The Playbook With David Meltzer

On Episode 98 of #ThePlaybook, Jake Olson, former USC long snapper and motivational speaker, shares his thoughts on: Why excuses are the difference between successful and unsuccessful people [7:33] The reasons that you should never forfeit your self-worth [9:29] How his mindset was influenced by a “winner” in Coach Pete Carroll [11:48] Why he wants to serve as an example for those people who weren’t dealt the fairest hand in life [17:21]

Mike Moosbrugger, former NFL player and inspirational speaker, shares his story about the devastating personal tragedy that forever changed his life and the invaluable lessons he learned about embracing pain instead of avoiding it.

Jim Kwik, CEO of Kwik Learning and renowned brain expert, shares his tips for maximizing your brain’s performance and enhancing your retention. He covers some of the techniques he’s learned from working with stars such as Jim Carey and Will Smith, and also challenges some of the common misconceptions about how memory reallly works.

Alex and host of The Playbook, David Meltzer, discuss the similarity in their upbringings and how they felt pressure from their parents about what career path to choose. The pair share the insights that they have learned from interviewing some of the world’s most successful people, tips for sending “cold” emails, and how to leave a phone message to get a callback.

Neil Patel, co-founder of Neil Patel Digital, talks about the opportunities that today’s widespread social media platforms offer in terms of building a personal or professional brand. Neil and host of The Playbook, David Meltzer, chat about how it often takes at least three years to be an “overnight success”, the Rule of Seven, and the role that consistency plays in an optimal content marketing strategy.

Todd Herman, author of “The Alter Ego Effect: The Power of Secret Identities to Transform Your Life”, provides insights about how creating an alter ego or persona for yourself allows you to suspend any disbelief you might have about yourself and excel. Todd shares an unexpected story about how Martin Luther King Jr. used a pair of nonprescription glasses to build self-confidence.

Bradley Tusk, founder/CEO of Tusk Holdings, is most known for being Uber’s first political advisor and helped the rideshare company win a landmark regulatory battle in New York City. Tusk’s experience as a “fixer” has helped startups like DraftKings, Lemonade, Coinbase, and Bird breakthrough regulatory barriers and operate at full speed.

Christian Okoye nicknamed the "Nigerian Nightmare" is a former NFL running back for the Kansas City Chiefs. He came to the US at the age of 21 to attend Azusa Pacific on a track and field scholarship. Christian did not begin playing football until the age of 23 after the Nigerian government did not select him for the Olympic team. He was selected in the second round of the 1987 NFL draft and went on to win AFC offensive player of the year in 1989 after leading the NFL in rushing. He finished his career as a 2X Pro Bowler, a first team All-Pro player in 1989, and has since been inducted into the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame.

On Episode #90 - Robert Smith, Fox Sports College Football Analyst, founder & CEO of Fan Health Network shares his thoughts on: The genetics of addiction and how to overcome substance abuse Why he prioritized football over a chance to qualify for the Olympics What he’s learned about entrepreneurship and scaling a business from launching the Fan Health Network The impact that his tough childhood had on the way he approaches fatherhood

TaylorMade CEO David Abeles and host David Meltzer talk about TaylorMade’s technological innovation when it comes to their products, and how they are allowing consumers to purchase the exact same clubs being used by the professionals such as Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy for the first time ever. The two also discuss topics such as the traits that make a great entrepreneur, including work ethic, sacrifice, and how building strong relationships has allowed both of them to find success in their fields.

On Episode 88 of #ThePlaybook, Mikey Taylor, pro skateboarder, entrepreneur, and investor, shares his thoughts on: “Tricking” his mind to make sure he stays on the right path How he recognizes the self-limiting beliefs he holds The role that mindfulness has played during his transition from professional skateboarding Why he no longer equates his value to his skating ability

On Episode 87 of #ThePlaybook, Chip Wilson, Founder of Lululemon and Hold It All, Inc., discusses: Why you should be authentic about your inauthenticities The most important skill he learned from sports: being present Why he follows a “Rule of Three” when bringing an idea to reality The truest definition of giving

On Episode 86 of #ThePlaybook, Massy Arias and Stefan Williams, co-founders of Tru Supplements, discuss Winning the time-management battle when working with your spouse Why Massy doesn’t let anyone else run her social media accounts How they’ve worked to differentiate their supplement line from competitors Why they believe that integrity wins out over profitability

Matthew Santoro, online personality with over 1.3 billion views on YouTube, talks about having to curb his spending habits after his initial success, the impact that meditation has had on his mindset, and what he’s learned from confronting his ego.

On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Sue Bird, WNBA championship point guard, talks about: Getting addicted to the process of winning championships The impact of her cover of ESPN’s The Body Issue with partner Megan Rapinoe How she utilizes the offseason to find new passions Why leaders sometimes need to be selfish for the betterment of their team

On Episode 83 of #ThePlaybook, Michael Chandler, three-time Bellator lightweight world champion, talks about: Why you need to pat yourself on the back and give yourself permission to win The biggest benefit that comes with a championship belt Why your enemy is often your “inner me” How his 3-fight losing streak forced him to evaluate his mental game

On Episode 82 of #ThePlaybook, Leah Pritchett, NHRA drag racer for Don Schumacher Racing, talks about: Why she feels like she needs to be better than her male counterparts What it is like having her spouse on a competing NHRA team How to change the way you look at fear and excitement Why she wouldn’t let a sponsor Photoshop her wedding ring out of marketing materials

Eric Dickerson, one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, delves into the highs and lows he experienced during his career, including what nearly made him quit the game of football, as well as how he mentors today’s generation of athletes to help them build their brand on and off the field.

Thad Sheely, the Chief Operating Officer of the Atlanta Hawks, discusses his winding journey from the finance industry to working in the NBA, and also shares his thoughts on the evolution of sports business and the social impact that teams have on the communities around them.

Edwin and Teddi Arroyave, entrepreneurs and stars of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, discuss how their different upbringings set them up to thrive as business leaders, parents, and spouses. The pair share the impact that faith has had in their lives, the lessons they’ve learned during their careers, and how they work together so that their business and family thrive.

Steve Weatherford, Super Bowl Champion punter and fitness influencer, shares the mental struggles he’s experienced transitioning into his post-NFL life, as well as why he’s putting an emphasis on being a vulnerable leader. He also discusses the importance of creating a “championship culture” in all aspects of your life and his plan to be of service to parents and entrepreneurs worldwide.

CJ Anderson, running back for the Los Angeles Rams, discusses the lessons he learned from one of the most challenging seasons he’s experienced as a professional, and the role that mentors have had in shaping his career in sports and business. Ahead of his third Super Bowl appearance, CJ shares insights he’s gained from his beginnings as an undrafted player, including the importance of seeing the big picture.

Bedros Keuilian, the founder and CEO of Fit Body Boot Camp, speaks about the paradigm shift he experienced as a young man, coming from a communist country to the US with nothing but hopes for success. The fitness consultant, best-selling author, and entrepreneur discusses with host David Meltzer the importance of staying calm under pressure and combating anxiety, leaving a positive legacy with the next generation, and paying your success forward.

John Brenkus, known as the creator and host of Sport Science, talks about what he’s learned about decision-making and momentum from his time studying the world’s greatest athletes, martial artists, and special forces officers. Host David Meltzer and six-time Emmy-winner John Brenkus discuss what tangible measures of performance John looks for, as well as the intangibles that make the world’s best into such consistent winners, such as their reaction to adrenaline and the ability to quickly recognize patterns.

Lauryn Evarts Bosstick & Michael Bosstick, the co-hosts of The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcast, discuss the evolution of The Skinny Confidential from its beginnings as a lifestyle blog to a multimedia powerhouse. The pair cover topics such as the misconceptions about being a social media influencer, dealing with criticism, building an engaged audience, and how to avoid unnecessary drama when working with your significant other.

Aubrey Marcus, the CEO and Founder of Onnit, speaks about the impact that emotional regulation has on an entrepreneur, and how your habitual choices can prepare you for success or impair your ability to achieve. The New York Times best-selling author and host of The Aubrey Marcus Podcast also discusses how introspection helps you to unravel the reasons behind your struggles, as well as the link between legacy and your potential.

Herm Edwards, head coach of the Arizona State Sun Devil football team, talks about his strategies to connect with and motivate his millennial team, as well as the “compass” that drives him towards success. He also discusses the role that good habits, positivity, and hearing (not listening) play in achievement, as well as the importance of betting on yourself.

Andrew Jenks, award-winning filmmaker, documentarian, and host of the top podcast What Really Happened?, shares some background on his career, from his humble beginnings filming grass as a pre-teen to directing MTV's biggest new series launch ever, World of Jenks. He talks about the types of stories he enjoys telling the most, the inspiration he derives from his selfless parents, and how researching Michael Jordan has inspired him to help get a seemingly wrongly convicted killer out of prison.

Robert Goldman and Robert Godley, founders of the iconic Psycho Bunny clothing brand, share secrets to creating a successful business partnership, some of the struggles the company faced, and the origins of their logo design. The pair discuss the evolution of their clothing brand, why entrepreneurs need to give back to their communities, as well as how to leverage your passion for more success.

Maria Sharapova, one of the highest earning athletes in history, shares the business knowledge that she has accrued through her career, and how she positioned herself to learn from “heavy-hitters” outside of tennis, including NBA commissioner Adam Silver. Maria discusses what she’s learned building and scaling her company, Sugarpova, as well as the role of trust for entrepreneurial success.

Paige VanZant, UFC fighter, Dancing with the Stars champion, author, and more, talks about how practicing martial arts has changed everything in her life and empowered her to chase her potential. She covers topics such as dealing with fears caused abuse and bullying, finding the right partner in business and life, as well as how she uses her platform to inspire others.

Ryan Serhant, star of Million Dollar Listing New York, shares the strategies that have made him into one of the most successful real estate brokers in the country. Ryan covers everything from how his previous jobs, roofing and acting, prepared him to excel in the business world, to the role that emotions play in the sales cycle, as well as when you should sell.

Lecrae, Grammy-winning recording artist, songwriter, record producer, and actor, discusses what drives him to share messages of acceptance and patience with his music, as well as the “why” that motivates him to learn and grow as an artist, father, and entrepreneur. He also covers the roles that mentorship, acceptance, and patience play in success.

Baron Davis, former NBA All-Star and venture capitalist, talks about how he applies the lessons he learned on the court to his countless business projects. Davis covers topics such as the invaluable life advice he received from his grandmother, why entrepreneurs must stay nimble and agile, and the role that mastering your calendar plays in your ability to excel.

Rob Pannell, a gold-medal winning member of Team USA Lacrosse, talks about his struggles as an un-recruited high school athlete, how his parents pushed him during the good times and the struggles, and the importance of sharing your feelings with others.

Bradley Martyn, talks about how his perspective on life was altered by his father’s passing, the impact of fear and anxiety in his life, and his drive to provide inspiration for others to dream big. Bradley covers everything from the relationship between awareness and happiness, how to build a YouTube channel that resonates with others, and his dreams for the future.

Howard Behar, founding President of Starbucks Coffee, shares secrets to building a “people-focused business”, and the strategies he used to scale Starbucks from having 28 stores into the global force it is today. Howard discusses the principles of servant leadership that are essential for any executive, as well as the importance of having a plan for your life.

Chris “Drama” Pfaff, Founder and CEO of Young & Reckless, shares his thoughts on the failures of today’s educational system for entrepreneurs, how he drew inspiration to build his clothing brand from the approaches of Rob Dyrdek and Ken Block, and how asking for help has greatly accelerated his success.

John Assaraf, New York Times best-selling author and the CEO of NeuroGym, details the neuroscience of success and how training your brain is key to achieving maximum performance. John discusses how to strengthen your "neuro-muscles" and create positive mental habits with "Innercises" for your brain.

Dave Roberts, Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, talks about how experiencing adversity sports help to build a stronger character, and how he relays this message to the next generation of athletes. Dave discusses how to deal with labels or rejection from others, and how to use them to fuel your success.

"Sugar" Ray Leonard, one of the greatest boxers of all time, opens up and shares how his approach to the sweet science helped him to beat talented opponents before they even stepped in the ring. Ray discusses the characteristics that made him such a phenomenal athlete, where he drew his inspiration, as well as his struggle to come to grips with abuse he experienced in childhood.

Dan Patrick, one of the biggest names in sports broadcasting and host of the Dan Patrick Show, talks about his winding path to ESPN, how he dealt with rejection as a young man, and how he and Full Sail University have created a program to provide the next generation of sportscasters with tools to compete in the media industry.

Ming Tsai, Emmy-winning chef, sits down with David Meltzer to share his thoughts on building the skills to be a successful restaurateur and chef, how his squash career impacted his life, and the role that mentors have played in shaping him.

Paul Rodriguez, stud skateboarder, actor, and entrepreneur, chats with David Meltzer about the numerous lessons he’s learned while creating businesses, both inside and outside of the skateboarding world.

Martellus Bennett, Super Bowl Champion and Creative Director of Awesomeness for the Imagination Agency, shares with David Meltzer his approach to making dreams into reality, and how he works to inspire the next generation to catch their dreams.

Anthony Lynn, Head Coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, talks about his approach to coaching an NFL team, how to deal with social media distractions, and the legacy he wants to leave in football and in life.

Metta World Peace, former NBA star turned entrepreneur, sits down with David Meltzer to share his thoughts on empowering the next generation to come together and rebuild, as well as how to deal with the negative perceptions of others.

Ray Lewis, NFL Hall of Famer and 2x Super Bowl Champion, talks with David Meltzer about the mindset that made him one of the most feared players on the field and one of the most respected players off it.

Victor Cruz, the Super Bowl winning wideout famous for his touchdown celebration dance, discusses how his upbringing impacted his work ethic, what it’s like having mentors like Maverick Carter, and why he is motivated to impact others every day.

Tim Brown, Heisman winner and Hall of Fame wideout, discusses with David Meltzer the role his over-developed ego played early in his career, as well as the importance of his faith in his everyday life.