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 and Tony discuss the tenderness of living fully even when faced with mortality, the challenges of sharing the burden of terminal illness, and the raw, honest process of healing. 

Tune in to hear how Tony’s vulnerable storytelling inspires readers to find grace and purpose, even in life’s toughest moments. 

Don’t miss this emotional and inspiring episode that reminds us all of the power of love, resilience, and community. 

Carrying the Tiger will be available on April 29, 2025, wherever books are sold.

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.

Whether you’ve experienced loss or are looking to better support someone who has, this episode offers guidance, understanding, and inspiration. Tune in to hear how love, connection, and even grief can become sources of strength.

🎧 Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation.

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 issue of family homelessness, discuss the systemic reforms needed to address it, and talk about how anyone can make an extraordinary impact through small acts of kindness. Karen also opens up about her life-changing accident, her continued advocacy, and the lessons in gratitude and resilience that fuel her every day.

If you’ve ever wondered how you can find meaning, overcome adversity, or contribute to creating a better world, this conversation is for you.

Tune in and be inspired to discover your own purpose.

📖 Karen’s book, Meant for More, is available now and provides a powerful blueprint for living a life of compassion, connection, and impact.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to make a difference in your community.

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-based medicines in self-discovery, and how personal anecdotes shaped this thought-provoking story. Whether you're a leader, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone on a quest for self-growth, this episode is packed with insights to help you steer your own ship toward purpose and fulfillment.

Don’t miss the chance to hear Andres’ inspiring advice, personal stories, and a guide to rediscovering your path. Tune in now and grab a copy of Captains Wanted to begin your own adventure!

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 of devastation.

Listen in as Kristen shares hard-earned wisdom on balancing vulnerability with courage, the vital role of community in healing, and why resilience isn’t a destination—it’s an ongoing process. Whether you’re facing personal challenges or seeking inspiration, this episode highlights the power of heart, hope, and the human spirit.

Don’t miss this uplifting and insightful conversation!

Tune in now and get your copy of Phoenix Rising to discover these incredible stories of strength and perseverance. Share your thoughts with us on social media!

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 estates to battling for her children's safety amidst cultural and personal struggle, Patricia’s story offers a rare and unflinching look behind the veil of Saudi tradition.

This episode dives deep into love, identity, cultural clashes, and the extraordinary resilience of a mother determined to protect her children. Patricia’s story will leave you reflecting on life, love, and the power of self-discovery.

Tune in now to hear Patricia’s remarkable tale, and don’t forget to grab her book Jeddah Bride. You won’t want to miss this eye-opening conversation.

🎧 Listen now and keep thinking freely.

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 breakdown of 40 core competencies vital for principled and ethical leadership, using former President Donald Trump’s presidency as a case study. Today, Philippe and Montel have a bold, thought-provoking conversation about what good leadership means, the critical importance of integrity and accountability, and why demanding higher standards from those in power is more urgent than ever.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

• The essential traits great leaders must embody, from empathy to humility. 
• How principled leadership can repair trust and build stronger organizations. 
• A candid discussion on leadership failures, their consequences, and lessons for the next generation of leaders.

This is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Lt. Col. Philippe Johnson’s book, What Hangs in the Balance, available January 7, 2025!

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 Hansen, Ph.D.—an author, educator, and advocate for health and healing. Together, they unpack how we got here and, more importantly, how we can reverse the damage.

Dr. Hansen’s latest book, The HEALing Revolution Diet, offers a science-backed, personalized approach to using food as a tool for true healing. You’ll learn about the root causes of our modern health crisis, the addictive nature of processed foods, and practical steps for transforming your diet and lifestyle.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode

✅ How ultra-processed foods and sugar keep us hooked

✅ Simple ways to begin your health and healing journey today

✅ The power of food as medicine—and its ability to reverse chronic illnesses

✅ Insights on addressing food deserts and advocating for better food systems

If you're ready to take back control of your health and unlock the healing potential of real food, this episode is for you.

Grab a copy of Dr. Hansen’s book, The HEALing Revolution Diet, to start your personalized path towards better health. 🌱

Tune in, and take the first step towards nourishment, healing, and long-term wellness. 🎧

Listen Now!

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!