The Playbook With David Meltzer

Latest Episodes:

Building a Global Sports Empire Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Jerry Jones Jr., Chief Sales and Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President of the Dallas Cowboys. Jerry shares how his family transformed a struggling football franchise into a global sports and entertainment brand by embracing risk, association, and emotional connection. We discuss the vision behind AT&T Stadium, The Star, and Formation, an entrepreneurial workspace designed to help businesses benefit from the energy and influence of the Cowboys brand. Jerry also reflects on learning directly from his father, building lasting partnerships, supporting the surrounding community, and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs. He explains why intensity, mentorship, and an unwavering drive to win can overcome many weaknesses.

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Staying Grounded in the Spotlight Sep 07, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Captain Glenn Shephard, television personality and longtime superyacht captain best known for Below Deck Sailing Yacht. Glenn shares how an unexpected opportunity brought him to reality television, what it feels like to be recognized, and why the show’s most memorable moments are rooted in real events. We discuss leadership, managing ego, making calculated decisions, and holding firm when safety is at stake. Glenn also reflects on imposter syndrome, building a community beyond television, and the business opportunities created by his growing profile. He explains why retirement, simplicity, and life aboard his modest sailboat now matter more than chasing greater success.

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Turning Rejection Into Opportunity Sep 06, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Jack Canfield, co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and author of The Success Principles, to discuss intention, persistence, and lifelong impact. Jack shares how teaching struggling students introduced him to goal-setting, visualization, affirmations, action, and feedback. We talk about overcoming 143 publishing rejections, creating demand before Chicken Soup for the Soul had a publisher, and using unconventional marketing to reach readers everywhere. Jack also explains why authors must promote their work consistently, how inspiration differs from external motivation, and why continued learning keeps purpose alive through every season of life.

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Turn Problems Into Possibilities: 6 Lessons for Transforming Challenges Into Growth Sep 05, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I share six lessons for turning problems into possibilities by creating clarity, removing interference, and focusing on what actually moves the needle. I explain how questioning assumptions, staying curious, learning from others, and testing and adjusting your approach can help you find what works. Most importantly, I share why letting go of the need to be right or in control allows you to move forward with greater clarity, faith, and purpose.

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

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The Principles That Never Change Sep 04, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Genetic Lifespan founder and CEO Adam Vincent Gilmer and Tony Drexel Smith, managing director of Micro Venture Capital Fund and managing member of The Stirling Club. We discuss why character, integrity, loyalty, faith, and keeping your word remain essential as technology accelerates business. Tony explains why simplicity, patience, and knowing when to pivot help entrepreneurs survive difficult seasons. Adam shares how personal faith, steady growth, and becoming qualified for opportunity shape lasting success. We also discuss learning from failure, resisting the demand for immediate results, building meaningful relationships, and using genetic testing to understand cellular nutrient absorption.

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Trust the Timing of Your Journey Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with world champion skimboarder and Marshwater founder Austin Keen to discuss the consistency, patience, and intuition behind his success. Austin shares how his blue collar upbringing shaped his work ethic, why mastering any craft requires a willingness to endure setbacks, and how he turned a connection to the Southern marshlands into a growing business. We also talk about building freedom without becoming controlled by money, surrounding yourself with good people, and trusting the timing of your journey. Austin’s story shows how authenticity, persistence, and surrender can create opportunities across athletics, entrepreneurship, and every stage of personal growth.

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Why Great Comebacks Begin Within Sep 02, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Barry Oberholzer, an entrepreneur, former intelligence operative, licensed helicopter pilot, and host of The Flying Felon. Barry shares how his experience in prison inspired him to build a platform centered on redemption, accountability, and the lessons found in failure. We discuss how interviewing celebrities in a helicopter encourages vulnerability, helping guests confront fear and speak openly about addiction, financial loss, injury, faith, and recovery. Barry also reflects on the common qualities he has observed among people who successfully rebuild their lives, including accepting responsibility, finding strength through faith, and developing the determination required to make a meaningful comeback.

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Turning Your Calling Into a Business Sep 01, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Brian Rose, an American-British podcaster, political candidate, former banker, and founder of London Real. Brian shares why he walked away from a lucrative banking career to build a media company before podcasting and personal brands became mainstream. We discuss overcoming the fear of other people’s opinions, improving through consistent action, and creating lasting relationships through long-form conversations. Brian also explains why engaged communities matter more than impressive follower counts, how charging customers increases commitment, and why media becomes more valuable when connected to a meaningful product ecosystem. He also shares lessons from censorship, controversy, and building investment ventures in Dubai.

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Building a Brand From the Ground Up Aug 31, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Dave Portnoy, the American businessman behind Barstool Sports, to talk about building a media company from the ground up. Dave shares how he left a stable sales career, launched Barstool as a free newspaper, and handled nearly every part of the business himself. We discuss hard work, timing, audience loyalty, brand voice, scaling without losing identity, and why criticism can sometimes strengthen a community. Dave also explains how organic ideas, fast reactions, and a willingness to keep experimenting helped Barstool grow from a local publication into a major media brand with a fiercely engaged following.

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Taking Command of Your Life Aug 30, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Joe Hart, President and CEO of Dale Carnegie and coauthor of Take Command, to discuss intentionality, relationships, resilience, and transformational leadership. Joe explains why taking command begins with creating space to consider what we want, what is working, and what needs to change. We talk about strengthening relationships by accepting responsibility for our role, listening with genuine interest, and seeing situations from another person’s perspective. Joe also shares how controlling our thoughts helped Dale Carnegie navigate the pandemic, why confidence unlocks new capabilities, and how effective leaders help others recognize and achieve possibilities they could not yet see.

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