The Playbook With David Meltzer

Latest Episodes:

Why Leaders Let People Say No Jan 11, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I share a lesson about lessons: don’t hoard notes, capture only what truly resonates, and store it in a searchable system. From there, I frame leadership as intelligent followership: mentor, teacher, and coach. I break down the energy crisis between who you are and who you want people to think you are, then shift into abundance. Ask for help, find open minds, and create value by giving people more of what they want or less of what they don’t. I cover perceived value, knowing your bottom line, go no go plans, and the three no rule, plus how brands like Apple turn customers into lifelong advocates.

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Turning ADHD Into a Competitive Advantage Jan 10, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Steev Hodgson, certified ADHD coach and founder of DOSE, an app built to support how an ADHD brain actually works. We talk about why ADHD is so often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or ignored, and how that confusion shows up in emotional regulation, executive function, and rejection sensitivity. Steev shares his own late diagnosis, how coaching thousands of clients sharpened his self awareness, and why real time tools matter when emotions spike. We also unpack RSD, practical techniques for regulating reactions, and how awareness can turn what feels like a weakness into a measurable advantage at work and at home.

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The Long Game of Sports Leadership Jan 09, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Gary Stokan, president and CEO of Peach Bowl, Inc., to talk about leadership, longevity, and building something that lasts in big time sports. We cover his 47 years across coaching, brand marketing, and bowl season growth, including the frameworks he used to scale the Chick fil A Peach Bowl into a New Year’s Six mainstay. Gary breaks down relationship capital, smart risk taking, and why he put his job on the line for people he trusted. We also talk repurposing after retirement, storytelling as a teaching tool, and how staying kind compounds over time in business and life.

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What Investors Really Look For in Founders Jan 08, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Danny Cortenraede, founder and managing partner of InStudio Ventures, to talk about what actually matters when you are building a company and trying to raise capital. We get real about the myth of overnight success, the grind behind it, and why relationships, resilience, and alignment matter more than flashy ideas. Danny shares how he evaluates founders, how deal flow really works in sports and entertainment, and why most pitches fail before they ever start. We also unpack timing, access, and what to do when the answer is not at this time, while staying focused on becoming the person who earns the next yes.

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Act Like the Champion You Are Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Tim Storey, a globally known inspirational voice who has helped millions across 78 countries, from business leaders and entertainers to everyday families, find momentum through adversity. We talk about acting like the champion you already are, shaped by gratitude, discipline, and choosing the right people. I share how my mother’s standards formed my mindset, why success and failure both arrive slowly then all at once, and how time becomes a competitive advantage. Together we cover non negotiables, presence, mastering a skill, and building teams that elevate rather than drain, with practical stories from sports, business, and life.

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From Survival Mode to Sustainable Growth Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I talk through why comfort becomes a trap and how non negotiable behaviors create momentum when life feels heavy. I share how stacking small wins around sleep, movement, breathing, nutrition, and family clears interference and restores clarity. We get into lowering the bar during desperate seasons, creating immediate income before chasing big dreams, and why faith is a predisposition while intention drives results. I also explain accountability, the paperclip test, and why you can’t want change more than someone wants it for themselves. The through line is simple discipline, humility, and giving meaning to hardship that keeps you moving forward.

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From Limiting Beliefs to Lasting Progress Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, I share the six mindset shifts I see in high achievers who create momentum without waiting to feel ready. I explain why progress beats protection, how imperfect action builds belief, and why curiosity outperforms fear every time. We’ll talk about replacing excuses with solutions, building a growth identity through daily practice, and using simple systems to turn challenges into lessons. This is about taking bold, consistent action, learning fast, and aligning your beliefs with who you’re becoming.

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

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Consistency Is Only the Starting Point Jan 04, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I break down why consistency alone eventually stalls progress, and how growth actually comes from evolving the behaviors underneath it. I talk through the idea of overnight success taking 17 and a half years, why progress feels painfully slow before it suddenly accelerates, and how most people quit far earlier than they realize. We get into non negotiable behaviors, intentional daily minimums, and why two focused minutes a day can outweigh two distracted hours once a week. I also share how vulnerability requires discernment, when a story is truly yours to tell, and how protecting others matters just as much as personal truth.

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Turning Play Into Purpose Jan 03, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with James Crook, founder and president of BlinC Games, a universal platform built to organize any game, anywhere, anytime. We talk about how sports, competition, and fatherhood shaped James’s resilience, leadership, and long-term vision. James shares the real story behind building BlinC from the ground up, from sleeping on floors and driving Uber to creating a system that empowers organizers, players, venues, and partners alike. We also get into building community through games, aligning incentives in a two-sided marketplace, and why patience matters when you are committed to something bigger than quick wins.

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How to Break Bad Habits That Hold You Back Jan 02, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I break down how to stop fighting bad habits and start understanding them. We are not broken people, we are patterned people, and habits live inside loops of triggers, behaviors, and perceived rewards. I walk through how to map that loop, master the pause when fear and uncertainty hit, and replace low yielding behaviors with ones aligned to where you want to be or better. We talk about devotion over discipline, awareness over perfection, and why small non negotiable behaviors win the present. When you shorten the distance of resistance, you free energy, restore focus, and build momentum that compounds over time.

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