The Playbook With David Meltzer

Latest Episodes:

The Emotional Cost of Building Big Jun 05, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Kass and Mike Lazerow, married co-founders behind Golf.com, Buddy Media, and now a book that tells the truth about what building a business actually looks like. We talk about the emotional cost of entrepreneurship, fighting well in business and in marriage, and why brutal honesty is the glue that’s held their personal and professional lives together. They share the real story behind their billion-dollar exit, how they made big pivots without losing each other, and the cheat codes they swear by for surviving startup life without burning out or breaking up. It’s funny, raw, and full of earned wisdom.

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How to Stay Valuable in a Changing World Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Chris Calleri, a former top Vegas DJ who walked away from nightlife, toured the world on cruise ships, studied risk management, and eventually bought a 75-year-old family-owned jewelry business with his wife. We talk about what it really means to be an “overnight success,” how to pivot when life demands it, and why emotion, not just utility, drives value—whether you’re selling tacos or timepieces. Chris shares how storytelling, consistency, and connection have helped Huntington Jewelers thrive in a digital age, and how the right watch can say more about someone’s values than any smart device ever could.

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How Al Guido Built the 49ers’ Empire—And Why He’s Just Getting Started Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Al Guido, President of the San Francisco 49ers and President and CEO of Elevate, to talk about vision, pressure, and purpose at the highest level of sports and entertainment. Al opens up about launching the Guido Family Foundation, the impact of his upbringing, and why running a marathon helped clarify what really matters. We talk Super Bowl and World Cup prep, balancing ambition with presence, and how he defines harmony in a life that demands sacrifice. Whether it’s managing Levi’s Stadium or being a father to three daughters, Al brings clarity, conviction, and humility to everything he does.

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Success That Sticks: Lessons in Clarity and Commitment Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

Success isn’t about how fast you move—it’s about how aligned you are while you move. In this Friday Training, we explored how real growth comes from clarity, consistency, and staying connected to what truly matters. When you stop comparing, stay patient, and focus on the habits that reflect your values, you create momentum that lasts. Progress isn’t always loud or instant, but it compounds every day you show up with intention. As I always say, be kind to your future self, do good deeds, and let your purpose guide the way. That’s how you build something meaningful step by step.

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

david@dmeltzer.com

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When Fear Becomes Fuel Jun 01, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, I break down how fear, when properly managed, becomes a catalyst instead of a constraint. Drawing from Napoleon Hill’s timeless principles, I share a three-step approach: stop, drop, and roll. This helps you respond to fear in real time and stay aligned with your purpose. Whether it's public speaking, launching a project, or changing careers, your reaction to fear is often more important than the fear itself. By identifying emotional patterns, replacing ego-driven responses with gratitude, and training the brain to reroute stress, we can convert anxiety into momentum. This is about progress, not perfection, and using discomfort as directional fuel.

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Why Making Money Was Never the Solution May 31, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, I share the full arc of my relationship with money—from growing up with nothing to making millions, losing it all, and rebuilding from a place of purpose. I talk about the trap of attaching happiness to outcomes, the myth of giving without receiving, and how shifting from scarcity to abundance reshaped not just my bank account but my mindset. You’ll hear why faith matters most when nothing makes sense, how asking for more is part of giving more, and the difference between being generous and being wise. This is about moving from survival to service and still building real wealth.

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The Five Rules for Earning More May 30, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, I break down five core lessons from the laws of success that have reshaped how I approach fulfillment, income, and personal growth. I talk about shifting from chasing money to becoming someone money chases by focusing on clarity, credibility, conversion, contribution, and alignment. From understanding how to measure impact instead of time to articulating value in a way that builds trust and earns more, this session maps out a framework for anyone feeling stuck, burned out, or undervalued. It is not about working more hours or grinding harder. It is about removing resistance, aligning with purpose, and letting compensation become the outcome instead of the pursuit.

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Real Growth Takes Pain, Purpose, and Faith May 29, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with business mentor and bestselling author Myron Golden to talk about faith, value creation, and what it really takes to grow. Myron shares how a childhood struggle with polio shaped his mindset, and why success without service isn’t true success. We unpack the power of repetition, the importance of clarity in communication, and how embracing short-term pain leads to long-term gain. Myron challenges the idea of surrender, offering a more nuanced take on yielding to truth. From defining real wealth to explaining why every problem has two sides, he brings hard-earned wisdom with lasting impact.

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The Passion That Outlasted the Noise May 28, 2025

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In today’s episode, I sit down with the legendary Linda Cohn, the longest-tenured anchor in ESPN history and a true trailblazer in sports media. Linda shares what it was like breaking into the industry as one of the only women in the room, the personal toll it took, and how she powered through early rejection with a mix of grit, humor, and love for the game. We talk about the pressure of live TV, her adrenaline-fueled nights on SportsCenter, and what keeps her coming back after more than 30 years. From crying behind closed doors to calling the shots on-air, Linda made history by simply refusing to quit.

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The Mindset That Separates Winners from Losers May 27, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Kevin O’Leary to talk about what separates true entrepreneurs from wannabes. He explains why passion, not profit, is the real driver of success, and why most of his top-performing investments have come from founders who treat time like their most precious asset. Kevin shares why honesty beats politeness when giving feedback, how he spots resilience in a pitch, and what most people get wrong about financial freedom. We also talk about his views on work-life balance, the dangers of debt, and the surprising power of saving early and consistently. His candor is sharp, but it comes from experience—and results.

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