Of all the famous faces in the world, some stand out above the rest. Some stars shine with a different light, a different glory. Montel Williams is one celebrity who despite his global fame, has always remained true to his heart and his inner divine calling to help others. He believes we are not here for self alone. Even as the Creator of his daytime talk show, The Montel Williams Show, he brought to light important life issues that we may all face at some point, and true to his character of wanting to heal, he offered practical solutions to bring restoration to people’s broken lives. (Image Credit: Douglas Sonders)
In May 2018, Montel Williams was faced with a shocking reality: he was the victim of a rare hemorrhagic stroke. Having battled multiple sclerosis since 1999, Montel is no stranger to overcoming adversity. True to form as a fearless fighter, Montel has undergone intensive rehab to strengthen his body back to pre-stroke condition. Miraculously, he now is almost fully recovered.
But that’s only half the story. To aid in his recovery, Montel also successfully used the same wellness products that he has relied upon for years to combat his MS symptoms – high-quality cannabis formulations that helped him through twice-a-day, grueling physical therapy sessions and decreased inflammation once he arrived home.
Now that God has given him a second chance to fulfill his purpose on earth, he is on a mission to bring health and healing to all in need. With extensive years of research into medicinal marijuana, Montel is now ready to unveil what his journey has led him to contribute to the world: Montel by Select.
His hemp-derived CBD line, which launched in May, will re-launch with the Montel by Select branding and is currently available in California and Oregon. Montel created Montel by Select to provide people with better access to the same high-quality products that he personally has relied upon to improve his own quality of life. This isn’t just about natural medicine anymore…It’s about saving lives. Let’s learn more about this miracle medicine man…
Beverly Hills Magazine: How did you get started in television?
Montel Williams: I created the talk show myself without any agent or manager, and within 3 months I was on the air.
Beverly Hills Magazine: How is Talk Show TV, different from other formats?
Montel Williams: Talk Shows were really the genesis of what today’s reality TV is. We were groundbreakers in terms of what we discussed on television.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Your show was different from others. You veered away from gossip, and had integrity about everything you featured. Why is that?
Montel Williams: Fortunately, I had 100% creative control over the show, so I didn’t just want to discuss what was happening to people. I wanted to discuss why they happened, and then offer solutions. We also offered “After Care” for show guests, and had an on staff psychiatrist, which no other show had at the time.
Beverly Hills Magazine: What is your opinion of Hollywood?
Montel Williams: Hollywood has a nepotistic unreality, where opportunities are only passed from parents to their kids, and so on. They can’t get out of old ideas from generations ago. There are so many new platforms and outlets for content distribution, and this opens the door for innovation!
Beverly Hills Magazine: You have a new show you’re hosting, Military Makeover with Montel. What inspired that?
Montel Williams: The show actually existed for 2 years with R. Lee Ermey, The Gunny as host. Before he passed on, he was asked who he wanted to take his place, and he named me. When the producers reached out, I said, “Of course.” I had a 22 year military career, and I see it as an opportunity to give back to military families.
Military Makeover with Montel offers hope and a helping hand here on the home front to members of our military and their loved ones. A veteran of the Marine Corps and the Navy, Montel Williams seeks to transform the homes and lives of military families across the country. This special series enlists conscientious Fortune 500 companies, designers, contractors, landscapers and other home improvement professionals to transform the homes and lives of military families across the country.
Beverly Hills Magazine: We will be sure to tune in! You suffered a stroke, how did that change your life?
Montel Williams: It changed a lot. Now I try to live in the moment, and really cherish my interactions with people. I spend more quality time with my wife and family. My wife was there when the stroke happened, and she has stood by my side throughout my entire recovery process. She’s been my strongest advocate.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Did God play a role in your recovery?
Montel Williams: I definitely believe God left me here for a reason. I’m here to make an impact. Even the medicinal doctors say it is nothing short of miraculous that I survived the stroke.
Beverly Hills Magazine: It’s like Jesus has given you another chance to get it right, or even finish what you’ve started. It seems your journey is interwoven with a healing destiny. Does that resonate with you?
Montel Williams: It’s interesting you say that. As well as formulating a high grade medicinal hemp-derived CBD product line to treat a plethora of ailments, I am also endeavoring into medical technologies that once brought to the public will bring significant opportunity for life saving solutions. In fact, when I discovered these health solutions were being withheld, I had a righteous indignation; I had to get involved in the project. So I am now very determined to help others. I firmly believe that if you live for self alone, you’ve wasted a life.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Tell us about your product line Montel by Select.
Montel Williams: Montel by Select’s 100% hemp-derived CBD gel capsules are available in two unique formulations: ALERT, which is formulated with terpenes known to positively impact anxiety, depression, pain, inflammation, stress, alertness and memory retention. The other is RELAX, which is formulated with terpenes known to enhance mood, promote relaxation and restful sleep, quell anxiety, positively impact depression, improve insomnia, decrease inflammation and protect cells against free radicals. These CBD products are formulated precisely with proprietary terpene profiles using state-of-the-art technology. Each flower we source for our products is tested rigorously by a third party to validate that it contains no solvents, pesticides or herbicides, as well as virulent, bacterial or microbial organisms to ensure the highest level of safety. I personally formulated, tested and oversaw the development of the product line, pouring my passion for helping others live well into every drop of oil the brand produces.
Beverly Hills Magazine: With such a close brush with death, have you now discovered a personal purpose in what you do?
Montel Williams: I’m positive that I am here to ensure that people who have an issue or an illness, know that they, through faith, hard work, and knowledge, can overcome anything. I want to inspire others to believe that they have true value, and can be a contributing member of society.
Beverly Hills Magazine: When all is said and done, what do you want to be remembered for?
Montel Williams: I want to be an example of this truth: If you use all the God given gifts you are given, life will be so much more fulfilling.