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

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Apr 8, 2026

Guest

Brad Meltzer

Brad Meltzer, bestselling author of thrillers, nonfiction, and children’s books, talks research-driven storytelling and reinvention. He explores The Viper’s real-world digs—from Dover mortuary visits to witness protection realities. The chat jumps between pentimento and first drafts, disappearing in the digital age, conspiracies versus truth, and why second chances and moral questions fuel his work.

52:48

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ANECDOTE

Dover Mortuary Research Gave Authentic Details

Dover is a real, secretive military mortuary that handles flag-draped coffins, astronauts, 9/11 Pentagon victims, and covert operatives.
Meltzer spent a week there, met morticians (including a real Zig) and used real details like Pat Tillman's jersey.

insights

INSIGHT

Outline Direction Not Details To Preserve Discovery

Meltzer outlines only what he needs (the whodunit and direction) and keeps plotting flexible to allow creative pivots.
He writes 50-page outlines, then pivots as surprises and better ideas appear during drafting.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Small Mortician Tricks Made Scenes Believable

Morticians shared practical tricks Meltzer couldn't invent, like rubbing an orange on clay to create realistic facial texture.
He returns drafts to experts (military, morticians) to correct factual details before publication.

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Brad Meltzer's career and latest book

02:05 • 3min

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Meaning of pentimento and first drafts

05:07 • 4min

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Dover mortuary research and Pat Tillman

09:06 • 5min

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Morticians' craft and authentic details

13:49 • 8min

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Outline process for thrillers

21:54 • 4min

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How witness protection actually works

25:53 • 2min

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Practical advice on disappearing today

28:16 • 18sec

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Obsession with witness protection

28:35 • 2min

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Writing across genres and rejection

30:21 • 6min

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Fiction vs. reality in political thrillers

36:04 • 3min

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Conspiracies, truth, and Decoded

39:22 • 6min

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Heroes for children and what defines a hero

45:41 • 3min

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Banned books and defending access

Brad Meltzer's 'Heroes for My Son' compiles short portraits of historical figures, athletes, and leaders designed to inspire and guide young readers. Written as a personal gift and framed by Meltzer's reflections on fatherhood, the book pairs accessible storytelling with moral lessons. It aims to provide role models who exemplify courage, integrity, and service. The book led to companion titles, including versions for daughters and a broader 'I Am' series. Meltzer's approach blends admiration for historical figures with practical examples children can emulate.

#69175

The Fifth Assassin

Brad Meltzer

Brad Meltzer's 'The Fifth Assassin' is a thriller that interlaces facts about U.S. presidential history with a modern-day conspiracy involving attempts on a president's life. The novel explores obsession, legacy, and morality through a fast-paced narrative and researched historical details. Meltzer often uses real historical incidents as springboards for fictional plots, creating plausibility and depth. The book balances action with character development, focusing on motives and the consequences of extreme beliefs. Readers of Meltzer appreciate his knack for turning historical curiosities into gripping fiction.

#42455

I Am Rosa Parks

Brad Meltzer

Brad Meltzer's 'I Am Rosa Parks' is part of his 'I Am' children's series that introduces young readers to historical figures through first-person narrative. The book highlights Rosa Parks' act of civil disobedience and frames her as an ordinary person who changed the world, with simple text and engaging illustrations. Meltzer wrote the series to give children positive role models and accessible lessons in courage and citizenship. The series has been used in schools and libraries, and some titles have faced bans, prompting Meltzer to speak publicly in defense of the books. The book pairs historical context with inspirational messaging aimed at young audiences.

#440

• Mentioned in 71 episodes

Conspiracy

Ryan Holiday

In 'Conspiracy', Ryan Holiday chronicles the intricate and ambitious plot by Peter Thiel to take down Gawker Media. The book is based on interviews with key players and delves into the strategic and philosophical underpinnings of Thiel's actions. It examines the intersection of power, privacy, and free speech in the digital age, highlighting the ruthless and brilliant tactics employed by Thiel. The narrative transcends a simple tale of a billionaire vs. a media empire, offering insights into the broader implications for culture and society.

#70653

Martin Luther King Jr

#4751

• Mentioned in 11 episodes

The Escape Artist

Judith Katz

The book is a picaresque tale about two remarkable women, Sofia and Hankus, both from Poland. Sofia is tricked into moving to Buenos Aires, while Hankus escapes from pogroms by passing as a man and becomes an illusionist and escape artist. Their paths intersect through Tutsik Goldenberg, leading to a complex web of love, freedom, and independence.

#4010

• Mentioned in 13 episodes

Everybody Has Something to Hide

Madison Niesmer

Guy Kawasaki

#68206

I Am Billie Jean King

Brad Meltzer

#26025

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

Heroes For My Daughter

Brad Meltzer

Heroes for My Daughter is a 2012 nonfiction book by Brad Meltzer featuring vignettes, quotes, and photos of diverse heroes like Rosa Parks, Marie Curie, Amelia Earhart, and family members, explaining why their character and values matter. Created as a companion to Heroes for My Son, it emphasizes fighting for what you believe in and includes a blank page for readers to add their own hero. The book reached #6 on the New York Times bestseller list and is ideal for children, parents, and anyone seeking inspiration.

#11040

• Mentioned in 5 episodes

The Viper

A Fast Paced Thriller of Family Bonds and Deadly Conspiracies

Brad Meltzer

Brad Meltzer joins Guy Kawasaki to discuss his latest thriller, The Viper, and the real-world research behind it—from America’s most secretive funeral home to the hidden realities of witness protection. They dive into the meaning of pentimento, why rough drafts shape masterpieces, and how grief, morality, and second chances influence Brad’s storytelling. The conversation spans conspiracies, character creation, reinvention, and the discipline required to write across genres. It’s a candid look at how one of today’s most versatile authors blends heart, history, and suspense.

Guy Kawasaki is on a mission to make you remarkable. His Remarkable People podcast features interviews with remarkable people such as Jane Goodall, Marc Benioff, Woz, Kristi Yamaguchi, and Bob Cialdini. Every episode will make you more remarkable.

With his decades of experience in Silicon Valley as a Venture Capitalist and advisor to the top entrepreneurs in the world, Guy’s questions come from a place of curiosity and passion for technology, start-ups, entrepreneurship, and marketing. If you love society and culture, documentaries, and business podcasts, take a second to follow Remarkable People.

Listeners of the Remarkable People podcast will learn from some of the most successful people in the world with practical tips and inspiring stories that will help you be more remarkable.

Episodes of Remarkable People organized by topic: https://bit.ly/rptopology

Listen to Remarkable People here: **https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guy-kawasakis-remarkable-people/id1483081827**

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