Meeting my Heroes: Life Lessons from Icons, Creatives, and Everyday Legends

What happens if you meet your heroes—rock stars, actors, artists, thinkers—and they actually live up to the hype?Most people warn you never to meet your heroes. Journalist and photographer Matt Carmichael has spent a lifetime proving them wrong. In this funny, heartfelt, and photo-filled memoir, he shares 75 unforgettable encounters with the famous, the fascinating, and the quietly extraordinary.Some of his heroes are household names—David Bowie, Robin Williams, Martha Stewart, Mr. T, Alanis Morissette, Keith Haring. Others are visionaries in their fields—futurist Amy Webb, urbanist Richard Florida, travel guru Rick Steves. Still others are the local legends, teachers, DJs, and neighbors who shaped his life just as much as the celebrities did.From each meeting, Matt took away a lesson—and now he shares them with humor, humility, and just the right amount of chutzpah. Along the way, you’ll discover:How to open doors, get backstage, and belong in any roomHow to value your time, your work, and yourselfHow to stay both physically and mentally fitHow to recognize true friendshipWhy curiosity and surrounding yourself with interesting people are the ultimate superpowersThe stories come alive with rarely-seen photos, candid moments, and insights that are part memoir, part pop culture history, and part life guide for anyone who wants to live more creatively.Matt has been called "an actual photographer" by Dave Barry and an "internet guru" in Rolling Stone. a former Census Bureau director said Matt's work was “important for the country.” An Emmy-winning cellist said, "Matt Carmichael is one of those people you wished lived nearby so you could invite him to every dinner party.If you love memoirs, celebrity encounters, behind-the-scenes stories, creative inspiration, or just a good laugh, this book is for you. These stories won’t just show you what it’s like to meet your heroes—they’ll inspire you to go find your own. Read more