Brad Meltzer

Brad Meltzer is the number-one New York Times bestselling author, History Channel host, and one of America’s most dynamic inspirational speakers whose powerful belief that ordinary people change the world has resonated with Fortune 500 companies, U.S. Presidents, and millions of readers. Named one of Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Authors, he is among the few authors to reach bestseller lists in fiction, nonfiction, advice, children’s books, and comic books.

A Storyteller Who Uncovers the Heroes Among Us

Meltzer is the author of 13 bestselling thrillers and creator of the Ordinary People Change the World children’s book series, which inspired the Emmy-nominated PBS Kids show Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. As host of Brad Meltzer’s Decoded and Lost History on the History Channel, he famously helped recover the missing 9/11 flag that firefighters raised at Ground Zero, later unveiling it at the 9/11 Memorial Museum. He was selected to join America250 to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

Turning Personal Adversity Into Universal Inspiration

Meltzer’s own journey from a family that moved from Brooklyn to Miami with just twelve hundred dollars to becoming a number-one bestselling author powers his keynotes with authenticity and emotion. His viral University of Michigan commencement address, Make Magic, has been shared millions of times. Before his first published novel became an instant bestseller, Meltzer received 24 rejection letters for his first manuscript. His presentations weave together the stories of Abraham Lincoln, Rosa Parks, and everyday heroes to help audiences discover their own legacy and the power of never accepting no.

How To Be A Hero

On the night Brad Meltzer’s first son was born, he began collecting heroes for his boy. And for nearly a decade, Meltzer studied these heroes throughout history. From Thomas Jefferson (who had the humility to never publicly take credit for writing the Declaration of Independence) to the Wright Brothers (who brought extra materials to every test flight, anticipating their own failure) to George Washington to Rosa Parks to Mr. Rogers, Meltzer reminds us that their stories are not about fame– they’re about what we are all capable of on our very best days. See why Meltzer’s book on heroes– from Jackie Robinson, to Abraham Lincoln, to Eleanor Roosevelt– shot up the inspirational bestseller list.

What Do You Want In Your Obituary?

When the Wall Street Journal told Brad that one of his charitable acts would be in his obituary, it sent Brad on a quest to find out what else might be there. Hear the funny, inspiring, and always entertaining story that led to the creation of Brad’s book, Heroes For My Son– a book he began writing on the day his son was born eight years ago.

Don’t Let Anyone Tell You ‘No’

Brad’s family moved from Brooklyn to Miami with only $1,200 to their name. A decade later, he got 24 rejection letters for his first novel. A year after that, he started his climb to the #1 spot on the New York Times Bestseller List and his own television show. The adventure between is a classic tale with a truly incredible ending.