The Jordan Harbinger Show
Episode 1174: Brad Meltzer | The Life-Changing Magic of Empathy and Kindness
Release Date: June 26, 2025

Introduction and Rapport

In this engaging episode of The Jordan Harbinger Show, host Jordan Harbinger welcomes Brad Meltzer, a renowned bestselling author known for his work in political thrillers, legal dramas, and children's books. Their pre-existing friendship creates an informal and candid atmosphere, allowing for a deep dive into Brad's philosophies on empathy, kindness, and personal growth.

The Life-Changing Magic of Empathy and Kindness

Brad Meltzer discusses the core message of his book, Make Magic, which centers around the transformative power of empathy and kindness. Drawing from his personal experiences, Brad emphasizes that true magic lies in intentional actions that positively impact others.

Notable Quote:
Brad Meltzer at [00:34]: “Empathy is switching places with someone else and putting yourself in their shoes.”

Social Media and Its Impact on Kindness

Brad critiques the role of social media in diminishing genuine human interactions. He highlights how platforms prioritize loud and opinionated voices over meaningful discourse, leading to a culture that often lacks empathy and kindness.

Notable Quote:
Brad Meltzer at [08:21]: “We’ve stopped treating each other as people. Social media is just like the wall in a bathroom stall. You’re putting out quick garbage instead of great thoughts.”

Overcoming Criticism and Proving Others Wrong

Drawing from his own experiences of facing criticism, Brad shares insights on using negative feedback as fuel for personal and professional growth. He underscores the importance of differentiating between constructive criticism from respected mentors and baseless negativity.

Notable Quote:
Brad Meltzer at [14:28]: “Proving somebody wrong requires you to really go through all the steps to actually achieve something, as long as it's something you actually want to do.”

The Reflected Best Self Portrait Theory

Brad introduces the concept of the Reflected Best Self Portrait, a psychological tool that helps individuals recognize and embody their best qualities through positive feedback from others. This theory underscores the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive and affirming individuals.

Notable Quote:
Brad Meltzer at [18:04]: “When someone tells you that you can be a great version of yourself, you will become that version of yourself.”

Building Meaningful Relationships

Emphasizing the value of authentic connections, Brad discusses the significance of being an “assistant” to others, supporting their growth, and reflecting their best selves back to them. This mutual support fosters a community of empowered and compassionate individuals.

Notable Quote:
Brad Meltzer at [19:33]: “You need to be that assistant for your friends when they want to be the magician.”

The Importance of Legacy and Intangible Impacts

Brad reflects on the true measures of success, advocating that intangible impacts—such as the kindness one extends to others—hold more lasting value than material achievements. He shares personal anecdotes illustrating how small acts of kindness can have profound effects.

Notable Quote:
Brad Meltzer at [43:14]: “What matters is how you make people feel. Your opinion doesn’t matter. What you do matters.”

Personal Stories: Impact of a Dedicated Teacher

A heartfelt segment where Brad recounts his relationship with his ninth-grade English teacher, Sheila Spicer, who recognized his potential and encouraged him to pursue writing. This pivotal moment shaped his career and underscores the lasting impact educators can have on their students.

Notable Quote:
Brad Meltzer at [20:54]: “She believes in regular people and their ability to affect change in this world. I hope if you take anything from my work, it’s that.”

Parenting Lessons: Teaching Through LEGO and Resilience

Brad shares a touching story about building the LEGO Death Star with his son, highlighting lessons in resilience and teamwork. When the creation was accidentally destroyed, they rebuilt it together, reinforcing the value of persistence and repairing relationships brick by brick.

Notable Quote:
Brad Meltzer at [47:02]: “Here’s how you rebuild it—brick by brick.”

Brad's Journey to Success and Defining Success

Brad discusses his path to becoming a successful author, emphasizing that true success is loving what you do and making a positive impact on others. He differentiates between chasing accolades and finding fulfillment through meaningful work.

Notable Quote:
Brad Meltzer at [53:42]: “Do I love what I’m doing? That’s successful. It’s my wife’s advice to me.”

JFK Conspiracy and Critical Thinking

Delving into his research on the JFK assassination, Brad explores the complexities and enduring questions surrounding this historical event. He challenges prevailing conspiracy theories by advocating for evidence-based conclusions while acknowledging that some questions remain unanswered.

Notable Quote:
Brad Meltzer at [71:35]: “JFK is the perfect metaphor. Super shiny on the outside, but none of it exists and none of it matters. What matters are the more personal things you bring to your family, friends, and community.”

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Brad Meltzer encapsulates his philosophy by encouraging listeners to focus on their personal growth, embrace kindness, and recognize the profound impact of small, intentional actions. He emphasizes that legacy is built not through material success but through the positive influence one has on others.

Notable Quote:
Brad Meltzer at [72:05]: “If you can just put a little bit of kindness out in the universe, if you take nothing else from this interview, it’s saying thank you when you see a janitor and keeping the world a little better.”

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a deep exploration of empathy, kindness, and the intangible measures of success through Brad Meltzer’s insightful narratives and personal anecdotes. Listeners are left with practical advice on building meaningful relationships, overcoming criticism, and focusing on what truly matters in life.

For more resources and to read Brad Meltzer's Make Magic, visit jordanharbinger.com.