Richard Carlson was an American author, psychotherapist, and motivational speaker. He is best known for his bestselling book, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff... and it's all Small Stuff (1997), which became a USA Today's bestselling book for two consecutive years and spent over 101 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list. The book was published in 135 countries and translated into Latvian, Polish, Icelandic, Serbian, and 26 other languages.

Carlson was considered to be one of the foremost experts on happiness and stress reduction in the United States and around the world. As the author of thirty popular books, including the runaway bestseller, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…and it’s all Small Stuff, he showed millions of people how not to let the small things in life get the best of them.

His books made publishing history, with more than 26 million copies in print, published in 35 languages in more than 130 countries. Dr. Carlson became a worldwide phenomenon, speaking to enthusiastic audiences and appearing on numerous television and radio shows, including Oprah, Good Morning America, The Today Show, and The View.

Richard Carlson was also known for his early morning ritual with his wife, Kristine Carlson, where they would meditate and brainstorm ideas together. He co-authored several books with Kristine, such as Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff in Love, and encouraged her to write her own books.

Tragically, Richard Carlson passed away on December 13, 2006, due to a pulmonary embolism on a flight to New York, where he was going to promote his latest book.