Brad Meltzer on The Viper, Witness Protection, and Starting Over

Brad Meltzer, New York Times bestselling author and creator of the 'Ordinary People Change the World' nonprofit, joins Guy Kawasaki on the Remarkable People podcast to discuss his latest thriller, The Viper, which centers on a mortician at Dover Air Force Base—the nation's most secretive funeral home. Meltzer reveals how real-life research into Dover, including interviews with morticians and access to restricted areas, inspired the novel’s gripping narrative and its profound theme of 'pentimento'—the idea that life’s rough drafts, filled with regrets and flaws, are essential to creating a masterpiece. He also delves into his fascination with the U.S. Witness Protection Program, explaining how it has evolved from protecting mob informants to safeguarding accountants, terrorists, and whistleblowers, while highlighting the emotional toll of severing all ties to one’s past. Meltzer reflects on his prolific career across genres—from children’s books to nonfiction and television—attributing his success to resilience, rejection, and a deep belief that 'a good story is a good story.' He passionately defends the power of heroes in children’s literature, especially in the face of book bans, and argues that the real danger isn’t censorship, but the erosion of shared values and empathy in society. Ultimately, Meltzer champions the idea that ordinary people, through courage and perseverance, are the true architects of change.