The Playbook With David Meltzer

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.

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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.

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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.

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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**.**

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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.

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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.

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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.

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In today’s episode, I sit down with Dylan Bloyed, host of the Business Leaders of America Podcast and an experienced leader in distribution and manufacturing. We talk about the choices that shaped my path from technology into sports and entertainment, the warning signs I ignored before losing everything, and the values that helped me rebuild. I share why personal branding is really about building community, why showing up in person still matters, and how creating genuine value strengthens relationships. We also discuss mentorship, avoiding transactional networking, asking for help, and finding people who are already where you want to be so you can learn from their experience.

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In today’s episode, I sit down with Darren Prince, founder and CEO of Prince Marketing Group, to talk about recovery, discipline, relationships, and building a life around service. Darren shares why sobriety remains his top priority, the daily practices that keep him grounded, and how difficult moments create opportunities for growth. We discuss protecting your energy, taking inventory of the people around you, and staying connected to relationships that support your direction. Darren also shares how his work with David Goggins has influenced his mindset, why giving back through the Aiming High Foundation has become his greatest priority, and the importance of living with purpose.

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In today’s episode, I share how humility, gratitude, giving, and receiving have shaped my approach to life and success. I reflect on losing more than $100 million, telling my mother I had lost everything, and learning to see adversity as an opportunity for growth. I explain why simple daily practices can create lasting change, how our thoughts and perceptions influence our behaviors, and why asking for help is an expression of abundance rather than weakness. I also share lessons from Nick Saban, my mother’s influence on my life, and the calling that inspired my mission to empower others to make money, help people, and have fun.

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