Fresh off his viral commencement address at the University of Michigan, I'm joined by best-selling author Brad Meltzer. (Yes, that Brad Meltzer from the "I Am..." biographical children's books we all own!) He talks about his thoughts on kindness as a "naive ideal worth fighting for," the need for more empathy online, his love for the Harlem Globetrotters, and why he believes one person can change the world. Plus, he shares some deeply personal stories of kindness that changed his own life, including one in a random men's room. You are going to love what he has to say. Plus, by popular demand, Cool Picks of the Week is back! Whoo! (Though a new audio cue...eh, stay tuned for that one.) ---- Thanks to our sponsor Premium Prep, the personalized college counselling service that helps with applications, financial aid, essay writing, and more. Visit PremiumPre.com and mention Spawned or Cool Mom Picks for a free 30-minute 1:1 session with a best-fit counselor they'll match to your student's interests and your family's needs. ----- Follow Spawned: Apple, Spotify, Amazon Join: The Spawned Podcast FB Community Find Cool Mom Picks: Instagram, Facebook, Threads Find Liz Gumbinner: Instagram, Facebook, Substack, Threads Find Brad Meltzer: Website, Amazon, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads Shownotes from today's episode: Cool Mom Pick Podcast Page Subscribe for cool picks right in your inbox: coolmompicks.com/subscribe/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices