Doug Fleener, author of Start With What If, featured in publications including the Wall Street Journal and New York Times

Media and Press

DF Spark

“Grounded, honest, and immediately useful. Doug delivers real insight with zero hype.”

“A top-shelf guest with a powerful story and practical takeaways.”

“Felt like talking with an old pal—while learning something that actually sticks.”

Doug Fleener is a coach, speaker, and author of Start With What If—a book about how two simple words can change your perspective and what’s possible. He is also the creator of The What If Rule, a simple and powerful framework for creating better perspectives and options in any situation.

Doug’s work and insights have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and Business Insider, along with numerous podcasts, leadership publications, and conferences.

He is available for:

  • Interviews and podcast appearances

  • Articles and expert commentary

  • Television or video segments

  • Speaking inquiries

Media Contact:
If you’re on deadline or looking to book Doug for an upcoming story, please call or text 617-340-9041 or use the contact form below.

Doug as Your Media Guest or Expert

Doug Fleener’s story isn’t one of overnight success—it’s one of real change. After years of struggle with addiction and self-doubt, Doug rebuilt his life from the inside out. That journey shaped his belief that transformation begins with one simple question: What if?

As the author of Start With What If and The Day Makes the Year (Makes a Life), and the creator of The What If Rule, Doug helps people see challenges, habits, and everyday moments in a new light. His insights are practical, hopeful, and deeply human—showing how anyone can create better perspectives and possibilities starting today.

Doug has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and Business Insider, and is a powerful guest for conversations about personal growth, mindset, recovery, and how small shifts in thinking can change a life.

Suggested Interview Topics

  • The What If Rule: How two simple words can immediately change your perspective and what’s possible

  • You’re One Action Away: Why real change starts with one small, intentional move

  • The Power of Daily Decisions: Lessons from The Day Makes the Year (Makes a Life) on how small choices shape a life

  • From Addiction to Intention: Doug’s personal journey of rebuilding through purpose and perspective

  • Why Confidence Isn’t the Starting Point: How action creates belief, not the other way around

  • When Life Feels Stuck: Using What If questions to turn setbacks into forward motion

Recent Media & Press Highlights

  • What If You Didn’t React Right Away? on Chapter X with Michael Kay listen

  • A Conversation on Perspective and Hope on Our Journey to Hope podcast listen

  • Reframing Challenges on Famous Interview podcast listen

  • Sharing insight on the Abstract Essay podcast watch

  • A Conversation on Transformation & The "What If" Mindset with KAJ Masterclass watch

  • Interview on the Phantom Electric Ghost podcast watch

  • Business Insider: Book excerpt. read

  • Beyond the Crucible: Getting Sober Saved His Life and Gave Him a Model to Follow Living It listen

  • Extrology Podcast: Taking responsibility is a superpower watch

  • DayOne: Streak Stories: 270 Days with Doug Fleener read

  • Money for Lunch Podcast: Drug Addict Turned CEO listen

  • Built In: Did You Goof Up at Work? Then Own Up read

  • The Job Interview Experience: Take Responsibility for Your Job Search, Learn from Setbacks, Focus on 3 Things a Day watch

  • Authority Magazine: Interview on Operational Scalability read

  • Business Radio X: Author and Coach Doug Fleener  listen

  • Build a Better Agency: Core principles to help agency owners own their day with intentionality with Doug Fleener  listen

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