The Playbook With David Meltzer

The Five Elements of a Perfect Pitch

In today’s episode, I speak to a room of young entrepreneurs about why definiteness of purpose matters more than raw talent, and how to use it to pitch with integrity. I share the five dollar for twenty dollar lesson, the five elements of every great pitch, and why saying “I don’t know” builds more trust than any slick deck. I explain my thousand step philosophy of success, the three no rule for protecting your time, and the real role of AI as a servant, not a threat. Along the way, I connect it all back to freedom, faith, and becoming who you must be.

How Two Founders Scaled a Side Hustle

In today’s episode, I sit down with Embarc Wines co-founders Adam Lovingood and Richard Garcia to unpack how they built a self-serve wine experience that feels both innovative and familiar. We get into the early days of their partnership, the years of planning that shaped their model, and the moment they realized this concept could scale far beyond a single location. They walk me through the balance of full-time careers and late-night building, the relationships that fuel their wine program, and why creating a warm social environment matters as much as the technology behind it. Their vision for expansion shows just how far this idea can go.

Choosing Mission Over Circumstance

In today’s episode, I sit down with Sande Golgart, a global executive known for his people-first leadership and commitment to building high-performing cultures. We talk about fear as a constant companion in the human experience and how recognizing the instant, ego-driven reactions it creates can open the door to better choices. I share how simple tools like stop, drop, and roll guide me back toward my potential, and how non-negotiable habits keep me grounded when circumstances shift. Sande and I explore the impact of mission-driven living, the freedom that comes from removing resistance, and the role faith plays in expanding what’s possible.

Mastering the Empty Mile

In today’s episode, I break down how daily practice shapes long-term success and why consistent behavior outperforms occasional pushes. I explain the human experience through time, intention, and the lessons our bodies are built to teach us. I share how separating each day into non-negotiable and circumstantial behavior helps me stay aligned with my goals, reduce resistance, and avoid doubling down on the habits that hold me back. I talk about using uncertainty as fuel, managing ego-driven reactions, and building a life rooted in recovery, health, family, faith, and purposeful action. It’s a simple framework that turns small commitments into exponential results.

The Mindset That Keeps High Performers Hungry

In today’s episode, I sit down with James Maslow and UFC Hall of Famer Forrest Griffin, a former Light Heavyweight Champion whose career helped bring the sport into the mainstream. We cover the grind behind his rise, the standards he now upholds as the UFC’s Vice President of Athlete Development, and why winning still hits harder than any paycheck. Forrest opens up about work identity, product integrity, and the value of surrounding yourself with people who stay steady when things get chaotic. James and I also break down leadership, teachability, and the pressure that comes with building teams that can thrive under real responsibility.