Bernard Meltzer

Bernard Meltzer – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Discover the life of Bernard C. Meltzer (1916–1998), the beloved American radio advice host of “What’s Your Problem?”. Explore his biography, broadcasting career, philosophy, and memorable sayings.

Introduction

Bernard C. Meltzer was a renowned American radio personality best known for his long-running advice call-in show What’s Your Problem? He offered counsel — emotional, practical, financial, and moral — to listeners across America for decades. His calm voice, gentle wisdom, and memorable aphorisms endeared him to generations of listeners. Beyond the microphone, he had a background in civil engineering and city planning, and he quietly battled illness. His legacy is that of a trusted “radio family” friend who sought to uplift ordinary lives through thoughtful guidance and integrity.

Early Life and Background

Bernard C. Meltzer was born on May 2, 1916. Though available biographical details are limited, we know that he was trained in engineering and city planning. Before radio, he worked in Philadelphia as an expert in urban problems.

He held a civil engineering degree from City College of New York and went on to obtain a master’s degree from Wharton, University of Pennsylvania.

Listeners sometimes referred to him as “Doctor Meltzer,” a title he acquired via a correspondence-earned doctoral degree from an unaccredited institution.

Meltzer was Jewish. He chose to work on Sundays, out of respect for Christian colleagues who wished to observe their sabbath.

Career in Radio & Broadcasting

“What’s Your Problem?” and Advice Radio

Meltzer’s signature program, What’s Your Problem?, began in 1967. It aired on several stations over time, including:

• WCAU-AM and WPEN-AM in Philadelphia

• WOR-AM (New York) beginning in 1973

• Later on WEVD in New York and in national syndication via NBC Talknet

On air, Meltzer would take calls from listeners seeking advice or help on wide-ranging issues: personal, familial, financial, romantic, or household problems (e.g. plumbing or home repairs).

He was known for weaving in aphorisms, moral poetry, or reflective wisdom between calls.

At its peak, his show attained very high ratings in its time slot among adult listeners.

Later Years and Health

Around 1985, Meltzer was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a condition he subsequently lived with while continuing to broadcast.

He continued on WOR as long as possible, eventually concluding his broadcast career with a final stint on WEVD in the 1990s.

He passed away on March 25, 1998.

Historical Context & Notable Features

• Meltzer’s radio career coincided with the golden era of advice radio, when listeners turned to voices of authority, empathy, and trust for help with personal and daily life challenges.

• He bridged technical and human domains: his earlier training in civil engineering and planning gave him a methodical mindset, which he adapted to human problems on air.

• His style contrasted with more sensational or confrontational talk radio. Instead, he cultivated a reputation of calm, reasoned guidance and moral grounding.

• In an era when radio personalities often took strongly partisan or sensational stances, Meltzer was more apolitical and focused on personal uplift and problem-solving.

Legacy and Influence

• Meltzer is remembered as a trusted counselor of the airwaves — many listeners considered him part of their “radio family.”

• His influence extended to other broadcasters: Bruce Williams, a well-known talk radio figure, cited Meltzer as a key inspiration.

• His voice and approach show a model for how media personalities can offer support without sensationalism, how radio can be a medium of empathy and wisdom.

• Many of his aphorisms still circulate online in quote collections and social media, testifying to their enduring appeal.

• Though not as widely known today, among radio historians and aficionados of advice media, Meltzer is seen as a significant pioneer.

Personality and Style

• Soothing & Mild-voiced: His style was gentle, quiet, with a smooth tone that invited trust and reflection.

• Philosophical & Moralistic: He often framed dilemmas in moral, ethical or reflective terms, sometimes reciting poetry or aphorisms.

• Empathetic & Nonjudgmental: Meltzer approached callers with dignity, striving to help rather than judge.

• Pragmatic: His advice often included tangible, real-world solutions — “what to do with grandma,” home repair, financial tips — not just abstract counsel.

• Disciplined & Resilient: He continued broadcasting even with Parkinson’s, evidencing a strong commitment to his work and listeners.

Famous Quotes of Bernard Meltzer

Below are some of Meltzer’s more popular quotations (often shared via quote sites) which reflect his wisdom and approach to life:

“Before you speak ask yourself if what you are going to say is true, is kind, is necessary, is helpful. If the answer is no, maybe what you are about to say should be left unsaid.” “A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked.” “We may give without loving, but we cannot love without giving.” “Happiness is like a kiss. You must share it to enjoy it.” “When you forgive, you in no way change the past — but you sure do change the future.” “You can make more friends in two months by becoming really interested in other people, than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.” “Success is getting and achieving what you want. Happiness is wanting and being content with what you get.” “Courts are made for judges and lawyers.” (one of his favorite lines used on his show) “The good people in this world far outnumber the bad.” (comforting refrain to many callers)

These lines show his interest in kindness, communication, forgiveness, humility, and social harmony.

Lessons from Bernard Meltzer

1. Words carry weight
   Meltzer’s reminders to speak truthfully, kindly, and helpfully underscore the moral responsibility behind communication.

2. Empathy fosters trust
   His long success came from treating callers with respect and caring, not condescension or sensationalism.

3. Wisdom often lies in simplicity
   His style and advice were not flashy or esoteric but direct, humane, and accessible.

4. Service persists through adversity
   Even while battling Parkinson’s, Meltzer continued his work of helping others.

5. Aphorisms endure
   Short, memorable phrases — when rooted in sincerity — can outlast one’s active career and reach new audiences.

6. Media as helping tool, not spectacle
   His model suggests that broadcasting need not always aim to provoke shock — it can also be a platform for consolation and constructive dialogue.

Conclusion

Bernard Meltzer carved out a unique niche in American radio: not as an entertainer in the comedic or dramatic sense, but as a gentle guide, a voice of reason and comfort. His legacy is found in the lives of listeners he touched, in the lines of wisdom he left, and in the model he set for advice broadcasting grounded in kindness and respect.