Motivational Keynote Speaker on Recovery, Identity & Change
Don Phelps is a motivational keynote speaker who brings honest storytelling and lived experience to conversations about identity, recovery, mindfulness, and change. His talks explore what happens when the roles and identities we depend on stop working, and what becomes possible when we move from performance toward greater honesty and presence.
As the author of From Pulpit to Presence, a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS), recovery coach, and former pastor, Don brings a distinctive perspective shaped by both traditional and nontraditional approaches to recovery. His work embraces multiple pathways and explores how mindfulness, self-awareness, and presence can help us respond differently to life.
My journey is descriptive, not prescriptive. I’m not here to tell people what to do. I’m here to share honestly from my own experience, because sometimes hearing someone else’s story helps us feel less alone.
Meet Don
A little about my journey, why I speak, and what I hope happens when I step in front of an audience.
Featured Speaking Engagement
Recovery Dharma Global Summit — Charlotte, North Carolina
Keynote Address · July 2026
“Don was a fantastic choice as keynote speaker for the 2026 Recovery Dharma Global Summit. He fully engaged our attendees over a 2.5 hour scheduled slot which was expertly designed by Don to include several quick breakout exercises and well synchronized slides. His talk was real, from the heart, and highly relatable to our diverse audience. We hope to include Don again in future event programming.”
Jim Curtis (JC)
Chair, Summit Committee
Recovery Dharma Global Summit
Speaking Programs
Programs can be tailored for recovery and behavioral health, healthcare and human services, higher education, professional associations, and workplace audiences.
From Performance to Presence
What Happens When We Stop Trying to Be Who We Think We’re Supposed to Be
Learning How to Stay
Meeting discomfort without immediately escaping, fixing, or reacting.
Recovery Is More Than Abstinence
Moving beyond stopping to learning how to live.
Who Am I Without the Role?
Finding our footing when identities, careers, and life roles change.
What Event Leaders Are Saying
“Don has a great story that connected with our council members, and we’d have him back to speak to our group anytime.”
Jarrett Burton
Supervisor of ROSC Programs
Serenity House Counseling Services, Inc.
DuPage ROSC Council
“His talk was real, from the heart, and highly relatable to our diverse audience.”
Jim Curtis (JC)
Chair, Summit Committee
Recovery Dharma Global Summit
Fees & Booking
Speaking fees vary by event format, location, and organization. Reduced-fee arrangements may be available for recovery and nonprofit organizations. Travel expenses may apply for in-person engagements.
