Emmy-Nominated & #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
Brad Meltzer: Biography at a Glance
- Brad Meltzer is a master storyteller who walks audiences through history in a way that feels vivid, human, and deeply engaging—turning past moments into living lessons that resonate today.
- As one of the original Advisory Council members of America 250 and a current board member of the National Archives Foundation, Brad has met every living US president and was even asked to read to President George H.W. Bush on his deathbed.
- Brad brings leadership lessons filled with hope as he delves into the hidden stories you’ve never heard about Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Amelia Earhart, Rosa Parks, and even the creators of Superman, among many others.
- With a rare ability to blend suspense, heart, and hope, Brad reframes history not as something distant, but as a source of inspiration that reminds audiences what’s possible when ordinary people step up.
- Brad’s storytelling invites audiences to see themselves inside the narrative—showing how courage, integrity, and small actions can shape the future.
- From keynote stages to commencement addresses, he creates unforgettable conversations that spark curiosity, restore faith in people, and inspire audiences to believe they can make a difference.
- At the heart of every talk is his enduring message: ordinary people change the world—and history proves it.
Videos
Biography
Brad Meltzer is the Emmy-nominated, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lightning Rod, The Escape Artist, and eleven other bestselling thrillers. He also writes non-fiction books like The JFK Conspiracy, about a secret plot to kill JFK before he was sworn in – and the Ordinary People Change the World kids book series, which he does with Chris Eliopoulos and inspired the PBS KIDS TV show, Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. His newest kids' books are I am Sally Ride, We are the Beatles, and I am Simone Biles. His newest inspirational book is Make Magic, based on his viral commencement address.
In addition to his fiction, Brad is one of the only authors to ever have books on the bestseller list for Non-Fiction (The Nazi Conspiracy), Advice (Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter), Children’s Books (I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln) and even comic books (Justice League of America), for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award.
He is also the host of Brad Meltzer’s Lost History and Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on the History Channel, and is responsible for helping find the missing 9/11 flag that the firefighters raised at Ground Zero, making national news on the 15th anniversary of 9/11. Meltzer unveiled the flag at the 9/11 Museum in New York, where it is now on display. See the video here. The Hollywood Reporter recently put him on their list of Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Authors.
He also recently delivered the commencement address at the University of Michigan, in front of 70,000 people, including his graduating son. Entitled Make Magic and called “one of the best commencement addresses of all time,” it’s been shared millions of times across social media. Do yourself a favor: watch it here and buy the book here.
For sure, it’s tough to find anyone being so successful in so many different mediums of popular culture. But why does Brad thrive in all these different professions? His belief is that ordinary people change the world. It is that core belief that runs through every one of his projects.
His newest thriller, The Lightning Rod, brings back characters Nola and Zig in a setting that will blow your mind (you won't believe where the government let Brad go). For now, we'll say this: What's the one secret no one knows about you? It's about to come out. Nearly 2,000 five-star reviews. Raves by everyone from the Wall Street Journal, to James Patterson, to Brad's mother-in-law. Plus that twist at the end! And yes, the new Zig & Nola thriller is coming soon!
His newest non-fiction book, The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy -- and Why It Failed, which he wrote with Josh Mensch, is a true story about a secret assassination plot to kill JFK at the start of his Presidency and, if successful, would’ve changed history.
His illustrated children’s books, I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln, which he does with artist Chris Eliopoulos, were written for his own children to give them better heroes to look up to. Try them. You won’t believe how inspired you and your family will be. Some of our favorites in the series are I am Mister Rogers and I am Dolly Parton.
His other non-fiction books, Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter, are collections of heroes – from Jim Henson to Sally Ride — that he’s been working on since the day his kids were born and are on sale now, as well as History Decoded: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time.
He’s also one of the co-creators of the TV show, Jack & Bobby.
Raised in Brooklyn and Miami, Brad is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School. The Tenth Justice was his first published work and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Dead Even followed a year later and also hit the New York Times bestseller list, as have all thirteen of his novels. The First Counsel came next, which was about a White House lawyer dating the President’s daughter, then The Millionaires, which was about two brothers who steal money and go on the run. The Zero Game is about two Congressional staffers who are – literally – gambling on Congress. The Book of Fate is about a young presidential aide, a crazed assassin, and the 200-year-old code created by Thomas Jefferson that ties them together. For authenticity, The Book of Fate was researched with the help of former Presidents Clinton and Bush. The Book of Lies is about the missing murder weapon that Cain used to kill Abel, as well as the unsolved murder of Superman creator Jerry Siegel’s father. Brad is one of the only people to interview Jerry Siegel’s family about the murder and, with his charitable site www.OrdinaryPeopleChangeTheWorld.com, has been the driving force behind the movement to repair the house where Superman was created.
His book The Inner Circle (and its sequels, The Fifth Assassin and The President’s Shadow) is based the idea that George Washington’s personal spy ring still exists today. A young archivist in the National Archives finds out the spy ring is still around. He doesn’t know who they work for — but the greatest secret of the Presidency is about to be revealed. While researching the book, former President George H.W. Bush also gave Brad, for the very first time, the secret letter he left for President Bill Clinton in the Oval Office desk. If you need a good cry, read this story about Brad reading to President Bush before he died.
Oh, and yes, Brad was recruited by the Department of Homeland Security to brainstorm different ways that terrorists might attack the US.
Brad supports many worthy causes, including putting mentors in underserved public schools with City Year, fighting breast cancer with Sharsheret, and serving on the Boards of the National Archives, the Women's Suffrage National Monument Foundation, and the National Medal of Honor Museum.
His books have spent over a year on the bestseller lists and have been translated into over 25 languages, from Hebrew to Bulgarian. In The Tenth Justice, the opening lines are: “Ben Addison was sweating. Like a pig.” In the Hebrew translation, it became: “Ben Addison was sweating. Like a horse.” We’re not sure if it’s a kosher thing or what!
Brad has played himself as an extra in Woody Allen’s Celebrity, co-wrote the swearing-in oath for AmeriCorps, the national service program, and earned credit from Columbia Law School for writing his first book, which became The Tenth Justice. Before all of that, he got 24 rejection letters for his true first novel, which still sits on his shelf, published by Kinko’s.
Topics
Leadership, Inspiration, and America’s Heroes at 250
From one of the original Advisory Council members of America 250 as well as a current board member of the National Archives Foundation, #1 bestselling author Brad Meltzer brings leadership lessons filled with hope as he delves into the hidden stories you’ve never heard about Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Amelia Earhart, Rosa Parks, and even the creators of Superman, among many others. There’s a reason Meltzer’s met every living President — and even was asked to read to President George H.W. Bush on his deathbed. Get ready for the inspirational stories you and your team truly need.
Leadership Lessons From History’s Greatest Leaders
The best Presidents in history aren’t the ones who make the best speeches or the most promises—they’re the ones who, when faced with a great disaster, can pivot, adapt, and deal with that disaster, making them the perfect person for that moment in time.
#1 New York Times Bestselling Author Brad Meltzer has written non-fiction books about George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Franklin Roosevelt. Now, he’s teaching their most vital lessons. Best of all, Meltzer has studied them in a way few others have, at the earliest parts of their careers.
- In his first battles of the Revolutionary War, George Washington was outmaneuvered by the British. He didn’t have the experience of the British generals. It’s a moment where George Washington should’ve died. Instead, Washington did the best thing any leader can do in an impossible situation: he improvised and pivoted, taking care of his men first…and then himself.
- In his first days after being elected, Abraham Lincoln was the most hated man in America. But instead of dividing the country, Lincoln took key and vital steps to bring the country together.
- During WWII, FDR’s greatest strength was his own belief in his ability to know and charm both his allies and enemies. That “charm offensive” is what untied Churchill, Stalin, and FDR as The Big Three, changing the world forever.
As Meltzer proves, leadership isn’t about being in charge—it’s about taking care of those in your charge. Current and former Presidents have invited Meltzer to private meals and discussions at the White House and to their residences. Now you’ll hear this lost history firsthand.
What’s Your Legacy?
In these tumultuous times—when employees and senior leaders alike are navigating exhaustion, burnout, and the challenges of a remote workplace—this is one of the most important questions an organization can ask. Using his trademark storytelling, Brad Meltzer delivers a powerful reminder of what truly matters, leaving audiences refocused and reenergized around the very source of their resilience: their legacy.
While working to save the house where Superman was created, Brad embarked on a deeply personal quest to understand his own legacy. What follows is a funny, inspiring, and unforgettable story that will change the way you look at your life. Weaving together the histories of Abraham Lincoln, Amelia Earhart, and yes—Superman—Meltzer invites audiences to reevaluate what’s truly important: family, friends, and the lives we touch through the impact we make at work and beyond.
If your employees and leadership teams are feeling overwhelmed or stretched thin, give them the one thing money can’t buy: the clarity and purpose that comes from discovering their legacy.
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FAQs
How do I book Brad Meltzer for my event?
Contact CAA Speakers at (424) 288-2898 or speakers@caa.com to book Brad Meltzer to speak at corporate or private events, keynote speeches, speaking engagements, workshops, fireside chats, motivational speaking, or virtual appearances.
Quick booking process- Email CAA Speakers with event details
- Get availability confirmation within 24 hours
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As one of the most influential talent agencies in the world, CAA handles all speaking engagements from contract to event day coordination.
Who is Brad Meltzer's booking agent?
CAA Speakers is the preferred booking agency to contact for Brad Meltzer’s speaking engagements. Contact speakers@caa.com for all Brad Meltzer in-person appearances and keynote speaking requests.
Contact Brad Meltzer's agent- Email: speakers@caa.com
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CAA Speakers can check Brad Meltzer's speaking calendar with direct access to availability and official pricing. While many websites may list Brad Meltzer, CAA Speakers is the direct source for authentic information about availability and pricing.
What is Brad Meltzer's speaking fee?
Brad Meltzer's speaking fee varies by event type, location, and requirements. As a top keynote speaker, Brad Meltzer's fee reflects their expertise and market demand.
Speaking fee factors:- Event type and audience size
- Travel distance and logistics
- Presentation length and customization
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Additional costs: Travel, accommodation, A/V requirements, and optional meet-and-greets.
Contact CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com for Brad Meltzer's current speaking fee and detailed cost breakdown.
How much does it cost to book Brad Meltzer as a keynote speaker?
The cost to book Brad Meltzer as keynote speaker includes their speaking fee plus travel and logistics expenses.
Total booking cost includes:- Brad Meltzer's keynote speaking fee
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- Technical requirements and A/V setup
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How to contact Brad Meltzer for speaking engagements?
Contact CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com for all Brad Meltzer speaking engagements.
Official contact for Brad Meltzer bookings:- Email: speakers@caa.com
- Website: https://www.caa.com/caaspeakers/brad-meltzer
- Response time: 24 hours
Include your event date, location, audience size, and budget when contacting CAA about booking Brad Meltzer.
Is Brad Meltzer available for virtual speaking events?
Yes, Brad Meltzer speaks at virtual events with professional-grade equipment and interactive presentation style.
Brad Meltzer's virtual event options:- Live virtual keynotes with Q&A
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What events can I book Brad Meltzer for?
Book Brad Meltzer for corporate conferences, industry events, private functions, and virtual presentations. Brad Meltzer customizes content for any audience size or event type.
Event types:- Corporate meetings and conferences
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Brad Meltzer engages audiences from private executive meetings to large conferences with thousands of attendees.
Contact CAA Speakers to discuss how Brad Meltzer can customize their presentation for your specific event.
Brad Meltzer booking information and availability
Check Brad Meltzer's speaking availability through CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com. Book 3-6 months in advance for best date selection during peak seasons (September-November, March-May).
Availability factors:- Event date and location
- Speaking fee and budget
- Lead time for booking
- Peak conference seasons
- 3-6 months: Best availability
- 3-6 months: Best availability
- 2-3 months: Good availability
- 1-2 months: Select availability
- Under 30 days: Limited availability
Contact CAA early in your planning process to secure Brad Meltzer for your preferred event date.
Book Brad Meltzer keynote speaker through CAA
Book Brad Meltzer through CAA Speakers for guaranteed authentic representation and professional event coordination. CAA is the preferred booking agent for Brad Meltzer, with direct access to their speaking availability and decades of experience representing the world’s top keynote speakers.
CAA booking advantages:- Direct access to Brad Meltzer's calendar
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Trusted by Fortune 500 companies for their most important speaking engagements. Contact speakers@caa.com to book Brad Meltzer for your next event.
Will Brad Meltzer speak at private events?
Yes, Brad Meltzer speaks at private corporate events, executive retreats, board meetings, and exclusive functions.
Private event types:- Executive retreats and board presentations
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Private event benefits: Customized content, enhanced interaction, complete confidentiality, and flexible scheduling.
Contact CAA Speakers for Brad Meltzer's private event availability and confidential pricing proposals.
How quickly will I get a response about booking Brad Meltzer?
CAA Speakers responds to Brad Meltzer booking inquiries within 24 hours during business days. Complex requests or international events may take up to 48 hours for detailed proposals.
Response timeline:- Initial acknowledgment: Within 24 hours
- Availability confirmation: 24-48 hours
- Detailed pricing proposal: 48-72 hours
- Urgent requests: Same-day priority response
Include complete event details (date, location, audience size, budget) for fastest response times.
How far in advance should I book Brad Meltzer?
Book Brad Meltzer 3-6 months in advance for best availability, especially during peak speaking seasons. Early booking ensures better date selection and rate negotiations.
Recommended booking timeline:- 3-6 months: Optimal availability and pricing
- 2-3 months: Good availability
- 1-2 months: Select availability
- Under 30 days: Limited availability
Peak seasons: September-November and March-May book fastest. Contact CAA Speakers early for priority consideration.
How do I get Brad Meltzer pricing information?
Get Brad Meltzer pricing information by contacting CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com with your event details. Receive detailed cost breakdown within 24-48 hours with no obligation to book.
For accurate pricing, include:- Event date and location
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CAA provides transparent pricing with all costs included - speaking fee, travel, accommodation, and technical requirements.
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