Episodes
Monday Aug 28, 2017
Monday Aug 28, 2017
In January 2006, Albert Rizzi woke up in a hospital completely blind. Fungal meningitis was the culprit that attacked his optic nerve leaving him blind though Albert tells Mark that “he’s never seen better” without his vision. Before Albert lost his eyesight he was an Executive Director of a thriving preschool and afterschool program in the South Bronx. A role he thrived in prior to being hospitalized but Albert soon realized that his blindness presented a new life’s calling where he planned to level the playing field for people with blindness, visual impairments and all disabilities. Through the creation of “My Blind Spot”, a non-profit organization – Albert is providing outreach, advocacy, education and services by promoting an inclusive culture and accessible digital infrastructure to ensure equal access to employment, education, recreation, and independent living opportunities for people with disabilities. Albert’s industrious character and tireless efforts have positioned My Blind Sport to partner with major national and international companies who share Albert’s initiative in shifting perspectives and ensuring that people with disabilities can take their place alongside their nondisabled peers as valued, productive, contributing citizens. Hear the hilarious story Mark shares of when he first met Albert and his guide dog Vaughn in a restaurant. Listen to this insightful conversation and more. Visit Albert’s website: www.myblindspot.org
Have Mark speak at your company or organization to increase moral, productivity, confidence and more. Mark also has riveting talks for kids 2nd – 12th and college on overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement and more. All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience. Reviews, videos, booking info and more at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com
“Mark Farrell presented at our school during The Week of Respect. The students were captivated by his motivating message on perseverance, diversity, and anti-bullying. Our students remained engaged throughout his presentation as he has perfected speaking to students at their developmental level. Mark was flexible to work with and was able to engage with students on a large array of topics. My students greatly benefited from hearing the message that with hard work, diligence, and never giving up on yourself, your dreams can become your reality. I would highly recommend Mark Farrell to any school looking for a highly motivating speaker”
Janice Dawer School Counselor/SAC
Westwood Regional Jr./Sr. High School
Friday Aug 18, 2017
Friday Aug 18, 2017
Traig McMillan will make you smile, laugh and understand just how resilient and talented persons with disabilities are. Not only does Helen Keller Services for the Blind help students like Traig succeed on many levels including education and rehabilitation – they also prepare students for jobs/careers and many facets of life. Traig shares with Mark his life long passion and his incredible gratitude for Helen Keller and the persons pivotal for his success including Russell Martello, Director of Youth Services and Yokasta Urena – Program Manager, who also appear for a most fun and insightful conversation. www.helenkeller.org
Have Mark speak at your company or organization to increase moral, productivity, confidence and more. Mark also has riveting talks for kids k-12 and college on overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement and more. All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience. Reviews, videos, booking info and more at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com
“Mark Farrell served our firm with a perfect mix of motivation, humor and uplifting personal experience during a corporate event to touch each employee personally while inspiring success and determination. Mark’s professionalism, contagious charisma and flexibility made working with him something we look forward to again in the future”
Robin Greene, Vice President
Prestigious Hedge Fund Greenwich, CT
Friday Aug 11, 2017
Friday Aug 11, 2017
A new You Tube series, “Don’t Shoot The Messenger” has the internet buzzing over it’s witty writing, interesting characters and the real challenges deaf people experience ranging from limited professional opportunities (including lack of casting deaf actors in roles for the deaf), corporations and accommodations to the indescribably mindless questions persons with hearing impairments and deafness field like; “can you drive a car” or, “Are you able to have sex?”. Really! Mark is joined by the creators, Melani Chaitoo and Craig Fogel (and interpreter Veronica Staehle) who discuss the inception of the series that is a partial reflection of Melanie’s life without hearing and Craig’s early introduction to learning American Sign Language (ASL) to becoming an interpreter, actor and much more. It’s an eye-opening funny conversation about disabilities and acting and the arts. “Don’t Shoot The Messenger” episodes are available to view for free: www.themessengerasl.com Watch interview: https://www.facebook.com/PRNfm/?fref=ts (scroll down look for INSIGHT LIVE Thursday August 10).
Have Mark speak at your company or organization to increase moral, productivity, confidence and more. Mark also has riveting talks for kids 2nd – 12th and college on overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement and more. All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience. Reviews, videos, booking info and more at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com
“Mark Farrell presented at our school during The Week of Respect. The students were captivated by his motivating message on perseverance, diversity, and anti-bullying. Our students remained engaged throughout his presentation as he has perfected speaking to students at their developmental level. Mark was flexible to work with and was able to engage with students on a large array of topics. My students greatly benefited from hearing the message that with hard work, diligence, and never giving up on yourself, your dreams can become your reality. I would highly recommend Mark Farrell to any school looking for a highly motivating speaker”
Janice Dawer School Counselor/SAC
Westwood Regional Jr./Sr. High School
Friday Aug 04, 2017
Friday Aug 04, 2017
She’s witty, effervescent and supremely talented. Meet Annie Liest, Artist and Accessible Advocate whose unique perspective has gained the attention of the art world including galleries that display her brilliant work depicting urban spaces, pedestrians and movement. Annie’s subjects are captured solely through her one eye that she says helps her focus and create easier then when she had use of both eyes. When not in her Queens studio bringing her art form to life, Annie can be found advocating for Art Beyond Sight and other vital initiatives advancing opportunities for persons with disabilities. Hear Annie’s journey along with her maiden NYC dj gig that Mark springs on her knowing how much Annie loves music and radio. Check out Annie’s art: www.annieleist.com
If you went to summer camp as a kid then you can relate to Mark’s somewhat unorthodox camp experience when he was the ring leader in raiding neighboring cabins at night and other harmless mischievous acts.
How’s your 401K because you’ll want to buy in at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville retirement homes. Really – this brilliant concept was announced recently and Mark muses on how Jimmy will likely rename some of his classics to reflect the new boomer/Fin community.
Have Mark speak at your company or organization to increase moral, productivity, confidence and more. Mark also has riveting talks for kids 2nd – 12th and college on overcoming adversity, anti-bullying/anti-teasing, mental health, drugs/alcohol, celebrating differences, self-entitlement and more. All of Mark’s talks are from his vast life experience. Reviews, videos, booking info and more at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com
“Mark Farrell presented at our school during The Week of Respect. The students were captivated by his motivating message on perseverance, diversity, and anti-bullying. Our students remained engaged throughout his presentation as he has perfected speaking to students at their developmental level. Mark was flexible to work with and was able to engage with students on a large array of topics. My students greatly benefited from hearing the message that with hard work, diligence, and never giving up on yourself, your dreams can become your reality. I would highly recommend Mark Farrell to any school looking for a highly motivating speaker”
Janice Dawer School Counselor/SAC
Westwood Regional Jr./Sr. High School