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 practical tips on focusing less on material possessions and more on meaningful moments, creating deeper connections with your loved ones, and starting mindful traditions that last for years to come. Whether you’re looking to declutter your home, simplify the holidays, or just take the pressure off gift-giving, this episode is packed with advice to help you lighten your load—physically and emotionally.

Tune in now and make this holiday season about love, gratitude, and togetherness. 🌟

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 convicted murderer to a Seattle CEO discovering her racial identity was misrepresented, Gail shares the gripping stories that challenge the very definitions of identity and family.

We’ll also hear Gail’s own deeply personal story of unearthing her racial identity, as first revealed in her bestselling memoir White Like Her. Together, we’ll examine the complex questions her work raises—Who are we? What is family?—and the psychological impact of uncovering long-hidden truths.

If you’re curious about family dynamics, identity, and the courage it takes to confront secrets from the past, this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Tune in now, and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below!

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 broadcast personality and relationship specialist, Zo's expertise is unparalleled. This episode dives into his fascinating career transition from a music executive to a celebrated on-air personality, his self-published book

The Relationship Dismount, and the profound impact of spirituality in relationships.

Montel and Zo tackle critical relationship questions, exploring common misconceptions, the hidden purposes of conflict, maintaining individuality, and rebuilding trust after it’s broken. This episode is packed with advice for dealing with jealousy, reigniting faded passion, and understanding the complexity of love and trust.

Whether you're navigating the challenges of modern relationships or seeking personal growth, Zo's approach combines practical strategies with spiritual wisdom to empower you to reach your full potential.

Tune in for a compelling conversation that promises to inspire and transform your perspective on relationships! Don’t miss out—subscribe and leavea review, and explore more of Zo Williams’ work to enhance your relationship-building skills.

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 brother, navigating the challenges of special needs parenting, facing divorce, to her own battle with paralysis—Becky has transformed adversity into a prolific writing career that inspires thousands. Her latest book, Morning Fuel, offers daily doses of positivity and reflective questions designed to empower readers to start their day with a grateful heart.

In our conversation, Becky shares pivotal moments that defined her path of resilience and purpose. We discuss practical tips on incorporating positivity into daily routines, the art of accepting uncertainty, and how to handle life's inevitable disappointments with grace and self-compassion. Becky's insights remind us that while life can be unpredictable, it is possible to live a fuller, more meaningful life.

Tune in to discover how Becky's story can inspire you to find strength in adversity and fuel your journey to resilience. Don't miss this episode filled with wisdom and encouragement.

For more on Becky's work, check out her upcoming book and subscribe to her Thoughtful Thursdays for weekly inspirations at BeckyGalli.com. Stay resilient, and keep thinking freely!

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 this episode, Montel Williams dives deep into Manny's incredible experiences, starting with his upbringing in Brooklyn and Harlem and leading to his enlistment in the Marine Corps at the age of 22. Discover how his passion for boxing not only shaped him but also equipped him for the battles of life, both in the ring and on the battlefield.

Manny recounts the harrowing events of surviving the Beirut bombing in 1983, where he was buried alive but emerged determined to continue his service. This conversation unveils his relentless pursuit of recovery and his remarkable 27-year military career, serving in various roles around the globe.

Retirement hasn't slowed Manny down. He shares his transition to civilian life, his dedication to mentoring the next generation through his role as a JROTC Instructor, and his current work with the Rock Steady Boxing Program—a unique initiative that helps those with Parkinson's disease through boxing.

This episode is a tribute to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and continue thriving. Manny Simmons exemplifies what it means to never give up, and his story is sure to leave you inspired.

Tune in to hear Manny's powerful insights on life, service, and the importance of community support. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a true hero. Subscribe now and join the conversation!

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.

In our conversation, Steven shares what motivated him to start this impactful initiative and the challenges he faced along the way. Discover how hydroponics—a sustainable farming method using nutrient-rich water instead of soil—is making a difference in communities facing food insecurity, from asylum seekers to low-income seniors and incarcerated individuals.

We'll also discuss Steven's vision for the future, the role of technology in agriculture, and how he measures success in his projects. Plus, hear about his recent accolades, including the CNN Heroes 2023 Young Wonder Award.

Tune in to be inspired by this young changemaker and learn how you can help champion sustainable agricultural practices in your community. Don't miss this heartwarming episode showcasing the power of youth and innovation in making a global impact.

For those eager to support Growing Peace or get involved, visit growingpeaceinc.org.

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. Paul shares his compelling and raw story from his memoir Friendly Fire, which recounts the chilling day he was accidentally shot in the head by his best friend, just days before college graduation.

We explore:

• Accidental Shootings & Gun Safety: The larger conversation about gun violence, ownership, and college campus safety.
• Living with Traumatic Brain Injury: The specific challenges and resilience required to live with an invisible disability.
• Toxic Friendships & Healing: How Paul navigated and came to terms with a toxic friendship post-accident.
• The Power of Literary Expression: How writing served as a cathartic outlet for Paul in his recovery.

Join us as Paul opens up about his trauma, the subsequent legal battles, and his ongoing healing journey. Learn how he turned a life-altering accident into a narrative of resilience and hope, aiming to spark meaningful conversations about mental health and gun safety.

Paul’s memoir, Friendly Fire, serves as an eye-opener and a testament to the enduring spirit of survival against all odds. Don't miss this riveting episode—and remember, your story has the power to inspire change.

Stay safe, keep thinking freely, and join our community conversation.

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 social worker with 30 years of experience across clinical, military, political, and teaching settings, shares her wealth of knowledge on the intersection of mental health and societal dynamics. Having served as a Social Work Officer in the US Army and provided clinical services in Afghanistan, Elaine's unique insights into domestic violence, anger management, and community health are invaluable.

Joining Elaine is Phyllis E. Leavitt, a seasoned psychotherapist and author of the groundbreaking book America in Therapy. With over 30 years of experience treating children, families, and individuals, Phyllis brings a deep understanding of dysfunctional family dynamics and their broader societal impact. Her latest work challenges us to view America as a patient in need of urgent therapeutic intervention.

1. Understanding Family Dynamics:

•  
  • The difference between healthy and unhealthy family dynamics.
  • Early warning signs of dysfunctional family dynamics.
  • The role of resilience in overcoming a traumatic family background.
  • America in Therapy:
  • Phyllis elaborates on viewing the nation as a patient and the elements required to repair ruptured relationships in America.
  • A case study from Phyllis's book illustrating successful systemic changes to address abusive dynamics.
  • Moving to a Shared Power Model:
  • Strategies for shifting from a domination/submission model to a power-shared model.
  • The importance of dependency on one another and the common good.
  • Overcoming Division:
  • The influence of media representation on societal dynamics and dysfunctional behavior.
  • Practical tips for families, co-workers, and friends to get beyond division over politics and societal issues.

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, and hope, offering a powerful narrative about overcoming mental illness and erasing the stigma surrounding it.

During our conversation, Marcia discusses the complexities of mental health, the misconceptions about bipolar disorder, and the challenges faced by those living with it. She opens up about her personal experiences, including her decision to reveal her story after years of keeping it secret, how her family history influenced her, and how her time as a psychiatric inpatient shaped her work as a therapist.

This episode is part of Montel's Book Club series, where we explore literature that sparks important conversations. Join us as Marcia shares strategies for managing mental health, insights into creating safe spaces for loved ones struggling with mental illness, and advice for those hesitant to seek help.

Tune in to be inspired by Marcia's courage and learn how art, creativity, and therapy played pivotal roles in her recovery process. Whether you're battling mental health challenges or supporting someone who is, this episode offers encouragement and practical advice to help you find strength and hope.

Remember, you're not alone. There's always hope and help available. For more about Marcia's story, be sure to check out her memoir, The Bipolar Therapist. Stay tuned for more insightful episodes of Free Thinking with Montel, where we continue to share inspiring stories and valuable insights to support your mental well-being.

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. He’s not just a life-coach; he’s an inspirational speaker and human development consultant who helps people "un-learn" their ways of thinking, then inspires them to unlock their full potential. Recognized globally for his strategic intellect and humanitarian endeavours, Zanu’s approach turns conventional wisdom on its head, providing fresh insights into complex issues.

In this episode, we'll delve into Franck's journey, tracing his evolution from a reporter and photojournalist stationed across continents to a leader in community development. We’ll explore the historical context to understand how culture influences political structures and examine the cultural impact on a country’s political identity and evolution. Franck will also share public tools that can empower citizens to influence political structures, along with insights on how to become active members of our democracy.

As we discuss the current cultural shifts in American society, Franck will highlight how cultural change can occur independently of political systems and will help dispel misconceptions surrounding democracy as an ongoing process. We’ll confront fears about the state of democracy and discuss the recent trend of fear-mongering as it pertains to democratic discourse. Finally, Franck will offer his thoughts on preserving a healthy democratic process amid cultural transitions.

Join us for a compelling conversation that will reshape how you view democracy and your role within it. Franck’s wisdom is a reminder of our collective power in maintaining a robust democratic framework. Your voice is vital in this dynamic dialogue, so stay curious, stay active, and tune in for more inspiring discussions that will challenge your perspectives and ignite your passion for change.

To hear more from Franck Zanu check out his new podcast "The Zanu Project” and follow him on FB.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FranckZanu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562385265794