Why Making Money Was Never the Solution

The Playbook With David Meltzer

#Marketing #Entertainment #Entrepreneurship #David Meltzer, Entrepreneur.com #David Meltzer #Careers #Personal Development #Inspiring #Dave Meltzer #Entrepreneur Interviews #Business #Entrepreneur #Road To Revenue #Self-Improvement

31:46

BE WARNED! This podcast will contain spoilers for Wednesday Season 2, episodes 1-4. Join host Caitlin Reilly each week as she takes you deep into the twisted world of Wednesday with an amazing group of guests! And producer Thing will be helping out to make sure everything goes to plan - well, mostly, anyway... In this episode: Jenna Ortega peels back the layers on the new tension between Wednesday and Enid. And that terrifying vision! Plus… Series showrunners Al Gough and Miles Millar reveal why they made Morticia Addams such a central character in this season, and what it means for Wednesday. Whether you’re a normie or an outcast, the Wednesday Season 2 Official Woecast will be the place for all things Nevermore! For more juicy details about Wednesday Season 2, head over to Tudum.com to get all of the latest updates. 1:15 Preparing for Season 2 3:25 Evolving Wednesday’s look for Season 2 4:12 Addams clan expands for Season 2 6:12 Joanna Lumley joining the cast 7:38 Wednesday and Enid's Friendship 9:00 Wednesday’s Vision 10:50 Jenna is a Producer 13:45 Al and Miles introduction 14:03 Wednesday takes down a Serial Killer 15:05 Intergenerational Relationships & the Addams Women 17:48 Catherine Zeta-Jones as Morticia in Season 2 20:48 Wednesday and Enid’s relationship 24:04 Steve Buscemi joining the cast 26:19 Wednesday’s popular! 27:45 Boy with the Clockwork Heart stop motion sequence…

about a year ago 23:11

MP3•Episode home

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.

2326 episodes

The Playbook With David Meltzer

Why Making Money Was Never the Solution

The Playbook With David Meltzer

86 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

2326 episodes

All episodes

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
Turning Emotional Chaos Into Progress 30:14

9 hours ago30:14

30:14

In today’s episode, I unpack how emotional energy impacts performance, decision-making, and long-term growth. Instead of trying to outthink or suppress emotions like fear, anger, and worry, I share how redirecting that energy through intentional action creates clarity, momentum, and resilience. Whether you are leading a team or managing personal stress, action becomes the most effective reset. I break down why reasoning alone will not resolve emotional turmoil, and how small consistent behaviors like doing, saying, thinking, feeling, and believing build trust, confidence, and alignment with your goals. By treating emotion as energy in motion, we can use it to fuel progress instead of letting it block our potential.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
Building a Life That Feels as Good as It Looks 21:39

1 day ago21:39

21:39

In today’s episode, I sit down with Alex Peykoff, a transformational coach and entrepreneur who grew up in the shadow of a multi-billion-dollar family business. Alex shares how he broke free from chasing external validation and built a life rooted in emotional presence and self-truth. We talk about the pitfalls of comparison, the dangers of letting others define your path, and why owning your flaws is the key to authentic success. Alex opens up about family dynamics, personal setbacks, and the discipline it takes to stay aligned with your purpose in a noisy world. His insights challenge the traditional measures of success.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
Office Hours Season 8 Premiere: Creating Success That Stands the Test of Time 59:23

2 days ago59:23

59:23

In this episode, which also marked the Season 8 premiere of Office Hours on Apple TV, I was joined by an incredible mix of business leaders, athletes, and innovators to talk about what drives lasting success. The message was clear: success is built, not found. It comes from showing up consistently, surrounding yourself with a strong community, and taking care of your mind, body, and spirit. Whether it’s staying disciplined on the hard days, leaning on others for support, or focusing on what truly matters, the path forward is about daily commitments that compound over time. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
The Truth About Mastering Sales 18:07

3 days ago18:07

18:07

In today’s episode, I sit down with Harry Spaight, host of the Sales Made Easy Podcast, to talk about why so many people freeze up when it comes to selling. Harry built his approach around dignity, service, and simplicity, helping people overcome the fear of sounding too “salesy.” I share how gratitude and empathy shape my perspective, and why practicing sales like a craft leads to mastery. We break down the importance of active listening, the power of consistent daily habits, and how being just a little “annoying” through repetition helps sharpen your skills. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s constant improvement rooted in service.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
The Power of Doing What You Don’t Love Every Day 52:15

4 days ago52:15

52:15

In today’s episode, I break down the shift from chasing money to understanding alignment, gratitude, and service as the real drivers of fulfillment. I share how losing over $100 million forced me to reevaluate my values and build a new life rooted in consistent habits, emotional awareness, and faith in something bigger than myself. From sleeping in cars to leading global meetups, I talk about how prioritizing non-negotiables like sleep, health, and family created more freedom than chasing outcomes ever did. I also share how asking better questions, managing fear, and defining value has helped me guide others toward lives of abundance, joy, and purpose.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
Turning Adversity into a Winning Formula 17:48

5 days ago17:48

17:48

In today’s episode, I sit down with Holly Skaggs, founder and CEO of Wild Tonic, to explore how she reclaimed her company after being forced out during a critical turning point. Holly shares how she rebuilt her team from the ground up, reduced production costs without sacrificing quality, and turned her Jun-based beverage into a favorite among professional athletes. We talk about her journey from heartbreak to resilience, the strategic reset that transformed Wild Tonic’s future, and her mission to create clean energy drinks that support both people and the planet. Her story is a blueprint for leadership through adversity. 👉 Learn more and support Wild Tonic’s growth on WeFunder: wefunder.com/wildtonic…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
How Energy Shapes Consumer Connection 20:50

6 days ago20:50

20:50

In today’s episode, I sit down with Rachael McCrary, the renowned lingerie designer and founder of Spice Rack. With decades of experience and four successful lingerie companies under her belt, Rachael shares how she’s redefining intimate apparel through innovation, sustainability, and a deep understanding of how confidence begins with comfort. We explore her journey from creating luxury designs to launching a brand that helps women feel empowered in their daily lives. Rachael also opens up about building content-rich experiences that connect emotionally with customers and why fun, intention, and energy are at the heart of everything she creates.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
What Big Tech Doesn’t Want You to Know About Your Data 20:12

7 days ago20:12

20:12

In today’s episode, I sit down with Tanner Haas, a four-time founder and CEO of Freedom Chat, to talk about taking back control of our digital lives. Tanner shares why he created a private messaging app designed to eliminate screenshots, block data collection, and protect users from themselves in moments of bad judgment. We explore the false sense of privacy big tech companies sell and how Freedom Chat’s approach flips that model by refusing to store user data or monetize personal information. Tanner also opens up about the challenges of going against industry giants and the lessons he’s learned building a company on true privacy.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
Transforming Personal Pain Into Impactful Work 19:21

8 days ago19:21

19:21

In today’s episode, I sit down with attorney and entrepreneur Poonam Bhuchar to talk about resilience, purpose, and creating meaningful change. She shares how her experiences as an immigrant, a family lawyer, and a single mom shaped her approach to overcoming challenges others assumed would hold her back. From building a seven-figure law firm to founding a company that designs stylish, functional wheelchair blankets inspired by her mother’s recovery, Poonam proves that passion and persistence can redefine any obstacle. She also opens up about healing decades of personal trauma and why staying aligned with your “why” keeps you moving forward even in the toughest seasons.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
How to Respond Instead of React 48:55

9 days ago48:55

48:55

In today’s episode, I share why intelligence means nothing without service—and how using it to be more interested than interesting creates real human connection. I walk through the moment fear takes over, what it does to our chemistry, and why reaction is instant but response is a choice. I explain how ego creates interference, how to spot it fast, and why the solution to fear is always the same: stop, drop, and roll. We also explore the difference between transition and expansion, how to spot partners worth your time, and why gratitude and awareness shrink the distance between struggle and growth. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
Why Great Leaders Sound Repetitive 27:38

10 days ago27:38

27:38

In today’s episode, I sit down with brand architect Jim Wagner to break down the connection between championship coaches and business leaders. We talk about what it really means to lead high-performing teams, why repetition builds trust, and how asking the right questions creates confidence in first-time managers. I share my framework for intentional decision-making, the role humility plays in leadership, and why emotional clarity is essential when priorities shift. Jim also opens up about his MBA students and how he’s helping them transition from strong performers into strong leaders. Together, we explore how values, communication, and consistency drive both personal and team success.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
The Power of Alignment in Every Area of Life 30:08

11 days ago30:08

30:08

In today’s episode, I break down how identity and purpose work together to shape everything from our mindset to our results. I share how asking “Who am I? Where am I? When am I? Why am I?” can remove resistance and create alignment in every area of life. You’ll hear why most people stay stuck chasing validation, how to define your non-negotiables, and what it really means to trust divine timing. When identity, environment, timing, and purpose harmonize, clarity replaces chaos, and fulfillment replaces burnout. This is about creating flow, not forcing outcomes, so you can pursue your potential with confidence and purpose.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
Why Female Founders Face Bigger Challenges in Business 19:21

12 days ago19:21

19:21

In today’s episode, I sit down with Carrie Trabue, a former litigator turned entrepreneur who’s redefining the legal industry. After 25 years helping lawyers navigate their careers, she founded LawSphere, an online community designed to bring lawyers and legal vendors together in meaningful ways. Carrie shares how her desire for long-term relationships over transactional ones inspired her platform’s unique focus on mental health, mentorship, and holistic support for legal professionals. We also talk about the uphill battle female founders face in raising capital, the role of purpose in midlife reinvention, and why building community is the key to a thriving legal career.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
Why Tough Love Creates Real Change 13:17

13 days ago13:17

13:17

In today’s episode, I sit down with Craig Siegel, a coach, entrepreneur, and speaker whose mission is to help people break free from self-imposed limits and step fully into their purpose. We talk about the power of humility, the challenge of releasing defensiveness, and the importance of aligning with something bigger than yourself. Craig shares how studying Kabbalah and A Course in Miracles transformed his mindset and helped him operate from a higher level of consciousness. Together, we explore how faith, awareness, and tough love can unlock lasting personal growth and create a ripple effect that inspires others to do the same.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
Breaking Free From Outcomes That Define You 21:26

14 days ago21:26

21:26

In today’s episode, I sit down with Raul Villacis, the founder of The Next Level Experience, to talk about how high-performing men can regain purpose and avoid drifting through life. Raul shares how he rebuilt his identity after losing hundreds of millions of dollars and why vulnerability, discipline, and faith are essential for lasting success. We unpack the habits that drive consistent growth, the dangers of attaching self-worth to outcomes, and how his EDGE App helps men track their progress and stay accountable. This conversation explores what it takes to reinvent yourself, lead with purpose, and build a life aligned with your highest potential.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
What It Takes to Rebuild Lives in a War Zone 20:45

15 days ago20:45

20:45

In today’s episode, I sit down with Yuriy Boyechko, founder of Hope for Ukraine, to talk about the ongoing war and the staggering challenges Ukrainians face daily. Yuriy shares how his organization delivers food, medical care, and emotional support to families living through constant drone strikes and sleepless nights in shelters. We explore the growing number of amputees in Ukraine and how an amputee soccer league is helping veterans rebuild their sense of purpose. Yuriy explains why hope and resilience are keeping the country alive in the face of relentless attacks and what it means to support Ukraine in practical and meaningful ways.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
Stop Overthinking, Start Doing: Move From Thought to Action 47:49

16 days ago47:49

47:49

In this episode, I discuss one of the biggest obstacles to progress—overthinking. Too often, we confuse preparation with hesitation and let fear wear the mask of productivity. I break down why overthinking is just procrastination in disguise, and how time-based tools can help you make better decisions faster. I also explain how to measure the real cost of inaction and why worry usually signals a step we haven’t taken yet. The goal isn’t to be perfect—it’s to move, adjust, and keep going because the only way to turn dreams into results is to start. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
Escaping the Trap of Shallow Success 23:18

17 days ago23:18

23:18

In today’s episode, I sit down with Genea Barnes, host of the Be the Wolf podcast, where she empowers leaders, creatives, and change-makers to align with their true identity. I share how my early hunger for money led to a shallow world of scarcity, trading, and chasing status, until personal and financial collapse forced me to face the real source of my unhappiness. We explore the gap between who we are and who we pretend to be, and why true abundance comes from living in the world of more than enough. I break down how gratitude, accountability, and understanding interference unlock both success and fulfillment.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
The Secret to Healing Chronic Pain and Trauma 24:29

18 days ago24:29

24:29

In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. David Pascal of Pascal Health Institute, known as the Miracle Doctor for his work with Olympic athletes and patients suffering from chronic conditions no one else could resolve. He shares how his unique approach identifies the root cause of pain, combining detailed listening, thorough exams, and treatments that restore the body’s natural vibrations. We explore how trauma gets stored in the body, why traditional medicine often falls short, and how he’s helped people worldwide find relief when they thought it was impossible. His clinic in North Carolina has become a destination for hope and healing.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
The Science of Moving Better and Living Stronger 19:19

19 days ago19:19

19:19

In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Jeremy James, founder of GolfForever, to talk about how his work helping professional athletes and chronic pain sufferers evolved into a revolutionary golf training program. We explore the connection between biomechanics, longevity, and performance, and how GolfForever pairs movement education with a swing trainer to keep players strong, healthy, and improving at any age. Dr. James shares how partnerships with PGA stars like Scottie Scheffler and Justin Leonard helped scale his vision and why the program’s benefits extend far beyond golf. From back pain relief to added distance off the tee, the results speak for themselves.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
The Truth About Doing Business With Jerks 21:12

20 days ago21:12

21:12

In today’s episode, I sit down with Anthony Scaramucci, investor, author, and founder of SkyBridge Capital, for a conversation about decision making, resilience, and the value of kindness in business. Anthony shares how insecurity shaped his early career, why being decent to a server led to a $35 million opportunity, and how falling off the ladder revealed who was really in his corner. We talk about equity of opportunity, the pressures facing young men today, and what led him to co-create The Lost Boys podcast. He also gives a preview of what’s ahead at this year’s SALT Conference in Jackson Hole.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
Why Showing Up Changes Everything 21:58

21 days ago21:58

21:58

In today’s episode, I sit down with Brian Swift—coach, author, and podcast host—whose nickname, “The Quad Father,” only scratches the surface of his resilience. After a spinal cord injury left him paralyzed at 17, Brian rebuilt his life around service, strength, and showing up for others. We talk about asking for help, handling fear in high-stress situations, and how faith and accountability fuel his mindset. Brian shares how football continues to shape his values and why self-induced discomfort helps him stay grounded. His presence reminds me that consistency beats perfection and that purpose is best shared through action.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
Building Strength During Life’s Hardest Seasons 46:45

22 days ago46:45

46:45

In today’s episode, I sit down with Michael Chandler, a three-time Bellator Lightweight World Champion and one of the UFC’s most respected fighters. We talk about what it takes to build a career fueled by grit, resilience, and humility both inside and outside the cage. Michael shares how he balances the demands of fighting at the highest level with fatherhood, marriage, and faith. He opens up about setbacks that shaped his mindset, his plans beyond the octagon, and why relentless consistency is his greatest advantage. This conversation gives an unfiltered look at discipline, purpose, and the power of showing up every day.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
Stage Theory: The Greatest Content Hack Hiding in Plain Sight 56:42

23 days ago56:42

56:42

In this episode, I share my Stage Theory—a simple, repeatable approach to turning everyday moments into real brand value. We don’t need perfect content or viral moments to grow; we just need to show up consistently and capture what’s real. I will guide you through organizing your thoughts, tailoring your message for each platform, and creating a content ecosystem that continues to work for you over time. When we lead with authenticity and stay consistent, we build more than just reach—we build trust and legacy, one moment at a time. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
The Path to Excellence Isn’t What You Think 25:39

24 days ago25:39

25:39

In today’s episode, I sit down with internationally recognized speaker and relationship coach Dr. Paul Kellogg to talk about the real meaning of excellence and how it ties into self-worth, growth, and service. We unpack the shift from scarcity to abundance, from trading to giving, and the role faith played in rebuilding my life after losing everything. Paul and I get honest about the fears that stop people from leveling up, especially the fear of success. We explore how reframing the past can reshape our self-image and why learning to love what others resist is key to rising in excellence—personally, spiritually, and professionally.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
Shifting From Wanting to Becoming 23:15

25 days ago23:15

23:15

In today’s episode, I sit down with Amanda Lemmage, a wellness and longevity expert passionate about helping people unlock their true potential. We talk about shifting from chasing success to recognizing what we already have and removing what blocks us from living fully. I share the lessons I’ve learned from losing everything, rebuilding my life, and learning to align intention and attention to create real outcomes. We cover how to stop reacting to fear, why giving only works when paired with receiving, and how a simple habit like practicing gratitude every morning and night can change everything. The smallest shifts often lead to the biggest results.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
The Real Cost of Disengaged Employees 21:30

26 days ago21:30

21:30

In today’s episode, I sit down with Bill Reed, CEO of Herman Science and a New York Times bestselling author with a background as a U.S. Navy diver and Harvard-trained neuroscientist. We break down why trust and stress are the two most overlooked metrics driving performance, engagement, and even cybersecurity risk. Bill explains how predictive behavior analytics can help companies identify high-risk employees before costly mistakes happen, and why understanding the individual brain profiles of team members is the future of leadership. We also cover why outdated leadership models are failing, how boredom is contributing to the engagement crisis, and why truly knowing who you’re managing changes everything.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
How Oral Care Impacts Your Whole Body 18:37

27 days ago18:37

18:37

In today’s episode, I sit down with Vincent La Iacona, a scientist-turned-entrepreneur who’s challenging everything we think we know about oral care. After years working inside the industry, he realized dentists often focus too narrowly on brushing and flossing, ignoring the broader connection between oral health and whole-body wellness. Vincent breaks down how his company Aura Flora combines hyaluronic acid, microbiome-balancing prebiotics and postbiotics, and innovative flavors like yuzu-peppermint to create a full-mouth system that supports gut, brain, and sleep health. We also get into the leadership shift required to move from big corporate structures to fast-moving startups and what it takes to keep learning as a CEO.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
Helping Kids Rewrite Their Inner Voice 19:38

28 days ago19:38

19:38

In today’s episode, I sit down with Mark Papadas, author, coach, and founder of I AM 4 Kids, to talk about building self-identity early in life. After years of coaching adults, Mark realized real change starts with kids, teaching them to control their own "I Am" statements before negative self-talk takes root. We break down how children pick up damaging beliefs without anyone intentionally teaching them, and why phrases like "I'm fat" or "I'm stupid" become internalized far too young. Mark shares how persistence, curiosity, and ingenuity come naturally to kids, and how keeping those traits alive can transform their confidence for life. His work combines entertainment, education, and family coaching to rewire how kids view themselves.…

The Playbook With David Meltzer

1
How to Scale Without Losing Control 16:42

29 days ago16:42