Advertise on podcast: The Playbook With David Meltzer

In today’s episode, I sit down with Shawn Jennings, CEO of Real House Inc., to talk about the journey from chasing financial success to building a life centered on faith, family, and purpose. Shawn shares how helping a childhood friend struggling with addiction ultimately inspired a recovery organization that has served people for more than 20 years. We discuss the uncertainty that comes with entrepreneurship, the failures and challenges that shaped his perspective, and the importance of daily non-negotiables. Shawn also reflects on navigating one of the most difficult periods of his career and how aligning his decisions with goodness changed his definition of success. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today’s episode, I sit down with John St. Pierre and Rich Hoffman to talk about the lessons that came from losing everything, rebuilding my life, and learning to stop letting ego control my decisions. We discuss the difference between discipline and devotion, why repetition and honesty are essential to success, and how the meaning we assign to our past shapes our self image. I also share why receiving help is just as important as giving it, how I structure my time around non negotiable priorities, and why protecting your energy can create more consistency, clarity, and fulfillment in every area of life. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Matt Ebert, founder and CEO of Crash Champions, to talk about the realities of scaling a multibillion dollar company and finding renewed energy when business gets difficult. Matt shares why his greatest strength is knowing he can figure things out, how strategy and the right people have shaped his success, and why Crash Champions focuses on helping people in a time of need rather than simply fixing cars. We also discuss leadership, communication, building trust, and how stepping outside his comfort zone through podcasting and content creation has helped Matt grow as both an executive and entrepreneur. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today’s episode, I sit down with James Prendamano, founder of PreReal Investments, to talk about building wealth through real estate and the value of experience in navigating changing markets. James shares how his career grew from residential sales into commercial investing and why understanding taxes, market cycles, and risk is essential for long term success. We discuss the dangers of following advice without context, the four lenses he uses to evaluate real estate opportunities, and how macroeconomic and geopolitical forces shape individual markets. We also explore how AI is transforming the industry and changing the way investors approach real estate. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today’s episode, I share why relationship capital is one of the most valuable assets we can build to create passion, purpose, and profitability. I explain how to strengthen trust through faith, give value before asking for anything, and be more interested than interesting. Most importantly, I share how removing interference, consistently investing in meaningful relationships, and approaching every interaction with gratitude can create exponential opportunities and lasting success. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at [email protected] See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Colleen Joyce, CEO of Lawyer.com and children’s author, to talk about balancing entrepreneurship, motherhood, creativity, and personal identity. Colleen shares how traveling for work inspired her to write a children’s book with her daughter and why the project became something meaningful they could build together. We also discuss the growing importance of personal brand, choosing platforms based on where your audience spends its time, and creating content that fits each space. Colleen also explains why authenticity is especially important for attorneys building a social presence and how staying true to yourself can attract the people who genuinely connect with you. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today’s episode, I sit down with James Maslow to talk about building EveryBody EveryDay, a supplement company inspired by his demanding life on the road. James shares how constant travel led him and his fiancée, Caitlin, to create a simple daily product focused on hydration, supplementation, and convenience. We discuss using AI during early product development, working with experienced scientists to refine the formula, and standing out in a crowded market through authenticity and community. James also explains how curiosity, saying yes to new opportunities, asking questions, and surrounding himself with talented people have helped him balance entertainment, entrepreneurship, investing, and multiple growing businesses. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Lamè Kinikini, Founder and CEO of Elk Ridge Investments, to talk about how short term rentals can become a powerful tax strategy for high net worth investors. Lamè shares how Elk Ridge evolved from property management into an investment model built around maximizing the tax advantages available through real estate. We discuss the importance of understanding tax incentives, why traditional advisors may overlook certain strategies, and how the right structure can create equity, cash flow, and depreciation benefits. Lamè also explains how Elk Ridge reduces the time and emotional expense that often comes with property ownership. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Noelle Russell, founder of the AI Leadership Institute, bestselling author, and expert in responsible AI, to talk about what it takes to build AI systems that actually work for your business. Noelle explains why leaders need to take ownership of how AI operates, from defining the human role to creating clear instructions, examples, and constraints. We discuss why treating AI like a vending machine creates problems, how easily poorly designed systems can go off course, and why responsible AI ultimately comes down to leadership, accountability, and staying actively involved in the process. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Todd Ricketts, co-owner of the Chicago Cubs and co-founder of FreeSpoke, to talk about sports, technology, and the importance of informed conversation. Todd shares how his family approached rebuilding the Cubs around winning, preserving Wrigley Field, and supporting the Chicago community. We also discuss how FreeSpoke presents information from different political perspectives while prioritizing privacy and helping users break out of online silos. Todd explains how technology is changing the relationship between fans and athletes, why live sports remain so powerful, and how teams are turning game day into a complete entertainment experience. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today’s episode, I sit down with UFC Hall of Famer Forrest Griffin to talk about the lessons he learned through fighting, retirement, and figuring out what comes next. Forrest shares the moment he decided to go all in on The Ultimate Fighter, why professional athletes need to prepare financially for life after competition, and how becoming a father changed his perspective on success. We also talk about finding purpose when your body can no longer do what it once could, learning from the people around you, and resisting the temptation to compare yourself to others. Forrest brings his signature humor to a thoughtful conversation about growth, responsibility, and reinvention. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today’s episode, I share how strategic alliances and meaningful relationships can accelerate your business and expand your opportunities. I explain how to create transferable trust, find the right people to serve, and build mutually beneficial relationships that create exponential growth. Most importantly, I share why removing interference, staying aligned with your divine direction, and focusing on serving others can turn your relationships into your greatest growth engine**.** To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at [email protected] See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Mel Owens, an 11-year NFL veteran, attorney, entrepreneur, and star of The Golden Bachelor. Mel shares how spending 26 straight years playing football shaped his identity and prepared him for life after the NFL. We talk about taking advice, staying curious, and saying yes to opportunities that can send your life in unexpected directions. Mel also reflects on raising his sons, building a career in law, and why working for himself always felt like the natural choice. From football to entrepreneurship and television, his discipline and willingness to keep moving forward have served him at every stage. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Lorenzo Payman to talk about faith, purpose, leadership, and the lessons that came from losing everything and rebuilding my life. I share how my mother’s response to my bankruptcy changed the way I viewed God, why asking for help became one of the most powerful habits in my life, and what mentors taught me about humility, self image, and intelligent leadership. We also talk about the role of intention, the meaning we give our past, the importance of serving others, and why fulfillment comes from aligning passion, purpose, and profitability with something greater than yourself. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today’s episode, I sit down with wealth advisor, tax attorney, and entrepreneur Nik Agharkar for a conversation about resilience, identity, and building a life around who you want to become. I share how losing everything forced me to confront the person I had become and reconnect with the values my mom taught me. We talk about separating yourself from influences that interfere with your potential, expanding your capabilities instead of defining yourself by a job title, and creating non-negotiable behaviors that align with your direction. I also explain why resilience comes down to wisdom, faith, and shortening the distance between a problem and its solution. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.