Welcome to another impactful episode of Free Thinking with Montel! In this episode, we tackle sensitive and crucial topics surrounding accidental shootings, gun violence, and the resilience needed to overcome such traumatic events.

Joining us is Paul Rousseau, a distinguished writer whose work has graced the pages of the San Francisco Chronicle, Roxane Gay’s newsletter The Audacity, and more. Paul shares his compelling and raw story from his memoir Friendly Fire, which recounts the chilling day he was accidentally shot in the head by his best friend, just days before college graduation.

We explore:

• Accidental Shootings & Gun Safety: The larger conversation about gun violence, ownership, and college campus safety.
• Living with Traumatic Brain Injury: The specific challenges and resilience required to live with an invisible disability.
• Toxic Friendships & Healing: How Paul navigated and came to terms with a toxic friendship post-accident.
• The Power of Literary Expression: How writing served as a cathartic outlet for Paul in his recovery.

Join us as Paul opens up about his trauma, the subsequent legal battles, and his ongoing healing journey. Learn how he turned a life-altering accident into a narrative of resilience and hope, aiming to spark meaningful conversations about mental health and gun safety.

Paul’s memoir, Friendly Fire, serves as an eye-opener and a testament to the enduring spirit of survival against all odds. Don't miss this riveting episode—and remember, your story has the power to inspire change.

Stay safe, keep thinking freely, and join our community conversation.

Welcome back to another episode of Free Thinking with Montel. In this week's deeply insightful discussion, Montel Williams dives into the pressing issue of America's growing sense of division and depression. With expert perspectives from two highly esteemed guests, this episode promises to offer a profound exploration of the mental health crisis affecting our nation.

Elaine Belson, a clinical social worker with 30 years of experience across clinical, military, political, and teaching settings, shares her wealth of knowledge on the intersection of mental health and societal dynamics. Having served as a Social Work Officer in the US Army and provided clinical services in Afghanistan, Elaine's unique insights into domestic violence, anger management, and community health are invaluable.

Joining Elaine is Phyllis E. Leavitt, a seasoned psychotherapist and author of the groundbreaking book America in Therapy. With over 30 years of experience treating children, families, and individuals, Phyllis brings a deep understanding of dysfunctional family dynamics and their broader societal impact. Her latest work challenges us to view America as a patient in need of urgent therapeutic intervention.

1. Understanding Family Dynamics:

• • The difference between healthy and unhealthy family dynamics.
  • Early warning signs of dysfunctional family dynamics.
  • The role of resilience in overcoming a traumatic family background.
  • America in Therapy:
  • Phyllis elaborates on viewing the nation as a patient and the elements required to repair ruptured relationships in America.
  • A case study from Phyllis's book illustrating successful systemic changes to address abusive dynamics.
  • Moving to a Shared Power Model:
  • Strategies for shifting from a domination/submission model to a power-shared model.
  • The importance of dependency on one another and the common good.
  • Overcoming Division:
  • The influence of media representation on societal dynamics and dysfunctional behavior.
  • Practical tips for families, co-workers, and friends to get beyond division over politics and societal issues.

n this captivating episode of Free Thinking with Montel, we sit down with Marcia Naomi Berger, a remarkable psychotherapist and author of the compelling memoir, The Bipolar Therapist: A Journey from Madness to Love and Meaning. Marcia shares her unique perspective on living with bipolar disorder, having experienced life as both a professional and a patient. Her story is one of resilience, healing, and hope, offering a powerful narrative about overcoming mental illness and erasing the stigma surrounding it.

During our conversation, Marcia discusses the complexities of mental health, the misconceptions about bipolar disorder, and the challenges faced by those living with it. She opens up about her personal experiences, including her decision to reveal her story after years of keeping it secret, how her family history influenced her, and how her time as a psychiatric inpatient shaped her work as a therapist.

This episode is part of Montel's Book Club series, where we explore literature that sparks important conversations. Join us as Marcia shares strategies for managing mental health, insights into creating safe spaces for loved ones struggling with mental illness, and advice for those hesitant to seek help.

Tune in to be inspired by Marcia's courage and learn how art, creativity, and therapy played pivotal roles in her recovery process. Whether you're battling mental health challenges or supporting someone who is, this episode offers encouragement and practical advice to help you find strength and hope.

Remember, you're not alone. There's always hope and help available. For more about Marcia's story, be sure to check out her memoir, The Bipolar Therapist. Stay tuned for more insightful episodes of Free Thinking with Montel, where we continue to share inspiring stories and valuable insights to support your mental well-being.

Welcome back to another thought-provoking episode of "Free Thinking with Montel," where we challenge traditional ways of thinking and approach known facts with a new mindset. This week, we are honoured to host Franck “Zanu” Adjisegbe—a powerhouse in leadership, motivation, and human development. Franck Adjisegbe, CEO of Zanu Solutions, brings a unique and explosive perspective to our discussion. He’s not just a life-coach; he’s an inspirational speaker and human development consultant who helps people "un-learn" their ways of thinking, then inspires them to unlock their full potential. Recognized globally for his strategic intellect and humanitarian endeavours, Zanu’s approach turns conventional wisdom on its head, providing fresh insights into complex issues.

In this episode, we'll delve into Franck's journey, tracing his evolution from a reporter and photojournalist stationed across continents to a leader in community development. We’ll explore the historical context to understand how culture influences political structures and examine the cultural impact on a country’s political identity and evolution. Franck will also share public tools that can empower citizens to influence political structures, along with insights on how to become active members of our democracy.

As we discuss the current cultural shifts in American society, Franck will highlight how cultural change can occur independently of political systems and will help dispel misconceptions surrounding democracy as an ongoing process. We’ll confront fears about the state of democracy and discuss the recent trend of fear-mongering as it pertains to democratic discourse. Finally, Franck will offer his thoughts on preserving a healthy democratic process amid cultural transitions.

Join us for a compelling conversation that will reshape how you view democracy and your role within it. Franck’s wisdom is a reminder of our collective power in maintaining a robust democratic framework. Your voice is vital in this dynamic dialogue, so stay curious, stay active, and tune in for more inspiring discussions that will challenge your perspectives and ignite your passion for change.

To hear more from Franck Zanu check out his new podcast "The Zanu Project” and follow him on FB.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FranckZanu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562385265794

Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of Free Thinking with Montel. In this episode, Montel speaks with Phyllis Leavitt, a psychotherapist with over 34 years of experience and author of the compelling new book, America in Therapy.

Phyllis believes that while partisanship and aggression threaten our country, there's still hope. She envisions America as a patient in dire need of therapy and argues that addressing our nation's mental health crisis is crucial for our survival.

• Understanding America's Mental Health Crisis: Phyllis elaborates on why deteriorating mental health is the greatest threat to our country's continued survival.
• Signs of Mass Mental Illness: Insight into how political and ideological polarization can be viewed through the lens of mental health.
• Healing National Divisions: Phyllis shares actionable steps on how we can elevate the principles of individual and family healing to a national level.
• The Role of Social Media: A discussion on how social media exacerbates the mental health crisis and how it can be leveraged for healing instead.
• Balancing Pride and Reality: Tips on how to maintain pride in America while acknowledging and addressing systemic issues.
• Community and Workplace Support: Practical advice on how communities, workplaces, and individuals can support mental health.

Join us for an enlightening conversation that not only informs but also inspires action towards reconciliation, unity, and healing in America.

Guest Bio:

Phyllis E. Leavitt, MA, is a retired psychotherapist based in Taos, NM. She holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology and Counseling from Antioch University. Phyllis co-directed The Parents United Program, a family sexual abuse treatment program, and has written two books on her personal healing journey. Her latest book, America in Therapy, presents an unprecedented perspective, envisioning the entire nation as a patient in need of therapy.

Tune in to hear Phyllis’s unique insights and discover how we can collectively begin the challenging but necessary process of national healing.

In this episode of "Free Thinking with Montel," we're honored to have Dr. David Weill, former Director of the Center for Advanced Lung Disease and Lung and Heart-Lung Transplant Program at Stanford University Medical Center. Now leading the Weill Consulting Group, David's career has been nothing short of extraordinary. He has saved countless lives, faced heart-wrenching ethical dilemmas, and now, he's reshaping his narrative through writing. David’s memoir, "Exhale," gives a raw and emotional look into the highs and lows of a transplant surgeon's life. But he’s not stopping there—David has recently ventured into fiction with his debut novel, "All That Really Matters." In this episode, Montel and David discuss the transition from medical practice to authoring impactful stories, the challenges of writing fiction, and the inspiration behind his latest work.

Key points covered include:

*The shift from transplant surgeon to author

*Inspiration behind "All That Really Matters"

*Challenges in switching from non-fiction to fiction

*Character development and thematic depth in his novel

*Ethical dilemmas in high-stakes medicine

*Significant advancements in transplant surgery over the past decade

*Balancing medical accuracy with compelling storytelling

David also shares valuable advice for anyone feeling stuck and contemplating a fresh start. Tune in for an insightful conversation that spans both medical and literary worlds. Whether you're a fan of medical memoirs or compelling fiction, this episode has something for everyone.

Don't miss this chance to hear from a man who has dedicated his life to healing others and now, through his writing, aims to heal and inspire even more. Make sure to check out David Weill’s new novel "All That Really Matters." It’s a compelling read that offers deep insights into the human condition. Available now at your favorite bookstore. Keep thinking freely, everyone, and take care.

Welcome back to another thought-provoking episode of "Free Thinking with Montel.” In this episode Montel sits down with John Pavlovitz, a writer, pastor, and activist known for his unwavering commitment to equality, diversity, and justice. With over 25 years of dedicated service in local church ministry, John has been a beacon of hope and a voice for progressive change.

They discuss John's new book, “Worth Fighting For,” which motivates readers to find courage and compassion in times of widespread cruelty. Delve into John's personal background, what drives him to advocate for marginalized communities, and how he continues to inspire others even when the going gets tough.

The conversation begins with John's background, exploring his journey from his early years to becoming a pastor. They then transition to his ministry and advocacy work, discussing what keeps John pushing forward in his quest for justice. The motivation behind his latest book, “Worth Fighting For,” is thoroughly examined, highlighting its intent to inspire courage and compassion.

They also touch on the emotional landscape of today’s society, particularly addressing how to stay hopeful amidst political turmoil. John shares insights on maintaining compassion without burning out and illustrates the power of individual actions with real-life examples of impactful change. Handling backlash is another key topic, as John navigates criticism on social media, discussing both its challenges and opportunities for fostering hope.

Moreover, John offers tips for managing social media consumption to ensure a positive online experience. His personal strategies for mental health and self-care practices are also covered, providing listeners with valuable advice. Looking ahead, John discusses his future focus areas and key efforts to foster an inclusive society. His perspective on finding internal happiness, encapsulated in the phrase “Happiness is an Inside Job,” rounds out the episode.

Join us for a deeply moving conversation on standing for what's right, loving fiercely, and thinking freely. Don’t miss this powerful episode featuring one of the most compelling voices for justice today.

John Pavlovitz's website: https://johnpavlovitz.com/

John Pavlovitz on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JohnP

Welcome back to Free Thinking with Montel, the podcast where we celebrate incredible stories of courage, hope, and the unbreakable human spirit. In this episode, we tackle a profoundly inspiring narrative — a story not just about survival, but about thriving in the face of immense adversity. We highlight the deep, nurturing love between a father and his daughter, driving an extraordinary battle for life and embodying resilience and unwavering connection. Our guest is Paul Weigel, author of the moving memoir "Iron Dad." Paul’s life has been a series of challenges—an isolated childhood, personal tragedies, and a devastating cancer diagnosis. Yet, he chose hope and determination, spurred by the unyielding bond with his daughter. We also address an urgent health issue: colorectal cancer. Alarming statistics from The American Cancer Society’s 2024 Cancer Facts and Figures show that colon cancer is now the leading cancer killer for men and the second for women in the United States, with predictions that 1 in 20 individuals will face this disease in their lifetime.

However, prevention and early detection can dramatically improve outcomes. Join us as Paul shares his powerful story of fighting colon cancer, training for an Ironman triathlon post-chemotherapy, and remaining a dedicated father. Discover how he found strength in the darkest times and the strategies he used to maintain balance during his treatment. Key Takeaways from This Episode: Insights from Paul Weigel’s memoir, "Iron Dad," on discovering strength, life, and love through fatherhood. The rise in colorectal cancer rates and its impact on younger generations. The mental and physical strength required to train for an Ironman while recovering from chemotherapy. Practical advice for anyone facing a cancer diagnosis. Strategies for balancing treatment and family responsibilities. How celebrities and organizations are partnering with Paul to raise awareness around colorectal cancer.

Tips on supporting loved ones battling cancer. Paul’s resilience and love for his daughter are truly inspirational. Listen now and be inspired by Paul Weigel’s incredible journey. Advocate for early detection and keep believing in the impossible. Purchase Paul's memoir, "Iron Dad," to delve deeper into his story of resilience and love. Stay informed, stay compassionate, and keep free thinking. Support those fighting cancer and join the movement to raise awareness around colorectal cancer.