Free Thinking with Montel

Montel Williams

Free Thinking with Emmy-Award winning talk show host Montel Williams, is a new social commentary podcast that will tackle issues from the headlines, feature interviews with newsmakers and shine light on stories and topics Montel is passionate about. New shows will publish every Tuesday and Friday beginning September 1, 2020..

  1. 2 hr ago

    Forged by Purpose: How Horses Are Transforming Veterans' Lives | John Mayer & Mo Smith

    #FreeThinkingWithMontel #MontelWilliams #ForgedValor 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 experience as a rancher, horse trainer, builder, and entrepreneur, offering a perspective grounded in hard work, resilience, and the enduring value of traditional skills. Together, they explain why healing isn't always found in a therapist's office—it can also be found in the quiet trust between horse and rider, the discipline of blacksmithing, the satisfaction of building something with your hands, and the community formed through shared purpose. This conversation explores: Why purpose is essential after military service How horses teach leadership, confidence, and emotional awareness The surprising connection between craftsmanship and mental resilience Why Forged Valor includes spouses and young adults alongside veterans and first responders Real stories of lives transformed through meaningful work and authentic connection How traditional skills remain relevant in an AI-driven world Whether you're a veteran, first responder, parent, leader, or simply someone searching for greater purpose, this conversation offers powerful lessons on resilience, service, and what it truly means to lead. Learn more or support Forged Valor at forgedvalor.org. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Forged by Purpose: How Horses Are Transforming Veterans' Lives | John Mayer & Mo Smith

  2. 14 Jul

    From Diagnosis to Movement: Victoria Reese Brathwaite's MS Journey

    #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 alone. Instead of waiting for that community to appear, she created it. As two people who have spent years navigating life with multiple sclerosis, Montel and Victoria share an honest conversation about the realities of living with an invisible illness, overcoming isolation, advocating for better healthcare, and transforming adversity into purpose. They also explore why representation matters, how community can become a powerful form of healing, and why joy remains essential—even in the face of chronic illness. Whether you're living with a chronic condition, caring for someone who is, or simply looking for an inspiring story about resilience and leadership, this episode is a reminder that our greatest challenges can become our greatest calling. In This Episode: Victoria's personal MS diagnosis and journey The inspiration behind founding We Are ILL The importance of representation in healthcare Living with an invisible illness Building community through advocacy Finding joy, purpose, and resilience despite chronic disease Advice for anyone newly diagnosed with MS or another autoimmune condition Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    From Diagnosis to Movement: Victoria Reese Brathwaite's MS Journey

  3. 30 Jun

    Can We Fix the Future? A Conversation with Fons Burger

    #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 thinking. From healthcare and technology to economics, democracy, and the search for meaning in modern life, this conversation challenges conventional wisdom and offers a hopeful vision for building a more resilient future. Rather than focusing on isolated problems, Burger argues that the solutions we need may already exist—we simply need to connect them. If you've ever wondered why progress can feel so elusive, this episode offers a fresh perspective on what it will take to create meaningful change for the next generation. In this episode: Why today's biggest crises are deeply interconnected The hidden costs of short-term thinking How technology, economics, and governance influence one another Rebuilding trust in institutions and communities Why hope depends on changing how we think—not just what we do Practical ideas for creating a healthier, more sustainable future Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Can We Fix the Future? A Conversation with Fons Burger

  4. 16 Jun

    What Trauma Teaches Us About Reinventio| Paulena Gidda

    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 resilience, strength, and hope. In this powerful conversation, Montel and Paulena explore the hidden toll of trauma on first responders, the loss of identity that can follow injury and PTSD, and the remarkable ability of human beings to reinvent themselves after life-altering adversity. They discuss the mental health challenges facing police officers, veterans, and frontline workers, the healing power of creativity, and why transforming pain into purpose may be one of the most profound acts of resilience. This episode is a testament to the idea that our deepest wounds do not have to define us—they can become the foundation for something extraordinary. Topics include: • PTSD and cumulative trauma • Mental health in law enforcement • First responder and veteran wellness • Identity loss and reinvention • Healing through creativity • Entrepreneurship with purpose • Resilience and post-traumatic growth Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    What Trauma Teaches Us About Reinventio| Paulena Gidda

  5. 26 May

    The Last Wild Places: Tom Murphy on Yellowstone

    #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 most extraordinary ecosystems on Earth. His breathtaking images have appeared in National Geographic, Audubon, Time, Newsweek, The New York Times Magazine, and beyond—but his story goes far deeper than photography. Together, Montel and Tom discuss the soul of America’s national parks, the survival of the iconic American bison, the fragile balance between conservation and human expansion, and what wilderness teaches us about solitude, resilience, and perspective. They also explore Tom’s stunning new U.S. postage stamp featuring Yellowstone bison imagery, his upcoming book The Return of the Last Wild Herd, and why preserving wild places may be one of the most important legacies we leave future generations. This isn’t just a conversation about nature. Tom Murphy website: https://www.tmurphywild.com/   It’s a conversation about America, memory, stewardship—and what happens when the wild disappears. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Last Wild Places: Tom Murphy on Yellowstone

  6. 12 May

    Why Anxiety is Exploding Among Young People | Dr Alfiee

    #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 culturally grounded mental health toolkit designed to help young people move beyond survival and into healing, resilience, and self-empowerment. Together, Montel and Dr. Alfiee explore: Why anxiety and depression are rising among young people The unique mental health challenges facing youth of color, LGBTQAI+ youth, and other marginalized communities How identity and culture shape emotional wellbeing The impact of social media and digital overload Parenting in a new era of emotional complexity Black youth suicide prevention and systemic gaps in care Practical tools for building resilience, self-worth, and hope This is a deeply human conversation about healing, visibility, and creating a future where every young person feels seen, supported, and empowered to rise. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Why Anxiety is Exploding Among Young People | Dr Alfiee

  7. 28 Apr

    The Supreme Court’s Biggest Mistakes with C. Evan Stewart

    #FreeThinkingWithMontel, #MontelWilliams, #Podcast 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 to shape the law. But this isn’t just about the past. It’s about what these decisions reveal about the present—and the future. How does a system built on justice get it so wrong? And how do we recognize those moments in real time? This episode challenges the idea of legal infallibility and reminds us that the Court, like any institution, is shaped by the people—and the pressures—behind it. Because understanding history isn’t just about looking back. It’s about making better decisions moving forward.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Supreme Court’s Biggest Mistakes with C. Evan Stewart

  8. 14 Apr

    Success Isn’t Freedom: A Neurosurgeon’s Truth

    #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: The psychological cost of high achievement Race, identity, and the idea of being “unrejectable” Life-and-death decisions in neurosurgery The difference between success and freedom How to reconnect with yourself after a lifetime of pressure If you’ve ever felt the weight of expectations—or questioned what success really means—this episode is for you. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations that challenge how you think. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Success Isn’t Freedom: A Neurosurgeon’s Truth
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About

Free Thinking with Emmy-Award winning talk show host Montel Williams, is a new social commentary podcast that will tackle issues from the headlines, feature interviews with newsmakers and shine light on stories and topics Montel is passionate about. New shows will publish every Tuesday and Friday beginning September 1, 2020..

Information

  • Creator
    Montel Williams
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    152
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Free Thinking with Montel
  • Show Website
    Free Thinking with Montel

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