"Breathtakingly Brilliant”
A message of hope in Dear William translates unimaginable tragedy into an inspirational commitment to saving others.
The National Bestseller
Dear William
Called “breathtakingly brilliant” in tone by renowned memoirist Kiese Laymon, “powerful and revelatory” by NYT bestselling author Aimee Nezhukumatathil, and named a best book of the South in 2022, Magee’s Dear William memoir addresses addiction, recovery, love and loss, and the making and near-breaking of an American family like no book you’ve read. The book is in development as a motion picture.
A Speaker Who Moves People
"David was fantastic. Not a dry eye in the room. All feedback was totally positive. I would recommend him to anyone."
--Ann, conference leader, after David's keynote
David Magee is a bestselling author, podcast host, nationally recognized speaker, and leading voice in wellbeing, mental health, family, and personal growth.
Known for his honesty, warmth, humor, and depth, David brings rare range to the stage—from corporate keynotes and leadership gatherings to schools, universities, churches, and communities.
His message is rooted in lived experience: a family nearly shattered by addiction, loss, and mental health challenges, then rebuilt through vulnerability, faith, forgiveness, and love.
Over the past six years, David has spoken to more than 75,000 students, parents, educators, and community members nationwide. Drawing on decades of leadership and storytelling, he leaves audiences with more than inspiration—a clearer understanding of what can change and how to begin.
To have David inspire at your next event, email Mike Rosenberg at APB Speakers at
mrosenberg@apbspeakers.com.
His Dream—Now Our Dream
Can Be Realized
William Magee, a University of Mississippi Honors College student and SEC track athlete who lost his life to a drug overdose one year after graduation, had hoped to one day be strong enough to help others. He is no longer with us, but his desire to help has been realized through significant programs established in his honor.
With David Magee’s push, the William Magee Center for AOD and Wellness Education opened at the University of Mississippi in Fall 2019 to support students on campus. The University later created the William Magee Institute for Student Wellbeing, again with David’s involvement, advancing research and new approaches to student wellbeing that now reach far beyond campus.
Building on that work, David Magee and his wife, Kent, created
The Magee Foundation, which is working in Mississippi and across the country to advance opioid abatement, mental health, and recovery. As founder, David leads its work through storytelling and education to help students, families, and communities flourish.