The Playbook

Hosted by David Meltzer, Entrepreneur.com

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Episodes

500

Latest episode

Jun 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

June 16, 202628 min

Dreamers Versus Builders

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Blaine Bartlett for a conversation on the difference between dreamers and builders. We break down why execution is the true separator between ideas and results, and how habits, discipline, accountability, and clarity create momentum. Blaine shares insights on developing a professional mindset, building systems that support consistent action, and staying focused on the deeper purpose behind your goals. We also discuss the importance of scheduling priorities, avoiding perfectionism, embracing progress, and adopting an identity rooted in growth. Together, we explore practical ways to turn vision into measurable results through daily execution and intentional action.

June 15, 20268 min

The Difference Between Giving and Growing

In today’s episode, I share a lesson that reshaped how I think about generosity, receiving, and abundance. Inspired by my mother’s example of selfless giving, I reflect on why some of the kindest and most generous people struggle financially and how many of us misunderstand the relationship between giving and receiving. I explain why giving value, kindness, love, and forgiveness creates far more impact than simply giving away money, and why learning to receive is one of the greatest gifts we can offer others. I also explore faith, gratitude, and the belief that we live in a world of more than enough, where abundance grows when we stop thinking in terms of scarcity.

June 14, 202612 min

Creating Demand in Any Market

In today’s episode, I sit down with entrepreneur and collectibles pioneer Josh Luber, the co-founder of StockX, former Fanatics Collectibles executive, and founder of Ghostwrite. We discuss how he built multiple billion-dollar businesses by understanding the relationship between supply, demand, culture, and commerce. Josh shares why expertise and passion matter when building a company, how authentic scarcity differs from artificial scarcity, and what entrepreneurs can learn from markets ranging from sneakers and trading cards to luxury goods. We also explore the role of cultural relevance in creating demand, the lessons behind successful collectible brands, and how Ghostwrite applies proven marketplace principles to a new category.

June 13, 202646 min

Why Great Leaders Are Annoying

In today’s episode, I share why leaders build cultures, not just companies. I break down the values that shaped my life, from gratitude and forgiveness to accountability and effective communication, and explain why great leaders must be honest, repetitive, and even a little annoying. I reflect on losing everything, including my mom’s home, and how that pain became protection, promotion, love, and a lesson. I also share the daily practices that keep culture alive, including knowing what I want, who I can help, how I spend my time, what matters now, and why I am doing it.

June 12, 202621 min

The New Luxury Is Longevity

In today’s episode, I sit down with longevity expert Sanjiv Lal to discuss the growing noise surrounding health, peptides, stem cells, and regenerative medicine. After a severe battle with long COVID left him facing serious kidney complications, Sanjiv began searching for alternatives beyond traditional treatment paths, leading him into the world of longevity medicine. We talk about the importance of physician-guided care, personalized diagnostics, and why following influencer health advice can create more confusion than clarity. We also explore self-healing, ownership of personal health, and the foundational habits of breathing, hydration, nutrition, movement, and sleep that support a longer, healthier life.

June 11, 202622 min

Finding Growth Through Change

In today’s episode, I speak with an entrepreneur navigating a major life transition after closing a salon business she spent 13 years building and ending a long-term relationship in the same season. We discuss the fear that comes with leaving behind an identity tied to past success, the challenge of facing uncertainty, and the mindset shift from seeing setbacks as losses to viewing them as opportunities for expansion. I share why pain can serve as valuable feedback, how difficult seasons often point us toward growth, and why healing starts within. We also explore purpose-driven work, community impact, and the power of connecting with others during times of change.

June 10, 202626 min

The Hidden Law of Long-Term Success

In today’s episode, I share the hidden law of long-term success and explain why most people misjudge time, not opportunity. Success is rarely an overnight event. It grows through compounding cycles that often take years before results become visible. I break down how impatience, comparison, and emotional attachment to short-term outcomes can interfere with progress, while consistency, discipline, and strategic patience create inevitability. I also cover the importance of focusing on behaviors instead of immediate results, adopting a long-term mindset, financing sustainable growth over hype, and building the emotional endurance needed to stay committed long enough for compounding to work in your favor.

June 9, 202625 min

The Power of Persistence

In today’s episode, I sit down with entrepreneur Dylan Conroy to talk about the journey from growing up with financial insecurity to building wealth, losing it all, and finding a greater purpose through faith and service. I share lessons learned from my time with Lee Steinberg, stories about negotiating major sports deals, and a memorable conversation with Ray Lewis that changed how I think about desire and commitment. We also discuss the lasting influence of Napoleon Hill, why wisdom matters more than ever in the age of AI, and how relationships, experiences, and persistence create opportunities that money alone can’t buy.

June 8, 202613 min

How Great Characters Find Their Voice

In today’s episode, I sit down with acclaimed writer, producer, and director Angelo Pizzo, the creative force behind Rudy, Hoosiers, and many other unforgettable films. We talk about Indiana University’s remarkable football season, why he believes its story is best told as a documentary, and the projects currently on his horizon. Angelo also shares how he approaches storytelling, from finding emotional truth in a character to allowing stories to evolve in unexpected ways during the writing process. Along the way, he reflects on turning a Notre Dame underdog story into a classic film, skipping the Oscars for Indiana basketball, and the creative instincts that continue to guide his work.

June 7, 202639 min

The God Sized Hole Success Couldn’t Fill

In today’s episode, I sit down for a candid conversation about the lessons that shaped my life, from growing up in a single-parent household and chasing financial success to losing everything in 2008 and rebuilding with a new perspective. I share how my mother, wife, and closest friends helped me recognize the difference between achievement and fulfillment, why scarcity thinking held me back, and how faith changed the way I approach business and life. We also talk about mentorship, coaching, personal accountability, the power of consistency, and how raising your awareness can help you recognize opportunities, overcome setbacks, and pursue your true potential.