The Playbook With David Meltzer

Latest Episodes:

What to Do When Your Brain Tries to Stop You Jun 25, 2025

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In today’s episode, I sit down with my high performance coach and longtime friend John Assaraf to talk about how to train the brain for sustainable success. John explains how our thoughts activate specific neural circuits and how to interrupt the negative ones before they take over. He walks through his signature “innercise” method and shares a simple morning practice that rewires the brain with repetition, not willpower. We talk about the neuroscience of fear, motivation, and identity, and the real reason most people do not trust their training when it counts. From visualization to blueprinting goals, this conversation covers the mental fitness needed to perform at the highest level.

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Why Traditional Search Is Dead (And How Exa.ai is Replacing It) Jun 24, 2025

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In today’s episode, I sit down with Will Bryk, co-founder of Exa.ai and former robotics lead at Harvard, to talk about the future of search, the limits of human understanding, and how AI can help us push past them. Will shares how his background in physics led him to build search tools focused on meaning rather than keywords. We talk about what makes Exa.ai different, how it’s helping people surface better information, and why designing for complexity creates more useful results. For anyone looking to make sharper decisions or grow with more clarity, this conversation offers a look at what’s possible when AI actually understands what you're asking.

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Shake Up Your Perspective Jun 23, 2025

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In this episode, I talk about one of the most underrated tools for growth—your perspective. I share why the way you see things often shapes what you get from them, and how small mindset shifts can lead to big changes in results. From the power of intentional disruption to the REFRAME method I use to reset and refocus, this conversation is about breaking patterns, getting clear on what matters, and moving forward with purpose. When we lead with gratitude and curiosity, everything starts to look different—and so do the outcomes we create.

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 Hardest Lesson About Success Jun 22, 2025

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In today’s episode, I break down the habits, mindset shifts, and uncomfortable decisions that lead to lasting growth. I talk about the importance of narrowing your focus, protecting your energy, and making peace with the fact that not everyone will grow with you. I explain why feeling like a fraud is often a sign you're on the right track, and how burnout happens when you try to serve everyone but yourself. From setting non-negotiables to releasing what no longer fits, I share what it really takes to stay aligned with your purpose. Greatness doesn’t come from doing everything;it comes from doing the right things consistently.

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What to Do When Everything Falls Apart Jun 21, 2025

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In today’s episode, I break down what it really takes to move forward when everything falls apart. I talk about the pain of losing over $100 million, the identity loss that comes with failure, and the power of turning rejection into redirection. From firewalks to forgiveness, I share how non-negotiable behaviors and consistent values create long-term stability. I explain why faith matters more when nothing makes sense, why self-awareness beats self-pity, and how asking for help can be a higher act of service than offering it. This one’s about finding your direction through struggle—and turning setbacks into something that serves you.

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

The Quiet Habit That Changes Everything Jun 20, 2025

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In today’s episode, I break down the habits and mindsets that help turn struggle into strength, focusing on how consistency, clarity, and intentionality create real change. I talk about the difference between helping and enabling, the truth behind non-negotiable behaviors, and why commitment has to outlast circumstances. I explain how I rebuilt after losing everything, what it means to live your legacy instead of chasing one, and why gratitude only matters when it’s practiced during chaos. From sleep to self-awareness, I share the most overlooked priorities that influence success. The throughline? Giving meaning to your pain, and using it to build something better.

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What Sustained Excellence Really Looks Like Jun 19, 2025

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In today’s episode, I sit down with NFL legend and Las Vegas native Steven Jackson to talk about what it really takes to sustain excellence, both on the field and in life. Steven shares the story behind his Mount Kilimanjaro climb, the mindset that carried him through pain and pressure, and the importance of putting one foot in front of the other when the path gets hard. We talk about how early mornings help him silence the noise, why being drafted 24th overall fueled his motivation, and how he made decisions that set him up for success long after football. His approach to giving, growth, and grit continues to shape the legacy he’s building today.

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Stop Saying “I'll Be Happy When” Jun 18, 2025

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In today’s episode, I share the lessons I’ve learned about giving, parenting, and the power of asking for help. I talk about the eye-roll moments with my kids, the challenge of being generous without feeling worthy of receiving, and how too many kind people live in a zero-sum mindset. I break down what it really means to live in the infinite loop of giving and receiving, and why asking for help is one of the most faithful, courageous things you can do. From navigating teenage attitudes to redefining wealth and service, this is about shifting from “I’ll be happy when” to “I’m happy for the sake of.”

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How to Fake It Till You Feel It Jun 17, 2025

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In today’s episode, I sit down with UFC Hall of Famer and VP of Athlete Development, Forrest Griffin, to talk about humor, preparation, and why confidence comes from doing the work. Forrest shares how he learned to use humor as a tool, what it means to “fake it till you feel it,” and why getting your mind out of the way is often the best thing you can do under pressure. We talk about setting purpose-driven goals, tracking growth, and trusting the body’s instincts. From training sessions to life lessons, Forrest brings sharp insights, quick wit, and a brutally honest look at what it takes to keep growing.

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

From Superstition to Strategy: Rewriting the Luck Myth Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

Too often, people blame bad luck for missed opportunities or wait around hoping for a break. In this Friday Training, I shared why luck isn’t something we find—it’s something we build. Superstition might bring comfort, but it also keeps us passive. The real formula for success is grounded in intention, preparation, and meaningful relationships. When we stop relying on chance and start aligning our actions with our goals, we step into our full potential. Remember: don’t wait for your lucky day—create it. Be kind to your future self, do good deeds, and lead with purpose.

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.

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