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.