The Making of Dr. Phil

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 world’s most famous pop psychologist. He’s also a gifted businessman whose empire includes a blockbuster television show, bestselling books, and sold-out live seminars. In fact, the rise of Dr. Phil–and his ever-expanding media and self-help operation–is 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. Phil’s 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. Phil’s childhood and young adult years were like, including exclusive interviews with his friends and former classmates
• How Dr. Phil’s win-at-all-costs attitude has enabled him to build a multimillion-dollar business and media empire
• What Dr. Phil’s relationship with Oprah is really like, and what goes on behind the scenes of his hit TV show
• Why some say Dr. Phil’s 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 today’s 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.