The Extraordinary Magic of Ordinary People with author Brad Meltzer
Magic moments do happen in real life. If you ask Brad Meltzer, magic happens when ordinary people choose to do the extraordinary.
Brad is a prolific writer and bestselling author. He’s published over 70 books in nearly every genre you can think of—thriller novels, biographies, children’s books, film and television. He’s written comic books for iconic superheroes like Spider-Man, Superman, and Batman. And in 2024, his commencement speech at the University of Michigan went viral for its simple, powerful message—to shock the world, unleash your kindness.
In this conversation, Brad tells me how his journey from a writer drowning in debt to bestselling author would not have been possible without the extraordinary kindness of a few ordinary strangers. He shares how other people’s negativity can become inspiration, why fictional heroes inspire us so much, and how ordinary people change the world.
This…is A Bit of Optimism.
For more on Brad and his work, check out:
@meltzervideos
his book: https://bradmeltzer.com/Nonfiction/makemagic
https://bradmeltzer.com/
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This episode is brought to you by True Classic!
I really love their T-shirts, so we called them up and asked if they wanted to work together. And they said yes!
Check out their clothes at: http://trueclassictees.com/
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⏰ Timestamps
0:00 The Birth of Superman
0:34 Meet Brad Meltzer, Master Storyteller
2:02 Two writers hop on a podcast
9:05 Ordinary kindness can change a life
12:49 Negative people become inspiration
15:55 "Ordinary" vs. extraordinary people
17:36 Don't just follow your bliss
22:24 A.I. storytelling vs. human storytelling
26:42 True Classic: an ad with authenticity
30:21 Superman vs. Batman
34:49 Supervillains and villain motivation
41:19 Failure and struggle make you who you are
44:12 After 78 books, which is Brad's best?
48:49 Brad's 2024 commencement speech at Michigan
53:19 Magic is a gift that you give other people
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Simon is an unshakable optimist. He believes in a bright future and our ability to build it together.
Described as “a visionary thinker with a rare intellect,” Simon has devoted his professional life to help advance a vision of the world that does not yet exist; a world in which the vast majority of people wake up every single morning inspired, feel safe wherever they are and end the day fulfilled by the work that they do.
Simon is the author of multiple best-selling books including Start With Why, Leaders Eat Last, Together is Better, and The Infinite Game.
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Website: http://simonsinek.com/
Live Online Classes: https://simonsinek.com/classes/
Podcast: http://apple.co/simonsinek
Instagram: https://instagram.com/simonsinek/
Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/simonsinek/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/simonsinek
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simonsinek
Simon’s books:
The Infinite Game: https://simonsinek.com/books/the-infinite-game/
Start With Why: https://simonsinek.com/books/start-with-why/
Find Your Why: https://simonsinek.com/books/find-your-why/
Leaders Eat Last: https://simonsinek.com/books/leaders-eat-last/
Together is Better: https://simonsinek.com/books/together-is-better/
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#SimonSinek
Brad Meltzer on ordinary heroism, kindness, failure, and storytelling soul
A.Meltzer argues Superman endures because of Clark Kent—the relatable, ordinary self that makes heroism feel attainable and morally grounded.
B.Personal stories about a teacher’s encouragement and a neighbor’s generosity illustrate how small acts of kindness can permanently alter a life’s trajectory.
C.They critique “follow your bliss” as incomplete advice, emphasizing sustained commitment, repeated failure, and supportive belief from others as the real path to mastery.
D.A hands-on experiment with AI writing shows that competence isn’t the issue—AI lacks “taste” and lived emotion, which are essential to make readers truly feel.
E.Meltzer frames “magic” (in speeches and life) as an other-centered gift: empathy is “switching places,” and kindness is a shockingly powerful act in a cynical culture.
🧠 IDEAS WORTH REMEMBERING
5 ideas
1
Relatability—not powers—is what makes heroes powerful.
Meltzer says Superman’s true hook isn’t heat vision; it’s Clark Kent, the ordinary identity that lets audiences imagine choosing courage and decency themselves.
2
One person’s small kindness can become someone else’s lifelong compass.
Stories of Sheila Spicer (“You can write”) and Mircey (“Mercy”) giving housing show how everyday decisions can reshape identity, opportunity, and worldview for decades.
3
Don’t “follow your bliss”; commit to the work and the failures.
They argue passion-talk becomes harmful when it implies simplicity; real progress is built on time, effort, rejection, and the willingness to rebuild like the Wright brothers expecting crashes.
4
The best motivation is belief and service, not revenge.
Negative critics can fuel action, but Sinek warns “I’ll show you” becomes villain motivation and a happiness trap; a supporter’s belief is “infinite” and sustainable.
5
If you want to grow, compete with your past self—especially on craft.
At 50, Meltzer audited his own books to identify what made the best ones work (character depth) and delayed drafting to build better characters, leading to a career high point.
💬 WORDS WORTH SAVING
5 quotes
Nothing sells like Superman. And why? Because they don't have Clark Kent.
— Brad Meltzer
We do a huge disservice to our heroes when we build them... out of granite... The most important part is that struggle in there.
— Brad Meltzer
Every time the Wright brothers would go out to fly their plane, they'd bring extra materials for multiple crashes.
— Brad Meltzer
You know why, Dad? Because AI doesn't have taste.
— Brad Meltzer (quoting his daughter)
Magic is never something you do for yourself. It's a gift you give other people.
— Brad Meltzer
Why Superman works (Clark Kent as the key ingredient)Ordinary people changing the worldMentors and “reflective best self” beliefFailure, struggle, and stubbornness as prerequisitesWhy “follow your passion” is misleadingAI vs. human storytelling (taste, soul, lived emotion)Empathy and kindness as cultural antidotes
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