David Magee is a bestselling author, inspirational speaker, and podcast host dedicated to student, family, and community well-being. He’s the author of Dear William: A Father’s Memoir of Addiction, Recovery, Love, and Loss—a Publisher’s Weekly national bestseller, Best Book of the South (Reckon, 2021), and recipient of a Starred Review from Kirkus. Featured on CBS Mornings, Dear William is currently in development as a feature film directed by Andrew Hyatt (The Blind, Sight).

David’s guidebook, Things Have Changed: What Every Parent (and Educator) Should Know About the Student Mental Health and Substance Misuse Crisis (2023), expands on the message he shares nationwide with parents and educators. Through powerful talks and practical insights, he offers tools for supporting young people in today’s challenging world.

As a sought-after speaker in schools, universities, companies, and communities across the country, David addresses mental health, resilience, addiction recovery, and how to find lasting joy and purpose. His relatable, hopeful message resonates deeply with audiences—making difficult conversations feel empowering and actionable.

David builds movements, and is a creator of the William Magee Center for AOD and Wellness Education at the University of Mississippi, named in memory of his son, William, who died from an accidental drug overdose. He also helped create the William Magee Institute for Student Wellbeing, focused on finding solutions through research.

Before dedicating himself to advocacy and storytelling for students and families, David led a wide-ranging media career as a daily newspaper publisher, media company president, and award-winning columnist. He helped build several of the most-visited digital news sites in America, ran his own small business, appeared regularly on CNBC, and hosted a national cable TV and radio program, The David Magee Show.

David is the author of more than a dozen books, including:

• How Toyota Became #1 (Penguin), named a Top 10 Business Book of the Year by the American Library Association

• Things Have Changed: What Every Parent (and Educator) Should Know About the Student Mental Health, Substance Misuse Crisis (2023)

• The Education of Mr. Mayfield, a Best Book of the South (2009)

• The John Deere Way (Wiley)

• Playing to Win: Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys (Triumph)
  

David has also appeared on multiple History Channel episodes, explaining everything from the surprising history of rental cars to America’s role in inventing charcoal and the outdoor barbecue.

You can subscribe to David’s newsletter and listen to The David Magee Show wherever you get your podcasts.

David and his wife, Kent, live in Oxford, Mississippi, and are the grandparents of six. Their commitment to helping students, families, and communities with addiction and mental health recovery continues through The Magee Foundation.