Free Thinking with Montel

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 friendships can be so challenging.

If you've ever experienced the joys or heartbreaks of female friendship, this episode will resonate deeply. Susan also offers actionable advice for healing, moving forward, and understanding the dynamics of estranged relationships.

Grab a cup of coffee and tune in for an enlightening conversation that just might change how you approach the relationships in your life. And don’t forget to pick up a copy of Susan’s latest book, Estranged.

🎧 Listen now!

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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 build a life of purpose. From producing iconic films like Arlington Road to co-founding global charities like the Starlight Children’s Foundation and EDAR, Peter draws on his incredible experiences to share wisdom that will inspire both young adults and seasoned professionals.

Tune in to learn how to unlock your potential, take meaningful risks, and find your own unique path to happiness.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with a true trailblazer. Listen now!

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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. 

Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or curious listener, this conversation is packed with valuable perspectives and groundbreaking developments.

Tune in to learn how science is reshaping the fight against ALS and giving hope to thousands across the world.

Listen now to be inspired by the extraordinary work being done to combat ALS.

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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 it all together. The conversation also dives into timely discussions about the blurred definitions of "immigrant," "migrant," and "refugee," and why these distinctions are so critical in today’s polarized world.

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, cultural preservation, and what it truly means to find home amidst displacement. Don’t miss this inspiring story that reminds us all of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of family bonds.

Get a copy of Ana’s memoir, Property of the Revolution, wherever books are sold, and connect with Ana on her Substack @CubaCurious for more insights into the Cuban-American refugee experience.

🎧 Tune in now and stay curious!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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