Mel Robbins

Early life and education: Melanie Lee Schneeberger was born October 6, 1968. She graduated from Dartmouth College and earned a J.D. from Boston College Law School before beginning a legal career that included work as a public defender and attorney/analyst roles in media and law-related positions early in her career. Career pivot and viral TEDx: After practicing law and working as a legal analyst, Robbins transitioned into media and coaching; a 2011 TEDx talk, “How to Stop Screwing Yourself Over,” introduced the public to the core idea behind what later became her 5‑Second Rule and helped catalyze her speaking and author career. Books, media, and programs: Robbins published Stop Saying You’re Fine in 2011 and achieved wider fame with The 5 Second Rule (2017), which became a global bestseller and launched a suite of books, journals, online courses, and corporate training products translated into many languages. She later authored The High 5 Habit (2021) and The Let Them Theory (2024), and her work has been adapted into podcasts, audio programs, and professional development partnerships with major brands. Recent work and media enterprises: Robbins hosts The Mel Robbins Podcast and in 2019 launched The Mel Robbins Show, a nationally syndicated daytime talk show; she also runs a Boston‑based media and production company (143 Studios) that develops content, courses, and corporate programs for consumer and enterprise clients.