Free Thinking with Montel: Recent Episodes
Montel Williams
Free Thinking with Emmy-Award winning talk show host Montel Williams, is a new social commentary podcast that will tackle issues from the headlines, feature interviews with newsmakers and shine light on stories and topics Montel is passionate about. New shows will publish every Tuesday and Friday beginning September 1, 2020.
In this heartfelt episode of "Free Thinking with Montel," we invite you into the remarkable world of Dunk MS, a groundbreaking initiative turning the battle against Multiple Sclerosis into a slam dunk. Montel Williams is joined by Blake Arnet, the former UCLA basketball star and visionary behind Dunk MS, to discuss how the worlds of sports and philanthropy can unite for a powerful cause.
Blake takes us through his personal journey, starting from his early days before MS touched his life, leading to the heart-wrenching diagnosis of his mother in 2007, to her sudden passing in 2009. This pivotal moment spurred Blake into action, channeling his grief into advocacy and the creation of the world's first charity dunk show, Dunk MS.
Listeners will get an insider's look into the annual Dunk MS event at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion, set to take place on May 18th, 2024. Expect a day packed with high-flying action from the world's top pro dunkers, a kid's basketball clinic, an MS community zone, and much more, all benefiting MS research at UCLA Health.
Blake also shares the evolution of Dunk MS, the impact it has made so far, and his vision for expanding this initiative to touch more lives. With over 750 attendees, partnerships with giants like UCLA Athletics, UCLA Health, and BallisLife, the event is a testament to the community's dedication to fighting MS.
Blake’s inspiring tale is not just about overcoming adversity but about transforming loss into a legacy of hope and support for those affected by Multiple Sclerosis. His mother's memory lives on through Dunk MS, a beacon of light in the ongoing fight against this challenging disease.
We close by encouraging our listeners to support this noble cause. Whether you’re cheering from the stands at Pauley Pavilion or supporting from afar, your involvement can help accelerate the path towards a cure for MS. To learn more about the event or to donate, visit dunkms.com or onecau.se/dunkms. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those battling MS.
Remember, change starts with us, and together, we are unstoppable. Keep pushing forward, keep free-thinking, and most importantly, keep spreading love and positivity wherever you go. Tune in, be inspired, and see how you can be part of something truly extraordinary. Take care of yourselves, and each other, until next time.
Dive into a groundbreaking episode of "Free Thinking with Montel" as we explore the intersections of health, longevity, and groundbreaking discoveries. Today, Montel Williams chats with Stephanie and Eric Venn-Watson, the powerhouse couple whose work in veterinary epidemiology and military medicine has led to a revolutionary finding in nutritional science – a unique fatty acid, C15:0. Their discovery offers promising insights into anti-aging and wellness, drawing from their extensive research, including work with Navy dolphins. Listen in as they discuss:
- Their journey to this discovery and its implications for longevity.
- The significance of C15:0 and its potential to change the game in health and wellness.
- Insights into their supplement Fatty15 and the research backing its benefits.
- Future directions in longevity research and technology's role in these advancements.
- Top advice for listeners on proactively enhancing their health and longevity.
Get ready for an inspiring session that will alter how you view nutrition and its impact on a healthier, longer life. Tune into this enlightening dialogue with Stephanie and Eric Venn-Watson and perhaps discover the key to unlocking your own pathway to longevity.
And because we truly believe in the life-changing power of Fatty 15, we've arranged for a special treat just for you.
When you use my affiliate link fatty15.com/montel, you'll get an exclusive 20% discount on a 90-day supply.
Take charge of your health and start your Fatty15 journey today. Click the link, grab your discount, and thank us later!
Dive into a groundbreaking episode of "Free Thinking with Montel" as we explore the intersections of health, longevity, and groundbreaking discoveries. Today, Montel Williams chats with Stephanie and Eric Venn-Watson, the powerhouse couple whose work in veterinary epidemiology and military medicine has led to a revolutionary finding in nutritional science – a unique fatty acid, C15:0. Their discovery offers promising insights into anti-aging and wellness, drawing from their extensive research, including work with Navy dolphins. Listen in as they discuss:
- Their journey to this discovery and its implications for longevity.
- The significance of C15:0 and its potential to change the game in health and wellness.
- Insights into their supplement Fatty15 and the research backing its benefits.
- Future directions in longevity research and technology's role in these advancements.
- Top advice for listeners on proactively enhancing their health and longevity.
Get ready for an inspiring session that will alter how you view nutrition and its impact on a healthier, longer life. Tune into this enlightening dialogue with Stephanie and Eric Venn-Watson and perhaps discover the key to unlocking your own pathway to longevity.
And because we truly believe in the life-changing power of Fatty 15, we've arranged for a special treat just for you.
When you use my affiliate link fatty15.com/montel, you'll get an exclusive 20% discount on a 90-day supply.
Take charge of your health and start your Fatty15 journey today. Click the link, grab your discount, and thank us later!
Join Montel Williams on an inspiring new episode of Free Thinking with Montel as we explore the vital work of the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA). Montel is exceptionally proud to highlight the MS community and welcomes a notable guest, Gina Murdoch, President, and CEO of the MSAA. With her leadership, the MSAA has been at the forefront of supporting individuals affected by MS through various services and resources.
This episode offers a deep-dive into the MSAA’s mission, their initiatives during MS Awareness Month, and winning strategies that empower those living with MS. Learn about the latest advancements in treatment, the significance of mental health support, and what makes MSAA stand out among similar organizations.
Montel also shares his personal connection and excitement as the keynote speaker at the upcoming MSAA Women of Action luncheon in Atlanta, providing a platform to contribute to the organization's dynamic efforts.
Gina Murdoch brings with her a wealth of knowledge, a passion for advocacy, and a message of hope that resonates with individuals and families affected by MS. Tune in to hear about the powerful and progressive steps being taken in research, community support, and education.
Whether you're part of the MS community, an advocate for chronic illness awareness, or simply a fan of engaging discussions with a positive impact, this episode is not to be missed.
Stick around until the end for all the details on how to get involved, support the MSAA’s cause, and participate in their upcoming events. Montel reminds us of the importance of community, resilience, and staying informed.
Remember to check out mymsaa.org for more information and don't miss the opportunity to join Montel at the Women of Action luncheon for a day of empowerment and fellowship.
Listen to this compelling episode for guidance, inspiration, and actionable insights in our collective effort to support the MS community.
In this gripping episode of Free Thinking with Montel, we’re joined by the awe-inspiring Barbara Feigin, whose life story captures the essence of perseverance and the pursuit of the American Dream. Born amidst the terrors of Nazi Germany, Barbara’s early experiences laid the foundation for a life of trailblazing success and profound personal reflections.
Today, she shares her poignant narrative from her memoir, "My American Dream: A Journey from Fascism to Freedom" - a tale that navigates through the treacherous landscapes of World War II Europe to the bustling business world of New York City, where she shattered glass ceilings in the advertising industry.
In her conversation with Montel, Barbara opens up about discovering her father's journal, which meticulously chronicled their escape to America. She offers insights into her childhood memories, her definition of the American dream, and her experiences at the Harvard-Radcliffe Program in Business Administration during the 60s and 70s.
Barbara candidly discusses her pioneering role as a female executive when career opportunities for women were limited, addressing both personal and professional challenges, including her experience with anti-semitism. Her balancing act as a mother, caretaker, and career woman is not only a testament to her resilience but also a powerful example for others facing similar struggles.
Endearingly honest and uplifting, Barbara’s key message to readers and listeners alike emphasizes the unyielding power of hope and the ability to define and achieve our dreams against all odds.
Join us on this episode of Free Thinking with Montel for a conversation that promises to move, motivate, and inspire as we explore Barbara Feigin's extraordinary life and irrefutable wisdom.
"Tap in and be inspired – your own American dream is waiting to unfold." 🗽✨
Listen now to this mesmerizing tale of triumph against adversity and the enduring pursuit of freedom and success.
In this invigorating episode of Let's Be Blunt with Montel, we're joined by none other than the trailblazing Dr. Amy Shah, a Cornell-educated, Top Doctor-awarded bestselling author. With her book, “I’m So Effing Tired,” Dr. Shah takes us on a journey to conquer burnout and reclaim our energy through cutting-edge nutritional and medical science.
As she shares her personal path from esteemed institutions like Cornell, Harvard, and Columbia to the pinnacle of nutrition and wellness expertise, Dr. Shah unveils the motivation and experiences that shaped her career and led her to help others thrive in their busy lives.
In a candid conversation with Montel, we also dive deep into the world of gut health - an area of wellness often overlooked yet critical to our overall well-being. Discover the profound gut-brain connection, learn about the impact of inflammation, and receive actionable advice from a leading expert on how you can nurture a healthy gut to banish fatigue.
Whether you're struggling with constant tiredness or seeking ways to optimize your health, this episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to energize their life. Don't miss out on these life-changing tips - tune in now, and let's get to the root of what's making us all so effing tired!
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel speaks with an animal communicator and healing expert who consults with people, animal rescues, and sanctuaries all over the world on how to save, heal, and treat their own animals. Ellie Laks is the author of My Gentle Barn: Creating a Sanctuary Where Animals Heal and Children Learn to Hope and has appeared on influential media outlets including The Ellen Show, Animal Planet, PBS, The NY Times, People Magazine and many more. Ellie founded The Gentle Barn in 1999, a nonprofit organization that rescues and rehabilitates not only dogs and cats, but horses, cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, turkeys, peacocks, emus, llamas, and donkeys. Ellie formulated her own "Gentle Healing" method, using a combination of animal communication, energy healing, holistic healing, holding therapy, and western medicine to heal animals no one else would take and had nowhere else to go. Ellie specializes in healing puppies with Parvo, calves from veal crates, and orphaned animals of all kinds.
Montel chats with relationship expert, Dr Jacquie Del Rosario on this episode of Free Thinking. Dr Del Rosario has engineered a host of tools to cultivate the skills for healthy relationships and marriage and is referred as “America's Marriage Coach”. She is an educator, author, advocate and counselor who holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Master’s and Doctorate in Education, with an emphasis on conflict resolution and curriculum development. She has been twice invited to the White House, worked on public policy and provided congressional testimony. As a participant on The White House National Advisory Panel she helped shape national standards for teen pregnancy prevention programs
Montel speaks with General Gregg Martin, author of The Bipolar General, on this episode of Free Thinking. Bipolar disorder is a brutal and destructive disease that indiscriminately affects the lives, health, marriages, families, careers, finances, and friendships of some 5–10 million Americans each year, including veterans and active military service members. Those with bipolar disorder can end up as alcoholics, drug addicts, homeless or in prison, and as victims of suicide. General Martin made a grueling multiyear recovery thanks to his own desire to get better. The Bipolar General is an important book and the first of its kind in telling the story of an Army general officer who was struck down and then recovered from bipolar disorder. He is a United States Army two-star general who retired as the Special Assistant to the Chief of Engineers in 2014. He was the President of the prestigious National Defense University and prior to that he served as the Commandant of the U.S. Army War College. He was second in command for 3rd Army/US Army Central in the Central Command Area of Responsibility, including support operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and across the CENTCOM region and he led a complex enterprise of four major schools that educated, trained and developed thousands of soldiers, marines, airmen, sailors and civilians for leadership roles in global operations as the Commanding General at the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with the author of, A Petit Mal: A Mothers Healing Love Song, Ana Maria Caballero. Ana knows there are many parents who struggle daily to protect their children dealing with epilepsy and other illnesses and offers inspiration, knowledge and a protective friend to others on the same path. She is a first generation Columbian-American poet, artist and author who graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University and was a finalist for the Academy of American Poets Prize. In this memoir, she shares her families journey from dealing with the diagnosis of epilepsy of her young child, to the trials and tribulations of navigating the traditional healthcare system, to ultimately seeking guidance from alternative medicine practitioners.
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel speaks with author Heather Markham. Heather received a life-changing diagnosis of progressive muscular dystrophy at age 34, and would eventually need a wheelchair. She didn’t let that define her and leaned in hard to an adventurous life despite her diagnosis. She is an engineer, assistive technology professional, an educator, an author, a para-surfer and an award winning photographer. She recently released her inspiring memoir, Rough Waters, which chronicles her slow decline in mobility and her determination to live an extraordinary life. The challenges she shares are both specific to her circumstances, yet relatable to us all.
Montel speaks with Terry Daniels on this episode of Free Thinking about how she discovered the foods she was eating were making her sick. Terry has a masters degree in public health and founded the Food Intolerance Association in 2023. She is the author of the bestselling book, “It’s in the Food”. Her mission is to bring awareness and education to individuals and families affected by food intolerances, to assist in improving overall quality of life, and promote further research.
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with award winning filmmaker and editor of Project Lives and In A Whole New Way: Undoing Mass Incarceration By A Path Untraveled, Jonathan Fisher. Both projects are participatory photography books and PBS documentaries on the related subject matter. Utilizing artistic means to redefine one’s own image dates back thousands of years. Participatory photography emerged in 1992 when a group of American women providing agricultural and medical aid in China, found that when local farmers were equipped with cameras and trained to document their own lives, the photography elicited a new visual narrative and shattered stereotypes.
Montel speaks with Dr Lalith Wijedoru on this episode of Free Thinking. Dr Wijedoru enjoyed a varied career in healthcare as a pediatrician specializing in emergency medicine for nearly twenty years, before ultimately hanging up his stethoscope to pursue a new career as an independent wellbeing consultant. He is the founder of Behind Your Mask, which focuses on emotional wellbeing in the workplace utilizing the power of storytelling.
Montel chats with Brooke Bentley on this episode of Free Thinking about the challenges women face as journalists covering professional sports. Brooke is a former television anchor and award-winning sports reporter. After graduating with a master's in journalism from the University of Southern California, she spent two years working for the Houston Texans as a media personality and over a decade working in sports journalism. Her debut novel Sideline Confidential was released in August of 2023. Through Sideline Confidential,she gives us a glimpse into the challenges women professionals face in the male-dominated world of pro sports.
Montel speaks with Dr. Jenny Woo on tis episode of Free Thinking. Dr Woo is the Founder and CEO of Mind Brain Emotion and teaches Emotional Intelligence at the University of California, Irvine. She is the creator of award-winning card games and mental health tools to help children and adults build the essential skills to be compassionate and purposeful humans. Her bestselling games, 52 Essential Relationship Skills and 52 Essential Coping Skills for families, schools, and workplaces, have been featured by Harvard University, Business Insider, and Forbes, and are used in 50+ countries. She is passionate about helping people realize their potential from the classroom to the boardroom. She has worked as a School Director, Cognitive Science Researcher, Fitness Trainer, MBA Career Coach, Management Consultant, and HR professional in Talent & Leadership Development.
On this episode of Free Thinking Montel talks with Murray Hidary who shares his tips for managing stress and the importance of utilizing music in meditation and other stress-reducing activities. Murray is an innovative creator whose impressive career has seen him compose chart-topping hits in the music industry, as well as launch early-stage venture capital firms that have funded an array of projects worldwide. He innovates in the world of augmented reality and virtual reality technologies, exploring the possibilities of mind travel. His works have been featured at various international events and multimedia festivals.
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with writer, director and actor Sam Medina about his new film, 22: The Unforgotten Soldier. The film tells the story of two Marines from different generations, after coming home from war, who bond over time to try and survive the statistic of 22 suicides per day. You have probably seen Sam in a blockbuster film or two such as Venom, Alita Battle Angel or Mile 22. He has worked with legendary directors over the years such as Oliver Stone, Robert Rodriguez and James Cameron to name just a few. Born in Ho Chi Minh City from a Vietnamese mother and a Honduran-Polynesian Father. Sam wrote and directed this film in honor of all who have served.
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with the author of War’s Over, Come Home, Patrick Smithwick. War’s Over, Come Home chronicles his families two-year quest through cities across the country looking for his son, Andrew, a two-tour Marine veteran of the Iraq War, who is running away from war memories, nightmares, hallucinations, and those that love him. His relentless focus on the life of his homeless son is a microcosm of the national nightmare 50,000 homeless veterans and their families are living every day. Yet, he imbues every chapter with hope: hope for his son, hope for his marriage, hope for his country. The book is a memoir of love, perseverance and hope.
War’s Over, Come Home Book link: patricksmithwick.com
Montel talks with author and Wall Street executive, Ed Hajim on this episode of Free Thinking. Ed was catapulted from foster homes, orphanages, and meager beginnings to becoming a mega- successful Wall Street executive. In 2015 he received the Horatio Alger Award, given to Americans who exemplify the values of initiative, leadership, and commitment to excellence and who have succeeded despite personal adversities. He is the author of the critically acclaimed memoir, On The Road Less Traveled, and his new book, THE ISLAND OF THE FOUR Ps; A Modern Fable About Preparing for Your Future.
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with Brady Busby, a 2024 independent congressional candidate for Arizona. Brady served fourteen years in the US Army, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 2. He spent nine of those years on combat-related deployments in Korea, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. His return home from service came with new battles… multiple surgeries, overmedication and PTSD. He was eventually weaned off of 37 medications and went on to rebuild his life and assist other veterans in doing the same.
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel reconnects with Dave Pelzer to reflect on Dave’s life and talk about his new book, Return to the River. Dave has walked the red carpet with celebrities and stood shoulder to shoulder with soldiers in Iraq; he’s flown top-secret missions for the U.S. Air Force, and battled wildfires in California as a volunteer fire captain. And now—on the eve of the 50-year anniversary of this rescue from a horrific childhood of abuse and into the safety of the foster care system—he reflects on the battles he’s fighting in his own heart. From a lifetime spent serving and saving others, can he learn how to serve and save himself? For anyone who has been hurt, victimized, abandoned or feels alone, there is hope and there is always a way to rewrite your own story. Pelzer’s soulful and inspiring story will remind you to keep your faith, live with gratitude, and find that well of resilience deep within you.
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel welcomes back his friend Dov Baron to discuss the causes, symptoms and treatment for PTSD. Dov is the bestselling author of One Red Thread and Fiercely Loyal: How High Performing Companies Develop and Retain Top Talent. His Focus on human behavior and neuroscience has made him the leadership authority on emotional source code and the anatomy of meaning. He is the founder & host of the top-rated podcast, Leadership and Loyalty. PTSD can happen to anyone. It is not a sign of weakness. If you were directly exposed to the trauma or injured, you are more likely to develop PTSD. About 6 of every 10 men (or 60%) and 5 of every 10 women (or 50%) experience at least one trauma in their lives. The good news is, there is a non-drug therapy that has been developed that results in complete remittance of PTSD in 90% of the patients who have been treated, with 10 hours of therapy or less.
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel speaks with Neal Goldstein, author of the best selling book
“Who’s in the Waiting Room: Create the Life You Want Through the Power of Authentic Relationships”. Neal dropped out of high school at age sixteen. It was the last in a long line of defeats for an underprivileged boy, self-raised in a tumultuous home with an abusive father and a mother who was significantly disabled with Multiple Sclerosis. Today he is a partner at the law firm of Goldstein and Bashner and is sharing his story of overcoming incredible obstacles in hopes of inspiring others.
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel speaks with Tina Lorenz, a leading voice for baby boomers who want to do more than garden and golf. Tina is living proof that your second act can actually be the most successful, having built a multi-million-dollar empire in her 50’s. She now advises lifelong professionals who view their age as an advantage, not a liability, to transition into an impactful next chapter of their lives. She is known as the "The Renegade Boomer" and Founder of The Anti-Retirement Movement.
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel speaks with Cathy Domoney, an award-winning child empowerment author and expert. She is the co-founder and co-director of Parenting Evolution, an exclusive online network for modern parents who are committed to raising the next generation of world-changing leaders. Her 20+ years of experience in teaching, counseling, psychology, sociology, hypnotherapy, coaching, and raising her own five neurodivergent children has given her tremendous insight into parent-kid dynamics.
Montel talks with Dr Karen Becker on this episode of Free Thinking. Dr Becker has been dubbed THE COMMON SENSE VET due to her deliberate, common-sense approach to creating vibrant health for companion animals that has been embraced by millions of pet lovers around the world, making her the most followed vet on Facebook with 2.2 million followers. She has spent her career as a small animal clinician, empowering animal guardians to make intentional lifestyle decisions to enhance the wellbeing of their animals. Co-author of the #1 New York Times Bestseller The Forever Dog. She writes and lectures extensively and serves as a wellness consultant for a variety of health- oriented organizations. She is the first veterinarian to give a TEDx Talk on species appropriate nutrition, which has been a lifelong passion of hers.
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel speaks with world renowned leadership guru Dov Baron on what unites us and what divides us on a global scale, and they break down human behavior from the perspective of the emotional source code. Dov is the bestselling author of One Red Thread and Fiercely Loyal: How High Performing Companies Develop and Retain Top Talent. His focus on human behavior combined with neuroscience has made him the leadership authority on emotional source code and the anatomy of meaning. He is the founder & host of the top rated podcast, Leadership and Loyalty.
DovBaron #leadership #emotional
Imagine being diagnosed with a chronic illness at a time when there are no disease modifying drugs available.
On this epsiode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with Ed Tobias, author of The Multiple Sclerosis Toolbox; Tools &Tips for Living with MS. Ed was 32 years old when he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 42 years ago. At that time there were no disease-modifying drugs for MS, and MRI’s were just coming on the scene for diagnostics. Despite little information available at the time on living with MS, he was determined to carry on with his life and not let MS get in his way. Ed wrote this book to help guide the newly diagnosed and their loved ones down this path. As Montel often says, “I have MS but MS doesn’t have me!”
Montel invites his friend Bobbi Vogel back to Free Thinking to talk about her intuitive healing practice. Bobbi is a clairvoyant and visionary healer who explains that illness does not begin in the physical body, but the etheric body, and therefore must be addressed there for healing to occur and that we must align our soul, mind and body in order to achieve balance.
https://www.ethericmedicine.com
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with Glen “Lewis” Hapeman, a terminally disabled Navy Veteran. While fighting for his life medically, an unexpected four-legged angel came to his aide. Lew rescued an abandoned pitbull named Honey, and then she rescued him. Lew was awarded a grant to send Honey to service dog training school, and she has never left his side since. Lewis and Honey and battling homelessness and need support to keep a roof over their heads while Lewis lives out his final days.
PLEASE HELP LEWIS NOW!
Lewis gofundme
https://www.gofundme.com/f/lets-fight-veteran-homelessness?member=21264129&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer
July 25th, is National Hire a Veteran Day. According to the Department of Defense, approximately 200,000 service members transition from military service to civilian life each year. Some veterans may experience difficulty finding civilian employment after leaving the service, even though an overwhelming 94% of employers say that hiring veteran workers is appealing to their organization. Some veterans may be unfamiliar with effective job search strategies, and may not know how their military experience and training could apply to jobs in the civilian workforce. On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with an Army veteran and CEO of Recruit Military, Tim Best, and a veteran who can attest the the value of their free military job search services, Dave Jensen.
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with Karen Duffy, formerly known as The Duff from her years as an iconic MTV VJ. She is a producer, actress, model and best-selling author. In her new book, WISE UP: Irreverent Enlightenment from a Mother Who’s Been Through It, she shares funny and enlightening lessons on life and parenthood. Karen also shares with Montel her strategies for staying positive while living with chronic pain, and how she has not let her illness stand in the way of leading a full and productive life. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Experiencing a traumatic event can have a tremendous impact on a person's life. The symptoms of PTSD can make a person feel constantly afraid and isolated. In addition, depression is common following a traumatic event and among people with PTSD, which often leads to substance abuse and in some cases suicide. According to the NIH, Suicide is among the leading causes of death in the US. It is important to realize that even though it may feel as though there is no hope, recovery and healing is possible. Montel talks with Dr Ted Bender on this episode of Free Thinking about, PTSD, its connections to addiction and suicide, and hope for healing. Dr Bender earned his doctorate in psychology at Florida State University, went on to complete his residency at the Warren Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University and earned his MBA degree from Texas A&M. He has served in the addiction field as a clinician and in leadership roles since 2011. He places emphasis on improving access to behavioral health services, community outreach and integrating resources in order to provide the best outcome for each and every individual. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Montel talks with Dr Colleen Dell on this episode of Free Thinking about her research into the positive impact that dog-human interaction can have on our well-being. Dr Dell was appointed to the Centennial Enhancement Chair in One Health and Wellness at the University of Saskatchewan, with a focus on addiction and mental health. She is a Professor in the Department of Sociology, with an Associate appointment in the School of Public Health. She is also a Senior Research Associate with the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction. She is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Carleton University and a past Research Associate with the Indigenous Peoples’ Health Research Centre. She is a 2013 graduate of the Canine Behaviour Psychology Academy, Extreme K-9 Professional Dog Training school, in Illinois, USA and completed a certificate course in animal assisted therapy and activities at Harcum College in 2014. In 2020 she completed the Nonhuman Nature Research Methods course at the Kerulos Centre for Nonviolence. She has thousands of hours of practice providing community-based animal assisted intervention. She is here today to discuss studies on how animals impact our lives in so many positive ways. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with identical twin sisters, Tamara Kahn and Terry Hord, who were both diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis after years of symptoms. They are sharing their story through their MS Blog, “Twins Coast to Coast” in hope of helping others who are coping with chronic illness. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
When you become a mother, there’s something so natural, so innate, so instinctual about protecting your child. All those phrases—mama bear, dragon mother—hold some truth. Mothers have an animal-like instinct to protect their children. But what happens when they can’t protect them from the grips of a disease, disability, or disorder? What then? Montel talks with Nikki McIntosh on this episode of Free Thinking. Nikki is a writer, speaker and advocate, and a rare disease mama. Her son Miles was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, a rare, neuromuscular disease at the age of eighteen months old. She is the founder and creator of Rare Mamas, a resource and community to support rare disease mothers, and the host of the Rare Mamas Rising podcast, a platform for rare moms to share their stories and learn from one another. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel catches up with his friend Matt Paxton. Matt is one of the top cleaning, downsizing, decluttering, and hoarding experts in the country. He is the host of the Emmy-nominated PBS show Legacy List, now in its third season, and was a featured cleaning expert on A&E’s Hoarders for 12 years. He has identified the psychological roadblocks that most organizational experts routinely miss that prevent so many of us from lightening our material load. He is here today to talk about his new book, Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff: Declutter, Downsize and Move Forward with Your Life. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel chats with wellness explorer Naomi Whittel. Naomi shares her insight on the latest in supplement innovations and ways to improve your health. She is a certified nutritional consultant, an entrepreneur and a New York Times best-selling author. She is a leader and innovator in the health and wellness industry with two decades of experience in developing and managing sustainable wellness companies. Named by Prevention Magazine as the nations leading health innovator in the natural products industry, she is a global advocate of clean and safe nutrition. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with his friend Joe Van Fonda about his military service, his combat injuries, and why he choose to continue working with veterans once he entered civilian life. Joe served in the United States Marine Corps for more than 27 years. He retired out of Quantico, VA. in 2014 as the Regimental Sergeant’s Major for the Wounded Warrior Regiment, where he oversaw the coordination of non-medical care to combat and non-combat wounded, ill, and injured Marines. His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy, and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and many more. He is now the Executive Director of the Disabled Veterans National Foundation. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Montel talks with Julie Squires on this episode of Free Thinking and shares the devastating loss of he and his wife’s dog, Mr. Max. Julie is a Certified Compassion Fatigue Specialist through the Green Cross Academy of Traumatology, a Health and Wellness Coach, Corporate Wellness Specialist, and a Certified Life Coach. She is a graduate of the State University of New York, Oswego, and has over twenty-five years of experience within leading organizations including Nestle Purina, Bayer Animal Health and IDEXX Laboratories. She is the founder of Rekindle, LLC and the host of the weekly “Rekindling” podcast. She develops and executes training, conducts workshops, and offers one-on-one coaching with professionals in veterinary medicine, animal welfare, biotech, and biomedical research, animal law enforcement, zoo and aquarium, wildlife rehabilitation, animal rights, and animal conservation. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” As we enter the holiday season, it is a time to reflect on those less fortunate, and in the giving spirit, what each of us can do to make their holidays a little brighter. Some folks are secret Santas, others donate to Toys for Tots, while others may give their time to help feed the homeless. Montel talks with Lee Karchawer on this episode of Free Thinking, about the non-profit he founded, PayAway the LayAway. PayAway the LayAway surprises families, including military families, by paying off their layaway balances before Christmas. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
An estimated 6.2 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimers dementia in 2021, which breaks down to 1 in 9 people age 65 and older, and those numbers will increase substantially over the next few years as the population ages. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurologic disorder that causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to die. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia — a continuous decline in thinking, behavioral and social skills that affects a person's ability to function independently. On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with an emeritus Professor of Psychiatry and Medicine at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Dr Peter Rabins. Dr Rabins was the founding director of the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry and the first holder of the Richman Family Chair in Alzheimer Disease and Related Disorders. He has published more than 300 articles and book chapters and is an author or co-author of 8 books including The 36-Hour Day, Practical Dementia Care, The Why of Things, and Getting Old without Getting Anxious. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
On this epsiode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with actor, rapper and comedian, Damian Washington, who has appeared in over thiry national TV commercial campaigns. At age 34, he began experiencing difficulty walking, and as his symptoms progressed he was eventually diagnosed with MS. He is the man behind the NoStressMs Youtube channel, which aims to bring joy, camaraderie and information to the MS community. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
In 2000, Dr. Terry Wahls, a now world-renowned American doctor and scientist is diagnosed with an incurable disease. Seven years later, despite taking the pharmaceutical drugs normally prescribed to sufferers of her condition, Terry’s health continues to decline. The mother of two, decides conventional medicine is not stopping the decline into a demented and bedridden life and begins her search for an alternative approach. This is the story of her decline, astonishing recovery and how she ultimately succeeded in her attempt at defying all odds.
Montel talks with filmmaker Caroleen Moise on this episode of Free Thinking, about her latest film Defying All Odds. This award-winning writer, producer, and director started working in the film industry in 2003 in her native home city of Montreal. The Franco-Canadian who now lives in Syndey, Australia. Her latest film, Defying All Odds, has garnered a total of 7 wins and nominations to date, namely a "Critics Choice Award" at the Iowa Independent Film Festival, "Best Director, "Documentary Feature" at the Culver City Film Festival, and an "Award of Merit, Special Mention" at The Impact Docs Awards in La Jolla. The project was also showcased on Getty Images Australia.
Caroleen's debut feature documentary, We Love Paleo (aka Love Paleo, 2016), is also distributed worldwide. We Love Paleo was subtitled in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese and Czech. To date, her debut feature has been seen in over 60 countries. This creative of Haitian descent holds a Bachelor of Communications from UQAM University, constantly seeks to enhance the mastery of her craft and speaks a few languages.
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Dr Terry Wahls is back to share some exciting research results with Montel and his listerners on this epiosde of Free Thinking. Dr Wahls is a clinical professor of medicine at the University of Iowa: a IFM trained physician, educator, researcher, and MS patient. She was dependent on a tilt-recline wheelchair for four years due to Multiple Sclerosis until she reclaimed her health using a diet and lifestyle program she designed specifically to restore her cellular health — Now she pedals her bike to work each day. Her training program, The Wahls Protocol, is an autoimmune protocol that has transformed thousands of lives across the globe and has changed the direction of dietary and health behavior research for neurological and autoimmune conditions including MS. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with Julie Stamm. Julie was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2007 at the age of 27. Following her diagnosis, she made it her mission to educate, advocate, and support others battling the disease. She works tirelessly to help lessen the burden each patient has to bear. Her efforts have given her the opportunity to work with physicians, patients, and foundations across the Globe. After the birth of her son in 2016, she shifted her focus to supporting the children of parents with a chronic illness. Her children’s book entitled “Some Days; A Tale of Love, Ice Cream, and My Mom’s Chronic Illness” was created to normalize differing abilities and amplify how each of us can thrive in spite of the challenges. The movement she has created has changed the apologetic tone and transformed the child and parent’s experiences into uplifting stories that highlight the patient’s resilience. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with Dr Carrie Daly about the staggering information that most people are likely unaware of. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in six veterinarians has considered or attempted suicide, and one in 10 suffers from severe psychological distress. In short, the veterinary industry is in the midst of a serious mental health crisis. Dr Daly is an emergency small animal veterinarian currently practicing in Castle Rock, Colorado. She earned her undergraduate degree from University of North Dakota and graduated from vet school in 2009 from the University of Minnesota. She has practiced veterinary medicine in Hong Kong, Minnesota, Oregon, and Colorado. She is also a mental health advocate passionate about shedding light on mental health issues within the veterinary industry. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Montel speaks with Dr Candice Shelby, an internationally respected scholar and Professor of Philosophy on this episode of Let’s be Blunt, about the philosophy of addiction. Dr Shelby has served as both department chair and executive director for the Center for Ethics at the University of Colorado, Denver where she has been teaching for 25 years. Her specialties and interests range from the history of philosophy to metaphysics but in the last decade she has shifted her interest to addiction and the use of psychedelics in psychotherapy. She has published dozens of academic papers, and has given talks all over the world, including at Oxford University, the Sorbonne, the University of Barcelona, the University of Frankfurt, and many more, as well as in addiction recovery settings and other public arenas. She wrote and released a book in 2016 called “Addiction: A Philosophical Perspective.” She is the only philosopher included in the recently-published Handbook of Medical Hallucinogens, an anthology by and for researchers and psychiatric treatment professionals. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Montel talks with Cyrus Massoumi about the Dr. B website he created to help people find vaccination appointments on this episode of Free Thinking. Cyrus is a tech entrepreneur and investor. He has been featured in Fortune’s 40 Under 40 list and is the co-founder and former CEO of Zocdoc, a New York City-based online medical appointment booking service that allows people to find and book medical care. He’s a member of the Board of Advisors of Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. And most recently, he founded Dr. B which functions as a vaccine standby list to connect unclaimed COVID-19 vaccines with those in need. More than 200 clinics and pharmacies in 30 states have registered to be connected with the close to 2.5 million people across the country who have signed up on the Dr. B website. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
On this epsiode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with Dr Leana Wen about his breakthrough Covid diagnosis, the importance of being vaccinated and information around the Delta variant. Dr Wen is an emergency physician and public health professor at George Washington University. She is a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, a contributing columnist for The Washington Post, as well as a CNN medical analyst. Previously, she served as Baltimore's Health Commissioner where she led the nation’s oldest continuously-operating public health department. A member of the Council on Foreign Relations, Dr. Wen has received recognition as one of Governing's Public Officials of the Year, Modern Healthcare's Top 50 Physician-Executives, World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders, and TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People. She is the author of the patient advocacy book entitled When Doctors Don’t Listen: How to Avoid Misdiagnoses and Unnecessary Tests and just released her new book in July of 2021 entitled: Lifelines: A Doctor’s Journey in the Fight for Public Health. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Over the past quarter century, there has been a profound change in the involvement of women within the criminal justice system. This is the result of more expansive law enforcement efforts, stiffer drug sentencing laws, and post-conviction barriers to reentry that uniquely affect women. The female incarcerated population stands over seven times higher than in 1980. More than 60% of women in state prisons have a child under the age of 18.
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with Qiana Johnson, the founder of Life After Release Inc, a formerly incarcerated women-led organization supporting system involved people in DC, Maryland & Virginia. She is organizing to build a post-conviction movement challenging the integrity of convictions and the judicial system. She is a local community organizer with Black Lives Matter DC, a national trainer with Silicon Valley Debug, Participatory Defense, and a proud member of the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Did you know there are now 2.8 million people worldwide who have multiple sclerosis according to the most extensive global study to date? That means every 5 minutes, someone, somewhere in the world is diagnosed with MS. Nearly 1 million of them are living in the United States.
On this epsiode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with Dr george Jelink. Dr Jelinek has dedicated his life to the epidemiology of MS. He is an Australian doctor who is a professor and the founder of the Neuroepidemiology Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health. This unit expressly evaluates modifiable risk factors that predict the progression of Multiple sclerosis. He has served as the Chief Editor for Neuroepidemiology in the journal Frontiers in Neurology since 2017 and was the Founding Editor – and is currently the Editor Emeritus – for Emergency Medicine Australasia. Between 1987 and 2018, he published more than 150 peer-reviewed papers and eight books, and received more than 20 research grants.
In 2012 he founded the non-profit, Overcoming MS, to help empower people with MS to take control of their health through lifestyle choices. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Christy Pennison is a board-certified professional counselor with over 10 years of experience, a mental health consultant, and owner of Be Inspired Counseling & Consulting in Alexandria, Louisiana. Be Inspired Counseling & Consulting was created out of a passion to help individuals, children, and families by inspiring hope for change; the team of counselors has over 30 years of combined experience. She is a mental health advocate and community leader, who spearheads her local community counselors’ chapter of the Louisiana Counselors Association. Christy talks with Montel on this epsiode of Free Thinking about the importance of mental wellbeing, connections, relationships, and fostering community. She is passionate about inspiring hope for change through counseling, consulting, and speaking to help individuals of all ages move forward and live fully. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with Carmelo Rodriguez, author of Dead Soldier: Story of the Living, which chronicles his story of being misclassified as “dead” by the VA, which then shares that information with social security and the IRS to make matters worse. An astonishing 4,200 vets, who are very much alive, have been mistakenly classified as deceased and had their VA benefits cut off during a recent five-year period. Carmelo is a six-time author, film maker, actor, Certified Life & Confidence Coach, and an Army Combat Veteran. He holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice and a Master’s in Business Administration. He honed the science of Life Coaching and Confidence Coaching and has designed a self- development program for military service members transitioning to civilian life. He was announced as one of the top 20 most influential people in 2020 by multiple media platforms. Even with his extensive academic and professional background, he considers himself a continuous learner and believes that his journey as a life coach and public speaker has brought immense meaning and satisfaction to his life. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel chats with Jerome Foster II, an 18-year-old climate justice activist, voting rights advocate, and emerging technology developer. His work as a leader in the youth climate movement has been recognized on the international stage. He serves as the youngest member of the Biden White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council. He’s the Executive Director & Founder of OneMillionOfUs, which is mobilizing a new generation of young people to register and turnout to vote. He is the Founder and Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Climate Reporter, an international youth-led climate-focused news outlet. He has spoken at the United Nations High Commission on Human Rights, met with world leaders, and has helped to pass the Clean Energy DC Act which is one of the most aggressive and comprehensive decarbonization bills being implemented in the nation. He was awarded the World Series of Entrepreneurship and has been featured in TIME Magazine, ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, The Washington Post, New York Times, and many more. He has also been awarded the Amnesty International Ambassadors of Conscience Highest Human Rights Award alongside Greta Thunberg and other youth climate leaders. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
According to the latest statistics available from the CDC, Traumatic Brain Injury, also known as TBI, is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. We most often associate TBI with our military veterans, but many others are afflicted with TBI due to sports and accidents. In 2014 falls accounted for almost half of all TBI related emergency room visits. On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with Dr Mark Gordon, a Neuro-Endocrinologist specializing in TBI, and Jerri Sher, the Emmy Award winning filmmaker behind the Documentary “Quiet Explosions.” Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with renown neurologist, Dr David Perlmutter. Dr Perlmutter is a board-certified neurologist and fellow of the American College of Nutrition. He serves as the medical advisor for the Dr. Oz Show and Men’s Health and is an associate professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Linus Pauling Award for his innovative approaches to neurological disorders. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed scientific journals and is a frequent lecturer at symposia sponsored by several medical institutions such as Columbia University, New York University, and Harvard University. He is a 5-time New York Times bestselling author, and his 2013 bestseller, Grain Brain, has more than 1.5 million copies in print, has been published in multiple languages, and is available in 20 countries across the globe. Grain Brain kickstarted a revolution and empowers its readers to take control of their health to achieve optimal wellness for lifelong vitality. Since its publication, Grain Brain has reached #1 on multiple best-seller lists, including New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with Shirley Raines, founder of Beauty 2 The Streetz, a non-profit organization that has supported the homeless community in Los Angeles for the last four years. Every Saturday, rain or shine, she and her team come out to share a hot home-cooked meal, conversation, and most importantly connection. Skid Row is the epicenter of Los Angeles’ homeless community, with about 5,000 people experiencing homelessness lining its corridors. For four years, Raines and her team of volunteers have made weekly visits to Skid Row to distribute donated food, hygiene products and other necessities. Beauty 2 The Streetz has also provided something unique — free beauty makeovers to the community's cisgender and transgender women. Her services were crucial before COVID-19 hit, but are even more so now, as she provides the community with essential PPE, hand sanitizer, and information on social distancing and virus prevention. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with Porsche Williams, a Navy veteran who’s an active member of the Veterans Mental Health Advisory Council at Washington, D.C., Veterans Affairs Medical Center. She is a Suicide Intervention Instructor and founder of Restore Life which she started in 2018 after experiencing her own mental health challenges stemming from her time serving in the Navy during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom war. Her and her team have intervened and prevented hundreds of suicide attempts throughout the Washington DC metropolitan area. She has worked closely with and trained the NFL players association, DC VA Medical center staff, veterans, adolescent, mental health providers, American university police department, Metropolitan Police Department, Maryland’s Sheriff’s department government officials, and many more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel speaks with 33-year-old Financial Activist Dasha Kenned. A St. Louis native with over a decade of experience working as an accountant and default counselor, she created The Broke Black girl which connects, educates, and empowers minority women to achieve financial and mental wellness. The Broke Black Girl provides a safe and supportive space for women to openly discuss their financial hardships, advance their financial literacy, and seek free assistance from the professionals in the group. The platform has exceeded 60,000 women within one year, reaching women in 38 states and 96 countries. The Broke Black Girl has been featured on People, Elite Daily, Black Enterprise Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with his friend Travis Flores. Born with cystic fibrosis and facing the reality that he might not live to his 20’s, Travis became a best-selling children’s book author as a teenager, was a key ambassador for the Make-a-Wish Foundation and today is an author, activist, actor and producer. It’s truly a miracle he’s alive today having now had 3 separate lung transplants, one of of only about 30 patients worldwide to have a 3rd procedure. Travis shares his experiences and how love has helped him through some of his darkest days. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with filmmaker, freelance journalist and creative professional from Omaha, Nebraska, Nick Beaulieu. Nick recently contributed to PBS’s “American Portrait” series, representing Nebraska. He’s the director, writer, and producer of the documentary film How Much Sleep Have You Lost, which is a multi-year odyssey that examines racism, privilege, and faith in Omaha, Nebraska. He also sits on the board of MORE, Movement in Omaha for Racial Equity. Nick is a graduate of the University of Nebraska Omaha and has held roles at Film Streams, The Omaha World-Herald, and Sojern. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a disease in which your body's immune system eats away at the protective sheath that covers your nerves. The disorder disrupts communication between your brain and the rest of your body, meaning your nerve signals slow down or stop. We don't know exactly why this happens. The most common thought is that a virus or gene defect, or both, are to blame. Environmental factors may even play a role. We do know that the disorder affects more women than men, that you may get the disorder if you have a family history of MS, and that you are at higher risk if you live in a part of the world where MS is more common. It's typically diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, but we see the disorder at any age. Now you may ask, how do you know you have multiple sclerosis?
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with one of the foremost experts in treating patients with MS and other Nero immune disorders, Dr Michelle Fabian. She is an Assistant Professor of Neurology and an attending physician at the Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis Center. She received a BS degree in chemistry from the University of Notre Dame and a MD degree from Case Western Reserve University. She completed her neurology residency at Mount Sinai Hospital, where she served as Chief Resident. In 2009, she was named The Mount Sinai Hospital Resident of the Year. She was the recipient of a 2009-2011 Sylvia Lawry Fellowship from the National MS Society, after which she joined the CGD faculty in 2011. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with Jimmy Choi, a 46-year-old endurance athlete and Parkinson’s Advocate. He received a diagnosis of Young Onset Parkinson’s at only 27 years old and doctors told him that he would need to use a wheelchair in just 15 to 20 years. After extensive research, he found that exercise was the only treatment proven to slow or even halt the progression of Parkinson’s Disease. Since then, he has used fitness to battle his illness and collected an incredibly impressive record of being a four-season veteran of American Ninja Warrior and has completed one ultra-marathon, 16 marathons, 100 half marathons, numerous 5Ks, 10Ks, and triathlons. He and his wife have raised close to $500,000 for Parkinson’s research. He is best known for showcasing feats of athleticism on his social media to serve as inspiration for his fans and those facing similar health challenges. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
When we think of PTSD, [effective PTSD treatment], we most often associate it with veterans as a result of war. However, statistics state that 1 in 13 people will experience PTSD in their lifetime. On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with Dr Frank Bourke, a doctor who was on the front lines of treating 9-11 first responders. Dr Bourke is the founder of the non-profit, The Research and Recognition Project, which conducts rigorous, controlled clinical studies to validate therapeutic techniques that support the widespread use of innovative and cost-effective clinical care for traumatic stress and a number of other psychiatric disorders. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Montel chats with Lindsey Joy Holcomb on this episode of Free Thinking. Lindsey is a mixed-media artist who works with ink, oil, and thread. She’s the founder of the internationally recognized social art project, Colors of MS, where she takes MRI brain scans of MS patients and turns them into absolutely incredible works of art, transforming something that is often a sign of bad news – a brain scan showing the presence of MS – into something truly amazing. She was diagnosed with MS in 2017 and turned to art as a way to heal. After painting her diagnostic MRI, changing the clinical black and white to vibrant color, the passion project was born. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Newly elected PA State Representative Jessica Benham joins Montel on this episode of Free Thinking. Rep Benham is a disability rights activist serving as a member-elect of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 36th District, located in Western Pennsylvania. She is the first openly LGBTQ+ woman and first openly autistic person elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly. She is a union organizer, community leader, advocate, and role model. She co-founded the Pittsburgh Center for Autistic Advocacy. In her words, she is “fighting for a world where we never have to hide who we are to be seen as capable of serving our communities.”
montel #jessicabenham #LGBTQ
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On this episode of Free Thinking, Bobbi Vogel joins Montel Williams to discuss her etheric medicine practice and share stories of those she has helped. Bobbi explains how she came to realize her gift as a medical intuitive and what the etheric body is, and the importance of the balance between the etheric and physical body. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
On this episode of Free Thinking with Montel, Dr. Keisha Gibson breaks down the facts, addresses common mis-perceptions and answers questions many people still have about the COVID-19 vaccines available. Dr Gibson is a pediatric nephrologist at the University of North Carolina and the Vice Chair of Diversity and Inclusion at the UNC Department of Medicine. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel talks to Dr David Burns about depression and anxiety, and tips for people to rediscover happiness in their lives. Dr Burns is a renowned psychiatrist, adjunct Clinical Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford, award-winning researcher, and the author of the incredibly successful books Feeling Good and Feeling Great which have helped millions around the world suffering from anxiety and depression to experience joy. He has done 40 years of research and has completed over 40,000 hours of treating individuals with severe mood problems. 50,000 American and Canadian mental health professionals have attended his training programs. He was a pioneer in the development of cognitive therapy, and is the founder and creator of TEAM-CBT, which makes rapid recovery from depression and anxiety possible. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
In this episode of Free Thinking, Montel speaks with Dr Elizabeth Morrison-Banks, the Associate Dean for Medical Education Quality and Integration and Health Sciences Clinical Professor at the University of California, Riverside. Dr Morrison-Banks is an MS specialist that has worked with many families affected by MS for over 15 years and serves on the Healthcare Provider Council of the Southern California & Nevada Chapter of the National MS Society. She led the first published survey documenting the nature and extent of caregiver mistreatment of adults with MS in the US and talks about her research which focuses on understanding and preventing the abuse and neglect of those affected with MS. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Genetically Modified Organisms, or GMOs, are a hotly debated topic. Learn what GMO’s are and aren’t as Montel speaks with Sally Mackenzie, Ph.D. on this episode of Free Thinking. Dr Mckenzie s a professor of plant science in the College of Agricultural Sciences and professor of biology in the Eberly College of Science at Penn State. She has been in plant molecular genetics research for almost 30 years and is the Founding Director of the Plant Institute at Penn State. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
“I feel great and am in the best health of my life” says Frank Davis, Founder of Optivida Nutrition. But that wasn’t always the case. Frank’s childhood was filled with ailments and in his early forties he was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. That set him on a course of discovery, which ultimately led to his recovery and was the catalyst to founding his company Optivida. Frank researched all options –medical and nutritional. The turning point was at a symposium entitled “Foods as a Medicine” where he found the medical and scientific evidence that nutrition was the key to health. The presenters at the conference were top university PhD researchers in field of health and wellness. They showed overwhelming evidence linking virtually every known disease, illness, cancer, etc. to some form of dietary deficiency. As he tried to fix his own nutrition needs, Frank learned quickly of the compromised quality of the United States’ food supply. He learned that our foods are grown in nutrient deficient soils, treated with toxic herbicides, pesticides, fungicides and are transported thousands of miles over weeks before arriving at our homes. Reports Frank read, validated that the food we eat today has only a fraction of the nutrition of the same foods grown 70 years ago and he concluded that it was nearly impossible to get full nutrition from the United States’ food supply.
He has since fully recovered and engages in a variety of sports such as racquetball, biking and weight training just to name a few. He has participated in the World Senior Games for the past 23 years and joins Montel on this episode of Free Thinking to share his wisdom for well being and longevity. We also have to mention is he sporting a six pack of abs at age 74.
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On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with 8 year old Cavanaugh Bell. Cavanaugh was bullied in school, and he decided to turn what he calls “the darkness he felt inside”, into a catalyst for change. He started his own nonprofit called Cool and Dope, an acronym for: “considering others’ obstacles in life and dish out positive energy.” His central mission is to combat bullying and spread positivity through acts of kindness and he hopes to end bullying by 2030. He created a food pantry with his savings called Love is Greater than COVID-19 which has served over 2,000 families, helping approximately 10,560 people. He has a big heart and is a natural-born leader! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with his friend Ken Fisher, a business leader and philanthropist with a passion for serving those who have served our country. He is the co-managing partner of Fisher Brothers, the third-generation leadership team of one of the country’s most successful family-owned real estate development and management companies. He was named one of America’s Best Leaders by U.S. News & World Report. He is a tireless advocate for those who have made tremendous sacrifices to our country including military service members, veterans and their families and serves as the chairman and CEO of the Fisher House Foundation. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Depression in its various forms is one of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis. In fact, studies have suggested that clinical depression is more frequent among people with MS than it is in the general population or in many other chronic illnesses.
The devastating impact depression has on patients with MS is seen throughout MS research. Depression is the number one correlate of quality of life for patients and their caregivers with MS. Suicide from depression is the 3rd leading cause of death in MS across the lifespan. 30% of patients with MS have suicidal ideation, and 10% of patients with MS will attempt suicide at some point during the course of their illness. Depression worsens MS. Thus, patients who are depressed with MS have a worse course of illness, and treatment of their depression improves the neurologic outcome of their illness.
The good news is, Depression is the most treatable comorbidity of MS, with patients achieving a complete remission of their clinical depression with proper treatment.
In this episode of Free Thinking Montel talks to a world-renown expert on MS and depression, Dr. Adam Kaplin. He is the principal psychiatric consultant to the Johns Hopkins Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence and the clinical director of the Johns Hopkins Psychiatric Esketamine Clinic. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Cancer, obesity and diabetes have reached epidemic levels in the United States. The US medical system is the third highest cause of death and the most expensive in the world. While good nutrition can solve many of these problems, the American public is getting a lot of contradictory advice on nutrition and is harmed by an endless barrage of fad diets. On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with his friend Ariane Sommer about the benefits of a Vegan lifestyle, which she has lead for over a decade. She is a best selling author, vegan biohacker and wellness entrepreneur who has lived all over the world and is fluent in five languages.
Listen to Ariane’s podcast at https://superhumanize.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Thanksgiving is a time to show your gratitude for your friends, family, and all that you have in life. This year will be quite different for most folks, no large gatherings of family and friends. But it is still an important time for reflection and thankfulness for all that we have, and finding new ways to express gratitude. We should always acknowledge those that sacrifice so much for the rest of us, our servicemen and women and their families. Jessica Allen joins Montel on this edition of Free Thinking to share her family's story of sacrifice, dedication, and resilience. Their life was forever changed in 2010 when her husband, Charles Allen III, was severely injured after stepping on a 40lb IED while on dismounted patrol in Afghanistan. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel is joined by Dr Terry Wahls, a clinical professor of medicine at the University of Iowa. Dr Wahls is a MS patient with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. She was dependent on a tilt-recline wheelchair for four years due to Multiple Sclerosis until she reclaimed her health using a diet and lifestyle program she designed specifically to restore her cellular health — she now pedals her bike to work each day. Her training program, The Wahls Protocol, is an autoimmune protocol that has transformed thousands of lives across the globe and has changed the direction of dietary and health behavior research for neurological and autoimmune conditions. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
In this special Veteran’s Day episode of Free Thinking, Montel shares his military story – from enlisting in Marines after high school, to the Naval Academy to more than a decade as a Special Duty Intelligence Officer – in a way he rarely does.
This Veterans Day, Montel reminds us that our obligation to those who served isn’t just saying thank you – it’s also to be there for those who served in a time of need. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
On this edition of Free Thinking, Montel is joined by Dr Howard Weiner, a world-renowned neurologist, neuroscientist, and immunologist, to discuss the latest advances in MS research. He is the Robert L. Kroc Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, Director and Founder of the Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center and Co-Director of the Anne Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases at the Brigham & Women’s Hospital. His discoveries regarding basic mechanisms of MS have led to the development of new treatment approaches worldwide. He is also a writer and filmmaker and the author of Curing MS.
The Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center, located at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) is world renowned for providing the most advanced multiple sclerosis treatment options for patients with MS, bolstered by a clinical research program that is leading the way in the latest discoveries. Since its creation in 1999, the Center, led by Howard L. Weiner, MD, has been at the forefront of MS patient care and research, including the landmark Comprehensive Longitudinal Investigation of Multiple Sclerosis at BWH (CLIMB) study that has provided many insights into genetics, immunology imaging, and treatment of multiple sclerosis.
The Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center, located at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA https://www.brighamandwomens.org/neurology/multiple-sclerosis Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel explores the importance of access to healthy food for all socio-economic groups and neighborhoods. He is joined by his friend, Taja Sevelle, founder of Urban Farming, a non-profit organization dedicated to solutions that create healthy communities. Several studies have investigated disparities in the distribution of neighborhood vegetation, the proximity of residences to playgrounds, and the accessibility of supermarkets and grocery stores, but few have examined access to fast-food outlets and convenience stores as a function of neighborhood racial and socioeconomic demographics. The neighborhood environment can help promote and sustain beneficial lifestyle patterns or can contribute to the development of unhealthy behaviors, resulting in chronic health problems among residents. What can we do about it? Empower communities to have more control over their food sources. In Phase I, Urban Farming installed over 150 community and school gardens of free food in 25 states in the U.S., as well as a school garden in Montego Bay, Jamaica. There are now over 66,000 gardens worldwide in over 60 countries that are each a part of the Urban Farming Global Food Chain®. As of October 2020 Urban Farming has helped 1,050 families and individuals start their own gardens. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel talks to Joey Reed, whose son, USMC-vet Trevor Reed has been wrongfully detained by the Russian Government for more than 400 days. Convicted in a sham trial, Trevor faces 9 years in a Russian labor camp for a crime he didn’t commit. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
In today’s episode, Montel talks to Chris Hahn, a longtime political strategist, about the threat to the Affordable Care Act next month in the Supreme Court and about the strangest story of last week – an alleged plot to kidnap the sitting Governor of Michigan disrupted by the FBI and the Michigan Attorney General. Chis is the host of a The Aggressive Progressive podcast on revolver and hosts a nationally syndicated radio show. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Montel talks with Christian Santana in this episode of Free Thinking. Christian immigrated to the US with his family as a small child from the Dominican Republic. He grew up in Brooklyn and Queens NY, and has spent the last two decades traveling the world as a flight attendant. He serves as a council representative for the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, the only independent flight attendant union in the United States. He is an outspoken and passionate advocate on social issues an avid fitness enthusiast.
Instagram : @platformsantana Twitter : @santana76cm Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
In this episode, Montel tackles the issue of police reform and the notion of “defunding the police.” Montel argues that the calls to “Defund the police” are actually calls to reform and re-imagine policing that most Americans agree with, even police officers. Montel makes the case that calling the idea “defund the police” has been a boon to right wing media and has allowed conservatives to turn a debate about police reform into a divisive, imaginary debate about a world with no police. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
On today’s episode of free Thinking, Montel reacts to last night’s first Presidential Debate along with his senior advisor, Jon Franks. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel talks to Karen O’Keefe, State Policy Director for the Marijuana Policy Project about the state of cannabis reform initiatives nationwide, including those that are on the ballot in November and some unexpected prospects for legislative reform in other states. Karen has been an instrumental player in the work of cannabis reform and this episode is can’t miss for those who care about cannabis reform and social justice.
https://www.mpp.org Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Montel talks to his advisor Jonathan Franks on Free Thinking about a question many former Republicans like him have in the age of Trump – where are the Republicans? Especially in light of the revelations in Bob Woodward’s latest book, Rage, which are backed with tape recordings of the President admitting to lying to the American people about COVID-19, expressing a dangerous fondness for Kim Jong Un and calling “his generals,” among other things, “stupid.” Montel explores how we got to this place and where we go from here… Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Montel discusses the dangerous Q-Anon conspiracy theory that has taken an alarming hold over millions of people across the country. Across social media every day, well-meaning people are being conned into amplifying Q-Anon messages without even knowing it. Last week in Oregon, Q-Anon followers spread a false rumor that so-called “Antifa” activists were setting fires in Oregon causing an influx of 911 calls and diverting resources from the fire-lines. Q-Anon has also become a source of dangerous coronavirus conspiracies that are putting people in jeopardy on a daily basis. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
In this episode of Free Thinking, Montel sits down with retired Army Major General Paul Eaton to discuss the General’s viral reaction to the President’s “Suckers and Losers” debacle as well as issues facing the troops and veterans. They also discuss the importance of positive leadership and what America needs to do to get back on track from a leadership perspective.
https://www.votevets.org
https://www.vetvoicefoundation.org Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
In this episode, Montel takes a deep dive into Trump’s troubling history with the military. Between norms-breaking, using the troops as props and a history short-changing our nation’s greatest citizens for his own purposes, Montel delivers a powerful indictment of Trump’s record on military and veterans issues. In this episode, Montel takes a deep dive into Trump’s troubling history with the military. Between norms-breaking, using the troops as props and a history short-changing our nation’s greatest citizens for his own purposes, Montel delivers a powerful indictment of Trump’s record on military and veterans issues. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Montel sat down with Rev. Dr. William Barber, a noted civil rights leader who is the Pastor of Greenleaf Christian Church, Disciples of Christ as well as the founder of the Poor People’s Campaign and The Moral Monday movement for a conversation on race, racism, and a summer of protest as the result of the killings of unarmed black Americans by police.
https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org
https://greenleafchristiandoc.org
https://twitter.com/RevDrBarber?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Montel talks with his friend Dr Babak Kateb to learn about the latest COVID-19 research and developments. Dr Kateb is a neuroscientist with more than 20 years of research experience who formed a worldwide committee of experts to collaborate in reviewing COVID-19 research. In this episode of Free Thinking, Dr Kateb shares their published report.
https://brainmappingfoundation.org Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Montel is joined by Hannah Cox, national coordinator for Conservatives Concerned About the Death Penalty. Hannah is one of the leading conservative activists working on criminal justice reform. Montel and Hannah discuss the death penalty and criminal justice reform generally in an important conversation on where we go from here with respect to criminal justice
https://conservativesconcerned.org Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Montel is joined by Paul Rieckhoff, a combat vet who founded Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and now hosts his own podcast and is a sought after speaker and thinker on military and veterans issues. Paul and Montel discuss the chaos in Portland, Oregon and Kenosha, Wisconsin as well as the implications of Trump’s pattern of destructive norms-breaking on the military. You won’t want to miss this pair of veterans advocates in conversation.
https://www.instagram.com/paulrieckhoff/?hl=en Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
On the premiere episode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with Senator Joni Ernst, a fellow veteran who served 23 years in the Army Reserves and National Guard. In 2014, she was elected as the first woman to serve in a federal elected office from the State of Iowa and also became the first female combat veteran elected to serve in the United States Senate. She serves on five Senate committees: Armed Services; Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; Environment and Public Works; Judiciary; and Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
https://joniernst.com
https://www.instagram.com/joniernst/
To learn more about RTM (Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories) treatment for PTSD, visit The Research & Recognition Project at http://researchandrecognition.org Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com