Insight with Mark Farrell

Insight – LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE RIGHT TO WEAR JEANS FOR THE DISABLED – 01.14.16

At age ten, when Stephanie Alves started sewing she had no concept that one day she would revolutionize the clothing industry by designing clothes for people with special needs.  ABL Denim, Stephanie’s company ( www.abldenim.com ), is producing jeans – yes jeans for various needs in different fabrics and styles to accommodate various needs and desires and is making consumers with disabilities elated because wearing jeans is an inalienable right.  You’re probably wearing them now and jeans are the only reason I ventured into broadcasting since my chosen field could care less what one sports in an on-air environment.  I even have my jeans categorized - my “nice jeans” are reserved for my talks at schools (k-12 and college) though I have to abandon them for corporate talks.  So, on behalf of a society that loves all things comfy, thank you Stephanie Alves for creating jeans for consumers with disabilities who like everyone – deserves the right to be comfortable and look cool!   

Have Mark speak at your school, college/university or workplace on “Overcoming Adversity” and more – info at www.markfarrellmotivation.com

Insight – SPEEDOMETER FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED DRIVERS (really), 100 YEARS OF THE NYC PAL PROTECTING AND SERVING COUNTLESS INNER CITY YOUTH ...ALL DONE LIVE WHILE MARK MANUVERS HOVERBOARD – 01.07.16

Mark speaks with NYC Police Athletic League's Executive Director, Fred Watts on the numerous programs benefitting 35,000 kids annually in the five boroughs and how Mr, Watts upbringing resulted in serving the public for 30 years with the Manhattan District Attorney's Office as a prosecutor and finance director and now taking PAL to new levels. Mark also shares examples of how as a kid he found trouble and how it could have changed his life trajectory since he wasn't part of PAL or similar organization.

Have Mark speak at your company, school or college on vital topics that stem from Mark's vast life experience. Info: www.markfarrellmotivation.com

Insight – NEW YEARS EVE - EMBRACED OR DREADED – 12.31.15

What made 2015 special? Will 2016 be a year of change? What events, people, etc. are you hoping will not trend in "16"? Mark reveals personal feats planned for the new year and muses possible life changes you're considering. 

www.markfarrellmotivation.com

Insight – PRINCETON UNIV. EMBRACES “MY DIFFERENCE MAKES ME STRONGER”, BACKLASH FOR COMMENTS ABOUT SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS AND GOLDEN GATEBRIDGE NEAR FATAL JUMP SAVES KEVIN HINES – 12.10.15

The National Education Association President, Lily Eskelsen Garcia referred to special needs students as “chronically traded and the medically annoying” hear the unthinkable statement and the backlash that has ensued.  Fate saved Kevin Hines after the then 19 year old jumped from the Golden GateBridge and realized the millisecond he leapt over the railing that “it was an instant regret”.  Hear how Kevin has accepted that his battle with mental illness will be life long and that his work with national mental health organizations along with his book is helping countless people.  Mark also muses about how parents might address speaking with their children about school lock downs and why their needed. 

Have Mark speak at your school, college/university or workplace on “Overcoming Adversity” and more – info at www.markfarrellmotivation.com

Insight – Actress Sonia Satra on her Life and Moticise -Laugh for Sights 10th Anniversary Show – 11.19.15

Sonia Satra, former Guiding Light star, National Speakers Association / NYC President, Life Coach and founder of Moticise (www.moticise.com), joins Mark and reveals how her childhood eating disorder, passion for helping people and love for sport lead her to conceive what fitness and yoga experts are speculating what could be the next big fitness craze – Moticise.  Hear how the 10^th anniversary of Laugh for Sight was a huge success and meet budding comic Zaine Birnie whose lack of life experience won’t short change you on laughs.  

Insight – Concert Pianist, MIT Professor and Fit Model – The Indefinable Elaine Kwon and “Modern Families” author and Sociologist Joshua Gamson – 10.29.15

Concert Pianist, MIT Professor and Fit Model – The Indefinable Elaine Kwon and “Modern Families” author and Sociologist Joshua Gamson’s Insight on Unconventional Family Creation Tales PLUS the 26.2 Mile Life Changing Journey that Transforms NY.   

Oprah loves her for all that she’s accomplished and it’s no wonder as this former child prodigy is a force to be reckoned with as Elaine holds a 2^nd degree black belt that earned her 5 U.S. National Tae Kwon Do Championships.  And when Elaine isn’t flying through the air she’s storming the piano with a full orchestra accompanying her at Carnegie Hall or other legendary performance venues.  Listen to learn about her newest endeavor, “Savor Your Senses”, an innovative concert series where wine and food are paired with live music by Elaine and other greats: http://www.savoryoursenses.com/

Shattering yesterday’s conventions about what makes a family is Sociologist and author Joshua Gamson and his stories of extraordinary journeys to kinship.  This very proud and loving gay father of two daughters shares personal stories that further depict how the landscape of the nuclear family has changed.  Modern Families – Stories of Extraordinary Journeys to Kinship – published by NYU Press and available everywhere.

Have Mark speak at your school, university or workplace on “Overcoming Adversity” and more – info at www.markfarrellmotivation.com

Insight – Healthy Kid Trapped in Vegetative State Awakes and Gets the Gold! – 10.22.15

The Indomitable Victoria Arlen was a typical vivacious 11 year old active fun loving girl - until she came down with a rare viral disease, Transverse Myelitis that had her battling for 5 years – 3 of which left her in a vegetative state.  After Victoria miraculously came out of a coma – her ability to speak, eat and more had to be relearned.  That was the easy part for this immensely determined young woman who after not attending school for years went into high school and not only caught up on the vast work she missed – she graduated in 3 years with her 2 brothers (triplets).  And yes - Victoria didn’t stop there – she learned to swim as a paraplegic and her fierce competitive times ultimately got her a gold medal in the 2012 London Paralympic Games.  Hear why she’s far from content and what’s next!     

Insight – Kids Football and Safety and Men’s Health - The Rubber Glove Treatment – 10.01.15

The unfortunate death of WarrenHills quarterback, Evan Murray raises the question about the safety of the sport of football overall.  Do you or will you allow your child to play the sport?  A new book by Mark’s guest, Dr. Danoff, “The Ultimate Guide to Male Sexual Health” has Mark asking the questions men think about but are embarrassed to ask. 

When Mark isn’t broadcasting on PRN he’s talking to corporate, college and high school audiences on: overcoming adversity, mental health, drugs/alcohol, anti-teasing/anti-bullying, celebrating differences, entitlement and more.  Info available at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com

Insight – Pope Mania, Stephen Siller NYC Tunnel to Towers Run (This Sun) and Relationship – 09.24.15

Are you on the Pope bandwagon?  The arrival of Pope Francis in the Big Apple has most excited for his mere presence and the rest – simply peeved about gridlock and massive delays.  Is it worth it?  Firefighter Stephen Siller was among the incredibly brave first responders on 9/11 that made the supreme sacrifice and his family and friends are doing significant work that benefits disabled veterans, orphaned children and other programs through the establishment of the Stephen Siller Foundation.  Cousin to Stephen Siller and now COO of the foundation - John Hodge talks about Stephen’s courageous life and how his memory along with his devotion to public service will impact countless lives!  This Sunday September 27, run or walk the route Stephen Siller ran on 9/11 with 30,000 first responders, active and veteran servicemen/women along with casual runners who want to always remember and be a vital part of improving lives.  More at:www.tunnel2towers.org

Insight – 9/11 Fourteen Years Past and the Mental Health Forefront with AFSP – 09.10.15

Heavy hearts, remembrance and unfathomable images of terrorism persist nearly a decade and a half after the day the world forever changed.  Harry Blanding, was a kind hearted man, loving husband and a terrific father to three incredible children and his story is one among thousands that ended abruptly and tragically.

Mark talk’s neurotransmitters, antidepressant black box warning labels, interactive screening processes and much more with Dr. Christine Moutier, Chief Medical Officer for The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the pivotal role AFSP has played for Mark and members of his family.

Experience Mark’s vast and riveting personal stories on vital issues ideal for schools, colleges, corporations and more.  www.markfarrellmotivation.com for info.

Insight – Transgender Teens, Back to school and So Long Summer - without a song to remember? - 09.03.15

17 year old Lila Perry has identified as a female since 13 and now Lilla’s school is protesting where Lilia should change for gym.  Mark muses this growing significant issue as well as potential perspectives from parents and adults on how they would react if this happened to them while dressing in their current fitness club.  Hear the buzz on why Mark was mia: was he auditioning for John Stewart’s chair, making more money as an Uber driver or recovering from Legionnaire’s disease? 

Experience Mark’s vast and riveting personal stories on vital issues ideal for schools, colleges, corporations and more.  www.markfarrellmotivation.com for info.

Insight - RANDOM KINDNESS, ALL THINGS SEX AND AUTISM AT WORK - 02.12.15

Nationally recognized NYC psychologist and mental health contributor for CBS’s The Early Show - Dr Jennifer Hartstein joins Mark to explore all things sex from why we need it, want and it’s health benefits to societal pressure, couple expectations and how the digital medium is making hooking up a snap!  Not only will your car shine, but the smiles of employees at Rising Tide car wash inParklandFla. will shine brighter since 90% of the employees are Autistic and love what they do.  Hear how this father/son team developed this business model so the oldest son with Autism can be a contributing workforce member.  Participate in the International Random Acts of Kindness Week and pay it forward.  Let Mark know what random act of kindness you perform at: mark@markfarrellmotivation.com   

 

To have Mark speak at your school, college or corporation, visit www.markfarrellmotivation.com

POST PIGSKIN LIFE – BEYOND THE NFL, FINALLY A PLUS SIZE SPORTS ILLUSTRATED SWIMSUIT MODEL AND LANCE ARMSTRONG’S LATEST LIE AND D.U.I. - 02.05.15

For George Koonce Jr., 10 year former NFL linebacker and Super Bowl XXX1 Champion – playing for one of the most demanding sports organizations is easy compared to what follows football!  Retirement, being dropped – whatever it’s labeled has daunting consequences on most NFL players after the clock stops and real life begins.  Afterall – they’ve been taken care of for most of their lives in almost every capacity.  Then suddenly, players have to fend for themselves seeking employment and deciding what to do with their young and possibly brutalized body.  George shares his experiences with Mark including how he believes he purposefully rolled his truck during a dark period that resulted in clarity giving him direction and purpose.  Koonce’s book also describes the hardships of many fellow NFL players – their struggles, the glory of living in “the bubble” and perhaps, their fall from grace.

 

Okay, Derek Jeter’s girlfriend scored the cover of Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit edition – but it’s Ashley Graham that’s making headlines as SI’s first plus size model.  And kudos to Ashley for speaking out on being plus and proud!

 

You can take Lance off the bike but you can’t take the lying out of Lance – hear how he cajoled his girlfriend to be the fall person so he could avoid a dui.  It’s obvious Lance has done much soul searching post being stripped of 7 Tour De France titles for his candor!    

Host Mark Farrell is also a national speaker on vital topics stemming from his varied personal life experiences. Visit www.Markfarrellmotivation.com for more info and contact information to have Mark speak at your school, college, corporation.      

 

       

Insight - FORMER NY GIANTS, GEORGE MARTIN ON HIS CAREER, NFL TODAY, 9/11 AND MORE - 01.29.15

Super Bowl Champion, 14 year NY Giants veteran, philanthropist and humanitarian – George Martin shares his gridiron experiences and discusses today’s game including rules, players and the reality of playing in the NFL.  And hear how this remarkable man has gone to great lengths to help educate teammates, inner city youth and raise critical funds for 9/11 responders by walking across the country he adores. “Just Around the Bend - My Journey for 9/11” George’s compelling book documenting his cross country trek, reveals just how much this giant of a man is dedicated to giving back locally and nationally.  Learn more at: www.georgedmartin.com

To have Mark speak at your school, college or corporation, visit www.markfarrellmotivation.com

Insight - RISK – TAKERS AND PASSERS - 01.15.15

ou don’t have to free climb El Capitan’s Dawn Wall like the incredibly undaunted Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson to be considered a risk taker.  After all, risk takers come in all forms – entrepreneurs, scientists, couples (gay and straight), trail blazers, athletes and so much more.  Though it begs the question - what risks have you taken or thought about taking in your life and how did it pan out for you? Hear the many risks that Mark has taken in life (not all legal) as well as callers experience with risk and what impact it had on them.  Thanks for listening and sharing this podcast and more importantly - be true to yourself by not denying yourself the opportunity to take the risks you’ve longed for.

 

Learn more about host Mark Farrell including his speaking program for schools, colleges and corporations at: www.markfarrellmotivation.com