M.J. Dougherty is the author of the award-winning, #1 bestselling book Life Lessons from a Total Failure and host of the hit Podcast of the same name, M.J. has pulled, rolled, and hauled himself up from the bottom too many times to count. A self-described, recovering “total failure,” he has survived rejection, dejection, depression, and an attempt to take his own life. For M.J., when it rained, it poured, but it also inspired him to follow his passions by working in TV (Dexter, Grey's Anatomy) and to write his award-winning, bestselling book.
His humor, candidness and message about failing forward has resonated with readers, live audiences, and even caught the eye of Hollywood. Currently, his life story, based on his book is being developed into a sitcom by Anonymous Content, the production company who brought us the Golden Globe Award-winning “Mr. Robot” (USA) and the Emmy Award-winning “True Detective.” (HBO) as well as the 2015 Academy Award for Best Picture “Spotlight.”
M.J. is also set to joinbactors RJ Mitte (Breaking Bad) and Monty Geer (MTV's Awkward) with The Roller Coaster Tour this spring which will take him to colleges and universities in all 50 states and Canada.
M.J. can frequently be found talking to others about the events of his life and helping motivate them toward the life of their dreams. When he's not sharing his disasters with the world and helping them get back on track, M.J. can be found writing pilots for TV, on the set of one of your favorite television shows or singing wherever anyone will listen.
M.J. loves his life in the great city of Los Angeles, CA with his husband Pete and dog Cooper.
