The Playbook With David Meltzer

Latest Episodes:

How to Scale Without Losing Control Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Gregg Majewski, the former CEO of Jimmy John’s and current founder of Craveworthy Brands, along with hospitality icon Jon Taffer. We talk about what it really takes to build and scale restaurant concepts with staying power—everything from team culture and real estate strategy to celebrity partnerships that actually work. Jon explains why he chose Craveworthy for his new concept, Taffer’s Tavern, and how trust and hands-on involvement shaped the deal. Gregg shares the structure that allows him to run 19 brands at once, and how shared models, smart pivots, and the right people make all the difference.

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

Small Habits, Big Outcomes: How Consistency Creates Lasting Success Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I talk about the real engine behind sustainable success: consistency. It’s not about the big wins—it’s about the small things we do every single day when no one’s watching. I share how routines, mindset, and even how you start and end your day can shape everything in between. From embracing the tasks you don't love to staying committed through slow progress, I break down how discipline creates results that compound over time. The truth is, your habits reflect your priorities—so if you want to change your life, start by changing what you repeat. Small hinges swing big doors.

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

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

The Real Reason Why You’re Burned Out Jul 13, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, I explain how I maintain energy, peace, and purpose by limiting interference with what already flows through all of us. I talk about why consistency beats intensity, how two minutes a day shapes your subconscious more than two hours once a week, and what it really means to invest in yourself instead of sacrificing. I share the mindset that carried me through loss and recovery, the parenting habit that rewired my relationship with my kids, and why receiving is just another form of giving. It all comes back to asking for help, being intentional with time, and remembering you’re part of something infinite.

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

The Next Evolution in Personal Safety Jul 12, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Nicholas Fratantonio, a dentist and father who turned his concern for safety into groundbreaking technology. We talk about his invention of a virtually invisible, self-charging tracking device that attaches to a molar, providing continuous safety for children, the elderly, and those with memory care needs. Nicholas explains how this tiny device resists tampering, never needs charging docks, and can store critical medical information for first responders. We explore the challenges of scaling such a cutting-edge product while technology rapidly evolves, and why his solution could redefine how we approach personal safety, prevention, and recovery.

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

How to Make Better Decisions with Too Many Options Jul 11, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, I share how my meetups turned into an unexpected global research project on human connection, energy, and intention. I talk about the difference between motivation and inspiration, the real value of rejection, and why the people who love us most often hold us back without meaning to. I explain how I prioritize decisions using relativity, association, and what feeds me, even when it drains me. From funding pitches to spiritual alignment, I walk through how to build something meaningful in both the practical and infinite sense, and why asking “for the sake of what?” can reframe your purpose, guide your energy, and keep you grounded.

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

The Wellness Lie We Keep Believing Jul 10, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Kien Vuu, a former interventional radiologist turned performance and longevity expert, to talk about what it really means to feel alive. We get into the connection between identity, inherited beliefs, and disease, and how stress and self-worth are linked to cellular health. Dr. Vuu shares how chasing external success led to his own decline and what he did to reverse it. We unpack why most people are focused on living longer instead of living better, and how real wellness begins with energy, ease, and purpose. It’s not about avoiding death. It’s about creating a life that actually feels worth living.

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

What We’re Getting Wrong About Medicine Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Bradley Bostic, a longtime healthcare innovator and investor who’s using data, AI, and capital to push the entire industry toward personalization and prevention. Bradley shares how food prescriptions and microbiome testing are already making a real difference in patient outcomes, and why social connection is essential to lasting wellness. We talk about how healthcare tech can identify harmful medication overlaps before they become dangerous, and how his podcast, Boombostic Health, opened unexpected doors for connection and growth. From food deserts to functional medicine, this conversation covers what it really takes to help people feel alive, not just live longer.

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

Reviving a Legacy Brand with Vision and Grit Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with former NFL fullback and Yale alum Chris Hetherington, now CEO of Fathead, to talk about the shift from pro sports to entrepreneurship. Chris shares how lessons from the football field like discipline, grit, and team focus helped him revive a legacy brand by leaning into technology, cultural relevance, and smart partnerships. We get into prioritization, staying mentally and physically sharp, and why his mantra is “hell yes or not yet.” Chris also opens up about personal adversity, what it means to surrender without giving up, and how asking for help changed his approach to leadership.

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

Trust the Process: Why Growth Happens One Step at a Time Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I share why real growth takes time—and why that’s a good thing. Trusting the process isn’t about sitting back and hoping for the best. It’s about showing up every day with purpose, especially when the outcome isn’t clear. I talk about how to stay consistent when progress feels slow, how surrender can actually create more space for success, and why uncertainty is often where the best opportunities begin. It’s not about rushing the results—it’s about having faith in the work, the timing, and yourself.

To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at

david@dmeltzer.com

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

The Hidden Power of Showing Up Jul 06, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, I share the mindset shift that turned frustration into fuel and how a simple mental trick I call the Michael Jordan rule helps me show up when I don’t feel like it. I talk about learning to love what I once hated, redefining abundance by receiving fully, and the importance of asking for what you want without guilt or hesitation. I reflect on why marrying my wife was the best decision I ever made, the pride I feel working alongside my daughter, and how giving only works when you allow others to give to you. Abundance is not a finish line. It is a loop.

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

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Playbook With David Meltzer

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected