Insight with Mark Farrell

Insight - Chinese Tour De France, Summer Camp and another NYC Poor Door - 07/24/14

For Ji Cheng, even if he comes in dead last - it’s an honor racing in the world’s most famous bike race.  Was summer camp an experience you treasure or was the thought of being away from home paralyzing?  Mark recounts his time at camp with fellow visually impaired and blind campers where he was instrumental in organizing midnight pillow fight raids on neighboring cabins.  New York developer Extell, was approved to have a separate entrance for the “poor” tenants in the 33 story luxury building under construction on the upper west side.  “Poor” door will be for families making less than $51.540 or less and you won’t see the poor door tenants utilizing the gym and pool as that’s not permitted!  This isn’t the first NYC property to segregate tenants by wallet size yet it doesn’t make it right.  Mark also discusses the Commonwealth Games in Scotland, the new transgender leader of Garden State Equality (LGBT rights group), Katy Perry teaming up with UNICEF and more.

Insight - You Don't Deserve That, Vanessa Williams and Apps that Keep you from Baking! - 07/18/14

A new car for their 17th birthday.  An ostentatious sweet sixteen party that
would even awe the Kardashians, the latest technological devices known to
man (of course outfitted with every possible accoutrement)?  These teens
(and adults) exist and they feel very strongly about their right to "have"
and "do" what they want.
"The entitled generation"...they're everywhere with their heads bent
feverishly tapping away on their smart phones or easily overheard bragging
publicly about their new outlandishly priced clothes or exotic vacation
plans.  Expert parent coach, Joan Keefe shares how this epidemic like
behavior is becoming more common, how it starts and how it can be managed.
Who is culpable; parents, the media, pop culture?  Mark and Joan discuss.

Mark also talks about the necessity (with a wink in his eye) of a new app
that tells you when to reapply sun tan lotion based on your skin type.
Should the creators of this app also include an indicator that would prompt
sunbathers when it's time to hit on the person you've been hawking near you?
Speaking of new apps - Kim Kardashian is attaching her name to a new smart
phone app that will make her an estimated cool 45 million.  And Mark talks
about Vanessa Williams appearance on Oprah's show where she recounts being
sexually abused by an 18 year old family friend when she was 10.     

Insight - Planet of Poverty, Swiffer and World Cup Babies - 07/10/14

Can you imagine being one of the over one billion people on the planet that live on a dollar a day? Thomas A. Nazario discusses his new book, “Living on a Dollar a Day - The lives and faces of the world’s poor” with Mark.  Hear what it takes to reduce worldwide poverty – it’s not rocket science rather, politics as usual.

 

Advocates for the deaf and blind are urging Apple to design operating systems and apps that are more user friendly for the disabled community.  In a stellar effort to include persons with disabilities in it’s commercials – Swiffer is moving dust and changing perceptions on who someone with a disability is.      

Insight - 06/26/14

Governor Chris Christie Opens Doors, rather then closing a bridge -  for NJ Students with Disabilities. Plus – how much damage can an Open Carry Guitar Rally cause – we hope a lot!

 

Tim Shriver, Special Olympics Chairman spoke with Mark about the historic bill signing by New jersey Governor Chris Christie requiring schools to allow students with disabilities to sign up for and take part in extracurricular sports programs.  This milestone event is the first in the country and will hopefully set a precedent for all states and nations worldwide.

 

Attention shredders, care to exercise your second amendment right to carry that axe – or guitar openly?  Hear how one Dallas man is sending a message to gun owners that tout their weapons openly in restaurants and coffee shops.  It’s his way of educating those who participate in open carry rallies as well as exercising his most valued right – to rock out!

Insight - Center Stage Kids and Getting Summer Slim - 06/19/14

The Moth has introduced their model of storytelling to NY schools and with great success kids are clamoring to be part of this unique program that has kids sharing life events through The Moth’s instruction on the art of storytelling.  Catherine McCarthy, shares why and how this endeavor by The Moth was conceived and the many positive effects it has had on countless students.      

 

Attention hard, soft and very soft bodies – we have good news for you.  You can feel better about your physique through diet and exercise and yes – in time for summer 2014.  NYC personal trainer, Cindy Lai shares how simple diet modifications and tweaks coupled with sensible exercise can have you looking and feeling better.  No gym required, just a little willpower can lead to an improved you.  

 

Insight - 06/12/14

The World Cup, “Dumb and Dumber To” and Housing for Returning Veterans.  And yes, it’s Healthy to Give!  

 

As a nation, are we less dumb now then 20 years ago?  Mark shares his exuberance about the new “Dumb and Dumber To” sequel, starring Jim Carey and Jeff Daniels and compares events and people from 1994 to 2014.  No, Mark doesn’t sing Mockingbird!    

 

61% of Brazilians didn’t want their country to host the World Cup but that’s a moot point now as football is underway in a nation that’s ill prepared to host the cup.  Regardless, at the conclusion of four weeks 1 team from 32 will be the victor!  Hear this and more as Mark muses goals and the games.    

 

Justin Bond received a free new house the hardest way possible – he gave his heart and soul for his country and lost his leg in doing so.  Bill Ivey, of Homes for Our Troops explains how Jason and other severely disabled veterans can receive new hosing at no cost.

 

Find out why you feel good when you give, as best selling author Dr. Stephen Post explains the science behind the many physical and psychological rewards of giving.    

Insight - Blind Gunslingers, Disabilities and Gainful Employment, Topped with a Teen Twist - 06/05/14

Barbara Otto from "Think Beyond the Label", shares why employers will find
no shortage of very capable applicants with disabilities to fill private
sector and government positions and why organizations have neglected to hire
more persons with disabilities.  Also, how job seekers with disabilities can
land their ideal position.

Her past is present in her books including her new novel "Always and
Forever". Susane Colasanti, depicts teen love coupled with stardom. Can they
go hand in hand?  Hear how this once Bronx NY school teacher became a top
teen novelist through her dream of connecting with as many teenagers as
possible.     

And so long yellow bus - kids are using sole power to get to school.  Hear
about this trend that could take a bite out of child obesity.

Insight - Summer, Bikes, Fracking and Justin Timberlake - 05/21/14

iCan Shine teaches children with disabilities across the country how to
accomplish one of the most significant rites of passage for kids - how to
ride a bike. Mark talks with Lisa Ruby from iCan Shine about this incredible
program and Mark shares how his idenity was and is closely linked to bikes
stemming from his visual impairment.

When you splash into the ocean or lake this summer know what condition it's
in before you dive in. Amy Goldsmith from Clean Ocean Action N.J., reveals
the current political under current facing our waterways and how water could
be the next scarce resource.

Plus, what would summer be without a smash hit? Mark predicts what tune may
loop in your head, like it it not - in summer 2014.

Insight - All things Mental Health - 05/15/14

In recognition of mental health awareness month, Dr. Mike Friedman clinical psychologist joins Mark for an hour discussion on the many critical components of mental health including: the stigma, types of therapy, medication, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, denial and more.  Also, Mark shares how he began speaking to national audiences on significant topics that impacted his life including: overcoming adversity, alcohol, mental health and more.  More at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com

Insight - Diplomas, trash and patriots - 05/08/14

Cue drum roll…the Rutgers 2014 commencement speaker is Condoleezza Rice.  Correction, make that Eric LeGrand.  Hmm, actually - it may be former NJ Governor Tom Kean.  Well, one thing is for sure, Rutgers has again proven they consistently mishandle situations.  This just in – both Kean and LeGrand will speak but that too can change, after all it’s Rutgers!              

 

Were TeaneckNew JerseyHigh School students being nefarious or just having good old senior fun when they were caught in the midst of leaving their mark that has lead to national attention.

 

Can a quadriplegic compete in a marathon?  Chris Holcomb returns to Insight to share his riveting experience completing his 30th marathon that left him and other Boston Marathoners with immense pride due to the enormity of this year’s running.    

Insight - The Streets And Campuses of America - 05/01/14

Gangs are continuously weaving themselves into the fabric of America by luring young, fearful kids with the promise of security and money. Gang expert Mike Knox explains how this epidemic evolved and what’s needed to combat it.

It’s expected that all-nighters, exams and frat parties are part of the college experience, but campuses of all sizes are increasingly prone to sexual violence.  End Rape On Campus (EROC) is dedicated to ensuring that colleges document sexual assaults, and to educating and empowering students affected by them. EROC Co-founder Mia Ferguson shares her experience, and how she became a vital part of a nationwide organization lead by students and professionals determined to make college environments free of rape.

Insight - The most, "Positive Exposure" - 04/24/14

Positive Exposure is turning the definition of beauty on its heels by
utilizing photography and video to transform public perception of people
living with genetic, physical and behavioral differences. Executive
Director, Liz Grossman discusses how Rick Guidotti, a former award winning
fashion photographer founded Positive Exposure and its impact on countless
people of different beauty in building self esteem and how Positive Exposure
is helping the public to understand the beauty in our shared humanity. 

Insight - Lost Decades - 04/17/14

Wrongfully convicted, Derrick Hamilton served 21 years in jail and is now seeking exoneration through a landmark NYS appellate ruling that reopened his case based on evidence that many say will clear his name.  Hear Derrick’s unfathomable experience including how he coped in prison to his first breath of fresh air as a free man.  Falseconfessions.org’s founder, Lonnie Soury shares how Derrick asked for his assistance while imprisoned and the work they accomplished together.

Insight - Eating Disorders with Sonia Satra - 04/10/14

Before she starred in Guiding Light and One Life to Live, Sonia Satra lived the life of an anorexic where it wasn’t uncommon for her to have one noodle for dinner.  Hear her struggle and how it’s shaped her as a parent, professional speaker (former NYC President of National Speakers Association) and how her new endeavor, Moticise Fitness - combines motivation within a kick-ass workout. 

 

Insight - Rock n Roll, drugs and addiction - 04/03/14

NYC and world famous DJ, TV host and "Rock and Roll encyclopedia" - Matt Pinfield, shares his experience with addiction, plus reveals a major upcoming project that he annoounced exclusively on Insight. Save Our Sobriety Co-Founder, Janet Engel shares how prevalent heroin use is by teenagers and how high proof alcohol is the "new beer" for high schoolers.