavor, challenging the idea that eating well has to feel like punishment.

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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