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