The Playbook

Hosted by David Meltzer, Entrepreneur.com

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Episodes

500

Latest episode

Sep 2026

Language

EN-GB

About the show

Hosted by Dave Meltzer, The Playbook features sports icons who are using their post-athletic careers to enter the world of entrepreneurship.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 12, 202641 min

The Success System: How to Create Consistent Results

In today’s episode, I share the system I’ve developed over nearly 29 years of weekly training and why lasting success isn’t about chasing bigger goals; it’s about building better systems. I break down how to define your divine direction, turn possibility into probability, create non-negotiable behaviors, prioritize your time, and manage emotional interference. Most importantly, I share why alignment, action, adjustment, and daily devotion are what turn your goals into lasting results. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

September 11, 202623 min

The Power of Radical Generosity

In today’s episode, I sit down with Scott Harrison, Founder and CEO of charity: water, to reflect on 20 years of building a global movement dedicated to bringing clean water to everyone. Scott shares how early ambition gave way to humility, persistence, and a deeper commitment to service as the organization grew. We discuss shifting from accumulation to purpose, learning how to receive as well as give, and why generosity can become its own powerful force. Scott also explains why he believes the global water crisis is solvable and how moments of radical generosity continue to fuel his mission after two decades. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

September 10, 202619 min

Balancing Loyalty with Opportunity

In today’s episode, I sit down with Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler and former NFL star Steven Jackson. We discuss the emotional challenge of separating personal identity from football, staying present during a limited playing career, and preparing for the next chapter before the current one ends. Austin and Steven share how athletes balance loyalty with financial security, why contracts affect the players who come next, and how priorities shift throughout a career. We also talk about the importance of receiving before giving and creating purpose beyond the field through trade education, charitable work, fantasy football, and community building. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

September 9, 202615 min

Building a Billion Dollar Brand

In today’s episode, I sit down with Ryan Meegan, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing DUDE at DUDE WIPES, to talk about building a billion-dollar brand through humor, authenticity, and relentless creativity. Ryan shares how early reactions to the product gave his team confidence when they had little money or distribution, and how newsjacking helped turn cultural moments into national attention. We discuss staying humble through rejection, creating marketing partnerships that naturally fit the brand, and why great marketing still needs a great product behind it. Ryan also explains how DUDE WIPES has maintained its gritty personality while expanding its audience, budget, and reach. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

September 8, 202629 min

Building a Global Sports Empire

In today’s episode, I sit down with Jerry Jones Jr., Chief Sales and Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President of the Dallas Cowboys. Jerry shares how his family transformed a struggling football franchise into a global sports and entertainment brand by embracing risk, association, and emotional connection. We discuss the vision behind AT&T Stadium, The Star, and Formation, an entrepreneurial workspace designed to help businesses benefit from the energy and influence of the Cowboys brand. Jerry also reflects on learning directly from his father, building lasting partnerships, supporting the surrounding community, and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs. He explains why intensity, mentorship, and an unwavering drive to win can overcome many weaknesses. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

September 7, 202618 min

Staying Grounded in the Spotlight

In today’s episode, I sit down with Captain Glenn Shephard, television personality and longtime superyacht captain best known for Below Deck Sailing Yacht . Glenn shares how an unexpected opportunity brought him to reality television, what it feels like to be recognized, and why the show’s most memorable moments are rooted in real events. We discuss leadership, managing ego, making calculated decisions, and holding firm when safety is at stake. Glenn also reflects on imposter syndrome, building a community beyond television, and the business opportunities created by his growing profile. He explains why retirement, simplicity, and life aboard his modest sailboat now matter more than chasing greater success. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

September 6, 202612 min

Turning Rejection Into Opportunity

In today’s episode, I sit down with Jack Canfield, co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and author of The Success Principles , to discuss intention, persistence, and lifelong impact. Jack shares how teaching struggling students introduced him to goal-setting, visualization, affirmations, action, and feedback. We talk about overcoming 143 publishing rejections, creating demand before Chicken Soup for the Soul had a publisher, and using unconventional marketing to reach readers everywhere. Jack also explains why authors must promote their work consistently, how inspiration differs from external motivation, and why continued learning keeps purpose alive through every season of life. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

September 5, 202639 min

Turn Problems Into Possibilities: 6 Lessons for Transforming Challenges Into Growth

In today’s episode, I share six lessons for turning problems into possibilities by creating clarity, removing interference, and focusing on what actually moves the needle. I explain how questioning assumptions, staying curious, learning from others, and testing and adjusting your approach can help you find what works. Most importantly, I share why letting go of the need to be right or in control allows you to move forward with greater clarity, faith, and purpose. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

September 4, 202613 min

The Principles That Never Change

In today’s episode, I sit down with Genetic Lifespan founder and CEO Adam Vincent Gilmer and Tony Drexel Smith, managing director of Micro Venture Capital Fund and managing member of The Stirling Club. We discuss why character, integrity, loyalty, faith, and keeping your word remain essential as technology accelerates business. Tony explains why simplicity, patience, and knowing when to pivot help entrepreneurs survive difficult seasons. Adam shares how personal faith, steady growth, and becoming qualified for opportunity shape lasting success. We also discuss learning from failure, resisting the demand for immediate results, building meaningful relationships, and using genetic testing to understand cellular nutrient absorption. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

September 3, 202618 min

Trust the Timing of Your Journey

In today’s episode, I sit down with world champion skimboarder and Marshwater founder Austin Keen to discuss the consistency, patience, and intuition behind his success. Austin shares how his blue collar upbringing shaped his work ethic, why mastering any craft requires a willingness to endure setbacks, and how he turned a connection to the Southern marshlands into a growing business. We also talk about building freedom without becoming controlled by money, surrounding yourself with good people, and trusting the timing of your journey. Austin’s story shows how authenticity, persistence, and surrender can create opportunities across athletics, entrepreneurship, and every stage of personal growth. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .