The Playbook With David Meltzer

Latest Episodes:

Finding Guidance After Grief Nov 22, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Luba Patlakh-Kaplun, the founder of Kidology, a mom of three, speech language pathologist, and dedicated advocate for families navigating IEPs. We talk about the loss that shaped both of us, the waves of grief, and the quiet moments where our parents still feel close. We get into mindset as the bridge between the human and the infinite, why asking for help is an act of faith, and how small, consistent actions create lasting change. Luba shares how she built her business, raised young kids, and learned to trust her own direction while stepping into her next chapter with purpose.

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The Gratitude Formula That Rebuilds Everything Nov 21, 2025

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In today’s episode, I explain why gratitude, empathy, and accountability form the foundation for real success. I share how mindset and non-negotiable behaviors create outcomes far more reliably than strategy, and why consistent daily actions matter more than perfect plans. From my own bankruptcy to rebuilding everything, I reveal how thanking God for loss reshaped my life and how redefining failure as a “divine detour” restored my purpose. We also explore how to expand dreams instead of ending them, nurture empathy without losing strength, and recognize the meaning we assign to our past as the greatest limiter, or liberator, of our potential.

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The Smartest Place in the World to Start an Airline Nov 20, 2025

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In today’s episode, I sit down with Ed Delgado, the President and CEO of Ecuatoriana Airlines, to talk about reviving Ecuador’s iconic national carrier and the opportunity it presents. With over three decades in global aviation, Ed shares why Ecuador’s underdeveloped domestic market, where buses remain the main competition, makes it one of the few regions where starting an airline still makes sense. We discuss the strategic plan backed by KPMG, the untapped tourism potential across the country’s 14 airports, and how Ecuatoriana Airlines is positioning itself to reconnect Ecuador through domestic, regional, and eventually international routes built on a legacy brand.

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The Lesson I Couldn’t Learn Until I Lost Everything Nov 19, 2025

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In today’s episode, I sit down with Swedish creator and interviewer Theodor Ekstrand to explore the moments that shape who we become. We talk about the early beliefs I absorbed watching my mom raise six kids alone, the pressure to stand out in an academic family, and the rush of making my first million in nine months. I share how success created a deeper emptiness, how I tried to fill it with the wrong things, and how losing everything forced a shift in perspective. We get into the role of work ethic, humility, asking for help, and what it really means to rebuild with a sense of purpose.

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Why Real Life Beats The Highlight Reel Nov 18, 2025

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In today’s episode, I’m joined by James Maslow, a multi-talented actor, singer, producer, and speaker known for Big Time Rush, and Will Weinbach, a music producer, entrepreneur, and athlete. We talk about why authenticity wins online, how sharing your struggles builds stronger communities, and why in-person experiences create lasting business value. Will opens up about his ten-week return to tennis, balancing mindset, stamina, and strategy while developing AI tools that help creators spot trends and craft viral hooks. James shares how he’s bringing real-world connection back into brand partnerships through live events and meaningful collaborations that keep creativity grounded.

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The Roadmap to Your Potential: Why Focus Creates Real Results Nov 17, 2025

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In today’s episode, I shared why reaching your potential isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters with intention. When you lead with gratitude, focus on one meaningful promise, and build simple systems that keep you consistent, your results start to compound. That’s when people mistake preparation for luck. Success comes from aligning what you do, say, think, feel, and believe every day. When your behavior matches your vision, clarity grows, opportunities appear, and your frequency rises. Stay intentional, protect your attention, and let consistency guide your progress.

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

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Non-Negotiables That Build Success Nov 16, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, I share the most valuable lesson I keep learning: life is simple, but only if you know how to use your 24 hours. Everything beyond that is uncertain. The key is learning to prioritize what truly matters—what you want, who can help you, who you can help, and how to get it done. I talk about how faith shortens the distance between struggle and resolution, how to engineer wealth through intention, and why non-negotiables like sleep, health, and family time form the foundation of lasting success. Once you master your 24 hours, uncertainty becomes opportunity.

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Turn Competition Into a Calling Nov 15, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, I share how to turn competition into a calling by shifting from comparison to purpose. Instead of measuring yourself against others, measure progress against your own potential through gratitude, service, and consistent action. I break down the AAA strategy—alignment, action, and adjustment—and explain why being a steward of your brand before monetizing it builds lasting trust and value. You’ll learn how to transform attention into education, convert lessons into systems, and build a life stack rooted in faith, fundamentals, and financial literacy. When gratitude leads and service follows, pressure becomes a privilege, not a problem.

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Investing Starts With the Person, Not the Product Nov 14, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, I join Michael Chernow, founder and host of Kreatures of Habit, to share what I look for before investing in an entrepreneur or a business. I explain why my first priority is always the person—not the product—and how I qualify desire, teachability, and alignment with what’s working now and in the future. I also share the “thousand-step” rule that determines whether someone has the persistence to succeed and why culture, not company, is the true investment. Along the way, I reflect on the lessons learned from losing $100 million and how that experience shaped my approach to evaluating risk and leadership.

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The Hard Truth About Mental Toughness Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Chris Cruz, founder and chief visionary officer of Creative Resource Consulting and creator of The Power of 3RE. Chris shares how his reset, rethink, and restart framework reshaped his approach to mental toughness, habit-building, and daily renewal. We talk about resilience through repetition, the neuroscience behind positive habits, and how faith anchors his recovery journey and leadership philosophy. From overcoming addiction to rebuilding purpose through discipline and belief, Chris explains why the path to fulfillment begins with conscious resets and unwavering faith. His story is about transformation that starts fresh every single day.

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