Harold Phifer’s journey is one of survival, transformation, and triumph. Raised in the deep South and tested by warzones abroad, he turned pain into purpose and chaos into compelling stories. With every book, Harold opens a window into the human spirit—resilient, flawed, and relentlessly hopeful. His work is not just about storytelling—it’s about healing, growth, and the power of owning your truth.
Harold spent the first 25 years of his life in his home state. He grew up hustling for pocket change, working odd jobs, and navigating a rough-and-tumble world where survival came before serenity. After graduating from both Mississippi State University and Jackson State University, he entered the high-pressure world of aviation as an air traffic controller in Memphis, Tennessee. For 23 years, Harold guided planes through the skies, while quietly battling the turbulence in his own heart.
Seeking meaning and a deeper sense of duty, Harold left the United States to become an international contractor. He served alongside soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, confronting chaos and conflict on a daily basis. His time overseas wasn’t easy—he was expelled from Iraq during the U.S. military drawdown in 2011 and spent eight grueling years in Afghanistan, only to flee in 2021 as the Taliban regained control.
His escape wasn’t the end—it was a turning point. He found temporary refuge working as an air traffic controller at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base. There, he began putting his experiences to paper, transforming trauma into stories that resonated with readers around the world.
Harold is the author of deeply personal, brutally honest non-fiction books, written under his name and the pen name Dean Conan. His most notable works include:
“Surviving Chaos: How I Found Peace at A Beach Bar” – A gripping memoir in which Harold is forced by a stranger to revisit a buried past filled with both horror and humor, ultimately finding healing in unexpected places.
“My Bully, My Aunt, & Her Final Gift” – A poignant and, at times, darkly funny reflection on a painful family dynamic. In this book, Harold explores his rocky relationship with a bitter religious aunt who constantly undermined him in favor of his unmotivated brother. The book culminates with Harold being asked to deliver her eulogy—an ironic, soul-stirring full-circle moment.
These stories don’t just entertain—they speak to something deeper. Harold’s works explore the wounds we hide, the family dynamics that shape us, and the inner strength it takes to keep going when everything seems lost.
As a #1 Amazon bestselling author, Harold has found his voice—and uses it to inspire others to find theirs. His books have reached readers in prisons, libraries, military bases, and schools across the country, thanks in part to his charitable donations to organizations such as the Women’s Prison Book Project, the USO, and numerous high schools and public libraries.
Beyond the page, Harold continues to engage with audiences through book festivals and speaking events. He is scheduled to appear at the Book Lovers Con in Las Vegas in May 2025, The Great Midwest Book Fest in June 2025, and the Philly Indie Books & Jazz Festival the same month.
Harold writes for adults of all ages—particularly those with a love for memoirs, urban suspense, and real-life family drama. His fans include readers from Christian communities, people healing from childhood trauma, women seeking empowering stories, and anyone who appreciates a blend of brutal truth and bold humor.
Through it all, Harold Phifer stands by his motto: Readers R Leaders. His journey from Mississippi to war zones and back again is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the healing power of storytelling. He’s not just sharing stories—he’s offering survival guides in disguise.
