Join Montel Williams for an inspiring episode of Free Thinking as we dive into one of the most remarkable environmental success stories of our time. Our guest, Amanda Leland, Executive Director of the Environmental Defense Fund and co-author of the groundbreaking book Sea Change: Unlikely Allies and a Success Story of Oceanic Proportions, takes us on a journey through the miraculous recovery of the Gulf’s red snapper population.

Once on the brink of collapse, the Gulf’s red snapper fishery has rebounded thanks to innovative conservation strategies and the power of unlikely partnerships between fishermen, scientists, and policymakers. Amanda shares the deeply human stories behind this transformation, including that of Texas fisherman Buddy Guindon, who went from resisting change to championing it after witnessing the benefits firsthand.

This episode explores how aligning economic incentives with conservation goals can create lasting change—not just for our oceans, but for other global challenges like climate change and deforestation. Amanda’s passion for the sea, combined with her expertise and optimism, will leave you inspired to rethink what’s possible when we work together to protect our planet.

Don’t miss this hopeful and thought-provoking conversation about resilience, collaboration, and the future of our oceans.

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In this inspiring episode of Free Thinking with Montel, we sit down with Ashley Schneider, the powerhouse behind MS Run the US, Inc., and author of the new memoir The Long Run Home. Ashley’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and turning personal pain into a movement that has raised over $4 million for multiple sclerosis awareness, aid, and research.

Ashley shares her deeply personal connection to MS through her mother, Jill, whose battle with the disease inspired Ashley’s extraordinary 2010 solo run across America—3,288 miles from California to New York. She opens up about the physical and emotional challenges of that journey, the moments of humanity and kindness that kept her going, and how Montel’s early support gave her mission the visibility it needed to grow.

We also explore how Ashley transformed her initial disappointment in fundraising into the creation of America’s Longest Relay Run, a coast-to-coast event that has united runners and supporters for over 13 years. Ashley’s story is a testament to the power of daring to begin, leading with vulnerability, and building a community that uplifts those living with MS.

Tune in to hear Ashley’s insights on navigating grief, finding purpose, and taking the first step toward big, scary goals. Plus, she shares practical advice for those newly diagnosed with MS and their families, emphasizing the importance of diet, lifestyle, and community in managing the disease.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration to turn their challenges into action and their dreams into reality. Don’t miss it!

You can purchase The Long Run Home by Ashley Schneider at major book retailers, including:

• Amazon
• Barnes & Noble
• Books-A-Million
• IndieBound (to support local bookstores)
• Target (online or in select stores)

Additionally, you can check Ashley’s website ashleymschneider.com for more details or links to purchase.

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What if getting older didn’t mean getting old?

On today’s episode of Free Thinking, Montel dives into the revolutionary concept of SuperAging with special guest David Cravit, co-author of The SuperAging Workbook. (Larry Wolf couldn’t join us this time, but his insights are still front and center!)

David shares the groundbreaking strategies behind the Seven A’s of SuperAging—a powerful framework to help you live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.

From cultivating a positive attitude to staying active, building meaningful relationships, and avoiding ageism, this conversation is packed with actionable tips to help you thrive at any age.

Discover how The SuperAging Workbook takes these ideas even further with interactive exercises and tools to help you take control of your health, finances, and future. Whether you’re in your 50s, 80s, or beyond, this episode will inspire you to embrace the possibilities of aging with purpose and vitality.

💡 Key Topics Discussed:

The Seven A’s of SuperAging and how they can transform your life

Why centenarians are the fastest-growing age group in the U.S.

Practical tips for staying active, connected, and engaged

How to combat ageism and redefine what it means to grow older

Tune in to hear how you can make your later years your best years yet. Remember, getting older doesn’t mean getting old—it’s an opportunity to thrive!

📚 Don’t forget to check out The SuperAging Workbook and visit the SuperAging News Network for more insights.

🎧 Listen now and keep free thinking!

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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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