Montel Williams: A Multifaceted Advocate And Media Icon
Montel Williams has evolved significantly from his early days as a media celebrity, best known for his 17-year tenure on his eponymous Emmy Award-winning talk show The Montel Williams Show. Today, he stands as a dynamic figure with a portfolio that spans television hosting, authorship, entrepreneurship, advocacy, and motivational speaking.
*Editor's Note: Check out our vintage interview with Montel Williams from Honeysuckle's BLACK print edition here. Get your copy of the issue here.
Pioneer In Cannabis Advocacy
In addition to his television career, Montel is a prominent advocate for cannabis access and legislation, a mission he embarked on in 2000. He founded the premium cannabis brand Inspire by Montel, aiming to provide quality products and educate the public about the benefits of cannabis.
Montel is also the host of the #1 cannabis podcast, Let's Be Blunt with Montel, where he delves into the latest developments in cannabis science, legislation, and culture featuring interviews with Monko’s Terrence White, Life Is A Ceremony’s Firstman, Belushi’s Farm founder Jim Belushi, and The Successful Cannapreneur JM Balbuena to name a few. Complementing this, his inspirational podcast, Free Thinking, explores broader themes of resilience, advocacy, and personal growth.
Television Hosting And Beyond
Montel has always been deeply committed to exploring societal issues and empowering individuals facing challenging situations. Currently, he hosts Military Makeover with Montel on Lifetime, a heartwarming series dedicated to renovating the homes of military families and honoring their service. He also brings his insights to The Balancing Act, a talk show addressing pivotal life topics.
Military Service And Education
Montel's journey began with his esteemed military service. He started his career in the United States Marine Corps and made history as the first African American to attend the Naval Academy Prep School, later graduating from the United States Naval Academy and becoming a commissioned officer. He holds a degree in general engineering with a minor in international security affairs, and additional qualifications in Russian and Mandarin from the Defense Language Institute. His military accolades include two Meritorious Service Medals, two Navy Commendation Medals, and two Navy Achievement Medals, among others.
Philanthropy And Advocacy
The multihyphenate’s deep-rooted passion for the well-being of military personnel and veterans drives his philanthropic efforts. He actively supports organizations that focus on veterans' welfare, diversity, children's well-being, animal rights, and more. His dedication is exemplified through his board memberships at the Fisher House Foundation, The Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, and The Research & Recognition Project.
Authorship And Acting
Off-screen, Montel is a successful author with eight books to his credit, four of which are bestsellers. He is currently working on his ninth book. His acting pursuits have seen him in notable shows such as The Resident, All My Children, and Guiding Light, earning him an NAACP Image Award nomination.
A Beacon Of Resilience And Inspiration
Montel Williams is not just a public figure but a beacon of resilience, advocacy, and service. His journey from a military officer to a media and cannabis advocacy icon demonstrates his unwavering commitment to making a tangible impact on the world. Whether through his television shows, podcasts, or advocacy efforts, Montel continues to inspire and lead with passion and purpose.
Montel Williams's Quintessential Cannabis Classics Weedsday Playlist
For his Weedsday Playlist, Montel chose classic tracks that create the quintessential connoisseur’s ambience. “My playlist curation reflects my discerning taste and deep appreciation for music that complements the cannabis experience. Each track is carefully chosen to elevate the mood, making it perfect for Honeysuckle Magazine readers and cannabis enthusiasts looking to enrich their smoke sesh with some iconic tunes.”
Tower Of Power - "What Is Hip"
Known for its infectious brass section and groovy bassline, "What is Hip'' by Tower of Power sets the perfect tone for any smoke session. This is THE best air-bass song. It’s a tune that compels you to pick up an invisible bass guitar and jam along. It's funky, it's timeless, and it makes you want to groove, providing an energetic start to your sesh.
Click here to play on Spotify!
The Isley Brothers - "Who's That Lady"
For those moments when you can't help but play an air-guitar, the Isley Brothers' “Who’s That Lady” is the ultimate choice. I appreciate the smooth, soulful vibes this track brings, with its captivating guitar riffs and sensual vocals. It's a classic that elevates your smoke sesh, making it feel luxurious and laid-back.
Click here to play on Spotify!
Luther Vandross - "Never Too Much"
For those who crave silky-smooth R&B during their sessions, this song is all about high energy and positive vibes, making it impossible not to sing along and feel good. It's a soulful reminder that when it comes to enjoying life, there's never too much of a good thing.
Click here to play on Spotify!
Tupac - "Thugz Mansion"
For a reflective and grounding moment, I turn to Tupac's “Thugz Mansion.” This track provides a powerful narrative and soothing acoustic backdrop, ideal for deep thoughts and conversations during your smoke sesh. It brings a sense of peace and introspection, creating a balanced atmosphere in your playlist.
Click here to play on Spotify!
Sade - "Smooth Operator"
Closing out the playlist, “Smooth Operator” by Sade is an ultimate wind-down track. The sultry voice of Sade and the smooth jazz undertones make this song the epitome of chill. It's the perfect way to end your smoke sesh on a mellow note, leaving you feeling relaxed and sophisticated.
Click here to play on Spotify!
Check out episodes of Montel Williams' podcast LET'S BE BLUNT WITH MONTEL by clicking here. New episodes release weekly. For more about Inspire by Montel, visit inspirebymontel.com.
What are your favorite Weedsday tracks? Tell us about them - reach out at @honeysucklemagazine on Instagram!
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Featured image: Courtesy of Montel Williams
