Mel Robbins, born Melanie Lee Schneeberger on October 6, 1968, is an American author, podcast host, and motivational speaker. She initially practiced law, including work as a public defender and a CNN legal analyst. However, Robbins is now widely known as a leading expert in mindset, behavior change, and personal growth, with millions of followers online. The Wall Street Journal has dubbed her a "billion-view podcaster," and TIME magazine recognizes her ability to inspire belief in others.
Robbins gained prominence for her TEDx talk, "How to Stop Screwing Yourself Over," where she introduced the "5 Second Rule" technique. She is the author of several best-selling books, including The 5 Second Rule (2017), The High 5 Habit (2021), and The Let Them Theory (2024). Her podcast, The Mel Robbins Podcast, launched in 2022, has earned prestigious awards and consistently ranks among the top podcasts globally. In 2025, Robbins was included in TIME magazine's "TIME100 Creators" list as one of the most influential digital voices and received an iHeartPodcast Award for Best Overall Host. In early 2026, Robbins was interviewed by Norah O'Donnell on CBS Sunday Morning, where she shared insights on personal growth and change.