Free Thinking with Montel

What happens when helping one veteran becomes a mission to help thousands?

On this episode of Free Thinking with Montel, Montel Williams sits down with Marcie Polier Swartz, founder of Village for Vets, and her brother, Brad Zalben, a U.S. Navy veteran whose personal journey inspired the organization.

Brad served in the Navy from 1992–1999 as a Seabee, trained in welding and construction. After his honorable discharge, he faced challenges that eventually required treatment and support. Marcie stood beside him as he navigated the VA healthcare system—sometimes literally walking into appointments holding hands because of t...

What if one of the most consequential wars in American history might have taken a different course?

On this episode of Free Thinking with Montel, Montel sits down with distinguished attorney, historian, professor, and author C. Evan Stewart to revisit the turbulent months leading up to the American Civil War—and the largely overlooked role of William Henry Seward.

Best remembered today as Abraham Lincoln’s Secretary of State and the man behind the purchase of Alaska, Seward was also one of the most influential political figures navigating the secession crisis of 1860–61. In his book, Willia...

#MontelWilliams #MultipleSclerosis #LivingWithMS 

In this special solo episode of Free Thinking with Montel, Montel Williams gets personal about his decades-long journey with multiple sclerosis—what the disease has taken from him, what it has taught him, and how his approach to living well has evolved since his diagnosis in 1999.

Drawing from his own experiences with pain, fatigue, cognitive changes, stress, and the unpredictable nature of an invisible illness, Montel shares the lessons that have helped him build a life around wellness rather than waiting for perfect health. He explores the importance of movement, nutrition, sleep, str...

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What happens when military service ends—but the mission doesn't?

In this inspiring episode of Free Thinking with Montel, Montel Williams talks with Colonel John Mayer, USMC (Ret.) and Mo Smith, co-founders of Forged Valor, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans, first responders, spouses, and young adults rediscover purpose through horsemanship, ranch work, craftsmanship, and leadership.

John shares his extraordinary journey from leading Marines in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom and commanding the Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment to helping fellow veterans rebuild their lives after service. Mo brings decades of...

#FreeThinkingWithMontel #MontelWilliams #MultipleSclerosis 

What happens when one life-changing diagnosis becomes the catalyst for helping thousands of others?

In this inspiring episode of Free Thinking with Montel, Montel Williams sits down with Victoria Reese Brathwaite, Founder and President of We Are ILL, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Black women living with multiple sclerosis, lupus, and other autoimmune diseases.

Diagnosed with MS at just 25 years old, Victoria found herself searching for something that didn't seem to exist—a community of women who looked like her, understood her experience, and could remind her she wasn't alo...

#FreeThinkingWithMontel #MontelWilliams #Podcast 

What if climate change, rising inequality, declining public health, political polarization, food insecurity, and our growing loss of trust aren't separate crises—but symptoms of the same underlying problem?

On this episode of Free Thinking with Montel, Montel talks with investigative journalist, entrepreneur, and author Fons Burger to explore the powerful ideas behind his new book, The Only Possible Solution: How to Shape the Future for our Next Generations. Together, they examine why traditional approaches often fail to create lasting change and why solving complex challenges requires a systems-based way of t...

After nearly three decades in law enforcement, Paulena Gidda had seen more trauma than most people could imagine. A serious on-duty injury, years investigating child abuse and sexual offenses, and the cumulative weight of witnessing humanity at its worst left her battling PTSD and questioning everything she thought she knew about herself.

But in her darkest moments, healing arrived from an unexpected place.

What began as a personal coping mechanism—making jewelry by hand—became a lifeline. Eventually, it evolved into Bullets n Beads, a company that transforms previously fired bullet casings into handcrafted symbols of r...

#FreeThinkingWithMontel #Yellowstone #Photography  

For more than four decades, legendary wildlife photographer Tom Murphy has done what few humans ever will—live inside America’s wildest places, not as a visitor, but as a witness.

In this unforgettable episode of Free Thinking with Montel, Montel sits down with the world-renowned Yellowstone photographer, conservationist, adventurer, and storyteller to explore the profound relationship between humans and the natural world.

Raised on a 7,500-acre cattle ranch and later drawn into the untamed backcountry of Yellowstone, Tom has spent decades hiking, skiing, and documenting one of the mo...

#MentalHealth #YouthMentalHealth #FreeThinkingWithMontel

What does it really mean to help young people thrive in a world filled with anxiety, pressure, isolation, and identity-based challenges?

On this episode of Free Thinking with Montel, Montel sits down with pioneering psychologist, scientist, and mental health advocate Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble to discuss the growing youth mental health crisis—and why traditional systems often fail the very young people who need support the most.

Drawing from more than 30 years of research, clinical care, and community work, Dr. Alfiee shares insights from her powerful new book Rise and Thrive, a cu...

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We’re taught to believe the Supreme Court is the final word on justice—but history tells a more complicated story.

In this episode of Free Thinking with Montel, Montel sits down with legal expert and author C. Evan Stewart to examine some of the most consequential—and controversial—decisions ever handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court.

From Dred Scott v. Sandford to Plessy v. Ferguson to Korematsu v. United States, this conversation explores how the Court has, at times, upheld injustice, reinforced inequality, and allowed fear or politics...

#FreeThinkingWithMontel #MontelWilliams #CostOfSuccess

What does it really cost to be successful?

In this episode of Free Thinking with Montel, Montel Williams sits down with Dr. Craig Yorke—neurosurgeon and author of Steep: A Black Neurosurgeon’s Journey—to unpack the hidden cost of excellence.

From growing up in segregated Boston to becoming a leading neurosurgeon, Yorke shares the pressure of being raised to be “beyond criticism,” the reality of navigating race and identity in America, and the emotional toll of a life built on discipline and survival.

This conversation explores:

On this episode of Free Thinking with Montel, Montel sits down with endurance runners Colin Goodman and Matthew Knaggs—two men living with Multiple Sclerosis who refuse to let diagnosis define their future.

After being diagnosed with MS, both Colin and Matt chose movement over fear. Their latest challenge is extraordinary: a 350-mile run across Ireland from Mizen Head to Malin Head, raising funds and awareness for MS while sparking honest conversations about resilience, identity, and what it means to live fully with chronic illness.

This episode isn’t about elite athleticism—it’s about mindset...

For many veterans and first responders, the hardest battles don’t end when the uniform comes off. Trauma, PTSD, and moral injury can follow them home—quietly shaping relationships, identity, and everyday life.

On this episode of Free Thinking with Montel, Montel sits down with Lew and Nicole Duckwall, co-founders of Patriot Anglers, to talk about what healing actually looks like after service.

Lew is a military veteran who struggled with severe PTSD after leaving the military. When traditional paths didn’t bring relief, he found an unexpected lifeline in fly fishing. What started as time a...

What does it take to break a cycle you were born into?

This week on Free Thinking with Montel, I sit down with Roy Hughes — author, veteran, and foster care survivor — to talk about resilience, responsibility, and redefining what family really means.

Roy’s new memoir, Empty Hands: How One Foster Child Sacrificed Everything He Knew for Life, Liberty, and Happiness, is a raw and unfiltered look at growing up inside the foster system, surviving abuse, and fighting for a future he was never promised. But this isn’t just a story about hardship — it’s a story ab...

For many veterans and first responders, the hardest battles don’t end when the uniform comes off. Trauma, PTSD, and moral injury can follow them home—quietly shaping relationships, identity, and everyday life. On this episode of Free Thinking with Montel, Montel sits down with Lew and Nicole Duckwell, co-founders of Patriot Anglers, to talk about what healing actually looks like after service.

Lew is a military veteran who struggled with severe PTSD after leaving the military. When traditional paths didn’t bring relief, he found an unexpected lifeline in fly fishing. What started as time alone in nat...

This week on Free Thinking with Montel, Montel sits down with Walter Green — visionary leader, bestselling author, and founder of the global Say It Now movement — to explore one of the simplest yet most powerful forces in human life: gratitude.

Walter has built the world’s largest living-tribute initiative around a single idea: don’t wait to say thank you. Through National Say It Now Day (December 17th), his bestselling book This Is The Moment!, a viral documentary with over half a million views in weeks, and his upcoming fable The Gratitude Express, Walter is inspiring people across c...

In this powerful and deeply human episode of Free Thinking with Montel, Montel Williams sits down with writer, cultural advocate, and founder of the Baldhead Empress platform, Cheryl McCourtie, to unpack the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Melissa and what recovery really looks like for Jamaica.

On October 28, 2025, the strongest hurricane in Jamaica’s recorded history tore through the island—claiming lives, displacing more than 12,000 people, crippling agriculture, and wiping out an estimated 41% of the nation’s GDP. But beyond the headlines and statistics lies a deeper story: one of community resilience, cultural strength, and the urgent need for he...

Join Montel Williams for an inspiring episode of Free Thinking as we dive into one of the most remarkable environmental success stories of our time. Our guest, Amanda Leland, Executive Director of the Environmental Defense Fund and co-author of the groundbreaking book Sea Change: Unlikely Allies and a Success Story of Oceanic Proportions, takes us on a journey through the miraculous recovery of the Gulf’s red snapper population.

Once on the brink of collapse, the Gulf’s red snapper fishery has rebounded thanks to innovative conservation strategies and the power of unlikely partnerships between fishermen, scientists, and pol...

In this inspiring episode of Free Thinking with Montel, we sit down with Ashley Schneider, the powerhouse behind MS Run the US, Inc., and author of the new memoir The Long Run Home. Ashley’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and turning personal pain into a movement that has raised over $4 million for multiple sclerosis awareness, aid, and research.

Ashley shares her deeply personal connection to MS through her mother, Jill, whose battle with the disease inspired Ashley’s extraordinary 2010 solo run across America—3,288 miles from California to New York. She opens up about the physical and emot...

What if getting older didn’t mean getting old?

On today’s episode of Free Thinking, Montel dives into the revolutionary concept of SuperAging with special guest David Cravit, co-author of The  SuperAging Workbook. (Larry Wolf couldn’t join us this time, but his insights are still front and center!)

David shares the groundbreaking strategies behind the Seven A’s of SuperAging—a powerful framework to help you live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.

From cultivating a positive attitude to staying active, building meaningful relationships, and avoiding ageism, this conversa...

In this deeply moving episode of Free Thinking with Montel, we welcome back Dr. David Weill, renowned pulmonologist, author, and storyteller. You may remember him from his previous appearance, where he shared insights from his memoir Exhale: Hope, Healing, and A Life in Transplant. Now, he returns to discuss his latest book, Tell Me I Belong: A Journey Across Faiths and Generations, releasing December 9th.

Dr. Weill takes us on a profound journey of self-discovery, exploring his family’s escape from Nazi Germany, his upbringing in a home shaped by two contrasting faiths, and his personal quest to un...

In this powerful episode of Free Thinking with Montel, Montel Williams sits down with two extraordinary guests, Debra Meyerson and Steve Zuckerman, to explore the emotional and physical journey of stroke recovery. Debra, a former Stanford professor, and Steve, her husband and care-partner, share their deeply personal story of resilience, identity rebuilding, and advocacy following Debra’s life-altering stroke in 2010.

The couple discusses their nonprofit, Stroke Onward, and the second edition of their book, Identity Theft, which offers hope and actionable advice for stroke survivors and their families. From navigating the emotional challenges of recovery to advocating for...

On this episode of Free Thinking with Montel, we dive into one of the most pressing and complex issues of our time: the intersection of faith, politics, and democracy in America. 

Montel sits down with Dr. Matthew Boedy, a professor of rhetoric, author, and advocate, to discuss his groundbreaking new book, The Seven Mountains Mandate: Exposing the Dangerous Plan to Christianize America and Destroy Democracy. Dr. Boedy unpacks the origins and evolution of the Seven Mountains Mandate, a decades-long movement aiming to seize control of key societal pillars—education, government, religion, family, business, media, and entertainment—to estab...

In this episode of Free Thinking with Montel, we dive into the art of leadership—not just in the boardroom, but in your everyday life. Montel sits down with Adam Mendler, a nationally recognized authority on leadership, entrepreneur, and host of the top-rated podcast Thirty Minute Mentors. Adam has interviewed over 500 of America’s most successful leaders, from CEOs to athletes, and brings a wealth of insights on how leadership principles can transform not just businesses, but personal lives.

Together, they explore how everyone can become the "CEO of their own life," practical strategies for overcoming setbacks, the po...

In this powerful episode of Free Thinking with Montel, we’re diving into a story of resilience, redemption, and reinvention. Montel sits down with John Beyer, author of the upcoming memoir LIVE A LITTLE BETTER: One Man’s Journey of Survival, Sobriety, and Success. John’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary—rising from a childhood marked by addiction and neglect to becoming a successful entrepreneur, musician, and advocate for autism awareness.

John opens up about his chaotic upbringing, his struggles with addiction, and the rock-bottom moment that led him to seek sobriety in 1986. He shares how he rebuilt...

In this powerful episode of Free Thinking with Montel, we’re diving into a conversation that’s not just timely—it’s transformative. Montel sits down with Sam Daley-Harris, a trailblazing advocate for citizen engagement and the author of the newly revised Reclaiming Our Democracy: Every Citizen’s Guide to Transformational Advocacy.

Sam has spent over four decades empowering everyday people to reclaim their power and make a real difference on issues like poverty, climate change, and social justice. From founding the anti-poverty advocacy group RESULTS to co-founding the Microcredit Summit Campaign, Sam’s work has inspired countless indi...

In this thought-provoking episode of Free Thinking with Montel, we’re diving headfirst into the future of healthcare with the brilliant Dr. Marschall Runge. As a distinguished physician-scientist, Dean of the University of Michigan Medical School, and CEO of Michigan Medicine, Dr. Runge has spent decades at the forefront of academic medicine and healthcare innovation. Now, he’s here to share insights from his groundbreaking book, The Great Healthcare Disruption. 

Join Montel and Dr. Runge as they explore the seismic shifts reshaping American healthcare—from the rise of retail medicine and AI to revolutionary therapies and new care de...

In this riveting episode of Free Thinking with Montel, we sit down with Otho Eskin—veteran, diplomat, and acclaimed thriller author—to explore the fascinating intersections of his life and work. 

From his distinguished career in the U.S. Army and Foreign Service to his transition into writing politically charged thrillers, Otho brings a wealth of experience and insight to the table. We’ll dive into his latest novel, Black Sun Rising, a gripping and timely thriller that tackles themes of extremism, political corruption, and the fragility of democracy. 

Otho shares how his real-life experiences—negotiatin...

In this eye-opening episode of Free Thinking with Montel, we sit down with Lisa Pratta, a former top pharmaceutical sales rep turned whistleblower, to discuss her explosive new book, False Claims: One Insider's Impossible Battle Against Big Pharma Corruption. Lisa’s story is one of courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to exposing the truth. 

For over three decades, Lisa thrived in the pharmaceutical industry, breaking barriers as a woman in a male-dominated field. But behind the glossy corporate facade, she uncovered a world of fraud, sexual harassment, and greed. Her journey took a dramatic turn when she...

What do honeybees and hope have in common? Prepare to be inspired by Marilyn Murray Willison, a renowned journalist, author of What the Honeybees Taught Me, and someone who has fearlessly redefined living with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Diagnosed in 1984, Marilyn chose an unconventional path to manage her condition: Bee Venom Therapy (BVT). In this episode, she opens up about her 5-year commitment to a therapy that involves 50 bee stings a week, how it halted her MS progression, and the invaluable life lessons she’s learned from honeybees.

Montel dives deep into Marilyn’s fascinating story, disc...

On this episode of Free Thinking with Montel, we take a deep look into the emotional and intricate world of female friendships. These bonds can be life-changing, but what happens when they take a toxic turn or ultimately fall apart?

Joining us is the brilliant Susan Shapiro Barash, a renowned author and gender studies expert who has spent decades exploring women’s roles and relationships. From the seven archetypes of unhealthy friendships to the subtle differences between best friend and sister breakups, Susan unravels the reasons why these connections hold such emotional weight and why leaving toxic fr...

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 happiness and a masterclass in navigating the ups and downs of life.

Learn how Peter turned his mistakes into life lessons, embraced risks, and discovered the power of empathy and mentorship to b...

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 like the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial.

From understanding the importance of biomarkers to exploring how global collaborations like the ALL ALS Consortium are advancing research, this episode provides a hopeful and informative deep-dive into battling ALS. 

W...

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 Cuba at the age of five, the vital role storytelling played in preserving her family’s cultural identity, and how the strong-willed women in her family became the backbone that held i...

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 his perspective on love, loss, and resilience.

 Adapted from over a decade of posts on CaringBridge.org, Tony’s memoir explores the dualities of life, revealing glimpses of joy amidst immeasurable grief. 

Montel...

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 love. Combining her experiences as a grieving mother and a therapist specializing in grief and addiction, Sally provides invaluable insights into coping with loss, the impact on relationships, and finding hope in the midst of heartbreak.

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 changed her life. Through compassion, resilience, and an unwavering drive, Karen built a national movement of over 200,000 volunteers, helping more than a quarter of a million people annually.

We explore the pressing is...

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—Andres shares how he redefined what success truly means.

Dive deep into conversations about harnessing your inner captain, navigating life’s challenges, and trusting your instincts. Discover the unique literary style of Captains Wanted, the influence of plant-b...

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 raw reality of losing everything—from grief to renewal—and how storytelling and community can transform tragedy into strength. They'll discuss the inspiring stories of the 20 women featured in Phoenix Rising, whose journeys exemplify resilience and recovery in the wake...

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 as she reveals intimate details of her life as the wife of Rahman Abbar, heir to one of Saudi Arabia’s wealthiest families. From a glittering world of private jets and palatial esta...