don blackwell
Meet the author
Don Blackwell is and, for the past 40 plus years, has been a trial attorney in South Florida. More importantly, Don is a husband, the father of two adult children, and “Papa Don” to two amazing grandchildren, Jake and Macie.
At various times, Don’s also been a college disc jockey, a little league baseball coach, the founder and principal organizer of a charity golf tournament benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, an Adjunct Professor of Law, an avid blogger, a noticer, an encourager, and an outspoken mental health advocate.
Don’s first book, Dear Ashley: A Father's Reflections and Letters to His Daughter on Life, Love and Hope, is a compilation of life lessons he learned in the midst of his daughter's decade-long struggle with a life-threatening illness. He also has authored two children’s books, The Bunt and Rounding Third, both based on his days as a little league coach.
Don has published numerous articles on mental health in a variety of local, state, and national publications, is a much sought after speaker, and regularly appears as a guest on local and national webinars and mental health support group platforms.
When he’s not spending time with his grandchildren (or working!), Don loves going on long walks, lounging at the beach, engaging in meaningful conversation, playing an occasional round of golf, and listening to live and classic album rock music.
Speaking opportunities
In addition to numerous appearances as the featured guest on Chats in the Living Room, Don has shared his wisdom, wit, and inspirational messages for decades, speaking to a variety of audiences on topics ranging from the need for a heightened level of professionalism and civility in the legal profession, mental health, including eating disorders and other addictive behaviors, dads and daughters, and the principles at the core of his new book, Retune Your Heart and its Playbook companion.
If you’re interested in having Don come speak at an upcoming event or to your organization or group, simply fill out the form below to begin the process.
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When It Comes To Mental Health, “Powering Through” Is Not an Option – And Other Lessons Learned From One Family’s Journey Into And Out Of the Abyss (April 2024).
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I’m Pretty Sure We Missed the Memo! A Few Thoughts on How We Got Here, How We Find Our Way Home, And The Simple Joys That Patiently Await Our Return (April 2024)
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“Compassionate Professionalism: The Time Has Come to Embrace and Tend To Our Shared Humanity” (June 2022)
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“Loneliness and the Law – An Open Invitation to ‘Come Out and Play!’” (October 2018).
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“Still Hungry After All These Years: A Retrospective and Prospective Look at the Father/Daughter Relationship and Eating Disorders” (NEDA Annual Conference, October, 2016)
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“I’ve Listened to Your Daughter’s Heart,” Fatherhood and Families 15th Annual National Conference (February, 2014).
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"If You Snooze You Lose - I Guarantee It! - 5 Keys to Unlocking The Desires Of Your Heart" (July, 2013).
Retune your heart
Retune Your Heart stirs the spirits and soothes the soul, urging people to move beyond setbacks and heartbreak, embrace vulnerability, and get back to living their best, most authentic lives.