Synopses & Reviews
Although he was virtually unknown just a few short years ago, Dr. Phil McGraw has become a media sensation. Since his first appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 1998, Dr. Phil has made himself into the man people turn to for help in solving the problems of their lives.
But Dr. Phil is more than just the worlds most famous pop psychologist. Hes also a gifted businessman whose empire includes a blockbuster television show, bestselling books, and sold-out live seminars. In fact, the rise of Dr. Philand his ever-expanding media and self-help operationis one of the most fascinating success stories in recent years.
The Making of Dr. Phil takes you inside the world of this global phenomenon. Both an engaging biography and business success story, this comprehensive portrait introduces you to the real Dr. Phil, from his early days as a young athlete and student pilot, to his failed first marriage, decision to study psychology, chance meeting with Oprah, and other big breaks along the way that set the stage for his incredible career. Authors Sophia Dembling and Lisa Gutierrez dig deep to uncover Dr. Phils motivations, inner drive, and the full dimension of a personality more complex than the "down-home doc" portrayed in his books and on television.
This fascinating book reveals:
- What Dr. Phils childhood and young adult years were like, including exclusive interviews with his friends and former classmates
- How Dr. Phils win-at-all-costs attitude has enabled him to build a multimillion-dollar business and media empire
- What Dr. Phils relationship with Oprah is really like, and what goes on behind the scenes of his hit TV show
- Why some say Dr. Phils brand of pop psychology is harmful, and how he responds to these charges
- What rules Dr. Phil lives by that have led him to achieve such amazing success
Complete with interviews from his family, childhood friends, former business associates, and many others, The Making of Dr. Phil offers a rare glimpse into the life of one of todays most fascinating celebrities. It provides an up-close look at how he worked his way to the top, and is must reading for every Dr. Phil fan or anyone wanting to uncover his secrets for achieving their wildest dreams.
Review
“In this thought-provoking treatise on the quieter types, Dembling, the blogger behind Psychology Todays “The Introverts Corner,” proposes a wholesale rethinking of what it means to be an introvert…. Demblings account is refreshingly candid and straightforward—“I am an introvert,” she writes, “And theres not a damn thing wrong with me.”
-Publishers Weekly
“Unlike Quiet, it not only provides scientific and cultural background but also practical tips and a thorough-note of complete understanding of the introverts nature. An introvert myself, I have never read a book that I have so truly felt myself in.”
-Psych Central
“Dembling urges introverts to embrace their need for solitude, reflection, and regeneration with no apologies. It's what makes us who we are.”
-Cleveland Plain Dealer
Synopsis
The first biography of Dr. Phil McGraw and his rise to fame
Millions look to Dr. Phil for advice on everything from relationships to life. But Dr. Phil is more than just a pop psychologist. He's also an amazing businessman who has started and run a number of flourishing ventures. In The Making of Dr. Phil, award-winning journalists Sophia Dembling and Lisa Gutierrez take readers inside the world of Dr. Phil and his media and self-help empire. From his early days as a young athlete and student pilot, to his failed first marriage and decision to study psychology, The Making of Dr. Phil captures the courageous rise of one of today's most well-known celebrities. Full of exclusive interviews, this comprehensive portrait explores Dr. Phil's true motivations and inner drives. It also reveals the full dimension of his personality, beyond the "down-home doc" image portrayed in his books and on television. The Making of Dr. Phil offers a rare inside look at the real Dr. Phil McGraw and provides a firsthand account of how he became such a huge success.
Sophia Dembling (Dallas, TX) is a veteran journalist and former reporter for the Dallas Morning News. She was recently featured on the Dr. Phil: E! True Hollywood Story and will also appear on the upcoming A&E Biography on Dr. Phil. Lisa Gutierrez (Overland Park, KS) is an award-winning journalist. She obtained the first exclusive interview with Dr. Phil's first wife, and her reporting on Dr. Phil has appeared in numerous newspapers around the world.
Synopsis
Includes bibliographical references (p. 253-280) and index.
Synopsis
Essential Reading for Every Dr. Phil Fan
and Anyone Hoping to Learn the Secrets of His Incredible Success
The story of Dr. Phils rise to the top is not one of a well-thought- out and carefully executed plan, nor is it entirely a tale about the rewards of hard workalthough McGraw is clearly driven by his own success. Rather, it is the story of a brilliant opportunist with powerful survival instincts and a gift for quickly analyzing and sizing up any situation.
Youve no doubt heard the legend about the man who was blessed by Oprahs golden touch. But the real story of the making of Dr. Phil encompasses both embarrassing failures and promising opportunities that have been brilliantly capitalized on by someone with the brainsand nervesto do what it takes to succeed.
From the Preface
Synopsis
For anyone who loved Susan Cains Quiet, comes this practical manifesto sharing the joys of introversion
This clever and pithy book challenges introverts to take ownership of their personalities...with quiet strength. Sophia Dembling asserts that the introverts lifestyle is not wrong” or lacking, as society or extroverts would have us believe. Through a combination of personal insights and psychology, The Introverts Way helps and encourages introverts to embrace their nature, to respect traits they may have been ashamed of and reframe them as assets.
Youre not shy; rather, you appreciate the joys of quiet. Youre not antisocial; instead, you enjoy recharging through time alone. Youre not unfriendly, but you do find more meaning in one-on-one connections than large gatherings.
By honoring what makes them unique, this astute and inspiring book challenges introverts to own” their introversion, igniting a quiet revolution that will change how they see themselves and how they engage with the world.
Synopsis
Introversion Is a Gift. This clever and pithy book challenges introverts to take ownership of their personalities...with quiet strength. Sophia Dembling asserts that the introvert’s lifestyle is not “wrong” or lacking, as society or extroverts would have us believe. Through a combination of personal insights and psychology, The Introvert’s Way helps and encourages introverts to embrace their nature, to respect traits they may have been ashamed of and reframe them as assets.
You’re not shy; rather, you appreciate the joys of quiet. You’re not antisocial; instead, you enjoy recharging through time alone. You’re not unfriendly, but you do find more meaning in one-on-one connections than large gatherings.
By honoring what makes them unique, this astute and inspiring book challenges introverts to “own” their introversion, igniting a quiet revolution that will change how they see themselves and how they engage with the world.
Synopsis
For anyone who loved Susan Cains Quiet, comes this practical manifesto sharing the joys of introversion
This clever and pithy book challenges introverts to take ownership of their personalities...with quiet strength. Sophia Dembling asserts that the introverts lifestyle is not wrong” or lacking, as society or extroverts would have us believe. Through a combination of personal insights and psychology, The Introverts Way helps and encourages introverts to embrace their nature, to respect traits they may have been ashamed of and reframe them as assets.
Youre not shy; rather, you appreciate the joys of quiet. Youre not antisocial; instead, you enjoy recharging through time alone. Youre not unfriendly, but you do find more meaning in one-on-one connections than large gatherings.
By honoring what makes them unique, this astute and inspiring book challenges introverts to own” their introversion, igniting a quiet revolution that will change how they see themselves and how they engage with the world.
About the Author
SOPHIA DEMBLING is a veteran reporter based in Dr. Phil’s hometown of Dallas, Texas. She spent more than a decade as a staff writer and editor at the Dallas Morning News, where she interviewed such celebrities as Martha Stewart, Carl Bernstein, Clint Black, and Annie Leibovitz. The author of The Yankee Chick’s Survival Guide to Texas, she has written for such publications as Newsday, the Los Angeles Times, the Seattle Times, and American Way.
LISA GUTIERREZ is an award-winning journalist who has been recognized for her investigative reporting by the Associated Press, National Newspaper Association, and Gannett. Now a features writer for the Kansas City Star, Gutierrez has interviewed numerous high-profile figures, including Billy Graham, Barbara Bush, Jeanne Phillips (aka Dear Abby), and actor Rob Lowe. Gutierrez has written for a number of publications over the past twenty years including USA Today. Her exclusive interview with Dr. Phil’s first wife was picked up by numerous newspapers and broadcast outlets around the country.
Table of Contents
Prologue.
1. Learning to Fly.
2. Like Father, Like Son.
3. Big Man on Campus
4. Tackling the Rough Times.
5. Let’s Make a Deal.
6. Studying Psychology.
7. Licensed to Phil.
8. From the Couch to the Courtroom.
9. Oprah Comes Calling.
10. Becoming a Bestseller.
11. Ready for the Spotlight.
12. The Dr. Phil Show.
13. Mass-Marketing Tough Talk.
14. A Perfect Marriage.
15. The Son Also Rises.
16. Quick Draw McGraw.
17. Enjoying Celebrity.
18. Dr. Phil’s Life Lessons for Success.
Significant Events in Dr. Phil’s Life.
Acknowledgements.
Source Notes.
Index.