The Playbook With David Meltzer

In today’s episode, I sit down with Josh Newman, founder and managing partner at Clatter, to talk about turning zero to one into a competitive advantage. We get into how automation transforms disorganized marketing assets into fast, usable outputs while still protecting brand and compliance. Josh explains why his team focuses on using AI for intelligence and search instead of generation, and how guardrails create trust inside large organizations. We also talk about handling rapid technological change without chasing every new tool, and why staying the course matters. Finally, we get into culture, flexibility, and why work should support life, not the other way around.

In today’s episode, I break down why most people quit and how it has nothing to do with talent. I talk about how slow progress, discomfort, and uncertainty get misread as failure when they are actually signs of growth. I explain why comparing your beginning to someone else’s middle creates unnecessary pressure, and how overthinking leads to inaction. We also get into the illusion of control, and why focusing on effort, attitude, and consistency matters more than outcomes. Finally, I share how staying connected to your purpose keeps you moving when things get difficult, and why persistence comes down to how you interpret the process.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Orlando Brown Jr, an NFL offensive tackle, to talk about what it really means to follow through and lead with intention on and off the field. We get into the value of vulnerability in the locker room, why meaningful conversations matter, and how his priorities have evolved as his career has grown. He shares how visualization helped him stay calm on the biggest stage, the habits he’s changed to perform at a higher level, and the mental shift that freed him from comparing himself to others. We also talk about fatherhood, perspective, and building a standard that holds up in every area of life.

In today’s episode, I talk about what it really takes to stay grounded while balancing family, ambition, and personal growth. I share how intentional time with my kids has become one of my biggest challenges as they grow more independent, and why consistency matters more than intensity in every area of life. I break down the difference between motivation and inspiration, and how a simple mindset shift helped me get back on my feet at my lowest point. I also explain why gratitude, forgiveness, accountability, and faith keep me centered, and how daily habits, recovery, and community shape long-term success more than any single breakthrough moment.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Moe Jumaa, CEO of Waxii, to talk about building a business by questioning broken systems. At 24, Moe shares how a simple rideshare experience exposed a major gap in the market and led to a platform focused on giving drivers more of what they earn. We discuss his early start in crypto, learning through mentorship instead of traditional education, and why underserved global markets present massive opportunity. Moe also explains why he chose crowdfunding over venture capital and how aligning with community needs creates traction where big companies fall short.

In this episode, I remind you that most people aren’t living with intention; they’re reacting instead of creating. When you’re not aligned with what you do, say, think, believe, and feel, you drift further from where you want to be. I share why simplicity creates clarity and how daily action, not perfection, keeps you aligned. It’s not about doing more, it’s about focusing on what matters and protecting your time. Building a life with intention isn’t one big decision; it’s a daily choice. When you start showing up with intention, everything changes. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at [email protected]

In today’s episode, I explain why income starts with identity, not tactics alone. I break down six lessons on how the way we see ourselves shapes the opportunities we pursue, the value we communicate, the habits we build, the communities we enter, the reputation we earn, and the wealth we create over time. I talk about aligning daily behavior with a bigger vision, practicing how we articulate value with confidence, and letting service, credibility, and consistency drive long term results. When identity expands, opportunity expands with it, and income becomes less about chasing money and more about becoming the person who can create it.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Christopher Gustave, founder of Oma Mirrors, to talk about how a self-taught Navy veteran turned problem-solving into a breakthrough in beauty tech. What started as a DIY gift for his sister evolved into an AI-enabled smart mirror that blends software, hardware, and culture. We get into his path from military service to coding, the realities of building hardware overseas, and why integrating music, art, and retail into the platform opens new doors. Christopher also shares how he’s thinking about funding, product-market fit, and scaling a product that keeps evolving alongside AI.

In today’s episode, I join the Behavior Bitches podcast to share the moment my greatest fear came true and how it ultimately reshaped my life. After losing more than $100 million and going bankrupt, I had to confront the ego, habits, and beliefs that led me there. I talk about the lesson my mom taught me in that painful moment, why receiving is just as important as giving, and how community and shared values create real opportunity. We also discuss why surrounding yourself with the right people matters, the danger of doing business with “dicks,” and how responding to fear with humility, gratitude, and accountability can completely change your trajectory.

In today’s episode, I sit down with entrepreneur Nadia Tedeschi, founder and CEO of Mylo Medical, whose approach to innovation starts with dignity. After witnessing firsthand how outdated medical equipment impacts patients and caregivers, she set out to redesign a system that hasn’t changed in over 400 years. We talk about how her product improves hygiene, reduces labor strain, and lowers costs while restoring a basic human experience in healthcare. Nadia shares what it takes to turn frustration into invention, how to think through both design and business at the same time, and what patience really looks like when building something with massive upside.