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The Playbook With David Meltzer

David Meltzer, Entrepreneur.com

Welcome to The Playbook, hosted by entrepreneur, CEO, author and keynote speaker David Meltzer. On the podcast you’ll find a mix of interviews, Q&A, fireside chats, keynotes, and exclusive conversations with the most influential CEO’s, sports icons, and successful entrepreneurs who share their personal and professional play-by-play of the “what”, “why”, and “how” to achieve anything you set your mind to.

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32 episodes
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Avg 22 min
English

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Today · 19 min
Balancing Loyalty with Opportunity
In today’s episode, I sit down with Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler and former NFL star Steven Jackson. We discuss the emotional challenge of separating personal identity from football, staying present during a limited playing career, and preparing for the next chapter before the current one ends. Austin and Steven share how athletes balance loyalty with financial security, why contracts affect the players who come next, and how priorities shift throughout a career. We also talk about the importance of receiving before giving and creating purpose beyond the field through trade education, charitable work, fantasy football, and community building. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Yesterday · 15 min
Building a Billion Dollar Brand
In today’s episode, I sit down with Ryan Meegan, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing DUDE at DUDE WIPES, to talk about building a billion-dollar brand through humor, authenticity, and relentless creativity. Ryan shares how early reactions to the product gave his team confidence when they had little money or distribution, and how newsjacking helped turn cultural moments into national attention. We discuss staying humble through rejection, creating marketing partnerships that naturally fit the brand, and why great marketing still needs a great product behind it. Ryan also explains how DUDE WIPES has maintained its gritty personality while expanding its audience, budget, and reach. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Tuesday · 29 min
Building a Global Sports Empire
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Monday · 18 min
Staying Grounded in the Spotlight
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Sunday · 12 min
Turning Rejection Into Opportunity
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Saturday · 39 min
Turn Problems Into Possibilities: 6 Lessons for Transforming Challenges Into Growth
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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Friday · 13 min
The Principles That Never Change
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
September 3 · 18 min
Trust the Timing of Your Journey
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
September 2 · 22 min
Why Great Comebacks Begin Within
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
September 1 · 31 min
Turning Your Calling Into a Business
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
August 31 · 29 min
Building a Brand From the Ground Up
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
August 30 · 12 min
Taking Command of Your Life
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
August 29 · 33 min
How to Accelerate Your Potential and Create the Life You’re Meant to Live
In today’s episode, I share six lessons to help you accelerate your potential by choosing action over indecision, abundance over scarcity, and purpose over pain. I explain how to turn the fear of other people’s opinions into joy, control the meaning you give to your experiences, and move through fear, doubt, and uncertainty. Most importantly, I share how consistent, non-negotiable behaviors aligned with your divine direction can help you pursue your potential every day and create the life you’re meant to live. 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.
August 28 · 19 min
Finding Purpose Beyond Achievement
In today’s episode, I sit down with Blake Mycoskie, founder of TOMS and ENOUGH, host of No Magic Pill, and co-founder of Morning Water and Moovlab. Blake shares how TOMS grew from a simple idea into a global giving movement, then opens up about the depression and isolation he experienced after selling the company. We discuss the achievement myth, separating self-worth from external success, and the simple practices that helped him rebuild his mental health. Blake also explains how that healing restored his entrepreneurial creativity, leading him to launch new ventures, mentor young founders, and embrace his next chapter as a coach committed to helping others. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
August 27 · 28 min
Building Cultural Intelligence Into AI
In today’s episode, I sit down with Kishore Lulla, founder and chairman of Eros Innovation, to discuss how culture, ethics, and human experience can shape the next era of artificial intelligence. Kishore explains why AI should be viewed as an assistant that expands human potential, rather than a replacement for human judgment. We explore sovereign AI, culturally trained models, and the responsibility entrepreneurs have to pair innovation with righteousness. Kishore also shares his perspective on fear, faith, creative destruction, and the challenges that define personal growth. Our conversation connects technological progress with timeless lessons about purpose, resilience, self-awareness, and becoming more fully human. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
August 26 · 21 min
The Freedom of Global Mobility
In today’s episode, I sit down with Leonardo Leao, CEO of Leao Group, to discuss global mobility, self-image, and the freedom created by expanding beyond familiar borders. Leonardo shares how leaving a stable career in Brazil reshaped his understanding of opportunity and inspired his work helping others build lives across multiple countries. We talk about aligning immigration, taxes, education, career, and quality of life through a holistic strategy. Leonardo also explains why preparing children to understand different cultures can create more capable global citizens. Our conversation shows how international experience can broaden personal freedom, strengthen opportunity, and encourage greater understanding between people around the world. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
August 25 · 15 min
Wealth Begins With Better Planning
In today’s episode, I sit down with tax strategist, author, and entrepreneur Courtney Epps, founder of OTB Tax and Tax Rebels, to talk about building lasting wealth through smart tax planning, business ownership, and real estate investing. We discuss practical strategies like hiring your children, using short term rental tax benefits, and creating generational wealth by working within the tax code. Courtney also shares how AI is transforming her firm by improving efficiency while creating a more personal client experience. Along the way, we talk about customer service, mindset, faith, resilience, and why technology should give people more time to be human. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
August 24 · 12 min
Be the Story You Want to Tell
In today’s episode, I sit down with former NBA players Tarik Black and CJ Miles to discuss storytelling, authenticity, mentorship, and the transition from professional basketball into new pursuits. CJ explains why the best storytellers must live the story first and how years on the court shaped his creative work as a writer and photographer. Tarik shares lessons from Kobe Bryant, including how purpose, passion, and strong mentors can guide the next chapter. We also talk about the humility required to become a beginner again, the value of integrity in business, and how curiosity transforms fear, challenges old assumptions, and creates a path toward growth and lasting expertise. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
August 23 · 21 min
Why Adaptability Wins
In today’s episode, I sit down with entrepreneur, bestselling author, and real estate industry leader Ryan Serhant to talk about building a career by pursuing success instead of clinging to a single path. Ryan shares how adapting to new opportunities helped him grow from aspiring actor to leading one of the most recognizable real estate brands in the world. We also discuss why social media has become essential business infrastructure, how disciplined time management creates repeatable success, and what his thousand-minute rule looks like in practice. Ryan also offers his perspective on today’s housing market, industry consolidation, and the mindset required to keep moving forward through uncertainty. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
August 22 · 39 min
Nice vs. Kind: The Difference That Changes How You Lead
In today’s episode, I break down the difference between being nice and being kind, and why choosing truth over approval can transform the way we lead and communicate. I share how to serve others through honest conversations, set boundaries with confidence, and use empathy, accountability, and courage to create better outcomes for everyone. 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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