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 uncover his roots. From converting to Catholicism during a time of crisis to reconnecting with his Jewish heritage, David’s story is a testament to resilience, identity, and the power of understanding where we come from.

Join Montel and Dr. Weill as they dive into the complexities of faith, family, and belonging, and uncover the lessons we can all learn from embracing our stories. This is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Tune in, subscribe, and share this powerful conversation with someone who needs to hear it. And don’t forget to grab your copy of Tell Me I Belong—a book that will resonate long after the final page.

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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 systemic change in healthcare, Debra and Steve provide invaluable insights for anyone facing life-changing injuries or illnesses.

This episode is a testament to the power of partnership, perseverance, and purpose. Whether you’re a survivor, a care-partner, or someone looking for inspiration, this conversation will leave you feeling empowered and hopeful.

Resource Links:

• Stroke Onward website: https://strokeonward.org/
• Identity Theft: Rediscovering Ourselves After Stroke: https://strokeonward.org/identity-theft-book/
• Stroke Onward Community Circle (SOCC): https://circle.strokeonward.org/c/welcome
• Stroke Onward Gatherings: https://strokeonward.org/gathering/
• WCNY Documentary: https://www.pbs.org/video/stroke-across-america-trauma-adaptation-purpose-oukojg/

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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 establish a Christian theocracy.

He connects this movement to the rise of Christian nationalism, its influence on Donald Trump’s presidency, and its alarming implications for democracy under Trump’s second administration.

From the role of organizations to the targeting of schools and universities, Dr. Boedy sheds light on how this movement is reshaping America—and what we can do to resist it. Whether you’re a person of faith or simply a concerned citizen, this episode offers critical insights into the fight to preserve democracy and counter the rise of extremism.

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges perspectives, sparks dialogue, and empowers action.

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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 power of communication in relationships, and the role of self-awareness in personal growth. Whether you're leading a team or simply striving to lead yourself to a better future, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and inspiration.

Tune in to discover how to step into your role as the leader of your own life.

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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 his life, founded the thriving moving-and-storage business Men on the Move, and found purpose in advocating for autism awareness after his son Gregory’s diagnosis.

Through personal tragedy, health crises, and the daily challenges of parenting and recovery, John’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and transformation. Tune in as Montel and John discuss the lessons learned from life’s toughest moments, the importance of giving back, and how we can all live a little better.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that will leave you motivated to rewrite your own story.

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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 individuals to move beyond frustration and into action.

In this episode, Sam breaks down the concept of transformational advocacy—a way to not only change the world but also transform yourself in the process. He shares inspiring stories of people who went from feeling hopeless to becoming empowered advocates, and he offers practical advice for anyone ready to take the leap into meaningful action.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the state of the world or wondered if your voice can truly make a difference, this episode is for you. Tune in to learn how deep engagement can dissolve discouragement, bring joy, and help heal our democracy.

Key Topics:

• What is transformational advocacy, and how does it work?
• Real-life stories of advocates who turned despair into action.
• Practical tips for meeting with elected officials—even those who disagree with you.
• Why advocacy isn’t just about changing issues—it’s about changing you.
• How to find your “why” and step into your power as a citizen.

Feeling inspired? Don’t miss the chance to grab Sam’s book, Reclaiming Our Democracy, and start your journey toward transformational advocacy today.

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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 delivery models. They’ll discuss how these disruptions can address the system’s biggest challenges—high costs, limited access, and uneven quality—while ensuring that innovation benefits everyone, not just a privileged few.

From reimagining primary care and empowering patients to tackling disparities and preventing burnout among healthcare professionals, this episode is packed with actionable insights and bold ideas. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, policymaker, or simply someone who’s ever been frustrated by the system, this conversation will leave you inspired and informed.

Tune in to hear why Dr. Runge believes that disruption isn’t just inevitable—it’s the cure we’ve been waiting for. Don’t miss this masterclass in the future of healthcare!

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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—negotiating international agreements, navigating global crises, and witnessing the highs and lows of diplomacy—inform his storytelling. But this conversation goes beyond fiction. Otho reflects on the current state of U.S. diplomacy, the erosion of trust on the global stage, and the dangers of sidelining the Foreign Service. He warns of the real-world consequences for everyday Americans, from diminished safety abroad to the broader implications for democracy and human rights.

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that blends history, politics, and the power of storytelling. Whether you’re a fan of thrillers, a student of global affairs, or simply someone who cares about the future of democracy, this episode is not to be missed.

Tune in, stay informed, and keep free-thinking.

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