Free Thinking with Montel

What is happiness, and how can we get closer to finding it? On this episode of Free Thinking with Montel , Montel Williams sits down with renowned filmmaker and philanthropist Peter Samuelson to discuss his new book, Finding Happy: A User’s Guide to Your Life with Lessons from Mine . Packed with enthralling adventures, candid reflections, and actionable advice, Peter’s book is both a roadmap to ha...

What does the future hold for ALS treatment and care? Join Montel as he sits down with Dr. James Berry, a leading expert in ALS research and co-director of the Massachusetts General Hospital multidisciplinary ALS clinic. Dr. Berry shares his incredible insights into the latest innovations in ALS care, including gene-targeted therapies, remote disease monitoring, and cutting-edge clinical trials li...

On this episode of Free Thinking with Montel , we welcome the extraordinary Ana Hebra Flaster, author of the moving new memoir Property of the Revolution . Ana’s deeply personal account takes us from her family’s life as pro-Castro revolutionaries in Havana to their difficult journey as Cuban refugees rebuilding in a snowy New Hampshire mill town. Ana shares with Montel what it was like to flee Cu...

Join Montel Williams in this thought-provoking episode of Free Thinking as he talks with Tony Stewart, author of the upcoming memoir Carrying the Tiger: Living with Cancer, Dying with Grace, Finding Joy While Grieving.  Through this deeply personal conversation, Tony shares the heart-wrenching yet hopeful story of his late wife Lynn’s battle with cancer and how their profound experiences shaped hi...

On this emotionally profound episode of Free Thinking with Montel , we explore the deep and complex grief of losing a child. Montel sits down with Sally McQuillen, a licensed clinical social worker, certified addiction counselor, and author of the memoir, Reaching for Beautiful . Sally shares her deeply personal story of navigating grief, overcoming guilt, and discovering the enduring power of lov...

Transforming pain into purpose. On this episode of Free Thinking with Montel , we sit down with Karen Olson, a true trailblazer in social advocacy and the founder of Family Promise, a national nonprofit dedicated to uplifting homeless and low-income families. Karen shares her remarkable personal story—from the childhood loss of her mother to a chance encounter with a homeless woman that forever ch...

Join Montel Williams in this inspiring episode of Free Thinking , where we welcome Andres Schabelman, a trailblazing entrepreneur turned author, to discuss success, self-growth, and his captivating new book Captains Wanted .  Drawing on his extraordinary life experiences—from being an early employee at Airbnb to ringing the NYSE bell with Fiverr, and even surviving life-altering events in Colombia...

This episode is a powerful exploration of resilience, hope, and the courage to rebuild after unimaginable loss. Montel is joined by Kristen Moeller, MS—psychologist, three-time TEDx speaker, and author of Phoenix Rising . Kristen’s personal story of loss in the 2012 Colorado wildfire shaped her unshakable advocacy for those navigating trauma and recovery. Together, Montel and Kristen unpack the ra...

How far would you go for love? On this gripping Book Club Edition of Free Thinking with Montel , we welcome Patricia Bonis, author of the memoir Jeddah Bride: A Life of Luxury, Love, and Sacrifice . Patricia shares her astonishing journey from Wellesley College to the opulent yet restrictive world of Saudi Arabia’s elite, where love, sacrifice, and unimaginable challenges shaped her life. Join us...

Leadership matters—whether in business, government, or personal life, the rise and fall of organizations, communities, and nations depend on it. On this episode of Free Thinking , Montel Williams sits down with retired United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Philippe Johnson, a decorated officer and author of the book What Hangs in the Balance . Lt. Col. Johnson’s book offers a comprehensive br...

Food should nourish us, heal us, and empower us. But over the past 70 years, our relationship with food has been hijacked by sugar, ultra-processed ingredients, and industrial food systems designed for profit—not health. The result? A global health crisis fueled by chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. On this episode of Free Thinking , Montel sits down with Dr. Randall Hanse...

Has Christmas turned into a gift-buying frenzy for you? 🎁 This week on Free Thinking with Montel , we sit down with Matt Paxton, decluttering expert, host of PBS's Legacy List , and author of the bestselling book Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff . Together, we take a deep look at Christmas consumerism, the emotional weight of “stuff,” and how to reclaim the true spirit of the season. Discover pr...

What happens when you discover that your family history isn’t what you thought it was? 🌍💭 On this episode of Free Thinking with Montel , we’re joined by Gail Lukasik, acclaimed author of What They Never Told Us , to explore the extraordinary, life-changing revelations uncovered by ordinary people about their parentage, race, and ethnicity. From a Texas policeman learning his father is a convicte...

Join Montel Williams in this thought-provoking episode of Free Thinking as he welcomes Renard 'Zo' Williams, a dynamic voice in relationship guidance and a unique presence in the world of radio and television. Known as "Tupac meets Deepak" or "The Hip Hop Dr. Phil," Zo Williams shares his insights on how to deconstruct and rebuild relationships for a more fulfilling life. With over 20 years as a b...

In this powerful episode of Free Thinking with Montel , we explore the profound themes of resilience, inspiration, and living with loss. Join us as we sit down with Rebecca (Becky) Faye Smith Galli, an acclaimed author and columnist who has turned her personal trials into a beacon of hope for many. Becky's life story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. From the devastating loss of her...

Join us on this captivating episode of "Free Thinking with Montel" as we explore the remarkable story of Emanuel "Manny" Simmons, a man whose life is defined by resilience, determination, and an unwavering spirit. Manny is a retired Master Sergeant from the U.S. Marine Corps, a professional boxer, and a Purple Heart recipient—and he has faced challenges that would daunt even the bravest souls. In...

Join us on this episode of "Free Thinking with Montel" as we explore the inspiring story of Steven Hoffen, a high school student making waves in tackling food insecurity through his nonprofit, Growing Peace. Despite his young age, Steven has already raised $80,000 to install hydroponic systems in communities worldwide, providing over 33,500 yearly servings of nutritious produce to those in need. I...

Welcome to another impactful episode of Free Thinking with Montel ! In this episode, we tackle sensitive and crucial topics surrounding accidental shootings, gun violence, and the resilience needed to overcome such traumatic events. Joining us is Paul Rousseau, a distinguished writer whose work has graced the pages of the San Francisco Chronicle, Roxane Gay’s newsletter The Audacity , and more. Pa...

Welcome back to another episode of Free Thinking with Montel . In this week's deeply insightful discussion, Montel Williams dives into the pressing issue of America's growing sense of division and depression. With expert perspectives from two highly esteemed guests, this episode promises to offer a profound exploration of the mental health crisis affecting our nation. Elaine Belson , a clinical so...

n this captivating episode of Free Thinking with Montel, we sit down with Marcia Naomi Berger, a remarkable psychotherapist and author of the compelling memoir, The Bipolar Therapist: A Journey from Madness to Love and Meaning. Marcia shares her unique perspective on living with bipolar disorder, having experienced life as both a professional and a patient. Her story is one of resilience, healing,...

Welcome back to another thought-provoking episode of "Free Thinking with Montel," where we challenge traditional ways of thinking and approach known facts with a new mindset. This week, we are honoured to host Franck “Zanu” Adjisegbe—a powerhouse in leadership, motivation, and human development. Franck Adjisegbe, CEO of Zanu Solutions, brings a unique and explosive perspective to our discussion. H...

Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of Free Thinking with Montel . In this episode, Montel speaks with Phyllis Leavitt, a psychotherapist with over 34 years of experience and author of the compelling new book, America in Therapy . Phyllis believes that while partisanship and aggression threaten our country, there's still hope. She envisions America as a patient in dire need of therapy and...

In this episode of "Free Thinking with Montel," we're honored to have Dr. David Weill, former Director of the Center for Advanced Lung Disease and Lung and Heart-Lung Transplant Program at Stanford University Medical Center. Now leading the Weill Consulting Group, David's career has been nothing short of extraordinary. He has saved countless lives, faced heart-wrenching ethical dilemmas, and now,...

Welcome back to another thought-provoking episode of "Free Thinking with Montel.” In this episode Montel sits down with John Pavlovitz, a writer, pastor, and activist known for his unwavering commitment to equality, diversity, and justice. With over 25 years of dedicated service in local church ministry, John has been a beacon of hope and a voice for progressive change. They discuss John's new boo...

Welcome back to Free Thinking with Montel, the podcast where we celebrate incredible stories of courage, hope, and the unbreakable human spirit. In this episode, we tackle a profoundly inspiring narrative — a story not just about survival, but about thriving in the face of immense adversity. We highlight the deep, nurturing love between a father and his daughter, driving an extraordinary battle fo...