Giving Back Without Looking Back

The Playbook With David Meltzer

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38:05

In late 1972, U.S. Marine Captain Ron Forrester disappeared on a bombing run into North Vietnam. Back home in Texas, his family could only wait and hope. Audio subscribers to Texas Monthly can get early access to episodes of the series, plus exclusive interviews and audio. Visit texasmonthly.com/audio to join. Go to HelloFresh.com/FLIGHT10FM to get 10 Free Meals with a Free Item For Life.…

7 days ago 18:29

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In today’s episode, I sit down with Casey Hayward, two-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee and 11-year NFL veteran, to talk about life beyond the field. Casey shares how his parents shaped his values early, why he gave one of the largest donations in Vanderbilt history, and how real estate became his post-football passion. We also talk about learning from mistakes, the importance of mentorship, and why business is a lot like playing cornerback. You need to recover quickly, stay focused, and trust your preparation. Casey opens up about his transition out of football and why running track helped launch both his athletic and financial future.

2224 episodes

Giving Back Without Looking Back

The Playbook With David Meltzer

86 subscribers

published 7 days ago

MP3•Episode home

2224 episodes

All episodes

1
Using Sports as a Platform for Change 19:29

23 hours ago19:29

19:29

In today’s episode, I sit down with Alexis Belton, a World Long Drive competitor and former D1 athlete who’s reshaping the intersection of sports, purpose, and business. Alexis shares how a bet on herself led to a third place world finish, a tour victory, and a new outlook on using golf as a platform for change. We talk mindset, monetization, and what it means to keep going when success alone isn’t satisfying. From building distance through efficiency to teaching golf in the slums of Kenya, Alexis has turned a personal challenge into a mission rooted in service, connection, and growth.…

1
How Purpose Fuels Peak Performance 15:55

2 days ago15:55

15:55

In today’s episode, I sit down with Jon Gordon, best known for The Energy Bus and his work with some of the world’s top athletes, coaches, and business leaders. We talk about what it really means to live your purpose, not just speak it. Jon opens up about the discipline behind a positive mindset, the faith that grounds his work, and how prayer, humility, and selflessness keep him aligned. He also shares how purpose fuels performance, and why understanding mindset at its deepest levels is the key to building stronger, more connected teams. This is a conversation about walking the path—not just writing the map.…

1
Why Frequency Shapes Your Future 37:07

3 days ago37:07

37:07

In today’s episode, I unpack how Napoleon Hill’s timeless principles can guide a modern career path rooted in clarity, confidence, and purpose. I break down Hill’s 12 career pillars, from definiteness of purpose to accurate thinking, and explain how they align with vibrational awareness instead of rigid timelines. You’ll hear why imagination matters more than intensity, why motivation gets you started but inspiration keeps you going, and how your frequency shows up in what you believe, feel, and do every day. This is a framework for success that doesn’t chase outcomes. It attracts them by staying aligned, consistent, and centered in purpose.…

1
What Ambition Without Limits Really Looks Like 39:49

4 days ago39:49

39:49

In today’s episode, I sit down with James Maslow and Owen Hanson, a former USC walk-on who once brushed shoulders with Heisman winners and ended up running a multimillion-dollar black-market empire. Owen shares how ambition and access turned him from sports agent to international drug trafficker, and how a stint in federal prison sparked a new kind of hustle. From mop-bucket ice cream experiments to launching the first 20g protein ice cream bar from a halfway house, his story is as surreal as it is instructive. What started as a bet for fast cash became a lesson in patience, reinvention and the real cost of unchecked ambition.…

1
The Mindset That Drives a Champion 15:06

5 days ago15:06

15:06

In today’s episode, I sit down with Georges St-Pierre, the legendary MMA champion and actor celebrated for his dominance across multiple UFC weight classes. We talk about the mindset that drove his success, his resistance to comfort, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who keep you grounded. GSP opens up about navigating fame, the role of mentorship, and why humility matters more than hype. He shares a vivid memory from one of his toughest fights, where time seemed to slow down mid-battle, and how entering “the zone” changed his performance. We also talk about health, legacy, and what he hopes for most in the next chapter of his life.…

1
How to Build a Culture 34:31

6 days ago34:31

34:31

In this weeks ‘Friday Training’ episode, I shared why culture, not charisma or short-term wins is the foundation of any great organization. When companies shift from being founder-centric to culture-centric, they build something that can weather change, inspire people, and last well beyond any one leader. We discussed the three pillars of lasting culture: a clear purpose, empowered people, and systems that support shared values. Real impact comes when culture is lived every day, not just posted on a wall. If you want your business to thrive long-term, focus on the habits, beliefs, and structures that will stand the test of time. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com…

1
Giving Back Without Looking Back 18:29

7 days ago18:29

18:29

1
Creating Value Beyond the Event 14:22

8 days ago14:22

14:22

In today’s episode, I sit down with Amanda Reese, a former Division I athlete turned elite event strategist, to talk about what really makes an event unforgettable. Amanda shares how she designs experiences around emotion, business value, and long-term impact, always keeping content and community at the core. We talk through her approach to matching the right people with the right room, creating moments that feel personal, and turning events into content machines that keep delivering. She also opens up about staying grounded in chaos, managing shifting expectations, and how her early experiences in sports helped shape her ability to thrive in high-pressure environments.…

1
What No One Tells You About Wealth Management 25:31

9 days ago25:31

25:31

In today’s episode, I sit down with global entrepreneur and wealth strategist Jeremy Wong, who shares how a career-ending gymnastics injury at 18 set him on a path to building more than 20 companies and redefining what legacy means. We talk about the gap between good actors and good practices in wealth management, the value of asking uncomfortable questions, and how his DSL system helps people leverage gold to unlock long-term financial potential. Jeremy also explains why understanding timing and risk tolerance is more important than chasing returns, and how the right mindset can turn major setbacks into lasting success.…

1
The Silent Struggle Behind High Performance 12:45

10 days ago12:45

12:45

In today’s episode, I sit down with Ace Curtis, a motivational speaker and certified life coach who helps people build momentum through intentional growth. We explore what it means to be confident while also being open to support, especially for men who often feel pressure to figure things out on their own. Ace introduces his G.R.O.W.T.H. framework, a roadmap designed to help people reconnect with their purpose and take action. He also shares how his late mother’s impact as an educator continues to inspire his work, including the creation of the Ace Collectives, where like-minded individuals come together to grow, support each other, and build stronger communities.…

1
Breaking Free from Survival Mode 25:17

11 days ago25:17

25:17

In today’s episode, I sit down with entrepreneur and speaker Chad Sanschagrin to talk about the shift from survival to transformation. Chad shares the personal turning points that helped him break free from victimhood, including the night he met his wife and made a decision to become someone he was proud of. We talk about forgiveness, spiritual alignment, and learning to love yourself when the mirror doesn’t reflect the person you’re becoming. Chad opens up about his journey through faith, discipline, and emotional resilience, and why praying for storms is part of growing stronger.…

1
The Truth About Building an Entertainment Empire 19:02

12 days ago19:02

19:02

In today’s episode, I sit down with music agent and UTA partner Mike G, who represents stars like Lil Wayne, Cardi B, Young Thug, and Rauw Alejandro. We talk about how the agent’s role has evolved beyond just booking shows, and why understanding everything from film and TV to brand deals matters more than ever. Mike shares what it really takes to build an artist’s career step by step, how he keeps talent grounded when things blow up fast, and why empathy matters in an industry that rarely slows down. We also get into the emotional toll of fame and the importance of mental health on and off the stage.…

1
Living Without Attachment 31:26

13 days ago31:26

31:26

In today’s episode, I unpack how releasing attachment to outcomes, validation, and status can clear the path to lasting fulfillment. I share why simplicity isn't about doing less, but about doing what matters with clarity and intention. When we let go of the need to impress, we reclaim energy to innovate, connect, and serve at a higher level. I explore how to reframe goals through the lens of purpose, apply the AAA strategy of alignment, action, and adjustment, and shift from chasing to attracting. Success becomes a byproduct of gratitude, humility, and consistent practice, not a reward for striving or comparison. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com…

1
Rules To Guide You Not Rule You 35:12

14 days ago35:12

35:12

In today’s episode, I break down how to use rules as instruments for growth instead of letting them box you in. From Napoleon Hill to Don Miguel Ruiz, I explore how principles, not rigid systems, shape consistent success. I share the mindset behind bending rules with intention, evaluating motive before action, and asking uncomfortable questions that protect your time, energy, and trust. Whether it’s a team decision or a business deal, clarity and adaptability are the real power moves. When you treat rules as tools, not as limits, you give yourself permission to evolve, align with purpose, and own your hustle without apology.…

1
Why Character Always Wins 11:32

15 days ago11:32

11:32

In today’s episode, I sit down with former NFL executive and ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum. From his years leading the Jets and Dolphins, Mike shares how he managed the pressure of decisions worth hundreds of millions and why character always determined the ceiling for a player’s success. He reflects on lessons from Curtis Martin, the importance of consistency, and why small daily efforts stack into game-changing results. We also talk about building lasting relationships, staying motivated after failure, and what young athletes should know if they’re serious about the NFL. Mike’s journey is a reminder that talent sets the floor, but mindset and preparation raise the ceiling.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
You Can’t Sell a Secret 29:36

4 weeks ago29:36

29:36

In today’s episode, I break down why you can’t grow your impact or your business by keeping your value a secret. Fear, perfectionism, and worrying about others’ opinions are the real roadblocks, not your product or service. I talk about how confidence, clarity, and communication become your foundation when paired with repetition and real feedback. You'll hear why practicing your pitch every day, getting comfortable being seen, and becoming familiar to your audience are key to long-term trust and success. Selling is never just about a transaction. It’s about service, consistency, and showing up as your full self without interference.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
The Path from Deception to Integrity in Sales 30:16

5 weeks ago30:16

30:16

In today’s episode, I sit down with Jason Marc Campbell, author of Selling with Love and a powerful voice in reshaping the way businesses operate. We unpack how toxic sales habits like manipulation and overpromising nearly cost me everything, and how shifting toward value-based selling helped me rebuild my life and career. Jason and I explore the difference between perceived value and actual value, how to build credibility without overselling, and why allowing people to change their minds is a sign of strength, not weakness. This is an honest conversation about ethics, growth, and what it takes to sell with both conviction and compassion.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
The Power of Long-Term Thinking with Noah Kerner 17:13

5 weeks ago17:13

17:13

In today’s episode, I sit down with Noah Kerner, CEO of Acorns, to talk about how great companies are built by prioritizing talent, fostering accountability, and rejecting the illusion of fast success. We get into the value of in-person energy in a remote world, and why a good sense of humor is his top hiring trait. Noah shares how Acorns encourages personal agency and long-term thinking, offering tools designed to help people grow wealth slowly and responsibly—no get-rich-quick gimmicks, no shortcuts. Just simple, consistent steps rooted in discipline and clarity around timing and risk tolerance.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
The Joy of Missing Out: Finding Peace in a Noisy World 48:56

5 weeks ago48:56

48:56

Many of the limitations we experience aren’t caused by external factors but by the way we perceive ourselves and the world around us. In this session, I shared how judgment—both our own and the assumptions we make about others—can cloud our clarity and hold us back. Instead of seeking validation, we can shift our focus to what truly matters: living by our values, embracing the joy of missing out (JOMO), and making gratitude a daily habit. Real growth comes from small, consistent changes that align our actions with our purpose. By prioritizing what brings us fulfillment and surrounding ourselves with the right community, we create a clearer path to success. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
Lessons from Losing It All 11:11

5 weeks ago11:11

11:11

In today’s episode, I talk about the most expensive mistakes of my life, what I call the dummy tax, and how losing more than a hundred million dollars forced me to rethink everything. I also share what my mom’s recent passing taught me about humility, grief, and what it really means to be prepared. From there, I explore how faith and consistent action help us push through moments when life doesn’t make sense. When you understand the purpose of your human experience, you can start to see setbacks as part of a bigger plan. Progress, not perfection, is what moves us forward.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
Why Fame Isn’t the Finish Line 15:21

5 weeks ago15:21

15:21

In today’s episode, I sit down with actor, musician, and entrepreneur James Maslow to talk about what it really takes to build a sustainable career in the spotlight. James shares the mindset required to navigate early missteps, the importance of having enough capital to weather uncertainty, and how fame can be a stepping stone rather than the finish line. We break down the idea of timing and risk tolerance, how long it actually takes to see real results, and why the “overnight success” myth still fools so many. James brings a grounded perspective on fame, fortune, and building a future that lasts.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
The Power of Strategic Partnerships 25:24

5 weeks ago25:24

25:24

In today’s episode, I sit down with Jay Abraham, one of the most influential strategic marketing minds in the world and a pioneer in business growth strategy. Jay shares how he built a $250 million seminar business through partnerships, strategic alliances, and relational capital—without spending heavily on traditional advertising. We explore why understanding value from the customer’s perspective is the key to gaining a real competitive edge, and how to align that value with purpose, culture, and communication. Jay also shares the philosophy that’s guided him for decades: you're rewarded in life by the consistency and quality of the problems you solve for others.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
The Brutal Truth About Breaking Through 47:50

5 weeks ago47:50

47:50

In today’s episode, I respond to real questions from entrepreneurs navigating pricing, purpose, and growth. One speaker shares his journey from jail to building a 400-person trading community, asking how to make money and get on stages without overcharging. I talk about using proximity as a business model, how credibility connects to guarantees, and why post-production content matters more than the speech itself. I also answer questions on scaling niche businesses, attracting high-level clients, and maintaining quality without burning out. From relationship dynamics to redefining happiness, I break down how consistency, clarity, and audience awareness can turn challenges into lasting opportunities.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
The Truth About Purpose and Pain 31:42

6 weeks ago31:42

31:42

In today’s episode, I share how I’ve come to understand the common patterns that interfere with our potential—personally, professionally, and spiritually. After speaking with people in hundreds of cities each year, I’ve found that most of us are blocking the same infinite power we already have access to. I break down how aligning time, faith, and priorities can bridge the gap between what we want and what’s actually happening. I explain how commitment—measured not just by desire but by faith—can carry us through when the evidence says otherwise, and why most people quit before they ever see what’s waiting on the other side of discomfort.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
How Coaches and Mentors Shape Success 36:09

6 weeks ago36:09

36:09

In today’s episode, I unpack the key distinctions between coaches and mentors, breaking down how each role accelerates growth in different ways. Drawing from Napoleon Hill’s 17 Principles of Success, I explain how mentors share experience, relationship capital, and lessons from the “dummy tax,” while coaches focus on daily accountability, consistency, and emotional intelligence to bring out your best. I share how applying structure, purpose, and aligned relationships can help overcome fear-based thinking and interference. This session is rooted in the power of collaboration, clarity, and actionable support that gets you where you want to be or better faster and with fewer setbacks.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
Mother Teresa’s 10 Paradoxical Commandments 46:00

6 weeks ago46:00

46:00

Life is full of contradictions, the more we push for success, the more resistance we face. The more we act with kindness, the more we may be questioned. In this session, I explored how embracing these paradoxes can fuel personal and professional growth. Instead of letting doubt, criticism, or external expectations derail us, we can use them as opportunities to strengthen our purpose, commitment, and resilience. By staying true to our values, navigating skepticism confidently, and recognizing that success and challenges go hand in hand, we create a life filled with meaning and impact. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
Understanding the Secret Language of Relationships 26:22

6 weeks ago26:22

26:22

In today’s episode, I sit down with Craig Siegel and relationship expert John Gray, the author of Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus . We break down the science behind how men and women communicate, why listening without problem-solving strengthens emotional connection, and how subtle shifts in conversation can transform relationships. John shares the latest research on mirror neurons, stress responses, and the biological differences that shape the way we connect. Whether in marriage, friendships, or professional relationships, understanding these dynamics can lead to stronger, more fulfilling connections.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
How to Make Every Minute Count 22:18

6 weeks ago22:18

22:18

In today’s episode, I break down the power of strategic networking, time management, and the mindset that drives success. I share my approach to hosting meetups in 200 cities, the importance of asking the right questions, and how understanding time and relativity can maximize productivity. I explain why non-negotiables like sleep, family, and financial awareness set the foundation for sustainable growth. I also discuss how prioritization and adaptability create harmony in life, allowing for success without burnout. Through personal experiences, I reveal how mismanaging emotions and reacting poorly to circumstances can derail even the best opportunities and how shifting perspective changes everything.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
How Faith and Friendship Fuel Success 32:43

6 weeks ago32:43

32:43

In today’s episode, James Maslow and I welcome actor, comedian, and musician Stephen Kramer Glickman. Best known for his role as Gustavo Rocque on Big Time Rush , Stephen shares the story of his longtime friendship with James, from childhood gatherings to working together on set. He reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his career, his journey toward better health, and the unexpected ways his faith has influenced his path. We discuss the power of perseverance, the lessons learned from personal transformation, and the mindset shifts that come with experience. Stephen also gives a glimpse into his upcoming tour and what’s next for him in entertainment.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
Lessons from a Life on the Edge 30:03

6 weeks ago30:03