Free Thinking with Montel

About Free Thinking with Montel

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..

Publisher

Montel Williams

Category

education · health & fitness · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

31 Aug 2020

Latest episode

13 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

157 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   13 Oct 2026

   Four-Time Cancer Survivor: A Remarkable Story of Resilience | Judith Remekie

   What does it take to face cancer four times—including two ultra-rare tumors—and still refuse to let a diagnosis define your life? On this episode of Free Thinking with Montel, Montel Williams sits down with Judith Remekie, an award-winning television producer, writer, actor, host, and four-time cancer survivor whose extraordinary personal journey is one she has rarely shared publicly. Diagnosed with breast cancer at just 29 years old, Judith has navigated a harrowing medical journey while building an impressive career in entertainment and journalism. From interviewing legendary athletes like Roger Federer, Nadia Comaneci, and Chris Evert to producing stories for ESPN, ABC, PBS, Discovery, and other major networks, Judith has spent much of her life telling other people's stories. Now, she's sharing more of her own. Montel and Judith explore the emotional and physical realities of surviving multiple cancer diagnoses, the importance of advocating for your own health, and the role fitness, discipline, and resilience can play when life presents unimaginable challenges. They also discuss their shared backgrounds in track and field, the influence of culture and family, and why surviving a serious illness doesn't mean it has to become your identity. In this episode: Facing a breast cancer diagnosis at just 29 Surviving four cancers, including two ultra-rare tumors Navigating medical uncertainty and advocating for yourself The connection between athletics, fitness, and resilience Why some survivors choose to keep their experiences private Building a successful career in television and entertainment Finding purpose, strength, and identity beyond illness This is more than a conversation about cancer. It's about courage, reinvention, and choosing how to live after life changes everything. Subscribe to Free Thinking with Montel for more candid conversations with extraordinary people who challenge conventional thinking and inspire us to see the world differently.

2. 

   29 Sept 2026

   Silence Was My First Language: Rich Dunning on Trauma, Survival & Finding His Voice

   What happens when silence becomes a survival skill—and then follows you into adulthood? On this episode of Free Thinking with Montel, Montel Williams sits down with author Rich Dunning for a deeply personal conversation about his new memoir, Silence Was My First Language. Rich opens up about growing up amid abuse, poverty, addiction, fear and instability—and how those childhood experiences continued to shape his relationships, identity and life long after he escaped them. Together, Montel and Rich explore the lasting impact of childhood trauma, the complicated nature of healing, breaking generational cycles, forgiveness, addiction and recovery, and what it means to finally find your voice after spending years learning to stay silent. Rich also shares why he decided to tell his story now, what writing the memoir taught him about his own past, and how he hopes his experiences can help others recognize that they are not alone. The conversation also explores Rich's commitment to helping vulnerable children through The First Language Initiative and his decision to use his work as an author to support organizations addressing child abuse, homelessness, hunger and exploitation. Silence Was My First Language is ultimately more than a story of what Rich survived. It's a conversation about what comes next—healing, purpose, connection and the courage to speak. Subscribe to Free Thinking with Montel for more candid conversations with authors, thought leaders, advocates and people whose experiences challenge us to think differently.

3. 

   15 Sept 2026

   From One Veteran to 1,000: The Story Behind Village for Vets | Marcie Polier Swartz

   What happens when helping one veteran becomes a mission to help thousands? On this episode of Free Thinking with Montel, Montel Williams sits down with Marcie Polier Swartz, founder of Village for Vets, and her brother, Brad Zalben, a U.S. Navy veteran whose personal journey inspired the organization. Brad served in the Navy from 1992–1999 as a Seabee, trained in welding and construction. After his honorable discharge, he faced challenges that eventually required treatment and support. Marcie stood beside him as he navigated the VA healthcare system—sometimes literally walking into appointments holding hands because of the fear and mistrust they both felt. What they ultimately discovered changed both of their lives. Marcie wanted to use what she had learned to help other veterans. In 2016, the successful entrepreneur and entertainment-industry pioneer founded Village for Vets, working alongside the Greater Los Angeles VA and other partners to help vulnerable veterans move from homelessness toward stability and permanent housing. Since its founding, Village for Vets has helped house more than 1,000 veterans, and in 2026 the organization has been operating at a pace of approximately one veteran housed every day. Montel, Marcie and Brad discuss the realities of transitioning from military to civilian life, why some veterans are afraid to seek help, the strengths and shortcomings of the VA system, the gaps that can prevent veterans from getting housed, and why simply putting a roof over someone's head isn't the end of the journey. Marcie also explains the importance of Village for Vets' Emergency Fund, which allows the organization to step in when traditional grants and government programs can't cover the final needs standing between a veteran and permanent housing. This is a conversation about veteran homelessness—but it's also about family, trust, persistence and the difference one person can make by refusing to let someone fall through the cracks. Learn more and support Village for Vets: villageforvets.org Subscribe to Free Thinking with Montel for more conversations about health, veterans, leadership, innovation and the issues that impact our lives.

Who has been a guest on Free Thinking with Montel

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Marilyn Murray Willison
• Susan Shapiro Barash
• Peter Samuelson
• Matt Paxton

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

75,043

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

9 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 78 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

91

Social presence

0

YouTube

85

Engagement

76

Contact Free Thinking with Montel

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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Questions about Free Thinking with Montel